**(Arthur's Point of View)**
The weeks passed in a blur. My new routine felt like an unending storm. In the mornings, I would train with Ren in the forests surrounding **Northwood**, honing my Stealth and Gale Step abilities. Ren was a merciless teacher. He wouldn't let me rest. I had to merge with the shadows, move without a sound, and leap from tree to tree without stirring a single branch. Every time I failed, his sword would touch my neck, reminding me that a single mistake could mean death.
"You think too much," he said one morning after I failed an exercise. "Don't just use your brain. Make your body instinct."
At night, I returned to the **Mercenary Guild** and took on quests. I didn't pick just any mission. I chose the most difficult, the most dangerous ones. Monster slaying, infiltrating bandit dens, rescuing hostages. I completed them with a speed that left Kael and the other mercenaries stunned.
Within weeks, my name had become a legend among the mercenaries. They didn't call me Hurta Volir. They called me **Quest Lightning**. I only needed a few minutes to finish quests that would take others hours. I grew wealthy, but gold was no longer my goal. My purpose was to grow stronger, as fast as possible.
I knew our time was short. Mordred had given Erlic a month. That meant I only had a few weeks left to prepare. I had to become stronger, much stronger.
Then, one day, a new quest appeared. It was posted on the highest-rank quest board, and no one dared to take it. The mission was to eradicate a demonic cult hiding in a remote cave on the outskirts of **Valoria**.
"Sir Hurta, are you sure about this?" Kael asked, his tone uncharacteristically serious this time. "This is not a solo quest. Demonic Cults are extremely dangerous."
"I'll take it," I replied.
Suddenly, a burly man with a dragon tattoo on his arm stepped forward. "I'll join," he said. "Name's Zord. I won't let a kid dubbed Quest Lightning die meaninglessly."
A woman with fiery red hair and sharp eyes, clad in tight leathers, also stepped forward. "I'm Luna. I'll join too. I never miss a good show."
I nodded. I had a team. This was a mission that would test my abilities.
**(Battle in the Cave)**
We arrived at the mouth of the cave. The air felt heavy, saturated with a dark aura. Zord, the Berserker, led the way, his greatsword in hand. Luna, the Ranger, took up a position at the rear, her bow ready. I stood in the middle, my sword drawn, ready to fight.
We were met by a group of cultists. They wore black robes and held blood-stained daggers. The battle began.
Zord cleaved through with his greatsword, shattering enemies like falling trees. Luna fired arrows with lightning speed, piercing through skulls. I used Gale Step to move between them, slashing throats and piercing hearts with lethal precision. I was like a ghost. Within seconds, a dozen enemies lay dead.
However, amidst the fighting, a hoarse laugh cut through the darkness. An old man emerged from deep within the cave. His eyes glowed with a violet light. His face was gaunt, adorned with strange tattoos. He was Zagan, an elder of the demonic cult.
"Welcome, heroes," he said, his voice like a demon's whisper. "You may kill my underlings, but you cannot kill me."
Zagan moved his hands, and strange illusions began to manifest. Zord became trapped in one, swinging his sword at his own allies. Luna, who tried to attack Zagan, suddenly found her arrows reversing direction, aiming for her own eyes.
I used Blink to close the distance to Zagan. I tried to slash his throat, but he was faster. He touched my arm, and I felt a cold energy gnawing at me. The pain was unbearable, not physical, but something that pierced my mental defenses.
I retreated, gasping for air. Zagan laughed. "You are no match for me, boy. Your power is nothing before mine."
I knew I had to end this fight quickly. I activated **Overdrive**, and my eyes flared. I used Gale Step to move, floating like the wind, and attacked Zagan. I manipulated the energy around me, forming a **Gale Cutter** that shot toward him. He deflected it easily. I tried to manipulate the water in the cave, forming a **Permafrost Thorn** and hurling it. He shattered it with a wave of his hand.
I knew the only way to fight him was to combine everything I'd learned. I activated Dual Wielding, gripping both my swords and channeling my Qi to enhance my strength. The two blades spun around me, creating an unstoppable slashing storm. I pressed the attack on Zagan, forcing him on the defensive. I couldn't defeat him, but I could hurt him. I activated **Body Reinforcement** to its maximum, and a faint golden light enveloped me.
