Kapitel 26: Chapter 26 - A threat to mankind

As their carriage approached the city gate, the sight of a large group of armored soldiers greeted them. Standing in disciplined rows, the soldiers appeared to be waiting for someone.

The carriage slowed as they neared the gate. There stood Duke Red and his son, William, waiting to bid them farewell.

Spark, curious but preferring the comfort of his seat, leaned out of the window.

"What brings the Duke here?" Spark asked nonchalantly.

Duke Red stepped forward, a slight bow showing his respect.

"I came to see off the Holy Scion," he replied politely, his tone as formal as ever.

Spark's gaze shifted to the battalion of soldiers standing ready. "And what's with the entourage?"

"This battalion of soldiers will escort the Holy Scion to his destination safely," Duke Red explained, a note of concern evident in his voice. "Just in case you encounter any trouble on the way."

Spark waved his hand dismissively.

"No need. It will make me look like I'm heading to conquer a city," he replied, straightforwardly rejecting the Duke's offer. "Besides, they will only slow down my pace."

Despite the Duke's repeated attempts to persuade him otherwise, Spark remained firm in his decision. After a brief and cordial farewell, the carriage passed through the gates, leaving the city behind.

…

Later that day, back in the mansion, Duke Red sat across from his son, William. The room was filled with the soft glow of afternoon light, casting long shadows on the polished floors.

"Why did you call for me, Father?" William asked, breaking the silence, his voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of impatience.

The Duke leaned back in his chair, his expression serious.

"It seems you've made an acquaintance with the Holy Scion," he began, his tone measured.

"Yes, I met him at the party," William confirmed, his eyes narrowing slightly in confusion at his father's grave demeanor.

Duke Red nodded, his face softening momentarily before returning to its serious mien.

"That's good," he said, then paused before adding, "But don't get too close to him."

William's confusion deepened.

"Why is that, Father?" he asked, puzzled by the sudden cautionary tone.

Duke Red sighed, a mixture of patience and frustration in his eyes as he looked at his son. "What do you know? He's like a ripple in the water that can turn into a tsunami at anytime. Those around him will eventually get swept."

"I don't get it," William admitted, his brow furrowing.

"He has countless enemies all around," the Duke continued. "Everyone is watching him. If you get close to him, you'll only attract attention. "

"Even within our empire?" William asked, his confusion giving way to a dawning realization.

"Yes, even within the empire," Duke Red confirmed. "There are some families who don't like his existence but can't act directly against him."

The Duke's words hung heavily in the air as he turned to William. "You should've noticed unusual activities during his stay?"

"Unusual activities?" William echoed, shaking his head in confusion.

Sighing, Duke Red elaborated, "During his stay here, there was a noticeable spike in visitors."

"Spies…" William muttered, the realization hitting him like a cold splash of water.

Duke Red nodded gravely. "Yes. We've captured and interrogated a few suspicious individuals, and they all turned out to be spies sent from various empires to observe his moves."

William's eyes widened as the full gravity of the situation became clear.

After that scene on the frontline, Spark was seen as a walking paradox. To some, he was a beacon of hope and a symbol of divine favor, the Holy Scion destined to bring balance and prosperity. To others, especially those who harbored ambitions or guarded their influence jealously, he was an existential threat—a volatile force capable of upending the world order with a mere whim.

His powers, vast and otherworldly, sparked awe and terror in equal measure For the common folk, these stories were a source of fascination and reverence. But for those in power, they were a chilling reminder of their own vulnerability.

Even within the empire that claimed him as its Holy Scion, there were those who viewed him as a threat. These people saw him not as a savior but as a ticking time bomb, a being whose vast potential could one day be turned against them.

For many, the fear was not just that he possessed great power, but that he might one day grow bored or disillusioned. What would happen if he decided that the world no longer amused him? What if, in a fit of pique or existential boredom, he unleashed his full might upon the world? To these minds, Spark was not just a person; he was a force of nature, unpredictable and unstoppable.

"All eyes are on him, watching his every move," Duke Red warned. "If there's even a slight show of weakness on his part, those hidden assailants wouldn't hesitate to strike."

…

As the carriage wound its way through a dense forest path, the tranquility of the journey was abruptly interrupted. A group of large birds, their feathers dark and glossy, blocked the narrow road ahead. Their beady eyes glinted with an almost intelligent menace.

"That guy was a jinx," Spark muttered under his breath, rubbing his temple in frustration.

"How should I deal with them, young master?" asked Zhao Shi, his hand already moving towards the hilt of his sword, ready for action.

A mischievous glint appeared in Spark's eyes as he leaned back in his seat. "We've found our dinner for tonight, Butler Zhao,"

Understanding Spark's intention, Zhao Shi moved with swift precision. In a blur of motion, he sprang from the carriage, his blade gleaming in the dappled sunlight. The birds, sensing danger, flapped their wings and screeched, but it was too late.

With a few deft strokes, Zhao Shi dispatched the menacing birds. They fell to the ground in a flurry of feathers and thuds. The forest returned to its quiet, undisturbed state as quickly as the skirmish had erupted.