King's Pyromancer

The fertile lands were not infinite, as always… war was born.

The world went back and forth with each war. But there was more progress. There were more new civilizations than those that ceased to exist. Consolidating for many years the foundations of great kingdoms. Powerful countries controlled huge territories that they could barely protect.

In a wild kingdom, a small family lived peacefully.

There in the valley of want, a place far from everything, away from every war, a mother was with her son, the oldest of three, while the nanny took care of the little ones. She has put in a lot of effort these days. Raising such curious children is not easy these days. Her husband, Duke Proto, would come in a few days at last. The war had temporarily separated the family. Rest time has come to an end. But Helena prefers country life to the castle.

Cared for by an uncle, the small family lives comfortably in the valley.

"Oliver, you should put more effort into learning to read. I want you to surprise your father even more this time." said Helena.

The little boy was distracted by the sight outside. He had found a place he liked in the woods and was a little impatient to explore.

"Children like him scare me. The young man is an explorer; he wants to be like his father." said the old nurse.

There were reasons why Helena had decided on a nanny with this look and age. First, she wanted to give her children the typical grandmother and not the uptight old lady that was her mother-in-law. Also, her husband doesn't have a good track record when it comes to women. She knew her husband. She loved him, but she knew him. She had to put all kinds of controls in place to keep her husband from going astray. So far, she has been successful.

"Well, go play outside, tomorrow you'll have to study twice as hard." said the mother in a loving and threatening tone at the same time.

The boy was immediately moved to hear his mother.

"Oliver, wait!" Helena yelled. "Don't go too far, you can't go away if your father isn't here!"

The twelve-year-old barely listened to his mother. He had only heard that he had permission from his mother.

Outside the cabin was his uncle Celso eating an apple. The uncle looked at the cabin and was surprised to see the boy leave so early. Celso was a fairly calm person. As the

half-brother of Proto, the father of Oliver, he had fewer privileges, his current situation forced him to take care of his brother's family. It was either that or go fight in the war. But he had other plans, additional plans about his brother's family. Especially with his brother's wife.

Seeing the little boy, ideas continue to form in his head. For him and his illusory machination it was only a matter of time to make the woman fall in love. But she spends a lot of time with his nephew. So the only way is to drive him away. Celso already had a solution for this.

Oliver was playing in a tree. He saw a large bird's nest which piqued his curiosity. He was agile, and with a few scratches, he climbed up to see the nest. He knew better than to touch the chicks. His parents might not recognize them, so his mom once told him. Oliver was just curious. He knew that if the chicks were not with their mother they could not survive. He also knew that one day the chicks would leave the nest to fly on their own. A smile spread across his face as her eyes sparkled with intensity.

Something else caught Oliver's attention. They were people. From Oliver's position, it was easy to see them. It wasn't just in a tree; it was on high ground within the territory. there shouldn't be people around here. That's what his mom said. She also said that her father would come these days. Oliver was excited to think that his father had arrived. Like any child, Oliver wanted to welcome him earlier, even arriving with his father to surprise his mother. But they were still far away.

Oliver had an idea to intercept his father. His tree-climbing techniques could also be applied to moving through the undergrowth that separates him from his father. Determined, Oliver climbed down from the tree. He then quickly made his way to the people, going down the sloping path. The path was more difficult than he thought or maybe it was his excitement to see his father, Oliver lost control of his body and fell hitting himself in several places. The child had been left dirty and beaten. His favorite clothes for exploring were already a bit old, but he liked them because his own mother made them. He got up and tried to continue his way. But he had difficulty. The blows had been stronger than he thought.

In the distance a person watched Oliver. That person smiled and left.

Oliver continued his way, trying to reach his father. Oliver was happy when he finally found the group of people. He was happy to be able to see his dad again after so long and show him that he had learned a lot in his absence. Perhaps now he knew as much as his father. Oliver was excited about the reunion. With his gaze, he kept getting closer to the group more and more.

"Hm." someone said, noticing Oliver's presence.

That person punched Oliver hard in the abdomen.

"We have an escapist." He said hitting Oliver several times. "Damn rat.'' said the person hitting Oliver.