We clashed in a flurry of blades and magic. I slashed, he parried. I thrust, he countered with spells. I knew I couldn't win. Every blow he blocked sent shudders through my body. He was a demon, and I was merely human.
I tried one last attack. I used Blink, appearing behind him, and tried to decapitate him. But he knew. He turned and deflected my strike.
"You're too predictable," he said.
He used his dark energy-infused hand to stab into my abdomen. An excruciating pain shot through me. I fell, my sword slipping from my grasp. Blood flooded my body.
"Farewell, hero," he said, raising his hand for the final blow.
**(Ren's Point of View)**
I watched everything from behind a tree. I knew this would happen. Zagan was an enemy far beyond Arthur's current rank. I knew he would lose. I knew he would die.
I teleported, appearing beside Arthur, and deflected Zagan's final attack with my bare hand. The force made my arm tremble, but I held firm. I stared coldly at Zagan.
"Step back," I said.
Zagan sneered. "You wish to die too, Assassin?"
I didn't answer. I had no time for a fight. I assessed Zagan as too powerful, and my primary objective was to protect Arthur. With a swift motion, I produced three small teleportation scrolls from within my robe. I forcefully slapped them onto the backs of Arthur, Zord, and Luna.
"Dammit," Zagan spat, realizing what was about to happen.
In a flash of light, the three of us vanished. Zagan could only scream in frustration into the dark cave.
**(Arthur's Point of View Continued)**
I opened my eyes, but darkness enveloped me. My body felt heavy, and indescribable pain stabbed through my gut. I was back at the **Mercenary Guild** clinic. Kael was shouting for a healer. Mercenaries gathered, staring at me, Zord, and Luna lying dying on cots.
My blood flowed from the deep wound. I felt my life slowly fading. I tried to speak, but no sound came out. My vision blurred, and my eyes felt heavy.
I lost consciousness.
**(Mordred's Point of View)**
Several days later, in the palace of the capital, the echo of my footsteps bounced off the marble floors. I sat on the throne, my face impassive. Yet, the anger in my heart burned like hellfire.
I had just received a message from my envoy at the border. The **Ethereal Kingdom**, retaliating for the trade taxes I had imposed, had officially declared war.
"Damn them!" I roared.
General Orlik, one of my strongest generals, stepped forward. "My Lord, what are your orders? Their forces are already on the move."
"I don't care," I said. "Our top priority is crushing Erlic's rebellion. Once we dispose of that traitor, we will destroy the Ethereal Kingdom."
Suddenly, a thin man with cunning eyes, **Count Darian**, stepped forward. He was my most dangerous and most trusted advisor.
"My Lord," he said in a deceptively soft voice. "Do not delay General Erlic's execution. Make him our tool."
I looked at him, eyebrows raised. "Explain."
"Send him to the front lines, My Lord," Darian whispered. "Give him our best unit—the one filled with the youngest, most fervent, and most loyal of his former troops—and send him to the battlefield. Let him lead, as if he were a hero. If he dies in battle, he dies a fallen hero, not an executed traitor. If he wins, the victory is ours. If he loses, we can blame him for the failure. Most importantly, if he dies, we rid ourselves of the traitor without staining our own hands. It is a win for us, no matter the outcome."
A thin smile spread across my face. It was deviously perfect.
"Summon General Erlic!" I commanded. "I have a mission for him."
**(Arthur's Point of View Continued)**
After days of unconsciousness, I awoke. The wound in my stomach still throbbed, and my vision was blurry. I tried to speak, but no sound emerged. Suddenly, a voice boomed within my mind.
"Arthur."
I was in a strange place. Not the guild. I was in a void, with stars twinkling around me. The majestic figure who had met me in Jakarta, **Remiel**, now stood before me.
"Remiel," I whispered.
"You have proven yourself," he said, his voice filled with power. "You fought to your last breath. You are the hero I envisioned."
A golden light enveloped my hands.
"You shall receive my blessing. Use it to protect yourself and the innocent."
