> November 4th
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> The old mine—that's where this supposed "seer" is hiding. A practical location for someone who wants to stay hidden. I can’t help but wonder who she is and why she’s so interested in Alaric.
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> Could she be someone from Alaric's past? Unlikely. You don’t send soldiers to capture someone you know, especially not a prince. Alaric himself has no recollection of her, which only deepens the mystery.
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> Perhaps she is another regressor? If so, the book doesn’t mention her. Odd, given that it usually highlights key figures. Maybe she’s not the protagonist, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t dangerous.
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> I need to keep my head clear. Whether she came back to the past like Alaric or not, she poses a threat. And any threat to Alaric is a threat I must neutralize. This situation demands focus and precision. No room for error.
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> We'll head to the mine soon. It’s time to get some answers and neutralize this threat. Alaric’s safety is my priority, and I’ll ensure no harm comes to him.
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Leander rode up alongside Cedric, consulting a worn map in his hand. "We are nearing the mine," he said, his voice steady. Cedric nodded, slowing his horse to a gentle pace.
Cedric turned towards Alaric, about to speak, but Alaric cut him off. "I'm not going back to hide inside the palace, so there's no point in asking that question."
Cedric shook his head slightly, a small smile playing on his lips. "I know, Alaric. What I wanted to say is that your safety will remain my top priority. You need to stay safe during this whole operation."
Alaric acknowledged Cedric's words with a nod. "You don't have to worry about me. Besides, I want to know why this seer is after me."
Cedric's expression grew serious. "That's exactly what we're here to find out. Stay sharp, and let's get to the bottom of this."
Alaric nodded again, his demeanor serious. He knew the gravity of the situation and trusted Cedric's judgment.
Leander raised his hand, signaling everyone to slow down. They moved cautiously through the treeline toward a nearby mountain, the dense foliage providing cover as they approached. The group dismounted their horses silently, securing them to the trees.
Peering through the branches, they saw the mine entrance below, nestled in a valley. The area was a natural trap, perfect for catching anyone trying to escape but challenging for those attempting to infiltrate.
Cedric moved closer to Leander, scanning the area carefully. "What do you make of this?" he asked, his voice low.
Leander squinted at the mine entrance, his eyes tracing the pathways leading in. "I don’t see anyone up top. Could be they’ve moved already?" he suggested.
Cedric shook his head, his eyes sharp. "No, Judging by the tracks on the pathway, it’s more likely they’re all inside. The mine could have been adjusted to accommodate more people."
They continued to survey the area in silence until movement caught their attention. A woman emerged from the entrance, a bucket balanced on her head, followed by a young boy. They observed the pair for a moment, noting their simple attire and unhurried movements.
"Looks like civilians," Leander murmured. "Fetching water from the river."
Cedric watched as the woman and boy made their way to a nearby river, filled their bucket, and returned to the mine.
Leander turned to Cedric, concern in his eyes. "If we bring the soldiers in, it could cause a commotion and put the civilians at risk."
Cedric nodded in agreement. "You're right. We should go in as a small group to minimize the chance of anyone getting hurt."
Leander agreed. "A small team will be less noticeable and more maneuverable. We can assess the situation better from inside without causing panic."
Cedric turned back to Alaric. "Alaric, we'll go in as a small group. You stay here with the soldiers and make sure no one else goes in or out. If we're gone too long, be ready to assist."
Alaric understands the gravity of his role, turning to the soldiers. "Form up and be ready, Don't let anyone except us go in or out"
The soldiers began to organize themselves, creating a formation that allowed them to intercept anyone trying to leave the mine without alarming the civilians. Cedric and Leander, satisfied with the preparations, started their descent towards the valley, moving swiftly and silently down the slope toward the mine entrance.
Cedric, Leander, and Alaric descended to the mine entrance, moving cautiously. They stopped at the entrance, leaning in to see if there was anyone inside, but the mine led deeper into the earth, its depths cloaked in darkness.
They advanced slowly, their footsteps echoing softly against the damp walls. The narrow passage gradually opened into a larger cave system, the air cooler and the space more expansive. As they moved further, the faint murmur of voices reached their ears.
