บท 128: Magnus Draykar
After I finished my dance with Elara, it was time to put the next part of my plan into motion—keeping the Crown Prince away from her.
The strategy was straightforward.
I discreetly approached Kali and Jin, instructing them to ensure that Elara and Valerian didn't get a chance to dance together. It wasn't a complicated request, and I knew they certainly had the means to make it happen. Whether through engaging Valerian in conversation or finding subtle ways to distract him, they were more than capable of creating the necessary obstacles.
With that settled, I made my way back to the dance floor, extending my hand to Rachel.
"May I have this dance?" I asked, offering her a smile.
Rachel's eyes lit up with a mix of surprise and amusement. "Of course, Arthur," she replied, placing her hand in mine.
We moved gracefully into the center of the ballroom, the music shifting into a gentle waltz. Rachel moved with an effortless elegance, her steps confident as she met my gaze. There was a glimmer of curiosity in her eyes, as though she were trying to read my intentions.
"First Cecilia, then Elara, and now me?" she said, her tone teasing. "You've been busy tonight."
"Only doing what I must," I replied, keeping my tone light.
Rachel raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "You always seem to have a plan, Arthur. Care to share this one with me?"
I chuckled softly, twirling her around before drawing her back in. "Maybe one day. For now, I'd rather just enjoy the dance."
She let out a small laugh, her eyes softening as she shook her head. "You never change, do you?"
"Why fix what isn't broken?" I said with a smirk.
As we continued dancing, I allowed myself a moment to relax. With Jin and Kali taking care of the Crown Prince, I could focus on the present. Rachel's company was familiar, and there was a comfort in dancing with her—no hidden motives, no tension. Just two friends enjoying a moment in a grand ballroom.
Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Kali subtly intercepting Valerian, engaging him in conversation with an expression that said she wouldn't be letting him go easily. Jin stood nearby, his casual demeanor masking the vigilance in his eyes. I knew they'd be able to handle it.
Rachel seemed to notice my gaze drifting and gave me a gentle nudge. "You're distracted," she said, a hint of concern in her voice. "Is everything alright?"
I met her eyes, offering her a reassuring smile. "Everything's fine. Just making sure everything goes smoothly tonight."
She looked at me for a moment longer, then nodded, her smile returning. "Alright then. But remember, you're allowed to enjoy yourself too."
"I am," I said, giving her a playful twirl as the music swelled. "Dancing with you is more than enough for me."
She laughed, and I could see some of the tension leave her shoulders. The dance continued, and for now, everything was going according to plan.
After I finished dancing with Rachel, I decided it was time to approach Magnus Draykar.
As expected, no one dared to ask him for a dance. Considering he was in his forties, most eligible women were either already married or simply unwilling to approach him due to his reputation. Even the widowed nobles kept their distance.
Except for me.
Slowly, I made my way toward the corner where Magnus stood, with no one else within fifteen meters of him. As soon as I crossed that invisible boundary, I understood why.
The hair on my arms stood on end as a wave of instinctive fear washed over me. It was the unmistakable killing intent of a man who had spent decades laying waste to all manner of beings—black mana users, mana beasts, humans, elves—countless lives had fallen at his hands.
I gulped as I pressed on, each step forward met with an increase in the oppressive pressure. My heart pounded in my chest, and when I finally reached within five meters of him, Magnus turned his head to regard me, his eyes sharp and assessing.
In that instant, the intensity of his killing intent surged, making the air feel thick and suffocating. My hand twitched, instinct urging me to draw my sword as if to defend myself.
But I fought the impulse. I clenched my fist, the nails biting into my palm almost to the point of drawing blood. I activated Lucent Harmony partially, letting the tranquility of Luna's qilin will wash over me.
My mind cleared, the fear dissipating as calm replaced it, and I took another step forward.
Magnus raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by my persistence. His gaze lingered on me for a moment before he spoke, his voice low and gruff, carrying an edge that suggested both curiosity and annoyance.
"What do you want, boy?" he asked, his eyes narrowing.
I took a steadying breath, then bowed respectfully. "Magnus Draykar, it's an honor to finally meet you in person. My name is Arthur Nightingale."
He regarded me silently for a moment, then scoffed, the hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "Arthur Nightingale... the one who danced with the princess." He paused, his gaze assessing. "You're either very brave or very foolish to approach me like this."
