The 13th Kingdom: Reincarnation

Day 6 of 2nd Fire Cycle1, 1995 g.c.

As the carriage rolled along the dirt road, the journey for Prince Luda and Sir Edwind was finally nearing its end. The six Knights of Braye trailed closely behind, their bicorns' hooves drumming a steady rhythm against the earth. The landscape around them had transformed from the calm territories of Babylonia into the dense, mana-rich air of Velonica. They were now only a day's ride away from Talasi, a destination that seemed so close, yet still distant enough to keep them in the confines of this carriage.

Luda's sharp eyes scanned the horizon as they continued their journey. He imagined what this air would do to an ordinary human—a person without mana sensitivity would probably suffocate or collapse under the invisible force pressing down on them.

Edwind, seated opposite Luda, broke the silence. "I've heard rumors that the mana in Velonica has been growing stronger each year," he remarked, his voice laced with curiosity.

Luda nodded, his gaze still fixed on the rolling scenery outside. "Has it now," he replied, his tone distant and thoughtful.

The prince's mind wandered to the potential long-term effects this increasing mana density could have on the environment. What would happen to the flora and fauna? And isn't this Devil of Velonica's land?

As these thoughts circled in his mind, a new sensation caught his attention—a faint, acrid scent tickling his nose. He sniffed the air subtly, recognizing the distinct smell of something burning. His senses sharpened, and he leaned slightly forward, trying to pinpoint the source of the scent.

The carriage rattled over a small bump, and Luda shifted in his seat. He wasn't one for idle conversation, especially not when it came to matters outside his immediate interests. Whenever he wasn't interacting with Edwind or discussing family affairs, he kept a mysterious air about himself, speaking only when necessary. His replies to others were often clipped, his words calculated and minimal. There was always an intensity to him, a sense of focus that suggested his thoughts were perpetually occupied with some distant, future goal. His eyes, though often scanning his surroundings, seemed to be looking beyond the present, always fixated on something far off in the distance.

Today was no different. Luda found himself growing restless, his body itching for movement. The trip had been smooth, almost too smooth for his liking. In truth, it had been boring—an endless stretch of calm, uneventful hours. He sighed, his breath fogging slightly in the cool, dense air as he gazed out the window, his mind wandering back to the burning smell, which was now growing stronger.

Edwind, ever perceptive, noticed the prince's sigh. "Bored already, Your Highness? The scenery not to your liking?" he asked, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Luda didn't turn from the window, but a faint smirk touched his lips. "Scenery's fine, if not a bit depressing at times. Just waiting for something to stop it from being so… peaceful," he replied, his tone betraying a hint of amusement.

He continued scanning the environment, his eyes narrowing slightly as the carriage crested a small hill, revealing more of the road ahead. "And with so many rumors about the Devil of Velonica, I'm not quite sure what I was expecting."

Just as Luda was about to settle back into his seat, a shrill scream pierced the air. It was a woman's scream, full of fear and panic, carried on the wind from somewhere ahead. The carriage jolted slightly as the driver pulled the reins, slowing the bicorns.

One of the knights riding alongside the carriage leaned closer to the window, his voice urgent but controlled. "There's a problem up ahead, Your Majesty. Do we stop and assist, or ignore it?"

Luda's smirk widened into a grin, and for the first time in hours, he turned to look at Edwind. The excitement in his eyes was unmistakable, though he tried to temper it. "There we go, Ed," he said, his voice laced with anticipation. "It seems The Creator is granting wishes today."

Despite his apparent excitement, Luda wasn't the type to involve himself in other people's matters unless they aligned with his goals. But the possibility of a challenge, a chance to gain strength or experience, was too tempting to resist. He leaned back in his seat, his mind already shifting gears, thinking of how to approach the situation.

"Do you have a scarf or a mask?" Luda suddenly asked, his tone casual, as if he were inquiring about the weather.

Edwind blinked, caught off guard by the odd request. "A scarf or mask, Your Highness?" he repeated, clearly surprised.

