Arthur
Blake finally recovered from his treatment, his injuries weren't really deep, though that cut on the chest might take a little more time. Luckily, Lilia had the ability to heal which was a great asset. My injuries were only on the waist though medical treatment wasn't necessary here.
Lilia even scolded me for having a battle inside the household premises, it wasn't like we destroyed anything... Excluding Blake using his earth ability that cracked the ground, Plus the scattered stones throughout the premises. So l did what any gentleman would do, took responsibility by cleaning up.
Stones were scattered throughout so basic sweeping might take a long time to clear everything, so l came up with a simple solution. I pointed both my palm on the ground, my plan was simple, generating wind pressure that'll attract all the stones in one position, more like a magnet.
First, using divine energy to create an intense spiral movement then simultaneously using wind for the final touch. You must be wondering, "won't the wind not only attract the scattered stones but also everything else around the area?" It's a simple answer, really.
By creating a domain. Everything inside the domain would be at my command, easy enough. So l begun the process, stones flew at the centred wind spiral. It may look like what l'm doing is simply but, using your gift + domain drains quite a lot of energy. The cleaning process was complete... but there was a pile of stones. Where can l even throw away these stones?
Guess the maids in the household might make good use of it, like decorations the outside and turning it into a rock garden.
"Huh?" Then l gazed at the cracked ground, almost looks like something wants to come out. Well, my power can't fix this.
I was blessed with a certain gift, an elemental type—wind. Most basic troupe ability one can get, couldn't l receive summoning, shapeshifting, or even instant regeneration. Not going to lie but wind is a fascinating ability, you could literally do whatever l want like flying... Gosh! Something impossible.
I had several thoughts after reaching the age of seven and being blessed with a wind based gift, didn't mother have the same gift? A book l read about the history of gifts mentioned gifts being unique throughout the entire world, unless someone d—
"Master!" A voice called out.
I spotted Blake dashing at my direction, "you're up already? How are you feeling?"
"Feeling better than before," Blake responded with sparkling eyes, "thanks to that dual we had yesterday, l managed to understand my weakness. Though l'm still confused on what to do after, like what can l do to improve my skills and become even stronger?"
He didn't stutter, not even looking shy or trying to avoid eye contact, he's slowly growing up. " You've grown strong, Blake."
Blake had a puzzled face like l said something wrong, "no, no l'm not. I wasn't able to damage you not in the slightest, l'm so weak..." The boy begun tearing up.
Trust me when l say this but you're actually strong, even stronger than me. You just lack skills, yes, you can throw a punch or manipulate flying stones or even carrying heavy stuff using raw strength, your physique is top notch. It's like a body builder, the muscles are for show but put them in the arena and see how they'll lose to someone with thinking capacity.
I'm not saying the kid's dumb, all l'm saying is that the kid needs to stop fighting recklessly, he inputs so much emotions into battle which might degrade his thinking capacity.
I patted the boy's head, "you have potential, just keep positive thoughts. Always have a specific goal that will keep you going."
"M-master..."
Okay, now he's crying on my chest, someone stop him.
Glad he's doing alright, this lesson better be engraved in his mind forever and even pass down the lesson to kids, then his kids pass it down to their kids. I mean can't a man appreciate fame atleast once in his life time. The world is a small place, anything can happen, tomorrow isn't promised to anyone that's why it's best to enjoy everyday with your chin up.
"I hope you engrave those lessons in your head, Iris."
"Ack?! Since when did you notice me?"
My sensory skills have improved since the last time, though it's not something l'd use everytime because l'm flowing out divine energy like crazy. I need to find an alternative ASAP.
I finished cleaning and we all went inside the household, l could smell meat from miles away, yummy. This cleaning was exhausting and educating these kids took a huge toll, now l'm thirsty. After eating, l plan on reading books about how to improve your sensory skills without heavily relying on high consumption of divine energy, and using it recklessly. While inside the library, l might lean more on gifts and sword techniques.
Suddenly, l felt the air getting heavy, my body randomly shaking. Even the flow of divine energy was on a frenzy, everything around felt dark. I glanced at Iris and Blake who were dripping in sweat, what was going on? Attempting to release energy but it wouldn't obey my commands, this is bad! Something was behind me, something or someone had this ominous aura.
"Who might you be, young lad?"
I turned around and found a man holding a golden stick and wearing fancy clothing with a monocle on his right eye. The man had dark energy overflowing his entire body, it wasn't like divine energy which had a distinctive colour of yellow, this man's cage was dark and cold, almost empty.