Four guards were gathered around a small fire, talking in low tones. Alaric began to control the darkness around the room, confident he could kill all of them before anyone realized, but Cedric and Leander grabbed his shoulder, signaling it was best not to let anyone even know they were there.
Alaric stopped and whispered to Cedric, "Do you have a plan?"
Cedric pointed at a nearby lantern. Alaric understood immediately and used his power to shatter the lantern. The cave was instantly plunged into darkness.
The guards reacted immediately, their hands flying to their weapons. "Who’s there?" one of them shouted, brandishing his sword. Another guard grabbed a torch and hastily lit it, the flickering light casting long shadows across the cavern.
"Show yourselves!" another guard bellowed, his eyes darting around the darkened cave.
The guards' faces were tense, their eyes wide with alarm. They fumbled with their weapons, the darkness playing tricks on their senses. The one with the torch moved it around in wide arcs, trying to illuminate the shadows that seemed to close in on them.
"Whoever it is, come out now!" one guard demanded, his voice betraying a hint of fear. The firelight flickered, casting eerie, shifting shadows on the rough walls of the cave.
"Must've been a falling rock or something" one guard muttered, though his grip on his sword remained tight. The tension in the air was palpable, the guards on edge as they strained to see through the oppressive darkness.
While the guards were distracted, Cedric, Leander, and Alaric moved swiftly and silently past them, blending into the shadows. They slipped further into the cave, their presence unnoticed. The path ahead twisted and turned, leading them deeper into the heart of the mine. The air grew colder, and the distant sound of dripping water echoed through the cavernous space.
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They kept their senses alert, every nerve on edge as they navigated the darkened passages. They knew that the deeper they went, the closer they would get to uncovering the secrets of this underground city and the seer's true intentions.
They moved with deliberate caution, using the cover of darkness to their advantage. The flickering torchlight of the guards faded behind them, leaving only the faint glow of distant lanterns to guide their way. The atmosphere was tense, the weight of their mission pressing down on them with every step.
The three continued deeper into the cave, their steps careful and deliberate. The narrow passage eventually opened up into a larger tunnel, leading them further into the darkness. The air grew colder, and the sounds of their footsteps echoed off the stone walls.
As they progressed, the tunnel began to widen, and the faint sounds of bustling activity reached their ears. The path led them to a cliff, and they paused, taking in the sight before them.
They had emerged onto a ledge overlooking a massive underground expanse, illuminated by torches and lanterns scattered throughout. Below them lay a sprawling city, with houses made out of clay and stone, tightly packed together. The city was bustling with activity, people moving about, talking, and going about their daily routines.
Cedric scanned the scene, noting the market stalls, the small groups of people gathered in conversation, and the children playing in the narrow streets. The underground city seemed to have been dug out meticulously, with a complex network of pathways and structures that indicated months, if not years, of labor.
Leander leaned in closer to Cedric, his voice a whisper. "It’s like a whole world down there. How could they have built this without anyone knowing?"
Cedric's eyes narrowed as he took in the sight. "The seer must have significant resources and influence to pull this off. We need to find him and figure out what he’s planning."
Alaric, standing beside them, looked down at the bustling city below. "We need to be careful. If he has this many people working for him, he’s more dangerous than we thought."
Cedric nodded in agreement. "We’ll move in slowly. Blend in with the crowd and gather information. The seer is here somewhere, and we need to find him without drawing attention."
They carefully descended from the cliff, making their way towards the heart of the underground city. As they approached, they bought their cloaks from a nearby vendor to blend in with the common attire of the inhabitants, preparing to navigate the maze of narrow streets and hidden alleys.
Cedric, Leander, and Alaric moved cautiously around the city, their eyes taking in the different types of buildings and houses. The underground city was a maze of activity, with people bustling about, conducting their daily routines. They made their way through narrow streets until they arrived at a town square where a crowd had gathered in front of a large building.
The square was lively, filled with vendors selling their wares, children playing, and residents chatting animatedly. The air was thick with the sounds of commerce and conversation. Cedric, Leander, and Alaric blended into the crowd, making their way toward a fruit vendor.
Cedric approached the vendor with a friendly, casual smile. "Good day. The market's lively today. These fruits look particularly fresh."