Disoriented, Oliver took two more hits. But he hadn't caught his breath to scream. It was a complete nightmare for the little boy.

"How did he escape?" another person asked. "Never mind, put him in the cage." said another, stepping on Oliver's head.

Gasping for breath and with blood on his face, Oliver was thrown into a cage on a cart. The wagon was full of dirty and abused people. Those people were transported like chickens on a wheelbarrow. There wasn't much room to move, and the boy was thrown roughly. This made the others immediately wonder who the boy was. He wasn't traveling with them after all, but it seemed the ones who caught them thought he was.

What difference was there? They were dragged in cruelly. Their relatives die. These ruthless people are slave traders, they travel from one place to another taking advantage of wars, capturing people and taking them to great bazaars throughout the old kingdoms. The slaves do not spare in the kingdoms.

Oliver was crying without knowing what was happening. One of the merchants took a stick. The others didn't want to get hit so Oliver got hit again. Without anyone's help, he was beaten with the stick so he wouldn't cry. But how could he understand his situation?

A woman covered Oliver's mouth to prevent him from being beaten further. But the boy is very sore. He received the first beating of his life, and it was by an adult. Sobbing from the pain, the boy had his mouth covered. a horrible sensation of swallowing his own tooth filled him with anguish. Another person tried to help Oliver calm down. touching his head reassuringly.

A feeling formed in Helena's heart. She left the cabin feeling impatient, looking for Oliver. She looked into the distance, in the direction where she had seen the nest with Oliver a few days ago.

"My lady, what's happening?" Celsus asked. "Where's Oliver?" Helena asked. "He went to the lagoon." Celsus said. "To the lagoon?!" Helena yelled. "Why did you let him go to the lagoon?" "I thought you gave him permission."

Helena dropped a pair of new pants she was making for Oliver from her hands.

"I'll go get him." said Helena.

Celso looked at Helena with covetous eyes. The most beautiful woman he had ever seen. But his brother had taken it from him. In his mind, he had more rights than him. Celso thought that his brother had built false fame and that just because he was born as the legitimate son of the king, the people around him exaggerate his achievements. Celso thought that his brother had taken everything from him. Even though only two years ago he

had met his brother's family. Celso didn't talk much, he just pretended to do his duty before the others. Inside it was just thoughts of envy and contempt for his brother's family. But Helena, that beautiful woman, has motivated him to break his chains. If he can take that woman away from his brother, all his suffering will be worth it.

Celso saw the desperate Helena go to the lagoon; he had seen Oliver fall. He knew that those slave traders passed by in various groups. He had decided to take Oliver to them himself, but he knew that the little boy addressed them himself. Now he has an alibi, without moving a hand he has been able to get the little boy out of the way.

When she finally reached the shore of the pond, Helena was desperate to see no sign of little Oliver. Her mind began to spin. She didn't know where to look. She doesn't know what to do.

She returned together with Celso.

"Celso, I couldn't find Oliver. Help me, we must find him. "He wasn't in the lagoon?" Celso asked with a worried face. "We have to search for it." Celso said, walking towards the lagoon again.

Helena looked around desperately. In her heart, she knew that something was not right. She couldn't find any trace of his son.

"Don't worry." Celso said when he saw Helena.

Hours had passed. Celso was bored with pretending that they could find Oliver. For her part, Helena was crying and with a weak voice after screaming all this time calling her son. She heard that some times that people disappear in the woods, but she never imagined that something like this could happen to her.

"I'll go get more people to look for him." "No! It's going to be dark soon! Helena yelled. "He is the son of Proto, and I have faith that he will be fine." Celsus said. "He's just a boy. What if he ran away from an animal? he must be afraid" Helena said with tears and her broken voice. "My lady, he's twelve, at that age he should already know how to get around here. Perhaps he overslept and will be back at the cabin soon.

Helena didn't believe Celso's words. Something about him had made her angry. It was that coldness with which he had expressed himself all this time. As if this was nothing important.

"I'll keep looking for him." said Helena. "Go get more people to help us look for Oliver. "Of course, my lady. Please don't overexert yourself, we will find your child." Celsus said.

