章節 219: Ashenreach II
"It's an honor to be in your presence, Your Majesties," I said, bowing low before the King and Queen of the West.
"Enough with the formalities; you're a friend to our son," Valen replied, his voice as unyielding as stone. His dark eyes met mine, holding a challenge within them. "Besides," he continued, "I wanted to see the talent bold enough to aim for the seat of the strongest."
I met his gaze, aware this challenge wasn't one of strength; he knew full well I was no match for him—not yet, anyway. What he sought to measure was my potential.
"Then, may I ask if I've satisfied your curiosity?" I said, steadying my voice as I returned his look.
"You have, Arthur Nightingale," Valen replied, a faint smile lifting the corners of his mouth. Though it held no warmth, there was a glint of acknowledgment, something resembling respect.
For a moment, I couldn't help but think how much he resembled an emotionless doll, his expression perfectly poised, concealing his thoughts with ruthless precision. But in that brief look, I understood one thing: I had earned his notice, and that was no small feat.
"Feel free to stay in one of the guest rooms, Arthur," Valen called over his shoulder as he turned to leave. "I hope you find your stay here both relaxing and fulfilling."
The Queen glanced back, her eyes thoughtful before she offered me a smile and followed her husband.
"Sorry about that," Jin said, stepping up beside me.
"No worries," I replied with a shrug. It wasn't as if Jin could influence his parents' ways.
"So, what brought you here anyway?" he asked, leading me through the winding halls toward my room. All around us, necromantic summons went about their tasks—cleaning, maintaining, even standing guard.
"They're… surprisingly lifelike," I noted, watching one of them pause to adjust a painting with almost human precision.
Jin followed my gaze, nodding. "My father's expertise," he replied. "He can make his summons look however he wants, down to the smallest detail."
That explained it. Human-like summons were typically forbidden—laws forbade anyone from creating beings that so closely resembled the living. But a King like Valen wasn't truly bound by laws, nor would anyone dare to question his control over his craft. With his power, even the souls of his summons could be altered, molded into whatever form he chose.
"To answer your question, I'm here for an artifact at the auction," I said, glancing at Jin.
"An artifact?" he repeated, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, a particularly interesting one," I replied with a smile. "Think you could get me the auction list for the Mellspire Auction?"
Jin shrugged casually, already reaching for his phone. "Easy enough."
A quick call and a few moments later, his phone buzzed. He handed it over, showing me the PDF list.
"Your family's reach is… remarkable," I said, letting out a low sigh of admiration.
Jin just smiled, that calm, knowing smile that hinted he was well aware of his family's influence.
"You expected me to get the list that easily, didn't you?" Jin smirked.
"Maybe, but I didn't think a single phone call would do the trick."
He chuckled. "I am the prince of the West, after all."
I skimmed through the PDF, my eyes finally landing on the artifact I was looking for. My grin widened. "So, shall we head to the auction, then?"
Jin raised an eyebrow. "Must you actually participate? I could just buy it outright, you know."
I blinked, taken aback, until I caught his meaning. "Ah, no—there's something else I need to do at the auction," I said, shaking my head. "But I'll need your two most loyal guards to come along."
Jin nodded without hesitation. "Going to cause a bit of a scene, are we?"
"If it comes to that."
Jin smiled, his gaze sharpening. "Then let's make sure it's a memorable one."
"You've changed a lot, haven't you?" I asked casually, watching as Jin dusted himself off.
He blinked, then looked at me with a faint smile. "I suppose I have. Guess I realized that training all day isn't much of a life."
"Good," I replied, grinning. "Now, how about I see just how much you've improved?"
"Absolutely."
Moments later, Jin was on the ground again, grimacing as he glared up at me, my sword still glowing with the enhanced aura I'd been layering over each strike.
"Do you really have to use enhanced aura?" he grumbled, rubbing his sore arm.
"How else can I give you a proper… teaching?" I said with a smirk, letting the last word hang.
He narrowed his eyes. "You were about to say 'beating,' weren't you?"
"Perish the thought," I replied, though I couldn't stop my grin as his twin shortswords sparked to life again, cloaked in dark aura. "Ready for another round?"
"Well done," a voice interrupted, halting our spar mid-strike.
Jin's eyes widened. "Father," he murmured, his tone carrying a note of surprise as Valen stepped onto the training ground.
"Arthur," Valen addressed me, his gaze sharp but composed. "Would you do me the honor of a match?"
There was no mistaking the intent in his eyes—he expected only one answer.
I inclined my head. "It would be my honor."
He gave a thin smile, a glint of intrigue in his gaze. "Then show me," he said, voice edged with challenge. "Show me if you truly have what it takes to be the strongest. I'll keep it fair—no astral energy, no spells beyond 6-circle, and no strength beyond the Wall. Survive ten of my attacks, and I'll grant you any wish within reason."
The words hung heavy between us.
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票