Chapter 18 Revelation

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Samuel stood amidst the aftermath, facing the skeptical gaze of the soldiers from the Queen's corps who had arrived in response to the explosion. His clothes were smudged with ash, and his young face bore a look of innocent confusion.

"I'm from the orphanage nearby," Samuel explained calmly, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. "The nuns take care of us, and I set up these traps to protect ourselves and practice in case of any trouble."

The leader of the soldier group, a woman with a stern expression, exchanged a glance with her companions. They knew Samuel's story sounded improbable, but his answers seemed to cover every angle.

The soldier leader approached Samuel, her gaze piercing. "Did you take anything from the assassin?" she asked bluntly.

Samuel nodded, reaching into his pocket and retrieving a small, ominous-looking bottle. He handed it over without hesitation, meeting the soldier's gaze evenly.

The leader examined the bottle carefully, her demeanor tense. After a moment, she seemed to relax slightly, a visible relief crossing her features. "Good," she muttered, more to herself than to Samuel. Turning to her adjutant, she issued a terse command. "Gather all the information we have on this child. We need to report back."

As the soldiers prepared to leave, Samuel's mind raced. He knew his encounter with the assassin had revealed more than just his skills in magic. With his Sharingan, he had gained new insights: he could discern the core and equipment of his opponents, similar to how he had analyzed the assassin's abilities and gear during their confrontation. He also learned that while he could cast genjutsu to ensnare others, those with greater mana could easily break free.

In addition to these revelations, Samuel sensed a new affinity within himself—a slow awakening to Wood Release, evidenced by the spell he had cast to skewer the assassin's leg with wooden stakes. It was a power he had not fully grasped, yet he felt its potential growing within him.

As the soldiers departed, Samuel realized that his easygoing life at the orphanage was over. The incident had thrust him into a new reality where his skills and abilities would be scrutinized and perhaps exploited. Despite this realization, Samuel felt no fear or regret—only a steely resolve to navigate this new chapter of his life with the same determination that had guided him thus far.

With the dawn breaking over Canra, Samuel stood alone amidst the tranquil surroundings of the orphanage, contemplating the path that lay ahead. The village was waking up to another day, unaware of the events that had transpired under the cover of night. For Samuel, however, the night had been a turning point—a moment of revelation that would shape his future in ways he could only begin to comprehend.

As the dawn broke over Canra, Samuel stood amidst the aftermath of the night's events, his mind racing with thoughts of the encounter with the assassin and the unexpected arrival of the Queen's Corps. He knew that his peaceful life at the orphanage had come to an end, replaced now by uncertainty and the weight of newfound responsibilities.

Mirim Qintar Distar, the Marchioness of the Griffon Kingdom, stood before Samuel with an air of authority tempered by concern. Her piercing gaze seemed to scrutinize him, probing beyond his outward calm. Samuel, aware of her status and the gravity of the situation, met her gaze with a steady resolve.

"Child," Mirim began, her voice betraying a mixture of curiosity and caution, "you have impressed and alarmed us in equal measure tonight. To confront and subdue a trained assassin at your age is no small feat."

Samuel nodded silently, knowing that his actions had drawn attention he wasn't entirely prepared for. He glanced briefly at the bottle he had handed over, the ominous substance within now safely in the possession of the Queen's Corps. His thoughts turned to the implications of his Sharingan abilities and the wood release technique he had unknowingly used in the heat of battle.

"I understand," Samuel replied finally, his voice steady despite the tumultuous thoughts racing through his mind. "I am but a child from the nearby orphanage, raised under the care of the nuns. The traps were set to protect against any potential threat, not knowing I would encounter an assassin tonight."

Mirim studied him intently, her expression softening slightly with understanding. "Your skill and resourcefulness suggest there is more to your story, Samuel. The Queen will wish to know more about you and your capabilities."

Samuel felt a surge of apprehension mixed with a strange sense of anticipation. He had lived a quiet life in Canra, content with his studies and the occasional village event. Now, thrust into the spotlight by circumstances beyond his control, he knew he had to tread carefully.

"I will cooperate fully," Samuel assured her, his tone earnest. "I seek no trouble, only to protect those I care about and uphold what is right."

Mirim nodded, her gaze thoughtful. "Very well, Samuel. The Queen will receive my report shortly. Until then, remain under the care of the orphanage. Your future in Canra will depend on the Queen's decision."

With that, Mirim turned and departed, her retinue following closely behind. Samuel watched them go, the weight of their encounter settling heavily upon him. He knew that his life had taken a decisive turn, and whatever lay ahead would test his strength and resolve in ways he could not yet foresee.

As he returned to the orphanage, Samuel reflected on the events of the night. The encounter with Mirim Distar had opened his eyes to the complexities of power and politics beyond the tranquil village of Canra. Yet amidst the uncertainty, one thing remained clear: he would continue to protect those he cared for, drawing strength from the bonds he had forged in this new world.

With each step towards the orphanage, Samuel steeled himself for the challenges ahead, determined to face them with the courage and wisdom of a child who had seen both the darkness and the light of life's journey.

The morning sun rose over Canra, casting its gentle light upon Samuel's path as he walked, ready to embrace the future that awaited him.