บท 12: Envoy of the Empire Part 1
After 5 years, Robin had helped with the farm situation in the kingdom. He was now eleven years but his body never changed. "Malsa show me my current stats", Robin said.
—
[ System Panel ]
Level: 3/24
Energy: 5000/36000
Energy Types: Life Energy/ 2 / 2000, Dark Energy / 3 / 3000
Skills: Healing Magic, Gluttony, Spatial Storage, Black Fire Ball, Divine Shield, Divine Body
Body Level: Golden Knight
Mana Level: Mid-Level Mage, Magical Circle 3
Spells: Teleportation, Physical Enhancement
—
Over the last five years, Robin had mastered a wide range of skills, from combat to powerful magic, under the guidance of the Duke and his wife, Lady Mary. With the help of Malsa, he'd read every book in the kingdom, though he found most spells unnecessary since his abilities often far exceeded their power. Instead, he focused only on those spells he deemed truly useful. While experimenting with healing magic to speed up plant growth, Robin made a remarkable discovery.
His powers didn't rely on traditional mana, as they drew directly from his unique energy source. This meant that as long as his body could withstand the energy output, he had virtually unlimited power—a realization that thrilled him.
Over time, he unlocked new abilities, including Spatial Storage, a personal space that expanded with his dark energy levels, theoretically large enough to store a medium-sized castle; Black Fireball, a ranged attack whose black flames decayed anything they touched; Divine Shield, a golden protective barrier; and Divine Body, which greatly enhanced his healing abilities.
As for spells, he only learned teleportation, for rapid movement, and physical enhancement, which he traded for by teaching Lady Mary some of his fighting techniques. Not wanting to seem shameless, he also wrote down the martial arts he remembered from Earth and entrusted them to his father, leaving it to him to decide how best to share them.
"Your Highness, the King requests your presence in the throne room. Also, please wear your formal suit, as the envoy from the empire will be arriving," the head of staff announced, a gentle smile on his face.
Robin's eyes widened. "The envoy of the empire?!"
He knew little about the empire, but Aria, who stood beside him, quickly stepped in with what she knew. Growing more confident around him, she began to explain, "Master, when I was taken from home, I was brought through the empire. From what I've seen and heard, it's the strongest force in the world. It's said to be ruled by the human emperor, which is why it can dominate all the kingdoms."
The human emperor... Robin thought, the weight of it sinking in. This was all a bit much to take in.
Aria helped Robin get ready quickly, brushing his hair as he pondered the empire. "Aria, what is the empire like?" he asked. She paused thoughtfully before answering, "From what I remember, it's cruel to the weak and rewarding to the strong. It has no noble houses beneath it—only the human emperor." Her words reminded Robin just how little he knew of the world beyond the kingdom, and he felt a growing determination to change that. When Aria was done, he headed straight to the throne room.
Upon arrival, Robin gave a respectful bow to the king. An elderly man in white robes with golden collars looked him over. "Ah, so this is the boy?" the old man remarked. "Yes, Envoy Jerald," King Lion replied, with the queen at his side, visibly tense. Jerald's eyes glinted with interest. "Boy, give me your hand," he instructed. Robin obeyed, casting a quick glance at his father, but kept his face neutral. As soon as he touched Robin's hand, the envoy's eyes widened in shock. "Light and dark magic? How is this possible!?" he exclaimed. Turning back to Robin, he added, "Boy, join my Temple of Luminous, and we'll make you the strongest in the empire!"
Before Robin could respond, another man appeared, dressed in black robes with golden collars. "Archmage Jerald! Are you seriously trying to poach him before he's of age? That's illegal!" he said, a hint of annoyance in his tone. Jerald scoffed, unbothered. "Oh, come now, Kane—we all know I'm doing this for the emperor! I'd pledge my very life for him!"
Robin mentally sighed, unimpressed. Definitely not joining you, old man, he thought, while the room fell silent. Finally, Jerald turned back to King Lion, his tone more formal. "Now, back to the real reason we're here. King Lion, you know it's time for the five-year contribution to the human emperor. If a kingdom produces someone truly exceptional, the contribution can be reduced by up to 50%. And I'd like to submit a personal recommendation, in the name of the Luminous Temple, for the boy to join the academy."
Kane rolled his eyes, clearly irritated. "Jerald, that's overstepping! You're just trying to claim all the rewards for yourself."
Jerald smirked. "Fine, Kane, we'll submit it together. But remember—I found him first."
A knight entered the throne room, clad in dark armor from head to toe, his imposing frame towering at seven feet tall and broad-shouldered. The moment he appeared, everyone rose to their feet, and the two envoys instantly moved aside, dropping to one knee, careful not to meet his gaze.
"King Lion, I apologize for their behavior; they get a bit too excited when they sense a talent," the knight spoke, his voice deep and commanding, sending chills down the spines of everyone present—even Robin felt a surge of fear, like a mere cub before a predator. "The empire is proud of you. As the founding generation of Ashton Kingdom, we have high expectations. We'll take our leave this evening and hope you'll send your child to the academy as soon as possible."
In Robin's mind, Malsa's voice echoed with urgency, "Master, I sense an immense concentration of dark energy from this individual—proceed with caution." It was the first time Malsa had ever issued such a warning, which startled Robin.
"General Kane, we're deeply honored to have you here," King Lion said, rising from his throne. "I'll personally see to it that all your needs are met. Please allow our attendants to escort you." With a nod, the envoys and General Kane left the throne room.
As soon as they were gone, the king turned to his attendants. "Luke, Peter—make sure everything is prepared. Offer them the finest of our provisions; we can't afford any mistakes. Robin, go to your room with Aria and stay there until they've left the kingdom. Head of Staff, you'll stay with him to ensure his safety. And someone, bring the Duke and his wife here immediately!"
Robin, mindful of Malsa's warning, quickly left the hall. As he walked through the palace, he could sense the tension hanging heavily in the air, though he didn't fully understand its source. When he reached his room, he found Aria and the Head of Staff waiting. He shut the door and activated a barrier spell around them.
"Your Highness, it's too dangerous for you to leave right now," the old steward cautioned, his tone unusually grave.
"Steward Gerald, can you tell me what's going on?" Robin asked.
With a sigh, the steward explained, "Your Highness, the empire is extremely possessive when it comes to young talents. They'd rather see such talents die or rise under their control than risk them becoming independent kings—or worse, leaving their influence entirely. To put it plainly, you're in a very precarious situation right now, as they may try to take you by force if they see fit."
Robin now understood the urgency and precautions being taken; the entire palace was on high alert, and it was clear why.
Meanwhile, in a lavish chamber lined with gold, General Kane stood towering over the two envoys kneeling before him. With a cold gaze, he addressed one of them. "You… Jerald, is it? Tell me exactly what you observed in that boy." Jerald, his head bowed, answered promptly, "My lord, the boy possesses two affinities: light and dark mana. Both are at extreme levels, though the dark mana is stronger. Such a combination should be impossible, as light and dark mana do not coexist."
The general's interest deepened. "Are you certain of this?"
"Yes, my lord," Jerald replied, his voice filled with eagerness. "If you permit, I can seize him by force."
The general regarded him for a moment, then gave a slight nod. "Do as you see fit. As for you," he said, turning to the other envoy, "make sure the goods are prepared for our departure."
Jerald smirked, a sly grin spreading across his face as he rose. This was exactly the opportunity he'd been waiting for.
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