The Glitched Mage-Chapter 8: Compensation

[[Currency detected.

Would you like to store your currency?

(Yes/No)]]

"Hmm?" Riven raised an eyebrow as he studied the notification. He held the pouch in his hand again and then selected the 'Yes', watching stunned as a bright blue glow radiated from inside the bag and then disappeared. It happened to so fast that Riven couldn't tell if he had saw it correctly or not.

[[Digital bank total:

18 Gold]]

[[Congratulations! You have collected your first currency in this world!

Reward: 50 Gold]]

[[Digital bank total:

68 Gold]]

"Well that saves me from having to worry where I store my money." Riven chuckled and then decided to try out the new feature.

He thought in his mind about taking out two gold coins and just like before, a blue glow radiated from inside his enclosed hand. He opened his hand and grinned at the two shiny golden coins and then watched in delight as he stored them back in the system.

"God I wished I had played more games in my previous life." Riven sighed as he pulled the tray of food over to a small table beside the window overlooking the manors garden. "If I had, I would definitely know more about this systems functions."

As he tucked into a delicious meal full of chicken and potatoes, he watched out over the lavish and lush gardens, enjoying in his small moment of peace and quiet.

BOOM!

A loud explosion rocked the manor and Riven almost choked on the piece of chicken he was eating. He grabbed hold of the table as the room trembled and dust began to fall from the ceiling.

"What the hell was that?!" Riven shouted as he ran to the door and swung it open. Servants and maids ran through the hall, their faces pale as the shockwaves from the explosion settled down. Riven grabbed one of the servants as they scurried past.

"Where did the explosion happen?" Riven asked and the servant shrank back from him.

"T-The training grounds," The servant stammered and as Riven let go and began to race down the hall the servant called out after him, "Stop young master! The Count is angry!"

Riven didn't stop as he continued to race down the hall to where the commotion was. A large amount of Mana hummed in the air and the hair on his skin stood up as a result.

Riven shuddered as he exited the manor and followed the huge plume of smoke. He would never skip the chance to witness someone using magic, especially when he had yet to do some himself. He needed to learn everything he could.

The training grounds were located beside the manor, near the knights barracks. It was a huge open dirt field where the guards trained and exercised. Riven had made a mental note that he wanted to visit here to strengthen his body before going to the academy, but he didn't imagine he would end up here today.

As he got closer he could see the count standing in the centre of the field, a bright orange glow surrounding him as if he was a living flame. His hand was outstretched and sparks jumped from his fingers as if another explosion was about to occur at any moment.

Opposite the count stood a panting Ember, her body aglow with a similar yet less impressive orange glow. Her hand was also outstretched but shook slightly.

His father and sister were fighting? It certainly didn't look like simple sparring.

He then noticed a cowering Etna hidden behind Ember and realisation settled on his mind.

An evil smirk curved his lips. Oh this is good. This is very good.

"Father, please control your anger." Panted Ember. "I beg of you."

"Why are you interfering, daughter?" The count asked, his tone full of anger. "This does not concern you."

"You are both my parents," Ember said, her normal pristine hair disheveled as she continued, "Please can we settle this matter with words and not violence. It's just a misunderstanding."

"A misunderstanding?" The count let out a humourless chuckle. "Did you even ask her what she has done?"

"I did nothing!" Etna cried, poking her head over Ember's shoulder. "That maid lied! I had nothing to do with that child!"

"Lies!" The count yelled and just like before in Riven's dream, a glowing orange circle full of runes began to appear in front of outstretched hand.

His stepmother screamed whilst Ember began to also form a magic circle infront of her own outstretched hand.

"Stop father!" Ember cried as she watched his magic circle grow bigger and bigger.

Riven felt adrenaline coarse through his body as he watched the conjuring magic, his fingers twitching as if they wanted to try and do the same.

A roaring sound of fire filled the training field and the counts darkened gaze was locked onto Etna.

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My god, was he going to kill her?

This was great.

Just as the spell was finished the Count yelled furiously and lifted his hand to the sky at the last moment, shooting a huge fire ball upwards.

It exploded high above them, almost like a crude firework and Riven stared at it open mouthed.

Ash and embers began to fall like snow around them and a heavy silence fell on the three in front of him. He chose to make his move.

"My Lord? What happened?" Riven asked as he approached them closer.

The count looked over at him surprised and regained his composure.

"Ah, that must have surprised you." The count cleared his throat and he lifted his hand towards Riven and a small glow emanated from his fingers and suddenly an umbrella shaped glow appeared above Rivens head, shielding him from the ash and embers.

"What happened?" Riven asked again, looking over at the half collapsed Ember and still cowering Etna.

"The maid gave a full confession." The count sighed as he dusted off his jacket, also casting an umbrella shaped glow above himself. "It seems that your step mother had given her the orders for your mistreatment. She had also been pocketing your allowance - the butler found the bank statements in her room."

"Lies! It's all untrue!" Etna cried, finally pushing past her daughter to stand in front of the count. Her luxurious dress had scorch marks all over its skirts and her makeup was smeared down her face from where she had been crying.

"Mother, I've seen the bank statements." Ember spoke as she walked slowly towards them. "You have also signed each month yourself. It is no use to deny it now, instead you need to ask forgiveness."

"What... you!" Etna was lost for words as her fury piqued. "You all also hated him! So what if I took money from him?! What would he spend it on anyway?!"

Riven tried to hide his grin as he prepared to put on his best performance yet.

"It's fine," Riven said softly and all three of them looked at him. "All those days of being starved, beaten and tormented..." he emphasised each one, noticing how the Counts face grew darker and his stepmothers face grew paler. "I just want to put this all behind me and start fresh."

Silence settled on the group.

"That's... very kind and mature of you." The count cleared his throat. "But there still needs to be some sort of punishment for the neglect of a Counts child."

Riven almost wanted to laugh in the counts face for that statement. Wasn't it also the count himself who neglected and abandoned his own son?

"Well, since I'm going to the academy next month, perhaps a few potions or supplies?" Riven asked whilst making himself look as innocent as possible. "I know these things won't change the past but they can give me a great start to my future." He gave the Count and Countess a small smile and noticed his stepmothers face growing redder and redder.

"How dare -!" The stepmother was about to explode before Ember put a hand on her shoulder. He thought his sister was about to object and support her mother, but instead she dropped into a deep bow in front of Riven.

"Brother, please allow me to apologise on my mother's behalf," Ember said solemnly, her messy curls dropping as she dipped her head lower. "She was hurt and let her emotions take control. She made some terrible mistakes and will definitely ensure to compensate you."

"I will not-" His stepmother was about to argue but fell silent under the furious glare of the count.

"And whilst my brother and I were not directly responsible for what happened to you, we also did not seek you out." Ember continued. "So please accept our apologies also."

"Ah..." Riven was surprised at his sister's willingness - surprised but also suspicious. But it was fine for now as it was working in his favour. "Of course I forgive you. Let us not speak of it again." Riven offered his hand and a glint of surprise registered in Embers red eyes before she placed her hand in his and let him help her up.

"I've also retrieved what you're owed in allowance." The count said as placed a gentle hand on Rivens shoulder. "You can come collect it later at my office - I'll send someone to get you when it's ready. You can also choose which items the countess can repay you with."

"Thank you, my lord." Riven said, enjoying the defeated look on his step mother's face.

"Now, let's go prepare for dinner." The count began to lead them back into the manor. "You must be hungry."

Riven was almost floating he was so happy. When he thought about the amount of money and items he was about to receive, he couldn't help but feel full already.