.....
"Kael Sir, please come and join us for today's training," a guard called out.
"I've heard that the Dwargons are skilled in swordsmanship. Please come and train us," another Elf requested.
"I've heard stories of you defeating multiple Reapers at once. Please come and share your techniques with us," another Elf chimed in.
The Elves were quick to remark on Kael's presence as he passed by. His reputation within the Elvarin clan had skyrocketed, and everyone aspired to match his strength.
"Kael," Yuri interjected before Kael could respond to the guard's request. He turned to see that he was surrounded by four Elves, including Yuri, all armed with swords.
ALEXA: NOTICE! THE FOUR ELVES ARE ELITE GUARDS OF THE ELVARIN KINGDOM UNDER THE COMMAND OF GENERAL THALRIC. THEY'RE IN THE RANK 4 OF THE CELESTIAL NOVICE.
"Rank 4?" Kael pondered silently as he observed the Elves, particularly Yuri, who wore a warm smile.
"These are my comrades. I want to showcase your power to them," Yuri boasted, raising Kael's curiosity.
"Kael, we are all prepared to engage in a sword fight with you," one of the Elves beside Kael announced, causing his eyes to widen. He knew he was not proficient in sword fighting, and the prospect of facing all four of them simultaneously was daunting.
"Alexa, I have always forgotten to inquire... What is the Celestial Novice?" Kael inquired.
ALEXA: THE CELESTIAL NOVICE IS THE LOWEST RANK IN THE REALM OF AETHERIA. IT'S A RANK FOR MAGIC USERS. THEY'RE KNOWN AS THE NEXUS MAGES.
ALEXA: NOTICE! A SKILL HAS BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE ULTIMATE PREDATOR SKILL. YOU CAN NOW USE MAGIC. YOU'RE IN THE RANK 1 OF THE CELESTIAL NOVICE.
"Rank 1? These Elves are undoubtedly stronger than me. There is no way I can engage in combat with them without suffering defeat," Kael thought, contemplating the best course of action to respond to the eager Elves.
"That's a splendid idea, but I am currently unarmed," he replied, displaying his empty hands as a polite refusal to their proposal.
"Kael Sir, I can provide you with a sword," a voice from behind offered. Kael turned to see a guard kneeling before him, presenting him with a sword.
Forced to oblige, Kael accepted the sword and wielded it cautiously with his right hand. The four Elves spread out, and the guard retreated, leaving Kael alone in the center.
The other guards present shifted their attention to Kael, eagerly anticipating the unfolding events. General Thalric, along with his best friend Karrien, observed the scene closely.
"He's being overly hyped, don't you think?" Karrien remarked, addressing General Thalric.
"Yuri seems to hold him in high regard, but I find him suspicious. I have faced three to four Dwargon Knights, and they do not exhibit the same demeanor. This individual is toying with us," General Thalric retorted, his disdain evident.
"I'll go charge first,"declared Yuri confidently before swiftly lunging towards Kael with lightning speed, moving at a pace that seemed almost as fast as sound itself. Kael, caught off guard by Yuri's sudden burst of speed, barely had time to react. However, just as he sensed the change in the atmosphere around him, he instinctively raised his sword in defense, successfully intercepting Yuri's attack in a clash of blades. The clash echoed through the air, creating a tense and suspenseful moment as the two opponents faced off in a battle of skill and strength.
"Wow, that was a close call,"Kael muttered under his breath, using every ounce of his strength to push Yuri backward before launching his own counterattack. Yuri, displaying impressive agility, deftly dodged the blade aimed at his head and retaliated with a powerful swing that nearly split Kael in two. However, Kael's quick reflexes allowed him to execute a front flip, leaving his sword embedded in the ground behind him.
Another Elf rushed onto the scene, sprinting towards Kael who was struggling to keep his balance. With a swift motion, he flung his sword horizontally through the air, but Kael skillfully arched his back, planting both hands firmly on the ground.
The blade narrowly missed his stomach as he regained his footing, only to face another blade hurtling towards him. Panic spread among the Elves watching, including Yuri, who was taken aback by the turn of events. With no escape in sight, Kael's eyes widened in fear. Just as the blade was about to strike with full force, he vanished into thin air, reappearing behind the Elf who had launched the deadly attack.
His counterstrike landed a powerful blow to the Elf's head, causing him to stumble forward. The crowd erupted into cheers for Kael, even Yuri couldn't help but chuckle in amazement. They had all doubted his ability to evade the attack, but he had surprised them all with his quick thinking and skillful maneuver.
"That was one of our most deadly tactics. I never expected you to counter it," Karrien remarked, acknowledging Kael's skill.
"Were you intending to harm me?" Kael inquired, fixing his gaze on Karrien.
"No, please do not misunderstand. I was merely assessing your strength based on what I have heard from my comrade, Yuri," Karrien explained, attempting to appease Kael's suspicions.
"Kael," a voice interrupted before he could delve further into the matter with Karrien. Chief Brakor approached, his hands folded behind him.
"Chief Brakor, you appear livelier than in previous days," Kael complimented, prompting a grin from Chief Brakor as they exchanged pleasantries.
"Allow me," Chief Brakor gestured, leading Kael away as they departed from the admiring Elves' presence.
Chief Brakor, known for his stern demeanor, was seen smiling in Kael's company, a testament to the respect and admiration they commanded.
The recent events had validated Kael's capabilities, dispelling any doubts about his prowess.
General Thalric seethed with anger as he watched Kael and Chief Brakor depart. Kael had stolen the limelight, diverting all attention away from including the attention of his armies.
"So, what are your plans?" Brakor inquired, catching Kael off guard.
