Amid the mountains of dead ants in the monster graveyard were three living people and one spirit.
Finn had started another bonfire after clearing some space off of the monster carcass.
It was lunchtime—or so they believed.
It was hard to tell just how much time had passed while they were inside the ant colony.
It may be half a day, a day, or two days…
Whether the competition had already ended or not, the three participants could not afford to think that their efforts to clear the dungeon might be in vain as being late in the awarding ceremony meant forfeiting any monetary rewards.
Finn asked the members to bring in any fresh corpse, to which Dame Nora and Deon reluctantly complied.
Scattered in the Midden, the members of the group fell silent. Each of them immersed in their own thoughts.
Mikael stuck close to his partner, whispering ceaselessly to convince Deon to reveal his identity.
"Kid. Don't you want to save them? All those people need you!"
"I know… But… Father told me not to reveal myself…" Deon mumbled under his breath as he waded through a pile of dead ants.
He knew.
His royal lineage was both a gift and a curse.
He could wield great authority. Any citizen of this kingdom would have no choice but to follow his will.
If he wanted to, he could order Finn to obey him.
He could tell them to do all the work while he sat back in a comfortable place, away from danger, and simply wait for results. Even now, he could refuse to do menial tasks in the name of royalty.
But this authority came with a heavy price.
The burden. The pressure that came with it was something that Deon always had trouble dealing with.
All monarchs are expected to do great things in exchange for the unwavering loyalty and respect that they receive.
Deon looked at his grimy hands. They were still so small, so fragile.
As a prince, he has the right to take charge of the people, holding their lives in the palm of his hand.
Every decision he makes will affect them—whether they live or die, the choice was his.
If he reveals his identity, their lives would be his responsibility.
But can he?
Can he truly save them?
Right now, is he more capable as 'Prince Deon' or as 'Spearman Deon'?
Deon was scared.
He was scared of tarnishing the reputation of his father, the king… scared of the responsibilities that would befall him should he assume his noble title.
"Uhmm… can't we…" Deon struggled to get the words out, knowing how Mikael would react, "just… solve this without telling them I'm a prince?"
"Why?" Mikael asked.
"Think about it, sir. What would change? Even if I tell them I'm a prince, the fact still remains that there's only three of us and we don't have the ability to save everyone." Deon reasoned.
Sigh.
Mikael was greatly disappointed by Deon's answer, "Really? Is that really why you refuse to reveal yourself? Because I think you're just making excuses. Didn't you just tell Finn that you have to save those people? Based on your tone back then, you didn't think your number was a problem. You're asking me what would change? A LOT, Deon. A lot will change. Look at the situation further and you'll find your answer."
Deon racked his brain, trying to see the picture that Mikael had drawn in his mind.
Suddenly, it occurred to him.
Indeed, their ultimate goal was to sweep the colony clean and for that, they need as many people as possible,
But would anyone follow a young boy, an amputated woman, and an unstable Almagi?
No.
No one would follow them.
People will move individually to escape from this hell hole and they will undoubtedly fail.
It's either they die in an encounter with a soldier ant or they die, unaware, as food for the ant queen.
Their only chance at survival would be to band together.
It was a well-known fact that the colony's strength came with their numbers and Deon knew they had to use that same tactic against them.
For that, the people needed someone to unite them. To control them. To instruct them.
Someone to obey without question to prevent feuds within the group.
Someone with authority.
Someone like a Prince.
Seeing the understanding dawn on his partner's face, Mikael asked, "Do you get it now?"
And he did.
Deon understood perfectly what Mikael wanted from him, but it only served to increase the pressure.
When his question was greeted with silence, Mikael pressed further.
"I know you're scared. But sooner or later, you WILL have to face them. Do you wish to be known as the cowardly prince forever?"
Deon vigorously shook his head.
Mikael continued, "No? then let me remind you. Being my partner means that you constantly have to save people and that requires reputation, Prince. Remember my title? The Apostle of Justice? You need to be like that—for those alive. As my name spreads in the realm of the dead, yours will spread in the realm of the living. Only then will people trust you with their problems and as you continue to produce results, they will reward you with good faith just as I am rewarded with good karma."
Indeed, Mikael was a persuasive speaker.
Despite his impure intentions, he managed to make it look noble.
He was only after the karma points, but his words tugged at the young Prince's heartstrings.
As Deon listened to him, his heart that shrunk due to pressure now swelled with desire-- To become the apostle of justice for the living and be known not as the useless and pathetic prince but as a great and capable leader.
"What should I do, Sir Mikael?" he asked, finally deciding to embrace his title and everything that came with it.
--Chapter end—