The sound of a horse coming towards the first prince's residence was heard.
A soldier with a letter in his hand rode to the residence of the 1st prince in the imperial palace, Prince Eyrin.
Guards were guarding the place, and they stood at attention as their eyes fixed on the soldier.
"I have a letter for his highness, "the soldier said, his voice firm as he held out the letter.
One of the guards turned to announce the soldier's presence, but before he could speak, Prince Eyrin emerged from behind the soldier.
"I'm right here, "Prince Eyrin said, his voice firm. "Give me the letter."
The soldier turned, bowing deeply to him. Then other guards bowed to.
Prince Eyrin, fresh out of his morning sword training, sweat drenched, stood tall, his expression stern. He was currently in the fifth phase, with nine phases to complete before achieving immortality—a feat beyond the reach of most.
Despite his dedication to his training, Prince Eyrin couldn't help but overhear the whispers of people. They are some of the Usurper King and the fake royal family. And anyone who dated to mention the formal dynasty was met with a brutal slaughter.
Since the day that his father, the Emperor, became the ruler, Prince Eyrin has lost his smile. The people saw him as any of the five words or a combination of all: heartless ,cruel,powerful, prince, and son of a traitor.
The palace guard held out the letter, and prince Eyrin snatched the letter from his hand, tearing it with urgency instead of taking it graciously.
As he unfolded the letter, his eyes scanned the page and then locked onto the sender's name.
When he saw 'Khane'scribbled on the bottom, his eyes widened in astonishment. "Khane," he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Prince Eyrin's gaze darted around the area as he closed the letter. Then he swiftly turned and walked back to his residence. He made way to his study; the letter clutched his hand, and his personal guard, Palov, was walking by his side.
He opened the letter again and read it.
"Dear Eyrin
I hope this letter finds you well. I want you to know that I don't hold you responsible for what happened ten years ago. Your father's actions were his own, and I never thought you shared his evil intentions.
Despite being his son and many years having passed, I still believe you haven't changed. I still believe you have a very kind heart.
As our eighteenth birthday approaches, I recall the promise we made to each other—to duel and measure our strengths.
With the rise of Demons, Demon art practitioners, and evil martial artists, both men and women, I know we both have our battles to fight.
I've heard of your impressive deeds, and I know you are making a difference on your own path, just like me.
What phase are you in now? As for me, I'm in the eighth phase, and my goal remains to ascend to immortality and become a god.
Remember that I told you ,that my inner strength was water—it's more than that. I will tell you more about it when you arrive.
Meet me at the Bacain Cliff a week before our birthday, the first day of the week. That is where I usually practice; You'll see me on blue robe.It's a very good spot for practice. Until then, safe journey.
Khane."
Upon reading this letter, Prince Khane was supposed to be drowning in joy upon hearing from his old friend after thinking he was dead.
But Prince Eyrin felt like he was dizzy, like the world was swallowing him. He was happy to hear from his childhood friend after ten years, having missed him and feeling guilty for what happened to his family.
However, this happiness was surpassed by a mix of three emotions: anger, envy, and jealousy.
He read the letter again, scanning the words, wondering if he had misread. But no, it was true—Khane had reached the eighth stage while he was still stuck in the fifth phase.
Prince Eyrin laughed at himself, remembering how Prince Khane had always been one step ahead of him. He had practiced day and night, sacrificing sleep and comfort to hone his skills and hunt demons, yet he was still three stages behind.
With a surge of frustration, Prince Eyrin unsheathed his sword and ran outside, slashing the air and unleashing a powerful force that shattered trees and some parts of the building in the courtyard. The destruction was a testament to his inner turmoil.
"I did everything! Everything! .Khane, I'm coming to you! I'm coming! "He said under his breath, his eyes widened by rage.
"Palov!" Prince Eyrin yelled, summoning his personal guard.
"Your Grace!" Palov replied, bowing as he reached the prince side.
The prince's eyes narrowed. There is a famous assassin organization called D.I.H.—death is here. Offer them a job; I'm willing to pay their price. Tell them their target will be a male at the Bacain cliff in Bacain state on the first day of next week. He'll be wearing a blue robe.
I don't know what this person looks like now, but that is where they will find him."
Despite feeling guilty, Prince Eyrin handed Palov the task.
"Palov nodded,aware of the prince's turmoil." your Grace, I'll meet with them immediately. However, I'll need your seal and your blood for proof since you are not meeting them in person," Palov said.
Prince Eyrin led Palov to his bedroom, where he retrieved a jade perfume bottle and emptied it. With a swift motion, he slit his arm with a dagger, filling the bottle with his blood.
Once it was full, he sealed it with a cloth and handed it to Palov, along with his royal seal.
Palov took the bottle and seal, then hurried of the building, mounting his horse, and riding away to complete his mission.
************************************
"Your majesty, he is here, "the emperor's guard announced, entering the throne chamber.
The king face broke into a subtle smile. "I wonder what the first prince will make,he thought to himself.
For years, the emperor had been intercepting Prince Eyrin's letters, reading them before sending them back to his son in case prince khane sends a letter.
When Khane's letter arrived, the king had already set his plan in motion, ready to kill him, but he allowed the letter to reach Prince Eyrin to gauge his reaction.
"What did he say?" The emperor asked,stroking his beard in anticipation as he sat on his throne.
Palov kneeled and kowtowed towards the emperor."His highness, Prince Eyrin, ordered me to contact an assassin organization. He gave the order after reading the letter.
The target is a male wearing a blue robe who will be at the barcain cliff."
The emperor's face lit up with excitement. "Alright!,good! Kill him, you made the right choice! "he exclaimed, his voice filled with satisfaction.