“Seriously. I look away for a second and the two who are supposed to attend this meeting have wandered off.” Lazzuxui sighed. “I sincerely apologize for my subordinates, your majesty.”

“It’s understandable. I also wish to introduce you to someone, however she may be late as well.” The Empress smiled. “In the meantime, might I introduce several places to visit in Xu before your return to Vivrus?”

“Certainly. I’d be grateful for your suggestions.”

While Miyabe and Lazzuxui engaged in their conversation, Kenji restlessly examined the Vivirians on the opposite side of the chamber. He was sure what to think of the Vivirian’s alien appearance.

“Your highness, it is good to be curious. However, it is rude to stare at the Vivirians and not speak to them.” Toudo whispered.

“What am I supposed to say? How must I converse with those who’s language I am unfamiliar with?”

“For starters, I suggest introducing yourself to the Vivirian speaking to Her Highness. Since she can speak our language, you may find interesting things to ask about. Perhaps you could gain better insight of Pipsqueak, the Oracle and their deeds in Vivrus from someone that was there.”

Kenji agreed. During Kihet and Lily’s absence, he only heard of their achievements vaguely. He wanted more detail, but he did not want to embarrass his mother by imposing or acting too brash in front of his guest.

-I’ll be a better ruler than my father and I’ll force you to have no choice but to apologize! Just you wait!-

It’s as if he’s miles behind from his declaration to become the best ruler Kihet would ever see. Even better than his father, Shibata.

Determined, Kenji listened onto the conversation, biding his time for an opportunity.

Once Miyabe changed the subject onto crafting lanterns, Kenji saw it fit to express his experience to Lazzuxui. He lightly described the process of assembling a lantern and history of their usage not to overwhelm but managed to express the important points.

“Interesting. I would love to make one when there is a chance. I believe I have many close ones I’d like to give prayers to.” Lazzuxui smiled.

“Certainly!”

“Where are my manners? I have provided my name to The Empress but not to you, young prince. I deeply apologize, your highness. I am Lazzuxui Gillanty, royal advisor to Queen Elarinya.”

“I am Wu Kenji, soon to succeed the throne of Xu.”

“I see. My understanding for one to succeed the throne may vastly differ from yours, but I understand it will be difficult. I have no doubt you will become a great King someday, young Prince.”

“I am grateful to hear your words.” Hearing words of praise, Kenji stole a quick glance at Toudo to see his thoughts.

The General silently approved his interaction with a thumbs up under his crossed arms.

Unbeknownst to Kenji, Miyabe was proud to see her son take initiative to confidently speak with foreign guests. Before they sat around the table, the Empress had asked a favor from Lazzuxui to not speak to Kenji until the Prince built enough courage to join.

Miyabe and Lazzuxui exchanged small smiles as the three continued talking until they were interrupted by knockings on a door.

“Your highness, Caretaker Sayuri has arrived. She found the other guests as well.”

“What a coincidence.” Miyabe chuckled. “Do let them in.”

The guards opened the door and revealed Martha stepping into the chamber. Her clothes were covered in soft green barbs of feathers scattered from head to toe.

“I’m terribly sorry, your highness! I-I do not have any excuse for being late and untidy…” Martha kneeled.

“Please stand. You don’t need to worry. I know of your circumstance. Rorora and Lulula both have been keeping you busy.” Miyabe chuckled. “Lazzuxui, this is Sayuri. She is the Wyvern Tamer Xu I mentioned.”

“Wyverns? Interesting. How many trained Wyverns does Xu have?”

“Approximately seven. Two of which are Ikagas, Sayuri’s aces and they only obey her.”

“I’m very curious.” Lazzuxui nodded.

“Sayuri, how are Rorora and Lulula?” Kenji asked. “I want to play with them later.”

“They’re energetic as usual prince. Maybe a little too energetic.” Martha answered as she presented her muddied clothes. “Oh right. Your highness, I also brought two Vivirians with me. They’re right behind… where did they go?”

“I’ll do something about them.” Lazzuxui sighed. “Priqet, Yixy, come out this instant. You two are damaging Vivrus’ reputation.”

