Chapter 51: Shadows of the Curse
The old steward’s urgent letter arrived at dawn, detailing the grim condition of Xander’s younger brother, Vaelor.
Even the master wizards of Blackthorn Academy had proven powerless against the curse.
The letter itself was brief, but the steward—who had accompanied Vaelor to the academy—provided a precise description of the symptoms.
[Twin Fang Order’s curse technique!]
Xander’s eyes narrowed as he read the details. He quickly pieced together what had occurred.
The Twin Fang Order was bolder than expected, reaching even into the protected domain of the Triad Towers.
Blackthorn Academy belonged to the Triad Towers, widely considered one of the safest regions along the eastern coast. Xander had not anticipated trouble striking his brother so soon after reclaiming Redoak Vale.
This development was completely unforeseen.
Why would a follower of the Twin Fang Order target Vaelor?
Could the high priest have noticed me? No... I blinded Miller before killing him.
Xander swiftly dismissed the thought.
---
According to the steward’s account, Vaelor had been preparing for a major inter-academy competition.
The three great wizard towers of the Triad Towers had jointly organized a real combat tournament for the first time, dividing disciples into different tiers for battle.
Though young and relatively new to the academy, Vaelor displayed exceptional magical talent—worthy of his grandfather’s bloodline. With diligent study, reaching 2nd Rank was almost guaranteed, and 3rd Rank remained possible.
Such talent stood out even in the weakest of the three academies, Blackthorn. Moreover, Vaelor possessed a rare Battle Wizard specialty. His teacher had recommended him for the upcoming selections.
Vaelor had performed brilliantly, advancing all the way to the final round.
Then, on the eve of the decisive match, the nine-year-old suddenly collapsed.
It was clearly a deliberate sabotage.
The academy instructors had done everything in their power, but they could only slow the curse’s progression. Vaelor remained unconscious and unable to compete.
The one who benefited most was his rival—a wizard apprentice named Whitlock. Despite heavy suspicion, the academy lacked concrete evidence. Whitlock apparently had powerful backing.
As expected, divination magic is already failing.
Xander read the letter meticulously, unwilling to miss any clue. Blackthorn employed at least one 3rd Rank diviner, yet even they were helpless.
The era of wizard supremacy was beginning to show cracks. Soon, other schools of magic would weaken as well.
The gods were coming.
---
"Young Master Xander, allow me to go in your stead," Elyra offered immediately.
Xander shook his head.
"This matter is more complicated than it appears. The symptoms match the Twin Fang Order’s methods. Ordinary wizards have little knowledge of their curse techniques after years of relative peace."
"Removing it requires destroying the curse’s source. Blackthorn lacks anyone capable of that."
Unless she intervenes... but that is impossible.
The academy fell under the protection of the Rainbow Spire’s master, a near-Legendary wizard named Lady Seraphel. She was widely regarded as the southern alliance’s best hope for reaching Legendary rank. Xander remembered clearly that in his previous life, she succeeded just before the Great Shattering, narrowly avoiding the catastrophic backlash.
She was one of the few Legendary wizards who survived the initial chaos, only to fall later to the Shadow Prince’s ambush.
Right now, she was almost certainly in deep seclusion, attempting to break through the final barrier. Even if chaos erupted at Blackthorn, she would not emerge for a mere apprentice’s curse.
If not for Vaelor’s outstanding talent, the academy might have already given up. The medicines and spells needed to suppress the curse were extremely costly.
The steward’s letter was clear: Vaelor could be sustained for ten days at most. The competition selections had been postponed, but the final deadline loomed in two weeks.
"I will go personally," Xander declared firmly.
"But the territory..." Elyra hesitated.
"Tell outsiders I am still recuperating. There is no other choice," Xander replied. "Continue implementing the decrees. I leave the details to you."
"I understand," Elyra nodded solemnly.
"The territory’s defenses are still thin. I will address that as well."
"Krael and his Bramble Syndicate are talented. They won’t want to remain wandering adventurers forever."
"Don’t worry about the cost—recruit them aggressively."
"With the Bramble Syndicate here, Redoak Vale will be much safer."
Elyra nodded again.
"I will have Sera accompany you. She is still developing, but she can handle many situations."
"Also, if a young girl arrives from Tanchapel with her mother, treat them well. Her name is Isolde."
"And..."
Xander issued a long string of detailed instructions covering every possible scenario.
It took nearly an hour. Elyra recorded everything diligently.
Finally, Xander clapped his hands. "Bring Krael to me. Tell him I found a record containing the cure for his daughter’s plague."
Elyra hesitated. "Will you reveal the truth?"
Xander smiled. "Of course not."
"Tell him the Masked Twin Blades contacted me. He can meet him in Tanchapel."
"Go. Once these matters are settled, I need to prepare for the journey."
---
Events were moving faster than expected. Even with his experience, Xander felt the pressure.
The normal route would take him through Tanchapel northwest, across the Bleakridge Mountains and the Desolation Peaks, then into the Moonveil Forest. That journey would take nearly a week—too long.
If I cut straight through the Desolation Peaks, I can reach the Moonveil Forest in two days. With luck, I can catch a sky gondola and arrive at the Triad Towers the following day.
Xander traced a direct line on the rough map, old memories resurfacing.
His vast adventuring knowledge proved invaluable now.
The route was dangerous, but it also held opportunities.
The Desolation Peaks bordered Jewel Bay—an area he knew intimately.
If fortune smiles, I may secure a pair of excellent curved blades before reaching the Triad Towers.
Xander stared at certain marked locations on the map as fragments of knowledge emerged.
But first, he needed to stop in Tanchapel.
Regardless of anything else, Krael’s daughter’s plague had to be resolved. It would serve as powerful leverage for recruitment.
He hoped to strengthen Redoak Vale’s defenses before departing.
This should suffice.
Rest for one hour, then move out.
Xander stored essential supplies in his Void Conch and began meditating.
---
At midnight, a swift horse galloped out of the castle town, heading straight for Tanchapel.
[System Notification: New Quest Activated – Save Vaelor]
[Time Limit: 14 Days]
[Difficulty: Hard]
[Reward: Unknown]
Xander’s eyes gleamed with determination beneath the mask he donned for the road.
The Ruler of the Dusk was heading out once more.