Immersed in his routine of study and meditation, Zeun remained oblivious to the fact that his humble paper business had stirred up the entire noble faction in the Voldamort Kingdom. Unbeknownst to him, even the royals had taken notice.
--
Nestled away from the vibrant city, in a dimly lit room with massive black bricks, a child sat at a central study table. The appearance of this room might seem ordinary, but hidden secrets lurked within. To the untrained eye, the walls seemed dull and shabby, yet a mage or high-ranking official from the Kingdom would be astonished.
These black bricks, typically reserved for the training rooms of high mages and royals, possessed remarkable properties—self-repair and an impenetrable shield against detection. The cost of each of these extraordinary black bricks? A whopping 5 Gold Coins.
Zeun was researching with Mana Papers using different kinds of mana inks. In the past few months, his mana veins had reached their limit. It took him longer than his Mom's estimated time because he spent most of his secluded time on research. Still, it took him less than 18 months.
In the meantime, he came across quite a lot of interesting things. A few months ago, he got his hands on a large batch of mana inks with his Mom's help.
After some study, he came up with the following conclusions:
High-quality Mana Papers can be made by mixing the dust of Mana Crystals plus normal paper with a particular temperature. (Temperature is the key factor here.)
If mana ink is used to write on a Mana Paper, it takes 10 seconds to dry. After drying, the inked area is completely sealed and cannot be separated by any means other than destroying the whole page. They form some kind of circuit connection among themselves, which Zeun named 'Mana Link'.
Mana Link's strength can vary depending upon the quantity and quality of mana ink used. Highly concentrated mana ink forms more stable bonds (Mana Link) with the paper.
The discovery of Mana Link is not just an interesting detail; it's a foundational concept that could lead to groundbreaking applications. This type of secure, integrated connection between ink and paper has immense potential for official documents, magical contracts, or even as components in more complex magical arrays or grimoires.
After writing with mana ink, if the paper is submerged in mana crystal dust, it forms a layer like 'laminated paper.' Zeun simply named this process: Lamination.
After Lamination, no natural ink or mana ink can be used to rewrite on that page. Hence, no duplication is possible. (Haven't tested with Runic Ink.)
Key Discoveries: The two bullet points are crucial.
The first point about temperature being the "key factor" in making high-quality Mana Papers reveals a practical, scientific application of his knowledge, hinting at controlled production.
The second point introduces the highly significant concept of "Mana Link" — a unique magical property of his paper and ink combination. The description of it forming a "circuit connection" and being sealed unless destroyed, with varying strength based on ink quality, is a major innovation. This opens up entirely new possibilities for magical inscription, secure documents, or even magical constructs.
These characteristics were enough to drive nobles, merchants, and royals into a frenzy. In the library, Zeun had read multiple accounts of dark guilds and criminals copying and faking official documents, leading to numerous casualties and business losses.
Over the last 20 months, Zeun immersed himself in solitude, dedicating his attention solely to research and the formation of his mana veins. As the awakening ceremony loomed just four months away, he intensified his self-focus.
However, each attempt to create a mana circle ended in failure. Every effort to absorb mana proved futile, signaling that his body had reached its limits, with mana veins brimming to capacity. The impending ceremony added urgency and intrigue to Zeun's predicament.
Huff... huff... huff...
Zeun exhaled three times, emptying his lungs before taking another deep breath and simultaneously opening his eyes.
Zeun's eyes had changed. They seemed clearer, as if he had found wisdom. His focus became calmer, showing a peaceful understanding gained through meditation. The once restless look was replaced with a sense of inner balance.
He delved into his recent memories, searching for the key to his next move. The past unfolded before him, each moment a clue leading to the best plan or task to tackle next.
This immediate delve into highlights his pragmatic and analytical nature. He's assessing his situation and formulating a plan.