Immediately, two sets of anntenas poked out from each side of the door frame.

“Lazzy, can you promise not to be mad at us?”

“I-I tried stopping Priqet! It’s his fault for dragging me off!”

Although Kenji couldn’t understand their language, he understood the meaning behind their shaking voices. It was a familiar feeling when Kenji knew he were to get in trouble and would be caught, the Vivirians pleaded not to be punished by the guest sitting across from him.

Two heads popped behind the door and peeped into the chamber. After checking Lazzuxui’s defeated expression, they tipped toed into the room.

“I sincerely apologize on behalf of my subordinates.” Lazzuxui lowered her head.

“Your apology has already been accepted long ago. I am relieved Sayuri is the one to find them.” Miyabe smiled. “Might you be so kind as to introduce them to us?”

“Certainly. The one shying from me is Yixy Agrippa, an Apothecarist. The other, Priqet Cimber, a Tracker. They previously served as Queen Elarinya’s eyes, ears and hands. However, Priqet here managed to receive a Heroes Crest from the Oracle.”

“A crest?!” Kenji shouted.

“That means Kihet and Lily made big progress!” Martha applauded.

“This is exciting news indeed.” Miyabe complimented. “I wonder why the Oracle had not mentioned anything about it?”

“It seems the Oracle is not aware a crest being bestowed upon Priqet.”

“Permission to speak, your highness.” Toudo waited until Miyabe granted his request. “Hero, had you felt any different when awakening?”

“He said he was given an ability to see intentions.” Lazzuxui translated Priqet’s words. “Meaning, he has the power of [Foresight]. Although it is not clear how far into the future he can see.”

“Your highness, if I may, I would like permission to duel with Vivrus’ Hero-.”

“Rejected. Stand down, General.”

“Aww…”

“Actually.” Lazzuxui glanced over Priqet with a devilish grin. “It would be his honor to take upon your challenge. He wishes to strengthen himself to be of aid to the Oracle. Isn’t that right, Hero?”

Priqet only gulped in silence, unable to object. In his trembling thoughts, being stared down by Toudo and Lazzuxui, Priqet only hope to avoid shaming himself.

----------------------------------------

There was a crowd surrounding the arena filled with soldiers of Xu and Vivrus. They cheered for their respective side.

“And my opponent is Xu’s General?”

“Yup. The strongest one. Good luck Priqet.” She then noticed him silently observing the crowd. “What’s wrong?”

“This is the same scene I saw in my dream.”

“Is it? Then this isn’t good. Should I tell Lazzuxui about it?”

“She won’t believe me. Look, I think it’s really going to happen.”

“Alright. How about this? We’ll both keep our guards up, alright?”

“You believe me?”

“You’re the one who has the ability to see and show us phantoms. If this is another of your ridiculous ability, it’ll prove you’re not crazy.”

“Thanks, Yixy.”

“I’ll need you warn me where it’ll come from. Good luck with the duel though.”

Priqet sighed. It wasn’t a defeated or tired sigh. There was a crowd and half of them cheered for him. He thought he might as well try to please the crowd with his antics while knowing he stood no chance against Toudo.

But he was curious to see how strong he’s become with the Hero’s crest.

Priqet spread his four arms, three are armed with machetes, one with a rattan shield. He had several more shields hanging on his back.

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

The crest on the back of his hand glowed ever so slightly. He felt it burn slightly, but after the little sting faded, a ring of white light expanded underneath him and washed over the crowd and audience. He could see little white phantoms predicting everyone’s movements.

So far, there wasn’t any suspicious movements among the crowd.

“Hero, I know you understand my words, but you can’t speak my language. You ready?” Toudo asked.

“Alright. If I’m going down, might as well go down in style!”

“I’ll take that as a yes.” Toudo grinned.

Xu’s General heaved a wooden bat over his shoulders. Small wooden studs decorated the end of the club. He raised one leg and stomped, shaking the stadium to test Priqet’s courage.

“It’s starting!”

The audience exploded in cheers as both contestants prepared themselves.

Miyabe raised her ribbon and released it. The ribbon drifted and when it touched the ground, the duel started.

