Chapter 15

In a room with a familiar surrounding, the environment was heavy as the air itself contained authority. Amidst of silence, a voice echoed,

" This lowly servant greets the king, "Ben intoned, adopting the same posture as the king's men.

" ohh, boy you do not need to act," King Edward remarked, sat on the bed resembling a throne.

" I already know about you," King Edward said with confident

for a king it was nothing to get information, it was normal for him to get intel on Ben.

Ben did expect that, but still what surprised him? The most was how someone surrounded by a dark cloud could stand as if was never struck.

The quest changed for him was the worst which can happen because the event that should happen will change because of him interfering.

Even if the king knew about Ben it changed nothing for him. 

Ben moved stood up and said "That's great and it makes ease for me. " Ben said

King Edward watched Ben with keen eyes his every reaction and King's comments

" Boy, I am very thankful for you saving my life," 

The air grew heavier as the king's face transformed into that of a man confronting danger.

" But, after knowing about you and seeing you I think you are dangerous and special, " King Edward said while letting the aura released to dismiss.

" For someone like you to be able to get acknowledged by shards is itself an achievement " 

"I think it's always best to keep a sharp knife instead of a blunt one with no use," King specified.

Ben didn't feel difficulty other than getting his power sucked into the ring, but the shard piece is just crap until it has an owner. It is like a sword which is not used by anyone.

 "I appreciate your gratitude, but I have no intention of joining anyone," Ben replied without an ounce of fear, 

" Do you think, You are in a position to refuse " The same pressure that Ben felt when he entered the room the previous day. Making him stumble and stand on his knees. Ben pushed the force on his shoulder.

" Arghh-" Ben resisted force with his legs and arms tackling the force.

" Cough," the king overused his power

"I am not fully healed," King Edward said as he saw blood-painted hands.

"Listen, boy. One day, when you reach the edge, and there's no ground to stand on, I'll help you grow wings to fly."

"What do you want from me " Ben 

"Nothing just come under my wing "

' It's not that bad, I will be easily able to avoid money problems. '

" Okay, I can accept but I need you to do two things keep it hidden and I will not help you until it is necessary " 

" Seeing the castle condition I know there can be any time, for now, I want you to stay alive then," King commented while looking at the door of the room

"You should leave now, they will soon start " King grunted and moved to the window of the room.

Ben stood outside and the princess was nowhere to be seen.

'she was here before, where has she gone '

" Boom !! "..." Boom!!" The constant sound of destruction shook the air around Ben. Requesting Ben to jump into action.

Ben runs in the direction of the sound. Suddenly halted his charge 

Air shimmering with a burnt smell making me unable to breathe and see. The wall of half of the castle was missing even laid as debris. Several soldiers fighting themselves and invaders.

Cries of help suddenly Ben's eyes capture a familiar scene 

" No, I am so sorry my friend but I can't do anything " A man spoke and thrust his fellow soldier.

" Wait, what is happening? why are they fighting among themselves." Ben was bewildered 

Suddenly someone moped in the debris, it was Valine 

" No, matter what happens protect the castle with your lives " 

she was not in good condition bathed with blood and several injuries slicing through door-purging enemies.

" But I can't kill them they were one of us " the man who was struggling to kill their fellow members.

" What do you think then you can do tie them up? are they that weak or you just wanna die "

Hearing her everyone without thinking anymore starts slicing their once friends.

Ben didn't wait because he still had the quest to complete, so he bolted straight to Valine. 

Valine's reaction shot a projectile in his direction reacting to the danger but Ben evaded it by tumbling down. 

Valine confirmed Ben was in his right mind and ceased her attack.

" Have you seen the princess? "

" I haven't seen her, but she will be safe as she is guarded by shadow"

'Isn't it your job to guard the princess, being her personal guard?' Ben thought, his mind racing to know where is she then.

Ben charged between them to straight for the main building where Princess lives.

But it was not that easy suddenly a force pushed back when he was just a few back Ben 

" I should finish this fast " Now Ben was surrounded by a monster 

all with charred skin glowing insides with no eyes only a mouth that smelled foul making Ben twist his face. 

.....

In the center of the room stood a grand, canopied bed, its luxurious purple and gold silken curtains now torn and askew. The lavish bedding, once meticulously arranged, lay in disarray, scattered across the floor.

Furniture and belongings were scattered everywhere as if a fierce fight had taken place. The carved wooden wardrobe stood open, its contents—a mix of regal gowns and practical attire—spilled out haphazardly. The table, and picture frame, were overturned, with jeweled hairpins, delicate perfumes, brushes, and combs scattered across the floor.

Books from the shelves lay tossed about, mingling with parchment, quills, and ink bottles from the small writing desk, which was now upended. The cozy sitting area, with its plush chairs and small table, had been disrupted; chairs were knocked over, and the table lay broken.

Amidst the chaos, three bodies lay on the floor. Two men, still alive, held Princess Sephia hostage, while the third body lay lifeless.

" We are very sorry princess but we can't do anything, " the man covered with black robes carrying the princess said as he turned to the princess.