Blood ran down my chin as the fresh energy poured into my Mana Well like a flood. A few Legionnaires recoiled outright. One horse shied back, its rider swearing. Another soldier stared in horror, knuckles whitening around his spear. Ignoring them, I moved to the next body and ripped another heart free.
Strength surged through me, and when the flow stopped, my senses returned. Just then, a rider met my gaze, looking nervous. ''Are you… a monster?''
I let the question hang for a heartbeat, then spoke, my voice cold. ''I am no longer human, if that satisfies you.''
My aura exploded outward, forcing the horses away. They knew I was now a new predator in this world, even if I didn't know what I was. I fixed my gaze on the commander. ''I am now the Devourer Prince, and I will show everyone what I can do for Verona.''
They nodded, one by one, saluting. By the time I felt normal, the ground beneath me was slick. My expression remained calm as I wiped it away and returned to the caravan, watching the soldiers loot the Wild Orc corpses for Mana Cores and other valuables. Once at the carriages, I swept my gaze over the stunned caravan guards, savouring the silence that had fallen like a shroud.
When I approached, