Leaving

Seth POV

No one wants a weak leader.

No one wants someone who can bury you in shit at any second.

That's why I listened to Elijah when he showed up at my door, because his young master was decently strong and had huge potential. Plus he was a nobleman.

But what is strength without a filter to stop you?

Marcus is strong, I've seen it myself. That werewolf that attacked him should have killed him with 2 hits at most.

But he won, he triumphed and became more dangerous. My instinct tells me he's more savage now.

And it's good for me that my boss is strong because it helps me to be stronger myself. Plus he takes the time to coach me when I get stuck.

But I'm noticing more and more of a problem.

He has no limits.

I have no idea what his goal is, whether it's just power or world conquest.... Whatever it is must be fucking hard.

Because the man's hand doesn't shake at all. Even with his soldiers he has no limits.

It's one thing to kill humans like they're nothing. Because that's what they are.

But it's killing his men like they're nothing. Men one can trust. Who can help you in time.

One must give one's back to one's comrade in arms, not the whip.

I do not like it. I don't know when he can go mad. Because my power is not as great as his, and if he can kill his soldiers, he can kill me.

But what can be done? I don't intend to betray Marcus and I talked to the soldiers and somehow they believe the boss because of Elijah.

And I understand them, I also seek power.

But not to kill humans or resist hatred, nothing like that.

I just want it.

Because being powerful feels good.

Because seeing people look at you with respect gives me a good feeling.

Because power is what really rules the world.

Not that I want to rule the world, not at all. But I want everyone to know that if I want to I can do it.

And I've made a lot more progress with Marcus than I have in other situations. Because he is the way to power.

But I am still afraid.

Afraid because Marcus doesn't hesitate to sacrifice anything that gets in his way.

And right now, that's not me. But I'm not his friend like Ingrid or smart like Layla.

If my power stays, I will be useless.

And if I become useless, I will probably die.

So getting stronger is the only way I have left. Stronger enough so that Marcus can't kill me.

_______________________________________

Marcus' POV:

We are in the carriage on the way back to the mansion. For some reason Seth seems distracted so I start looking out the window.

We're on the outer wall, so there's not much to see.

The houses are pretty ugly and here and there you can see elves beating drysiccs.

Not that I mind, but it does spoil the view a bit.

"Seth. When we get back to the manor, I'll go monster hunting with Ingrid. A town a bit far from here while the soldiers do their tests. You'll be free in the meantime." I told him. For some reason, I always forget to inform my subordinates about my plans.

Lack of habit of having subordinates.

"Chief, can I go with you? I want to improve my fighting skills. Ingrid can get another group together with Layla and do guild missions to pass the time," he replied with a determination I didn't understand.

"I don't know Seth. Even though they're good together in combat, I wouldn't want anything to happen to them." Refusal is the best thing to do now.

"Look at it this way, boss. Ingrid needs to learn where you cover for her outside of combat, and we need to improve our coordination. Besides, I admit, a tip or two wouldn't hurt. Consider it a favor and I'll owe you one," Seth said.

You insist too much, I don't know why.

But I can accept something like this. It's not that much.

"All right, Seth. But I expect profits, we leave in 3 days". I said and closed my eyes, ending the conversation.

Time passed quickly and we arrived at the mansion where I went to find Ingrid to settle the plans.

When I found her, she was sitting on a bench in the courtyard. Her spear in her arms as she slowly drew its edge with a dull look on her face.

And it is a fascinating sight. She feels as if she is an eternal being, above all others. With a single task in mind and preparing her weapon for that task.

The surroundings seem to help her, with only a moonlight resting on her spot.

But I am only slightly distracted as I continue walking.

"Hi. I wanted to let you know that there are new plans. You and Layla will be doing some missions in the looters' guild while Seth and I will be hunting in another city. The plan is to be back in 1 month. Good luck," I said as usual and turned to leave.

"Marcus, wait." She said as she continued to sharpen the spear, "Don't trust the outside of the capital. I know you don't know much about this world and the books don't portray it well. Near the edges to the east with the borders is a war zone in itself. Monsters are fighting the Drysicc and starvation is a common thing there. You've already checked how strong a rank 3 monster is, you don't want to find 2 together."

"Okay, I'll keep that in mind. But how do you know all this?" I asked curiously.

"Simple. I lived there before I came to the Runa family. My parents were military from there and after their death I went to get my inheritance near that area. Fighting to the death for a loaf of bread is not as rare as you think. So there will be more who will try to kill you when they see that your weapon is not rusty, greed will blind them. Just be careful, Marcus."

"Agreed. Thanks for looking out for me," I said and left with a little hesitation.

The books spoke of the glory of the elven realm. I assumed it wasn't that good, but I never assumed it was as horrible as Ingrid talks about.

A war zone, eh. Probably a border that prevents beast migration.

Should be interesting.