Ever since I started staying away from everyone, Mom sometimes filled me in on the ongoing paper auctions during meals.— Leaning on the table, my chin in my hand, I wondered out loud while flipping through the pages. Each bid and its importance played on my mind, creating a mix of excitement and curiosity.
"In the last 20 months, we earned approximately 70 Platinum Coins.
Each bundle weighs approximately 2.5 kg. (10 bundles × 4 weeks/month × 20 months = 800 bundles = 2 tons) From which I used 5 P.Cs to build this basement. Around 2 to 2.5 P.Cs were used to renovate the auction and run it... salary of workers... so around, umm... 61 Platinum Coins are left..."
Just then, a sudden stroke of realization hit him like a thunderbolt. Zeun's face fell as he realized he'd made a mistake he desperately wanted to avoid, but it had happened unintentionally.
"Oh, damn it!" Cursing out loud, he sighed. "Sigh... hhhhhhh"
"I made a mistake... I... unintentionally invited trouble... The Royal Family and other Nobles should have already made their move...."
An unknown shop had appeared out of nowhere in a border town, selling the most expensive and high-demand item. How would they react?
Of course, the noble family and the Royals would likely be surprised and curious when an unexpected shop suddenly appeared in their border town, offering the most expensive and highly sought-after item. They would be intrigued, questioning, and filled with a desire to understand the sudden appearance of high-quality papers...
I shudder at the thought of the worst-case scenario.
"Ugh! Damn it!" Frustrated by my own foolishness, I channeled my irritation into a powerful kick, sending the chair hurtling into the wall with a resounding crash, shattering it into pieces. Fueled by mana saturation, my body boasted strength surpassing that of the average adult fighters or martial artists on Earth.
Right at that moment, Mom swung open the door, clutching a paper. "Son, we might have a problem. We've been invited to the Royal Capital of Voldamort to meet the king...." Only then did she spot the broken chair and my contorted expression.
With a helpless sigh, Zeun looked at his Mom, who had gone through so much for him. But now, as if in a sad song, he had dragged her down into another mess. He couldn't help but wear a pained expression.
"I... I'm sorry, Mom," he choked as he uttered these words. Tears rolled down his cheeks. He knew very well that involving with the Royals would only leash him or endanger his family's life. They're just selfish, thriving on the hard work and sacrifices of peasants like heartless predators. 'Damn Royal bastards,' he seethed inwardly.
Zeun's prejudice is evident here, being a boy from the modern era living peacefully under the protection of governments and never experiencing the world's darkness. Even after ten years, he still couldn't completely adjust to this current situation.
As a pessimistic character, a trait developed from losing his father in this life and past experiences, who can blame him? Hence, he is very cautious, not wanting to endanger his Mom and sister, his only family, at any cost. He tried to think properly, but as a powerless nine-year-old child, what can he even do against two kingdoms?
Observing the distress in Zeun's eyes, his Mom immediately moved closer, wrapping him in a warm embrace.
"Sweetheart," she whispered softly, "we're a team and more than that , a family . No matter what challenges come our way, we face them together. Your strength and courage, even at such a young age, amaze me. We'll find a way, step by step. You're not alone, my love."
Her gentle words and the warmth of her hug were a comforting warmth, easing Zeun's worries and infusing him with a sense of reassurance.
In his Mom's embrace, Zeun struggled to calm himself, but the effort only intensified his fear. The thought of losing such a crucial person in this unfamiliar world haunted him, threatening to devastate him entirely.
Feeling the tension in Zeun's attempt to calm down, his Mom's worry became even more apparent. She gently cupped his face in her hands, her eyes reflecting concern and love.
"It's okay, my dear. We'll navigate through this together. I'm here for you, always."
Her soothing words and tender touch aimed to alleviate his fears and provide the comfort he needed in that moment of uncertainty.
The next moment, Zeun felt his lips touch something warm and soft. His eyes widened, but he responded even more passionately to his Mom, his only love in this world. He kissed her deeply, forcing his tongue into hers and drinking her saliva. They stayed for two minutes before separating.
