The first rays of dawn filtered through the heavy drapes, casting golden slants of light across Alexius' chambers. He stirred awake as the soft chime of the system broke the stillness, a sound that had grown both familiar and comforting in recent weeks.
New Skill Unlocked: Command Presence.
The notification hovered in his vision, glowing faintly with an aura that hinted at its significance. Alexius sat up, rubbing sleep from his eyes as he willed the system to elaborate.
Command Presence:
Description: A skill that enhances the wielder's ability to inspire loyalty, discern the motivations of others, and sway them to their cause. Grants a passive charisma boost in group dynamics and unlocks advanced negotiation tactics.
Benefits:
Improved perception of social cues and individual motivations.
Increased effectiveness in rallying and leading groups.
Minor bonuses to charisma and leadership checks in high-pressure situations.
The screen dissolved as Alexius leaned back against his headboard, considering the implications. This wasn't just a new skill, it was a turning point. Until now, his focus had been on survival and self-improvement. But this skill hinted at something more profound: the ability to lead, to influence, to shape the world around him.
He opened his status screen, eager to see the fruits of his labor.
Status Screen:
Strength: +3 (Improved through rigorous physical training)
Dexterity: +4 (Enhanced from sparring sessions)
Intelligence: +2 (Tactical planning and strategic thinking)
Charisma: +2 (Command Presence applied)
The changes were subtle but undeniable. He was no longer the inexperienced boy he had been at the start of his journey. Growth was evident in every stat, every skill, and every ounce of confidence that now filled him. Yet, he knew there was more work to be done.
The clinking of armor and the faint scent of oil filled the armory as Alexius found Garret sharpening his blade, the morning light glinting off the steel.
"You're up early," Garret remarked without looking up.
"I have an idea," Alexius replied, stepping closer. "I want to build a personal army."
Garret paused, his whetstone stilling against the blade. "A personal army?" he repeated, his tone laced with skepticism. "You've been ambitious lately, but this… this is another level."
Alexius nodded, crossing his arms. "I've been thinking about what you said, about strength being more than just skill with a sword. If I'm going to carve out a place for myself in this kingdom, I need people I can trust. People who'll stand with me when it matters."
Garret set the blade aside and leaned back against the table, studying Alexius carefully. "You know what you're risking, right? Your siblings aren't going to ignore this. They'll see it as a threat. Worse, they might plant spies or saboteurs among your recruits."
"I know," Alexius admitted. "But I can't let that stop me. If I don't start now, I'll always be a step behind them."
Garret rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. But guts won't get you far without a plan. You need to choose your recruits carefully, quality over quantity. And when you do find the right people, you have to earn their loyalty, not just demand it."
Alexius met his gaze, determination blazing in his eyes. "That's why I came to you. You've been in my corner since the beginning. Will you help me train them?"
Garret chuckled, shaking his head. "You're a piece of work, Your Highness. Fine. I'll help. But don't say I didn't warn you when the politics come back to bite you."
The training grounds were bustling with activity, far more than Alexius was used to seeing at this early hour. He and Garret exchanged puzzled glances as they approached, the sound of jeers and shouted insults growing louder.
At the center of the commotion stood a young trainee, his clothes disheveled and his face streaked with dirt. He was smaller than the other soldiers surrounding him, his wiry frame a stark contrast to their broad shoulders and muscled arms.
Despite the clear imbalance, the boy, Kael, Garret identified him with a nod, held his ground, his fists clenched and his jaw set in defiance.
"Come on, runt!" one of the older soldiers taunted, shoving Kael back a step. "Think you're tough enough to stand with us?"
Kael's response was immediate. He lunged forward, swinging wildly. His lack of technique was evident, but so was his determination. He didn't flinch, didn't back down, even as the older soldiers easily dodged his strikes and delivered their own blows in return.
"Why is no one stopping this?" Alexius asked sharply.
Garret shrugged. "The kid's got a reputation for being hot-headed. Most of the time, he gets himself into these messes."
Before Alexius could respond, one of the soldiers raised a wooden practice sword, aiming a vicious swing at Kael. Instinct took over.
Alexius stepped forward, intercepting the blow with his own sword. The sound of wood striking wood echoed across the grounds, silencing the crowd.
"Enough," Alexius said, his voice calm but firm.
The soldier hesitated, his eyes darting between Alexius and Garret. When no one moved to challenge the prince's authority, the group began to disperse, their jeers fading into grumbles.
Kael, still catching his breath, looked up at Alexius in disbelief. "I didn't need your help," he muttered, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth.
Alexius smirked, lowering his sword. "Is that so? Looked like you were one hit away from a broken nose."
Garret stepped forward, his tone exasperated. "You're reckless, Kael. Pride's a fine thing, but it won't keep you alive."
Kael glared at him, his defiance unyielding. "I don't care what you think. I'm not going to bow to anyone."
Alexius tilted his head, intrigued. "What do you want, then? What are you fighting for?"
Kael's eyes blazed with a fire that belied his youth. "I want to stand at the top of the world with my sword in hand. I'll cut down anyone who stands in my way."
Garret snorted, but Alexius saw something different. In Kael's raw ambition and determination, he recognized a spark of the same fire that drove him forward.
"Then prove it," Alexius said, his voice steady. "Join me. Be the first to stand at my side, and we'll see if you've got what it takes to reach the top."
Kael's eyes widened, the offer catching him completely off guard. The crowd murmured in shock, all eyes now on the scrappy trainee.
"Why me?" Kael asked, suspicion creeping into his voice.
"Because I see something in you," Alexius replied. "The same thing I see in myself: a refusal to give up, no matter the odds. That's what I need in my army."
For a long moment, Kael said nothing. Then, slowly, he extended his hand. "Fine. I'll do it. But don't think I'll just follow orders like a dog."
Alexius grasped his hand firmly, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I wouldn't expect anything less."
As Kael stood beside him, the first of what Alexius hoped would be many, he felt a shift, a spark igniting into a flame. This was only the beginning.