Luda nodded, his eyes once again fixed on the road ahead. "Yes," he said simply, offering no further explanation.

The smell of smoke was stronger now, mingling with the scent of charred wood and something more acrid—burning flesh, perhaps. Whatever awaited them on the road ahead, promised to be anything but dull.

As the carriage drew closer, the smell of smoke and burning flesh became almost suffocating, mixing with the earthy scent of the forest. The sky above was thick with dark clouds, adding to the oppressive atmosphere, while the dense mana in the air hummed with an eerie vibrancy. Luda's eyes narrowed as we approached a scene straight out of a nightmare.

Ahead, a group of Sociovores merchants—a mix of Dark Elves and Light Elves—were trapped within a ring of fire that crackled and hissed, hungry for more fuel. The flames cast a hellish glow on the surroundings, flickering shadows dancing wildly across the dirt road. Two elves already lay dead on the ground, their bodies charred beyond recognition, their lifeless forms twisted in agonizing positions.

The merchant's cart, once laden with goods, was now a blazing inferno, its wooden frame splintering and collapsing under the intense heat. The remaining merchants stood frozen in terror, their wide eyes locked on the monstrous figure before them—a Moltenfang Direwolf. The beast was enormous, easily twice the size of any normal wolf, with molten eyes that glowed like embers, and a coat of fur that seemed to shimmer with an inner fire. Its fangs, long and razor-sharp, dripped with a viscous, glowing liquid—lava, venomous and deadly.

Two Dark Elf males, each equipped with basic adventurer gear and swords, stood in front of the three Light Elf women, their bodies tense and trembling. The Dark Elves—one with blue hair, the other with black—were clearly outmatched, their swords trembling in their hands as they tried to muster the courage to protect the women behind them. The Light Elves were dressed in simple gowns and ankle-high shoes. They clung to each other, their blonde hair matted with sweat and soot. Their faces were pale, eyes wide with fear as they stared at the looming threat.

Without warning, the blue-haired Dark Elf made a desperate move. He lunged at the Moltenfang, his sword raised high, hoping to catch the beast off guard. But the Direwolf was quicker, impossibly quick. It sidestepped the attack with a fluid grace that belied its massive size, its molten eyes gleaming with malevolent intelligence. In a flash, it struck, its jaws closing around the Dark Elf's neck with a sickening crunch.

The Dark Elf barely had time to scream before the Direwolf's fangs injected their deadly venom. The merchants watched as his body convulsed, the venom working its way through his veins, igniting him from the inside out. His skin bubbled and melted away as flames erupted from within, his scream dying in his throat as he was consumed by fire. The Light Elves' screams echoed through the forest, a chorus of pure, unadulterated horror as they watched their protector die in the most agonizing way possible.

The Direwolf released its grip, letting the ashen remains of the Dark Elf's skeleton collapse to the ground in a heap. For a moment, the beast paused, as if savoring the terror in the air, before turning its gaze to the second Dark Elf. The remaining male elf, his face twisted in a mix of rage and desperation, saw his chance. He charged, swinging his sword with all his might, aiming for the beast's head.

But the Moltenfang was ready. The sword struck the Direwolf's skull, but instead of piercing through, it rebounded with a force that sent the Dark Elf flying backward. He hit the ground hard, his sword clattering uselessly beside him. The impact left him stunned, gasping for breath as he tried to regain his bearings.

The Direwolf wasted no time. It reared back, its jaws opening wide, and a fireball formed in its throat. With a roar, it unleashed the fiery projectile, the ball of flame hurtling through the air with terrifying speed. The Dark Elf barely had time to react before the fireball struck him square in the chest, engulfing him in a blaze of searing heat. His screams were cut short as the flames consumed him, reducing him to a writhing, burning figure on the ground.

The Light Elves were paralyzed with fear, their bodies trembling uncontrollably as they huddled together. Tears streamed down their soot-streaked faces, their eyes wide with despair. They knew they were next—there was no escape from the horror that had befallen them. The Moltenfang Direwolf, its eyes glowing with a malevolent hunger, slowly turned its gaze toward them, the promise of death reflected in its burning stare.

