Chapter 33.5:

Meanwhile, In the forest near Lind

Leon Valter despised Alaric Belton.

That was a fact.

But they had a deal - a deal he now had to uphold. Not out of any virtuous spirit, which he lacked entirely, but because of a literal, physical obligation. An obligation bound by powerful dark magic.

As part of this twisted deal, he was even forced to become a Champion. It wasn’t a title he wanted, but one he had to accept due to his debt to Alaric Belton.

Leon had his own goal, and, in a sick and twisted way, Alaric had helped him achieve it. The deal was fulfilled on Alaric’s end, and now Leon had to fulfil his.

That was why he now found himself in this forest, just outside some village called Lind, spying on his supposed comrade – Axel Bane.

He couldn’t understand the purpose. Alaric had claimed he had already seen what was going to happen. He’d said that Bane would never bring back the stone. More than that, he’d even claimed Bane had already located the dirty thief who’d taken it and was conspiring with him.

So why was he here? Why weren’t they executing Bane for treason already?

From his vantage point, Leon watched Bane as he walked along the road, seemingly tracking someone. But if he had already found the thief, who could he possibly be searching for?

Recalling the thief brought up an even more unpleasant memory - the thief’s leader, the one they called Elandor. At first, it was hard for Leon to admit, but that rat had bested him in their fight. No. Not bested - outsmarted. No one could truly best him.

Not after everything he’d done to acquire his power. Not after the price he’d paid. Not after everything he’d endured...

After that night in the treasury, Leon hadn’t found inner peace for two weeks. The idea of a lowly thief outsmarting him had disgusted him to his very core. But over time, something inside of him shifted. He realized that locking himself up in his room for days wasn’t like him at all and would get him nowhere. Instead, and against everything he wanted to feel, he found himself begrudgingly gaining a sliver of respect for the rat.

“Elandor...” he found himself muttering, as if unable to control his own speech.

He’s been doing that a lot lately - recalling Elandor’s name or just thinking about him. About what kind of a person he was. About where he’d learned to wield magic so adeptly. Or how he’d learned to think so quickly in the heat of battle.

In a way, Leon even regretted burning Elandor to a crisp with his lightning. But not out of remorse or anything similar. Those feelings were alien to him nowadays. No, he regretted it because he’d robbed himself of the opportunity to defeat Elandor in a fair rematch. Sure, he’d taken revenge by killing him, but it hadn’t been as sweet as it could’ve been. And Leon Valter knew very well how sweet revenge could taste.

“Why are you here?” Bane’s voice suddenly snapped him back to the present. Leon realized he’d probably muttered Elandor’s name loud enough for Bane to pick up with his fluorite-enhanced hearing.

Leon revealed himself, stepping out from behind an old oak tree.

“Just thought I’d lend you a hand.” He replied, a sadistic smile curling at his lips.

“Did Alaric send you?” Bane’s expression grew serious.

“No.” Leon replied simply.

“Then leave.” Bane turned back to the road, resuming his search. “I don’t need your help.”

Leon rolled his eyes and sidled up beside him, grinning. “What are we looking for?”

“Leon,” Bane’s gaze hardened. “I thought I told you to leave.”

Leon smirked. “What’s got you so worked up?”

Bane’s response was immediate. “You.”

Leon laughed suddenly, his irritation with Bane’s reactions bubbling to the surface. He was close to revealing what he already knew but remembered Alaric’s warning: things had to unfold in the order he foresaw them. So, instead, Leon opted for a different approach.

Straightening up, he smiled. “The best tracker in the kingdom, and you still can’t track down a lowly thief after…what? A month and a half?”

Bane’s brow furrowed, and he looked ready to explode but surprisingly kept his cool.

“You know,” Bane began, his voice carrying a biting tone, “sometimes I look at you and wonder what kind of twisted childhood this kid must have had to become such a walking piece of human garbage. But then I remind myself it’s just you, so why do I even care?”

Leon chuckled. “Nice. Haven’t heard that one before. It’s also good to know you have something in that numb skull of yours capable of thought.”

“How’s that ego of yours doing?” Bane shot back, while running his hand on the dirt road. “You pick up all the broken pieces yet?”

“My ego is intact, thank you very much for your concern.” Leon replied, smiling as if nothing could rattle him.

“Oh, really?” Bane’s smirk widened. “Is that why you keep whispering the name of the guy who beat your face in?”

Leon’s jaw clenched at that jab, but he held his composure. “No harm in it. I actually learned a lot from him.” He replied, his tone shifting abruptly to one of seriousness.

“Really?” Bane raised a brow, surprised, as he straightened up. “The great Leon Valter, showing humility? May I be struck by lightning this very moment.”

Leon’s smile returned back to its sadistic self. “Oh, I can arrange that.”

Bane tilted his head, grinning. “I’m sure you’d love to.”

