8 A tribute to fallen dreams

Puh! " How is this guy surprised he has no talent for the dark arts. It's like an ant looking in the mirror and being surprised it's an ant." A mage whispered to the others.

The King saw that there was no reaction whatsoever and sighed.

The King then shouted, " Prepare the physical fitness test." He was hoping that if Lucas had no talent in magic maybe he could be a warrior.

A Knight once again walked behind the pillars and pushed aside a bookshelf. Behind this bookshelf was a 2m door that the knight opened he than dragged out a 1.5m clear crystal. It was attached to a square base with wheels so it was easy to move. In a short time, the crystal was in front of Lucas. But this time he touched it before he was asked to because he did not want to be ordered to do so. The compelling feeling when the King spoke made him feel weak.

After a few seconds, the crystal started glowing but dimly and then it returned to its normal state. Lucas did not know what the meaning of this meant so he had a puzzled look on his face.

The King, however, was not pleased and thought " Talent for the dark arts, no. Physical prowess, no. We have wasted a large number of resources to summon someone of his calibre! I could have just gone to the slums if I wanted someone equivalent to him!"

The King left the Throne room brimming with anger flinging his arms as he mumbled under his breath. Lucas was just standing there. He thought: " System, is it true that my original talent is equal to someone from the slums?"

[No that is not true. The second you chose to accept the system your body was changed or mutated if you will, as such talent is an irrelevant factor when evaluating you for as long as you live you will never reach a limit to the power you can obtain. Talent is a factor with other people as it determines the speed at which they progress as well as the max level they can eventually obtain. Your strength is based on the level you are and being that you have yet to configure my settings you are currently a blank slate. The only reason you gave off a faint glow on the fitness test was because of all the training you did back on Earth. As such your base strength stat was detected by the crystal because your talent cannot be measured.]

After the King left the Knight returned the crystal to its original place. The Prince walked to Lucas down the stairs and down the hallway. He was now standing in front of him and he said " Greetings otherworlder. My name is Daruin Ashbinder I am the 1st Prince of the Kingdom of Pantelan"

At this moment everyone in the throne room bowed down on their knees and looked at him with reverence. Lucas, however, remained standing. The guards were not pleased and were about to speak out but the Prince saw it and raised his hands signalling it's okay. Daruin Ashbinder then said, " Forgive him, I am sure he knows no better."

Daruin Ashbinder looked at Lucas and said, " Is there no royalty where you are from?"

"There is but they hold no political power they just exist." Lucas replied.

" See that is the reason for his rude behaviour. He knows no better." Daruin Ashbinder said while looking at the guards

"What is your name?" Daruin Ashbinder asked.

" My name is Lucas. Lucas..." at this moment Lucas paused and thought "wait. I have the opportunity to choose my own surname. Mmm, I want it to represent me... How about Trueblade. No, I can't since I haven't trained much in swords. How about Lucas Truebow? On second thought I can't have that either. How about Lucas Lightningstorm? Mmm, I like that. A tribute to my fallen dreams on Earth and my favourite superhero."

" My name is Lucas Lightningstorm," Lucas said proudly.

"Mmm, that is a nice name" Daruin Ashbinder nodded his head as he said this.

"Okay formalities out of the way. My father Leonhard Ashbinder the King of Pantelan had you summoned from your world in hopes to train you to become an asset to further our Kingdom and smite our enemies. But with your talent, you are next to useless. We spent a large number of resources preparing for this as well as sacrificed 20 peak E rank mages mana in hopes of getting a strong soul. But okay things happen" Daruin Ashbinder tried to sound like this brought him pain but his eyes were brimming with excitement.

"We have no use for you here and in fact, if it were up to me I'd kick you out the Castle right now but until my father makes a decision you will remain within the confines of this castle!" Daruin Ashbinder said.

Lucas noticed how it seemed like it pained him to say these words. Lucas also noticed how perceptive he had become. He could see a bit through the mask on the faces of people and look at their eyes to judge their true feelings. Lucas thought " I guess the eye really is the window to the soul"

" I understand and I'm sorry that I am such disappointment but seeing as that I am of no use to anyone may I enter the royal library. I would like to brush up on my knowledge of this world. I have no talent for combat, so information is of at most importance."

The Prince was surprised by Lucas's response. Not that he wanted to know more about the world as that was a given. But rather by the importance, he placed on information. Just by this the Prince's view of Lucas changed a bit and it was evident in his eyes,

Lucas thought " Oh flip, did I just put myself on his radar?"

Daruin Ashbinder then said " With regards to your skin colour. Have you always been this way or did this happen when you migrated here?"

" I have always been this colour in fact in my previous world there are many people who share the same skin colour as me."

Lucas did not mention how there is no green red and blue-skinned people on Earth because he had yet to see these races so talking about information he hadn't encountered is basically digging his own grave.

" Interesting when I have more time I would like to hear more about this world." Daruin Ashbinder said.

" My Prince. Anytime time that you request it I will gladly tell you all about it."

Lucas said, "my Prince" to sound subservient to him as to not alert him anymore. For some reason, this guy gave Lucas the creeps.

The Prince nodded and then said, " Take him to the royal library and watch him at all times he is not to leave the castle unless my father orders it."

" Yes, my Prince." the Knights said and indicated that Lucas must follow them.

Lucas and two Knights walked out of the Throne room and were now walking in a long alleyway passing by many rooms and people who worked inside the castle. They all gave Lucas strange looks and would intervene but he was being escorted by two Knights that usually protect the King in the Throne room so clearly he is no random person.

The Knights then stopped by another double door and said "we are here. Inside these doors is the royal library. Books may not be taken out. We will be waiting on the outside until you come out."

Standing at the entrance of the royal library Lucas couldn't contain his excitement. He could not wait to finally configure his system and find out the rules that govern this world. He was sure that the royal library should have a surplus of information.

Lucas opened the doors and stepped inside. Once inside the doors closed. There was no sound when the door closed as that wouldn't be very practical in a library.

Standing still Lucas looked around and took in his surroundings and it was marvellous!