Chapter 5
Alex trudged through the dense forest, his mind racing with thoughts of Rohan Arthur Atlantia. He knew that his life now rested in the hands of the prince. His plan was simple—ensure his usefulness to Rohan and secure his survival. As he approached the edge of the forest, he saw a group of mercenaries gathered at a makeshift camp. Among them stood Mark, the leader of another mercenary group and an old friend turned rival.
Mark raised an eyebrow as Alex approached. "Alex, where are the three men from your group? Don't tell me they're late to the hunt."
Alex's face darkened, his voice low but steady. "The hunt was…complicated. Rohan Arthur Atlantia is not easy prey."
Mark's eyes widened, a mix of confusion and disbelief crossing his face. "Rohan? Why are you adding that name in front of the prince's? The church said Prince Arthur doesn't even have an awakened power."
Alex leaned closer, his tone conspiratorial. "That's because they don't know the truth. The prince gave me his name himself. Three of my men are dead. Killed by him."
Mark took a step back, stunned. "Your group? Taken down by someone with no power? Are you serious? What are you not telling me?"
Alex smirked faintly, masking his unease. "Mark, let me just say this—he's far more dangerous than you or I ever imagined. If you think this hunt is easy, you're mistaken."
Mark furrowed his brow, his mind racing. He didn't fully believe Alex's words, but he couldn't ignore the weight behind them. "If he's as dangerous as you claim, why haven't you killed him? Isn't that your mission?"
Alex's expression shifted, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. "Let's just say… I've realized it's better to be useful to him than to oppose him."
Mark scoffed, his tone laced with skepticism. "Useful to him? Are you serious? He's just one man, and the church is after him. They'll crush him."
Alex chuckled darkly. "You'll see soon enough. Be careful, Mark. If you encounter him, remember this: don't underestimate him."
As Mark pondered Alex's cryptic warning, Alex slipped a small device from his pocket, discreetly sending a message to every mercenary involved in the hunt. The message was simple:
"Rohan Arthur Atlantia is the prince's full name."
Alex's lips curled into a faint smile as he sent the message. He knew the consequences of knowing that name, and he had no intention of keeping that burden to himself. He had two goals—to curry favor with Rohan and to watch his rival, Mark, suffer the same fate.
Mark's voice cut through his thoughts. "Alex, are you hiding something? Why do you look so… satisfied?"
Alex shook his head, his expression neutral once more. "Nothing you need to worry about. Just remember my advice—stay alert."
Mark nodded slowly, still suspicious but unwilling to press further. As Alex walked away, he felt a strange sense of satisfaction. He had sown the seeds of chaos and secured his place at Rohan's side.
In the depths of the forest, Rohan would soon learn of the ripple effect his name had created. The web of mercenaries hunting him was now entangled in his power, and Alex had ensured that no one who sought to harm the prince would escape unscathed.