The Warlord's Second Life As A Commoner : 012

That day, Lucian walked through the deserted corridors of the Academy. The morning sun streamed in through the large windows, illuminating the gleaming marble floors. There was something different today, a nagging feeling at the back of his mind. Ever since Seraphina's cryptic warning and Eris' observation about the "snake's nest," Lucian had felt that he should move more carefully.

As he passed through the back garden, his eyes caught a familiar figure: Eris. The gray-haired child was sitting under the same tree as before, but this time her face showed a serious expression. It was as if she had something on her mind.

Lucian approached. "You look lost in thought, Eris."

Eris looked up and fixed Lucian with a meaningful look. "I overheard something. Information that might interest you."

Lucian raised an eyebrow. "I've heard a lot of things lately. What makes this different?"

Eris leaned against the trunk. "You know about the nobles who often gather in the basement of the Academy?"

Lucian nodded. Alden had mentioned it before. "What did you find out?"

"They didn't just talk about power. They're preparing something bigger," Eris whispered. "A plot against the kingdom."

Lucian was silent. The information was too big to ignore, but too dangerous to delve into without a plan. He knew he could not face this alone.

Later that evening, when Lucian returned to his room, he found a letter slipped under the door. The paper was cream-colored with a golden wax seal. He opened it carefully and read the contents:

"If you want to know the truth, meet me in the archive room at midnight. Don't tell anyone."

Lucian felt his heart race. Who had sent this letter? Was this a trap? But his curiosity was stronger than his fear. He decided to go

At exactly midnight, Lucian slowly entered the archive room at the far end of the Academy. The dim candlelight illuminated the shelves of ancient books and historical documents. There stood a man in dark robes, his face hidden beneath a hood.

"Lucian Rayne," the man's voice was deep and authoritative. "You have attracted the attention of many."

"Who are you?" asked Lucian, keeping his distance. His hands were at the sides of his hips in case he had to act.

The man raised his hand, revealing a ring with the royal crest that Lucian recognized from his former life. "I am one who serves the Shadow Kingdom. And I know who you are."

Lucian's eyes narrowed. "If you know who I am, you also know that I will not trust you easily."

The man smiled faintly. "That's fine. But listen to this: the nobles in this academy are not only after power. They have made contact with a group outside the borders, a group that threatens the stability of the kingdom. If they succeed, chaos will descend upon the land."

Lucian was stunned. This information was much more serious than he had imagined. "Why are you telling me this?"

"Because you have the power to stop them. And if I'm not mistaken, you have personal reasons to protect this kingdom," the man replied meaningfully.

Before Lucian could ask any more questions, the man disappeared into the shadows, leaving Lucian alone with his troubled thoughts.

The next day, Lucian told Alden and Eris what had happened. The three realized that their time was running out. If the nobles were truly working with the outside group, they needed to find proof as soon as possible.

"We need to get into that dungeon," Alden said firmly.

Eris nodded. "But they must have tightened security. We can't just walk in."

Lucian thought for a moment. "There is one way. We need someone from their group. Someone who can give us access without arousing suspicion."

Alden frowned. "Who can we trust?"

Lucian smiled faintly. "I have an idea."

That day, Lucian approached one of the noble students who was known to attend the secret meetings. His name was Cedric Althaus, a child of a middling noble family who always seemed to be on the fringes of power.

"Cedric," Lucian greeted in a friendly tone. "I hear you're quite familiar with some of the students in this dungeon."

Cedric was surprised to hear these words, but he quickly hid his expression. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Oh, you do," Lucian replied, leaning closer. "I'm not here to threaten you. On the contrary, I want to help you."

Cedric looked at Lucian suspiciously. "Help? What do you mean?"

"I know you only followed them to protect yourself. But if you continue to interfere, it will only bring destruction. Cooperate with me and I will make sure you don't get dragged into this mess," Lucian said, his tone full of confidence.

Cedric was silent for a long time before he slowly nodded. "Okay. But if you betray me, I will not hesitate to fight you."

Lucian smiled. "I hope you won't regret this decision."

With Cedric's help, Lucian and his group managed to gain access to the dungeon. There they found documents that revealed the nobles' plans: alliances with rebel groups beyond the borders, secret arms shipments, and even plans to overthrow the king.

As they read the document, they hear footsteps approaching. "We have to go now," Alden whispered tensely.

They quickly disappeared into the shadows before the guards entered, taking the important documents with them.

That night, Lucian stood at his bedroom window and looked out. He knew this was only the beginning of a larger battle. But he also knew that he was not alone. With allies like Alden, Eris, and even Cedric, he has a chance to fight this threat.

"If this is my destiny, then I will live it," Lucian muttered. In his heart, he vowed to protect this world from destruction, no matter what happened.

The next day, Lucian's day was filled with training, self-reflection, and interacting with his friends, and now Lucian was progressing, after practicing some of the training, he realized he had reached 5-star swordsmanship, this level is the same as the faction troop leaders in occupational troop units.