Tatsuo sat in a chair within his ship cabin. When Ragnar and Rota entered, they bowed respectfully.
During their time at the market, Rota had explained Tatsuo's identity to Ragnar, which shocked him. He hadn't imagined that a prince would offer him a chance for revenge.
"Your Highness, we have arrived," they announced.
Tatsuo looked at Ragnar and said, "Ragnar, I believe you are now aware of my identity. I have a question, and I expect an honest answer."
"Yes, I will do my best to answer any of your questions," Ragnar replied.
"Why would someone of your strength, a Sky Gate Realm cultivator, allow themselves to be captured and enslaved? Do you harbor any ill intentions towards the empire?" Tatsuo asked. Rota readied his sword, prepared to intervene.
Ragnar knelt and answered, "Prince, forgive me for not revealing the complete truth. I was a village chief, but I could not return to my kingdom, as they would execute me for failing to protect my people. This would have prevented me from seeking revenge. So, I sold myself into slavery to travel faster. My intention was to find someone who could help me achieve my vengeance. Please forgive me, Prince."
"How dare you use His Highness as a tool for your revenge! I will execute you immediately on behalf of the Prince!" Rota drew his sword, preparing to strike, but Tatsuo signaled him to stop.
"Good! A man willing to do anything for revenge. I like that. Ragnar, from this moment on, you are a free man. You are no longer a slave. You have the right to follow whomever you choose!" Tatsuo declared.
Ragnar wept and said, "I will follow you, my prince, until my last breath. I reiterate: I will be your sword and shield from this day forward."
"Very well!" Tatsuo turned to Rota. "Gather all the guards on the ship and assemble them on the deck."
…
On the ship's deck, Rota reported, "Your Highness, there are twenty guards on board." The guards stood in formation behind him.
Tatsuo scanned them, noting, Fifteen level 2 Mortal Ground Realm, five level 3. Interesting! He addressed them, "I have two commands. First, you are never to reveal my identity to the public. You will refer to me as 'sir' or 'master' in public. Second, we have a two-month journey ahead, which we will use for training. You will train daily. Rota and Ragnar will oversee your training. Understood?" He commanded, releasing a wave of sovereign aura.
The guards, though nervous, replied in unison, "Understood, Your Highness!"
"Good! Set sail!"
...
Fifty-eight days later, a voice announced, "Your Highness, we have arrived!"
Tatsuo walked onto the deck. The guards stood in disciplined lines, transformed from their previous state. Five level 3 Mortal Ground Realm, now at their peak, ten level 1 Sky Gate Realm, five level 2. Rota has broken through to level 3 Sky Gate Realm, and Ragnar is at the peak of level 3. Impressive! I've also broken through to level 2 Sovereign Burst Realm, Tatsuo thought, a silent laugh of satisfaction.
He stood before the guards, smiling. Rota and Ragnar joined the formation. "You have all exceeded my expectations. I commend you. From now on, you will be known as the Prince's Guard!" As he spoke, a surge of power flowed through the guards, and they all experienced simultaneous breakthroughs. "Excellent, you have all advanced again. Now, I will divide you into two squads. Rota will captain the first squad, and Ragnar the second. They have the authority to command and promote you based on your achievements."
Rota and Ragnar replied, "Thank you, Your Highness."
Tatsuo continued, "Rota, gather intelligence on the Iron Slavery Company. Locate their headquarters. I want a report within two days. Ragnar, find and purchase a blacksmith shop. It will be useful for weapon repairs and crafting. Report back today." Tatsuo issued his commands.
"Yes, Your Highness!" They bowed and departed to fulfill their missions.
Tatsuo approached the ship's captain. "Thank you for bringing me here. The journey was smooth. I apologize, but the guards will not be returning with you."
"It is no matter, my prince. It was an honor," the captain replied.
"Captain, upon your return to the capital, please inform Uncle Shang that I arrived safely. Thank you."
After bidding farewell to the captain, Tatsuo waited for Ragnar on the harbor with his two horses. As he was about to check his stats, the system chimed.
Ding! Master, with twenty-three subordinates, you have completed a mission. Here is your reward. Ding! Reward skill: Transfer - you can transfer a portion of your power to your subordinates. Ding! Compatibility detected: Transfer and Absorbability. Would you like to fuse them?
"Yes," Tatsuo replied.
Fusion in progress...
After a few moments, Ding! Fusion completed. Ding! New special skill: Gluttony - ability to absorb or learn skills and abilities, and you can transfer a skill or ability of your choice to your subordinates.
I feel a surge of power within me. This is excellent! Tatsuo thought. "System, display my stats."
Yes, Master, the system replied.
A blue screen appeared before Tatsuo, displaying his stats.
Name: Ryujin Tatsuo Age: 17 Title: 1st Prince of the Flame Empire Current Rank: Sovereign Burst Realm, 2nd Level Fame: 10 Subordinates: 23 Special Skills:
The Adviser: That's me!
Gluttony: Ability to absorb or learn skills and abilities, and transfer them to subordinates.
Frontier: An invisible protective shield.
Naming: Ability to name individuals, bestowing titles and strengthening them.
Military Tactics: Expert-level strategic mind.
Magic Skills: Blue Flame Strike, Dimension Room
Attack Skills: Middle Rank Dragon King Sword and Spear Technique, Advanced Rank Sniper
Ability: Observance Eye
Weapon: Warbreaker Sword
I am satisfied with my current strength, he thought.
Shortly after, Ragnar returned and reported to Tatsuo.