“Don’t mind if I take the first swing!” Priqet declared.

His opponent wielded a heavy weapon. Thinking Priqet could use speed as his advantage to defeat the General, he lunged at Toudo with his powerful hind legs, quickly passing the General with a swipe. The sound of wood clashing echoed. Priqet looked back to find his attacked effortlessly blocked. He then saw a phantom separate from Toudo, projecting the General’s next move.

Priqet based his movements off the phantom’s action. He prodded Toudo’s reaction, utilizing his speed to learn of the General’s habits. Combining his sensitive antennas to detect the slightest movements, Priqet was able to stop Toudo from counter attacking with a flurry of slashes.

Unfortunately, he could break through the General’s iron clad guard.

“You move fast.” Toudo cracked a smile. “But, I’m a veteran who fought against all kinds of foes! Even some like you!”

The General held his Kanabo like a sword and thrust forward. In an instant, he was able to close the gap.

However, Priqet’s premonition gave him an early warning and crossed his machetes to deflect the General’s blow. As an insectoid, he had two pairs of arms. He swung at Toudo with his free arm, but it was blocked.

In terms of raw power, Toudo outclassed him. Priqet was easily thrown back.

“Skipper. Do you want to learn how to fly?”

“You said it yourself. I’m a skipper.”

“You do know I don’t understand a word from you, right? From your tone, I’d say no. But I’m not giving you a choice!”

Priqet’s antennas felt the air rushing towards him. He hopped away from Toudo’s quick jab, unbuckling and tossing all his shields into the air, using them as launch pads to dart above the stage.

Toudo quickly brought his Kanabo up, but found he hit Priqet’s abandoned shield. He turned around, using the butt end of his weapon to pummel Priqet.

[Foresight] predicted the General’s movements. Priqet twisted his body in the air, landing the first strike on Toudo’s shoulder. It was too shallow of an attack to call it a victory, but the crowd exploded in cheers.

“Not bad! Looks like I’ll have to kick it up a notch!”

Priqet sensed the aura around the General changed. The pace of his breathing, his stance changed. It was unsettling, but as long as the phantom did not move, Priqet knew he was safe.

He took the opportunity to flank Toudo but then, the Phantom moved faster than he could imagine.

It traced the shape of the full moon. Then, devastation. Toudo’s [Full Moon: Low Tide] hurled a heavy gust of wind into Priqet, nearly sending the Vivirian out of the ring. The concrete floor around Toudo was dug out into a ring.

“You got to be kidding me! The wind’s disrupting my antennas! Wait, where did he go?”

For the first time, he could not sense his opponent. However, it was by sheer luck the sun casted their shadows in front of him. Priqet immediately sidestepped the downward blow.

“You’re crazy! That could’ve flattened me!”

“You managed to dodge that. Good for you! Let’s push you to your limit!”

Toudo leapt into the air and reeled his weapon back for a toss. From his projection, the General’s next move was intending on throwing his Kanabo like a javelin.

“General, stand down! I order you to not harm the Hero!” Miyabe shouted.

“I apologize your highness. If I were to put my trust in this Hero to travel with the Oracle and Pipsqueak, I must see them prove their worth not because they simply possess a Crest! Show me your conviction, Hero!”

Priqet knew he mustn’t lose his focus on the fight, however if the assassin were to make a move, it would be now. He frantically looked left and right, searching among the crowd. He saw a little projectile fly. He quickly traced its trajectory, finding one of Xu’s soldiers at the very back with a familiar stick aimed at the Empress.

Toudo noticed Priqet’s uneasiness. The Hero did not appear to doubt his own ability to deflect the General’s attack. Toudo decided to give Priqet more time to see what the insectoid had planned.

Suddenly, Priqet dashed off stage and leap above the crowd. His keen senses scanned the crowd and noticed the assassin drawing a miniature crossbow.

“Yixy, he’s over there!” Priqet screamed.

He was unsure if Yixy’s [Wind Cloak] would be unable to deflect the bolt made of an Ikaga’s feather. However, it was enough to bring the dire situation to Toudo’s attention.

“All soldiers, crouch now!” Toudo commanded.