Helena kept looking all the time. She kept searching until dawn. She then met up with the other people who came to assist in the search for Oliver. But those people were not her husband's acquaintances. Helena felt something in her heart, she felt immense anguish.

Those people were only searching around the lagoon. Five days later only a few were seen looking for Oliver.

In a wagon, crossing rough roads and being beaten to tears, little Oliver found himself watching helplessly as he got further and further from home. He could fall asleep only to realize when he opened his eyes that he was lost. Little Oliver was devastated. As if he had lost his soul. Only the hand on his head from a poor woman who shared his future could make him feel less desolate. But it was only a little.

The people in the cage were fed with pieces of bread. Dirty crumbs that could be pig food. Oliver learned not to cry. He learned that he cannot show weakness. But he didn't know how not to show his sadness. The little boy hadn't said a word to anyone since he was caught. He was voiceless, mute. That was what others thought of him. A poor mute child. Beaten enough times to leave bruises on every part of his body.

Days later the slave traders had brought a little more food. They increased the rations to give a little more shape to the slaves they are going to sell. Oliver didn't know this. He only ate to survive. He learned to put rotten things in his mouth. It was one of those times that her stomach couldn't take it. He was taken out for a moment for his needs. The desire to escape invaded him. That time he received his second big beating. Leaving him dirty and unconscious. When he woke up he could barely move. The other people had taken care of him, cleaned him, gave him water to drink, and tried to ease his pain. Oliver lived through hell like many children in this world.

The sun fell and rose until the day came

After a trip of almost a month. The merchants had brought the slaves to a bazaar. It was time to sell them. Regardless of the fate of those people, the slave traders only see the money. For them, everyone is a potential commodity. It comes from everywhere taking the people who survive the wars. People who cannot defend themselves. Like vultures they take what they have left, including their dignity, dreams and every hope.

Little Oliver lived something that a little noble was not supposed to live. His hope was erased time and time again by heavy blows along the way. He had no strength to run or to defend himself against the savage adults.

Oliver woke up to the noise. He had had a hard time sleeping because of the cold. The weather had changed on their journey, from warm summer to early winter. It was the first

time Oliver had seen snow. He realized that he hated the snow, he hated the cold and being caged.

"The rats are here!" someone shouted when they saw the merchants.

This way of referring to them did not cause the merchants any annoyance. They smiled because they will receive a good payment for the merchandise they had brought.

"We have a lot of interesting stuff. said one of the merchants. "That's what I'll say." said a person who came to see the merchandise. "Damn smug rat. added the buyer.

The buyer was armed with a sword at his waist. A bright and intimidating sword, a sword with a blade capable of cutting through the thick armor of the north. That man has never used the sword against another warrior. Only against skinny and dying slaves. He had the desire to buy people just to kill them. But he always complains about the price of these merchants and ends up buying the sick ones who sell to other merchants.

"The rats are here. "A lot of people are waiting for you. another merchant said, brushing aside the guy with the sword. "How many girls do you have?" asked another who was interested. "We only have four virgins. "Take them out tied up." said the leader of the merchants.

People were tied up and taken out in a line. Oliver was tied up with some girls who are about his age. People were classified to be sold. They were even sold in the groups that had qualified. The girls sold quickly and at a high price. They quickly attracted attention. Oliver, who has long hair could be confused. But he looked battered from his most recent beating.

"Nobody buys before Mr. Atilio, calm your cravings." said the leader of the merchants.

People were interested in the slaves brought by the group of rats. They looked good compared to the others today and their skin tone was preferred by all. This bazaar is quite busy. It is controlled by all kinds of scum. People who have no humanity or have twisted it so much that they have challenged the concept of what humanity really is.

Florian, it's a pleasure to have you here. Atilio said to an imposing guy who had no weapons on him, however, he seems to be more dangerous than anyone. "I came for some slaves; I'm looking for a specific class." Florian said. "Of course. This time we have received quality merchandise beyond the wild kingdoms." Attilus said.

Atilio led Florian to the place where the merchants had arrived with the cage full of slaves.

"Wow, I love those girls, I need new material for the business." said a fat man when he saw the group where Oliver was.