"G..." It was difficult speaking, my body kept trembling. "Good morning..." I greeted as my eyes went pale.
"I don't recognise you, nonetheless, Good morning to you young lad. My name is Nelson S. Rivers."
****
Apparently, the man with a monocle was a very important visitor inside the Rivers household. Although from a different brunch, his presence in the household served a huge purpose. How strong must he have been to let out such ominous pressure? Either way l shouldn't mess with such people.
"What do you think they're talking about?" Iris whispered.
"Whoah... It isn't a good idea to peek on adults... Let's pretend we never saw them, alright?" Blake shot back with a weak voice.
Couldn't these two atleast keep quiet for a minute? I'm trying to stalk... I mean, find out. Vladimir and Neptune were sitting side by side with Nelson in the royal living room. They were chit chatting a serious topic judging by Vladimir's soften expression, Neptune was the loud one arguing while standing.
Things seemed to be escalating pretty fast, how was l listening to the conversation without them seeing me? Well actually, l hid behind the door.
"King Vladimir, you're aware of the families tradition about selecting a new King? Then why did you take such down turn decision into your own hands? Such traditions don't revolve around emotions, you of all people should know about it." Nelson said as he kept his chin high.
"No need to remind me, l'm fully aware about the situation. But still, Arthur has exceptional talent."
Hold up, why am l included in adult conversations. Let's recap my time spent inside the household, firstly, l've been really respective to my elders and the stuff, including Neptune... Sometimes. Secondly, l've been busy the entire day either studying or practicing swordplay and even learning how to control my gift.
Thirdly, l never caused trouble such as damaging property, yes, l know. Excluding yesterday's fight between Blake and me. Still, it never once amounted to entirely damaging stuff to the point it needed fixing. Fourth and final point, l never, not even once asked Vladimir for some cash. Which is the reason why my room doesn't have the esthetic feeling. There you see, l'm innocent.
"Sorry if it might be interrupting but... Who's this Arthur you're talking about? This fellow's name doesn't ring a bell."
"Earlier, you mentioned encountering a boy in blonde am l correct? That boy's name is Arthur."
"I see."
Vladimir explained that Arthur arrived in the household five years ago to save my mother from his wrath, stating that he belonged in the same lineage and Aisha was his daughter which made Arthur his grandson. The boy came from a not too far away land, but has exceptional talent that far surpasses anyone his age. He's intelligent, adaptive, and very keen on the environment. His intellect prove that he's ready to rule an entire bloodline on his back, making him suitable for the position.
Both Neptune and Nelson snapped after hearing Vladimir's explanation about my arrival, Nelson leaned forward, "just because the boy said his mother is Aisha necessarily means it's true without further explanation? He could be a spy for all we know."
Vladimir furrowed his brow rendering himself speechless. Nelson was right, if l were Vladimir why would l allow some punk who claims to be part of the family enter the household. Those were rational response.
"Why would l, King Vladimir the demon Slayer invite trouble?" Vladimir declared clutching his shirt tightly, "and for your explanation, l had Reid investigate everything about the boy and found out he truly belongs in the household."
What a save, thought l was on the losing side for a second. But wait... Reid really investigated, it's been four years since l last saw that guy.
"Sigh. I trust your judgement, my Lord. Yet l can't seem to comprehend that boy becoming the next ruler, it's like adopting a child and wanting him to replace the family. I'm not against your choice, my Lord, the problem is..."
"You don't trust him... It's only logical not too, feel no guilt."
For a moment, the tension between them eased. Until Neptune who'd been silent the whole time broke the short silence with a loud sigh.
"I object your decision! I'll never accept that runt as the newly King of the Rivers."
"Not now father! This has nothing to do with you, mind your own business."
"According to your logic on electing a new leader requires someone with high intelligence, exceptional talent, and top tier leadership... am l right?"
Neptune had a face of someone that knew they were winning a debate, he was piecing together and coming up with a logical conclusion. Even Vladimir's voice cracked as if feeling defeat, gazing on the floor with nothing to say. The series of questions seemed to be getting to him, overwhelmed without an answer.
Neptune continued with a nasty grin, "with your logic, why didn't you select Reid as the next King? He has all that punk has, even better than him."
Reid, a man who was known to be the top fighter in the entire Rivers household. Rumours say he's seconds to Vladimir in terms of strength.
"Alright!" Vladimir stomped the floor.
The next instant, the room felt gravitational force that pulled downwards, barely able to stand, l dropped on my knees. Everything around vibrated violently, Blake and Iris both cried their lungs out it echoed in my ears. This phenomenon was done by none other than Vladimir, activated by his fuelling rage. After a short period, it suddenly stopped.