The vendor beamed with pride. "Thank you! Yes, we take great care in our produce"
Leander, acting as Cedric's friend, nodded in agreement. "It’s true. We always find the best produce here. Keeps us coming back."
Alaric, playing the enthusiastic younger brother, eyes wide with excitement, exclaimed, "Wow, look at these apples! Can we get some, Cedric?"
Cedric smiled warmly at Alaric. "Sure, little brother. These do look good." Turning to the vendor, he continued, "It’s impressive. I’ve lived here for a while, and it never ceases to amaze me how well everything is run. I guess everyone pitching in makes a big difference."
The vendor nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely. It’s all about the community effort. And of course, a bit of wise guidance."
Cedric nodded as he examined the fruits. "That’s wonderful. It always feels like there's someone looking out for us, making sure everything runs smoothly."
The vendor leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. "We’re fortunate to have the seer’s wisdom guiding us. She has a way of seeing things others can’t."
Cedric, acting naturally curious but not too eager, said, "The seer certainly does seem to have a special touch. I’ve always wondered how she manages to keep everything in order."
The vendor nodded. "She’s remarkable. Not everyone gets to meet her, but her influence is everywhere."
Alaric, looking genuinely curious, asked, "Do you think we could ever meet her? She sounds amazing."
The vendor smiled at Alaric’s enthusiasm. "She’s quite selective. Only a few get that privilege. If you’re really curious, the old council hall is where she stays, but it’s not easy to get an audience with her." She nodded toward the big building.
Cedric thanked the vendor with a sincere nod. "Thanks for the tip. It's always good to know how things work around here. Have a good day."
As they moved away from the vendor, heading toward a quieter spot, Cedric, Leander, and Alaric exchanged meaningful glances. The old council hall was their next target, and they needed a plan to approach it without raising suspicion. The seer’s presence was indeed influential, and now they had a direction to follow.
"Let's look around for a way in," Cedric suggested. The other two nodded in agreement, understanding the importance of gathering as much information as possible while maintaining their cover.
They continued their cautious exploration, their eyes scanning for a discreet way to approach the old council hall. They moved around the building, eventually finding a nearby house that was close enough for them to jump the fence. They decided this was their best route.
As they approached the house, they noticed a guard patrolling the rooftop, armed with a crossbow. The guard's vigilant stance and sweeping gaze indicated that this was a well-guarded area. Cedric, Leander, and Alaric exchanged nods, silently agreeing on their plan.
Leander climbed the ladder up to the roof, moving quietly to avoid drawing attention. Meanwhile, Cedric scaled the side of the house, using handholds and ledges to position himself behind the guard. Alaric stayed below, ready to use his powers if necessary.
Leander reached the rooftop first, stepping into the guard's line of sight. The guard's eyes widened, and he immediately raised his crossbow, shouting, "Get down! Citizens are not allowed on the rooftops. This is a restricted area!"
Leander raised both of his hands in a gesture of surrender, his face calm and unthreatening. "I’m sorry," he said, his voice steady. "I didn’t know."
As the guard's attention was fully on Leander, Cedric moved swiftly from behind. In a quick, fluid motion, he knocked the guard out, ensuring he didn't make any more noise. Alaric then used his power to move the guard's unconscious body, carefully lowering him to a dark corner below where he wouldn't be easily discovered.
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Cedric looked at the council hall building and pulled out a rope and some tools from his pouch, ready to fashion a hook to get them across the gap. Alaric, noticing Cedric's preparations, waved his hand. Suddenly, a shadow bridge formed between the house and the building.
Leander, his face etched with concern, grabbed Alaric's arm. "Your Highness, this is too risky. Using your power like this can drain your energy, and it's not good for your health."
Alaric shook his head, his expression resolute. "Don't worry about me. We need to do this quickly and quietly."
Cedric gave a brief nod of appreciation to Alaric, and the three of them quickly crossed the shadow bridge, entering the second floor of the council hall building.
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Inside, the hall was dimly lit, the shadows providing them with cover. They moved stealthily, sneaking their way through room after room, careful to avoid detection. When necessary, they hid behind furniture or in dark corners, blending into the shadows.
