Supreme Magus novel Chapter 329

"Step forward, Lith of Lutia."

Lith did as instructed, kneeling in front of the raised floor as the ceremony required. King Meron placed his right hand over Lith’s head while holding the staff representing the Crown’s authority over magic in the other .

"For your services in curing the plague, for saving many lives during Balkor’s last attack, and for your contribution in defending the White Griffon, I hereby award you the Verhen name. It will be extended to your family and passed down by your children.

"It grants to you and to you alone the same status of a Baron. Your starting fief will be the region of Lutia, under Count Lark’s supervision, should you ever decide to trade your merits for the lands and responsibilities that a noble title implies.

"Stand up, Mage Lith Verhen!"

Lith did as ordered. The members of the Royal family applauded him, immediately followed by a standing ovation from the guests. Lith was supposed to be happy. Another milestone in his master plan had fallen into place.

Yet he felt empty, meaningless. Just like the sound of his new name.

***

The following morning, the trio was in Phloria’s room. The girls were making their final preparations for the tournament, while Lith had been using Accumulation non stop since the previous night. _{freeweɓnovēl.coɱ}

Taking deep breaths was the only way he and Solus had found to keep his emotions in check. There was still a storm brewing inside of him and as it was for any storm, stopping it was impossible. Lith could only wait for it to pass.

"Do you still suffer from Death Vision?" Friya said as she came out of the training room. She and Phloria had just finished a light spar as warm up.

Lith nodded. Over time he had shared a few details about himself with her. In the space of a few seconds, Lith saw her die of poisoning, old age, and by decapitation.

"What about now?" She asked multiple times, coming closer and closer until at three meters distance Lith shook his head. Friya was alive and well now.

"What about her?" Friya pointed at Phloria, who was still in the training room.

"She’s fine."

"I knew it!" Friya snorted. "I bet that the safe zone range depends on how much you care for the person. I guess three meters after two years is still better than nothing."

Lith didn’t agree with her theory, yet he found it interesting. Back when Death Vision started, he would see everyone die, even his family, no matter the distance. For a long time, the only exception had been Phloria, but only when she was very close to him.

Over time, though, he had learned to control it with his willpower. Also, Lith had developed a safe zone, were people would appear normal as long they were within its range. Lith and Solus thought it depended on him mastering whatever Death Vision was, while Friya had a more romantic concept of it.

"Who do you think will win if we both get into the finals?" Phloria tried to change the topic. If her sister was right, it would make breaking up even more awkward.

"Do you want the cold truth or the boyfriend truth?" His voice was slow so he wouldn’ lose his breathing rhythm.

"Cold truth." The girls replied as one.