Knock Knock Knock.
The king's chamber door creaked open, revealing the valet. He stepped inside and bowed slightly. "Your Majesty, Captain Klein and another individual request an audience with you."
Arthur, seated at the study desk littered with scrolls and documents, looked up and nodded. "Let them in."
The valet retreated, and a moment later, Captain Klein entered, accompanied by a mage. The valet gently closed the door behind them, leaving the trio alone.
Both Klein and the mage bowed. Arthur's gaze shifted to the newcomer, his curiosity piqued.
The mage stood of average height, his posture steady and confident. His piercing gray eyes shimmered faintly with an unspoken wisdom, framed by sharp features and a neatly trimmed beard streaked with hints of silver. His age was hard to place, but he seemed to hover between his late thirties and early forties.
He wore a deep sapphire blue robe. In his hand, he carried a sleek staff carved from dark ebony, smooth and polished to perfection. The staff was adorned with delicate inlays of aquamarine crystals that glimmered faintly with an internal light. At its top rested a translucent orb.
Arthur observed Ken's attire, noting the telltale robe and staff. Judging by his appearance, he's likely a water-type mage. Why do mages always dress in ways that practically announce their abilities? It's like painting a target on their backs. This world's fantasy clichés are something else.
Lost in thought, Arthur was brought back to the moment when Klein introduced the mage. "Your Majesty, this is Ken," Klein began. "He is the mage I've selected to serve as your personal guard and assist you in your tasks. Ken specializes in water magic. While he doesn't possess unique abilities, his mana capacity is strong, and he's currently ranked B+. His potential has been evaluated as A-rank, so I believe he can handle your needs effectively."
Arthur nodded. "That's great news." Turning to Ken, he added with a polite smile, "I'll be in your care."
Ken bowed slightly. "It's an honor to serve you, Your Majesty."
Arthur chuckled. "No need to be so formal. Once we've exchanged greetings, you don't have to bow every time you speak. Let's move on to the matter at hand."
Arthur's expression turned serious. "Klein must have mentioned that I want to conduct some magic tests and that this needs to remain strictly confidential?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," Ken replied. "Klein told me you wanted to test something but didn't specify what. Rest assured, whatever it is, I'll keep everything confidential."
"Good," Arthur said. "Here's what I need to test: I believe I might have the ability to cancel magic. I want to confirm if it's true and understand its limits."
Ken blinked in surprise, mumbling without realizing it, "Cancel magic? Is that even possible?"
Arthur chuckled lightly. "That's precisely why I'm testing it. Stand back a little and cast a low-level water magic spell at me."
Ken hesitated, his gaze shifting to Klein for reassurance. Klein nodded and said, "Follow His Majesty's orders. Keep your mana usage low so it's no stronger than splashing water."
Still unsure but obedient, Ken focused his mind, chanting a brief incantation. A small water ball materialized near the tip of his staff. With a flick, he sent it toward Arthur, its speed slow enough to ensure no harm. Just as the water ball neared Arthur, it vanished mid-air without a trace.
Ken's eyes widened in shock. "It disappeared! How did you do that, Your Majesty?"
Arthur shrugged. "I'm not entirely sure myself, but this proves it's related to me."
Is it because the magic is offensive? Or does it react differently in other contexts? Arthur pondered. He decided to test further.
"Ken," Arthur said, pointing to a wooden cup on a nearby table. "Fill this cup with water using your magic. Make it suitable for drinking."
Still perplexed, Ken complied. He chanted softly, and the cup filled with clear, drinkable water. Arthur picked up the cup and drank its contents. Nothing happened. The water didn't vanish. Satisfied, he handed the cup back to Ken. "Fill it again."
Ken repeated the spell, filling the cup once more. Arthur handed it to Klein. "Now, Klein, use this cup to splash the water at me."
Klein followed the instruction, hurling the cup's contents toward Arthur. This time, every single drop disappeared the moment it came within a meter of him.
Arthur smirked. I knew it. The effect is tied to intent. Magic used in routine tasks remains unaffected, but if it's directed at me as an attack, my anti-magic activates automatically.
After further tests, Arthur concluded that the effect extended within a radius of about 1.5 meters. He shared his findings with Klein and Ken. Normally, he would have kept such information to himself—after all, revealing a trump card could be dangerous. However, Ken would now serve as his personal bodyguard. Knowing this ability would help Ken coordinate counterattacks during potential assassination attempts.
Besides, Klein's recommendation of Ken gave Arthur additional confidence. If Klein trusts him, so will I—for now.
As he finished explaining, Arthur crossed his arms and added with a small smile, "This is all I know after testing so far. Now, let's discuss how you should handle your duties as my guard without disrupting my work and daily life."
Arthur gestured toward a nearby chair, signaling Ken to sit as they continued the conversation. "First and foremost, your role is to ensure my safety, but it's equally important to remain unobtrusive. I can't have my movements restricted or my interactions with others hindered because of overzealous protection."
Ken nodded attentively. "Understood, Your Majesty. How would you like me to proceed?"
Arthur leaned forward, his tone firm but calm. "You'll need to maintain a balance. Keep a watchful eye from a distance unless the situation demands immediate action. When I'm in meetings or public spaces, blend in as much as possible."
Arthur's gaze sharpened slightly. "Good. When I'm in my chamber, I expect you to stand guard outside. Additionally, I want you to inspect the room thoroughly before I enter—even if it's a task the valet typically handles. Your vigilance is essential."
Ken bowed. "Understood, Your Majesty."
Arthur's tone softened, but his authority remained firm. "For now, I have matters to discuss with Klein. Please wait outside and remain alert."