"I suppose it's a bit of both," I admitted, keeping my voice calm. "I have a request, one that I believe only someone like you could fulfill."
Magnus studied me, the intensity of his gaze unrelenting. "A request, huh?" He crossed his arms, the killing intent easing, though the air around him was still heavy. "Why should I even consider listening to you?"
"Because, Magnus," I said, meeting his eyes, "you care about the future of humanity, and so do I. And right now, there's something happening in this Empire that could jeopardize that future."
He was silent for a long moment, and I could feel the weight of his scrutiny. Then, he let out a low chuckle, his eyes gleaming with something that might have been amusement—or perhaps curiosity.
"Interesting," he finally said. "Very well, Arthur Nightingale. Speak, and I'll decide whether or not your request is worth my time."
The killing intent receded entirely, and I felt the tension in my body begin to ease. I straightened, keeping my gaze locked on his as I prepared to speak.
This was my chance. Magnus Draykar, the Martial King, was the key to shifting the future. And now, I just had to convince him.
I took a deep breath, steadying myself before I spoke. This was the moment I had been preparing for—the step I needed to take to gain the power and influence to protect those I cared about.
"Magnus Draykar," I began, my voice clear despite the pressure that still lingered in the air. "I want to ask you to take me on as your disciple."
There was a moment of silence before Magnus let out a low chuckle, a mix of disbelief and curiosity in his eyes. He seemed genuinely amused by my boldness.
"Do you even know what you're asking?" he said, a smirk forming on his lips. "I've never taken a disciple, and I certainly don't have the time or patience for babysitting a noble brat."
I met his gaze, my expression unwavering. "I know it's an unusual request, and I understand your reputation," I said. "But I don't need coddling. I've trained on my own, in ways most would call impossible. I've spent weeks in the Amarion Rainforest, surrounded by mana beasts, without any supplies or external help."
Magnus's eyes narrowed slightly, and his smirk turned into a skeptical frown. "The Amarion Rainforest? Alone?" he repeated, his voice dripping with disbelief. "You're either lying or a complete fool. Nobody in their right mind would do that."
"I'm telling the truth," I continued. "I didn't just fight the mana beasts—I let them track me. I purposely withheld my aura to make myself a target. Every day, I ran, fought, and survived on the edge. I made myself bait to push my limits, to learn how to survive when surrounded by predators stronger than me."
Magnus stared at me for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, he burst out laughing—a deep, almost mocking laugh that echoed in the empty space around us.
"You really are a madman," he said, shaking his head, his eyes glinting with a mix of astonishment and amusement. "To willingly let yourself be hunted by mana beasts just to train... that's beyond reckless. That's insanity."
"Maybe it is," I said, a small smile tugging at my lips. "But it worked. I became stronger, and I learned what it means to survive under impossible conditions. And I know you can push me even further."
Magnus looked at me for a long moment, as if trying to gauge my determination, the weight of his gaze pressing down on me. The silence stretched, and the tension grew, but I didn't back down. I stood firm, meeting his eyes with unwavering resolve.
Finally, he let out a sigh, the hint of a smile still lingering. "Alright, Arthur Nightingale. You want me to train you? I'll consider it," he said, his voice losing its mocking edge and gaining a hint of genuine interest. "But make no mistake—being my disciple will be nothing like running through a forest. I'll push you to your breaking point and beyond, until you forget what fear even feels like."
I nodded, my heart pounding but my voice steady. "I understand, Magnus. I'm ready for whatever it takes."
He crossed his arms, his eyes glinting with both challenge and approval. "We'll see. For now, enjoy the festivities. If you survive what's coming, we'll begin."
I bowed deeply, gratitude and determination surging through me. "Thank you, Magnus."
Magnus turned away, his aura of danger still present, though no longer overwhelming. I took a deep breath, stepping back from him, the tension easing as I put some distance between us.
I had done it—I'd taken the first step. Magnus Draykar, the Martial King, had agreed to consider making me his disciple. It was a small victory, but it was enough for now. The path ahead would be grueling, but it was the only way to gain the strength I needed.
As I walked back to my friends, I caught sight of Elara in the crowd, her gentle smile lighting up the room as she spoke with Cecilia. A surge of determination filled me—my resolve to protect those I cared about, to change their fates.
This was only the beginning.
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