Chapter 10

A murmur of surprise and approval swept through the crowd as Edward revealed his choice. Undeterred, he pressed on, his gaze steady and resolute.

"Leonard's unparalleled understanding and experience with the Lothrians make him the most qualified leader for this mission. I have full confidence that under his command, we will emerge victorious and secure a lasting peace for our kingdom." With these words, Edward concluded his speech, prompting the crowd to erupt into applause and cheers as they hailed the prince and his bold decision. 

"Let the tournament begin," Prince Edward declared, his words igniting a wave of cheers and applause from the eager audience.

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"Have you discovered the location of his residence?" Leader inquired as soon as Alys closed the door behind her. Despite the room being illuminated by an array of lamps of various sizes, the Leader's face remained concealed in darkness.

No one, not even individuals like Mrs. Tesla or Alys, who had been part of the association since its inception, had ever glimpsed the face of their leader. Moreover, none had witnessed him leaving that room. Yet, he possessed knowledge of events transpiring within the kingdom and beyond.

"Yes boss, but you won't believe me what else i was able to learn during this visit of mine." Alys said while laughing with free mind. She passed the piece of sheet writing by Mrs. tesla to the leader, who immediately read it.

"So, they are in City of Mufasis. That's really worst place they can be." the leader exclaimed with frustration but he also became aware of how smart this prince was. 

"Why? Isn't that just an abandoned city? Shouldn't it be easier without all those guards around him?" Alys queried, puzzled by the difficulty of accessing a place devoid of inhabitants.

"Do you know why it was abandoned? No, right? Allow me to share a brief tale," the Leader began. "Many years ago, a hybrid dragon was born— a creature of both awe and revulsion. His parents, repulsed by his appearance, abandoned him near the City of Mufasis. By chance, King Feriderin stumbled upon the abandoned hatchling and took him under his wing, nurturing him as his own. Over time, the dragon grew, but his hybrid nature would occasionally manifest itself," the Leader paused, fixing his gaze on Alys.

He continued with a heavy sigh. "This hybrid side was that of a demon. No one could fathom how a child born of two purebred dragons could possess demon blood, yet it was true. A century ago, the beast unleashed its fury upon the world, laying waste to cities and claiming millions of lives. Ultimately, it was King Feriderin who quelled the rampage, but he couldn't bring himself to slay the creature he had once raised as a child. Moreover, as he was childless at the time so he couldn't just kill somebody who he thought was his child, he made a fateful decision."

"He bound his soul to the City of Mufasis, choosing to rest eternally beneath its streets. The key to controlling the dragon was entrusted to the royal family lineage. Anyone of royal lineage who enters the city is protected by the dragon's power. It's impossible to harm the prince inside the city. We would need to mobilize someone of at least 3-star caliber to even stand a chance against this dragon, let alone the rest of the guards surrounding the prince."

"What should we do? Our entire plan hinges on getting our gift close to our prince," Alys exclaimed, her fear of the dragon evident in her voice.

"I will handle it. Remember, Tesla mentioned she had a way to reach the prince. It was my own arrogance that prevented me from listening to her. Don't worry, I will take care of that aspect," the leader reassured her. Then, as if recalling something, he added, "Weren't you mentioning that you found something extra?"

"Yeah, I would've forgotten if you hadn't reminded me. So, when I was fleeing from the academy, I suddenly experienced visions— you know, the curse of mine. But this time, the curse felt more like a blessing," Alys recounted.

"In the vision, I saw Nathair inside the academy, conversing with someone I couldn't see. The startling revelation was that this encounter took place over four months ago. He had been in the kingdom long before we received the intelligence. What struck me the most was when he referred to this mysterious figure as 'My Prince,'" Alys disclosed.

The leader's brows furrowed in surprise at Alys's revelation. "Nathair meeting someone referred to as 'My Prince' four months ago... That is indeed unexpected," he mused, his mind racing with possibilities.

Alys nodded in agreement. "Exactly. And considering Nathair's history as a mentor to Prince Jax, it's highly likely that this 'My Prince' refers to him," she reasoned.

The leader nodded thoughtfully. "It's plausible. Jax is the only prince not currently under our surveillance. If Nathair sought him out, it must have been for a reason," he concluded, his tone grave.

"But why would Nathair's actions concern us? After all, whatever he does wouldn't necessarily benefit or harm our plans," Alys pointed out, puzzled by the implications.

The leader leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. "True, but Nathair's involvement could introduce unpredictable variables into the equation. We can't afford to overlook any potential threats," he explained, his voice firm.

Alys nodded in understanding. "So, what's our next move?" she inquired, eager to formulate a plan.

The leader's expression hardened with determination. "We need to locate Prince Jax and ascertain Nathair's intentions." he declared, his gaze unwavering.

Alys nodded in agreement, ready to take on the challenge. "Understood. I'll begin gathering information immediately," she affirmed, prepared to delve deeper into the mystery surrounding Nathair's unexpected actions.

After Alys departed, the leader retrieved his communication device and swiftly established contact with Mrs. Tesla. As the holographic projection of Mrs. Tesla materialized before him, he immediately began with an apology.

"I must apologize for my arrogance earlier. I should have listened to you," the leader began, his tone contrite.

Mrs. Tesla shook her head gently. "No, no, my leader. It is I who should apologize. It was not your fault," she insisted, her voice tinged with sincerity.

The leader nodded, graciously accepting her words. "Thank you, Mrs. Tesla. Now, concerning our current situation... Do you have any alternative methods of reaching Prince Edward?" he inquired, his expression serious.

Mrs. Tesla nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed, there is another option," she confirmed. "The royal family has created teleportation tokens that can transport the user within a one-kilometer radius of the prince."

The leader's eyes lit up with interest. "A teleportation token? That could be invaluable. How can I obtain one?" he asked eagerly.

Mrs. Tesla smiled faintly. "Currently, there are only eight official teleportation tokens created by the royal family, but there is one more that was made for trials. I can obtain it and send it over to you," she explained, finding it amusing that the trial token had not been destroyed by the oversight of the royal family.

The leader nodded in understanding. "Understood. Please make the necessary arrangements," he instructed. With a nod of acknowledgment, Mrs. Tesla bid him farewell, her holographic image fading from view. The leader leaned back in his chair, deep in thought.