Upon exiting the Throne Hall, Tatsuo went directly to his room to examine the books. He was particularly excited about the Space Magic, having recently pondered the need for a secure storage space for his growing wealth. The Emperor's timely gift seemed serendipitous. Rota and Hui followed him, but he instructed them to wait outside.
Inside his room, he eagerly opened the Space Magic book. Before he could begin reading, a system notification appeared:
Ding! Space Magic: Dimension Room. Would you like to learn this skill?
"Yes," Tatsuo replied.
Ding! Learning Space Magic: Dimension Room in 5... 4... 3... 2... 1.
Ding! Space Magic: Dimension Room skill acquired.
...
Ding! Your Basic Sword Technique has evolved into Dragon King Sword and Spear Technique.
...
After the series of notifications, Tatsuo tested his new magic. A misty black portal appeared before him. He peered inside, revealing a dark, empty space. He placed Warbreaker, thousands of gold coins, royal clothing, swords, shields, and armor within the dimension. Satisfied, he exited his room, finding Hui and Rota still waiting. "Let's go to the stables," he said.
They proceeded to the stables, where the Imperial Butler, Li Shang, awaited them. "Your Highness, your horses are ready. A ship has also been prepared to transport you to the Lion Flame Domain, waiting at the harbor. Your identity will remain undisclosed," the old butler informed Tatsuo.
Tatsuo nodded and said sincerely, "Thank you, Uncle Shang, for your diligence. I hope we meet again soon. Don't die on us yet! Just kidding, Uncle. I'll miss you."
"Prince, I will not depart this world until you ascend the throne," Li Shang replied with a laugh. "Please, return safely!"
Li Shang was the palace's oldest butler, deeply connected to the imperial family. He had served the Emperor since childhood, teaching him swordsmanship and princely conduct. He was a father figure to the Emperor. At 88 years old, he remained vigorous, his strength and background known only to the Emperor and the Grand Marshal. The Emperor had offered him a surname and nobility, but Li Shang declined, preferring to remain in the palace, fulfilling his promise to the late Emperor to watch over the imperial family. He shared a warm relationship with Tatsuo, always offering encouragement. All members of the imperial family affectionately called him Uncle.
"Master Hui, we are departing. Take care," Rota said.
"Protect the Prince; that is your duty! Even at the cost of your life, you must protect him," Hui reminded Rota.
"Hey, Master, I'm not that weak. Do you doubt my skills?" Rota laughed, mounting his horse. "See you soon!" He waved and rode off.
Rota bid his master farewell and followed Tatsuo.
In the Throne Hall, the Emperor spoke to Li Shang. "Uncle, please protect my son. Not that I distrust his abilities, but he is still the heir to the throne. Please, Uncle Shang, watch over Tatsuo."
"Hiro, give your son a chance to prove himself! But you are right; he is the heir. I will dispatch individuals to protect him in the shadows. I promised your father that the Black Flame would always safeguard the imperial family," Li Shang promised. He was one of the few who could address the Emperor by his given name.
...
At the harbor, as they approached the ship prepared by Uncle Shang, Tatsuo noticed a towering man, nearly seven and a half feet tall, with a formidable build. He turned to Rota and asked, "Rota, is that a giant?"
Rota glanced in the man's direction and replied, "Not quite, my prince. He's a half-giant. True giants are usually nine to ten feet tall. Judging by his appearance, he's likely a warrior or a bandit turned slave. Are you interested in him, my prince?"
"Indeed. Acquire him and bring him to me." Tatsuo handed Rota twenty gold coins.
Shortly after, Rota returned with the man, having paid twelve gold coins for him. It was a considerable sum for Rota, but insignificant to Tatsuo. Tatsuo looked at the half-giant and asked, "What is your name, and where do you come from? Why are you here?"
"My name is Ragnar, sir. I am from the Rock Strong Kingdom. They slaughtered my tribe; I am the sole survivor," Ragnar said, gritting his teeth in anger.
"Who killed them?"
"From what I heard, they're called the Iron Slavery Company."
Tatsuo paused, thinking. He looked at Rota, who understood his unspoken question. "My prince, they are a criminal organization based in Yorai City. They're a significant problem for the city lord of Yorai, and there's an order to capture them, dead or alive."
"Oh! Good!" Tatsuo turned back to Ragnar. "Do you seek revenge? I can help you."
Ragnar's eyes lit up. He knelt, both knees touching the ground, and declared, "Sir, my life is yours. I will be your sword and shield. If you command me to kill, I will kill. And yes, I want my revenge!" He cried out, his voice filled with emotion.
"Rota, take him and purchase armor and clothing that fit him. Also, acquire a suitable weapon for him. I'll wait on the ship."
"Yes, Your Highness!" Rota bowed and led Ragnar away.
Ding! Acquired a subordinate. Would you like to view their stats? The system chimed.
"Yes, show them to me."
Name: Ragnar
Title: Subordinate
Level: Sky Gate Realm, 3rd Level
Fame: - Special Skills:
Strength Up 10x
Bull Axe: A charging attack with a saw-toothed axe.
Protect: A temporary protective shield for a small group.
Magic Skill: Rock Armor
Attack Skill: Advanced Rank Earth Axe Technique
Abilities: Endurance, High Rank Resistance to basic magic and attack skills.
This man is strong! Why did he allow himself to be captured? Tatsuo wondered.