Imprisoned (2)

Enzo's laughter rang through the air, a mixture of defiance and incredulity. The Watcher's frown deepened, seemingly unaccustomed to such a response.

Nonetheless, the figure's expression went back to being stoic, unaffected by Enzo's outburst. "Hope isn't the word I would use. But potential? Yes, that's more accurate. Your awakening might be recent, but the potential you hold is greater than you might think."

"Oh? How so? Do tell me how someone like me could even change something in the midst of this chaos."

"Well, because you have the blood of the butterflies' royalty, of course," The person shook its head as if what it said was obvious. "Throughout the years, the butterflies kingdom had always remained at the top. Why do you think that they are still standing even without a ruler guiding them?"

Enzo squinted his eyes, deep in thought. 'Now that I remember, the First Monarch did tell me that the butterfly kingdom would soon enough fall and that it was only a question of time. But...

Enzo's laughter echoed in the confined space, his skepticism unrestrained. The Watcher's demeanor remained stern, as though unfazed by Enzo's reactions.

The figure's expression shifted back to its characteristic stoicism, its voice measured and calm. "Perhaps 'hope' isn't the right word. 'Potential' is a more accurate term. Despite the recent nature of your awakening, the potential you carry is substantial."

Enzo's tone carried a tinge of sarcasm. "Oh really? Care to enlighten me on how someone like me could make a dent in this chaotic mess?"

The figure's response was immediate, its words carrying an air of certainty. "Because you possess the blood of the butterfly royalty. The monarchs of the butterfly kingdom have held a prominent position for centuries. Have you ever wondered why the realm of butterflies stands strong even without a reigning ruler?"

Enzo's brow furrowed as he delved into his thoughts. 'The First Monarch did mention that the butterfly kingdom was on the verge of collapse, and it was only a matter of time. But...'

His mind raced, connecting the dots between the fading memories and the figure's statement. The lineage of the butterfly royalty held significance that he hadn't fully comprehended until now.

The figure's voice sliced through his contemplation. "The butterfly kingdom's strength isn't solely dependent on the reigning monarch's guidance. It's the lineage itself that holds power. And in you flows the blood of that lineage. Your blood is even greater as you can even control butterflies."

Enzo looked at the figure with a deep frown, but strangely enough, his eyes were void of emotions. It was bizarre because he was sure that until now, the 'Ancien Thorn of the Guardian' didn't have much use as he could still feel emotions, but now... it seems that its effect finally kicked in. He was way too calm even during such situation.

And it seems that the figure remarked this as well.

"And what does it have to do with me, huh?" Enzo asked.

"Sigh, I've talked too much with you... I need to go." The figure shook its head before turning around.

"Wait, answer me!"

The figure turned and looked at him, a smile plastered on his face. "You'll be the next Monarch, dear Butterfly Prince." Then it started walking away.

Just like that, Enzo was left alone in his little cage, not knowing what to do. He was dumbfounded, to say the least.

'A Monarch? Me? Yeah, don't make me laugh,' His thoughts were filled with sarcasm. 'Even the First Monarch didn't force me to rule over the butterfly Kingdom, and yet they want to force me? Who do they think they are for god's sake!'

'And what would those people even gain if I take the throne? Are they from the butterfly kingdom? No, they wouldn't treat me as such if it was the case. But then who are they? Some people who want to keep the balance? So that the abomination won't descend?'

'Well... that's the most plausible cause, I guess.'

In the end, Enzo could only sigh and wait to see how things would unfold. While he was sure that they wouldn't do him any harm - even though they were supposed to kill him if he didn't accept their proposal - he doubted that they would be friendly either.

'All I wanted was to find my family and be with them. How did I even end up in this mess?'

Enzo's gaze wandered around the confined space as he pondered his situation. He had always thought that his life would be fairly easy with his power. Although there was some really strong individual and monsters out there, he was strong himself and only grew stronger. But here he was, one problem after another coming right at him without him signing for any of this shit.

'I'm not a protagonist for god's sake, why are there so many things coming at me?' He thought in anger, at least what anger he had left through the effect of the ancient thorn.

As time passed in the dimly lit chamber, Enzo's mind alternated between contemplation and restlessness. The effects of the 'Ancient Thorn of the Guardian' had cast an unexpected calmness over his emotions, but it didn't quell the turmoil within him. His heart longed for the warmth of his family, for the simpler days when he had not been a pawn in some unknown power struggle.

Days turned into nights, and Enzo's solitude grew more profound. He began to devise plans, to contemplate escape, to ponder the possibility of avoiding the role he was seemingly destined to play. Yet, each plan he devised seemed to hit a dead end. The chamber's walls were insurmountable, his captors too shrouded in mystery.

In his introspective moments, Enzo couldn't help but recall the conversation with the figure. The mention of his royal lineage resonated in his mind. Although he knew it through his class, and the First Monarch only confirmed it, he still had a hard time believing it.

'What's the most annoying is that I'm not even in the Butterfly Kingdom but in the middle of nowhere where only battles happen.'