“One day,” Leon chuckled, “I just might. But until then, maybe you should focus on your job and find that calcite already.”

“One day, you might try.” Bane replied, raising a finger as if to correct him. “But until then - get the fuck out of here.”

***

A flash of lightning struck the ground near the city gates of Tehl. A spectacle that drew gasps and cheers from the crowd. As the blinding light faded, Leon stood there, his piercing blue eyes scanning the bustling streets.

The gates were wide open, welcoming travelers and merchants alike, but it was Leon who commanded all the attention with his grandiose entrance. People recognized him immediately – the boy prodigy, the third protector of the kingdom, known far and wide as the Stormbringer.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

As he entered the main thoroughfare, guards saluted him, and a murmur of excitement surged through the crowd. Children pointed eagerly, women’s gazes lingered with flirtation, and men looked at him with admiration and respect. Leon soaked it all in, his handsome face breaking into a charming smile that masked his true nature. He hadn’t wanted to become a Champion, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t enjoy the perks.

“Leon!”

“Stormbringer!”

“Sir Valter!”

Calls came from all sides as people pressed closer, eager for a moment of his attention.

“Can I have your autograph?” a young boy asked, holding out a makeshift ball crafted from wrinkled-up old clothes and a pen.

“Of course.” Leon replied warmly, signing the ball with a flourish. He handed it back with a smile, patting the boy’s head. “Be brave, young one.”

“Show us your lightning magic!” someone shouted, and soon others joined in, chanting for a demonstration.

Leon grinned, basking in the adulation. “You want a show? Very well.”

He raised his hands to the sky, bolts of lightning arcing from his fingertips, crackling high into the noon sky with a thunderous roar that seemed to shake the heavens themselves. The crowd gasped, awe lighting up their faces.

‘Pathetic.’ he thought, watching their admiration. ‘Theses people worship me blindly. They wouldn’t be so eager for my autograph if they knew what I truly thought of them.’

He continued through the crowd, accepting praises and thanks, all while his mind churned with contempt. He enjoyed the status and popularity that came with being a Champion. The adulation of the masses, the way women looked at him - it all fed into his twisted sense of satisfaction.

“Sir Valter, you’re even more perfect in person!” a young woman cried, pushing through the crowd to get closer to him. Her eyes were wide with admiration and infatuation as she gazed up at him, before starting to swoon.

Leon caught her effortlessly, his charming smile never wavering. “Careful there.” He said smoothly, his voice soft and flirtatious. He helped her stand up, his touch gentle yet firm. “And may I say, you look lovely as well.” He added, pressing a light kiss to the back of her hand, making her blush deeply.

“Thank you.” She whispered, clearly overwhelmed.

He nodded, giving her one last dazzling smile before moving on.

His outward charm never faltered, but inside, he relished the control he had over them. They were all so easy to manipulate, so eager to believe in the image he projected. The thought of their blind trust made his blood sing with sadistic delight. Where were they when he needed them? He hated them all. Every single one.

He didn’t know what Alaric’s grand plan was yet, but surely it was going to be something bloody. And he couldn’t wait for it to begin.

As he made his way deeper into the city, Leon kept up the act of the noble hero, though his mind was constantly at work, planning and scheming. After Bane had driven him out of the forest, Leon simply assumed the thief and the calcite were likely nearby, picking Tehl as his first destination to investigate.

Alaric had sent him to spy on Bane, not to intervene, but Leon had no intention of following orders.

‘Alaric thinks he can control me because of our agreement.’ he thought with a sneer. ‘But I’ll show him. I’ll just get the stone myself and shove it down his throat if I must. Who does he think he is, telling me how to do my job?’

Leon enjoyed his autonomy, his chaotic nature driving him to defy orders and carve his own path. The thought of bringing the calcite to Alaric on his own terms thrilled him, and he revelled in the idea of undermining Alaric’s so-called foresight.

Reaching the city square, he realized the crowd was still around him, clamoring for his attention. He forced a smile and raised his hands. “I’m on important business here, my friends.” He announced loudly. “It was nice meeting you all, but please, give me some space to fulfil my duties.”

Despite his words, a few people remained reluctant, clinging to him, eager for his attention.

Inwardly, Leon fumed. ‘What do these pigs not understand?’ he thought to himself. ‘I’ll rip their heads off if they don’t back away!’

The thought of tearing into them nearly comforted him. He could already picture himself releasing a lightning charge, the gruesome damage it would deal to everyone around him, and the delight and satisfaction he’d feel afterwards.

He forced himself to calm down before his true nature slipped outwards. But his frustration was palpable, and faint sparks of lightning began flickering around his body subconsciously. The crowd, noticing the flashes, took a step back - tense but not entirely alarmed.

“Please.” Leon repeated, his voice still gentle but carrying an edge. “I need to be on my way.”