The Moltenfang Direwolf, a terrifying sight with its molten eyes and smoldering fur crept closer to the trembling Light Elves. Its massive paws crushed the earth beneath it, the heat radiating from its body causing the air to shimmer and distort. The elves clung to each other, their breaths shallow, as the beast bared its fangs, savoring the fear in their wide eyes. The world seemed to close in around them, the oppressive heat and looming death tightening like a noose.

Suddenly, a blur of motion broke the stifling tension—a flash of speed too quick to fully register. Prince Luda, his figure a streak of determination, launched himself from the shadows with a spear formed of blazing Yang Mana, his presence marked only by the intense energy that crackled around him. The spear, a weapon of pure light and power, struck the Direwolf in its face, slamming into its blindside with a force that echoed like a thunderclap. The impact sent the beast's massive head crashing into the ground, a burst of dirt and stone erupting from the point of contact.

Luda used the momentum of the recoil to push himself back, flipping gracefully through the air before landing in front of the cowering Light Elves. His golden-yellow scarf, wrapped tightly around his lower face, concealed his identity, leaving only his intense, focused eyes visible. Those eyes, glowing with a mix of mana and fierce determination, scanned the scene with a calmness that belied the chaos around him.

In the background, Sir Edwind worked quickly, his hands moving in fluid, practiced motions as he cast [Air Control: Suffocation]. The flames that had trapped the merchants and consumed their cart began to die, starved of oxygen by Edwind's precise manipulation of the air. The fire hissed and sputtered out, leaving only smoldering embers in its wake. The Direwolf, now bleeding from the savage blow Luda had dealt, let out a deafening roar of rage. Its molten blood sizzled as it hit the ground, the beast's fury now fully ignited.

The Direwolf, eyes burning with vengeance, began to gather its fiery energy, a glowing orb of flame forming in its maw. But before it could unleash its attack, Luda was ready. With a swift motion, he created a Yang Mana-Shield, a shimmering barrier of light that deflected the incoming fireball with ease. The flames splashed harmlessly against the shield, dissipating into the air as Luda prepared his next move.

Without hesitation, Luda leaped from behind the shield, his spear already forming in his hands. The weapon's tip glowed with concentrated Water Mana thanks to his [Water Control] skill, the energy swirling into a focused point of lethal precision. The blue trail it left in the air as he threw it was a stark contrast to the orange-red heat of the Direwolf. The spear flew with unerring accuracy, its path guided by Luda's expert control, and struck the Direwolf directly in its left eye.

The beast howled in pain, the sound reverberating through the forest and sending chills down the spines of those who heard it. The Light Elves gasped in astonishment, their eyes wide with disbelief and hope. This small figure, wrapped in mystery, had done what they thought impossible—he had struck down the beast that had threatened to end their lives.

The Direwolf, now blinded and in excruciating pain, began to panic. Its body trembled as it tried to gather energy for one final, desperate attack—a blast of fire that would consume everything around it.

But Edwind, ever vigilant, called out, "Now is the best time to finish it off!"

Luda, his voice calm and resolute, replied, "I was already planning to."

He began forming intricate hand seals, the motions smooth and deliberate, each one charged with purpose. As he finished the last seal, he chanted, "[Superior Water Mana Arts: Geyser Explosion]!" His words were infused with power, resonating through the air as the concentrated Water Mana at the spear's tip began to pulse and expand.

Inside the Direwolf's skull, the water mana erupted with the force of a raging flood, tearing through the beast's head in a violent surge. Gallons of water burst from its eyes, ears, and mouth, the pressure drowning it from within. The Direwolf's body convulsed, its molten blood cooling rapidly as the water extinguished its internal fire. The explosion sent a massive shockwave through the forest, the force of it shaking the very ground.

Edwind reacted swiftly, using [Air Control] to form a wind barrier that shielded the Light Elves from the brunt of the explosion. The barrier held firm as the aftershock of the attack passed, leaving the surrounding area eerily silent, save for the sound of water dripping from the lifeless corpse of the Direwolf. As the dust settled, the Knights of Braye finally arrived, their bicorns snorting and pawing at the ground, their riders struggling to catch their breath. They looked at Luda with a mix of awe and frustration.

