Chapter 27: Sorcerer / 5.1&2 : This Eden is the Prime Nexus
When Eden opened his eyes he was backstage. He looked around and saw that he was in line waiting for his turn. He peeked out of the curtain and understood that he was at an auction. There was an auctioneer with a gavel in his hand. He was cataloging and it looked like the items for sale were him and all the young men and women waiting in line. He looked at the big crowd, most of the buyers were wearing masks. They were even cameras filming the event. Eden looked at the universe’s specs and smiled. After selecting receive he felt all the information pouring in.
This Eden is a 19-year-old Nexus from the realm Hidden Fields. In this universe magic is part of everyday life. Magic started with a sorcerer called Yintang, he was the Prime Nexus. He wasn’t just a Nexus and a sorcerer he was also an oracle. He held so much power in him that he foretold that he would reincarnate again to guide magicians because a lifetime no matter how long wouldn’t be enough to use all his power for good.
A Nexus is a human who is a source of power. People can feed on it, and once they do it jumpstarts the dormant magic in them. A magician can become stronger if he keeps a Nexus at his side, it enhances their power. Although Nexus helps magicians become stronger they hold no magic in them, they are human. Once a magician’s power gets jumpstarted their descendants’ dormant magic will wake up without a Nexus. Over the years more Nexus were born, but some of them turned Haywire.
Once a Nexus turns 20 their white magic becomes stronger or they become a Haywire Nexus. A Haywire Nexus’ white magic turns into black magic that takes over their core and they become out of control. After that their sole purpose is to destroy. Yintang was the only Nexus who was able to control his black magic while retaining his white magic. Haywire Nexus infect magicians with black magic which turns them into sorcerers. They have control over them and they can create armies to rule over the realm. Only extremely strong magicians can resist the call to black magic.
The rise of the Haywire Nexus caused Yintang to create the Order of the Guardian of Equilibrium. If too many Haywire Nexus are on the loose and convert magicians into sorcerers the realm will be out of balance. The opposing magic needs to be in equilibrium or black magic will take over. Yintang was the leader of the Order of the GE and added other guardians who were strong enough to kill Haywire Nexus and magicians turned sorcerers. Before he died he named a strong magician as the leader and created the rule that only the strongest of the Guardians will be the leader.
He shared his last vision and said that once they meet a Nexus who becomes a sorcerer able to control his black magic and use white magic it would mean that he is back. Since his death, no Nexus gained white magic once they turned 20 but magicians still believed that he would come. Eden was bought by a Guardian named Zhen Huang. Nexus are sold like cattle, they are well-treated dependent since the happier they are the more magic the magician around them will receive.
Still, the only job they get is servants, maids, butlers, and housekeepers. Those who give birth to Nexus are allowed to sell them at their will. Eden had been sold the day after his birth and was raised in an orphanage for Nexus. Zhen Huang bought him when he was six years old and he moved into his house.
Eden took care of the mansion on his own. The reason why he didn’t have other staff members is that he had a specific reason for buying Eden and he didn’t want anyone to find out. He didn’t need a Nexus since their family had always been powerful. Since Eden was six years old he was corrupted by black magic. By the time he turned 19 Zhen Huang had complete control over him and his core which was the origin of his power.
Now that Eden was ready to be used Zhen Huang wiped his memory and had him sold at an auction. He went to the auction with the two leaders of the Order of the Guardian of Equilibrium. Zhen Huang knew that they would often buy Nexus to have them work for them. The leaders always believed that Nexus should be free and treated like anyone else.
When the leaders saw the traces of abuse on Eden when he was on stage Zhen Huang knew that they were touched. He offered to buy Eden for them and they agreed. Eden worked for them as an assistant and they became friends. Zhen Huang who controlled Eden would have him spy on them to find a way to have them thrown out of the order to take their place. He was frustrated when he saw that they were clean. Since Eden was their assistant and he helped with the GE Trial he decided to use that opportunity.
The Guardian of Equilibrium Trial was an annual competition filmed live in the entire realm to gain a place in the Order of GE. To be a Guardian you had to be extremely powerful to be able to kill Haywire Nexus and sorcerers. Usually, a new member would be added to the order every 4 or 5 years because of how hard the trial was. That year Zhen Huang’s son Zhen Tianlin participated.
Another member of the Order called Jian Yifeng had his daughter Jian Minglan participate in the GE trial as well. Jian Yifeng and Zhen Huang colluded to make sure that their children would enter the order and the leaders would die so they can take their place since they were the strongest after them. Even if the four of them were planning to kill the leaders they still had them train Zhen Tianlin and Jian Minglan to make sure they would survive the harsh competition.