That fat man didn't know that Oliver was a boy, but that didn't matter, he can always offer it to a customer with different tastes or a customer willing to use it in other more creative ways. After all to these people, these people are just trash. There are no rules for treating a slave. In many places it is normal to kill them just for the sake of it. Nobody is going to question the death of someone who is worth less than cockroaches.

Florian, these are the slaves, you'll have to forgive me if you don't find what you're looking for. Atilio said, rubbing his hands together. "That one over there and those two." Florian said, pointing to two young boys and little Oliver.

Oliver still didn't understand what was happening. He was just trying to keep his eyes open so he wouldn't fall.

"It's okay." Attilus said. "We will give Mr. Florian a good price. Atilio said threateningly to the merchants.

Oliver was dragged along with the other youths. He looked back and saw the people who were taking care of him inside the cage getting further and further away. He had a feeling that those people would not help him again from now on. Oliver wanted to cry again but put all his effort into stopping it. His heart ached, he was very afraid, and things were getting worse. That was what he learned ill this time. He did not know that he had spent almost a month away from home.

Missing his mom, his sisters, and his father. Oliver dreamed several times of his family. Those were the worst days. For a moment he thought that what is happening to him now is nothing more than a nightmare. But it was his reality now. The days of waiting for his father to come and kill the people who took him were over. He couldn't get excited about it anymore. When he did, he couldn't bear to face reality. He couldn't understand. It was harder to hold back her tears and the desire to call her parents. Oliver lost hope even more.

"These guys will do." Florian said, looking at the slaves he bought.

Florian had bought slaves to maintain the numbers of the kingdom's soldiers. Oliver didn't know it, but he was in a completely different country. A country mired in war that relies on slaves to stay afloat. Very soon the old king will die, and a bloodbath will begin again within the kingdom. Slaves can replace those casualties more cheaply than waiting for farmers' children and end up weakening farming capacity. Soldiers raised within the army, from a young age, who only know how to fight without question. May they live to protect the kingdom and its rulers. Oliver is now seen as just another number. Only much younger. That gives Florian a chance. For him this is nothing more than a mission. But little Oliver had fierce eyes that he could understand. He was too good to let himself be taken to a dark brothel and filled with knives after being used in a thousand ways. In a way, he saved him from a terrible death, but he had only added a few more grains to the little boy's hourglass, because Florian knows what awaits him. More pain and suffering.

Irma's Wild Kingdom, Royal Castle, two days later.

The king sat on his great throne, looking down on anyone who requested an audience with him. This time he only attended to one person, his eldest son, the next heir.

"Incompetent." the king said to a muscular man kneeling in front of him. "You can't protect your heir, how are you going to protect the kingdom?" Worst of all, the news has reached the other wild kingdoms, making us all look weak. "My lord, my family was the victim of a conspiracy. The man replied calmly. "It's unacceptable, get out of my sight." said the king.

The man left the great hall.

"Husband, please let's go home." "I'm sorry Helena, I can't find him." The man said with tears streaming down his face.

The woman, Oliver's mother, wept inconsolably alongside Oliver's father, Duke Proto.

When Proto returned, his happiness faded. His eldest son was missing. They couldn't find it. The rain took away the traces of the little one. Proto used his connections to search for his son, but it was as if he had never existed. Disconsolate Proto tried to review the routes and the events. Like Helena, he felt strange with the way his half-brother acted. Proto had no patience, he quickly sought out his brother and questioned him. When his suspicions grew bigger, the interrogation turned into torture. But that didn't lead to anything. Celso took what had happened with Oliver to the grave. He was just talking nonsense before he died. He was complaining about his life and why he didn't have Proto's things. He cursed a lot and ended up swallowing his own tongue to kill himself.

Proto's frustration reached a new level. He did not understand why this was happening. He could only blame himself.

His little son. Who knows what his fate is or if he is still alive?

Proto and Helena arrived at his house. Proto did not want to be king, but now his greed has been aroused, and the disappearance of his son made him feel powerless. Just when he wanted to take the throne his father denied him the right. Aiming for a succession war where he has the disadvantage. Proto is a hero, not a politician. He needs to know more than kill. He needs allies that his brothers have been cultivating right now.

