The Dawn of the New World

The Academy, Walking City.

The tallest building that was attached to the side of the Church of the Sacred Light had become a second home to the 'Blood Prince', Dai Zhi.

He was sitting at his table as usual. His eyes were half-closed as specks of crimson light floated about him, moving in and out of his body like it did not even exist.

His fingers slowly moved in the air mimicking the arched motion of waves. The crimson lights changed their pattern and started moving in much the same manner. Two steps ahead and one step back.

If one focused on their motions, at first they would appear to be moving extremely slowly but then they would start phasing in and out of the visual spectrum. This was caused by an extreme burst of speed that periodically turned them invisible.

Suddenly, the silent atmosphere was broken by a flurry of footsteps outside his door.

*Knock*Knock*Knock*

The crimson lights disappeared instantly as Dai Zhi was forced awake from that state of concentration.

"Come in," he ordered weakly.

The door opened and two figures walked in. The one at the front was a handsome young man in battle armor. His shoulder-length hair moved back and forth as he dragged another individual in behind him.

The second person was in chains, bloody and beaten to a pulp. Most of his body was black and blue but there weren't a lot of open wounds.

The chained individual was thrown to the ground where he stayed.

The first young man took out a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped the blood off his hand, turning towards Dai Zhi.

"My Lord," he bowed from the waist.

A pair of gold-rimmed red glasses hung from the bridge of the boy's nose.

Dai Zhi waved his hand and the boy straightened his back, readjusting the glasses as he gave some more details pointing towards the chained man whose facial features could not even be recognized due to all the swelling.

"He says he's part of the resistance although there is no proof of these claims. We captured him when he was trying to sneak into the personal quarters of one of the native nobles who was leading the assault on the last of the cities."

"We have tried to question him using some of the more traditional methods but he has not spoken a word. With Lord Dai Zhi's permission I would like to interrogate him using some other methods. He will most probably not survive the procedures."

Dai Zhi's head rested gently on his fist as he silently listened to everything the boy had to say. His lips slowly curled into a smile the moment he finished.

"You have come a long way, Micha. From being an abject prince to one of my most trusted men and a staunch adherent of the Holy Light."

Micha, who was only there to ask for his approval was more than a little taken aback by the unexpected words of praise. He gave another quick little bow after coming to his senses. (Micha was first mentioned in CH 337 and in various other chapters after that)

"You humble me, Lord Dai Zhi."

Dai Zhi stood up, waving his hands back and forth, "No no, I truly mean it. You know I don't like dishonesty. I am quite proud of how you have turned out. Although I wasn't expecting much at the start, you have time and time again proven me wrong."

"I...don't know what to say, my lord."

Although Micha himself was the prince of a Grade 2 kingdom, in a place like this that was home to numerous others of similar reputation and rank, Dai Zhi was in a league of his own.

Not to mention his background but just the fact that he was the student of perhaps the most powerful being in the Academy was enough to warrant all the respect he deserved.

Dai Zhi slowly walked up to him and patted his shoulder, "You don't have to say anything. Just keep doing a good job and when the time comes, I will reward you handsomely."

"Thank you, my lord."

Born to rule over billions, Micha was never satisfied with his status after finding out about the existence of more powerful kingdoms and empires. He considered himself to be locked in a small cage and the only way to break free was to follow in the footsteps of someone more powerful.

He was smart enough to know that the rigid power structure of their world would never allow for him to step up with ease unless someone opened the doors for him. And Dai Zhi was going to be that someone.

Or at least that's how it started out.

He joined the academy in pursuit of power, but after meeting Dai Zhi he was exposed to a whole another world.

The 'Holy Light'.