Omniphage of Apathy

Vastarael came to know the Eight Dynasties in Spheraphase.

Dynasty Richinaria, known to be the surviving royal bloodline of the Aeterium race.

Dynasty Starisnova, known to be the first beings to have a Celestial bloodline.

Dynasty Mintheris, comprised of Elves who worship and take care of the World Tree Mintherenia.

Dynasty Skyrover, which is known for having the toughest warriors in Spheraphase.

Dynasty Fedres, known also for its massive military power.

Dynasty Vazakiel, where Adelasta's mother comes from. Unfortunately for Adelasta, she didn't inherit the Omniscient bloodline from her mother and neither did she have the Viaca abilities either.

She was born powerless and thanks to Vastarael, she now had the power to wield flames.

Dynasty Andelaris, the Angel Dynasty that rules over Naranq, the heaven of Spheraphase.

Dynasty Cerea, the Demon Dynasty ruling over Wisterix, the hell of Spheraphase.

"Vastarael, when you turn seventeen and are declared mature, you will have to go to Minafallen Academy."

"..."

"All the Dynasties will be sending their children there for one main reason. To get stronger. Minafallen is a place where gods and mortals receive education and get stronger. And so, as the heir of Richinaria, you will have to go there."

Vastarael remained silent, his mind already racing ahead. Minafallen Academy was a name he'd heard throughout his life.

It was a place where prodigies from every Dynasty, gods, mortals and even hybrids, sharpened their skills and gained the power to shape nations.

It was a university in short.

His father continued, "Minafallen is no ordinary academy. For those who seek greatness, it is both a crucible and a proving ground."

Caresse chimed in, "You will be exposed to all manner of challenges. Sparring with powerful beings, trials to test your intellect and missions that push you to the brink of death. It's not just about power but also about survival and growth."

Vastarael looked up at them, "And what exactly do you expect me to learn there? I already know my destiny isn't the same as everyone else's. It was about influence before but now, it feels like it's more than that."

Dilasyus raised a brow. "Precisely why you must go. Minafallen will not just test your abilities but will reveal how far you can push them. As the heir of Richinaria, your growth has no limits but that... is both a blessing and a curse. You need to understand what your soul and body are truly capable of."

Caresse placed a hand on Vastarael's shoulder. "And you will meet allies, Vastarael. The future leaders of Spheraphase will be at Minafallen. Forming bonds with them, whether through camaraderie or competition, is essential. Alone, even the strongest soul can falter."

Vastarael took a deep breath, letting the weight of their words sink in. Minafallen would be a battlefield of its own. He had no illusions that the academy would be some peaceful sanctuary for learning. If anything, it was a furnace meant to burn away the weak.

Vastarael knew he had immense potential, but his powers needed to be honed. His mastery over water, Circlecraft and the Omniphage Tether would be his focus. He planned to delve deeper into Rune Drawing, enhancing his Circlecraft to levels unmatched by anyone else.

He was determined to unlock the full potential of The Ingenious Prince Codex. Its stealth and water-based abilities could give him an edge in both combat and strategy. Minafallen's resources and challenges would provide the perfect testing ground.

While he didn't entirely agree with his parents, he knew they were right about one thing—he needed allies. Gods, mortals and beings from other Dynasties would be present. Strengthening relationships, especially with potential rivals, could mean the difference between survival and annihilation in the future.

Now that he wanted to survive and try to save the universe (even though he didn't know how) and his family, plus avoiding his fate, he had to go.

Minafallen was a melting pot of knowledge. Vastarael intended to observe how others used their abilities and adapt their techniques to suit his own strengths. His Omniscient Phaenora would allow him to absorb and analyze the essence of others' skills.

Most importantly, he wanted answers. Minafallen held secrets about the universe, its creation and the roles of Dynasties. He was determined to uncover his own path, beyond just being the heir of Richinaria.

Dilasyus interrupted his thoughts.

"One more thing, Vastarael. At Minafallen, you will be representing not just our family but the entirety of Anqerise. Don't forget that."

"Of course."

"Well then, roam around and gather information. There are ancient books you can use here. You already know how to open this place so you can return the items. If you lose them... well... I don't have to say it, do I?"

°°°°°°

Vastarael stepped forward, his eyes scanning the towering shelves. Rows upon rows of books, scrolls and artifacts lined the hidden chamber, each emanating a faint glow, as though they held the secrets of ages long past.

Anamorsia wasted no time, darting towards a shelf laden with ancient tomes.

"Look at this!" She exclaimed, pulling out a leather-bound book embossed with glowing silver runes. "Chronicles of Aeterium Legends. It's... beautiful!"

"Careful," Milliania warned, her tone sharp as she observed her older sister. "You don't want to accidentally trigger a curse or something."

Anamorsia stuck out her tongue but held the book gingerly, as if it might bite her.

"I'm not an idiot."

Leon walked calmly to a corner where the books seemed less decorative and more practical.

"Tomes on battle tactics," he muttered to himself. "These should come in handy."

He then glanced at Vastarael, "What are you going to look for?"

Vastarael ran a hand along a shelf lined with ancient scrolls.

