Sword of Malta – Lightning in 72 years (30)

30. Betrayal and Exile: The Birth of Nova

Starting November 2023,  The Korea Daily is excited to publish the fantasy novel series “Sword of  Malta – Lightning in 72 Years” on our website. This new captivating series follows a trio of young adventurers on their quest to uncover the mysteries of ancient civilizations, including the Maya and Inca. In an exciting development, Netflix is currently adapting the novel’s storyline into a film.
The ‘Sword of  Malta – Lightning in 72 Years’ is the latest novel authored by Jeeyoon Ha, who created the “Pangaea series.” Ha’s debut novel, “The Pangaea: Finding Xibalba,” was selected by the Korea Creative Content Agency in 2022 as part of their initiative to support the global export of fantasy literature.
Readers can eagerly anticipate the online publication of two installments each month, with new chapters appearing bi-weekly, offering a regular escape into this magical realm. *Mark Oh translated the Korean novel into English.

Ellarian refused to accept the prophecy that Leon would become the future emperor of the kingdom. Her own son, Moe, had to ascend the throne. When her plan to eliminate Leon failed, she was disheartened. It was then that her father, Marcus, revealed a scheme he had been contemplating. He spoke of making Moe not only the heir of the Benhar family but also the future emperor—a conspiracy amounting to treason. To achieve this, he first had to become the emperor himself and then install Moe as his successor. This meant that the entire Benhar family had to be destroyed.

Ellarian found her father Marcus’s plan appealing. She was willing to do anything if it meant her son Moe would become Emperor.

Marcus instructed Ellarian to host the Emperor’s birthday party at the Benhar family’s mansion. Since the Emperor’s birthday was approaching, and as the Emperor’s closest confidant, the Benhar family’s invitation was one he wouldn’t refuse.

Sebastian made thorough preparations to host the Emperor’s birthday party in grand style. On the day of the celebration, the Emperor visited the Benhar mansion. The lavish feast of delicacies delighted the Emperor’s senses. Unbeknownst to Sebastian, Marcus had already replaced the servants preparing the banquet with his own agents.

“Long live the Emperor!”

Countless nobles attending the banquet raised their glasses to the Emperor. At that moment, Marcus shouted loudly:

“Sebastian, why don’t you personally pour a drink for His Majesty? After all, you’ve prepared this magnificent feast.”

Marcus urged Sebastian to serve the Emperor himself.

Sebastian picked up one of the *Imperial Elixirs placed in the center of the table. Then Marcus pointed to a special box of Imperial Elixirs.

“This is a particular brew among the Imperial Elixirs, crafted with a unique recipe. Sebastian specially procured it from Flora.”

Marcus announced to the Emperor.

The Emperor smiled contentedly. Sebastian was perplexed; he had never ordered any liquor from Flora. Sensing that something was amiss, he knew it wasn’t the time to question it.

In the box were several Imperial Elixirs, and one of the bottles had a large ribbon tied around its neck. The ribbon was embroidered with the Benhar family crest. Though puzzled by this as well, Sebastian ultimately chose that bottle. He uncorked it himself and poured the wine into the Emperor’s glass. The Emperor raised his glass high, thanked Sebastian with a gracious nod, and drank deeply. Moments later, he collapsed, blood pouring from his mouth, nose, and eyes.

“The Emperor has been assassinated! Seize Sebastian, the Emperor’s murderer!”

Marcus shouted, his face flushed with feigned outrage.

The Imperial Guards pursued Sebastian, and both he and Leon were thrown into an underground prison—a filthy stone dungeon crawling with all manner of vermin. Sebastian realized he had been deceived by Marcus but knew it was too late to turn back. He gave his son Leon his final words.

“Ensure you avenge me and become the future Emperor of the empire. Your mother was… the daughter of a race of sorcerers. The only woman I ever truly loved was your mother. You must hide that bloodline. I love you, my son. Forgive me. Be strong, my son.”

Soon after, Sebastian was dragged out at dawn, under the light of the morning star, and executed. Every member of the Benhar family, down to the last servant, was put to death. The power of the Benhar family now fell into the hands of Moe. Shortly thereafter, Moe declared the extermination of the Benhar lineage and made the shocking announcement that Sebastian was not his father.

Leon, fortunately, was not executed. Marcus vehemently insisted that he should be put to death, but the prophetess Cassandra intervened.

“If you kill this child, a tremendous tragedy will befall your kingdom.”

Leon was sent to a slave ship, where he had to endure harsh labor—hauling cargo and scrubbing the decks day in and day out. The slave overseers mercilessly wielded their whips at the slightest sign of weariness. Yet Leon never lost hope in his quest for revenge.

One day, when the sky roared like a monstrous black beast, the slave ship was violently tossed by a fierce storm, plunging everyone into chaos. Massive waves crashed over the vessel, and the crew fought desperately against the wrath of the sea. Slaves, in their panic, were swept overboard and drowned. Among those on the ship was a general of the empire.

“I do not abandon my men.”

The general declared.

He bravely rushed to save both sailors and slaves alike. Amidst the tumultuous waves, he was thrown into the raging sea and soon disappeared. Without hesitation, Leon dove into the churning waters to rescue him. At that moment, the case covering his pendant fell away, and Aurilis began to shine brilliantly. A protective barrier enveloped both Leon and the general. Leon pulled the general back onto the ship. After the storm subsided, the general expressed profound gratitude to Leon for saving his life.

The general was Liberius Alexios of the Alexios family, one of the three great noble houses of the Aurelian Empire. He was a man who valued honor and justice above all else. Though strict with his subordinates, he was fair and treated even slaves with dignity.

Having recently lost his own son, Liberius freed Leon from slavery and adopted him as his own. Leon confided his tragic history to Liberius, who listened with compassion.

Leon began a new chapter of his life in Liberius’s household. Under his tutelage, Leon delved into various academic disciplines and honed his martial skills. He respected Liberius deeply, regarding him as a true father.

In the midst of this new life, news arrived that Emperor Lucius had suddenly passed away. Liberius was summoned to attend the imperial coronation ceremony. The new emperor was Moe, who, upon ascending the throne, changed his name to Moloch Lucius.

Realizing that he could not exact revenge on Moloch alone, Leon sought out the noble prophetess Cassandra, who had once foretold his future.

“You will become the future Emperor of the empire. But you must conceal your magical heritage. For in the founding charter of the early Galactic Empire, it was expressly stated that no empire permitting magic shall exist. From now on, you must change your name.”

From that day forward, Leon took on a new identity. He became known as Nova.

* Imperial Elixir
The symbolic liquor of the Aurelian Empire. Produced in the royal distillery. Brewed from various rare herbs and spices, and special grapes that grow only in certain regions of the empire.

[To be continued…]