Seeing his two daughters something warms the heart of the great warrior.

"They are calm." Proto said as he watched his daughters sleep.

Helena couldn't stop crying. The tears that she is going to shed for her son will not end. She doesn't know what her son is going through, that's more tormenting than knowing if he died. Helena has seen the cruelty of the world.

"Oli…" Helena whispered as she fell asleep together with her daughters.

Proto was sitting on the sofa in his room, in the same room with his wife and daughters. He didn't want to go to bed yet. Memories of his son flashed through his mind.

Two years ago.

"Listen Oli, the world is a cruel place.'' Proto Said, holding his son’s hand.

At that time Proto rested with his family in the cabin after a long battle. Together with his son, he traveled the territory that he gained from the age of twenty.

"Oli, we, like our ancestors, do not bow our heads. Even when you have to physically lower it, your spirit will remain strong."

Little Oliver couldn't understand. In fact, like Oliver, Proto did not understand those words when his father the king said them to him. But those words proved their worth to Proto on many occasions.

Many butterflies came out of the trees, it was something that Proto did not expect to see with his son. That made him happy, seeing how his son loved so much to see those colored butterflies float in the valley.

"Oli, do not bow your head so you will see events like these always..

Proto stopped remembering the past. The first time in his entire life that Proto shed tears was at Oliver's birth. Like that time, whenever he remembers his son, he can't help but cry with frustration. Ripping almost all of Celso's skin didn't bring his little boy home.

The days passed.

Oliver was trained as a soldier. Rather, his will was destroyed by blows. The instructors put the same pressure on Oliver as they put on the older kids. Forced to fight, run with weight, heavy lifting, and humiliation. Oliver was trapped. His day started early, and his rest started late. Fight one on one against other children. Those who lost ate less. Oliver slept hungrily almost every night.

"They're going to mistake you for a girl because of that hair." An instructor said as he cut Oliver's hair short, leaving cuts on Oliver's head in the process.

There were instructors surrounded by rumors. Here the boys are trained as future guards and soldiers. But that doesn't stop older people from abusing them. Oliver's current instructor had no such interests, he even worried that something like this would happen to children who are not in his care. But that guy isn't kind either. Other types of abuse were constant. Oliver had endured more than anyone.

Jogging until passing out, being dragged through the mud, being beaten by several at once, being hanged, being forced to execute animals, prisoners of war or other prisoners sentenced to death. Lots of things Oliver didn't understand. Oliver soon began to forget the faces of his family. He no longer remembered the faces of his sisters. When he realized that fact, he shed a tear in the dark. In a shared bedroom with the other children his conscience dissipates until he is overcome by exhaustion .

A year passed.

Survival is what defines us as living organisms, everything else is decoration. Born in a high birth, with loving parents and a promising future. Everything changed when he took the wrong step on his own. Forget survival, fear the unknown. Oliver didn't do that.

"Human waste! Fight you damn worm!" said the instructor, giving Oliver two fists in the face.

Oliver was in the aquatic area. A dirty pool. Oliver was wearing heavy armor that didn't fit him well. He had to go from one end to the other with the water almost at the level of his nose. Then he had to fight with the instructor. All while he had his armor on.

Oliver hated the cold more than anything else. Today was one of the worst days of his life. On the verge of hypothermia he was beaten.

The instructor knocked him down underwater. Giving you little chance to catch your breath. Underwater Oliver was kicked and trampled. Then before he died, he was taken out of the pool. When the young man breathed, again he received blow after blow. So, it was with the others. Everyone was trembling, dirty water all over their body. Anyone could die from a small wound due to the infections.

"Time to eat!" another instructor yelled.

Oliver had no right this time. The armor was removed from his body. He was then taken for treatment. Whenever more medicinal herbs had to be used than normal, it was deducted from his food. Their ration was shortened or simply eliminated. Oliver was in the bones. Somehow he had enough strength.

Instructor room.

"That boy, he's hard to break." Oliver's instructor said. "Leave it to Franco." another answered.

"I don't want the same thing to happen as with Joa. That bastard is only interested in eating children, and I like this one spirit." Oliver's instructor said.

