Arthur slumped back in his father's huge wooden desk, feeling the crushing weight of being king press down on his shoulders.
Tactical maps were scattered all over the polished surface while he scribbled notes, figuring out where to put defenses and supply routes with laser-sharp focus.
Ever since he'd evolved into a Magister, complex battle strategies felt like solving simple math problems.
Three enemy armies coming from different directions. Still don't know who the traitors are. Running out of time before they all attack together.
His enhanced senses picked up footsteps approaching before anyone even knocked—Elliot's familiar walk, radiating nervous energy through the castle's stone walls.
"Come in," Arthur called without looking up.
"Your Highness, you called for me." Elliot stepped inside, carrying himself with that careful formal posture that had replaced their old childhood ease ever since Arthur's dramatic transformation.
Arthur dropped his quill and looked his oldest friend in the eyes. The worry there was real—Elliot had known him since they were kids.
"Elliot, time for you to step up." Arthur stood. "I'm promoting you to Knight-Captain of the Royal Guard."
Joy flashed across Elliot's weathered face before doubt crept in.
"My lord, I'm honored, but... I want to stay by your side. You've changed so much since—" He caught himself, remembering protocol. "Since His Majesty died. Your father would be proud of who you've become."
Before Arthur could answer, his enhanced hearing caught rapid footsteps in the hallway—determined, angry, familiar. He'd barely started to smile when his door exploded open despite the guard's protests.
"Lady Valentina, please wait for proper—"
"Arthur, what the hell is this I'm hearing?" Valentina Blackrose stormed into the room, her spy network having already dug up his plans. Her violet eyes blazed with concern and barely controlled rage.
[ABILITY ACTIVATED: Dominion Aura]
[ENERGY COST: -5 points]
[EFFECT: Commanding presence projection]
[REMAINING ENERGY: 445/500]
Arthur's new aura flared automatically, flooding the room with undeniable authority. "Valentina. Sit."
She froze mid-step, her body responding to his enhanced presence before her mind could fight back.
After a moment of resistance, she dropped into the chair across from his desk.
"Don't use your powers on me without reason," she said sharply, though her eyes showed grudging respect for his evolved abilities. "We're bonded partners."
"What's got you so worked up?" Arthur asked, though he suspected her spy network had already uncovered his travel plans.
"You're planning to abandon the kingdom for some crazy mission in the Southern Territories. Without telling anyone." Her voice carried the sharp sting of personal betrayal. "After everything we've built together."
Elliot's eyes went wide with shock. "Your Highness, you can't leave now. The coronation is in two weeks, the Coalition threats—"
The door opened again and Darien Hawklight entered, his scarred face grim with purpose. "Sorry for barging in, Your Highness, but urgent intel needs immediate discussion." His experienced gaze swept the room, reading the obvious tension.
"Though I see I'm not the only one worried about recent developments."
Arthur moved from behind his desk. "Good. You're all here. This saves time."
"Arthur," Valentina's voice carried a warning, "if you're about to announce something that puts the kingdom at risk—"
"Our enemies are getting stronger while we play political games," Arthur cut her off, moving to the massive map covering the eastern wall.
"The Coalition has spent months positioning their forces. The Empress will call for a gathering of all royal houses within the month, expecting to see a weak, newly-crowned boy struggling with his father's legacy."
Hawklight stepped forward. "Your Highness, rushing into coronation without proper preparation—"
"This goes way beyond ceremonies and crown rituals." Arthur's finger traced routes on the map. "I need real power, not just political authority. Elliot, I'm putting you and Hawklight in joint command of the kingdom's defenses while I'm gone."
"Gone?" Elliot's voice cracked slightly. "Your Highness, where exactly are you planning to go?"
Arthur's hand moved to the southern territories marked in faded ink. "I'm going to find a dragon."
The room fell dead silent.
Hawklight recovered first, his scarred features creasing with disbelief. "Dragons, Your Highness?
I've traveled across three continents serving with the Seven Heroes. Dragons are legends—fairy tales to scare kids."
"Dragonkin," Valentina corrected quietly, her spymaster knowledge kicking in. "They're not myths. Just... mostly extinct."
All eyes turned to her, and Arthur felt a surge of appreciation for how deep her intelligence network ran.
"The bloodline survives in rare individuals who can take dragon form," she continued, leaning forward in her chair. "They're called Dragonkin, and their magical power rivals archmages. But Arthur, even if you could find one, trying to bind such a creature..."
