The thick rainforest was Kent’s home now, and he had settled into a disciplined routine that allowed him to sharpen his survival skills while keeping a watchful eye on the surroundings.
Each morning, he would wake before sunrise, checks on the situation of the princess and her ties. After feeding her dry rations he comes out and climbs the tallest tree.
After stretching his well-built frame atop the high branches of a centuries-old tree, he picks a direction.
Like everyday the morning mist clung to the leaves like silver threads, and the distant cries of mystical beasts filled the damp air.
Kent would descend gracefully, landing on the soft mossy ground below, his senses fully alert. His first priority was always checking the area for intruders. The Emperor’s men were relentless, and he knew they wouldn’t give up searching for Princess Chi Kai so easily.
His second priority was hunting—both for food and for useful herbs.
He moved swiftly through the dense underbrush, his keen golden eyes scanning the terrain for any edible prey or valuable alchemy ingredients. Over time, he had learned to identify the rare plants that grew deep in the forest, some of which could be refined into powerful potions.
For food, Kent had taken a liking to fresh fish from the nearby riverfall. His technique was simple but effective—using sharp wooden spear spells, he would strike the water’s surface in an instant, skewering large fish with ease. After gathering his catch, he would return to his hidden cave behind the waterfall, where he would clean and prepare his meal.
Each evening, the crackling of flames would fill the cave as Kent roasted his fish to golden perfection, the savory scent wafting through the air.
And every single night—
Princess Chi Kai would glare at him, her stomach growling, as she was forced to chew on dry rations.
Her once proud demeanor had long since cracked, replaced with sheer frustration and misery.
“You’re a demon.”
Kent took a bite of his perfectly crispy fish, savoring the flavor.
“I’ve been called worse.”
Chi Kai clenched her fists.
“How is it that a commoner like you can cook better than the palace chefs? Just give me one piece!”
Kent raised an eyebrow.
“A princess begging for food? Aren’t you supposed to be graceful and above such things?”
“I swear, if you don’t give me a bite, I will—”
Kent casually tossed her another bag of dry grains, cutting her off.
“Enjoy your royal meal, Your Highness.”
Chi Kai’s face darkened as she grabbed the bag, her pride dying with every bite of the tasteless rations.
But as much as she suffered, she noticed one thing—
Kent was getting stronger physically.
Each day, his movements became more refined, his aura more steady, and his control over his magic more precise. Even without resources, he was advancing, purely through physical training and endurance.
And for the first time, she realized—
This man was not normal.
–
Days turned into weeks, and the Emperor’s search efforts intensified.
On the tenth day, Kent found multiple jade slips appearing in his hiding spot.
The first bore the official seal of Emperor Kai, its golden script glowing faintly as it played back the message.
“Kent King, if you release my daughter, I swear upon my throne that no harm shall come to you or your family. This is my royal decree.”
Kent snorted, shaking his head.
“Swearing on a throne? How touching.”
Without hesitation, he crushed the jade slip, reducing it to dust.
The next day, another jade slip arrived, this time from Chi Kai’s mother, the Imperial Queen.
“Please, Kent King. Return my daughter safely, and we will grant you and your family amnesty. We will not pursue vengeance.”
Kent rolled his eyes.
“Theatrics at its finest.”
The princess, who had overheard the messages, perked up with hope.
“Kent… listen to me.”
She took a deep breath, trying to remain calm and persuasive.
“I can persuade my father to let you and your family go. Just release me, and I swear on my royal blood that I will convince him.”
Kent didn’t even look at her. He continued sharpening his hunting knife, his focus elsewhere.
“You really think I’m that naive?”
Chi Kai gritted her teeth, realizing he wasn’t going to be swayed by empty words.
“What do you want then?! You can’t possibly plan to keep me here forever!”
Kent finally looked at her, smirking.
“I can live here for a hundred years if I have to.”
Chi Kai’s hope shattered.
She had expected negotiation, but Kent King was a man who never looked back.
And for the first time, she felt true fear.
She wasn’t dealing with a commoner trying to survive.
She was dealing with a man who had cut himself off from the world, unshaken by threats or promises.
And that made him far more dangerous than she had imagined.
–
By the twentieth day, Chi Kai had come to terms with her captivity.
Her pride had been shattered long ago, and she had begrudgingly accepted that Kent wasn’t planning to release her anytime soon.
But she had one request.
“If I tell you useful information, will you at least give me real food?”
Kent leaned against a rock, smirking.
“Depends on the value of the information.”
She sighed heavily, then pointed toward the dense, unexplored northern side of the forest.
“That part of the forest has never been fully mapped. Even my father’s most elite soldiers haven’t ventured far into it. There are rumors… dark ones. Disappearances. People who go in don’t come back.”
Kent raised an eyebrow.
“And?”
“It’s forbidden territory. No one knows what’s there. But I can tell you one thing—if you go north, you’ll be completely alone. No one will dare follow you.”
Kent stroked his chin, considering her words.
“Interesting.”
For the first time, a real challenge had presented itself.
That night, he made up his mind.
He would venture north.
–
More days passed.
Kent had gathered supplies, preparing for his expedition.
Then, on the 133rd day, something unexpected happened.
A piercing scream echoed through the trees.
Followed by—
“STOP RUNNING!”
Kent froze, his instincts flaring.
From the northern edge of the forest, multiple voices rang out—
“Catch her! Don’t let her escape!”