The competition was held every year in the dark forest. It would be filled with Haywire Nexus and sorcerers they had caught before. The forest would be protected by a force field so they wouldn’t be able to escape. The last participants standing once all the Haywire Nexus and sorcerers died would become a Guardian in the Order. A lot of Magicians would die in the process hence the waiver they had to sign at the beginning. The participants would have the chance to forfeit the competition and a rescue team would be sent if they changed their minds.
If the situation was too out of control the leaders of the order would go personally to take care of the problem since they were the most powerful Magicians in the realm. Zhen Huang and Jian Yifeng use that to get rid of them for good. During the competition, Zhen Tianlin and Jian Minglan fought together and managed to poison a participant discretely when they were the three last standing. When the participant went crazy and wanted to burn down the entire forest the leaders had to deal with him.
Zhen Huang commanded Eden to say that he would go with them. When Eden made it clear that he would not let them go alone because he was worried about them they agreed and promised that they would protect him. Once they were in the forest under the protective shield Zhen Huang used a command spell and Eden’s core went haywire and exploded after expending. Everyone in the radius died including the leaders and Eden.
Zhen Huang and Jian Yifeng became the leaders and added their children to the Order. Zhen Tianlin and Jian Minglan went on to become the most powerful magician couple in the realm. They were worshipped by all magicians and once their parents stepped down they became the leaders of the Order of the Guardian of Equilibrium. Centuries after their death they were still praised for their accomplishment and people would pray to their statues for blessings.
When Eden received all the memories he laughed hysterically. All the Nexus around him didn’t think much of it. They’ve seen the traces on his body so it’s understandable. They’ve all been through it at some point, being abused goes with being a Nexus. Although they’ve never seen someone in this state. Eden wiped the tears that had fallen on his face but he still had an evil smile on his face. Since he entered this universe he feels on edge and angry.
His heart started to beat faster the second he opened his eyes. He’s been through way worst than he has in this universe but he somehow feels furious. Eden peaked at the curtain once the first in line went on stage. He looked at the first row and recognized four men despite their masks. Zhen Huang was the easiest to recognize, even the way he was seated showed contempt.
He is going to burn that son of a bitch alive as they do to witches in most universes. In the middle were the leaders of the Order of the Guardian of Equilibrium. Next to them was a friend of theirs called A-Xuan part of the Order as well. When it was Eden’s turn he put his game face on, he need to stay in character. When his number was called on stage, he stood there in the middle uncomfortable.
The auctioneer said:
"This lot is number 142, he’s 19 years old and was previously owned by only one magician. He is a virgin as well."
All the magicians looked at the pretty Nexus with heated eyes. He had gold peach blossoms eyes putting anyone who look into them in a trance. His eyebrows were thin and he had an aquiline nose with high cheekbones. His skin was fair and his full lips were red as blood. His dark hair made his beautiful gold eyes shine bright as stars. Even if he wasn’t a virgin they would be interested, he was the picture of innocence.
The auctioneer felt excited by how eager the magicians were to bid. To make sure he would get the highest bid possible he ordered:
"Lot 142 undress."
When he said that Eden held his shirt tighter like he was scared someone would rip it away. The auctioneer impatient ordered:
"Undress now!"
Eden took off his shirt and pants. He stood there with only a boxer on looking down while tears ran down his face. The crease between the eyebrows of the leaders of the Order of GE deepened when they saw all the marks on his body.
One of the magicians in the crowd yelled:
"Take your boxer off we need to see everything before we buy."
Beautiful Nexus are usually used as bed partners so Eden knew they would want to see his body this is why he worsened the wounds on his body. The worst state he is the better it will be in the end when they found out who he really is. Huang only started to beat him for fun then he let his son Tianlin finish so he knew he wouldn’t be surprised. It’s not like he would care if Eden had lost an arm as long as the leaders of the Order of the GE buy him.
All the magicians including the auctioneer laughed at that. Huang looked at Eden with a mocking smile. The looked at the leader next to him Wang Shaotian. He wasn’t surprised when he saw anger in his eyes. He didn’t bother to look at the other leader since they always feel the same way. Shaotian looked at Eden who was crying silent tears. Before he could do what he was about to do it was done already. The man who had spoken was tossed on stage by an invisible force. Shaotian waved his hand and Eden’s clothes were back on him. The man who had been tossed on stage like a rag doll looked around angrily for the magician responsible.
When he felt two pairs of furious eyes he knew who it was. He yelled:
"Come here!"
Before he finished his sentence both leaders were in front of him. Eden stood at the side looking at the scene silently. Shaotian asked:
"Were you ordering us?"
"Are you the ones who tossed me on stage?"
"We are."
The man took a few steps back waving his hand and incanted:
"Roles are transposed for those who opposed."