Their caution paid off as they encountered a few individuals who might have spotted them. Cedric and Leander swiftly and silently incapacitated these potential threats, ensuring they wouldn't raise the alarm. Alaric used his powers to move the unconscious bodies out of sight, making it look as if nothing was amiss.
As they continued their covert advance, the air grew tense with anticipation. Every creak of the floorboards, every distant voice heightened their senses. The seer's lair was close, and they needed to remain undetected to gather the information they sought.
Finally, they reached a large, ornate door at the end of a hallway. Cedric signaled for them to stop, pressing his ear to the door to listen for any sounds from within. The faint murmur of voices confirmed that this was the place they were looking for.
Cedric turned to Leander and Alaric, his expression serious. "This is it. We need to be ready for anything."
Alaric nodded, his resolve unwavering. "Let's find out what the seer knows."
Cedric slowly opened the door, allowing a sliver of light to spill into the dim hallway. He gestured for Leander and Alaric to stay quiet as they listened to the conversation taking place inside.
A woman's voice, calm yet firm, spoke first. "I'm concerned about Thorne's whereabouts. We haven't heard from him since he left."
A man's voice, filled with worry, responded. "Thorne's methods are indeed harsh, but he’s effective. This city was created as a sanctuary for people to hide when the crown prince takes the throne."
The woman sighed, her tone revealing her unease. "I worry about the people we sent to capture the prince. They haven't returned yet. Thorne’s approach is too brutal. This city was meant to be a refuge, not a dictatorship."
The man tried to reassure her. "You shouldn’t worry so much. Thorne is a swordmaster. He will surely be able to capture the prince."
The woman’s voice grew sharper. "Thorne may be a swordmaster, but he’s no different to the prince. His tyranny overshadows the peace we’ve tried to build here. I want to ensure everyone lives a peaceful life down here, but Thorne acts like a dictator. We need to find a way to remove him."
Cedric, Leander, and Alaric exchanged glances. The woman was clearly the seer, and her concerns about Thorne aligned with their mission. Cedric carefully pushed the door open a bit wider, just enough for them to see inside.
The room was modestly furnished, with a large table in the center covered in maps and documents. The woman, whom they assumed to be the seer, stood by the table, her expression tense. The man, a tall and sturdy figure, paced back and forth, his worry evident.
Cedric looked to Leander and Alaric, using his fingers to signal them to count from three. They nodded in unison, understanding the plan.
On the silent count of three, they barged into the room. Cedric quickly pinned the man to the ground, his knee pressing firmly into his back, while Leander grabbed the woman's hands, restraining her. The seer, a woman with brown hair and green eyes, struggled briefly before Leander covered her mouth with his hand, silencing her cries for help.
"We're here to talk," Leander said firmly, his voice steady and calm despite the tension.
The seer’s eyes widened, and she nodded reluctantly. Leander slowly removed his hand from her mouth, but as soon as she was free, her gaze locked onto Alaric, and her expression twisted with fear and anger. "Why have you brought the tyrant here?" she demanded, pointing at Alaric. "He’s going to kill us all!"
Alaric, taken aback, frowned in confusion. "What are you talking about?" he asked, his voice tinged with genuine bewilderment.
The seer’s eyes blazed with intensity. "In a glimpse of the future I saw, you take the throne, and the empire falls into despair. A civil war erupts, artillery fires, and the sky burns red," she said, her voice trembling as she pointed an accusing finger at Alaric.
Alaric glanced at Cedric, realization dawning on him. He knew the seer had visioned his past life’s downfall. He stepped forward, his eyes meeting the seer’s with unwavering determination. "I am not the man you saw in your vision," he said firmly.
The seer shook her head, her distrust evident. "How can I believe you?" she whispered, her voice filled with both fear and uncertainty. "The destruction you caused was absolute. How can I know that you're not just lying and waiting for a chance to kill me"
Cedric, still holding the man down, spoke calmly. "People can change. Alaric has already shown that he wants to make a difference. He’s not the tyrant you saw. He’s here to prove it."
The seer looked between Cedric and Alaric, her eyes filled with doubt. "Words are easy," she said, her voice soft but firm. "Actions are what matter."
