Natsuo stood still, watching the armored knights approach through the thick
foliage. Their gleaming silver armor clanked rhythmically, the crest of an unfamiliar kingdom etched onto their breastplates. Each of them moved with
purpose, their hands resting on the hilts of their swords, ready to draw at a
moment's notice.
Luci floated beside him, the winged eyeball buzzing around nervously. "Natsuo!
What are you doing?! Why aren't you crushing them?! Just multiply your
strength and smash their heads in! We don't need these guys—let's show them
who's boss!"
Natsuo gave Luci a sharp glare, silencing the annoying floating eye. "I don't
need to kill them."
Luci's eye widened in disbelief. "What?! But you can multiply your strength by
a trillion! You could end this in, like, two seconds!" He spun around frantically.
"Come on, Natsuo! You've got these awesome powers now, and you're just
gonna—"
"Quiet, Luci," Natsuo said, his tone calm but firm. "It would be the wrong
move."
Luci hovered for a moment, stunned, before reluctantly quieting down. Natsuo's
focus returned to the approaching knights. His mind worked quickly, his power
of knowledge letting him assess the situation in seconds. There's no need for
unnecessary violence, he thought. At least not yet.
The knights stopped a few feet away, their leader stepping forward. He was a
tall, broad man with a stern face and piercing blue eyes. His hand rested on
the hilt of his sword, though he hadn't drawn it yet.
"You," the knight captain spoke, his voice deep and commanding. "State your
name and purpose."
Natsuo met the captain's gaze, his expression calm. "My name is Natsuo. I
don't have a purpose here. I came through a portal by mistake."
The knight's eyes narrowed, clearly not convinced. "A portal? And where
exactly did you come from?"
Natsuo remained silent for a moment, calculating his response. He didn't know
much about this kingdom yet, but his knowledge told him one thing—it was
better to play along for now. "That's not important. I'm not your enemy."
The knight's hand tightened on his sword. "That's for the king to decide."
Luci, still floating beside Natsuo, whispered frantically. "Come on, Natsuo, just
take them out! You've copied their powers, haven't you? And multiplied them
by… how much again? Two million? You could crush them without even trying!"
Natsuo didn't respond, but Luci was right. The moment the knights had approached, he had used his ability to copy their powers—strength, agility, even
the subtle magic that lay dormant within their bloodlines. And with his second
power, multiplication, he had amplified those abilities two million times over.
He could end this in the blink of an eye, but he chose not to. There was no
need to reveal his full strength yet.
The knight captain stepped closer, his tone now more forceful. "Come with us.
The king will want to speak with you."
Natsuo's eyes flicked to Luci. "Hide."
Luci blinked in surprise. "Huh? But—"
"Hide, Luci," Natsuo repeated, his voice cold.
The floating eye grumbled but disappeared into the shadows of Natsuo's cloak,
muttering something about being ignored.
The knights, unaware of Luci's presence, remained focused on Natsuo. After a
moment of tense silence, Natsuo nodded. "I'll go with you."
The captain raised an eyebrow. "Smart choice."
The knights formed a loose circle around Natsuo, guiding him through the thick
forest toward their kingdom. Natsuo walked calmly, his hands at his sides, his
mind calculating the best course of action. As they moved, he sensed the magic
of the knights' powers flowing through him—powers that now belonged to him.
The knight beside him glanced over curiously. "You don't seem afraid."
Natsuo didn't bother to look at him. "There's nothing to fear."
The knight frowned, clearly unsettled by Natsuo's calm demeanor. "You're
an outsider. You should know that our king doesn't take kindly to strangers,
especially those who claim to have come through portals."
"I don't care about your king's kindness," Natsuo replied flatly. "I only care
about what I need to do."
The knight sneered, clearly displeased with Natsuo's lack of respect. "Watch
your mouth. The king may decide to execute you for that attitude."
Natsuo turned his head slightly, his gaze cold. "If he tries, he'll regret it."
The knight's face paled, but he said nothing further, unnerved by Natsuo's
unshakable confidence.
As they walked, Luci whispered from within Natsuo's cloak. "Okay, okay, I get
it now… you're playing the long game, right? Trying to get close to the king so
you can figure out what's going on here? Smart, smart! But still, if things go
south, you've gotta use those powers, Natsuo! We can't let anyone stand in our
way!"
Natsuo ignored Luci's chatter, focusing on the path ahead. I need to learn
more about this kingdom. The king may hold answers about Minami
and my family.
After a long, silent journey, they finally emerged from the forest, the towering
walls of the kingdom rising before them. The castle stood high above the city,
its spires piercing the sky like jagged fangs. The banners of the kingdom flew
proudly in the wind, but Natsuo felt nothing as he gazed upon the imposing
structure.
The knights led him through the gates, the city bustling with life. People
stopped to stare at Natsuo, their eyes wide with curiosity and suspicion. Whispers followed him as he walked, but he paid them no mind.
Eventually, they arrived at the grand entrance to the castle. The massive doors
creaked open, and the knights led Natsuo inside, down long corridors lined with
intricate tapestries and statues of long-dead kings.
Finally, they reached the throne room.
The knight captain turned to Natsuo, his expression grim. "The king is waiting
for you. Speak wisely."
Natsuo stepped forward, his gaze unwavering as he entered the throne room.
Seated on a massive, gilded throne was the king—a tall, imposing figure with
sharp, calculating eyes and a crown that gleamed in the torchlight. His presence
radiated authority and power.
The king's eyes narrowed as he regarded Natsuo. "You. You're the one who
claims to have come through a portal."
Natsuo met the king's gaze without flinching. "Yes."
The king's expression remained unreadable as he leaned forward slightly. "Tell
me… why have you come to my kingdom?"
Natsuo stood tall, his voice calm and controlled. "I didn't come here by choice.
But now that I'm here, I need answers."
The king raised an eyebrow. "Answers? And what makes you think you're in a
position to ask questions?"
Natsuo's eyes glinted with cold determination. "Because I'm beyond your imagination."
The room fell silent, the tension thickening. The knights shifted uncomfortably,
but the king remained motionless, his sharp gaze never leaving Natsuo.
For now, Natsuo would play their game. But soon, they would all realize the
truth—he was not just a lost traveler. He was something far greater.