CHAPTER 9: THE DANGEROUS PATH AHEAD

5 Years Later

With a calm look on his face, Daniel unsheathed his sword from the scabbard and held it with calmness and much freedom. "Alright, Arthur, let's see what you've learned in the last five years. Attack me as best as you can," he said with the detached voice once more. Arthur nodded calmly at Daniel, unsheathed his sword, and, with calm breaths, rushed toward Daniel.

Clang! The clashing of swords could be heard. Arthur attacked Daniel numerous times, each attack unpredictable but connecting like an artist painting a chaotic art with harmony within that chaos. Despite that, Daniel blocked each and every one of Arthur's attacks with calmness and precision.

Arthur attacked once more, but this time the tip of his blade was red-hot, fire element concentrated at the tip to increase its lethality. To this, Daniel simply dodged, as blocking head-on would have been a foolish move due to the high possibility of destroying his sword in the clash. Of course, Arthur predicted this, using the wind to increase his speed by reducing air resistance as well as giving himself a boost with the wind element. He approached Daniel at terrifying speed. Daniel, ever so prepared, steadied himself and dodged the fast attack casually.

Although Arthur was furious at not being able to land a hit, he masked it properly and didn't let anger cloud his judgment. With a calm and analyzing face, he attacked once more. This time, he swung his sword, letting out arcs of wind blades in countless numbers, then willed the earth to rise and block Daniel's retreating way. Without spacing out, he rushed again and controlled water vapor in the atmosphere to form, before heating it with his fire elements and causing steam, obscuring Daniel's visibility.

Daniel looked at the well-planned attacks with a look of approval. He dodged the wind arcs perfectly while using minimum movements. As for the earthen walls, he easily scaled through them before facing Arthur head-on. Clashes were inevitable. He struck Arthur's blade with precision, always targeting the parts of the blade that weren't enforced with fire elements, showing his skills and experience.

Arthur, getting a bit frustrated, pulled back, and then, within the mist formed by the steam, he disappeared, causing Daniel to take things seriously. Daniel was truly pleased by how much the boy had grown, being able to completely conceal his presence by matching his heat signature and his aura with that of the atmosphere, completely masking his presence.

Within the silence, Daniel stood still, with steady breaths, closing his eyes. Then, turning to his left, he slashed upward, meeting the surprised gaze of Arthur as well as Arthur's sword. "Impressive masking of your presence, Arthur, but I could still feel your intent," Daniel admonished before pushing Arthur away.

He was about to counterattack but was surprised to find himself stuck—the ground he was standing on had turned into quicksand, holding him steadfast. Arthur had clearly planned ahead.

"Impressive," Daniel finally smiled. "You have impressed me, Arthur. I think it's time to bring this battle to an end," Daniel said before disappearing from his spot and appearing behind Arthur. Arthur was shocked and quickly conjured earthen walls behind him, but was even more shocked to see Daniel by his side, attacking instead of from behind. Moving back, Arthur used his space concept to protect himself, isolating the space that Daniel was attacking from. Although not yet perfect, he was sure it would be able to withstand Daniel's attack. He prepared for a counterattack but had to stop when he felt cold steel on his neck from the front. He broke into a cold sweat and quickly surrendered.

"It seems you've discovered your understanding of the space concept—'isolation,' huh? A pretty useful ability," Daniel praised.

"And yet it's not as insane as yours—space shift, moving from one point in space to another instantaneously. How fraudulent," Arthur replied.

"It is because I trained hard on it and polished my skills and way of utilizing it until I got to this point," Daniel said calmly to Arthur.

Concepts, unlike elements, where one can have a wide range of uses, are based on individual understanding. Space, for example: Daniel's understanding of the concept involves the interaction of space, hence his ability to shift and move between space instantaneously. Arthur's recent understanding is of the isolation of space, hence his defensive space ability.

"Wash up and meet me at the commanders' tent. It's time to finally move to the next phase of our plans," Daniel said toward Arthur before walking away and disappearing from view.

