The Crest of Ruin

Lucien walked slowly through the dimly lit corridors, each step echoing softly against the walls of the Velentis estate after meeting his uncle and father.

But his mind wasn't here.

It was back in the courtyard.

Back with the man he thought he'd never see again.

Uncle Darius... you really came back.

In his past life, Darius had died as quiet a hero — far from nobility, far from power, and far from home, he died a nameless death to most. A tragic loss to few.

But to Lucien now… it was the loss of a star.

Darius Velentis. Once hailed as a prodigy almost equal to Duke Kael himself. A Sixth Circle Final Stage Mage who could've inherited titles, lands, or command legions.

But he chose none of it.

He left it all behind.

 "He walked away with only his staff, no crest or title—just spells, grit, and a reputation that earned him respect wherever he went with a smirk on his face.

They called his mercenary group "The Everdawn" — a name whispered in respect and awe. Not just for strength, but for their unwavering loyalty between themselves. The team followed Darius like moths to flame, not out of duty, but because of who he was. Derius took many years to set up this Mercenary group and each one in them is a 1st grade fighter. While they wander throughtout the whole nation...they help people throughout their way and fight with monsters and dark mages for prosperity of people and kingdom.

Strong. Honest. Free.

He never married. Never cared for gold or titles. He laughed in taverns, protected border towns, slept beneath the stars.

He was like a windflower — Anemone coronaria — a blossom that never withered, no matter how harsh the winds. Beautiful in spirit, grounded in humility. Always blooming, never breaking.

And still, even then, he returned. When Kael called, he came back.

Because that's who he is.A man who always shows up when it matters… even if no one expects him to.

Lucien's fists clenched.

In his last life, Darius never appeared. Not for the Selection, not for the battles, not even when the Velentis name was crumbling.

But now Lucien understood.

He didn't stay away. I just never gave him a reason to come.

Back then, he didn't came at this time because I never got into practicing I was just blaming everyone for my mother's death and was becoming a tyrant...nd even father never asked him to so obviously he had no reason to come but after few years father called him once to teach me so that I can on right path but he refused as I became known throughout the whole nation because of things I did. I had been cold, Arrogant, Drowning in pride and chasing power down all the wrong paths. Darius must've seen it. Maybe that's why he stayed away.

And then…

He died. Quietly. From a pendimical blood disease. That time it caused quite a turmoil in the empire and the no antidotes where there for a long time. I think for 4-5 months. He was helping and escorting people at that time and he too came in contact with the disease and dies a tragic death.

But Lucien remembered. He remembered the tiny obituary tucked between war updates in an old Imperial newsletter. How he'd brushed past it with a numb heart. How he never mourned because he never thought of him as an important person.

It haunted him now.

This time… I'll save him.

He knew the signs. The symptoms. The exact alchemist who discovered the cure — buried in the back pages of a monthly journal he'd once read.

After he reached the Academy, he'd track that alchemist down.Because it was cured by a person who graduated from academy. If I can help him and give him information about the disease and cure maybe he can bring the cure back before the pandemic starts. 

This time, you'll live. Not just as my uncle… but as the man who bloomed even in the storms.

Lucien stopped in front of his chamber doors.

He exhaled slowly.

The shadows clung to the corners of the hall, but his path was lit. He wasn't the boy from his past life anymore. And this time…

He wouldn't let another good soul fade away.