He felt like the two magicians looked down on him. They had this overbearing aura like they are better than him. He can use charm too to seem stronger than he is but he doesn’t have to since he is actually strong. Let’s see how they like it when they become the size of a dog and he’s the one doing the tossing. Before the energy hit them Eden stood before them and it bounced back. It hit the man and he flew to the other side of the stage. He cried in pain when his head hit the ground, before he could wonder what happened he started to shrink rapidly.
The leaders looked at each other than at Eden. The auctioneer became furious, what kind of cowards go two against one? He has the most reputable Nexus auction house and most importantly they are live. He can’t have people think they can do what they want in his auction house. He worked hard to get where he is. He yelled:
"Security toss them out."
Before they could Shaoren took off his mask and so did Shaotian. Shaoren had a chiseled jawline and his almond grey eyes were shining with anger. His hair was wavy and dark. He had a well-set straight nose and full lips. Shaotian was identical except for his eyes who were a lighter grey. Everyone immediately knelt and look down their body trembling in fear. Shaoren looked at the crowd and when he saw that Huang hadn’t knelt like the rest he looked at him. Huang knelt and looked down.
It infuriates him that he has to bow to those fools but at least his plan worked. They are sure to buy Eden. The fact that Eden stood before them to protect them will make them even more determined to do so. He finds it funny that a stupid Nexus think he can protect two Guardians. He almost had to intervene in case something happened to Eden but thankfully one of the leaders did.
Eden looked at Shaoren and Shaotian wide-eyed. He finally understood why he’s been feeling so angry since he is in this universe. His eyes involuntarily moistened when he pictured their death again. Since the previous universe, he thought that Gege wasn’t someone who was in all his past lives. The biggest reason is that they always had no dealing with each other but now he knows that he was. In this universe he did or most accurately they did everything to protect and save him.
When Huang used the command spell Eden told the twins to leave but they refused. Shaotian and Shaoren stayed using spells and incantations to try to save him. Eden begged them to leave but they sealed their surrounding until they all died, they did everything to save him. In this universe, Gege was at his side and took care of him until the last second of his life. He felt angrier at the twins’ death than his and now he knows why. They died because he was used as a destruction tool, he is going to make them pay even more.
What he doesn’t understand now is what happened to Gege. How could he become stronger than whoever turned all his lives into nightmares? The fact that he can evade Versem proves it. Eden closed his eyes and decided to focus on one task at a time. Shaotian faced him and asked:
"Are you okay?"
Eden opened his eyes and knelt after taking a step backward. Gege or not they are Guardians and they are filmed live in the realm. Right now no one knows his identity so he’ll behave like a regular Nexus.
Shaotian helped him stand up. Shaoren ordered in his cold voice:
"Stand."
Everyone stood up. When they saw Shaoren’s eyes they knew they were screwed.
"Aren’t you all Magicians because of the Nexus? Without them, you would be human and this is how you treat them? Enjoy those days ahead because this will all come to an end soon."
Eden looked at Shaoren, if he wasn’t the reincarnation of Yintang he would be dead right now. All his power was suffocating the room to the point where all the Nexus had to be escorted out because they couldn’t breathe.
He felt a pinch in his stomach seeing him like that. One of the biggest reasons Huang and Jian Yifeng didn’t want the twins as leaders is because they believed that the Nexus should be treated the same as magicians. They were a few days away from passing laws for equal rights before they died. Once Yifeng and Huang became leaders the Nexus were treated worst and their children Tianlin and Minglan only followed that same route. This is why they were only worshipped by the magicians. They are more Nexus than there are Magicians and Eden is going to use that to his advantage.
He took a step forward and held Shaoren’s hand. Shaoren looked into his gold eyes and felt the pressure in his heart calm down. His power faded because of it, magicians’ power is linked to their emotions. Shaotian looked at his friend A-Xuan.
"Take care of the heckler and the auctioneer."
A-Xuan nodded and left with a few magicians. He held Eden’s other hand and they left. Shaoren opened the car door and Eden entered. Once they were all sitting it left.
Shaotian pulled Eden in the middle of them and asked caressing his head:
"Are you okay?"
Eden nodded with a smile, he looked at Shaoren who still seemed upset. He laced their hands again and asked:
"Why are you angry?"
Shaoren looked at their intertwined hands then Eden. He ordered cold-eyed:
"Don’t stand in front of us ever again."
He felt that he had been too rough on Eden so he added:
"You could’ve died."
Eden nodded with a smile. He wouldn’t usually lie to Gege unless he had to but this time he did. There’s no way in hell he’ll let his babies die again. He felt Shaoren relax slightly. He was satisfied, Shaoren is the opposite of Shaotian he always put on a cold front but he isn’t like that. Eden grabbed Shaotian’s hand and leaned his head on SHaoren’s shoulder. He closed his eyes and fell asleep.