Alaric stepped closer, his gaze steady. "Then let my actions speak for themselves. Give me a chance to prove that I am not the man you fear."
The room fell silent, the tension thick in the air as they waited for the seer’s response.
The man pinned by Cedric finally spoke, his voice strained. "Where is Thorne?"
Leander stepped forward, his grip still firm on the seer's hands. "Thorne was running a human trafficking operation and an auction house. He is dead."
Both the seer and the man stared in shock, the revelation leaving them momentarily speechless. The seer’s eyes widened further, and she reached into her robe, pulling out a small, glimmering stone. In an instant, both Leander and Alaric fell to the ground, gasping for breath. Alaric felt a familiar, suffocating sensation, reminiscent of the moment before his death in his past life. He struggled to summon his power, but it was as if an invisible force was crushing him from within.
Taking advantage of the chaos, the seer made a dash for the door. "No!" Cedric shouted, letting go of the man to pursue her. But the man grabbed Cedric's leg, pulling him back and attempting to stab him with a letter opener.
Cedric reacted swiftly, catching the man’s arm and halting the attack. With a sharp blow to the man’s chin and a kick to his leg, Cedric sent him sprawling to the ground. A final kick knocked the man unconscious. Cedric quickly turned his attention back to the fleeing seer.
From the catwalk above, Cedric saw the seer racing down the stairs toward the first floor. Focusing his energy, he used his power to teleport, reappearing directly in front of the seer just as she reached the bottom of the stairs.
But down here are a bunch of guards that quickly swarm Cedric from all directions. He looked around, sword pulled, and said firmly, "I just want to talk."
The seer shook her head, distrust etched on her face. "I don't believe you. How can I trust you and Alaric when you've killed my ally? Even if Thorne was doing something so vile as toying with other people's lives, what gave you the right to take justice into your own hands by killing him?"
Leander and Alaric ran down the stairs, their expressions urgent as they saw Cedric being surrounded. Alaric stepped forward, his voice pleading, "Please, understand that I will do anything to make sure the empire becomes a better place. I've learned my lesson and won't turn into the man you saw in your vision. I can't reveal everything, but I ask you to trust me on this."
Alaric continued, "There's a village on the outskirts of the city where I lived for a few months. I realized there how I could make this empire better."
The seer’s gaze was filled with skepticism, but Alaric’s sincerity made her pause. "Why should I believe you?" she asked, her voice softer but still edged with doubt.
Alaric took a deep breath, his eyes steady. "If you don't believe me, use your vision again. I promise you'll see a different future this time."
The seer hesitated, then focused her power, her eyes narrowing as she tried to look into the future. But instead of Alaric, she found herself staring at Cedric. Her eyes widened in horror, and she let out a scream. She saw a dark, cold place and a massive silhouette of a woman in a bright, white form. The vision overwhelmed her, and she collapsed unconscious.
The guards, confused and alarmed, shouted and pointed their weapons at Cedric. "What did you do to her?" they demanded, their voices filled with panic.
Cedric, equally bewildered, shook his head. "I don't know what happened."
Before the situation could escalate further, the door swung open, and more soldiers swarmed the place. The emperor walked in, his presence commanding immediate attention.
Alaric, confused and surprised, asked, "Father? What are you doing here?"
The emperor's gaze was stern as he looked at Alaric. "I am here to help you, after seeing that you took soldiers from the palace and acted on your own accord like a fool instead of asking for help." He turned to his soldiers, ordering them to detain the guards and the seer. "Secure the area."
Alaric stepped forward, his expression determined. "Father, please, let me handle this."
The emperor shook his head, his voice firm. "We will talk back at the palace, Alaric."
Knowing there was nothing more he could do, Alaric sighed and requested, "Let me take the seer back to the palace myself."
The emperor considered for a moment before nodding. "Very well. But we will discuss this further once we are back."
As the carriage journeyed back to the palace, the seer began to stir. She blinked her eyes open, taking in her surroundings with a growing sense of alarm. Seated opposite her were Alaric and Cedric, their expressions calm but watchful.
She recoiled, her eyes wide with fear. "Where are you taking me?" she demanded, her voice trembling.