[ABILITY ACTIVATED: Emotional Sensing]
[TARGET: Multiple subjects]
[RESULTS: Elliot - Concern 80%, Loyalty 95% | Hawklight - Skepticism 70%, Respect 60% | Valentina - Fear 75%, Love 85%]
[ENERGY COST: -15 points]
[REMAINING ENERGY: 430/500]
Arthur read their emotions clearly—worry, fear, but underlying loyalty from all three. "What intel do you have, Valentina?"
She sighed, recognizing his determination. "There's a criminal organization in the Southern Wastes—the Stillwater Syndicate. Slavers, mercenaries, assassins for hire.
Intelligence suggests they captured a Dragonkin several years ago and have kept her locked up with specialized magical restraints."
"Her?" Arthur's interest sharpened noticeably.
"A young female, according to reports. But Arthur, the Stillwaters control territory that three separate kingdoms have failed to cleanse.
They're dangerous even by criminal standards, with resources and magical artifacts acquired through decades of illegal operations."
Hawklight moved closer to the map. "Your Highness, this is borderline insane. You're needed here, not chasing legends through hostile territory controlled by murderers and slavers."
Arthur turned from the map, his evolution evident in every controlled movement. "Our enemies expect conventional responses—traditional warfare against a traditional kingdom." His eyes flashed with golden fire. "I plan to give them something completely unprecedented."
"And if this gamble fails?" Valentina's voice stayed carefully controlled, but Arthur sensed the deeper fear beneath her professional concern.
Arthur moved to the weapon rack, selecting his father's ceremonial blade—a sword that had tasted royal blood for three generations. "Then you'll need to hold the kingdom together until I return. Or until Prince Gareth recovers enough to take the throne."
"Gareth is in no condition to rule," Hawklight stated bluntly. "The healer report his magical pathways has been permanently damaged from that enhancement drug overdose."
"Which is exactly why failure isn't an option." Arthur buckled the sword at his hip, the familiar weight settling naturally. "Valentina, I need your network monitoring Coalition movements and any remaining Thornwick conspirators. The moment Duke Aldred's contacts make any move, I want immediate notification."
She nodded reluctantly. "I'll maintain full surveillance, but Arthur... promise me you'll be careful. A dragon—even a bound one—isn't something you can charm with conventional techniques."
Arthur's lips curved in a predatory smile that made all three companions shiver slightly. "Who said anything about conventional methods?"
"How long will you be gone?" Elliot asked, practical concerns overriding his emotional turmoil.
"Two weeks, maybe three. Long enough to secure what I need and return before the Coalition can mount their coordinated invasion." Arthur moved to a secured chest, pulling out a communication crystal. "This will allow emergency contact if things go to hell."
"The journey itself will be dangerous," Valentina pointed out. "Southern Territories are lawless, filled with bandits, magical creatures, and worse. Even with your enhanced abilities—"
"I'll be traveling light and fast. Arthur's confidence radiated through his aura. "And the Stillwater Syndicate won't expect a frontal approach from royalty."
Elliot stepped forward. "At least take a small guard unit—"
"No. This requires speed and stealth, not military might." Arthur's tone shut down any argument. "Besides, I need our best forces here defending against infiltration."
The room fell quiet as the reality of his decision settled over them.
"There's something else," Valentina said slowly. "If the rumors are true about this captured Dragonkin... she may not want to be rescued. Years of captivity can break even the strongest spirits."
Arthur's expression grew thoughtful. "Or forge them into something harder than diamond. A creature with that much power, held against her will for years..." His eyes gleamed. "That's not broken spirit. That's compressed fury waiting for the right catalyst."
"And you believe you're that catalyst?" Hawklight's skepticism remained obvious.
"I believe mutual benefit creates stronger bonds than force or deception." Arthur moved toward the door. "She needs freedom. I need power capable of protecting my kingdom. Together, we can achieve both."
Valentina rose gracefully. "When do you leave?"
"Dawn. I want to reach the Southern Territories before the Coalition realizes I've left the capital." Arthur paused at the threshold. "Valentina, I need to speak with you privately before I go. Intelligence briefing."
The others took the dismissal gracefully, though Elliot cast one last worried look before leaving with Hawklight.
Once alone, Valentina's composed facade cracked slightly. "Arthur, I'm terrified you won't come back."
[ABILITY ACTIVATED: Desire Amplification]
[TARGET: Valentina Blackrose]
[EFFECT: Enhancing existing emotional connection]
[ENERGY COST: -15 points]
[REMAINING ENERGY: 415/500]
Arthur pulled her close, feeling her pulse quicken as his power resonated with her emotional vulnerability. "Then give me something worth coming back for."
Her violet eyes darkened with need and fear combined. "You know I'm completely yours. But if this is goodbye—"
"It's not goodbye." His lips brushed her ear. "It's an investment in our future."