When Huang arrived home Tianlin immediately asked:
"Did everything go as planned?"
Huang answered with a haughty smile:
"Of course it did. I told you those stupid twins would feel sorry for him and take him in."
He always felt that two 27 years olds were too young to be the leaders of the Order of the GE and he was right. They fell for his plan so easily. When he thinks about the change they want to bring when it comes to the Nexus he shudders in disgust. Nexus are beneath magicians and they will always be. He feels like they already gave them way more than they deserve.
He’ll talk to Yifeng about the next phase of the plan. He feels like his daughter Minglan will be useful. Everyone knows how spoiled she is by not only his father but the twins. They’ve known each other since they were kids so it’s not surprising.
Tianlin smiled excitedly.
"Did you ask the leaders to train me for the GE Trial?"
Even if he hates them more than anything he has to admit that the twins are indeed powerful. Their help would be valuable for the competition.
"Not yet I need to talk to Yifeng first."
"Why are you even working with him when Eden is under our control."
Huang threatened:
"I know what I’m doing don’t question me again. Do you understand?"
Tianlin looked down.
"I do father."
"I’ll tell the twins to train you and Minglan together. You need to work together if you both want to enter the Order of the GE. She’ll be helpful to us because of her clause connection to the twins. Once we don’t need them anymore we’ll get rid of them."
Hearing that Tianlin smiled, he hates Minglan that spoiled brat but he’ll pretend if it means entering the order and killing her at the end.
"We’ll find out everything we need to know to destroy the twins tomorrow once I give Eden a command spell. Then the Order of the Guardian of Equilibrium will be ours."
They smiled excitedly for the next day to come.
Eden woke up in the middle of the night. He looked around and saw that he was in a spacious bedroom. He used Versem to see where he was exactly and saw that he was in the main house of the Wang estate. He smiled, he thought the twins would put him in the other house for the staff. He stood up and after stretching he decided to get to work. He needs to break the spell from Huang or he’ll still have control over him.
He looked around but couldn’t see anything he needs. Thank Goddess above I have Versem. Eden pulled out 10 candles and a sharp knife. He put the candles into a large circle. He took the knife and after cutting the palm off his hand he traced a circle in blood behind the candles. Once the spell is broken he’ll need to awaken his magic which will be loud and will probably disturb the whole mansion.
He needs to make sure no one stops the ritual, it will already hurt like hell he doesn’t want to do it twice. He is forcing something that isn’t supposed to happen for a while this is why it will hurt. Once the circle was closed the blood started to shine like fire. Eden took a seat in the middle. He crossed his legs and said:
"Light the night."
All the candles lit up.
Eden closed his eyes and incanted:
"From puppet to master I turn he’ll only think I am until the final burn."
Eden’s head fell backward and a dark cloud came out of his mouth. He felt his core being destroyed and being born again. It hurt like hell but Eden stayed silent, he was only breathing loudly.
He needs to start over to make sure that there’s nothing left from Huang. Once his core was formed again Eden opened his eyes. The worst part is over. Let’s get to the fun part. He closed his eyes and said:
"I call on the spirit of my previous life to help."
The candle blew away and the entire room became cold. Eden felt a presence but he still kept his eyes closed.
"I need to receive my powers now."
A foreign voice asked:
"What has happened?"
Eden answered:
"Many of the Guardians abuse their power and the Nexus are treated like slaves."
Eden felt the room then the house tremble. He felt a huge amount of power pouring in. He fell backward and his body started to levitate.
Shaoren woke up and disappeared into his brother’s room. He was already up he grabbed his wrist and they disappeared inside Eden’s room. They looked at him wide-eyed. They could tell that he was channeling something into his body. They took a step forward but they hit the protective field. All they could do is wait since Eden used a blood field.
When the door opened the twins looked at the door. Nansheng looked at Eden shocked. He asked frightened:
"What’s wrong with him?"
Shaotian caressed his head and answered:
"He’s okay the ritual will end soon. Stay at the door and make sure no one disturbs."
Nansheng nodded and left.
After 10 minutes Eden’s body fell slowly to the ground. He opened his eyes and let out a breath. He finally felt complete like this is how he was always supposed to be. He stood up and opened his hand. A white ball of energy hovered above his hand, it made him feel good. He closed his hand and it disappeared. He opened his hand again and another ball appeared, but this time it was dark.
That feeling was a thousand times better than the one he had before. He tossed the ball in the air with a vicious smile. Black magic is way more his speed than white magic. When it fell back above his hand he closed it and said:
"This is going to be so much fun."
Shaoren and Shaotian looked at Eden with narrowed eyes.