A blinding flash, and I was conscious again. I could feel my pulse and the flow of blood in my veins. My stomach still ached, and my vision was blurry. I realized the wound on my abdomen was completely healed. I sat up, and Kael stared at me with wide eyes.
"You were... dying. How..." he mumbled.
I just smiled. I looked towards the dark shadow in the corner of the room. Ren stood there, nodding at me. I knew he had seen everything. We had a new secret.
I was discharged from the Guild clinic. The wound in my stomach was completely healed thanks to Remiel's blessing, and I could move as usual. Yet, it felt different. My power felt more whole, and I could sense the energy around me more clearly. This was a gift from Remiel, and I would not waste it.
Now, I returned to my normal routine. Training sessions with Ren. Quests at the Guild. And, of course, **Cici**.
That night, after a full day of training, I returned to our small house. The cold air wrapped around Northwood, and the scent of burning wood wafted from every chimney. I saw Cici sitting by the window, reading a book. Her face lit up when she saw me.
"Young Master," she said, rising and hugging me tightly. "I was so worried."
I returned her embrace, inhaling the scent of her wildflower-like hair. "I'm fine, Cici. You know I would never leave you."
We had dinner together, and the atmosphere was warm. Yet, as we talked, I sensed something. An aura outside. An aura familiar to me. It was the same presence I had felt when I first arrived in Valoria. Dark, calm, and emitting no malicious intent.
I ignored it. Somehow, I felt this presence wasn't a threat. I knew something was watching me, but I felt it wasn't an enemy.
**(Shadow Eel's Point of View)**
From the roof across the street, I watched Arthur. I had been observing him for days since his injury. I saw him struggle, and I saw his strength. He was indeed worthy of being The Lost Prince. But he also had a weakness, a feeling I had long forgotten. Warmth.
I watched him with Cici, the maid he had protected since childhood. I saw how he smiled, how he laughed, and how he looked at her. This was something my people, assassins who knew only cruelty and darkness, never had.
Tonight, I decided to observe him closer. I leaped from roof to roof, slipped into a dark alley, and approached his house. I saw them sitting at the table, having dinner together. I saw how they interacted. It felt strange, like watching something I shouldn't see.
**(Arthur's Point of View Continued)**
After dinner, we sat by the fireplace. The fire danced, reflecting light on Cici's face. Her eyes shimmered, and she smiled. Her hand touched mine, and her touch felt soft.
"Young Master," she whispered. "May I call you... Arthur?"
I smiled. "Of course, Cici."
"I missed you," she said, and she kissed me.
We both stood and walked to the bedroom. I knew what would happen. I couldn't restrain myself. I felt my passion and love for Cici. I had lost her once, and I would never let her go again.
As we entered the room, I felt the presence outside again. But this time, I didn't ignore it. I didn't want anyone else to hear what would happen between us.
I raised my hand, manipulated my Qi, and activated an ability I had been developing.
With a wave of my hand, an **invisible barrier** enveloped our room. I knew now no one could hear us, not even the auntie next door.
I looked at Cici. Her eyes sparkled. We didn't speak, only looked at each other, letting our feelings do the talking. That night, we were two people who had found heaven amidst the storm.
**(Shadow Eel's Point of View Continued)**
I saw the light in their room go out. I heard muffled sounds. I couldn't make out what they were saying, but I could sense the aura of passion and love. I felt strange, like I was witnessing something I wasn't supposed to see.
**(Continued)**
Days passed, and I kept watching them. Every night, I saw the same thing: warmth, laughter, and affection. I saw Arthur, a prince who should be cold and cruel, instead radiating a warmth that made my heart tremble.
Tonight, I was back on the roof. The wind blew fiercely, and I had to hold on tight. I peered into their room. I saw Arthur and Cici. I saw how Arthur smiled, how he caressed Cici, and how he treated her so gently.
My emotions overflowed. As a **Shadow Eel**, I was never allowed to feel anything. We were trained to be killing machines, without feelings, without emotions. But watching them, I felt... something. Something long lost.
My feelings surged, and I couldn't control them. I tried to focus my energy to maintain my grip on the roof, but my emotions were too strong. My hand slipped, and I fell. I landed awkwardly in their front yard, creating a loud noise that shattered the night's silence.