Arthur, after catching his breath, stood up and went toward his abode—a simple wooden house built by himself, with Kaitlyn's assistance. During the five years of staying in the realm, he had slowly opened his heart to people—the commanders and some of his age group, like Kaitlyn, Jayden, and others. He was especially closer to Kaitlyn than anyone else, prompting the countless death threats he had received from Seth.

After washing up and changing his clothes, Arthur walked toward the commanders' tent, used for operation analysis and meetings. He was granted permission to enter by the guards guarding the tent. Inside, he found the commanders seated, as well as some familiar faces—Jayden, Emily, Silas, Kaitlyn, some older seniors like Josh, Amber, Aiden, and a few others. Arthur was curious about the reason for so many people in the tent.

"He's finally here, so we can begin," Alexander said, motioning for Arthur to join them. "Well, as some of you may have noticed, if you're observant, we have finally decided to make big moves against the empire. Having consolidated our strength for seven years, it's about time we start baring our fangs at them," he said calmly. "You are all gathered here because you're the few young ones who have successfully finished their training, with recommendations coming from your tutors. It's time for you all to gain experience. It's time to spread your wings and carve your names into the world. Of course, this is not a field trip, as it will be plagued with danger. But I believe you all have what it takes to survive and gain victories for the revolutionary army. You're the best of the seeds we have cultivated."

"You all are to prepare yourselves. Soon, you'll head out as a team to create your own stronghold and deal a deadly blow to the empire. How you accomplish the feat is none of our concern. We won't be around to babysit you, so the chances of dying are high. You can quit now and remain here in the realm. But if you're willing to take the challenge, get ready, prepare your things, and take only your necessities. You leave as soon as possible," Daniel said.

The young men and women nodded at the commanders' words, their fighting spirits burning.

"About time, I was beginning to get bored of being kept here like a caged bird," Silas said with an arrogant look on his face.

"Oi kid, you better take things seriously. There's no pill for regret when you end up dead," Jessica said toward Silas.

"Of course, a leader shall be picked among you. Well, he's already been picked—Arthur will be the leader of your team and will have the highest command. Disobeying him will earn punishment bestowed by him as he sees fit," Alexander said once more.

"Tsk," Silas was displeased over the leader, finding it annoying that the lucky brat was made leader.

"Very well, you're all dismissed. Go prepare your things; you'll be leaving sooner than you know it," Daniel said. "And Arthur, you're to wait behind," he added toward Arthur, who was already retreating.

The rest left the tent, leaving Arthur alone with the commanders.

"Does Kaitlyn have to go? It's super dangerous, you know," Seth said, genuinely worried.

"Don't worry, dear. She's a strong girl; she will definitely be okay. Besides, she needs the experience," Emilia comforted.

"Oi kid, make sure you take good care of my baby girl," Seth said toward Arthur, but Arthur ignored him—already used to Seth's antics after so long.

"Arthur, I'm aware you know this is an opportunity for you, especially," Daniel said, bringing the conversation to a more serious tone once more.

"Yes," Arthur replied quickly.

"The revolutionary army, in reality, is centered around you. You're the figure that needs to hold it together. You'll need many achievements to gain the recognition of everyone and fight for the throne. When you truly earn everyone's trust, the announcement of you being the crown prince will be made, and our battle against the empire will head toward its climax," Alexander said, the seriousness etched clearly on his face.

"I know. I won't disappoint you all," Arthur said firmly.

"Very good," Alexander nodded.

"I heard you did really well in training today. To gain the praise of Daniel— that definitely wasn't easy," Jessica said.

"That's it, boy. Keep growing stronger. Perhaps soon we might have a little spar," Jack said excitedly toward Arthur.

"Alright, time to let him be. He needs to rest and prepare," Daniel said, ending the conversation among the commanders that threatened to go on and on.

And with that, Arthur was dismissed, his eyes betraying his emotions—expectation, the inevitable clash with his uncle drawing ever closer.