Chapter 24 - Leaving the Castle (2)

I stepped into my room, my mind focused on the task at hand. I headed to the wardrobe and retrieved a large travel bag, its sturdy fabric and reinforced seams promising to withstand the rigors of my impending journey.

Packing for the unknown road ahead proved to be a meticulous process. I carefully selected a variety of everyday outfits that were adaptable, sturdy, and suitable for the unpredictable challenges I might face.

Alongside my clothing, I packed a trusty little knife, its compact design and sharp blade making it an indispensable tool for survival and defense.

Next, I summoned a few maids and requested that they bring me some ready-made, non-perishable food.

The compact packages of dried meats, fruits, and bread were carefully packed into my backpack, ensuring that I wouldn't go hungry during my travels.

A nagging concern lingered in the back of my mind – having the maids bring me food would undoubtedly alert the queen to my plans.

However, I reasoned that they wouldn't be able to inform her quickly enough to thwart my escape.

With that worry temporarily assuaged, I continued with my preparations.

After verifying that I had packed all the essentials, I turned my attention to another critical aspect of my preparations: finances.

As a member of the royal family, I had access to a significant amount of wealth.

Over the six weeks or so, I had accumulated a substantial sum, which would prove invaluable in covering unforeseen expenses and capitalizing on opportunities that might arise during my adventure.

Furthermore, this wealth would also allow me to purchase crystals, a crucial resource for my growth and development.

With my packing complete, I gazed down at the heavy bag, feeling a sense of satisfaction.

"Ella, can you store this for me?" I requested, and Ella's robotic voice responded, sounding slightly less than enthused.

[Very well.] As she spoke, the bag vanished into thin air.

It seemed that Ella possessed a mobile storage feature, a classic inventory system that allowed me to stash my belongings for later retrieval.

With that taken care of, I turned my attention to the final preparation: leveling up.

I picked up the box containing the two black grade crystals and carefully removed them.

Settling into a lotus position, I closed my eyes and focused on the energy within the crystals.

It didn't take long for me to tap into their power, and I began drawing the energy towards me.

As the energy flowed into my body, I felt my MP and stats rapidly increasing.

Ella bombarded me with notifications, each one announcing a gain of one experience point.

[+1exp]

[+1exp]

[+1 exp]

I ignored the messages, focusing instead on the surge of power coursing through my veins.

When I finally sensed that the crystal's energy was depleted, I opened my eyes and checked my status once more.

________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Ryuk Vers Heidal (James Ford)

Age: 13

Level: 1

MP: 160

Exp: 155/200

STR: 17

AGI: 18

DEF: 17

INT: 18

Skills:

Body Strengthening

Flame Manipulation

Ice Manipulation

Space Manipulation

Traits:

Soul Absorption (Unique)

Weapon Master (Unique)

Bloodline (locked)

________________________________________________________________________________

A satisfied smile spread across my face as I took in the improvements.

I then carefully picked up the second crystal, its sleek black surface reflecting the dim light of the room.

The crystal's facets glinted, like a thousand tiny mirrors, as I turned it over in my hand. I could feel the energy emanating from it, a gentle hum that seemed to vibrate through my entire body.

As I absorbed the energy inside the crystal, I felt a surge of power ripple through my veins.

The sensation was exhilarating, like a dam breaking free. I could feel my body changing, my cells transforming as the energy coursed through me. And then, in an instant, it was over. I had leveled up.

________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Ryuk Vers Heidal (James Ford)

Age: 13

Level: 2

MP: 200

Exp: 0/600

STR: 30

AGI: 31

DEF: 30

INT: 32

Skills:

Body Strengthening

Flame Manipulation

Ice Manipulation

Space Manipulation

Traits:

Soul Absorption (Unique)

Weapon Master (Unique)

Bloodline (locked)

________________________________________________________________________________

A wide smile spread across my face as I gazed at my updated status. Finally, all my preparations were complete.

I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation, knowing that I was one step closer to embarking on my journey.

With a spring in my step, I headed into the bathroom to take a refreshing shower.

The warm water washed away the fatigue of the day, leaving me feeling invigorated and refreshed.

After my shower, I slipped into a casual white T-shirt and black trousers, the comfortable fabric feeling smooth against my skin.

With my attire in order, I headed out of the room, ready to take on whatever lay ahead.

As I exited my room, the soft click of the door closing behind me echoed through the corridor.

Sarah, stood patiently outside, her eyes locked onto mine with a deep sense of concern and anxiety.

Her usually composed demeanor was slightly frayed, revealing the genuine worry she harbored for my well-being.

"Are you leaving, Your Highness?" she inquired, her voice low and measured, as if she already knew the answer.

I nodded curtly, and she seemed to understand that no explanation was necessary.

She had known me long enough to grasp the underlying reasons for my departure. The queen's reach was long, and I couldn't stay within her grasp.

Sarah's expression turned solemn as she began to speak, her words tumbling out in a gentle, yet urgent, tone.

"Please, Your Highness, be careful. The world outside these walls can be cruel and unforgiving. You must prioritize your safety above all else."

Her lecture was laced with heartfelt concern and a deep understanding of the world I was about to enter.

As she finished speaking, Sarah surprised me by opening her arms and enveloping me in a warm, reassuring hug.

Her words, though quiet, conveyed a powerful message. "This is your home, don't you forget it, Your Highness."

The sincerity in her embrace brought a glimmer of reassurance to my uncertain heart.

I accepted her words with a grateful smile, feeling a sense of comfort and solace in her presence.

After finishing my preparations and bidding Sarah farewell, I made my way to the back of the castle, where the emergency gate was discreetly located.

The quiet exit, away from prying eyes and the usual bustle of the palace, was the perfect route for a silent escape.

I slipped through the shadows, determined to avoid any unpleasant confrontations.