His soldiers immediately dropped to the ground, exposing the lone assassin just about to loosen the bolt. The General in mid throw changed his aim with great haste, hurling his Kanabo at the assassin.

To protect her highness was his first priority, though if Toudo could, he’d like to capture the suspect. Toudo’s weapon rocketed like a missile and tore off the assassin’s upper half.

Entrails and blood splat over the palace grounds.

“Your highness, Prince, are you two harmed?” Toudo climbed the balcony to check on Miyabe and Kenji.

“We are not, General. It did not seem I was the target, rather our guests were.” Miyabe answered with her hands continuing to cover Kenji’s eyes. “Ms, Agrippa. I thank you for your protection.”

“N-not at all! Priqet was the one who anticipated the attack!”

“He was?” Lazzuxui questioned. “How did he know?”

“He had a dream. In his dream, he said he saw you were assassinated. The instrument was an arrow made with the Wyvern’s feather.”

“And you two went to visit where the Wyverns were trained to find clues.”

“I see. So it was no coincidence you two were with Sayuri.” Miyabe said.

“To be granted the ability to foresee and alter the future. It’s hard to believe but the truth is before us.” Toudo added. “Your highness, shall I seize the body for later inspection?”

“Please do. Let none near the body. We must determine whether the individual was manipulated by golden dust or simply a traitor. Eizan has made his move.”

----------------------------------------

The room was inflicted by a strained sense of tension as both parties unwind from the unexpected assassination attempt. Although there were fewer faces in the room, more guards were placed on high alert, patrolling the halls of the palace.

Priqet wanted to lift everyone’s spirits with a little joke, but he knew it wouldn’t be appropriate given the negotiations were proceeding.

He quietly stood by his post overseeing the two parties. Through the duration, his [Foresight] had not once reacted.

Eventually, Miyabe and Lazzuxui solidified Xu and Vivrus’ alliance. Priqet was able to roam the palace a bit with the free time he was given.

He perched himself on one of the thick branches of the Sacred Tree, looking out at the landscape stretching to as far as he could see. He let his legs dangle, his antennas sway along the light breeze rustling millions of blossoming pink flowers.

Workers below urged him to climb down before he hurt himself, but he pretended to not see them and focused on the view in front.

He couldn’t believe a scenario from his dream came to reality. He managed to thwart it, but it seemed surreal. He was happy with the result, but disappointed he wasn’t able to hold his own against Xu’s General.

Thinking back, he got a few lucky hits in but if the fight were to continue, he would lose. He couldn’t think of a way to block Toudo’s attack. The projection of the Hero’s power showed him the result of the clash. The battle would’ve ended with him laying unconscious on the ground.

If all he could do was run, how would he be able to fight against the Acolytes guarding the Towers?

He heaved a heavy sigh. Did he have what it takes to be a proper Hero?

“Phew. There’s no use being so down! The Oracle has it worse than me! Yeah, the Oracle has it worse than me…”

What were Kihet, Lily and Aten doing now? Were they well? What would they say when they find out a Heroes’ Crest was on Priqet? How would they react?

Suddenly, the branch he sat on shook.

“Yo, Skipper!”

“WHAAA!”

Priqet did not expect anyone to sneak up on him while he was in deep thought. He jumped out of his seat, quickly hugging the branch while his legs were left to dangle.

“Did I scare you? Sorry, sorry!” Toudo laughed. “I saw you up here, so I figured I’d say a word of thanks for protecting Xu’s honor. If your General were to get assassinated, a war might’ve broken out between our kinds. We’d be killing each other to that snake’s scheme.”

“Snake?”

“The traitor, Eizan. Ptu! Leaves a bad taste in my mouth for speaking his name.”

“Who?”

“He’s the one who wants to steal the crown, take Xu for himself. Luckily, the Oracle kept it away from his hands by his late majesty’s last wish. We don’t know where the traitor is, but we have word he’s working with Rozzosea to attack us.”

Toudo’s weight shook the branch as climbed next to Priqet. The General uncorked the gourd bottle and set two small drinking plates down. He proceeded to fill the plates and gestured Priqet to help himself to one.

