Arthur stood tall, his eyes locked with Anon’s as he posed the question, “Sir, will you come to the feast today in the royal castle?”
“I will try,” Anon responded, his voice low and unwavering, as he continued to walk with an air of confidence.
“I am sorry for my partner’s behavior. Please forgive them. They just fear the demons, that’s why they pointed their swords at you, i hope you can really forgive them in your heart.” Arthur quickly explained, trying to smooth over any tension. .
Whistle
Anon let out a sharp, piercing whistle, and from the heavens, a magnificent black raven swooped down, landing gracefully at his feet.
Anon leaped onto the raven’s back with practiced ease, his presence emanating power and authority. “Please come, the food will be good,” Arthur called out in an attempt to convince Anon to join the feast.
But Anon was focused on another mission. “Soldiers, we are going back!” he bellowed, flying above the ogre soldiers who were feasting on food prepared by human soldiers.
“Everyone, follow master. We are heading back.” No. 300, one of Anon’s loyal companion, commanded, and all the ogres promptly mounted their wolves and left.
The ogres who were in middle of their meal aslo left the meal and followed the others immediately.
“Witness how swiftly they obey his orders, it’s like they already knew what their master was about to order.” marveled a human soldier, awestruck by the obedience of the ogre soldiers.
“Well, guess they are not as slacky as you, i hope you learn something from them.” their knight commander retorted, acknowledging the unique bond Anon held with his followers.
Inside Arthur’s tent…
Grok spoke with frustration, “You saw it, Arthur. Didn’t you? That kid threatened to kill us in front of you, Derein, and the leaders of the seven Royal houses. Even my knight commander was laughing at me. I felt so inferior today, i can’t even explain it.”
Arthur calmly replied, “What do you want me to do about it?”
Grad’s voice grew heated as he expressed his displeasure, “Arthur, we came to help you in this war, but when that kid threatened us, you did nothing… and now you say ‘What do i want you to do about it ?’. You tone has changed drastically, as i see.”
“It’s not that king Grad, Don’t take my talks in a wrong way.” Arthur replied as he sat down on a table filled with different delicious meals.
“I will take it the wrong way, because when that kid was threatening us, you just sat on your bed watching two sickles being pointed at our faces and doing nothing about it.” Grad spoke in an angry tone.
Arthur interjected, “That’s what I am asking you. What do you expect me to do in that situation? You would’ve spoken up if you were strong enough to face him, but you two stood there because you knew you were not strong enough.
But When he started speaking, he held authority over all of us. His bloodlust rendered us speechless. Even if I had said anything back then, I would’ve stood by your side now. King Grok and King Grad, I don’t want to be disrespectful or anything, but honestly I don’t want to make enemies with someone who just wiped out an S-rank threat for our Kingdom.”
Grok retorted, “So you’re saying you won’t support us if we go against him, right?”
Arthur paused, then clarified, “I never said that. I will support you. You helped me in this situation, and I will undoubtedly return the favor. But let me offer some advice. Don’t go against him. He has transcended the boundaries of humans. If I’m correct, he’s not even 18 yet. None of you were that strong at his age. So, I suggest you try to establish a friendly relationship with him. Derein, share your impressions of the boy.”
Derein hesitated, then spoke, “I talked with him and tried to discern his boundaries and limits.”
Grok and Grad were curious, “What did you find out?”
Derein revealed, “He said, and I quote, ‘I can take over this kingdom easily.'”
Grok laughed dismissively, “Are you kidding me? He’s just a child with some special abilities, showing off.”
Derein calmly countered, “Grok, I used the <Tone of Truth> on him.”
[Tone Of Truth] [Special Grade Skill] [Archer Class Exclusive Skill]
[The skill known as “Tone of Truth” is a concealed and enigmatic ability that allows its user to extract unwavering honesty from their targets without the latter being aware of its application. When activated, this skill grants the user the power to pose any question to the target, seeking the truth about any matter they desire to know. As the user speaks, a subtle aura of influence emanates from them, imperceptible to the target. This aura sets the stage for the Tone of Truth to take effect, without raising any suspicion or alerting the target to the manipulation of their words.
The true potency of this skill lies in its ability to discern falsehoods. If the target responds to a question with a lie, the user is immediately aware of the deception. There are no loopholes or equivocation that can escape the keen insight provided by the Tone of Truth. This formidable ability makes it nearly impossible for the target to hide any dishonesty from the user.
However, such power does not come without sacrifice. The user of the Tone of Truth must adhere to a fundamental drawback: they become incapable of speaking falsehoods themselves. This binding effect ensures that the user’s words are always genuine and honest, even if it leads to personal discomfort or disadvantage.]
Stunned, Grad realized the gravity of the situation, “Wait, you are not kidding, right?”
Derein’s expression was solemn, “King Grad, why do you think we are nobles or kings and queens while everyone standing outside is just a normal soldier?”
Confused, Grok responded, “We are far stronger than them, that’s why.”
Derein replied simply, “Then that’s your answer. Anon is far stronger than any of us. He is the true royalty, and you have to accept it.”