"Damn, Your Highness," one of them remarked, shaking his head, "you're too fast. Our bicorns can't keep up with you."

Another knight surveyed the scene, his eyes widening at the devastation left behind. "Is that what I think it is?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. "A Moltenfang Direwolf? I've heard nightmare tales of these beasts—one of them wiped out an entire platoon once."

Another knight, more seasoned, sighed heavily. "It's hard to protect someone stronger and faster than all of us combined," he muttered, shaking his head.

Edwind, stepping up beside Luda, gave a small, reassuring smile. "Your two strongest mana affinities were a perfect match up," he said, his voice carrying a note of content. "Fire Beast normally do bad against Water."

As Prince Luda released the summoning of his magical weapons, a faint shimmer of mana dissipated into the air, he couldn't shake the feeling that the Moltenfang Direwolf had gone down far too easily. His brow furrowed with suspicion, and he found himself walking back to the beast's massive corpse. The once fearsome creature now lay still, its fiery life extinguished, but something about the battle nagged at Luda. He crouched beside the beast, his sharp eyes scanning its singed fur and deep wounds for any sign of why it had fallen so quickly.

As he examined the Direwolf's injuries, he barely registered the Light Elves approaching him. Their voices were filled with gratitude, trembling with the aftershock of their near-death experience. "Thank you, sir! You saved us—"

"I wasn't doing it to save anyone," Luda cut them off, his tone cold and dismissive. He didn't even look up from the Direwolf as he continued, "I just saw a good opportunity to get a fight in."

The Light Elves exchanged confused glances, their initial gratitude faltering under the weight of his indifference. One of them, braver than the rest, stepped forward. "But we owe you our lives. Please, at least let us know your name—"

"Don't bother," Luda interrupted, finally standing up and turning his back on them. "I'm not looking to make introductions. Forget you saw me."

The Light Elves blinked, stunned by his words. The confusion and disappointment in their eyes were palpable, their gratitude now mingling with a sense of rejection they didn't quite understand. Before they could protest further, Sir Edwind approached, his demeanor calm and reassuring.

"He doesn't mean to offend," Edwind said smoothly, his voice warm and comforting like a gentle breeze. "He simply has other matters on his mind. You'll be safe on your way to Lashun now, so don't worry."

Edwind's words seemed to ease their confusion, and the Light Elves nodded slowly, casting one last uncertain glance at Luda before they began to gather their things. The older merchant, her voice weary from years of hard travel, muttered under her breath, "Cold and unwelcoming, that young Celestial…"

But before she could finish, the youngest of the group, a girl with freckles scattered across her face like stars, spoke up, her voice soft and filled with admiration. "I think he's kind of cool…" Her eyes sparkled with a look of innocent admiration, one that Edwind couldn't help but notice with a small, knowing smile.

Luda, oblivious to the exchange, had already turned toward his carriage, his mind still preoccupied. "We've spent enough time here," he called out to Edwind and the knights as he approached the elegant vehicle. "It's time to go."

The knights nodded, swiftly moving to their positions as the carriage's door closed behind Luda. As the carriage set off down the road, the recently rescued Light Elves fading into the distance, Luda sat in silence, his thoughts still churning. He replayed the battle in his mind, the way the Direwolf had faltered, its energy already drained before his attack had even landed.

Edwind, ever perceptive, noticed the faraway look in the prince's eyes. "A copper for your thoughts?" he asked, breaking the silence inside the carriage.

Luda blinked, pulled back to the present by Edwind's voice. He glanced over at the mage, then sighed, his shoulders relaxing slightly as he prepared to share his concerns. "The mana beast… it was already weakened when I got to it," he began, his voice low and thoughtful. "It was on its last leg, and that's the only reason I took it down so easily."

Edwind nodded, listening intently. "You think someone else fought it before you?"

