Chapter 5: One Way or Another.

The growing tension between the kingdom and the Arklar empire have only grown since the coronation of the new king of the kingdom. The Arklar emperor acted negatively and swamped resources from them. The king turned a blind eye to this though. Unfortunately this only fueled the emperor's rage and did bolder and bolder act's of terrorism. Burning their natural timber, taking their ore deposit's and claiming it as their own. Mine's blocked off for no reason riddle the caves. The king didn't feel the need to commit action right now but if the emperor keep's this up, he'll be forced to declare war.

Perhaps this is what the emperor wanted. He owned half of the world, while the king owned the other. It was simple and peaceful. So why does he provoke him?. Does he really hate the natural flow of time and decided that now is the perfect time for war?

The king had experienced this belittling for year's now. He had a happy family just 3 year's after he was crowned. He gained the trust of his people and made himself a respectable reputation. He made sure he accomplished the goal's of his kingdom. He didn't aim for short term fixes. He wanted to introduce lifelong and effective solution's. Also his man working in his shadow, Targun, is an admirable fellow. People revere him and the ladies in particular seem to screech the loudest when he passes by the town's. The king had made countless sacrifices for the benefit of his kingdom. They wonder if such a man even has time for his family.

"Lord Zxaron. Young master has come to see you." A maid enters the dark office of the king and bow's.

"Ahh... Heiter... Sure... Come in." He ruffles his hair and slick's it back.

She open's the door and a toddler with dark red hair made it's way rapidly to the king on all four's.

"Ah. He's gonna bump the-..." The maid reached out her arm.

"I got it." He stood up and held him in his hand's, he held him out holding only on his armpit's.

"wah..." The baby was dumbfounded.

"Are you ready? Here we go..." He pulled him down and tossed him up ward's. he caught him and did it again and again.

"Hey. Where did Heiter go?" A lady's voice can be heard just outside the door.

"He's currently with his father, my majesty." The maid near the door answered.

"What?" She opened the door in it's entirety and her jaw dropped at the sight.

"Hahahaha!" The king chuckled.

"Whahaha...Wahh!" The toddler cried.

The king was juggling the toddler repeatedly. Almost barely making him bump the ceiling.

"What do you think are you doing?" She put her hands on her hip's and pouted.

"What? I'm bonding with my son." The king kept at it.

"Like hell! Look he's crying! Give him to me." She approached the king with great speed and strength.

"Oh... uhh..." The king stopped and the toddler was pulled from his arm's.

"So clumsy. Hey." She stared at the king while she held the toddler in her arm's while rubbing the back of his head.

"?..." The king scratched his head.

"Can I be honest?" She tugged on the end's of her purple hair.

"...Sure." The king tardily answered.

"You look terrible." She glared coldly at him.

"Ah... I guess I don't get much sleep don't I?" The king held an empty laugh.

"I'm worried. Take care of yourself more." She walked away with the toddler and left the room.

"Haa..." The king sighed and sat on his desk.

"Lord-.." The maid called out to him.

"You can leave. Ill wrap up thing's here. It's gotten pretty late." The king ordered and the maid obeyed.

"What's happened to me? I can't even keep a conversation with my family." He looked towards the night sky through the window and observed the stars.

"Did I lose something too?" He stared at his hands.

"Father... Are you at least proud?" He sighed and stared back at the window.

The king had lived a perfect life until now. He was loved by most and was never rude or objective. He listened to his people, took advice from the wiser. His family is probably his most important possession. The king's elder brother had left the kingdom in search for someone. The king's little sister is gathering people for her marriage. And his wife and son became the figure he wanted to protect. But he still felt empty, all this happiness filling an endless stomach. He searched for something new. He too wanted to have some thrill in his life.

Just like any other person he pursued this dream. And so he turned a blind eye to the wrongdoing's of the emperor just to see where this would lead. Every time a villager complained, he'd brush it away or create an excuse. Maybe he's doing this to wage war on the emperor and create a world without them and become the true ruler of the world or maybe he want's to die somewhere, where his honor wont be tainted. It's not like he wanted to die. He actively evaded situation's that would harm him or his family. He truly did care for them. More than anyone in this world.

Yep. Maybe that's it. This is a selfish act made just to bring his family up a peg or two. Though the king was indecisive, he also made mistake's like every human being. Spread lie's like any other person. Twist and bend other's belief's just like nature taking place. The emperor is human as well. He's a person with a great power and capability. Both of them share a single quality. That is their humanity. Yet they are so far from being human. They continue these pointless pledges. But they also reflect the person they reason with. In the end, it's those who stand in the way of those people that are targeted. It all end's when the other is succumbed to silence. One way or another.

. O .

"My lord... What do you mean by this?" Targun asked me.

"I'm sorry, Targun." I held the shredded paper.

"This can't be... Our kingdom..." He grit his teeth.

"They reap what they sow. Targun, we have to prepare." I ordered.

"But... What happens then? You could die, my lord!" He bellowed.

"I... I know." I stared at the floor before adding.

