The sound of clashing steel echoed through the training hall as I completed my thousandth sword swing. "Huff... huff..." I lay on the ground, gasping for air as my heart pounded in my chest.
The intensity of my training was overwhelming, and I couldn't help but wonder why anyone would voluntarily choose this path.
No wonder most people opted for the convenience of crystals to level up.
It had been two days since I fully integrated Ryuk's memories, and I'd been spending most of my time in solitude, avoiding interactions with my family.
I'd already requested an audience with my father through Sarah, so I saw no need to engage with them until then. Instead, I devoted myself to training, driven by a newfound determination.
My efforts in the training hall didn't raise any eyebrows, as Ryuk had attempted to improve himself in the past, only to lose motivation.
Using crystals was the preferred method of leveling up, but training was also a viable option, albeit a more challenging one.
I couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for the commoners, who lacked the resources to buy crystals and the strength to defeat monsters on their own.
For them, training was the only way to rank up, a daunting and often futile endeavor.
Sarah's gentle voice broke the silence, and I looked up to see her approaching with a warm smile. Her hair was neatly styled in a bun, and her traditional maid attire was impeccable. She handed me a towel to wipe away the sweat from my intense workout. "Thank you," I said, gratefully accepting the towel.
"The bath is ready," she reminded me, her tone soft and considerate. I nodded, knowing that a warm bath was just what I needed after pushing myself to the limit.
As I began to make my way to the bath, Sarah added, "And, by the way, the Emperor has agreed to an audience with you. It's scheduled for two hours from now."
I smiled, feeling a sense of anticipation. "I'll be there," I said, watching as Sarah walked away.
I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards Sarah. As the head maid, she had taken it upon herself to personally attend to my needs, rather than delegating tasks to the other maids.
It was a testament to her kindness and dedication, and I knew that she was one of the few people who had genuinely cared for Ryuk.
After a refreshing bath, I strolled through the opulent residence, taking in the stunning artwork, exquisite vases, and lavish furniture.
Every detail screamed of wealth and luxury, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. I made my way to my room, savoring the peaceful atmosphere and the knowledge that I had a crucial meeting with the Emperor looming ahead.
****************
I stood before the imposing metal doors, adorned with intricate designs and symbols of the empire.
This was the entrance to the throne room, a place I had never been fond of visiting. Why had my father chosen this location for our meeting? The study would have been a more comfortable setting.
I took a deep breath, pushed aside my reservations, and knocked on the door.
The massive metal doors creaked open, revealing a grand hall that seemed to stretch on forever.
The room was dominated by a stunning red carpet that led from the entrance to the throne, giving the space a sense of majesty and power.
As I stepped inside, I felt a shiver run down my spine. The hall was lined with statues of knights, their faces expressionless and their eyes seeming to bore into my soul.
I couldn't sense any aura emanating from them, leaving me to wonder if they were indeed statues or living, breathing knights.
I made my way down the carpet, my footsteps echoing off the walls.
As I reached the steps leading up to the throne, I dropped to one knee and spoke in a clear, respectful tone. "The third prince, Ryuk Vers Heidal, greets his majesty, the emperor."
I waited for the customary response, my eyes fixed on the floor. "Acknowledged, my son," the emperor's voice boomed, followed by, "You may raise your head."
As I lifted my gaze, I was met with the sight of my father, resplendent in his royal regalia. His silver hair was flecked with grey, and his red eyes seemed to burn with an inner fire.
The golden crown on his head glinted in the light, and the sigil on his robe – a proud lion's head, its jaws open in a fierce roar. – seemed to symbolize his power and authority.
Rayregalia Vers Heidal, the 58th ruler of the United Human Empire, sat before me, his presence commanding respect and awe."Yes, your majesty," I replied, my voice steady and respectful.
The emperor's gaze pierced through me, his voice echoing off the walls. "So, what brings you before me today?"
I took a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. "I have awakened, your majesty." My tone was calm and polite, a deliberate choice given the formal setting of the throne hall.
The emperor's expression hinted that he had already suspected as much.
Perhaps he had sensed my aura, though I wondered if a level 0 like myself could even emit a noticeable aura.
Was it possible that his sovereign rank allowed him to perceive things that others couldn't?
My thoughts were interrupted by the emperor's voice. "In that case, you will require a trainer and crystals to facilitate your growth. We must also assess your innate talent."
I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. The idea of a trainer didn't sit well with me, and I suspected that the queen's involvement would only complicate matters.
The emperor's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. "Is the idea of a trainer unappealing to you? Is it due to the queen's influence?"
I nodded, my eyes fixed on a point ahead.
The emperor's expression turned thoughtful. "I will ensure that she remains unaware of this development, for the time being, at least."
I bowed my head, a silent thank you. "I shall take my leave, your majesty."
As I turned to depart, the emperor's voice stopped me. "One more thing, Ryuk. What type of system did you awaken?"
I turned back, my eyes meeting the emperor's. "Unique," I replied, before turning and exiting the throne hall.