Kael walked through the narrow passage, observing everything around him. The walls appeared ancient, and the space was just two meters wide and over three meters high, allowing Kael to move comfortably. Burning torches mounted on the upper sides of the walls provided dim illumination.
The journey took several minutes, and Kael had to admit it was a fairly long walk. With the memories he had received earlier, he understood why. The place he was heading to was a secret base for his private army, far from prying eyes.
Finally, he reached a wall that seemed like a dead end. Kael moved to the side, examining the wall closely. To anyone else, it would appear impassable, but Kael knew better. After shifting a few bricks, the walls rumbled and parted, revealing an opening.
A bright light flooded his vision, causing him to shield his eyes with his hands. After a few seconds, his eyes adjusted to the brightness, a stark contrast to the dim passage he had just exited.
Looking ahead, Kael beheld his army base. Solid brick buildings stood resolutely, and equipment was scattered everywhere. Blacksmiths worked tirelessly near roaring furnaces, while a faint scent of herbs wafted through the air, a sign that the healer he had hired was busy at work.
Directly in front of him stood thousands of young men, lined up in neat rows. Their expressions were solemn as they stared at Kael. Any trace of childishness had vanished from their faces; they had been tempered through rigorous training. A suffocating aura of discipline and power hung over the assembly, threatening to erupt at any moment.
A few meters ahead stood the commander of Kael's private army.
"Darius…" Kael called out, his voice steady. The man stepped forward, bowing deeply as he reached Kael.
"Yes, my lord," Darius replied respectfully.
"You've done well," Kael said, genuinely impressed. He remembered how, just a year ago, this army was a disorganized group of mere hundreds. Now, it had grown into a disciplined force of thousands.
Kael silently gave credit to the former crown prince. At least the fool had spent money wisely on building this private army. However, Kael couldn't overlook one crucial detail: Darius was a former veteran of his father's personal army.
The former prince might not have noticed, but Kael saw it clearly—Darius was likely reporting every move of the crown prince to the king.
"Thank you for your praise, my lord. I am here to serve you," Darius said as Kael nodded.
At least with this army, Kael felt confident about his plans to visit the Jimi Kingdom. However, the absence of ancient warriors troubled him. He needed a way to acquire one. Just then, Kael heard something.
(Ding! One shard of the Orb of Chaos gained.)
(Ability acquired: All-Seer.)
(All-Seer: The host can view the stats of other beings.)
Kael was stunned but maintained his composure. Internally, his mind churned with excitement. This shard had arrived at the perfect moment, and the ability was incredible. It gave him a significant edge, allowing him to assess the strength and ranks of others with ease.
Eager to test the ability, Kael activated it.
Name: Darius
Position: Commander of the Crown Prince's Army / Spy of the King
Rank: Peak Martial Master
Name: ???
Position: Soldier of the Crown Prince's Army
Rank: Martial Disciple
...
Kael's eyes widened slightly as numerous stats appeared before him. The ability was extraordinary.
"Darius, I believe in giving credit where it's due. You've done an excellent job here. You're probably wondering why I've come but i have to visit the jimi kingdom as you have known," Kael began, deliberately pausing to emphasize his words. Darius's face showed a flicker of surprise as he considered the implications.
"Does the crown prince know I'm the king's spy?" Darius thought, alarmed after all only ministers , aristocrats and the royal family was present earlier today.
"It has to be low-key," Kael continued. "I'm here to select one or two martial warriors to accompany me to the Jimi Kingdom." His words were calm, but they carried weight.
Darius quickly regained his composure, but his mind raced. "The poison incident—although we found the cure early, could that have caused this change? Or has something else shifted within him? He's thinking so clearly now. What happened?"
"My lord, if it must be low-key, I would still like to accompany you," Darius said, his tone steady. "Don't worry; I will maintain my distance."
"This is the test. What will he say? What will he do?" Darius thought, watching Kael intently.
Without hesitation, Kael replied naturally. "Darius, you're aware that I was recently poisoned and nearly assassinated. Though you found the cure, the assassin remains at large." Kael paused, his gaze sweeping over the soldiers, noting their unwavering discipline. He nodded in approval.
"That experience changed me. Perhaps it was the fear of death or the realization of my own foolishness, but I've recovered, Darius. I know you're testing me, and I'll answer you," Kael said, studying Darius's reaction closely.
"You're a peak Martial Master, and other kingdoms are undoubtedly keeping an eye on you. Your movements are monitored outside this kingdom. If you were to accompany me, it would be like exposing our plans to the world. News of the crown prince's journey to the Jimi Kingdom would spread instantly. There's no need for that," Kael explained, leaving Darius momentarily stunned.
"Only a select few know of my trip to the Jimi Kingdom, and even fewer know the exact time of departure. My father hasn't said a word, so I should be safe—unless, of course, my siblings intend to betray the kingdom," Kael added coldly, his eyes gleaming with resolve.
