Chapter 8: Surprise Encounter

Inside the smithy:

Leon entered the place, taking a quick look around and inspecting the weapons that were on display. The smithy was a rather small place. The wooden floor cracked on every step, pushing away the dust to the sides. Light, entering from multiple windows, was shining onto the weapons. In the back stood a man, that looked to be in his mid 30's, controlling flames with high precision. His focus did not falter, even at the presence of Leon. He continued applying the fire onto the metal, over and over again. Only then, after finishing the process and putting away the still burning metal, he turned his attention towards Leon.

"Welcome! Forgive my late greeting, but I was focusing on my work." - The man said with a smile on his face.

"I guess that you came here in order to buy a weapon or some armor. Did you already look around the place?" - The man continued, wiping off the sweat on his face.

"Well, I came here looking for something more special. I need something that fits me perfectly, so I'm not sure if I can find anything of that sort in the display area." - Leon said, still looking around the place.

"I do take special orders. So, if you can describe me what you want, I'll be able to get to work and put everything together." The man replied, sitting down on a nearby chair and gesturing Leon to do the same.

Leon agreed, sitting across the man and thinking about how to describe the order.

"I need a special kind of crossbow and armor set. For the crossbow, arrows won't be the ammunition. Instead, I want it to work with small sharp objects like thorns. The system for that should also be special and automatic. I want you to visualize this, so that you don't get the order wrong. Imagine a flower growing inside the ammunition pocket. To reload the crossbow, it would chop off the thorns of the flower and use them as the projectiles. When there are no thorns left to shoot, the ammunition pocket should catch on fire for a certain amount of time, burning only the flower inside and not touching the soil." - Leon tried to explain, knowing well that what he said sounds very complicated.

The man scratched his head and thought for a moment.

"I can see a way for this to work. But my biggest question would be, why? I can't see any sense in such a weapon." - The man said, confused by the request.

"It's for an important project. I know that it sounds rather complicated, but I'm ready to pay any price to get it done properly." - Leon answered, pulling out a small bag filled with golden coins, handing it over to the man.

"As for my second order, the armor set. As of now, I don't mid what material you use, as long as you can fulfill the following conditions. I want the armor set to be durable, resistant and flexible. As an extra, every essential part of the set should have pockets. With pockets I mean a very small room, the opening should be controlled by a binding stone which is hidden inside the armor." - Leon explained again.

"Now, that's a more logical order. I created something similar to that quite a few times. So don't worry, I'll make sure that it's the best that you can get around here." - The man laughed, opening the bag of coins and counting every piece one by one. 

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"Yes, this seems to be a reasonable amount. Alright, I think that I understood what you want. Give me one week, it will be ready by then. You can also check in every now and then, just to make sure that it's going into the direction you wanted." - The man said, standing up and walking back to his workplace.

Leon nodded, also getting up and leaving the smithy.

I guess the crossbow order was a surprise for him. After all, what real purpose would it have. Well, it does have one with my ability. If my guess is correct, then the crossbow would make perfect sense. Growing a Silver Lotus inside the crossbow and using its thorns to paralyze my enemies, a weapon that will surely catch some people off guard.

Leon walked towards the main road, planning to get to his mansion before dinnertime.

Honestly, I was surprised when he said that my armor set was something that he created a few times already. Like, who would need something like that? My thought was to store soil inside of it, growing flowers that may have some protective abilities and reduce some troubles against certain ability wielders. So, why would anyone else need something like that? What are they storing in those pockets? Is it just for convenience?

Then, a few minutes later, when walking down the road and passing through a rather isolated area of the city.

What...is this feeling?

Leon turned around, visibly feeling uncomfortable. I just felt...bloodlust? And a strong one at that. 

After glancing over to the surrounding areas and not identifying any person, he decided to move on.

Weird. I could have sworn that I just felt strong bloodlust directed at me. But...it's not here anymore?

He then left the area, now walking on the populated main road again.

Someone is following me. I can feel a dark presence, maybe about 20 meters behind me? But I can't identify it, the place is too crowded. I have to lure it towards a more- 

Leon stopped.

It's gone? How is it gone? The presence does not exist anymore. But that's impossible. A presence, and such a dark one at that, can't disappear within seconds. Unless...he has some sort of ability that allows him to do that. 

He then turned around, watching the crowded street in disappointment.

Maybe I should have paid more attention when Edward tried to teach me some shadow arts. But I wonder, would that have helped in this situation? I know that I'm still a beginner when it comes to that, but even I can tell that something like this is not natural.

Unable to react to the situation, Leon continued walking home.

But the question still remains the same. Who was that? Why were they following me? Maybe assassins from a hostile kingdom? 

