Theodore moved through the dense forest, his movements quiet yet purposeful. His crimson eyes scanned the underbrush for movement, his senses attuned to the faint sounds of footsteps or rustling leaves. He wasn't hunting beasts anymore—he was hunting students. Weaklings with no understanding of true power, he thought, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
He spotted a silhouette ahead and broke into a light jog, his anticipation building. But as he approached, the figure came into focus—it was Vivian. She was surrounded by goblins, her terrified screams cutting through the air as the creatures closed in, weapons raised.
Her frantic eyes locked onto Theodore. "Help me!" she cried, desperation dripping from her voice.
Theodore frowned, crossing his arms. "Save yourself," he said coldly.
Her pleas turned to sobs. "Please! I—I'm not strong enough!"
Before Theodore could reply, a whistling sound pierced the air. An arrow streaked through the trees and embedded itself in the lead goblin's throat. The creature gurgled and fell, spurring the others into a frenzy. They charged at Theodore, but he dispatched them with a few precise movements of his blade.
Turning toward the source of the arrow, Theodore called out in a commanding voice, "Come out."
From behind a tree, Jin emerged, trembling. His bow was still raised, and his hands shook as he stared at the fallen goblins. Blood splattered the ground, and the reality of his first kill was evident in his pale face.
"Jin," Theodore said, narrowing his eyes. "Interesting."
Vivian, oblivious to Jin's distress, ran to Theodore and threw her arms around him. "Thank you for saving me!"
Theodore pushed her away, his expression indifferent. "It wasn't me. It was Jin."
Vivian blinked, then turned to Jin, her gratitude quickly overshadowed by embarrassment. "What? That can't be true. You ran here because you wanted to save me, didn't you?"
Theodore laughed dryly. "Don't flatter yourself. I came here thinking you were just another student from the advanced class. You're lucky I didn't break your bones."
Vivian's face reddened with a mix of anger and humiliation. "Why are you so cruel to me? Is this because of the marriage contract that was canceled? Are you holding a grudge?"
Theodore sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Vivian, we're ten years old. I don't care about marriage, and the fact that your father canceled it was the best decision he's ever made." His gaze hardened. "And if I'm cruel to you, it's because you're clingy. I hate clingy people."
Vivian began to yell, her voice rising in pitch as tears streamed down her face. Jin quickly stepped forward, hugging her gently. "It's okay, Vivian," he said softly, wiping away her tears.
Theodore raised an eyebrow at the scene. "Jin, is she special to you?"
Jin flushed red, stammering. "N-No! It's not like that." Lowering his voice, he activated a sound transmission spell so Vivian couldn't hear. "She's… my cousin. My family is noble, too."
Theodore tilted his head. "Your surname is Stirling, isn't it? Why hide it?"
Jin hesitated before explaining. "My father was betrayed by Vivian's father. They're brothers, but… the conflict cost us everything. Now, we're forbidden from using the Duke's name."
Theodore smirked. "Why are you telling me this?"
Jin's expression grew determined. "Because your advice—to save myself—made me want to change. I want to grow stronger."
Theodore studied Jin for a moment before smiling faintly. "You have potential. But you'll need more than determination. Tell me Vivian's secret, and I'll consider helping you."
"Her secret?" Jin asked, confused.
"Her split personality."
Jin's eyes widened in shock. "You… you already know?"
Theodore nodded. "Of course. Meet me later. We'll discuss your future."
As Jin and Vivian walked away, Theodore continued deeper into the forest. Suddenly, a blade swung toward him. Theodore didn't flinch. Instead, he blocked the strike effortlessly with a tree branch, the wooden stick holding firm against steel.
"Are you looking down on me, brother?" Caden roared, his face twisted with fury.
Theodore sighed. "Brother. Why are you so obsessed with me?"
Caden faltered, surprised. Theodore had never addressed him as "brother" before. A small, involuntary smile formed on his lips.
Theodore noticed and smirked. "You're easy to manipulate. Leave now, Caden, before you get hurt."
Caden gripped his sword tightly. "Are you saying that because I'm your brother? Do you pity me?"
Theodore laughed, his voice filled with mockery. "Pity? No, Caden. You're just not worth my time. Stop dreaming of surpassing me. The world isn't full of roses and sunshine, no matter how our parents raised you."
"I'll surpass you," Caden growled, his aura flaring.
Theodore sighed, his crimson eyes glowing ominously. "Then let me teach you a lesson."
The ground darkened as black smoke began to spread, swallowing the forest in an eerie fog. Shadows emerged from the mist, flickering and darting around Caden like phantoms. Their whispers filled the air, cold and unsettling.
Caden's confidence wavered. "What… what is this?"
Theodore stepped closer, his aura suffocating. "This is the difference between us, Caden. You're an insect. I don't care about the title of king. My goals are far beyond your comprehension."
The shadows surged, their forms twisting into monstrous shapes. One lunged at Caden, and he stumbled back, his sword trembling in his grip. The forest seemed alive with malice, every sound amplified to an unbearable degree.
Caden dropped his sword, his knees buckling. His vision blurred as the oppressive aura overwhelmed him. With a gasp, he collapsed, unconscious.
Theodore waved his hand, dispersing the smoke and shadows. He turned to the group of trembling students who had accompanied Caden. "Take him and leave."
They didn't need to be told twice. Grabbing Caden, they fled as fast as their legs could carry them.
Belial materialized beside Theodore, bowing low. "Shall I erase their memories, my prince?"
Theodore nodded. "Dark magic is a taboo. We can't afford to attract unwanted attention."
Belial disappeared, his figure dissolving into the shadows.
The hunting trial concluded as the sun dipped below the horizon. The surviving students returned, most battered and bloodied. Rumors spread quickly about Theodore's rampage, though no one could confirm the extent of what had occurred.
When the principal's gaze landed on Theodore, he raised an eyebrow, smirking. "You've caused quite a stir, young prince."
Theodore shrugged, his expression indifferent. "They challenged me. I simply responded."
Mr. Roman chuckled, the glint in his eyes hinting at something more. "We'll see how the school handles your… enthusiasm."
But Theodore wasn't worried. As far as he was concerned, this was just the beginning.