Eric stared at the blue System Window that had suddenly appeared in front of him, his heart still beating fast from the surprise. The happy feeling from discovering his new strength vanished, replaced by worry. Why had the System popped up without him asking?
Text appeared quickly on the screen.
[System]: Eric, be careful! Someone is hiding nearby. I can feel them.
Eric's eyes widened. Hiding nearby? Here, in the royal gardens? His first thought jumped to the legendary Royal Shadow Guards – protectors said to move unseen, guarding the King and the royal family.
But he quickly dismissed that idea. He'd heard stories that the Shadow Guards only operated outside the palace walls or directly for the King himself; they weren't supposed to be active inside the palace grounds like this, especially not watching him, the 'useless' prince.