Suddenly, the weight of the situation dropped on Leons shoulders. He realized in what position he was.

I can't go home like this. I have no way of defending myself just yet, there is no chance of me surviving an attack from professionals like that. Although I have Edward and his group, that's not enough to make me feel safe. How am I supposed to sleep at night, knowing that a dagger could come flying at me anytime. Especially when I'm away from my father like this, I need to take steps to protect myself. And that needs to be done today, right now.

While in that deep thought, Leon recognized a familiar sign on one of the buildings that he was passing by.

The 'Lions Roar', a group of trained and experienced soldiers that specialize on trade safety. Protecting the trading routes from any kind of hostility, they made themselves a name inside the Kingdom of Theanad. The sign that Leon noticed had their groups name 'Lion Roar' on it, indicating that this is a contact point of some sort.

I wonder if I could hire some of their soldiers as bodyguards. Leon wondered and entered the building.

Now inside, he was surprised to be welcomed by a calm atmosphere, the opposite of what he had expected when reading their group name. The place resembled a tavern. Tables with chairs at the front, a counter at the back and one staircase leading to the second floor of the building. The place was empty, with only an old man standing behind the counter, counting some gold coins.

Leon approached the man. After noticing Leon, the old man put away the bag of gold coins and turned over to Leon, greeting him in a friendly tone.

"Welcome, Prince Leon. What a pleasant surprise to have you here." - The man said, slightly bowing his head.

Seems like there are some people that recognize me, even bowing his head. I wonder if my title as the 'Useless Prince' is not well known here.

"Thank you. I came here for business, so I'll get straight to the point." - Leon said, sitting down on a chair in front of the counter.

"I was wondering if you guys accept work as bodyguards?" - Leon continued asking.

"Bodyguards? Well, we specialize on trade routes. But, if a request like this is coming from the prince himself, how dare we refuse?" - The man answered, clapping his hands and signaling some people upstairs to come down.

It didn't take long for a few men, that looked to be in their late 30's, to come down the stairs and line up next to the counter.

Every one of them was well equipped, carrying a short sword by their sides and wearing iron armor.

"These are the currently available soldiers. Everyone is well experienced in combat and protecting a target, so I believe that they would fit your request." - The old man said.

"Then, would you mind introducing yourselves and your abilities? I'd like to know who I'll be working with in the future." - Leon asked the men.

The men nodded and started introducing themselves.

"I'm Jayce, 38 years old and the captain of this group. My ability allows me to freeze any one thing that is within my range." - The one tall guy on the left said.

"My name is Swen, 35 years old and the second in command. I have the ability to teleport to nearby locations, that are within my range." - The man next to him continued.

"I'm Austin, 33 years old and the newest member of the group. My ability allows me to turn invisible for a while." - The next guy said.

"And I am Mervin, 37 years old and a temporary member of this group. I can summon a big snake out of ice and command it." - The last man in line said.

Impressive. They have useful abilities. I can imagine them working alongside Edwards group, there shouldn't be any issues if all of them protect me, right?

Leon pulled out a small bag, full of golden coins, again. He then put it on the counter, handing it over to the old man.

"I'm truly impressed. That is why I'd like to hire them. As of now, it would only be for a week. However, if they do their job well, I'll make sure to hire them again." - Leon said to the old man.

"You'll mainly be guarding my mansion during the night. Other than that, there will be occasions were you need to follow me around and keep an eye out on the surrounding. So, you'll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy your time." - Leon said, turning towards the four men.

They looked at each other, before the captain spoke again.

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"We accept the offer and look forward to work with you." - Jayce said, bowing his head. The other men followed his actions.

"Great. We'll be leaving right away. Make sure to take everything that you need with you, we'll depart afterwards." - Leon said.

The four men went upstairs, picking up any items that they would need for the week. Meanwhile, Leon waited outside the building, leaning on a wall and enjoying the atmosphere.

I really hope that nothing happens this week. Being a prince is such a headache. All these dangers that I can't see, I must be prepared for everything.

It took the men quite some time. However, after 10 minutes, they finally left the building and met Leon outside.

"It seems like everyone is ready, let's go." - Leon said, leading the way.

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Why is it so awkwardly silent? I mean they don't have to talk but come on. Maybe I should try to start a conversation? However, just then, Jayce tried talking with Leon.

"I'm quite curious, but are you a noble of some sort? I mean, not everyone can afford a mansion, yet alone hire bodyguards for its protection." - Jayce asked with curiosity.

"A noble?" - Leon laughed at the question.

It really seems like the people here don't even know who I am.