Florian entered the room playing with a dagger in his hands.

"Are you talking about the skinny guy?" Florian asked. "He sure has potential as a future commander, it's a shame he doesn't talk." "Yes, he's quite strong for his build." Oliver's instructor said. "It's because he's some kind of survivor." Florian said. "I saw many such people in the wild kingdoms. But we can develop their loyalty to our kingdom. "How?" Oliver's instructor asked. "Intensifying his training. Everything can be destroyed with time and patience." Florian said. "No, he won't be able to take it." another instructor said. "And that? If he can't take it, then let's use someone else as soon as possible. We need to grow the brats fast." Florian said. "Don't forget we have an important mission. "Yes sir." They all answered.

The next morning Oliver was tied to a wooden wheel half submerged in a pool. Bound from head to foot, Oliver had an idea of his next torture.

Again he was constantly submerged in icy waters. The wheel was turned to submerge it and lift it out of the water. Oliver was thinking of swallowing as much water as possible. But his self-preservation instinct wouldn't allow it. His spirit had not given up.

After that he was taken to eat. There was a lot of meat, cheese, boiled potatoes and bread.

Oliver couldn't believe it. He had a bad feeling, so he didn't take a bite.

"Ahead. You have earned that." Oliver's instructor said.

Oliver couldn't believe it. From his point of view the food could be poisoned.

Poison was not something unknown. Their meals are lightly poisoned with near-fatal doses. In order to generate antibodies in soldiers. The better the appearance, the higher the dose can be.

Oliver couldn't stand it and ate everything until he almost burst. He hasn't eaten something like this in a long time. Oliver wanted to cry as he remembered the things his mother prepared. But he had held back her tears well.

Some time passed.

"Proto, it's time to move on.'' said the king in a firm voice. "Oliver is dead."

Proto fell to his knees, clenching his fists and clenching his teeth.

"You have to accept things. I know how it feels, to lose a son…" the king said sincerely. "If you want the throne, you must recover your reputation." Stop looking for him, sending your henchmen away is not wise. Oliver's thing can be repeated. "Yes, my lord." Proto said automatically. "You can leave now." said the king.

Get my reputation back? understand me? Damn lying scum. Proto thought.

Proto saw one of his commanders after that. They met in the private room of a bar that belongs to Proto. Then more men arrived who accompanied Proto in the bloodiest battles.

"My lord, we are at your orders." said the commander. "The search for Oliver continues, but only half will be assigned. The others will go with me to retrieve the Smally Echo Fort. Arch, please lead the search for Oliver, go with our men to the north, search for prisoners, peasants, slaves and labor guilds.. "Yes." Arch replied.

This may cause an international incident. Relations with the north have always been kept by a thread.

Proto knows it and doesn't care. He only cares about his own family. No matter the years, he will not let hope die, not until he confirms Oliver's death with his eyes.

Oliver was resting. Held some bandages over a wound that has been slow to close. It can't be weaker than it is now. Every drop of blood counts. The beating doesn't matter. Getting harder to take down. Oliver will use all of himself to hold his head high. Oliver doesn't forget. He doesn't lower his head. His father told him that they didn't. You can't dishonor your father's memories. Never more.

Servant Arena, Sword Training.

"Today you will learn to hold your true love.'' said an instructor passing wooden swords to the youths. "The sword is your sweetheart, don't let go of it." Whoever releases it will be punished with five lashes. They will fight three rounds each. Whoever wins three out of three can sleep in the barracks and eat meat, if they win two they can sleep in the barracks and have two boiled eggs for dinner, a single victory they can sleep in the barracks without dinner. The lashes go no matter what. I'm going to repeat it, don't let go of your sword. "Those who don't have any wins sleep outside, in the watchtower.

The cold today is especially unbearable, Oliver only accumulated more hatred and resentment.

On the other hand, when he was little, Oliver received a valuable lesson from his father, precisely how not to drop the sword. But his father gave him a real one that time, a heavier one.

"The mad dog goes against Frederick first!

Oliver was nicknamed Mad Dog. Nobody knew his name. They only knew that he was wild to fight, plus he ate like a dog.

