Gin, now sixteen years old and more experienced, arrived at his training ground, his growth evident in the confidence with which he moved. Gin's appearance showcases his untamed, rugged looks and prowess. At six feet tall, his muscular frame is emphasized by a form-fitting, sleeveless black shirt and dark gray pants with straps and buckles for a rugged touch. His long, chaotic brown hair cascades past his shoulders, enhancing his wild aura. A wide crimson belt with a silver buckle matches his sword's handle, while a navy-blue, sleeveless trench coat with silver lightning motifs billows behind him, highlighting his imposing presence. Black high-top combat boots with silver accents provide ankle support and grip. He took a deep breath, feeling a surge of adrenaline as he prepared to push himself further using his Blessing of the Sky.

He unsheathed his sword and held it ready, focusing his energy to summon lightning bolts in random directions. Gin swiftly sidestepped as the first bolt materialized, his movements precise and fluid. He had come a long way since his early days of training, his skills sharpened by years of practice and determination.

Gin's focus intensified as he continued, his body and mind working in unison as he evaded, blocked, or deflected the lightning bolts one after another. With each successful maneuver, his confidence grew, showcasing his development as a formidable warrior.

As the training session wore on, Gin decided to test the durability of his blade's sheath. He channeled lightning energy into the sheath to block a bolt. The sheath held firm, undamaged by the impact, which satisfied Gin's smile.

His movements became more fluid and controlled as he continued, his mind in tune with his body as he parried, dodged, and countered quickly. The lightning bolts came faster, but Gin's reflexes and experience allowed him to adapt and respond accordingly.

Hours passed as Gin relentlessly pushed himself, sweat pouring down his forehead as he sought to refine his reflexes and become an even better swordsman. He was driven by his desire to protect himself, his family, and those he cared for from any danger that might come their way, along with finding a cure for his mother.

As the training began to get repetitive, he stared at the dark clouds around him in the vast plain he used nearby his village to do this training. He deactivates the ability as the clouds retreat into the sky. He thought about how he lost all his Divine Protections, but he had the Blessing of the Sky. The clouds still seemed the same, watching him. He also now has some sort of link or connection to Volcanica as he now possessed the Blessing of Volcanica and the Blessing of Nature, which he didn't even know what the nature one meant.

When he arrived at his home, he was confused seeing his brother performing some sort of magic as he saw a magic circle above his mother, "Isaac, what is that?"

"While you were away training, I've been searching for a cure," Isaac said, glaring at Gin. "During my tutoring with Lord Roswaal, I came across this method. He mentioned that it might work but couldn't use it effectively because his proficiency in healing magic is limited."

Gin sighed, walking away. His brother had no idea what was going on, and he rather not tell him since Isaac was far more affected by Mary's sudden condition. Gin viewed it as how his father told him years ago. He knew his mother would want him not to obsess or be depressed and continue his life, but he still wanted to find a cure. Even Ferris, the best healer in the Kingdom, tried and couldn't help. Reinhard's mother was also inflected with the same condition. He walked to the kitchen to grab a drink as his father sat on a stool with an annoyed look.

"Father, you alright?" Gin asked, pouring some beer into a glass.

"Ya takin the bad habits of ya old man now, huh?" he put his drink down, making eye contact, "Gin lot of shit changed. I won't lie. It's been rough dealin with this situation with your mother's condition. Isaac has been obsessed bout it, and he's already an adult shi. Ya, basically are too."

Gin nodded, "You're right. I don't know how to help him. I don't know how to fix this, but I plan to continue. You are the only one that knows the truth and why it happened, but I have a new goal now."

"Which is what?"

"The world gave me these powers and then forced a sacrifice. Normally sacrifice and loss are part of how the world functions, but not when it's unchangeable. The idea of accepting this is like accepting fate."

Martin acknowledged, "Ya speaking bout defying fate. That is a goal that if ya reach even if I'm alone gone by, then you'll be fulfilling my goal too. The nobles n the bullshit that goes on in this Kingdom are now the world itself doing shit. It's all fate. I tried to escape the life I was bound by, but it's easier said den done. Let alone changing fate in the world or sum this Kingdom needs correction, or it'll collapse."