"Well, it's my fault for not introducing myself. I'm Prince Leon, the future ruler of this kingdom. I'm also the ruler of Hutis, the newly formed region with Kosa as it's capital." - Leon explained.

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The silence was even more awkward now. The men had nothing to say, they couldn't believe that the prince himself hired them as his bodyguards for his mansion. It took them some minutes to collect their thoughts.

"This is truly a surprise. We did not know that we'd have the honor of serving the prince. However, I still have one question. What do you mean with Hutis? And Kosa as the capital of that region? Did you combine the regions into a new one or something?" - Swen asked.

Their reaction is natural. I have yet to announce the creation of the new region, with me as its ruler.

"You could put it like that. I'll be holding a speech tomorrow in the city center, so be sure to come and listen. Your questions will be answered there." - Leon answered.

The group continued walking, having multiple conversations on the way and enjoying their time together. The atmosphere was bright.

A few hours later, inside the mansion, dining room:

Laverna prepared dinner, which she and Leon are now enjoying.

"How was your day? Did your business go well?" - Laverna asked, taking a bite out of some meat.

"It did. You can start your work after a few days, the preparations should be done by then." - Leon answered, reaching out for more peach juice.

"Perfect. The merchants should have arrived by then. And, what's up with those new guards? Do we really need people to protect the mansion like this?" - Laverna asked.

"Did you forget that I am the prince? I'm probably the target of multiple people. Not only that but, you are also here. We don't know how your brother might react to your success. So, what's the harm in hiring some guards?" - Leon answered.

"You're right, I never thought about that." - Laverna said, grabbing some fruits and putting them on her plate.

"You don't have to, that will be my job." - Leon said.

Both of them continued their dinner, talking about the preparations.

Next hour, inside Leons office:

Leon, sitting at his desk, patiently waiting for something. 

I can't forget that feeling...just what was that?

Then, Edward appeared in front of the desk.

"And?" - Leon asked impatiently.

"We found no traces of anyone suspicious in the city. We also checked the surrounding area, nothing." - Edward answered on one knee.

"Then, I have another question. By your own judgement, what do you think it was? Do you have any guesses?" - Leon continued asking.

"If I go by what you described, then I can only guess that the person is an expert. He must have some sort of ability that allows him to move like that." - Edward answered again.

That was also my guess. And it's weird...not even Edward and his group could identify the presence. Well, it looks like I have no options left. I need to move on.

"I understand. Also, make sure to introduce yourselves to the newly hired guards. I don't want them to accidently target you, although I doubt that they will even spot you. Maybe try coordinating with their group, no need to have two groups watching the same thing, right?" - Leon continued.

"I shall do that." - Edward replied, disappearing into the shadows again.

I have a bad feeling about this.

The same night, Leons bedroom:

Mhmm...what's this feeling? Leon, who was sleeping, slowly opened his eyes. He then took a look around the dark room. Ah...it's so dark. Maybe I should have some more light sources in this room. He slowly got up from the bed.

I feel so hungry...I need a snack. Leon tried to orient himself in the dark room, slowly but surely walking towards the door. Finally. He opened the door and entered the hallway, which was partly lit by the bright moon. He then began slowly walking down the hall, still tired and partially sleeping.

What...is that? Am I still dreaming? Still not fully awake, he spotted a weird silhouette at the end of the hallway. It seems so...real.

And it was. However, Leon only realized it when the Silhouette launched itself towards Leon, quickly closing the gap between the two. There was no time to react, especially not for a partially sleeping Leon. However, the dash was so sudden that it woke him up instantly, causing him to realize what's going on. While the silhouette was dashing, Leon recognized what it actually was. It was a human, hiding his identity with a coat.

And in that very moment, Leon only had one thought: I'm dead.

However, he could count himself lucky, as he was not alone in this mansion.

Before impact, Edward appeared in front of Leon, intercepting the dash by instantly uppercutting the unknown person. 

A second later, while the man was still in the air, Swen appeared behind him. He followed up Edwards uppercut with an insanely fast tornado kick into the guys head, knocking him through the hallways wall and launching him into a different room.

What's going on?! What's happening?! Leon still couldn't grasp the situation, watching the scene in disbelief.

Before the man could even try getting up, a gigantic snake out of ice smashed through the outer window, wrapping itself around the man and subduing him. The ice cold breeze in combination with wind from the outside dropped the room temperature below 0.

Leon was slowly realizing what was really going on. It's...an assassin? But...even though I just woke up...this is not the same guy? No, the person I met earlier had a completely different aura. This is someone else. 

Jayce and Austin followed the commotion, entering the hallway and watching the scene.

"It seems like you didn't even need my help." - Jayce said.

This is truly...a big headache.

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