A month had passed, and the day of Tatsuo's departure had arrived.
Throughout the month, Tatsuo had trained relentlessly. His dedication had paid off, his cultivation reaching the Sky Gate Realm, his attack skills advancing, and his magic evolving. Tatsuo's hard work had yielded significant rewards.
Tatsuo sat on a chair, resting after finalizing his preparations. "Steve, display my stats," he commanded. Ding! Yes, Master.
Name: Ryujin Tatsuo
Title: 1st Prince of the Flame Empire
Current Rank: Sky Gate Realm, 1st Level
Fame: 5
Subordinates: 2
Special Skills:
The Adviser: That's me!
Absorbability: Allows you to devour, copy, and learn any skill or knowledge.
Frontier: An invisible protective shield.
Naming: Grants the ability to name individuals, bestowing titles and strengthening them as subordinates. (Warning: Use with extreme caution.)
Military Tactics: Expert-level strategic mind.
Magic Skill: Blue Flame Strike
Attack Skills: Advanced Rank Basic Sword Style, Middle Rank Sniper
Ability: Observance Eye
Tatsuo examined his stats with satisfaction. "In just a month, I have become significantly stronger," he mused. "I cannot fathom why they deemed this prince an 'idiot.' This body is perfectly capable." He chuckled to himself. A knock echoed through the room. "Prince, it is I, Rota."
"Enter, Rota."
"My prince, it is time. They await you in the Throne Hall."
"Very well. I shall change my attire." He donned a set of plain leather armor, the garb of a common soldier. Rota's brow furrowed in confusion. In this realm, a royal wearing commoner clothing was a significant breach of protocol.
"Prince, I am perplexed. Why do you wear such ordinary clothing?" Rota asked.
"Ah, yes! I am not going to be their prince, but a soldier who will fight alongside them." With that, he exited the room.
He walked towards the Throne Hall and found Chang Hui waiting by the door, his expression similarly bewildered. Without waiting for Hui to speak, Tatsuo said, "Do not question my attire. I wear the clothes of a common soldier, as I intend to be one. Let us proceed." He opened the doors to the hall.
A herald announced, "His Highness, Prince Ryujin Tatsuo!"
As Tatsuo entered, the expressions of those within the hall shifted to dissatisfaction. Murmurs rippled through the crowd.
"The fool remains a fool."
"A disgrace to the royal family."
"Look at him. There is no future for the empire with him as emperor."
....
Tatsuo surveyed the hall, a silent laugh bubbling within him. I will show them the true meaning of power, he thought, these fools.
He caught the eyes of his sisters, offering them a reassuring smile. He noted the high-ranking nobles lining the walls, and then focused on the dais where his father, the Emperor, and his mother, the Empress, sat. His uncle Kazan and aunt Dianna, the King and Queen of Massugo Domain, were also present, as was his great-uncle, Kasai Ryujin, the Grand Marshal of the Imperial Army. Why such a gathering? Tatsuo wondered. A grand reunion? A crisis within the empire? Or perhaps an execution of spies or traitors?
Tatsuo knelt, bowing respectfully. "Father, Mother, Uncle, Aunt, Great-Uncle. Good day."
The Emperor and those around him exchanged perplexed glances.
"What is the meaning—ah, never mind!" the Emperor declared. "I know your stubborn nature. If I questioned your attire, you would simply offer a justification. So be it."
Tatsuo rose, a light chuckle escaping his lips. "Father knows me well. But I have prepared myself. For a month and a half, I have diligently trained. And I have a surprise for you." A wave of powerful aura emanated from Tatsuo, the distinct pressure of the Sky Gate Realm.
The hall fell silent, the occupants stunned. Some gaped, others rose instinctively, all rendered speechless. In the midst of the silence, King Kazan erupted in laughter. He strode towards Tatsuo, clapping him on the shoulders. "Nephew, you have done it! I always knew you could." He winked at the Emperor, who shook his head, forcing a smile.
They wagered on me, Tatsuo realized. King Kazan returned to his seat, still chuckling.
Tatsuo glanced at the Empress, who offered him a warm smile and a nod. After a moment, the Emperor spoke. "Son, that is indeed a surprise. Ahem! I have summoned you to present you with a gift." Servants entered, bearing a sword and two small books.
"Son, this sword is Warbreaker. It has been wielded by our ancestors for over two centuries. It is tradition for those embarking on their first campaign to carry this blade. Now, it is your turn to bear it and bring glory to our family," the Emperor said.
"Father, am I worthy to wield this sword?" Tatsuo asked.
"Worthy or not, it is a matter of tradition. When I first went to war, I did not consider myself worthy. Neither did your uncle, who barely knew how to wield a blade. Nor did your great-uncle or grandfather. This is your time to carry the weight of our family's history and bring honor," the Emperor explained.
Tatsuo grasped the sword, meeting his father's gaze. "Father, I will not return until I bring you the glorious victory of claiming that land!"
"Good, my son. I shall await your return. Take these two books as well: the Dragon King Sword and Spear Technique, and Space Magic: Dimension Room. They will aid you in your campaign. I have also prepared two warhorses for you and your companion," the Emperor said.
"Thank you, Father. I will not disappoint you."
"Then go, and may you have a safe journey."