Chapter 12: Breakthrough

Princess Jerusha was primarily cared for by Lola, who tended to her out of loyalty for Prince Josh. However, deep within, Lola harbored a silent, dark wish to end Jerusha's life while she remained in such a fragile and weakened state.

Using the last of the medicine they had stored—originally reserved for the prince's supply meant for Josh Aratat—Lola diligently administered a bitter green tonic to the unconscious Jerusha three times a day: morning, afternoon, and night.

By the following day, the effects of the treatment began to show. Jerusha's injuries started healing at a noticeable pace, her bruises fading and her complexion growing healthier with each passing hour. This steady improvement carried over into the next day, bringing hope that her recovery was well underway.

By the afternoon of that same day, Lola, Conrad, and Josh regrouped to resume their intense training. Each was eager to rise in rank. Conrad and Lola needed only a slight push to achieve the Lieutenant and Assassin Maid titles, while Josh was looking forward to the resultant effect of his advance to the Major 1 Rank.

"Let's go! This time, the two of you will attack me at once!" Josh shouted, his voice firm as he wielded his gleaming bronze King Staff.

The sight of the staff sent a wave of unease through Conrad and Lola. They had been beaten black and blue by it countless times, but their resolve remained unshaken. With gritted teeth and steely determination, they prepared themselves for the grueling session ahead.

"Vroom!" Josh launched himself into the air, slamming the staff down with tremendous force toward Conrad.

Conrad sidestepped at the last second, spinning in the opposite direction to avoid the impact. His reflexes had sharpened significantly compared to the previous day. Similarly, Lola displayed remarkable agility, flipping mid-air and stabilizing herself with one hand, her body bent low, nearly touching her knees.

For three relentless hours, the training continued. Josh pressed his subordinates, forcing them to dodge and adapt. Each clash pushed their limits, helping them uncover untapped potential and increase their speed, endurance, and cultivation abilities.

By the end of the session, all three were drenched in sweat, their breathing heavy. Recognizing their exhaustion, Josh finally called for a break.

As they rested, Josh picked up a flute and began to play "The Rise of the Blade." The haunting melody drifted through the air, its rhythm soothing their weary bodies while igniting a renewed determination deep within. The music seemed to resonate with their souls, sharpening their resolve for the battles that lay ahead.

——:——:——

Song: "Rise of the Blade"

(Verse 1)

From shadows deep, I rise unseen,

Strength unfolding, calm yet keen.

Every step, a deadly grace,

The assassin maid finds her place.

Through trials of fire, I claim my name,

A growing force, relentless flame.

Blade in hand, my spirit ascends,

A lieutenant's path—where it all begins.

——:——:——

As the melody continued, Conrad Stan and Lola slipped into a meditative state. The music's power worked in harmony with their cultivation, drawing energy to their cores. They could feel their reservoirs filling to the brim, straining against the limits of their current rank, tugging at the barrier that held them back.

——:——:——

(Chorus)

Rise, rise, let the world quake,

A blade that strikes, a vow to stake.

Unyielding strength, no fear, no rest,

Mastery earned through trials and tests.

Rise, rise, from the shadows we lead,

A lieutenant's heart, an assassin's creed.

——:——:——

Suddenly, a surge of power erupted within them, like the roar of a raging tiger. Both felt a breakthrough. Conrad Stan ascended to the rank of lieutenant, reaching 10% formation of the Major 1 realm, while Lola unlocked her own specialized advancement as an assassin maid.

At that moment, a voice echoed in Josh Aratat's mind.

——:——:——

Congratulations to host for aiding your subordinates in reaching the lieutenant rank.

Awards granted for your efforts:

1. 30% increase in Vortex storage capacity.

2. New ability unlocked: Kingly Awareness.

3. New system segment unlocked: Voice Ability.

——:——:——

Josh's curiosity stirred. He immediately accessed the descriptions of the new abilities to understand their implications:

——:——:——

Kingly Awareness: This ability allows you to detect incoming attacks within a 10-meter radius. It can be upgraded to extend its range and sensitivity.

Vortex Storage: Refers to the amount of power you can store for combat or abilities. This increase enhances endurance and offensive capabilities.

Voice Ability: This ability operates independently of Vortex Storage and is vital for commanding authority.

At B+ level, you can compel humans and animals to obey your commands.

At A+ level, you can influence planetary forces, such as the sun or moon, to respond to your will.

At S+ level, you can command reality itself, bringing things into existence by your word. However, advancing this ability is exceedingly challenging, requiring significant effort and focus.

——:——:——

Josh mulled over the newfound abilities, particularly intrigued by the Voice Ability. Its potential was vast, but it was clear that mastering it would require immense dedication. A small smirk played on his lips as he considered the possibilities ahead.

Josh decided to review his overall stats, curious about his current progress and upcoming challenges.

——:——:——

Name: Josh Aratat

Age: 16

Level: Major 1

System: Kingly System (David Stormborn)

Weapons: Staff of Power (Bronze Rank)

Vortex State: 60% Storage Capacity (D+)

Voice Power: D+

Subordinates:

Conrad Stan: Lieutenant (Loyalty Level: Death)

Lola: Lieutenant-Assassin Maid (Loyalty Level: Death {Love})

Next Missions:

1. Recruit Princess Jerusha

Reward: +20% Vortex Storage

2. Raise Subordinates to Major 1 Rank

Rewards:

A. Promotion to First Sergeant

B. 40% increase in Vortex State

C. Upgrade in Voice Power to C+

D. A Random Weapon Reward

3. Win Any War

Reward: A Random Weapon Reward

4. Recruit More Subordinates

Reward: Random

——:——:——

Josh's eyes lingered on the rewards for promoting his subordinates to Major 1 rank. The promise of an upgraded Vortex State and Voice Power, alongside a new weapon, was too enticing to ignore.

However, the first mission—recruiting Princess Jerusha—felt like a perilous gamble. It was as challenging as trying to grab a wild snake by the neck: one wrong move could end in disaster.

Steeling himself, Josh resolved to tread carefully. Princess Jerusha's recruitment would require not just power, but strategy and persuasion.

For now, he turned his focus back to his team. As Conrad and Lola rested, recovering from their recent breakthroughs, Josh approached them. His tone was firm but sincere.

"Well done," he said, his voice carrying both pride and determination. "You've taken a critical step forward. Rest now, but prepare yourselves—we're just getting started."

The weight of his next tasks hung heavy in his mind.