"I've helped this kingdom flourish. They have no right to disturb our peace. It's only right." I put my hand's on my desk.

"North of the empire and south of our kingdom. This part's a plateau, It's common ground shared between within respected territory. Next month sharp from this day, we'll send as much of our soldier's as possible and use the environment to our advantage."

For the rest of that day, we strategized our plan and refined it. We had no clue how big their forces are. We did have intel but it was not much to make a clear picture.

"Take the rest off the month, Targun. We're going to be plenty busy." I closed the door and sighed. I stared at the portrait of father on the wall.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

"I wonder how would father act at time like this." I took my chin.

My vision of father has done a complete 180, I hated him from forcing his ideals and dream's on me. But as I grew up and learned more of just how great of a king my father was, I learned that even when he achieved it all, he still plenty of dream's so he laid that on me and decided to put his faith on the next generation. My little sister is a prime example of that. Why did I think he was just a failure of a king? I don't know and I don't think I'll ever will. I believe he'd be the one to start this war, but I feel like he'd also be the one to end it. I have to show my people that I can fight too, I have to show them that I can protect them.

The month passes by quickly. We've managed to form quite the army, Approximately 1 and a half million soldier's. In the end we could only squeeze in a couple more thousand's. These people that serve me had various background's and skills, they either come from one of the 4 party's that specializes in their respective field or they come to me directly. Either way these are brave people, people that left their normal lives to turn to the battlefield. I truly revere them from the bottom of my heart.

After giving my speech and Targun patting me on the back, we turn to our long journey south. It was the middle of spring and so we don't expect a slight pint of snow anytime soon. We frequented chariot's and the rest were cavalry. We stayed low at night and traveled by day.

I wore pretty heavy armor for this occasion. Well we're about to head into battle and I just can't afford being vulnerable at this moment. I took a broadsword because I thought it would prove more effective than a dagger. I've also trained a lot more heavily these past week's. I was in tip top condition minus the insomnia. I was this confident in my ability, but in hindsight I've truly underestimated the opposing force.

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"Halt!" I ordered after reaching our destination.

Targun echoed the order.

I clenched my teeth as I heard a massive thundering force can be heard from miles away. I widened my eyes as the emperor's army come within range, they are already screeching with fury, that man had always made his people vicious warriors. They also repeatedly stopped one after another, although bumping into each other they did come to a complete stop.

"My lord, I have already notified the rear party." He stared at me with contentment.

"I see... Targun. If I die... Make sure you make out of this alive and be the next king. The kingdom will break down without the leadership of one. You and me know that all too well." I focused my eye's to the army.

"I... I don't have any right to do so... As the previous king's vowed to only give the crown to those who have the blood. Yet I am an outsider." He answered with a poker face.

"No... Then... You don't plan to put it on Heiter will you?" I glanced him.

"With no doubt. Yes." He nodded lightly.

"You... He's an 8 year-old boy. He doesn't even know that much of the world yet. He's just like any kid." I objected.

"That's right. But just like any other kid, he'll learn on his own, get back up on his own and eventually lead life on his own." He calmly nodded again.

"Targun... gh... Take care of Heiter." I tried my best to reciprocate the emotion.

"I will. I assure you he will grow into a fine king someday, with or without you." He blinked and smiled warmly.

With or without me huh? Those words felt like sharp arrow's piercing my body all over. What would Heiter's life be without me? I felt like that he'd be lost but since Targun's there on my stead, I guess he can be a sort of brother figure for him. Speaking of family, Kimiyu has been living quite the life with her husband, they had two kids and of course they are absolutely adorable. She's still teases me but most of the time she spends being love dovey with her partner, I envy the two of them. As for elder brother, he found the woman he's been finding. Soon they'll start their own family. I'm happy for them.

For me though. Illia get's a bit grumpy when we commit skin ship but she doesn't pull away. I'm always content at the end. Heiter is growing up nice. He has a pretty face, I'm pretty confident he got that from me. He hasn't done anything noteworthy yet but who am I expecting something from an 8 year-old. I'll respect his wishes. If he doesn't like the throne then he can live a normal life just like the rest of us. There's no point pressing something on someone who doesn't find it necessary. So good for him. Targun is always there. He'll probably take the throne anyways.

After making my vow. It's time to initiate the war itself.

I raised my sword high to the sky with new resolutions and dropped toward's the enemy with great action.

"Ravage the enemy and leave no stone unturned!" The emperor screamed.

"Soldiers! Achieve glory and serve our country!" I commanded.

Both destructive forces come hammering down on each other. It turn's into a gruesome battlefield within seconds. I didn't find it difficult to get lost in the wave's of my soldiers. Without Targun's reminders I'd probably been left behind by now.

For some reason I feel adrenaline. I guess this is the risk of death I'm feeling right now. It gathered inside my arm's and feet. I feel revitalized and full of energy. Somehow I feel like I can take victory. Though that wish didn't last long though.

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"Woah!. Who is tha .." Lop and roll.

"W-w-w-what... the hell?!" A pained expression is expressed on the face of the decapitated head.

"How could anyone do thi ..." Slice.

