Side Chapter 4: Alex's Past II

Growing up, Alex struggled to form friendships outside of his family. He believed that if he couldn't even garner attention from his own relatives, how could he possibly forge meaningful connections with others?

From the tender age of five until his thirteenth year, Alex dedicated himself entirely to training, honing his skills with unwavering focus. His prodigious talent became undeniable when, at the age of eleven, he surpassed the prowess of all the royal guards. This extraordinary feat caught everyone off guard, forcing them to reassess their expectations of the young prince.

Arnold II, Alex's father, made a startling revelation: by the time Alex turned thirteen, just before his "death," his combat abilities had reached a level approaching that of the esteemed Demi-God Class. This astonishing truth sent shockwaves through the royal family. To think that a mere child could possess strength surpassing not only the current family members but also the formidable Kings' Shadows and an astounding 99% of all Awakeners worldwide was a reality that defied belief.

Recognizing the need to assess Alex's true potential, the Kings sought the assistance of the Awakener Association (AA). They requested that specialized agents be dispatched to conduct a thorough evaluation of the young prince's abilities. The results of the assessment left everyone stunned, even Alex's usually stoic grandparents. In light of this revelation, they put forth the idea of Alex becoming Raiden's personal Shield once he ascended to the throne.

Alex vehemently opposed this notion, his heart rebelling against the prospect of dedicating his entire life to serving as a mere bodyguard. For the first time in a long while, he found the courage to defy his grandparents, asserting that he had no desire to become Raiden's Shield. While Alex held a deep love for his brother as family, even though they lacked closeness, he would always stand by Raiden's side without question. However, the thought of relinquishing his freedom to protect a sibling who had shown little interest in knowing him was a sacrifice Alex refused to make.

His defiance ignited a fury within his grandparents, particularly his grandfather. In a moment that would forever be etched into Alex's mind, his grandfather uttered a sentence that cut deeper than any blade:

"You are only worth as a fighter and make yourself useful."

Those words shattered any remnants of the relationship between Alex and his grandfather. Even Alex's parents, who had remained silent during much of his upbringing, acknowledged that the statement had crossed a line. Yet, Arnold remained steadfast in his belief that such harsh treatment was necessary.

From that day forward, Alex's mind became consumed with thoughts of escape, desperately seeking a way to break free from the suffocating confines of royal life. Every waking moment was spent searching for a means to liberate himself from the destiny that had been thrust upon him. It was during this relentless pursuit that a daring idea took root in his mind: faking his own death.

The notion of staging his demise became an all-consuming obsession, a glimmer of hope in a life that had become increasingly unbearable. Alex knew that such a drastic measure would require meticulous planning and unwavering resolve, but he was determined to seize control of his own fate, no matter the cost.

As he embarked on this perilous path, Alex couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead. Would he find the freedom he so desperately craved, or would his actions only lead to further isolation and despair? Only time would tell, but one thing was certain: the young prince was willing to risk everything to escape the suffocating grip of his royal birthright.