“How about drinking a bit to liven your spirits? Your kind can drink, right?”

“Yes.”

“Good. I don’t think I’ll understand Vivirian, but it’s not good to bottle up your thoughts like that. How about sharing your story with me? What’s gotten you down, Hero?”

“Truth be told. I don’t think I’m cut out to be a Hero.”

“I see. I see!”

“Like, it feels great to be acknowledged. There’s just a whole lot of pressure and burden suddenly dropped onto you. People suddenly have crazy expectations of you and every time to accomplish something that’s thought to be impossible, they set the bar higher!”

Priqet took a swig and thrust his cup asking for more alcohol. It was a different experience than the usual honey mead he drank. It was sweet, fruity, but somewhat dry which prompted him to want more.

“The Queen and Lazzi both are pushing me too hard!”

“I see!”

“I’m just as normal as everyone. I can’t become a legend overnight.”

“I see.”

“You… didn’t understand a word I said, did you?”

“I see?”

At least his little rant for the treatment being viewed as a Hero would remain a secret.

“Welp. Whatever it is your worried about, there’s only so much you can do. You can’t expect to save the world in one day. It took the Oracle decades before he was able to do his thing.”

“Why long?”

“I can tell you, but it isn’t a pleasant story. It caused him a lot of physiological stress watching his friends and the late prince die before him.”

“His highness? The Prince?”

“Excuse my discourteous to his highness. Wu Shibata, the late prince who was supposed to inherit the throne. He is the father of the Prince Kenji and elder brother of Tomoe.”

“Tomoe, a princess?!”

“Unfortunately, Xu’s royal customs does not allow daughters to wear the crown. Pipsqueak was the Priestess of Xu’s sacred tree till she became a Hero like you. Did she not tell you?”

“First time hearing.” Priqet gulped.

“The Prince gave his life for the Oracle to escape. I heard Rozzosea’s Queen also sent soldiers to help the Oracle but none returned alive. Even if they are still alive, I doubt they’d be sane.”

“No other Enui?”

“I couldn’t bring myself to ask about his friend when I saw the Oracle in his sorry state.” Toudo took a sip. “The most important thing is that he’s able to at least stand on his two feet, look at reality and fight. Just like you too.”

“Me?”

“There’s only so much the Oracle can do and he’s going to need all the help he can get. If you’re here moping and calling yourself unworthy, I call that bullshit. Today you tried, you fought, and you succeeded.”

“What if fail?”

“Reality isn’t some fairy tale. Of course, everyone fails sometimes. As long as your efforts influenced the result you fought towards, even the tiniest, you’ve done more than those who only flapped their mouths.”

“I understand… yeah! I get it now!”

Priqet withstood up with his confidence. He made a fist, reminiscing about his heroic feat several moments ago. Even if the power wasn’t his own, he was able to use it to prevent the assassination leading both countries to ruins.

“I shouldn’t feel bad because I wasn’t able to win the duel! I made a difference today!”

“I see!”

Realizing he reverted his language back to his native tongue, the enthusiasm Priqet built up plummeted when Toudo didn’t understand him.

“You learn Vivirian.”

“What? No way. I’m not in my prime anymore to study like I used to. Besides, I hate studying. You youngsters should learn to speak Zuxin so I don’t have to put in any effort.”

Priqet and Toudo raised their plates and shared a laughing moment. As Toudo went to pour himself one past glass, he looked at his gourd in disappointment as only a few droplets of his favorite drink dripped out.

“Already? I guess I need to grab some more.” The General heaved a heavy sigh. “Up we go. It’s about to start.”

“What is?”

“Your training. Your superior asked me to take you on a campaign to train you up. You wanted to get stronger right?”

“Yes. If I were travel with Oracle, I must several times stronger than now.”

“Great!” Toudo suddenly looked down.

Priqet’s eyes followed and looking down, they found Martha rushing from one place to another. Her expression was filled with a sense of urgency as she frantically searched the palace grounds.

“Sayuri! What’s the hurry? Are you looking for something?”

“General, the last Ikaga’s egg hatched!”

“Oh, so you were looking for me to show the pup?”

“No, it’s gone!”