Unexpectedly, the tiny sprout began to wilt and dry out. Kieran immediately stood up, staring closely at the now-dead sprout, then turned his gaze to his own hand.

  "The power of death… It’s true. I really did unleash the power of death," Kieran thought to himself.

  Refocusing, Kieran looked at the remaining sprouts. He extended his hand toward one of them, preparing to channel the power of death once again.

  "Die," Kieran said with conviction.

  And just like before, the little sprout started to wither and dry up. Kieran was thrilled. The power of death was strong—stronger than he’d imagined. But why hadn’t it worked on the flowers earlier? That thought nagged at him. He turned to face one of the still-blooming flowers, raised his hand, and focused his mind.

  "Die," he said again.

  Nothing changed. The flower remained just as vibrant as before. Was there a limit to how he could use this power? Maybe so. Kieran pondered deeply—where there is death, there is also life. That is the natural order of all living beings. And the span of life is usually measured in age: infant, toddler, adolescent, adult, elder… and then death. That is the cycle of human life. Plants and animals follow a similar cycle.

  By using the power of death, Kieran was essentially forcing a living being to die, which meant he was draining its life energy. The small sprout had only just begun its life—it had little life energy. Meanwhile, the flower in full bloom had lived longer and possessed far more life energy. Finally, Kieran understood how his death power worked.

  Eagerly, he looked forward to mastering it. If he could control this power, he wouldn't have to stay trapped here much longer.

  "At last... my experiments are bearing fruit," Kieran thought joyfully, proud of his persistence.

  The sound of a bell rang in the distance, signaling that it was lunchtime. Kieran hurried to the front gate, where, as usual, Erick would be waiting to confirm his presence and hand him his lunch tray over the gate.

  "Erick, there's something I need," Kieran said.

  "Of course, Young Master. What would you like?" Erick asked. It was rare for the third young master to make any requests. The last time he had asked for something, it had been books about magic and magical technology. Since then, nothing.

  "Bring me a lot of plant sprouts, and some insects—like grasshoppers," Kieran said.

  "What!?" Erick blurted out, unable to contain his shock at such an odd request.

  "Forgive me, Young Master. I was just… surprised by your request," Erick quickly apologized, realizing his slip.

  "I don’t care. Just tell me—can you get them?" Kieran asked flatly.

  "Yes, Young Master. I’ll prepare them right away," Erick replied.

  "But… may I ask what you need them for?"

  Kieran didn’t answer immediately. He wasn’t sure what to say. One thing was certain—he couldn't reveal that he needed them to train his death power.

  This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  "I want to try gardening," Kieran finally said. It was a plausible excuse, considering he had asked for plant sprouts.

  "Very well, Young Master. I shall take my leave," Erick said, bowing respectfully before quickly going off to gather what Kieran had requested.

  Kieran sat down to eat his lunch at a relaxed pace, finishing it off with a glass of milk. He then walked toward the shady tree where he usually napped. Knowing it would take Erick a while to prepare everything, he decided to rest first. The gentle breeze and perfect weather made it hard to resist drowsiness—especially after eating. He knew it wasn’t healthy to sleep right after a meal… but once in a while wouldn’t hurt. Soon, he was fast asleep beneath the shade of the tree, lulled by the soft wind.

  Meanwhile, Erick searched for Butler Levan, since Kieran’s request would require funds. After a long search, he found out that Butler Levan was in the Grand Duke’s study. Nervous, Erick stared at the door, trying to calm himself. He reminded himself that the Grand Duke was a man, not a monster. Taking a deep breath, Erick knocked.

  Knock, knock, knock…

  "It’s Erick, servant of the third young master. I have a message for Butler Levan," he said, voice steady despite the cold sweat down his back.

  "Come in," Butler Levan’s voice replied from within.

  With permission granted, Erick carefully opened the door and stepped inside. He saw Butler Levan standing beside none other than His Grace, Grand Duke Lavoisier.

  "My respects, Your Grace. Greetings, Butler Levan," Erick said respectfully.

  "Speak. What is it?" Butler Levan ordered.

  "Your Grace, Butler Levan. The third young master requests a large quantity of plant sprouts and some insects, Your Grace."

  Austin and Levan went quiet, puzzled by the strange request. A year ago, he asked for books—now plants and bugs? This boy was certainly not like other children his age.

  "What does Kieran need those for?" Austin asked.

  "He said… he wants to try gardening, Your Grace," Erick replied.

  "Gardening?" Austin chuckled softly. His son was certainly… active.

  "Fulfill my third son’s request. Make sure the sprouts are of good quality, and give him only harmless insects," Austin ordered.

  "Understood, Your Grace," both Levan and Erick responded in unison.

  "Then we shall excuse ourselves to make the arrangements, Your Grace," Butler Levan said with a bow.

  Austin gave a small nod, and the two servants exited the room to prepare everything Kieran had requested.

  The sound of the bell stirred Kieran from his nap. He opened his eyes, stretched, and yawned. Getting to his feet, he walked toward the gate, where he heard Erick’s voice.

  "Young Master, I’ve brought what you requested," Erick called.

  "Good. Hand it over," Kieran replied.

  "Please step back a little from the gate, Young Master. There’s quite a lot," Erick said.

  Kieran took a few steps back. A moment later, a wooden cart floated over the gate and landed smoothly in front of him. It was filled with small pots containing plant sprouts, and several glass jars holding various insects. Kieran smiled—he finally had everything he needed to test his death power.

  "Have you received everything, Young Master? Is anything missing?" Erick asked.

  "This is good. Everything’s here. You may leave," Kieran replied.

  "Yes, Young Master. Then I shall take my leave." Erick bowed and headed back to the main mansion.

  Kieran pushed the cart to the mansion garden and began neatly arranging the plant pots. The insects he set aside on the terrace. Once everything was ready, he moved on to the next phase of his experiment—with insects.

  He opened one of the jars and took out a bug. Focusing his mind, he readied his power.

  "Die," Kieran whispered.

  Nothing happened. Just like the flower, the insect remained alive. But Kieran didn’t give up. He tried again and again. Then, on the final attempt, after he spoke the word "Die," a dark energy emerged from his hand, surrounding the insect. Startled, Kieran dropped it—but the black, smoke-like energy kept swirling around the insect until it was completely shrouded.

  Kieran watched in awe. Was this… the physical form of his death power?

  He had never seen it before. With the sprouts, there had been no smoke—just instant wilting. But now, this black smoke was devouring the insect. Slowly, it began to fade, revealing the now-lifeless, dried-up body.

  It seemed the creature’s life energy had been completely drained by the black smoke.