"Anything about Rune Drawing or Circlecraft. There's knowledge here that predates most modern techniques and I intend to use it. Also, I'm interested in Omniscients."

"Because of Adelasta?" Anamorsia asked.

"Yeah."

It was half the truth. In fact, he wanted to know more about Phaenora.

Leones, the youngest of the siblings, squinted at a stack of scrolls tied with golden cords.

"Do you think they have anything about... um, enhancing Essence flow?" She looked at her father hopefully. "I've been having trouble controlling mine during training."

Dilasyus smirked. "You'll find what you need if you look hard enough. But remember, knowledge is only as good as your ability to apply it."

Milliania found herself standing on a floating tile toward a shelf with elegant tomes wrapped in silk. She picked up a crimson book labeled 'Diplomatic Strategies of the Ancient Dynasties.' Flipping through the pages, she sighed.

"Why do I always get stuck with diplomacy? I'd rather be on the battlefield like big brother or Anamorsia."

Vastarael smirked, not looking up from his own book.

"Because you're better at talking than fighting, that's why."

Milliania narrowed her eyes at him. "You say that like it's an insult."

"It's not," Vastarael replied, though his teasing tone said otherwise.

Anamorsia, meanwhile, had settled onto the floor with a pile of books around her.

"Hey, big brother," she called out, holding up a book. "Do you think there's any point in learning about ancient enchantments? Or is it just going to be a bunch of outdated stuff?"

Vastarael, flipping through a weathered scroll of his own, didn't look up.

"Outdated doesn't mean useless. If you can adapt old techniques, they might give you an edge."

Anamorsia grinned, "Good point. I'll add it to the pile."

Leones approached Vastarael hesitantly, clutching a small green book, "Do you think... um... Dad will let us bring these to Minafallen?"

Vastarael glanced at the book and then at his sister, "If he didn't want us using them, he wouldn't have shown us this place. Just don't lose it, or we'll all hear about it for weeks. Also, no. He wouldn't allow it."

Leones nodded, visibly relieved.

_____

After two hours, each sibling carried a small stack of carefully chosen books. Dilasyus and Caresse watched them.

As the siblings emerged from the spiral staircase, their arms laden with books, Dilasyus and Caresse exchanged a glance that held a world of unspoken emotion. The soft golden light of the library seemed to shimmer more brightly as the weight of the moment sank in.

"Look at them," Caresse murmured, her voice tinged with disbelief. Her eyes followed Leon and Leones, who were carefully balancing their stacks of books. "Even the youngest... They're so thoughtful. So focused."

Dilasyus folded his arms across his chest, his usual stern demeanor softened as he watched his children.

"I wasn't expecting that from them yet," he admitted quietly. "Leones and Leon are only six. At their age, I was barely capable of thinking beyond my next sword lesson."

Caresse chuckled softly, shaking her head.

"You were always like that, chasing power without considering what it meant. But look at them. They're already thinking about the future, about their roles in the Dynasty."

Dilasyus glanced at Leones, who was clutching a small, green book and whispering something to Leon.

"She asked me about essence flow earlier," he said, his tone carrying a trace of awe. "Can you imagine? A six-year-old, concerned about refining her essence control."

"It's shocking."

Dilasyus nodded but then turned his gaze to the eldest of their children. Vastarael stood slightly apart, his stack of books taller than anyone else's. He was silent, flipping through one of the tomes even as the others chatted among themselves.

"And then there's Vastarael," Dilasyus said, his voice lowering.

Caresse followed his gaze, her expression softening further. "Yes, Vastarael..."

"He's already carrying so much," Dilasyus continued. "The heir to our Dynasty, bearing the expectations of not just us but all of Anqerise. And yet, he doesn't falter. Not in front of them. I'm sure the god incident must have traumatized him and yet..."

Caresse sighed, a mixture of pride and maternal concern flickering in her eyes.

"He's too much like you. Always holding himself to impossible standards, always pushing forward no matter the weight on his shoulders."

Dilasyus frowned slightly but he couldn't deny the truth in her words.

"He's stronger than I ever was at his age. And smarter. He doesn't just seek strength for its own sake. Every move he makes is deliberate. It makes me wonder how he managed to outsmart that god. Even though I know all about it from him, his plan was ingenious."

"But," Caresse said softly, her hand brushing against his arm, "he's still a boy. Don't forget that, Dilasyus. He might not show it, but... he's carrying burdens that would break most men."

Dilasyus sighed, the weight of his wife's words settling on him.

"I know. And I'll do what I can to prepare him. But there's only so much we can teach. The rest... he'll have to learn on his own."

Caresse glanced back at their children, who were now discussing their selections with animated voices. Vastarael, however, remained silent, still immersed in his book.

"He'll be fine," Caresse said softly, more to reassure herself than anyone else. "He has to be. He's not just the heir to Richinaria—he's the hope of our people. But even so... I wish he'd let himself lean on us more. Even just a little. He has never asked for anything from us at all."

Dilasyus placed a hand on her shoulder, looking at his son.

"He'll lean on us when he's ready. Until then, we trust him. And we make sure he knows we're here, no matter what."

They stood in silence for a moment, watching as their children continued to talk and laugh amongst themselves.