Return
Chapter 2: The Return of the Forgotten Prince
The bustling streets of Lumeria hummed with activity under the watchful gaze of Prime Minister Aldric, who had dutifully assumed the throne in Prince Kael's absence. While the World Government believed the kingdom firmly under its control, Aldric had quietly strengthened the people's morale, ensuring that they would be ready for the day their true leader returned.
That day had finally arrived.
Far from the capital, on the outskirts of the kingdom, a hooded figure approached the gates of a small village. His presence was commanding despite his nondescript attire, and the aura around him made those nearby instinctively move aside. Beneath the hood was Kael, now a man forged by five years of relentless training, his gaze sharp, his movements precise. The once-naive prince had become a warrior, his body and mind tempered by the trials of the unknown island.
As Kael entered the village, he took in the sight of his people. They seemed subdued but not broken. The oppressive hand of the World Government lingered, visible in the patrols of Cipher Pol agents who monitored even the smallest gatherings. His fists clenched. He had trained for this moment, and now, the time to act was near.
---
That evening, Kael met with an old ally in the backroom of a modest inn. Maren, a former knight loyal to the royal family, had been secretly aiding Aldric in keeping the kingdom's hope alive.
"You… you're alive," Maren whispered, his voice thick with emotion as he recognized Kael.
Kael nodded, removing his hood to reveal his face. "I've returned, Maren. But I'm not the same prince you once knew. I've come to reclaim what's ours."
Maren's eyes widened as he sensed the power radiating from Kael. "You've changed… How? What happened to you?"
Kael smiled faintly. "Five years on an island filled with beasts and ancient ruins will do that. But I've gained more than strength. I've gained the tools we need to fight back." He held out his hand, summoning a small pocket dimension using the Space Stone. Inside, Maren saw weapons, supplies, and even a small shimmering pond of healing water—a glimpse of Kael's hard-earned power.
---
The next phase of Kael's plan was to test the strength of the World Government's forces stationed in Lumeria. Under the cover of darkness, he targeted a remote garrison housing Cipher Pol agents. With the Sharingan, Kael anticipated their every move, weaving through their attacks with ease. His mastery of Shunpo allowed him to close the distance before they could react, while his Hado spells immobilized and incapacitated them with precision.
"Who… who are you?" one agent gasped, clutching his chest as he lay on the ground, defeated.
Kael loomed over him, his voice cold. "I am the prince you thought you killed. Tell your masters that Lumeria is no longer theirs to control."
The agent's eyes widened in horror as Kael vanished, leaving behind a streak of lightning from his Indra form.
---
Word of the mysterious attacks began to spread, causing unease among the World Government's forces. Aldric, still maintaining his guise as the loyal king, subtly fed this fear, suggesting that a rebellion might be brewing. Meanwhile, Kael continued his efforts, targeting supply lines and freeing villages from government control. Each success brought him closer to his ultimate goal: reclaiming his family and liberating Lumeria.
---
One night, as Kael meditated within his dimensional space, the system's voice interrupted his thoughts.
[New Mission Unlocked: Rescue the Royal Family. Objective: Locate and infiltrate the World Government's stronghold where Queen Seris and Princess Elira are being held. Reward: Advanced Armament Haki and access to a higher tier of Kido.]
Kael's eyes snapped open, determination blazing within them. "Mother. Elira. Wait for me. I'm coming."
He stepped out of the dimensional space, his resolve unshakable. The forgotten prince was no longer a victim of circumstance. He was a force to be reckoned with, and the world would soon know it.