Luda nodded, his brow furrowed in contemplation. "Yeah. The Dark Elves got killed, so it wasn't them. But there's no way it was at full strength when I fought it. Someone else had to have weakened it first."

Edwind considered this, his expression serious. "Maybe the person who weakened it was killed before they could finish the job," he suggested. "Either way, the Direwolf won't be a problem for anyone anymore."

Luda leaned back in his seat, his eyes narrowing as he mulled over Edwind's words. "You're probably right," he admitted. But something still didn't sit right with him, a nagging doubt that refused to be silenced. "But if the roads of Velonica were supposed to be safe for travel, then why was a beast like that out here?"

Edwind sighed, his gaze drifting out the window as the landscape rolled by. "I heard the same. But today showed that may not be the truth anymore."

Luda's thoughts turned darker as he stared out at the passing scenery. "The Mikazuki Clan is supposed to house this region's Demon Lord," he muttered, more to himself than to Edwind. "If that's the case, why haven't they done anything about how dangerous it's become? It's hard to respect people who don't look after their land."

Edwind didn't reply immediately, his mind turning over Luda's words. After a moment, he spoke up, his tone thoughtful. "Well, at least the trip is no longer a bore to you."

Luda didn't respond, but Edwind could see the determination simmering beneath his calm exterior. The prince might not have all the answers yet, but one thing was clear—he wouldn't stop until he did.

52 Hours Later:

Day 7 of 2nd Fire Cycle, 1995 g.c.

I remember the afternoon clearly. As I stepped out of my house, the sky was painted in hues of light blue. The cool air brushed against my skin, carrying the faint scent of blooming night flowers from the garden. Just as I was about to turn left towards the backyard, a sharp, familiar yell pierced the calm. It was Artamis, my younger brother, his voice echoing with frustration.

Curiosity piqued, I made my way around the corner, the wooden steps creaking under my weight. The backyard was well-lit by the high sun, casting short shadows across the ground. There, amidst a clutter of tools and scattered parts, sat Artamis hunched over a broken gun he was meticulously repairing. The device wasn't just any firearm—it was one of his early prototypes, far more advanced and powerful than anything Gaia had ever seen. His fingers moved deftly, adjusting components with a precision that spoke of countless hours spent perfecting his craft.

Artamis looked up, his usually carefree demeanor replaced by a vexed expression. "What's the issue, broski?" I asked, stepping closer. The frustration in his eyes was unmistakable, a stark contrast to his typical laid-back nature.

He sighed heavily, setting aside the weapon. "I had this Moltenfang weakened and trapped so I could drain it of its venom, but it got away yesterday. And without that venom, I can't finish this SCAR 20 design."

I couldn't help but smirk at his response. "First, I don't even want to know how direwolf venom converts into an assault rifle." My words hung in the air, half-joking, half-serious.

Artamis began to whisper something under his breath, "Easy Xi, [Transmutation]." But I was already turning my attention back to his blueprints, trying to decipher the intricate designs he had spread out on the workbench.

"You didn't keep the direwolf close, did you?" I mused aloud, tilting my head as I scanned the detailed schematics. The lines and symbols were a testament to Artamis's genius, each element meticulously planned to harness and transform the volatile venom into something lethal and precise.

Artamis quickly interjected, his tone defensive. "Oh no. I didn't have it anywhere that Mom could sense it." His eyes darted towards the entrance as if expecting someone to walk in and catch him off guard.

I chuckled, shaking my head in admiration. "Smart move." The tension in the air seemed to lift slightly as I acknowledged his cleverness.

Despite the setback, Artamis's ingenuity never ceased to amaze me. His ability to blend my knowledge of advanced technology with arcane methods was unparalleled, and even in moments of frustration, his passion for his work was evident.

The backyard was silent for a moment, save for the distant chirping of crickets and the soft rustling of leaves in the evening breeze. I placed a reassuring hand on Artamis's shoulder. "We'll figure something out. Maybe there's another way to stabilize the chamber without relying solely on that venom."