"Do you care about the Kingdom or the people?"

"It's bout both. I look at the village we live in that's taxed by a noble bitch that rules this domain and sees the Kingdom as the flaw. But den the question is, what is a Kingdom or a nation? What is it that connects all of us to have a society where we consider ourselves part dis Kingdo?" Martin questioned, wanting to see his son's growth.

"Well, that's a hard question to answer." Gin closed his eyes, "What connects the people of the Kingdom is the culture, ideology, and common beliefs. The issue is that the Kingdom only has one thing connecting most people. Volcanica is the symbol allowing people to continue feeling they are Lugunican. Lacking common views, ideology, and culture… is this what you meant by this Kingdom will collapse?"

Martin patted him on the shoulder, "Yer spot on. Now ya got connections with the Karsten family, and after meetin der heiress or whateva, she ain't seem like one em noble pigs. I told ya to stay hidden, and dat remains true, but that's ya choice. If you can't trust anyone, you'll live a lonely life."

The two heard some commotion outside as Gin responded, "I think the dragon carriage here. I'll be back by sundown."

"Ya fuckin sixteen damn near seventeen, I don't give a damn what time ya home jus don't an idiot, aight?"

Gin nodded as he walked to the door opening it to see Crusch and Ferris outside the shack that they lived in. Gin helped Crusch and Fourier learn better sword technique in the last year or so, and they've become good friends. Gin entered the dragon carriage where Ferris was in the front, guiding it.

"You seem conflicted," Crusch commented.

Gin nodded, "It seems like a cure is impossible, and my brother can't accept that. I wonder how Reinhard handles his situation. It's a cruel fate."

"Aren't you the one always speaking that you will defy fate? There's always a path to find a cure or solution," she responded, looking down as she thought of Fourier's potential fate.

Gin noticed, "Crusch, you are smarter than me but in a different way. What I mean to defy fate is to defy the world itself. My father and I know my obsessing over finding a cure wouldn't be what my mother wanted."

"But are you accepting it won't be curable?" she asked again, thinking back to Fourier.

Gin rested his legs on the empty seat in the dragon carriage, "I suppose I've known you long enough to tell you. The reason for my mother's illness is my existence. Od Laguna itself does this. Compared to finding a cure for Fourier and trying to reject the world itself is two entirely different things."

Crusch paused, taking in the words he said. At this point, Crusch knew he wasn't a liar. He had never lied and wasn't the slightest bit delusional. But if his statement was true, he was trying to cure something impossible.

"Don't worry about it." Gin said, noticing her distress, "Today, another knight will be coming to your mansion, right?"

Crusch nodded, "Yes, Julius, a knight of the Capital will be coming to spar me."

"Julius, is he strong? When compared to when we first sparred, you improved a lot. I hope he's interesting." Gin said with a small smirk.

A voice was heard from the front where Ferris was directing the carriage, "Nya, we're back."

Gin offered, "Want to do a quick spar before Julius arrives?"

"Gin, how strong are you? When you mentioned my improvement, I couldn't help but realize that it seemed you were holding back during are sparing." Crusch asked as the three entered the mansion.

"Nya Lady Crusch is right." Ferris walked in front of Gin, "Have you been lying to Lady Crusch?"

"How does one train someone if they can't match their strength?" Gin continued, slightly annoyed, "I didn't mean to deceive anyone, but how would anyone grow from sparring if their opponent overwhelms them? Just trying to help."

Crusch agreed, "Gin is correct. I would've never reached my point now without being sparred by someone who could see my strengths and weaknesses and improve them. But I am curious about the difference if Gin was trying."

"Gin, I'd like to have a word with you." Meckart Karsten said as they were almost at the training area of the mansion.

"It's been a while since we've talked." Gin smiled as he turned his head, "I'll catch up later."

The two began to walk towards the living area of the mansion, and the two sat down.

"So Meckart, or perhaps I should use a formal title. Lord Karsten? I'm sorry I'm terrible at these things." Gin choked as he hated formalities.

Meckart smiled, "Gin, you may call me as you wish. You've helped my daughter greatly, and I've seen the improvements myself. Even I wouldn't have told her to question those of superior rank or authority. But I must ask, what are your intentions with my daughter?"