Oliver went to the center of the arena before his opponent. This surprised everyone.

The other young man, much larger than Oliver, entered as well. Like other times the young will fight. But this time they have an object in hand. Oliver has seen young men die here with bare fists. Today could be his last day. But he won't drop the sword. Five lashes are not his only reason to avoid dropping the weapon.

"Start!"

Oliver attacked first. He launched himself at full speed, knocking down his opponent. Like lightning, he plunged the point of the wooden sword into the other young man's throat. The damage left the other young man writhing on the ground. Without penetrating the neck he had produced a deadly attack.

Oliver got up. He looked at the young man on the ground. The young man took a while to die. The instructors did nothing. There was no reaction from the other youngsters either.

That young man had beaten Oliver up a week ago. Oliver saw his chance to kill him today.

"The dog rests. The fights continue." said an instructor, removing the body of the other young man from the sand. "Alain and John, go to the arena.

The fights continued. Oliver paid close attention to every move. Involuntarily made small movements when watching other fights. Almost as if he was mentally putting himself in the position of the one who had the disadvantage in combat.

Florian noticed that.

"I wasn't wrong." Florian said to another instructor. "We'll start teaching you something about protocol in two weeks." Oliver's instructor said. "From now on, leave it to me." Florian said. "You? The great sword-drawing master, that boy is in trouble. "That boy is tough." Florian said.

Florian knew the young man had potential. Florian had plans of his own. That young man is one in a hundred. His abilities are a bit above average. It's hard to find slaves like that.

Oliver didn't drop the sword. He lost two fights, so he has no right to eat. At least it won't be cold tonight. Oliver had put his all into his first fight. He seemed uninterested in winning the other two bouts and more interested in killing the person who beat him up earlier.

"Tomorrow they will continue with sword training.'' said the instructor to the young people at the end of the initial session. Make thirty laps around the minion's perimeter and then present instructor Roman to work.

Florian approached Oliver with another instructor. The instructor kicked Oliver.

"You should have won." You will stay out of the barracks today. said the instructor.

Oliver didn't find it surprising that they broke their own rules. So, he accepted without protest. Internally Oliver had etched that kick into his heart. In his eyes was seen a wild desire to twist the neck of the instructor who kicked him and denied his right without reason.

"Boy, don't think I didn't notice that look.'' said the instructor in a threatening tone.

But Oliver was still glaring at the instructor. An anger of great magnitude was blooming from his soul. Seeing this, Florian was impressed. Much more than before when Oliver killed another young man. Death was common during combat. For them it is nothing more than a filter in the process they control.

Oliver was hit. He received two punches from the instructor under the gaze of Florian.

"Enough, go circle the perimeter." Florian said.

The rest of the afternoon Oliver ran as usual, worked and kept training until he fell. After that he went to the tower without eating. The tower was a cold place, there was only him. The weather continued to worsen as the hours passed. Oliver had no choice but to cover himself with a torn and dirty blanket while he held himself in the fetal position. Without being able to sleep, he decided to see from the destroyed window of the tower the world that surrounds the hell where he is.

Oliver looked into the distance. He had tried to escape a few times. No matter how far he went he was caught and punished. How far would he go now that he's a little stronger? The world is much more ruthless out there.

"Are you thinking of escaping?" Florian asked.

It had appeared out of nowhere behind Oliver.

"The Amara nation is in that direction, his ruler, Centellaris, is the most powerful man alive, our enemy.'' said Florian, pointing to the west. "Through the four wild kingdoms," he said, pointing to the southwest. "Over there in the southwest are the three solar kingdoms. The wild kingdoms are at war right now, also the solar kingdoms. These are interesting times, many wars everywhere. Soon our war with the Amara nation will begin again. Florian said with a mischievous smile.

Oliver looked at the places Florian pointed out. He didn't know where he came from. It could be anyone to the south. But… What was the point of escaping if he didn't know where to return to?

"You have talent. Florian said. "I'm anxious to see what kind of substance you pick up." Young people can wake up and reach adulthood. For you it will be a little earlier than normal, if you can bear it you can get everything you want. Don't let me down, mad dog. Florian said, disappearing.