Alaric's tone was calm and reassuring. "We’re just going back to the empire. I won't touch the underground city, and I’ll leave the people be if they choose to live there. You have my word."
The seer seemed to relax slightly, her tense posture easing as she listened to Alaric's assurances. She studied him, searching for any sign of deceit.
Cedric leaned forward, his expression serious and focused. "About your vision, what exactly did you see?"
The seer shivered at the memory, her eyes reflecting the terror she had experienced. "I couldn’t see anything but darkness," she began, her voice barely above a whisper.
Cedric pressed gently, sensing there was more. "Was there anything else? Any details you can remember?"
She nodded reluctantly, her voice trembling as she continued. "There was a silhouette of a woman. She was hundreds of times bigger in size, towering over everything. When she stared back at me, I felt as if my entire existence would cease to be."
Cedric's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Do you know who this woman is? Have you seen her before?"
The seer shook her head, her expression one of confusion and fear. "No, I don’t. It’s the first time I’ve seen such a vision. It was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced."
Cedric's mind raced. He had hoped for answers about his own existence, but this revelation only added another puzzle to the long list of questions he had. The vision of the massive woman in white was both intriguing and unsettling.
The seer looked at Alaric, her eyes filled with uncertainty and lingering fear. "What will happen to me?" she asked, her voice wavering.
Alaric's response was gentle but firm. "I have no intention of harming you. If you want to stay and help me, you're always welcome. I could use someone with your abilities to bring about positive change in the empire."
The seer seemed taken aback, her previous fears melting away. She studied Alaric’s face, trying to reconcile the man before her with the tyrant she had seen in her vision. "You don’t seem like the person who would grow into a tyrant," she admitted, her voice softening.
Alaric sighed, glancing at Cedric before speaking. "There's something you need to know. The man you saw in your vision was me... from my past life."
The seer's eyes widened in shock. "Your past life?"
Alaric nodded, his expression earnest. "I was given a second chance, and with Cedric’s guidance, I’ve been learning to change my ways. I promise to become a proper leader. Please, trust me after you’ve seen my side of the story."
The seer hesitated, her eyes searching Alaric's for any sign of deceit. Finally, she nodded slowly, her guard lowering. "I will help you. If you are sincere in your intentions, then I will do my part to bring about a better future for the empire."
Alaric smiled, relief washing over him. "Thank you. Your help will be invaluable."
As the carriage continued its journey, the tension began to ease. The seer’s acceptance of Alaric’s offer was a significant step forward. Cedric watched the exchange, a sense of hope growing within him. With the seer’s support, their chances of creating a better empire seemed more attainable. The road ahead was still fraught with challenges, but they were now one step closer to their goal.
The rest of the journey passed in relative silence, each person lost in their thoughts. Alaric looked out the window, contemplating the responsibilities that lay ahead. He was determined to prove the seer wrong and lead the empire towards a brighter future.
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Once they arrived at the palace, Cedric turned to Alaric. "Take the seer and go meet the emperor. I need to talk with Leander."
Alaric nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. He gently guided the seer towards the palace entrance. "Come on," he said softly, leading her away.
Leander jumped down from the driver's seat, his eyes meeting Cedric's with a silent understanding. Cedric walked up to him and said, "We need to talk, Leander."
Leander nodded, leading the way to an empty arena where soldiers usually practiced. The arena was silent and still, a stark contrast to the bustling palace grounds. Cedric followed, his mind racing with questions he had held back for too long.
When they reached the center of the arena, Cedric faced Leander. "Who are you, Leander? Really? You've been a mystery since the day we met. I think it's time you tell me the truth."
Leander's expression hardened for a moment, then softened as he let out a sigh. He reached for a rack of wooden swords, tossing one to Cedric. "This will be the last lesson I give," he said, a serious expression on his face.
Cedric caught the sword, gripping it tightly. The two faced each other, exchanging turns to attack and defend. Their wooden swords clashed with sharp, echoing cracks. As they moved, Leander began to speak. "There was a boy, born from a maid. That maid was pregnant by the emperor, and the child became a neglected illegitimate prince."