Finally, the crowd began to disperse, their excitement giving way to respect for the hero’s apparent dedication. The sparks of lightning dissipated as Leon regained full control over his emotions.

Alone at last, Leon’s mind turned to the task at hand. Finding that thief in a city as large as Tehl wouldn’t be easy, especially since he wasn’t a tracker like Bane. He needed a plan.

‘What the hell is tracking magic anyway?’ he thought with disdain. ‘Bane is such a useless Champion, having a fricking tracking magic mineral. What a waste. Why would anyone waste mana on tracking? There are far more direct methods to find someone.’

Leon decided to head to the nearest guard station. The guards, under the local Baron’s command, would have the most up-to-date information on any suspicious activity or newcomers in the city. With his status as Champion, he outranked all of them, making it easy to force their cooperation.

He strode confidently into the station, his presence commanding immediate attention. The guards, a mix of seasoned veterans and younger recruits, straightened up as he entered. They recognized him immediately – his reputation as the Strombringer preceded him - and they saluted, some more eagerly than others.

“Good afternoon, gentlemen.” Leon began, his tone authoritative but polite. “I need information about anyone new or unfamiliar who has passed through the city gates in the last few days.”

The guards exchanged glances, a mixture of admiration and skepticism in their eyes. The older ones seemed visibly uneasy about being commanded by a seventeen-year-old, even if he did outrank them due to his Champion status.

“Yes, sir.” One of the younger guards replied, stepping forward. “We’ll do our best to help. I’ll bring the records.”

Leon nodded, supressing the irritation that simmered beneath his calm exterior. “Good. I need details – names, descriptions, anything unusual.”

As the guards sifted through the records, an older guard with a stern expression, stepped forward. “You’re looking for someone specific, aren’t you?” he asked, his tone more challenging than the others.

Leon met his gaze evenly. “Yes, I am. And I expect full cooperation. This is a matter of kingdom security.”

The older guard hesitated, clearly wrestling with his reluctance. “We’ve had a few new arrivals, but nothing that seemed out of the ordinary. Mostly merchants and travelers.”

“Mostly?” Leon echoed, his voice sharp. “I need specifics. Was there anyone who stood out?”

“He’s right, though, sir.” The younger one from before said. “None of the records here marked anyone as potentially unusual.”

The older guard folded his arms, still not entirely cooperative. “Maybe if you gave us more details, we could help you better. You know how many people pass through these gates each day? Hundreds.”

Leon’s irritation grew, though he kept his smile fixed. “I’m looking for a young man, about my age. Short black hair, a bit tousled. A small scar on his right cheek. Medium height. Might look like he’s been on the road for a while.”

The older guard shrugged. “With such a generic description, he could be anyone. We see dozens of travelers that match this description every day.”

Leon’s patience was wearing thin. Flickers of lightning began to dance around his fingertips. “I don’t care how many normies like him you see every day! I need precise information, gentlemen. You wouldn’t want to impede an official investigation, would you?”

The older guard opened his mouth to respond, but then another man entered the station, clearly the unit commander judging by his shoulder insignias.

“What’s all this about?” he asked, his voice calm but firm. He noticed Leon and, after recognizing him, immediately saluted. “Stormbringer, how can we be of help?”

Leon turned to face him, seeing an opportunity. “I’m looking for someone specific who might have passed through your gates recently. This is of the outmost importance, Major.”

The Major nodded, listening carefully. “Please describe him to me, sir.”

Leon repeated the description, his voice steady.

The Major looked thoughtful, and the older guard took advantage of the momentary silence to butt in. “I told him it could be anyone, commander, but the boy won’t listen.”

Both Leon and the Major shot him a furious look, and the old guard quickly averted his gaze.

“Actually,” the Major said, his eyes narrowing in thought. “I saw someone matching this exact description earlier today. Never seen the guy before, yet he was accompanied by the Baron’s herald.”

Leon’s eyes lit with satisfaction. “Tell me more. When exactly did they arrive?”

“They came in this morning.” The major replied. “The herald led him through the gates.”

“And where did they go?” Leon asked, barely containing his eagerness.

“The herald probably took him to the Baron’s estate.” The major said, gesturing in its direction.

Leon smiled coldly. “Thank you for your cooperation, Major. I’ll make sure it doesn’t go unnoticed.”

Then, turning to address the others, he continued. “Remember, this information is highly confidential. There will be consequences if it gets out. Yes, even if it reaches my commander, who I know many of you are in bed with.”

Some of the guards looked startled by his words, but others understood the hint and remained silent.

“Especially you, old-timer.” Leon said, singling out the older guard who had annoyed him the most. “I was never here. Got that?”

All the guards nodded, clearly intimidated by his words and the lightning flickering at his fingertips.

As Leon stepped outside, he couldn’t supress the dark satisfaction that filled him.

‘The baron’s estate...’ He thought. ‘Oh, we’ll meet very soon, my dear thief.’