"Pant... pant..." Such magnificent control on divine energy, it's almost surreal. "What crazy power..."
"Arthur!" Vladimir yelled, "inside, immediately."
Looks like our Ninja skills were caught red handed, my heart sank for second after that call. Without hesitation, l forced myself inside the room.
"Eh-eh-eh! What's up good people? Anything you need from Arthur the unknown." My voice was trembling that l even laughed while talking.
"Please, come and sit down."
"A-alright!"
They didn't explain anything to me, l bet they were aware of my presence the entire time. Anyway, Vladimir explained everything to me and let's... it was absurd.
****
"What the hell?!"
The elders in the room came with a nonsensical conclusion about my current position, which was about me becoming the next King of the Rivers household. But, they were conflicts among families that hadn't recognised my existence excluding Neptune and Vladimir. This type of issue might cause a major outbreak leading to more intensive war, rising inequality.
Short story, ever since Vladimir was elected King of the household he planned on bringing the dispersed names closer than before, and ending the 50,000 year bloodshed. It was his ultimate goal, something he solely wanted to accomplish.
And, after being King for twenty years he finally came with a perfect simulation. Rather than following the traditions of the next ruler being blood related, one needed to partake an Academy, and the one that reached the top with pure talent and accomplished a task given to them shall then become next ruler. After years of simulating, Vladimir just couldn't leave the position because he felt some were lucky or they weren't fit for the role.
Things took an ugly turn, struck rock bottom until my arrival.
Without hesitation, he saw the potential l carried, and wanted me to take the role.
Hm. Made sense how he always had sparkling eyes of joy everytime we crossed paths, and wanting to engage with me so badly and talk about Aisha or either his life growing up to a warrior. Though, l'd always ignore his annoying ass and go about my day. I'm aware he chose me because of my capabilities, but l can't shake this uneasiness... It's hard to explain what l'm feeling, if l had to describe in one word then it would have been "fear"
So, Vladimir concluded."I won't give you the title of King because of my emotions, l set rules and should be taken seriously."
"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked, feeling perplexed.
"What l'm saying is... the title of King should be earned not given out of appreciation or forms of connections."
Where was he getting, what's he trying to say? Atleast say something meaningful rather than telling me some shit ass riddle.
Vladimir stood up from his seat and went for the door, before he left, he turned my direction. "Remember the reason you came to this household, what was your purpose?"
I confidently spoke out. "To save mother from your ruthless act, and requested you to give me anything worth saving her."
"Good. Now l have a request for you..."
After five years, he's finally ready to say it. What happened to becoming King though? Guess that's destroyed because of these Fossils, can't a man rule nations for once in his lifetime.
"You'll attend the Rivers Academy, and your task is simple. Surpass all the students, aim for the top, become number one. Destroy all obstacles, after succeeding, you will officially become King. This is something l highly expect from you without an ounce of failure or disgrace just like your mother, try running away then your fate will be than her's. During this competition, it is realistic for a King to support family, but under these circumstances l cannot help you anymore."
"...."
"My connection with you ends here, but don't worry... you're still welcome to stay..."
He must think l'm stupid, rejecting someone close to you just because of some new rule you invented? That's hella nonsense, taking so long to tell me this and adding false hope is something a bad guy would do, betrayal, such brutal concept. And now you're trying to show hospitality after neglecting my presence.
Never thought of you to be such a guy influenced by a third party, what happened to the "l follow no rules" type of guy? Plus expecting so much from me, are they only viewing me as a boy with exceptional talent? What about viewing me as Arthur Rivers. I feel chained to freedom, controlled by those superior. Did people inferior feel that way for Ethan Carter?
Nonetheless, l have no choice... my words mean nothing at the moment, my voice can't even reach the heavens.
"Thank you for your hospitality, but you said it yourself." You rejected me. "But I'll be staying in a different place and manage finance on my own."
"Very well! Blake and Iris will follow your journey. Now prepare for departure, this won't be the last time we interact. Now be gone!" Vladimir concluded, his voice echoing with faint anger.
Today marked a day being locked out of the Rivers household, and l honestly didn't feel the slightest guilty for choosing this path. Oh well, l never thought the day would come that l had to go back to school, dear Lord. Sorry pals, Vladimir forced you guys to tag along with me. Guess l became a parent yet again... that means l've gotta find a job!
Hm. I wonder how you're hanging yourself out there, Ken. Really hoping to hear from you one day.