"He… he's grown up. Such clear analysis and strategy. My king, your son has truly awakened," Darius thought, filled with pride.
In this kingdom, the princes and princesses were allowed to compete for the throne, but fratricide was a serious crime. To kill one's own blood was an act punishable by banishment or death.
Darius was genuinely impressed, but he still had one question to ask.
"My lord, why did you choose a Martial Warrior? Why not a Martial Disciple? Although Martial Warriors aren't as prominent as Martial Masters, their strength is significant. Won't the aristocrats and ministers eventually gain knowledge of your departure?" Darius asked, eager for Kael's response.
"Haha, that's exactly what I want—to catch a traitor, you need to draw one out. And how do you do that? Simple, a bait," Kael said with a faint smirk.
This time, the soldiers present couldn't help but react. A bait? Did that mean the Crown Prince was willing to risk his own life to uncover a traitor within the kingdom?
To these soldiers, who had been carefully indoctrinated with loyalty and patriotism since joining the private army, the Crown Prince's willingness to put himself in harm's way was deeply inspiring.
To them, this was the sign of a selfless leader. A leader who, beyond providing equipment and guidance, would go to any lengths for the good of the kingdom. They felt fortunate to follow someone like this.
Of course, some among them recognized the inherent risks of such a leader—a willingness to sacrifice them as pawns for the greater good. Yet, having pledged their lives to Kael, they had already resigned themselves to this reality. Their lives no longer belonged to them; they belonged to Kael.
"My lord, well done, but I cannot accept this. Your life cannot be put at risk!" Darius started, but Kael waved his hand, cutting him off.
"Give me the best Martial Warrior among your troops. As for my safety, speak to my father. I'm sure he'll gladly send a Grandmaster to apprehend the traitor," Kael replied calmly.
Darius sucked in a cold breath but quickly realized Kael was right. Though the king acted distant toward Kael, his love for his son was undeniable.
"Haha, well done, my lord. The king will indeed be pleased with you," Darius said with a laugh.
"Don't worry about your safety, prince. I have a Martial Warrior under my command who can exchange blows with a Martial Master and buy enough time for a martial grandmaster to arrive," Darius suddenly said. This time, Kael was visibly shocked.
Based on the knowledge Kael had gained from his newfound memories, a Martial Master could fight and defeat a thousand well-trained death soldiers. These soldiers, trained to their physical limits and programmed to kill without mercy, were at the Martial Disciple realm. A Martial Master's strength was undeniable—they could shatter large rocks with a single palm strike, fell massive trees with ease, and even destroy small hills with their raw power.
The idea of a Martial Warrior standing toe-to-toe with such a being was astonishing.
"And who is this so-called special soldier?" Kael asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Cain, fetch Garrick," Darius ordered, signaling a nearby soldier.
"Yes, Commander," the soldier named Cain responded, bowing before leaving to retrieve Garrick.
"He isn't here?" Kael asked, noting the absence.
"That's correct, my lord. He's part of the death soldiers I'm training for you," Darius said with a smile. Now that the Crown Prince had matured, Darius wasn't concerned about him recklessly revealing sensitive information to impress someone, as he once might have.
"Ah, Darius, I see now why my father trusts you so much. I'm impressed—thank you for your hard work," Kael said, his voice filled with genuine appreciation.
"It's nothing, my lord. I'm just doing my job," Darius replied with a humble smile.
"What a great commander," Kael thought, truly amazed. His father's judgment was impeccable.
Before Kael could say more, a sharp voice interrupted. Cain and Garrick were here.
"Zero reporting to the Commander," a young man said as he approached.
Both Kael and Darius turned to face him. The newcomer had broad shoulders, a strikingly handsome face, and a peak physical form. Even beneath his uniform, Kael couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy at the man's impressive physique.
"At ease," Darius said, and Zero nodded before taking his place beside the Commander.
"Zero, this is the Crown Prince, the owner of this private army. From now on, your duty is to protect him," Darius declared as the man turned his sharp gaze toward Kael, studying him intently.
"Obey the Commander's orders," Zero replied, saluting with precision.
"From now on, you are relieved of your codename, Zero. Return to your alias. Do you copy?" Darius commanded.
"Yes, Commander," the man said firmly.
Turning to Kael, he saluted once more. "Garrick reporting for duty."
Kael, however, stood frozen in place, his mind reeling from what he had just observed.
The reason for his shock?
It was the information he saw when he activated his newfound ability.
*
Name: Garrick
Position: Bodyguard of the Crown Prince
Rank: Martial Warrior (Peak, capable of fighting a few rounds with a Martial Master)
Luck: Son of Destiny (Currently has an Ancient Warrior as his master)
Luck Value: 1,000
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