**Loki POV**
(The day has finally come, the day when I will take my first step as a Prince of the Zoval Empire. No matter how much I train I can't get my potential to rise any further. Have I hit a wall?)
Loki shook his head and looked at his reflection in the mirror. That trademark silver hair which normally would be seen as long for a young boy was tied back as a precaution, his amber like eyes were shimmering from anticipation mixed with slight fear. After all every first hunt would end with stats and level being measured and distributed throughout the Palace. It wouldn't take any struggle at all for the Crown Prince to find out the would be result. There was a light armor that had the appearance of leather though on the chest portion there was a glowing rune, proving that this piece of armor was an artifact.
The hunt itself would last for an entire week with it also serving as a chance to develop some actual combat experience to a degree. That would be under the assumption that those there to protect the actor of the hunt, would be fine without needing to prepare every kill for himself. Loki collected himself once more as he left his chambers and was greeted by Vice-Captain Mekkla, Simon leader of the Dawnbringers, and Jirai the leader of the men sent by the Nibulg Family.
Mekkla was the first to speak up among the three leaders. "Prince Loki, I shall ensure that no harm befalls you during this hunt. In consideration of the recent attempt every member of this hunting party has received a temporary curse. If any of us are to harm you we will have our souls burnt to ashes by aphysical flames." Loki's surprise was clear to see from his open mouth that was practically inviting flies to enter.
Simon was scratching his cheek as he cleared his throat which finally allowed Loki to close his mouth. "Of course we are receiving sufficient compensation for this as well, but feel free to leave weakening the prey to us Dawnbringers and the rest of the hunting party. Ah, right this one is called Simon, Your Highness." Simon's relaxed way of speaking which was just on the border of being socially acceptable proved to be quite soothing. The leader of the Dawnbringers sported rather defined muscles almost looking like a bear with red hair sitting on his head along with a goatee. He appeared as if he was in his mid thirties which was mostly accurate or so he would claim having been a commoner from birth that normally wouldn't have engaged with high society.
Jirai gave a deep bow once Loki had turned to look at him after Simon. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you Prince Loki. My name is Jirai Nibulg, I have heard that Your Higness has come up with some novel ideas, I'd love to discuss any that might be related to the seas if you don't mind." For a few seconds Loki had looked genuinely confused until he remembered that time he had talked with Sebas about a port town and some issues it faced.
(Wasn't that like two years ago? I still had some better idea of what I had learnt in my past life. I think I managed to explain a rough idea of buoyancy to start with? Wait a second .... Wasn't there also a report recently about nobles skimming cuts during the creation of a prototype metal ship?)
This time Loki had an eye that was seen twitching slightly as the memory came back to him and Jirai gave a fond smile. "So it really wasn't research from the ancient ages. Oh don't worry Your Highness I won't tell anyone else though in exchange I hope you won't mind if I have my daughter attend said meetings." That request and assurance had been whispered for Loki alone to hear and it didn't take long for him to realize how messy things have gotten with the Nibulg family. Jirai himself was sporting cyan hair and is the son of the man who was the spare for the current Nibulg Patriarch. Originally Jirai wasn't supposed to be sent to lead the troops though his father had called in favors to force it through.
(Not only am I in a struggle for the throne, now I'm getting involved in the power struggle of the Nibulg Family aren't I? I don't even remember much in full detail! How did those plain bastards ever remember the exact theory of things like steam engines anyways? Why couldn't I get that convenient type of power?)
Eventually with no small amount of coaxing the three managed to get the agonizing Prince into a carriage and the ride itself had actually been an hour or two during which Loki had gotten some sleep worn in out in a mental sense. It was only once they had arrived that Loki had been woken up and had his eyes wide open, practically sparkling at how these woods seemed to be brimming with vitality. There was a protective multi-layered circle of human walls around Loki especially when three goblins were detected. In a quick fashion all three goblins had been captured and tied to trees in a rather tight manner that they might suffocate in half an hour if left alone.
"Your Highness, please take your time when killing these goblins. I'm certain I don't need to give you this reminder, but it is best to ensure it is heard once more." Mekkla had a stern expression on his face as he locked eyes with Loki. "A person's first level up and sometimes second, third or even fourth level up can result in great changes within the body. It will likely cause symptoms such as nausea, headaches, and phantom pain. The last thing you want to do is level up multiple times at once early on, it has proved fatal at times even with am ordinary class and potential."
The status system was full of mysteries just like the film over the world that generates monsters. Things like those symptoms,regarding a massive increase in stats or being unfamiliar with the influence of the Status system on the body has been judged as the general cause. It was also the reason why only hunters, soldiers, nobles or those employed by nobles or in Imperial employ possessed levels.
Looking at the goblins who were struggling against their bindings Loki swallowed down a mouthful of saliva in an attempt to quench his throat which was feeling parched. They were monsters, but don't they also have their loved ones? They are still alive ...
Just as he was about to be consumed by those types of thoughts Simon had placed a hand on Loki's shoulder. "Your Highness, may I tell you the story of a rookie adventurer?"
(A rookie adventurer? At a time like this? Why? I suppose it wouldn't hurt to hear.)
After seeing Loki nod, Simon took a breath as he began to tell this story. "There once was a young kid who had just learned how to swing a sword and was registered as an adventurer. He imagined all the monsters he would kill and set out for the nearby woods. He encountered a goblin and was just about to finish it off when some younger goblins appeared looking as if they were about to cry."
(He is talking about himself isn't he? Why aren't the other members of his team being mentioned then?)
"The boy decided to spare the goblin simply cutting off an ear and even bandaging it himself. The boy continued on for a year and eventually lost his aversion to killing monsters. He came back from a mission to hunt down a group of Orcs and when he came back to his village it was up in flames, men dead along the streets and the screams of women being heard everywhere. Leading the goblins, was one that only had a single ear." Simon had a forlorn look on his face as he pressed his other hand against a scar he had just under his right eye. "The boy recognized the goblin and almost lost his eye from the shock of it all, he then killed every last goblin being hailed as a hero of the village. He left the village in shame vowing to never trust a monster again. Monsters have a much better memory and hold a grudge more than you might believe, if you set out to kill monsters you must kill all that see it."
Loki stood stock still in silence at the story which sounded like it came from the heart turning to look up at Simon and giving him a firm nod. "Thank you, I'm fine now. I'll do what I must as a Prince of the Zoval Empire!" That declaration ringing out and his eyes full of determination Loki began gathering magic to use the C rank light spell, Spear of Light.