A shadowy figure make's it's presence known. It glided down through heap's and heap's of soldier's, making quick work of them.

"Attack!" One bellowed and headed straight for the figure.

The black figure jumped up, unsheathed a dagger and sliced the knight in the middle cleanly, all the way through. It was at this point that they realized that only opposing this figure only end's in certain death. It's goal wasn't them anyway.

Everything was going well. We outwit the enemy's strategy and attacked tactically. The galloping cavalry were very effective in taking out the rear army. There was no way this could end cataclysmically. Yet why. Why is this happening? I watch my raging soldier's march forward and die in battle. For their death is not in vain. Yet that thing it mock's the fighting spirit that fuel's my army. It kill's without remorse, it dashes forward without mercy. It inches closer and closer to me. I don't know what this thing's goal is. But I'll face it head on if I have to.

"Tsk. Don't underestimate you little brat." I knocked his blade aside.

It moved like something I've never seen before. It was swift and executes precise attack's. Maybe this is how they train assassin's nowadays? It doesn't respond to speech. Maybe it's not even capable for it.

A blade grazing my cheek I lunged forward and attacked with my broadsword. Yet he disappeared again. It was endless. I couldn't manage to even land a strike once. Maybe this thing was sent to kill me. Then who? and why? for some stupid war? These questions remain unanswered and probably will be until the end of time.

"Grah!" I bellowed after bumping into an enemy soldier. One after another, I killed and killed.

The situation wasn't that dire. I've managed to stay practically unharmed. It was until I was stuck in that smoke that, that arrow hit me. It didn't hurt that much. Adrenaline was pumping through me at that time. But once the pain started to register. I couldn't handle it. I'd have to pull it out.

"Targun!" I yelled. I wanted to at least be in a safe position. I can't risk being occupied in enemy territory.

Unfortunately for me, Targun was plenty busy. I was surrounded by enemy soldier's. I could kill them and get back in our area. And so I did. I pushed forward. I might seem desperate but the pain is just too much to ignore. I breathed in large stroke's and nervously exhaled. My energy was burning out. I can't last for long but when I saw that glimmer of hope. The path back to our area opened up, I galloped furiously. Yet through desperation and survival. My guard was lowered.

"L-lord behind you!" He reached for me with his arm.

Death itself took the sweet nectar from my life and danced me in his palm's. The blade that pierced me glowed a violet hue. The tip was jagged yet elegant. It was pitch black, a weapon made for destruction. It felt like a wringing heat inside me. It was rotated and pulled out from my body.

My skin turns purple and my eye's flutter around before eventually stopping. I fall down and accept the warm embrace of the ground.

My vision turn's dark.

The indescribable feeling of guilt and grief overwhelm me.

For some reason I feel accomplishment in this sorrow ocean.

Did I wish for this to happen?

A pain that subsided for the choice that I decided?

Was it worth it? Probably not.

I fall into a seemingly endless ocean. The blue sky meets the surface yet I'm so far away. I don't have any motivation to swim back up.

"W-what the?!, who are you?" Until I heard that voice.

My mind was still flashing through memories. But this place. I wonder if I can stay just a little bit longer.

We greeted each other. We made our vows. I told my story. In the end. I just wanted to have another chance at life.

"Hff..Sniff... A-and t-that's the s-story o-of the k-king...uuuu." I wiped my tear's away.

"Hey... Hey!" I rubbed my eye's stared at the sleeping deer.

"Why are you sleeping? actually when did you start sleeping? I didn't notice." My brow furrowed.

"...I heard all of it didn't I?" She majestically answered.

"ugh... It give's me the creep's when you talk without moving your mouth." I cringe.

"Well I'm sorry... It was a great story. I mean it." She sat up.

"Right." I sat with perfect posture.

"You truly did care for your mother. You hated your father but grew to adore him in your late stage's in life." She nodded her head.

"Yup... I wish I could talk to them a bit longer." I gazed downwards.

"Nope not what we promised." She threw two of her limbs out and made an X.

"Sure... Then how do you plan on keeping your promise?" I scratched the back of my head.

"Oh. Simple." She made a hand out of nowhere appear within thin air. It had milky white skin and had all the finger's.

In one action, It snapped it's finger's and disappeared.

The dark world around me turned white. This place seemed ethereal. The deer was gone. I was alone again.

I wandered aimlessly. Until I saw a hole in the air. It was the darkness.

"U-uh... You see... Something has gone terribly wrong!" The goddess came back floating in front of me.

"What?" I pleaded for an answer.

"Uh...I'll explain it to you later!" She went inside the hole of darkness.

The world around me began to collapse. I had no idea what's happening. Maybe if I entered that hole? No its too dangerous... But, I cant afford to die again.

I leapt forward. The air turned solid beneath my feet and I slowly climbed the invisible stair's but due to my surroundings rapidly deteriorating. I began to run. Soon enough before my very feet was destroyed, I entered the darkness.

"What?" The goddess bellowed at me.

"What." I answered.

It was in this moment that I truly didn't understand the predicament of my situation.