"Huff... huff..."
Both gasped for breath as their faces reddened with embarrassment and satisfaction. Although Zeun's heart and body wanted more...
In his mind: 'Now is not the time for this, Zeun. First, you need to move your Mom and sister to a safer place. Also, you promised yourself that you will not touch your Mom until you find a cure for her?'
Zeun: "....."
"A cure! Yes! Yes! Yes. Thank God!" He jumped with excitement and folded his arms, thanking God for this amazing idea as tears of joy started welling up in his eyes.
Seeing his son's sudden joy, she asked, curious about what he was thinking, "Son..."
"Mom, you need to hurry. Listen to me attentively, you take sister to Everlost Forest. I have a feeling that you two will be safe there, and I...."
Helena stood up in shock, her eyes widen, interrupting him. "No, never! I shall never leave your side. I already lost your father; I don't want to risk anything else... Zeun, I am following you no matter the cost...."
She said this with an extremely firm tone, determination evident in her beautiful red eyes.
Seeing this, Zeun smiled warmly at his Mom, causing Helena to flinch.
She knew her son like the back of her hand, and the seemingly sweet smile he was giving her didn't appear sweet in her eyes. To her, it was the sly grin of a fox about to trap its prey, and, evidently, the prey this time was herself.
"Okay, you can follow me to the capital, then what? What will you do next?" Zeun asked with the same smile.
"I shall visit the king with you and stay by your side."
Helena said, pondering whether there was something wrong with her decision to follow her son to see the King.
Zeun sighed and asked, "Are you really gonna do that?"
---
END OF CHAPTER
THANKS FOR READING :-)
AS USUAL EXP AND ELAB
Zeun's Emotional Breakdown: This is a pivotal moment for Zeun. His "pained expression," choking "I'm sorry, Mom," and "tears rolling down his cheeks" reveal a profound emotional vulnerability. This starkly contrasts his usual pragmatic, detached, or playfully teasing demeanor. It shows the immense psychological burden he carries, especially when he feels he has endangered his family.
The "Powerless" Child: His ultimate despair, questioning "what can he even do against two kingdoms" as a "powerless nine-year-old child," underscores the overwhelming nature of the threat. This feeling of helplessness, despite his advanced intellect and latent physical strength, is a core conflict he must overcome. He recognizes his inherent vulnerability in a world governed by raw power and ruthless politics.
Confirmation of Trouble: Helena's arrival with the invitation to the Royal Capital instantly validates Zeun's frantic realization. The "problem" is no longer theoretical; it's a direct summons from the highest power, confirming his accidental "invitation to trouble."
Helena's Reaction: Her immediate shift from delivering news to concern upon seeing the broken chair and Zeun's "contorted expression" shows her constant attentiveness to her son's well-being.
The Passionate Kiss: This moment is highly charged and significant. The shared kiss, Zeun's passionate response, and their mutual embarrassment and satisfaction, underscore a complex, intimate, and perhaps unusually strong bond. It's a physical manifestation of their intense emotional connection, which has grown beyond typical mother-son affection due to their shared secrets and struggles in a dangerous world. It also immediately creates internal conflict for Zeun (his mental note about the 'cure' and 'not touching' her).
Zeun's Strategic Turn: Instead of directly arguing, Zeun employs a clever tactic. His "warm smile" that makes Helena "flinch" and recognize it as "the sly grin of a fox about to trap its prey" immediately signals his shift from emotional distress to calculated strategy. This is a brilliant character moment, showcasing his intellect and manipulative streak inherited from his past life.
The chapter culminates with Zeun's desperate, albeit initially vague, plan to send Helena and his sister to the Everlost Forest for safety, linking it to his crucial objective of finding a "cure" for Helena's curse. This personal quest now directly intertwines with the external threat, adding layers of urgency and motivation to his actions.