He looked up, a flicker of hope returning to his eyes. "I've been experimenting with alternative oiling methods. It's risky, but it might just work."

I nodded, feeling a surge of pride for my brother. "You got this shit, fam. Let's see what I can help with." Together, we leaned over the blueprints, the dim light highlighting the intricate details of his latest invention.

Artamis and I were still hunched over his blueprints when I felt it—a subtle but unmistakable ripple in the air. My [Area Detection] flared up, warning me of two approaching mana signatures. They were strong, nearly on par with me and my siblings.

I straightened, my eyes narrowing as I looked toward the horizon. "Looks like someone interesting just entered the town," I said, my voice laced with intrigue.

Artamis glanced up from his work, but his expression remained indifferent. "I don't care," he replied, already turning his attention back to his broken SCAR 20 design. "I'm gonna see if I can find some better material to replace what I lost with that Moltenfang."

He stood up, brushing off his hands as if the conversation was already over. I watched him go, his mind fixated on his project, while mine was now elsewhere.

As I turned my gaze back to the town's entrance, the subtle vibrations beneath my feet grew more pronounced. A carriage, finely crafted and clearly meant for someone of high status, was approaching, its wheels crunching over the gravel road. The bicorns, clad in polished armor, snorted and pawed at the ground, their breath misting in the cool air.

The carriage rolled to a stop in front of Lady Vericka's residence, and as it did, I noticed a group of knights in gleaming armor, their eyes sweeping over the area. One of them, a tall figure with a stern expression, caught sight of me standing casually in the yard.

His brow furrowed in confusion, and he muttered under his breath, "The Devil of Velonica?"

The words hung in the air like a challenge. His fellow knights turned their attention to me, their hands instinctively moving toward their weapons. I could feel their tension rising, the air thickening with unspoken suspicion and fear.

Inside the carriage, Prince Luda must have heard the knight's comment because I felt his gaze on me even before I saw him. When he finally stepped out, his eyes locked onto mine, and I could see the slight disappointment in his expression. I could almost hear his thoughts, wondering if this kid, standing so nonchalantly in the yard, was really the source of the stories he had heard.

But as soon as he looked away, dismissing me in his mind, [Moon Sage: Tsukuyomi] screamed inside my head—a failed attempt at a psychic attack had just bounced off my defenses. Someone was trying to mess with my mind. Before I could even question it, [Future Sense] triggered, this time with a more urgent warning.

A split second later, I felt the rush of air as an attack came at me from my right blind side. Without thinking, I jumped into a backward somersault, narrowly avoiding a vicious strike aimed right where I had been standing. As I flipped through the air, my eyes caught sight of my attacker—Prince Luda. The bastard had tried to catch me lacking.

Our eyes met as I twisted my body mid-air, and I saw the surprise flicker across his face. He hadn't expected me to dodge, let alone counter. But I wasn't just evading; I was already preparing to strike back. As I tumbled through the air, I gathered wind mana with [Air Control] and dark mana with [Yin Control] into my left hand, condensing them into a spiraling sphere of indigo and green mystical energy. The magic fused, creating a lethal Mana Art called Deadwind, which left a corroding butterfly trail in its wake.

From the corner of my eye, I caught sight of Sir Edwind, one of Luda's knights, his face a mask of shock as he realized how effortlessly I had evaded the Prince's attack. But I didn't have time to dwell on it. I was already descending, the Deadwind sphere crackling in my palm, ready to press it against the back of Prince Luda's exposed breastplate.

For a brief moment, I thought to myself, "I gotta thank the 4th Hokage for this," a grin spreading across my face as I prepared to end this quickly.

Just as I was about to land the hit, Sir Edwind's desperate voice cut through the air, "Please, stop!"

His plea cut through the tension, but I was too far in the moment to heed it. I was milliseconds away from making contact when, out of nowhere, a gust of wind whipped through the yard, and suddenly, Mom appeared between us, moving faster than I could track. In one fluid motion, she grabbed Luda by the collar and yanked him out of harm's way, her other hand gripping my wrist like a vice.

