Chapter 109: A Gamble (2/2)

”This kid wasting our time!” Someone, probably from Ilios, commented at Arthur's hesitation. Arthur gritted his teeth and saw no way out of this. He has already revealed himself when he caught up with the group.

”It is…” Arthur turned toward the group Yalen. ”The Third Prince of the Yalen Kingdom, Alfred Yalen.”

Silence spread like a sea flooding its shores, covering every canny of the giant corridor. If not for the growls of machinery the dome's walls allowed, Arthur would have probably heard the crowd's breaths.

”You're mad!” Prince Kal roared with fury. To plot against another kingdom – if found out – is disgraceful. As for an accusation of treason? It would shake a whole country to its core. The trust in the royal family would weaken.

”Guards!” Prince Kal roared again and the guards looked conflicted, seeking the grandmaster for instructions.

”I gave my word, Prince Kal.” The grandmaster looked at him blankly. ”If he is mistaken, the association would repay you handsomely.” The king's brother found himself at a pinch and turned toward the third prince.

”Impudent! You dare disgrace me?” The prince's face was red with rage and humiliation. He looked at Arthur as if he wanted to kill him a thousand times.

”Prince Alfred, if his words are fake, you can do whatever you want to him. I'm sure that would be to your liking, and clears your name of such reputation.” The grandmaster amiably continued. ”I'd also create a custom artifact to the Yalen family, as well as tutor your younger sister.”

The offer was undoubtedly tempting, but Alfred kept refusing to cooperate. From mockery, the crowd's expressions turned to suspicions. An accusation was disgraceful, but the rewards were simply too good.

If Arthur didn't prove himself earlier, he would have been sent away after being disqualified by the grandmaster. After all, it was not worth it to offend a prince from another nation. However, the grandmaster seemed to have seen something in Arthur's talent, making him comply.

”Are you sure this is alright?” Ivy whispered to Arthur after staying silent the whole time. ”Your identity has been revealed and we're not even sure it's him that has the artifact.”

”It's a huge risk,” Arthur nodded. ”However, it's better to take them down before they find me.” Ivy looked confused but Arthur didn't explain. He was risking his life here because he knew that he can't keep hiding from the royal family after what he did in mountain range Rovero. If he could complete his Legacy Quest and take down an enemy, it was a well-earned risk.

”If your highness is innocent, then I'll lay down my life here for you to take. I won't struggle, I won't run, and I wouldn't even protest.” Arthur declared as the grandmaster was about to talk to the prince.

Seeing such conviction, the crowd's trust slightly shifted toward Arthur. After all, they have all seen how Arthur performed in the first region. It was rather illogical that he would throw away his life here. They turned toward Prince Alfred, observing his reaction.

”I'll not concede! I won't comply with the whims of a commoner!” Alfred grounded his teeth together in rage. The grandmaster furrowed his brows in impatience.

”In this place, no nation is more authoritative than the runes association. I'll make sure no malice is conducted on these grounds, no matter by who. Prince Alfred, I've already stated my compensations for this. If you refuse to comply, it means you have something to hide.”

Another silence followed as the crowd waited for the prince's response. It was then that Arthur's senses rang in alarm. The atmosphere changed drastically as ominous energy filled the air.

”Watch out!” He roared.

As if a bolt of black lightning struck the prince, his body was dyed in dark energy as the same tar-like substances started to erode the surroundings. The pressure created by this energy was so powerful that it pushed the envoys away.

”Guards!” The grandmaster's voice changed from gentleness to a beastly roar that shook the core of whoever heard it. The guards surrounded the prince who was now covered from head to toe with dark energy as he levitated mid-air.

”You'll regret this, mortal.” A hoarse sound like a fork scratching a plate came from Alfred's mouth. He was looking directly at Arthur before bolting toward the gate of the fourth gate.

”Stop him! He's trying to activate the weapon!” Arthur's voice betrayed his panic as he realized this Ender was different from the one that he met before. He was more powerful and the dark energy was more chaotic.