Black String of Fate

In simple words, he was too petty to let it go.

"Damn... Now my whole body hurts. It's all your fault, you irresponsible mage." Xavier complained needlessly to Seraphina, who could only take it all due to it being her fault. She got so excited to show Xavier her worth that she miscalculated the consequences.

"Anyway, I think we've shown each other what we're capable of. I'm also sure that there are certain trump cards we've not shown. Let's get to the point, what are your plans?"

Both of them were now sitting on rubble in the backdrop of the night sky. If seen from afar, it would look like the two youths were on a romantic date night, but the truth couldn't be further from it.

"I aim to destroy the Demonic Sect."

"Hm? Demonic Sect? What's that?"

Seraphina looked at Xavier with surprise before asking,

"The Demonic Sect? The most infamous terrorists in history before you? How do you not know?"

"Alright, can you stop with the snide remarks? I'm illiterate, you know?" Xavier said in an offended tone.

"Unlike you nobles, I picked up a sword from the slums and have been swinging that ever since. The most I can do is read and write in the common and ancient language."

"Oh, I'm sorry, I was being rude." Seraphina apologized in a sincere tone, but that only made Xavier feel worse.

'Is being literate that big of a deal? I have a lot of time in this life, maybe I'll pick up some books...'

"As I was saying, the demonic sect was the most known terrorist group before our era. They were powerful warriors who all followed a single sword style known as the Demonic Arts. They were cruel and bloodthirsty like demons and aimed to conquer the world. They had one head, the Heavenly Demon, whom they followed and worshiped like a god.

Their sword style was extremely powerful, and using that, they plunged this nation into chaos and started spreading their roots all over the world. The world, due to them, lived in a dark and dangerous time where might ruled all. Their philosophy of pure strength also made mages live under oppression.

All this changed when the Elemental King, Salazar, came into being. With his prodigious talent, he rose to the heights of an Archon and defeated the heavenly demon. He was also the frontal figure in rebuilding society and establishing the golden age of magic."

Xavier listened to this piece of history with extreme interest. There were too many coincidences occurring based on this story. First, he came into these trials while looking for the ruins of the Elemental King in the first place. Second, the heavenly demon, the demonic sect, the demonic sword arts and him being the demon king...

'It's a recurring theme...'

"So you want to eradicate the demonic sect in advance and acquire the glory of the soon-to-be Elemental King?" Xavier asked, and Seraphina nodded in response.

"Think about it, if you nip the demonic sect in the bud, you would effectively both save the world and change it from its predestined fate. From what I can guess, this is the true objective of this trial. Such a result will ensure both of us clear this."

Xavier nodded his head, thinking along the same lines as Seraphina.

"No need to say more, your plan is much better than the one I had for myself."

"Umm... What was your plan?" Seraphina couldn't hold back her curiosity, there was a good chance that Xavier's plan could help benefit hers.

"Nothing, just leading a rebellion and changing the societal structure of this nation. You know, stuff I already have some experience with."

"...Please don't. My idea is much better."

"Yeah, that's what I just said."

Seraphina relieved a huge sigh of relief. If she hadn't looked for Xavier, her empire would've come toppling down by the time she dealt with the demonic sect.

"Ah, I almost forgot to ask, how strong is the Heavenly Demon? If we're planning to kill him, we should have a clear idea of his strength."

Xavier asked Seraphina, who looked a bit hesitant to answer.

"At this point in time... He's probably a Crafted Savant."

"..."

Xavier said nothing and got up. He dusted himself and began walking away while leaving a few words of well wishes.

"I won't make stuff difficult for you when I start my rebellion, good luck with the Heavenly Demon."

"No, wait! I have a plan! Stop!"

Seraphina grabbed Xavier's hands as she tried to make Xavier stop. But well, due to his physical strength, Seraphina was also being dragged along. It looked like a child trying to drag his parent back to the toys section.

"What kind of 'plan' could you have against a damn Savant?! They can topple whole nations single handedly! You really thought you could get me to play along with this madness, you devious witch!"

"Argh, just listen to my plan for once, you bastard! Stop moving for a second!"

"What the hell is up with you?! I refuse to be deceived by a witch. Moreover, you look pathetic clinging to me like this, just let go of me!"

"Nope! I'll hold onto you until you listen to me!"

"Fine! Have it your way!"

True to his words, Xavier continued moving while carrying a load called Seraphina. Both parties were stupidly stubborn and refused to let go until Xavier finally arrived at his house.

"Big brother, you're late again! I know it's your job but try to come back on time..."

Luke opened the door to welcome his big brother with a lecture ready, only to find one of the most unbelievable things possible in this world.

Xavier was confused for a second before it clicked, but before he could even utter a word, Luke announced the news to the entire household, maybe even the neighbors.

"AVA! BIG BRO BROUGHT A GIRL HOME!"