The training grounds of the palace. A huge, grey expanse of smooth, but rough, stone floor, made of granite. Not slippery, no, that would be very dangerous! It’s a wonderfully large and perfectly designed area, built for its very purpose. But unfortunately, neither the training ground nor its architect is our main character. Our main character is currently on the training grounds, doing, well, training.

We come to Yoo Joonghyuk training hard. What a sight to see it is, too. A furious slashing so quick we are unable to see even the brown of the wooden sword, and although we know he will only be better as he grows up, we still admire his current ability. His thick eyebrows are furrowed in concentration. Those creases on his brow will definitely ruin his face as he grows up. He should frown less, and flaunt his pretty face more often. His dark, brown eyes are firm, glinting gold in the sunlight, and his mouth is pressed into a thin line. We can see that he is irritated by something. Perhaps it is because of us? Then we must—

‘Shut up, Lee Kumwon.’ Yoo Joonghyuk practically snarls, not losing his focus for even a millisecond.

Lee Kumwon sighs. ‘Oh, come on, Joonghyuk-ya, don’t tell me it wasn’t funny.’ He walks up close to the other boy despite his continuous slashing. He knows that Yoo Joonghyuk was annoyed by his teasing despite his only reaction being the slight clench of his jaw, the habit unnoticeable to all except for those who knew to look for it. After all, he always looks annoyed.

Now, normally, people would think that whoever walks even close to a person practicing swordplay crazy, especially while it was Yoo Joonghyuk, the ten year old prodigy known for his stubborn endurance, but Lee Kumwon was an exception. He could copy and understand people’s movements efficiently, and, well, Yoo Joonghyuk had amazing control at everything he did. Also, Lee Kumwon had a weird (but not unfounded) belief that Yoo Joonghyuk would not hurt him.

‘Wanna duel?’ he chirps, slinging an arm around Yoo Joonghyuk’s shoulder as the other brings his sword to an abrupt halt. Yoo Joonghyuk mutters something under his breath, irritated. ‘Whatcha say? I didn’t hear you!’

‘The only person who dares to talk informally to me is you.’ Yoo Joonghyuk repeats.

‘Aw, come on, it’s not against the law or something—and I’m older than you!’ was the other’s response.

Yoo Joonghyuk simply glares back. And I am of higher status. —what sort of argument is that? is what his face clearly said.

‘Oh, leave this stupid squabble. I’ll grab a sword, you wait here okay? I’m serious, let’s spar a bit.’ Lee Kumwon says, exasperatedly, as if Yoo Joonghyuk were the one being difficult. Merely grunting in reply, he watches Kumwon dash towards the training weapons closet on the other side of the grounds. ‘Fool.’ He grumbles, but no one was there to see his soft expression. God help him if Lee Kumwon sees it, because it’ll be the end of Yoo Joonghyuk.

…

Their days weren’t always this cheerful. In fact, these were the best times of their daily lives, the quiet, early mornings and afternoons, the times when innocence seemed to reign over their hidden problems... then evening would come and their façade of peace would fall faster than gravity could ever pull anything down.

Their world was one where some people have special abilities, called Isual. This is decided since birth, when the children develop their eye colours: one different from the other. This occurs because of the recessive gene passed through humans since they mingled with faeren hundreds of years ago. Nowadays it is highly discouraged for intermarriage between the two races as survival of the child is rare, however, it is not uncommon, and they remain allies and on friendly terms. This does not mean that interracial disharmony does not exist.

Usually, people don’t realise the full extent of their ability throughout their entire lifetime, as it is difficult to discern its true form. If the individual chooses to hide or not work on reaching their ability’s full potential, well, it is their choice. Ability users often name their abilities upon witnessing them for the first time, but they change it later if necessary.

Lee Kumwon has a blue eye and a brown one. He calls his ‘Copycat’, referencing his ability to copy anything anyone has done in front of him, even if he is physically unable to do it before.

Yoo Joonghyuk has a golden eye and his other is black, and he named his ability ‘Excellence’.

He is the Prince of Excellence with the weight of being the prided Heir to the throne, with his ability to be perfect in all his actions.

Thanks to the deranged reputation of his father, he is also feared and respected. His Father—

Quick footsteps, accompanied by heavy panting interrupt his train of thought.

Think of the devil, and he shall call.