With a flick of her wrist, she redirected my Deadwind attack upward, sending it spiraling into the sky. The sphere detonated high above the town, the explosion rocking the air with a deafening boom. A shockwave rippled out, shaking the very ground we stood on. Above us, the barrier that protected Talasi shimmered violently, absorbing the brunt of the blast but visibly weakening from the impact.

I landed on my feet, my heart racing, as Vericka released my wrist and turned to face me. Her eyes were stern, but there was no anger—just a silent warning. The Prince, still reeling from being snatched away at the last second, stared at me with a mix of frustration and admiration.

The air was thick with tension, the aftermath of the explosion hanging over us like a dark cloud. I took a deep breath, the adrenaline still coursing through my veins, as I met Vericka's gaze. This fight was far from over, but for now, the storm had passed.

"Oh snap, hey Mom... what are you doing here?" I blurted out, trying to plaster on the most innocent look I could muster.

Vericka stood there, arms crossed, an eyebrow raised so high it practically reached the heavens. My gaze darted to the barrier above, still shimmering weakly from the aftershock of my Deadwind explosion. I couldn't help but feel like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

"Xiro, just what the hell were you thinking? Were you about to attack the prince with that?" Vericka's voice was sharp, like a slap to the back of the head. Her eyes bore into mine, and I could see the mixture of disbelief and anger swirling within them.

"Uh, I'm sorry, Mom. I felt a killer intent. So a nigga just kind of reacted on instinct," I replied, scratching the back of my head sheepishly.

I wasn't lying—Prince Luda did try to ambush me. But I could tell from the look on her face that this wasn't going to get me off the hook so easily.

Before she could tear into me any further, Sir Edwind rushed over, his staff tapping with each hurried step. He practically skidded to a stop in front of us, bowing deeply to show his respect. "My lady," he began, his voice laced with concern, "is the prince unharmed?"

Vericka sighed, shaking her head slightly as she gently set Luda down in front of her. The kid looked a bit worse for wear, his pride clearly bruised more than anything else. He had this sulky expression, like a cat that had just been dunked in water.

"Prince Luda Braye," Vericka said, her tone shifting from scolding mother to the measured voice of someone in charge, "I see you have the same way of introducing yourself as your mother. But I appreciate you not antagonizing Xiro before learning each other's names." She looked down at Luda, and even though she tried to soften her expression, the prince still seemed to shrink a little under her gaze.

"My deepest apologies, Lady Vericka," Sir Edwind chimed in, his voice almost cracking with nerves. "Our Majesty has a habit of being quick on the jump sometimes." He was practically groveling, which only made the whole situation feel even more awkward.

Before Vericka could respond, Luda interrupted, his voice small but defiant. "I just wanted to see what the rumored Devil of Velonica was really like."

I couldn't help it—a snort of laughter escaped me before I could clamp my mouth shut. "My nigga, you've got some balls on you, I'll give you that," I said, shaking my head in disbelief.

Luda shot me a glare, but there was a flicker of something else in his eyes—maybe a grudging respect? Or maybe that was just my imagination. Either way, the kid wasn't backing down, which, honestly, I kind of admired. Still, Vericka wasn't done with us yet.

"You two," she said, looking between Luda and me, "need to learn how to communicate without trying to knock each other's heads off. Xiro, you're better than this. And Luda Braye, next time, try a handshake first, huh?"

I nodded, feigning contrition, but the smirk pulling at my lips betrayed me. The tension had finally started to deflate. Maybe this wasn't the best first impression, but hey, I'd had worse.

"Well," I said, clapping my hands together, "now that we've got that out of the way, how about I go repair that barrier? I'm sure Grandma would be pissed if I didn't."

Vericka just sighed, but I could see the corner of her mouth twitching upward in the ghost of a smile. "Smart boy," she said, finally relenting.

With that, the tension dissolved completely, leaving behind the kind of weird, unexpected bond that only comes from nearly beating the snot out of each other. I couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe, shit was going to get a lot more interesting around there.

And honestly, a nigga was kind of looking forward to it.

[End of the Chapter]