The audience turned away as well, attempting to close their senses to the event unfolding before them. Though most of these people were nobles and prominent merchants, they all knew Aster, the half-elf orphan boy who helped create and deliver their metalworks, leatherworks, and even some unique art. He was usually smiling and polite, caring about those around him and all of the village children spoke of him with admiration. He was the Unblessed who showed love and gratefulness towards the gifts they took for granted which had made them more appreciative of their Blessings. With his friendship to Saelak of the Shinkirou House, he had risen in status among the nobles as a reliable servant with a calming attitude towards their children that helped motivate them to work hard like he did which showed results in their schooling and magic training. The most obvious improvement had been with Saelak himself gaining mastery over multiple elements in a few years when the power seemed like it threatened to overwhelm him.

The prince glanced around the room a bit confused. The audience all seemed to be looking away awkwardly and remained silent, not a single smile among their faces. ‘Odd… it seems like most of these people actually care about this worthless guy…’ Tsukiyuki thought as he searched for an answer to his confusion. His gaze fell back on Aster who met his eyes with a look of unbending determination that, though his screams could not be stopped, his will would not be broken. That unyielding stare sent a shiver up the prince’s spine and a sadistic smile broke across his face as he commanded the barely dressed elves by his side, “Break him.”

With silent bows to the royal they walked towards Aster, their various magics appearing around and on them. “No elf, not even half of one, shall defy my will.” Tsukiyuki said loud enough for the whole room to hear over the lashing of flames and muffled screams.

Alert! The Prince’s Entourage: Delilah level 16 Lightning Mage, Samuel level 13 Frostfire Mage, Yoshi level 10 Earth Mage, and Haruka level 15 Wind Mage, joined combat!

Delilah cast Lightning Strike.

Lightning Strike hits you on the arm for 24 lightning damage

Constitution check failed; your arm is numb.

Samuel cast Frostburn.

Frostburn hits you on the back for 12 ice damage.

Yoshi cast Stone Bullet.

Stone Bullet hits you for 4, 2, 2, 6, and 2 earth damage.

Haruka cast Wind Slash.

Wind Slash hits you for 8 and 11 air damage.

Constitution check failed; you are bleeding 5 damage every minute.

Marisela strikes you on the back for 10 physical damage and 5 fire damage (1 fire damage resisted).

Aster spasmed in pain as attack after attack hit him. The singe of fire, the shocks of electricity, the bite of frost, the pummeling of stone, the cutting of wind. They all crashed into him one after another, taking his breath away and marring his flesh. Aster could almost feel the steam rising from his back as he tried to remember to breathe again, fighting to remain conscious among the pain. The prince had raised his hand which had halted the onslaught of magic and caused Aster’s assailants to back away from him with another silent bow. Aster could hear the tapping of the royal elf’s boots against the marble flooring as he moved closer to him. He felt the vines loosen their grip on him and he unceremoniously slumped down on his side, his face touching the cool stone as his muscles refused to respond. He groaned as the boot pressed into his bruised side to roll him over onto his back to look up into the face of the prince. A smug grin gleamed down at him, “Looks like you’re already broken little half-breed. You can barely move after just that little bit.”

Aster glared and returned the taunt with a cocky smirk, “My body is not my spirit.” With great effort, he rolled onto his side and spit some of the blood from his mouth. Tsukiyuki looked a bit flustered with fury as Aster continued to speak, “I’m a cursed, half-elf, orphan with little money and soon no home….” He pushed himself up from the floor slowly, “If my spirit was as fragile as you seem to believe… I would have broken long ago…” He was able to stand, though not as straight as he would have liked, “I am not like everyone else…” He mustered up the last of his strength as he stared into the prince’s shocked face, “I refuse to be silenced and stand idly before injustice.”

You regained your footing; you gained 5 Inspiration.

Saelak was in awe of Aster’s brave stance that reminded him so much of the day they met. Rilien on the other hand was taken aback by how Aster had grown up into the man he saw now before him. The prince, however, was flushed in a confusing swirl of emotions, thinking how no one had ever dared stand up to him and shown such insolence. He scowled at the weak half-elf and almost growled out, “You may not be broken but you have no support. No person here is willing to protect you.” He gestured towards the silent audience.

Aster gave a slightly mocking bow as he replied, “I never asked for protection, Your Highness. I merely asked that you release the Earth creature from such unjust cruelty.”

The prince lost what little composure he had left, “The creature?! You're still concerned about the reshing animal?!?” He was outraged now, his thoughts becoming fragmented. ‘This insolent bastard… I want to see him break… I want to see that sense of justice become twisted… Nobody defies me!’

The cruel smile crept back into place once more as an idea came to him, “I have a better idea…” Aster looked up slightly hopeful which made the prince’s heart skip a beat when he saw his opportunity and leaned forward as if to whisper but commanded loudly, “Kill the creature and have this mongrel take its place in the cage.”

Tsukiyuki used the ability: Royal Decree.

You are sentenced to confinement.

Reputation with the nation of Tsukiyuki decreased.

You bleed for 5 damage.

The look of pale horror that crossed Aster’s face gave Tsukiyuki exactly what he had wanted at that moment. He felt the rush of victory in his veins as he stood straight once more and opened his arms wide towards the room of onlookers, “Unless, anyone else here shares your battle against your perceived injustice?” the audience looked away, unable to meet either the prince or Aster’s eyes. “Is there a single person here, willing to take this half-blood’s place?”

Movement caught the edge of Aster’s vision as he saw almost all of Saelak’s family was holding him back and keeping him silent. Before his friend could interfere, Aster stepped forward to regain the royal’s attention, “Your attempt at ridiculing my solitude is unnecessary, Your Highness.” The prince turned and gave a slight frown not expecting something he thought he finally broke to speak once more. “I said I refuse to stand by and watch others suffer needlessly. I would be the one to take another’s place.” He lifted an arm as though protecting those behind him, “I implore you to be merciful, for I won’t let any of these innocents sacrifice themselves for me.”

Diplomacy check initiated. You spent 20 Favor and 10 Inspiration.

Diplomacy check successful; you are no longer sentenced to confinement.

The prince’s face seemed to contort in rage as Aster showed once more that his determination was unbending and his Willpower was higher than the Prince’s. “You brazen mutt, get out! Out of my sight! You are banished from the Winterlands! Your face shall not be seen here nor shall your name be uttered ever again! Know that everyone you try to protect today will quickly forget your existence!”

Tsukiyuki used the ability: Royal Decree.

You are sentenced to exile.

Reputation with the nation of Tsukiyuki decreased.

You bleed for 5 damage.

Combat ended.

Congratulations!

Your Luck increased by 1.

You gained a Title: “Cursed Exile”

Exile is a dream of glorious return. Exile is a vision of revolution. It is an endless paradox: looking forward by always looking back.

Effect: When this title is equipped, you gain +5% exp when alone and -5% chance of successful social interactions. When in a land that you have been exiled from, this title will be equipped automatically.