Gin blinked, "Huh? Wait— you got the wrong idea. I view Crusch as a sister or relative, nothing more than that."

"No, that's not what I was referring to. Why are you assisting my daughter or Fourier? What is your intention in doing so?" Meckart clarified.

"Crusch I see as a future leader of this Kingdom." Gin's tone turned more serious, "The domain I live in controlled by Leip Barielle is a failure. The change will happen in this Kingdom as those people will die, as I assume you are also aware. I intend to influence Crusch and Fourier not to make mistakes or lose their sense of the relation between being a noble and the subjects they protect and assist. By influence, I do not mean manipulate but rather allow them to see a different perspective. Those are my intentions."

Meckart stood up, putting his hand out, "Gin, you are most definitely talented in your way. You may not be a noble or understand the Kingdom, but you understand concepts I neglected to learn. You earned my respect."

Gin shook his hand, "I appreciate your kindness. You always have starkly contrasted the chief and Leip, who control my domain. You have both my respect and admiration."

Gin returned to the training area, where he saw Fourier, who he presumed to be Julius, who had purple hair and normal knight attire.

"I take it your, Julius? Fourier as well? This will be fun," Gin laughed.

Julius stared at him, "May I ask why you referred to his highness in such a manner?"

"Julius, it's fine. We agreed a while back that we do not use formalities when sparring," Fourier commented.

"My apologies," Julius replied, bowing.

Gin sighed as he sat down next to Fourier. Julius and Crusch started to talk as they prepared to spar.

"What did– Crusch's father talk to you about?" Fourier asked nervously after seeing Gin's closeness with Crusch and his skill. He couldn't help but feel anxious.

"He asked me why I was helping you and Crusch. The conversation ended well." Seeing the look on Fourier's face, he whispered, "Fourier, if you doubt that Crusch doesn't have feelings for you, then you are blind. To me, you two are like siblings. Do you want to be royalty?"

Fourier blinked, "Wait, what? Want to be royalty?"

"Do you want to be royalty? Would you prefer a life where you could live comfortably away from the threats and drama caused by your status? A life without fearing an unknown source of illness?" Gin recited.

"I mean, I want to live a life—" Fourier wondered if he wasn't a noble and already felt like it. was his fate to die as his family did, "I rather live without it than not…."

Gin smiled and asked him, "Volcanica does not wish for your death, but the Royal Selection must happen. Fourier, I can heal you if you agree to refuse your position as a royal or become King. That is the offering the Divine Dragon is giving you."

Fourier thought Gin was mad, but when he looked at him, he saw an image or a future of something he dreamed of, "Gin, I don't know how you're connected to the dragon, but I agree to those terms. I— would love that future."

Gin nodded, "I don't know what you saw, but perhaps Volcanica showed you itself."

Gin placed his hand on Fourier's chest as the sacred power of restoration healed and prevented him from being affected again. The power could only be used with Volcanica's permission and had terms. Out of the three blessings he possessed, the Divine Dragon had a specific goal he wanted him to achieve. Fourier was speechless as he felt a sense of purity and restoration throughout his body and mind. The future he saw would take over the future of his current life.

Ferris noticed this as she watched the spar and asked, "What are you two doing? Focus on the spar Crusch is doing great against Julius. He's one of the strongest knights too."

Gin looked into the sky as he saw a cloud seem to be moving towards the direction of his village. It was a dark cloud which Gin knew as a warning. As his eyes widened, he ascended into the sky, "The Great Rabbit is approaching."

Before anyone could react, Gin dashed toward the massive group of rabbits with lightning speed. Unsheathing his sword, he executed a long-range attack, wiping out at least a quarter of the creatures as he watched them regenerate to their original size. He noticed the rabbits were heading straight for the mansion where Crusch resided, and a sense of urgency overtook him.

Gin gritted his teeth as numerous thunderclouds gathered and swirled around him. He aimed his blade upwards while lightning bolts crackled and charged his attack. He felt the electricity coursing through his body as the rabbits neared the end of the plains. With a determined cry, he unleashed his devastating attack.