Oliver lay back down on the floor with the blanket that barely helped keep him warm. I could understand at that time, it is always guarded. There is no escape, there is no place to go. He also thought about what Florian said. If he becomes an adult, he has no further reason to want to return to his parents. It is like the chicks in a nest. Maybe his parents don't recognize him. Maybe they never looked for it. Oliver had lived through very difficult times. He himself does not consider himself a child, he has killed in combat, executed people and animals. He has been treated like human scum, like a being without the right to live.

The young man had seen the world as it was.

Capital territory, wild kingdom of Irma.

Proto taught his daughter to fight with a wooden sword. It was customary for him to teach his daughter when he was at home. Proto and his family had not returned to that cabin in the valley of want again. Now they live in a mansion surrounded by houses of other nobles. Most friends of Proto. Everything around is pretty quiet.

Proto's popularity was through the roof. He had consolidated his power. Gaining more support to assert himself as the future king.

There was a shadow in his heart. His son was never found. It had been a long search without results or clues. Just regret. Now her fourth child was on the way. He had to be the father who couldn't be with Oliver. After all, Helena had a feeling it would be a boy. Helena is not wrong with her premonitions. She has never given up her firstborn for dead. But she never stopped caring.

"My love, come eat." Helena said with a big baby bump.

Proto took his daughter in his arms and carried her with him to the dining room of the mansion. The smell of potatoes with sauce invades Proto's nostrils. A good smell that brought back memories.

"Why?" Proto asked his wife with moist eyes. "Today is Oli’s birthday. Maybe…." Helena said, serving the food.

Proto sat down. The girls also sat at the table. Then the mother when she finished serving the food. In total five dishes. One of them in an empty chair.

The father took the hand of his wife and eldest daughter. Mother and youngest daughter also held hands. Wanting to convey their feelings to each other. After all, it was Oliver's birthday. His favorite food was served, hot food made with love.

"Son, wherever you are, stay safe, grow well, grow strong…"

Helena had a tight grip on Proto's hand.

After that they ate their food. Proto touched Helena's belly, worried about the future, happy, nostalgic. Many were the sensations and feelings in their hearts.

Proto never received news indicating the whereabouts of his son. He still remembers the difficult day of Oliver's birth. The first child was the most difficult for Helena, before Oliver she had lost her previous baby. The psychological blow that Helena suffered was very great. The difference in pain caused by a child who has been raised for several years and one who could not be born is too great. It doesn't matter how many children you have after the ones you lost. Proto didn't know what his wife was feeling. Sometimes they argue and Proto always takes the blame.

At the same time, the Boreal kingdom.

Oliver ate in the dirty training camp dining room. Received leftovers in a broth. Everything was cold and unpleasant to look. Oliver put his plate down and got up from the table.

He had a bandaged arm. A few days ago it was almost destroyed.

Oliver felt full, so he went to wash his body and clean his wound to avoid infection. He undressed and showed the scars on his body. The largest were the scars left by whipping on his back. Nothing matters. Oliver will be taken tomorrow along with the other young men to the raising ceremony. His initial training is nearing completion.

The concept of free time was not something Oliver possessed now. Even with his injured arm the training and forced labor continues, that way he cannot be distracted from the hell he lives in. The terrible conditions have caused the death of many young people like him. In the entire training camp, Oliver is the youngest. He does not have privileges because of that condition, he could be the person who receives the worst treatment.

Florian met with several instructors.

"This time we have a pretty good group.'' said an instructor. "The king will be crowned tomorrow, it seems we made it in time." another instructor said. "Yes. We have enough to offer. Sure the new king is pleased. "It's okay. Florian said, somewhat bored. "Florian, the rabid dog you are training, what type is it? someone asked. "I don't know, how do I know?" Only women can be fortune tellers. I expect something pretty good. Let it be a surprise. Florian replied. "It doesn't matter what kind, as long as it's not poisonous or dies tomorrow it's fine. another instructor said.

The instructors kept drinking and talking about the youngsters. Many are going to die. The lifting ceremony always has a high probability of failure. The worst ceremony is the one where more than half die. The best is where only a third die.