Chapter 3: Accompanying to the battle

As far as Klein can recall, his father's troops had only required thirty Mechas to defeat an extraordinary demonic tiger in the past. The battle had lasted for just an hour, and the casualties among the Mecha units from Helck City were less than 20%.

"No, this is not the same as the previous extraordinary beast. Earth dragons possess terrifying defense and strength. Compared to the demonic tiger, it will take twice the effort to bring it down," his father responded seriously as he retrieved his sword and a small dagger from the cabinet.

Upon seeing his father take the dagger, Klein knew exactly what he had in mind. This dagger was the key to his father's Mecha.

"Father, can I come with you? I promise I'll stay in a safe place during the fight. I just want to observe the battlefield," Klein requested, hoping to convince his father.

Jaime was taken aback by his son's request. He placed the dagger on his belt side and grabbed Klein by the shoulder.

"Son, I know you have a great responsibility in the future, but don't burden yourself too soon. Besides, you know what your mother would do to me if she found out I brought you to the battlefield," his father earnestly replied, denying Klein's request.

"But, Father..." Chris continued.

"No 'buts'," his father firmly stated, not allowing any objections.

Klein sat down, pondering on how to persuade his father to let him go. Three years ago, when the extraordinary beast had last appeared, he had wanted to witness the Mechas in action, but his parents had forbidden him.

"I'm sorry, Father, but I really want to see the fight. I have no choice but to use my last resort," Klein thought to himself.

With a sigh, Klein stood up from the sofa and sadly made his way towards the door. Jaime was relieved to see his son give in and not insist any further. He didn't want Klein to be under too much pressure, so he didn't want to give in to his persistence just yet.

Klein was about to leave through the door, holding onto the doorknob, when he suddenly spoke towards the front of the door.

"It's a shame I won't be able to come and see it, but it's alright. I'll just talk to Mom and enjoy a nice lunch," he said, slowly opening the door.

Jaime smiled upon hearing his son's words. He knew that this was just Klein's way of expressing his disappointment due to his objection.

"Yes, that's good, son. This way, your mother won't have to worry while I'm fighting on the battlefield. Don't worry, I'll take you to the battlefield the next time it happens again," he earnestly assured.

Pretending not to hear his father's words, Klein continued his act.

"Oh, I have a great story to share with Mom. I know she'll enjoy hearing all the details about the romantic floor in the east of the city. Especially when a man named Uncle Arnold..." Klein was unable to finish his sentence as his father's hand slammed on the table.

"Klein Helck, as the future heir to my position, as the City Lord of Helck City, I order you to join the battlefield," Jaime declared, his hand positioned like a knife, ready to strike the lower part of Klein's neck.

Reacting quickly, Klein caught his father's attack and twisted his hand. However, before he could fully twist it, his father's hand suddenly erupted with unbelievable strength, pushing him away. Jaime was also surprised by Klein's reaction to his attack.

"Father, you seem to be quite cunning," Klein said, smiling.

Jaime smiled back at his son. "You're quite cunning yourself, my son. If I hadn't tried to test you, I wouldn't have known that your skills are on par with an advanced knight."

Jaime gently caressed the hand that Klein had attempted to twist, unable to hide his amusement.

"What do you think, Father? Am I now qualified to be an observer on the battlefield?" Klein asked, to which Jaime could only shake his head in defeat and nod in agreement.

"Alright, but you'll have to help me calm your mother's anger later. And as for the romantic floor, you'll have to forget about it," Jaime said, emphasizing the importance of easing his wife's anger.

Though Klein felt that his father placed more emphasis on the romantic floor, he nodded in agreement.

The father and son left the city lord's office and made their way towards the barracks. The barracks served as the parking space for the gigantic Mechas in the city.

Everyone at the barracks was surprised to see Jaime approaching, wearing armor and carrying a sword by his side. A soldier, almost the same age as Jaime and with a high rank displayed on his right shoulder, approached him.

This man was the same Uncle Arnold that Klein had mentioned earlier, one of Jaime's closest friends and currently one of the Generals at war in Helck City.

"City Lord, I didn't expect to see you fighting today," Arnold greeted with a joking smile.

"Hehe, Arnold, I've missed you. Did you know that Klein mentioned you to me?" Jaime happily greeted back, leaning closer to Arnold's ear.

"Do you know that my son blackmailed me because of the romantic floor you took me to? I'll make you pay, old bachelor," Jaime whispered with a hint of playfulness and vengeance in his eyes.

Arnold smiled and distanced himself from Jaime. "I know this won't be an easy fight, but I believe in you, my best friend," Arnold replied, jokingly referring to the fight outside the city as well as the potential wrath of Jaime's wife.

"Alright, let's focus on the real business. We need to prepare 20 shield-specialized Mechas, 20 sword-specialized Mechas, and 10 war hammer-specialized Mechas. Same old drill for taking down the extraordinary beast with a strong defense," Jaime ordered Arnold seriously.

Arnold nodded and complied with Jaime's request. "By the way, I noticed that Klein was with you. Are you planning to take him to the battlefield? It would be wise to assign a retainer to protect him," Arnold suggested.

Jaime agreed with Arnold's suggestion. Even though Klein didn't necessarily need a protector, it was better to be safe, especially since nobody else knew about Klein's hidden abilities. They couldn't risk exposing him to potential enemies within the city who might be alarmed by Klein monstrous talent.

Klein noticed Lieutenant Arvin approaching their direction and came up with an idea.

"Dad, I think it would be better if Lieutenant Arvin accompanies me as my protector," Klein requested, knowing that Lieutenant Arvin was an elite soldier who had recently been promoted. He was the best choice for protection, especially in case of any unexpected events on the battlefield.

"Ah, you have a keen eye, boy. Lieutenant Arvin is one of our finest soldiers. At the age of 25, he's already an elite knight," Arnold commented, agreeing with Klein's suggestion.

Jaime called out to Lieutenant Arvin, who was taken aback by the City Lord's summons. He had no idea why he was being called this time. He had only come to report that the City Lord's Mecha was ready for use.

"Lieutenant Arvin, I hereby assign you to protect my son and act as his retainer during the fight. Understood?" Jaime asked in a commanding tone.

Arvin was stunned but quickly offered a salute to Jaime. "Sir, yes sir."