Rukelion ended up being able to test his skills on someone other than mercenaries for the first time three days into his trip with the merchants. A small group of bandits tried to assault the wagons while they were in transit but failed, unable to beat his quick reflexes and powerful sword moves. He took them down easily.
That was comforting. His first brush with being outnumbered had ended well. He would be outnumbered against his true enemy as well so he needed to know how to fight against groups.
Granted, by the time he took the royal palace by storm, he would be able to openly use his fire magic. Keeping his identity a secret wouldn't matter at that point.
He wanted everyone to know what he had done once he was in charge of this miserable country. That Rukelion Blaze, third prince of Katalya, had reclaimed his kingdom's lost honor and taken vengeance on everyone involved in its fall.
