(XXII) Inheritance

"How has your mother been?" King George asked, sitting in a luxurious study across from Leon.

"Fine," He replied curtly, staring down his father. Having met the King for the first time, he had not even had a chance in his past life.

"Good." His father nodded, stroking his beard as he stared down, his past regrets flashing across his eyes, "I've missed you, both. I'm glad to hear you recovered from the mana poisoning."

"Have you?" Leon asked, narrowing his gaze, "Has there been any developments in the investigation?"

"No." George sighed, shaking his head, "Nothing but a series of dead ends."

"For someone titled 'The Golden Lion' you sure are blind…" He sighed, shaking his head, surprising the King.

"You speak your mind without staying your tongue…" The King said, narrowing his gaze before his face softened, and he smiled softly, "You're just like your mother…"

"Why did you summon me tonight?" He asked, his voice laced with curiosity. Leon sat back in his chair, studying his father's face intently.

"I heard from Alec of your proficiency and wished to see it for myself," George said, his voice deep and commanding, unflinchingly meeting his son's gaze. It had been years since they had seen each other, and he had almost forgotten what his son looked like.

Leon stood up, a fiery golden aura exploding from his body as he glared at his father, "Are you satisfied?"

"It is acceptable," George said, standing as well, unleashing an overwhelming aura.

Leon struggled to maintain his composure, every fiber of his being wanting to bow down in reverence. But he refused to back down, keeping his visage despite the brutal force emanating from his father.

"You are quite the stubborn child," George said, narrowing his gaze and increasing the intensity of his aura.

"I... I get... it... from… you!" Leon managed to say, his voice strained. He gritted his teeth, struggling to breathe as his vision grew blurry.

Suddenly, a knight burst into the room with a platoon of soldiers behind him, throwing open the door as he exclaimed, "Milord!"

George turned to face the knight, shouting, "Begone!"

The knight quickly shut the door, leaving the two alone again. George turned back to his son, patting the top of his head and releasing his aura with a smirk, "That you do."

Leon collapsed back into his chair, panting heavily. Sweat covered his body, and a trickle of blood escaped from the corner of his mouth. Despite the pain and exhaustion, he felt a sense of pride at having stood up to his father.

"Here." His father said, pulling a book from the bookshelf and throwing it onto the table between them, "Your eyes and your force have proven to me your bloodline is real, so too shall you inherit your namesake: the Spirit Weapon."

"The Spirit Weapon..?" He asked, staring at his father, confused for a moment before he reached out and picked up the skillbook as a system notification appeared.

"Our forefather received his title, The Spirit Weaponmaster, and established the Astrahart household." George explained, walking around the room and standing behind his son, resting his hand on his shoulder, "It was through his unparalleled strength that he became the most powerful figure on Gran Terra and united the continent under our family."

"Are you just going to give this to me?" Leon asked, looking up at his father.

"Of course, for it is your destiny to learn this skill and defend these lands against the Vandine Empire." The King explained as Leon accepted the system notification.

[Spiritual Arte Learned!]

[Spirit Weaponmaster]

[Rank: SSS]

[Users can create a realistic astral projection of a weapon they are proficient in handling. This projection can be manipulated using the power of telekinesis, allowing users to control the weapon's movements without physically touching it.]

The skillbook glowed before vanishing in a sparkling light, stunning King George, "What happened?!?"

"I learned the ability as you demanded." Leon sighed, standing up as he closed his eyes and activated the ability.

A golden spear formed in the air above him, wisps of golden light wafting off the weapon as it slowly twirled in place. He opened his eyes and smirked, "See?"

"By The Goddess!" George exclaimed, staring at his son incredulously, "Dromund claimed you an unparalleled genius, but not even I understood the extent by what that actually meant…"

He walked around to his desk, sitting down as he looked at some paperwork. He waved his bejeweled hand toward the door behind Leon, "Now go. There are matters I must attend to. I will have Dromund discuss things with you after you enter the Academy."

"Yes, Milord." Leon said, bowing as he dismissed the spirit spear and turned around, opening the door to exit when he was stopped.

"Oh, and Leon?" George called out, and the young man turned around and faced his father, "Have your Elf servant quit his snooping around before he ends up losing his life."

Leon didn't acknowledge the threat, simply closing the door behind him as he departed. He went through the majestic hallways toward the ballroom, where the ball was already underway.

"James." He called out, utilizing the guild telepathy, but after a moment of silence, there was no reply.

He entered the grand hallway and leaned against a massive marble pillar, scanning the hallway as he called for James again, but once again, there was no response.

"You called, Milord?" James asked, appearing beside him with a smile.

"Why didn't you answer?" Leon huffed, annoyed, as he glared at the Elf, crossing his arms over his chest.

He didn't reply but just shrugged, throwing his hands in the air as he walked away before sending a telepathic message, "I was able to locate the room, but there was no means of opening the door, nor was there any means into the room."

The young Count sighed, shaking his head as he walked in the opposite direction. He replied, "Enjoy the rest of your night, and don't get into trouble. You were discovered by the King."

Leon strolled out of the front doors as the night's cool breeze rushed past him, soothing his skin as he stared up at the starry night, 'You wouldn't be able to see the sky like this anymore…'

He walked down the stairs as an arrow soared past his head, stopping him in his tracks as it arced through the air and soared back toward him.