Are MZ Shamans In Trouble In Romance Novels? - Chapter 26

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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26.

Mysterious pink eyes that shone through the black cloth. It was only for an instant, but they were strangely captivating.

Who could it be.

Since Calisia said she came from the Castle of Ash, perhaps it was a friend of hers. Though in reality, they would be more like half-siblings. As she pondered whether she should acknowledge them or not, she quickly averted her gaze. It was because of the voice announcing their departure.

Wheeeet-!

A Valus knight raised his finger and whistled. Then the flying dragons soaring above all descended toward the Central Castle at once.

“Board now.”

The young Valus children climbed onto the backs of the flying dragons under the knights’ command. It was their first journey to the Sacred Temple where the Primordial Fire existed, toward the Trial Rock.

Several children who dismounted from the flying dragons’ backs were dry heaving. Some clutched their chests, unable to breathe well at the high altitude.

“It’s because they lack muscle strength. Muscle strength.”

Calisia, who had landed lightly on the ground, looked at the children and recalled the Northern Knights who used to praise muscles.

-Miss. There’s nothing in this world that can’t be solved with these muscles. Muscles!

-You say there are things that can’t be solved with muscles? Isn’t that because there’s not enough muscle? In that spirit, I’ll add more weight!

Indeed, whether the altitude was high or low, with sufficient muscle strength, one could overcome anything.

‘But this mountain… Even though it devoured so many people, its energy is clean.’

Calisia slowly touched her lips as she carefully surveyed Rock Mountain. Something was strange. It was so excessively clean that if she hadn’t known the circumstances, she would have mistaken it for a Prayer Ground where spirits resided.

‘Is this the place.’

Calisia looked up at the rock door carved with a snake, the family emblem. She could already feel the hot heat carried by the wind. Surely beyond this lay a god who governed Rock Mountain.

Rumble-

The guide who had drawn up his special ability placed his hand on the door. Crimson flames blazed along the snake emblem carved in the rock, and soon the door opened.

“Everyone line up in single file and follow.”

The young Valus children stepped heavily beyond the rock. The Sacred Temple they arrived at in the solemn atmosphere had the family’s important officials and wives standing guard. In the space that was desolately empty, only one object existed. It was a throne for the Emperor of Fire.

Shortly after, Duke Valus entered the Sacred Temple.

“We greet the Head of House.”

All those with the blood of crimson flames bowed their heads toward him.

“The ceremony shall commence.”

Valtain, who sat on the throne with an arrogant gesture, announced the beginning of the ritual.

Hoooo-

The horn trumpet sounded long, and the first lamb stepped onto the trial altar. It was Lucian, the twin’s younger brother. He stood before the Primordial Fire with an unprecedentedly serious face, unlike his usual self. Gone was the attitude of the mischievous and immature boy from before.

“May the blessing of fire be with Lucian Valus.”

The family members shouted in unison. It was a kind of tradition to wish for the future of the young Valus children.

“….”

Lucian clenched his fist tightly. His heart pounded from the tremendous heat that seemed like it would melt his entire body just by being close. It was truly the blue flames left by their great ancestor.

Hoooo-

The horn trumpet sounded once more, and Lucian’s figure disappeared into the flames.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

Hoping for the young Valus’s safe return, the knight order struck their spears hard against the ground. Each time the spear tips collided with stone, small sparks flew in all directions, heightening the tension.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

How much time had passed? The flames shot up high into the sky and spat out Lucian. White smoke continuously rose from the body of the boy who had undergone the trial. Anticipation filled people’s eyes. Soon, the smoke that had obscured their vision disappeared, revealing Lucian’s appearance.

“Hah, ah… Hah, ah…”

In his hands, flushed red with excitement, was a long great sword. It was a Fire Sword with its entire body blazing red.

“Haaah!”

Lucian, who let out a resounding battle cry, stretched out his arm and raised the Fire Sword high. His eyes were dyed with crimson flames, and a long pillar of fire shot out from the sword’s tip.

Boom boom crash-!

And shortly after, the sky shook as dozens of fire bolts poured down toward the earth.

“Magnificent.”

“The Young Master has received a very fine gift.”

“Congratulations, Madam.”

The family’s important officials, who sent thunderous applause, offered congratulations to the Third Wife. It was a smooth start to the ceremony.

Death, death, and more death…

The branch family members who had stepped up as the next batters after Lucian all lost their lives completely. It was a death where even their corpses couldn’t be recovered, having turned to ash in the flames. However, no one in the family pitied or felt sorry for the children.

Hoooo-

Only the cold horn trumpet sound echoed. As time passed, the air surrounding the children grew heavier. But even in those moments, joy and sorrow continued to alternate. Someone survived and seized glory, while someone else was dragged out as a lump of charcoal.

“How is there such a lack of talent this year… The children who have passed the ceremony so far can be counted on one hand. Two from branch families, one illegitimate child. Even then, it’s hard to say they received proper flames.”

One retainer watching the ceremony couldn’t hide his disappointment and spoke up.

“But we have Lord Lucian, don’t we. When the fire bolts fell from the sky earlier, I got goosebumps on my arms.”

“That’s right. Besides, this time we also have Lord Rael and Lord Sirion. Both were born with excellent qualities, so they’ll surely show us good results.”

Other retainers expressed their expectations for the direct line members, salvaging the dampened atmosphere.

“The problem is Lady Calisia. Hasn’t she been unable to keep up with even the family’s lessons since childhood? Tsk!”

The retainers whispered about what a great shame it would be if a direct line member failed to pass the ceremony.

‘…I can hear everything.’

Crazy bastards. Children are dying one after another, and they’re holding a critique session among themselves. Calisia clenched her fists and trembled as she tried to suppress her anger.

“Hey! Hey!”

While she was breathing heavily trying to contain her anger, small pebbles came flying one by one from behind. Calisia, whose concentration was broken, turned around to check on the troublemaker.

“Scared? You coward.”

Lucian, who stuck out his tongue, pointed at her arm and giggled. Then he very smugly waved the Fire Sword he had received as a gift.

“Yes. I’m scared.”

Calisia, deflated by the childish behavior, let out a small snort. Whether she would burn to death or not. Standing at the crossroads of life and death, such provocations couldn’t possibly reach her ears.

“Coward!”

Lucian, angered by the obvious dismissal, poured out all sorts of words from behind. It seemed like dedication of sorts. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Calisia raised her middle finger to meet his expectations.

Hoooo-

The trumpet sound echoed through the Sacred Temple once again as life and death intersected. And before Calisia too, that cruel trial stage unfolded.

“If a direct line member fails the ceremony this year, wouldn’t it be the first time in a hundred years?”

“How is she so different from her other siblings…”

Looking at that small figure from behind, the retainers chattered this way and that. Their attitude suggested her failure was already a foregone conclusion.

“Please refrain from such words.”

The Second Wife silenced the retainers with an elegant but firm gesture. Then she glanced at Valtain. His indifferent eyes held not even a trace of expectation.

“Wouldn’t that also be a glorious act of returning to fire?”

The Second Wife, who had admonished the retainers, covered her mouth with her sleeve. A cruel and heartless smile settled on her angelically beautiful face.

“May the blessing of fire be with Calisia Valus.”

Calisia, standing before the blue flames, took a short deep breath. She missed the General more than ever today. Why are you never here when I need you most.

“May the Seven Star Lords of the Big Dipper descend in order…”

Calisia closed her eyes and performed a simple Divine Spirit Invocation. It was a prayer to invite the spirits to this place and ask them to bless her endeavors.

Hoooo-

Having finished her prayer, Calisia threw herself into the flames in time with the horn trumpet sound.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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