Cedric listened intently, his focus momentarily slipping as he processed the story. Leander took advantage of the distraction, sweeping the wooden sword from Cedric's hand with a swift, calculated move. "Pick it up," Leander instructed, pausing the story.
Cedric retrieved the sword, taking a moment to regain his composure before resuming his stance. The fight continued, and Leander's story resumed as well. "The emperor was a tyrant who cared for no one but himself," Leander said, his voice steady and filled with an edge of bitterness. Cedric lunged at him, but Leander deflected the attack with ease.
"What is this story you're talking about?" Cedric asked, breathless and puzzled.
Leander didn't answer directly. Instead, he continued his tale, striking at Cedric who barely managed to block. "One day, the emperor was killed by the rebels. There was no empress, so the young prince was forced to take the throne. But by then, the empire was too far gone. The boy couldn't save it, and the empire fell. Aristocrats and nobles moved to other empires and regions without much trouble, but the commoners were left to suffer."
Leander saw an opening and delivered a swift kick, sending Cedric sprawling to the ground. He pointed his wooden sword at Cedric, his expression intense. "In a sword fight, you need to make your stance strong. Otherwise, your sword moves are pointless if your base isn't strong." He offered his hand, helping Cedric up.
Cedric took Leander's hand and got back on his feet. The two resumed their fight, and Leander continued his story. "The boy lost everything, including his mother. He roamed the world, learning to fend for himself and becoming a swordmaster in his mid-twenties. That's when the power of the royal blood awakened in him. It was supposed to awaken when he was much younger, but he wasn't a pureblood of the royal family."
Leander paused for a moment, allowing Cedric to absorb the information before continuing. "The power that the boy received enabled him to sacrifice his life to turn back time. And he chose to do so, with the intention of saving his father from destroying the empire."
Cedric's eyes widened as the pieces fell into place. "Wait, You're not saying that..." he realized, shock evident in his voice. Leander seized the moment, striking and disarming Cedric effortlessly.
Leander stood over him, his expression unreadable. "Yes, that boy was me," he said softly. "The power I received allowed me to sacrifice my life to turn back time, and I chose to come back to save my father, Alaric"
Cedric stared up at Leander, the weight of the revelation settling heavily on his shoulders. "You... you came back to save the empire," Cedric said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Leander nodded, his eyes reflecting a lifetime of pain and determination. "Yes. And now you understand why I must do whatever it takes to ensure a better future for this empire. Even if it means hiding my true identity and my past."
Leander looked at Cedric with a calm but firm expression. "You're already good with the sword, Cedric. Good enough to be a swordmaster, unlike when we first fought. But there's something you're missing."
Cedric frowned, feeling a mix of confusion and curiosity. "What am I missing?"
Leander stepped closer, his eyes intense. "Purpose. You don’t know the purpose of your sword. That’s why you haven't been able to improve. To surpass your current level, you need to use your sword to protect, not just to attack. And not just to protect yourself, but to protect others with a clear goal and purpose. Only then can you achieve true mastery."
Cedric felt a wave of confusion wash over him. He thought back to all those years he had been protecting the 'protagonists.' What did it mean that he hadn’t been using his sword to protect?
Before Cedric could voice his questions, Leander spoke again, his tone final. "This is the last lesson, Cedric. Goodbye."
Panic flickered in Cedric's eyes. "Where are you going? Alaric could still use our help."
Leander shook his head, a gentle smile on his lips. "It’s done now. Alaric has already changed, and I’ve done my part."
Cedric took a step forward, desperation edging into his voice. "Then stay with Alaric. You don’t have to go."
Leander's smile widened slightly, and he sat down on a nearby bench. "The butterfly effect has taken hold. The future has already changed. Even if Alaric meets the maid who is my mother, the boy who is born will not be the same Leander. It’s a bit sad that I can’t give a farewell to my father, but I want to say thank you to you, Cedric, for helping my father."
Cedric's heart ached with a mix of admiration and sorrow. He kneeled down, bowing his head to Leander. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Leander's smile was serene as he looked at Cedric. A moment later, he began to fade away from existence, his form dissolving into the air. Cedric watched, feeling a profound sense of loss but also a newfound understanding of his own purpose. As Leander disappeared completely, Cedric stood up, the weight of his words and lessons settling deeply within him.