Ken extended a gemstone toward Arthur, its surface faintly pulsing with a soft glow. "Take this," he said, his tone steady. "It's infused with my mana. If you highness ever find yourself in an emergency, break it, and I will sense your distress."
With a silent bow, Ken stepped out, leaving Arthur and Klein alone to continue their conversation.
Arthur kept the gemstone in his pocket and turned to Klein, his expression serious yet focused. "Wait here," he said. "There's something I need to show you." He walked over to his study desk, opened a drawer, and retrieved a neatly stacked bundle of papers. The top page bore the title: Project Stabilization.
Turning back to Klein, Arthur handed him the stack and said, "This is the first step in improving the kingdom. As I mentioned before, change will come gradually, and this project is the cornerstone of that transformation. The document outlines detailed plans for implementation and strategies to ensure its success. There are also specific tasks within this project that I need you to handle."
Arthur gestured to a chair. "Sit. I'll explain the details."
Klein took a seat as Arthur began elaborating on the contents of the document. He spoke with clarity and conviction, outlining the goals, expected challenges, and the overall vision for the project. He emphasized how these measures would stabilize the kingdom, improve the lives of its citizens..
Time passed as Arthur meticulously went through each aspect of the plan, ensuring that Klein understood the objectives and his responsibilities.
When the explanation was complete, Klein nodded, his expression resolute. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I understand the plan and the tasks you've entrusted to me. While the challenges ahead are significant and the timeline demanding, I will do everything in my power to ensure its success."
Arthur gave a small nod of approval. "I trust you will. Your dedication is vital to this project."
Klein stood, bowed respectfully, and left the chamber to begin his assigned duties.
Arthur remained seated for a moment, collecting his thoughts. Then, after a brief pause, he rose and decided to head to the library to continue his research, determined to further arm himself with the knowledge needed to shape Keldoria's future.
…
Night descended, casting long shadows across the castle. After finishing his dinner, Arthur returned to his chamber, his thoughts lingering on the day's events. As he settled onto his bed, he murmured to himself, "I've explained Project Stabilization to Klein. I think he'll handle it well."
Lying back, Arthur's mind began to wander, only to be interrupted by a sudden gust of wind as his window creaked open. His gaze instinctively turned toward the sound, and there she was—a figure cloaked in black, the bottom half of her face hidden. Her long, curly brown hair and piercing brown eyes were unmistakable.
Arthur's heart quickened, but he masked his surprise. The woman stepped through the window, staff in hand, her presence exuding menace. A flicker of recognition crossed Arthur's mind. Have I seen her before? he wondered.
"Who are you, and why are you sneaking into my room?" Arthur demanded, his voice calm despite the situation.
"Oh, how disappointing," she replied, her tone dripping with mockery. "You've already forgotten me? Just recently, I killed you, and now you can't even recall my face?" She began chanting, summoning an ice shard into existence.
Arthur's mind raced as the pieces clicked. She must be the assassin who tried to kill me that day. "So, you're the one who tried to assassinate me," he said, feigning nonchalance.
She chuckled darkly. "So, you survived after all. I thought maybe someone was impersonating you. But no matter—I'll make sure there are no mistakes this time."
While she spoke, Arthur discreetly reached into his pocket and broke the gemstone Ken had given him. With careful precision, he broke it, ensuring no visible sign of struggle.
Stalling for time, Arthur smirked and said, "Yes, I survived. It's a remarkable story, really. Would you like to hear how?"
The assassin tilted her head, both intrigued and wary. "Are you stalling? And why aren't you running or screaming for help? Surely you've realized I'm here to kill you."
"Maybe I've already called for backup and stalling," Arthur retorted, trying to keep her off balance. "Or maybe I just want to see how this plays out."
Her eyes narrowed. "You're too calm for someone about to die. No matter—I was planning to take my time, but now I'll finish you quickly."
She began chanting again, her staff glowing with icy energy. Before she could finish, the door burst open, and Ken strode in, his expression alert. "Your Majesty, I saw the distress signal from the gem. Are you—" His words cut off as he spotted the intruder.
The assassin snarled, pivoting her spell. Ice magic erupted, sealing the exits and blocking the door. Ken's eyes widened as he assessed her power. "Your Majesty," he warned, "she's at least an A- rank mage, maybe higher. And with her unique Frost magic, I'm not sure I can match her."
Arthur remained unfazed. "Ken, remember my ability? Stay within 1.5 meters of me and follow my lead."
Realization dawned on Ken's face. He nodded and moved closer. "What's the plan?"
Arthur smirked. "We close the distance, and once we're close enough, we rely on physical strength to take her down."
The assassin sneered, "What kind of bodyguard hides behind his king? What nonsense are you two plotting?"
She hurled ice shards at them, her attacks swift and precise. Yet, to her shock, the shards vanished before reaching their target. Her eyes widened in confusion. "What... What did you do to my magic? So it was you who—"
Before she could finish, Arthur charged forward, Ken close on his heels. The assassin hesitated, disoriented by her ineffective attacks. That brief moment of confusion was all Ken needed. Instead of fighting like a mage, Ken with a swift swing of his staff, he struck her on the side of the head. She staggered and fell, her staff clattering to the floor.
Ken didn't relent, delivering another blow to ensure she stayed down. The ice barriers she'd erected began to crack and crumble, disintegrating entirely as her consciousness faded.
Moments later, the valet and a group of guards rushed in. The guards quickly restrained the woman and removed her mask. Arthur's breath hitched as he recognized the face beneath.
"Odette," he whispered, shock and disbelief mingling in his voice. "The mage instructor..."
The bodyguard turned to Arthur and asked, "Your highness, how do you want to deal with her?"
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Not part of the story.
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