A barrage of lightning instantly struck all three thousand rabbits, the sheer force of the attack leaving a massive crater in the ground. Without wasting a moment, Gin dashed toward his village. Gin's altitude and the giant blue beam that destroyed the Great Rabbit were visible from any corner of the world. As he approached, a lump formed in his throat, and he fought to blink away the tears that threatened to fall. The village was eerily deserted, a stark contrast to Gin's memories. The ominous cloud that had loomed over his village weighed heavily on his mind.

Gin stumbled through the desolate streets with a heavy heart, heading to his family home. Pushing open the door, he had an empty, silent interior. The reality of the situation was almost too much to bear.

What is this? Am I just a curse?

He wiped off his tears, creaking the door where his mother and brother would be, and saw nobody. No bodies and not even the chance to let them rest in peace. He breathed in, trying to calm himself, but it made it worse that they died as food for rabbits. He lay kneeling, glancing around the room, wishing someone was alive. He failed again, thinking back on how he lost his Divine Protections. It seemed the world hated him. But he would've died in their place. Why make his family die instead? What did they do?

Gin noticed two books which surprised him as he knew his parents weren't readers. He remembered how his father was acting and wondered if he knew he would die. Walking towards the shelf, he took one of the books and found two pieces of paper with writing on them. His hand we're trembling as he read the first.

'Gin, if you're reading this, I'm probably dead. I doubt you'd be looking around my room, so I left this here for you. The moment I learned of your Divine Protections, I knew my role of being your father was something I needed to do correctly. I hope I did so and you learned what I was trying to teach you. If you're in despair, remember I trust you to fulfill your purpose. Don't be a fool, and don't forget the things I taught you because I taught you them for a reason. Your future you walk may be filled with tragedy, but our world is that. If you don't continue your path, reach your goals, and be satisfied with what you've done with your life, then that's the only way you can disappoint me. I love you, Gin, and stay strong and smart as you have always been.'

He felt a sense of comfort reading what his father left him. He wondered if his father either wrote that before it happened or wrote it even earlier, but having a purpose was the only thing keeping him sane. His hands were still shaking as he read the second one. It had two sides, and one addressed to his brother, so he read the one addressed to himself.

'My lovely son, I know something is wrong with me, but I want to leave this for you so he can show you when your father feels it's right. Gin, you were born with powers, and whatever decision you make, I will support and love you. I may not have been the best mother, but I'm happy you are my son. Whatever burdens or even if you blame yourself, I will be there. Even if I'm not alive, I'll be watching over you. You're talented and clever, so I have complete faith in you. Remember, when you're older, to pick the right woman and remember that your strength isn't an excuse to be arrogant. But I know you understand that, and I'm proud of you, Gin. Whatever life you make, please enjoy it. Enjoy your life and find happiness. That's all I want.'

He found a necklace with an amulet pendant made of brown, red, and blue as he put it on, feeling a sense of calmness.

Gin's eyes couldn't shed any more tears as he choked, mumbling, "I'm sorry."

His mind was full of despair and self-blame, but the words kept repeating words his parents had left him. He picked them up and put them in his pocket to find a better place to leave his parent's words to him whenever he found somewhere to go. He remembered his father's words and wiped the tears off his face calming down. If he was going to achieve his purpose, he must accept what he lost. The memories of his parents and brother will be with him. He walked out the door and through the village, unsure what to do. He lay down on the ground staring at the sky. His purpose will be to restore the Kingdom and find people he could care for without tragedy striking them. A few hours passed like minutes, and he heard a voice.

"Gin…"

He opened his eyes using his hands to jump up, standing where he saw Julius, Crusch, Felix, and a dragon carriage. He assumed Fourier couldn't come because he'd need to bring fifty guards with him if he did.

"The rabbit seemed to have attacked here on its way toward the mansion," Gin spoke quietly, "I'd prefer if I do not receive credit for this."

Gin felt the exhaustion creeping in as his mana reserves were almost completely depleted from the intense attack against the rabbit. The weariness weighed heavily on him, making it difficult to focus. He heard no response from those around him and craved solitude to recuperate and gather his thoughts. Before he could speak, he collapsed to the ground as the attack he used to kill the great rabbit almost broke his gate.