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> September 30th
>
> This little rascal, Alaric. I told him to go easy on the soldiers during his sword class, but he still likes winning, huh? His competitive spirit hasn’t dulled one bit. Watching him train with the soldiers, seeing that spark in his eyes – it’s hard not to feel a sense of pride.
>
>
>
> Hilde is still here, helping Alaric with her visions. Their relationship has grown closer than I ever imagined. Maybe there’s something more between them? It might seem odd since she’s 20, and he still looks like a 13-year-old boy. But both of them know the truth – he’s over 30 by now. Appearances can be deceiving, just like with me. It’s been so long that I can’t even remember my own age now, though I still look like I’m in my mid-twenties. The years blur together after a while.
>
>
>
> It’s been a year, and Alaric has improved so much. He’s socializing more, and he gets along well with his people. Seeing him interact with the villagers, helping them with their daily tasks – I wish you could see him now, Leander. He’s becoming the leader we hoped he could be.
>
>
>
> He used to ask about you constantly after you were gone. For months, he refused to believe that you’d just resigned. He would go out at night, trying to find any trace of you. It was hard to see him so restless, so determined to bring you back. But now, he’s come to accept that you’re not coming back. I told him you had resigned, but he didn’t believe me. I could see the hurt in his eyes, the disappointment. That was months ago now.
>
>
>
> Watching him grow, it’s impossible not to think of the promise I made to you. Alaric’s journey is far from over, but he’s on the right path. The empire is changing, slowly but surely. And I have hope for the future.
>
>
>
> Leander, I hope you know that your sacrifice wasn’t in vain. Alaric is becoming the man you wanted him to be. The man this empire needs. Every day, he takes another step away from the shadow of his past and towards a brighter future.
>
>
>
> I wish you were here to see it. To see him. To see how far he’s come. But I know you’re watching, wherever you are. And I promise you, I’ll keep guiding him. I’ll keep protecting him. For you. For the empire. For the future we all believe in.
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"Hey Cedric! What are you doing? We have to go to the outskirts to continue the rebuilding project, remember? Elenor would be happy to see us both," Alaric shouted across the area to Cedric, who was sitting under a tree, writing something in his diary.
Cedric paused, looking up with a mild frown. He put his diary down on the ground next to his pouch and called back, "Alaric, you know better than to shout like that. It’s not proper manners, especially for a future emperor. Looks like you need another lesson." Cedric stood up, brushing off his clothes, and walked towards the training area. "Grab a wooden sword. It's time you learned the proper manner when addressing someone older."
Alaric's eyes twinkled mischievously as he picked up a wooden sword. "Looks like the tutor does not approve of his pupil," he narrated with a grin, assuming a mock-serious stance.
Cedric shook his head, suppressing a smile. "Always the dramatist. Come on, let's see if you've improved."
The two began to spar, the wooden swords clacking against each other with each strike. They moved with fluid grace, each testing the other's reflexes and skills. Alaric's form had indeed improved, his movements more refined and precise.
As they exchanged blows, Cedric couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. Alaric had come so far, not just in his swordsmanship but in his character and maturity. The young prince who had once been brash and headstrong was now thoughtful and considerate, his heart set on making a difference.
The sparring session was filled with laughter and friendly banter, a testament to the bond they had formed over the year. Cedric pushed Alaric, challenging him to be better, while Alaric responded with determination and resilience.
Finally, with a swift move, Cedric disarmed Alaric, the wooden sword clattering to the ground. "And that," Cedric said with a playful smirk, "is how you properly address your tutor."
Alaric laughed, breathing heavily. "Alright, alright. I’ll remember that next time."
Cedric clapped a hand on Alaric’s shoulder. "Good. Now, let’s head to the outskirts. Elenor will indeed be happy to see us."
They picked up their belongings and headed towards their carriage, ready to continue their journey and the rebuilding project. The bond between them was stronger than ever, a blend of mentor and pupil, friends, and comrades. The future looked promising with Alaric leading the way, and Cedric knew he would always be there to support him with the remaining time that he has left.
https://i.imgur.com/FZIepaY.png [https://i.imgur.com/FZIepaY.png]