I panicked. I never made mistakes like this. I looked toward the window, and I knew they would see me.
The front door opened. Arthur stood there, his eyes wide. Cici stood behind him, her face filled with confusion and fear.
An awkward silence hung in the air. I stood there, in the darkness, soaked from the rain, with torn clothes and a dusty face. Arthur and Cici stared at me with questioning eyes.
**(Arthur's Point of View Continued)**
I stared at the drenched woman before me. She was the **Shadow Eel**. I didn't know her name, but I knew she was one of the best assassins. I saw her trembling, not from the cold, but from shame and emotion.
Suddenly, from the dark alley, a hoarse laugh broke the tension. **Ren** emerged from the shadows, walking casually with his hands in his pockets.
"You know, **Reyna**," he said, looking at the woman. "For a Shadow Eel, you're far too emotional."
The Shadow Eel's face flushed, whether from anger or embarrassment. She didn't answer. Ren looked at me, his cold eyes emitting a faint warmth.
"Arthur," he said. "Let me introduce you. This is **Reyna**, the **Shadow Eel**. She is one of the strongest assassins to ever exist. And she is my associate."
Shadow Eel—Reyna—looked at Ren, then at me, and finally at Cici, who stood behind me with curiosity.
"I came to offer my help," Reyna said, her voice hoarse. "I will help you reclaim the throne, but on one condition."
I looked at her suspiciously. "What condition?"
"**Free the Elf race from slavery in Valoria**," she answered. "They have suffered under Mordred's hand. We are too weak to free ourselves. But you... you are the promised Prince. If you take the throne, you can free them."
I nodded. "Of course. That is my goal."
Suddenly, the sound of running footsteps came from the distance. It was a boy from our intelligence network. He was panting and brought us the latest news.
"Sir Arthur, news!" he shouted. "General Erlic's execution... it's been postponed! The General has been sent to the battlefield with his **young troops**! They are to face the Ethereal Kingdom!"
"Young troops?" Ren frowned. "They're just being sent as cannon fodder."
I clenched my fist. The rumors might call it a heroic mission, but I knew the truth. It was a cunning move by Mordred. He wanted to kill Erlic without dirtying his own hands with a public execution. It was a plan to eliminate Erlic and his loyalists all in one stroke.
"So... we move now?" Reyna asked, her voice full of anticipation.
"Don't be hasty," Ren said, his tone serious. "Let's discuss this."
The three of us went inside, leaving Cici still standing by the door. I looked at her. I knew tonight was supposed to be for us, but fate had called. I saw her sigh, a faint disappointment flashing in her eyes, but she quickly hid it and looked at me with full support. I gave her a faint smile and went inside.
By the fireplace, Ren took charge of the conversation. "The Ethereal Kingdom is known for its **mage troops**. They excel in long-range attacks and magical traps. Erlic's forces, on the other hand, are knights and soldiers; they excel in close combat."
"And Mordred sent Erlic to a region full of **cliffs and ravines**," added Reyna. "A battlefield dominated by mages. This isn't a suicide mission; it's a planned execution. Erlic's troops will be pinned down and destroyed before they can even get close to the enemy."
I felt my heart pound. A burning anger rose within me. "We have to act. We can intervene."
Ren shook his head. "No, we can't. There are only three of us, Arthur. We are a needle, not a sword. This war will involve thousands. No matter how strong we are, we cannot change its destiny."
Reyna nodded in agreement. "Besides, you're no longer a common fugitive. Mordred may have forgotten you for now, but secret organizations all across Valoria are watching you. Any move we make will draw their attention. If we misstep, we'll be crushed before we even begin."
I fell silent. I felt helpless. All the plans, all the preparations... felt useless. I felt like a puppet that couldn't move. I clenched my fists in frustration.
"So... we can't do anything?" I asked.
Ren looked at me with an empty gaze. "Not for now. We must wait. This is a political game, and we must play it patiently."
I stood up and walked to the window. I looked out, gazing north, towards the battlefield. Erlic was there, facing his fate.
"We can't take the risk now," I said, my voice filled with despair. "I... I will **postpone the coup**."
I turned and looked at them.
"We have no choice. We can only hope General Erlic survives."