"What plans?" Kael responded, taken aback by the unexpected question.
"Aren't you considering returning to your kingdom? Or has the Princess clouded your judgment?" Brakor teased, prompting Kael to reflect on his uncertain future.
"Unless you are not truly from the Dwargon Kingdom," Brakor suggested, causing Kael to pause in contemplation.
"What do you mean? I am indeed from the Dwargon Kingdom," Kael affirmed.
"Which clan within the Dwargon Kingdom do you belong to?" Brakor probed, eliciting a realization from Kael about his forgotten heritage.
"What? Are you still preoccupied with thoughts of your lineage?" He pondered, while Kael rubbed his head.
"Stop pretending, young man. You cannot deceive me," he added.
"You are already aware. I suffer from amnesia. I cannot recall my place of origin, but I have a sense that I belong to the Dwargon kingdom," Kael responded.
"Indeed, you have mentioned it before, but I simply wished to verify. Take this," Brakor said, handing him a parchment. "I have an acquaintance in the Dwargon kingdom. If you present this to any guard, they will escort you to him," Brakor explained as Kael promptly folded the parchment.
"Thank you sincerely, Sir Brakor," he expressed with a slight bow.
"I am merely repaying a fraction of my debt to you," he responded before turning to depart. He took three steps forward, then suddenly halted.
"I forgot to inquire of you Kael, but what sorcery did you employ to thwart my assault?"
"It is not sorcery. It is a skill. The Ultimate Predator skill. It allows me to consume your Elven sorcery."
"You wield the Ultimate skill... That is uncommon, and I am truly honored to encounter someone of your caliber... Fascinating," Brakor added, praising Kael further before departing, as Kael grinned widely.
With a newfound sense of direction, Kael set his sights on the Dwargon clan, eager to uncover his roots.
"Kael," a gentle voice called out, drawing his attention to Princess Rose approaching him.
"Where is your handmaiden?" Kael
inquired, noting her solitary presence.
"What concern is it of yours?" Princess Rose countered, intertwining her arm with his.
"I have no business with her, but it is unwise for you to wander alone," Kael cautioned, accepting her invitation to accompany her.
"Not only has this individual captivated my armies, but he has also captivated the Princess," General Thalric mused, harboring ill intentions towards Kael.
"I know how to deal with this individual," General Thalric declared, brimming with malice as he departed.
Meanwhile, Rose led Kael on a tour of the enchanting sights in the Elvarin Kingdom, including the spring, the ocean, and the mountain peak, offering a panoramic view of the realm.
"Isn't it magnificent?" Rose asked Kael, who struggled to appreciate the beauty around him, haunted by visions of ruin.
"I believe it is time to return to the palace. Nightfall approaches, and I must depart tomorrow," Kael suggested, sensing the need to bid farewell.
"Tomorrow? Why the haste? You could prolong your stay with me," Rose implored, seeking to prolong their time together.
"I will return in due time, but for now, I must depart. I have been away from home for far too long," Kael explained, signaling their return to the palace.
As night descended, Kael retired to his chamber, declining the Princess's company out of caution. However, upon emerging from a hot bath, he was met by Princess Rose's handmaiden, who presented him with a tray of wine.
The handmaiden, exuding beauty and allure, stirred unfamiliar desires within Kael, challenging his self-control.
"Why are you here? Shouldn't you be attending to the Princess?" Kael inquired, struggling to resist her captivating presence.
"I have come to attend to your needs, as instructed by the Princess," she declared, presenting a tray of wine to him. He motioned for her to set it down, which she did, and then gestured for her to leave. However, she persisted in carrying the tray with her.
He proceeded to drink the entire contents of the cup in one gulp, then placed the cup back down. His throat burned, and he involuntarily coughed, nearly stumbling if it weren't for the Elf catching him and guiding him to the bed. He collapsed heavily onto the bed, with her falling on top of him. His hands instinctively encircled her waist, making it challenging for her to break free.
"You are truly beautiful," he complimented, drawing his face closer for a kiss. This was a moment the Elf had yearned for since the first time she laid eyes on him.
She didn't hesitate before slamming her lips against his, and they kissed hungrily as his hands roamed over her body. It didn't take long before he turned her around without breaking the kiss. The towel loosened from his body, and his erection pressed hard against her stomach. He tore her top, causing her breasts to jiggle, then trailed his mouth down and bit one of her nipples. That's when the handmaiden came to her senses. Kael was going too far, and she had to stop him. She tried to push him away, but he was too strong for her.
"Sir Kael, please stop," she managed to say between moans, but it only seemed to excite him more. He stopped sucking her nipple and knelt over her as she struggled to catch her breath. Before she could move, he forcefully pulled her skirt down, causing her to gasp.
"Please don't... Don't do this," she cried, closing her legs, but he spread them forcefully. She tried to escape his grasp, but to no avail. He lowered himself and took her nipple into his mouth again. Through her muffled cries, she felt him penetrating her.
"Aargh!" she cried out loudly as tears streamed down her face. "Stop, please," she begged, punching his chest. When that didn't work, she bit him hard on the chest, infuriating him. He grabbed her hands and pinned them to the bed, moving in and out of her slowly while she struggled beneath him.
"Aargh! Ouch, please, Sir Kael," she moaned, causing him to go even faster and deeper, moving rhythmically without regard for the blood covering his member. "Aargh!" she cried out as he penetrated deeper, unable to take it anymore, and passed out beneath him.
That was when the door burst open, revealing General Thalric, Karrien, and two other elite soldiers. "You beast," General Thalric shouted, rushing to pull him away from the unconscious elf before landing a punch to his face, sending him crashing to the ground.
To be continued...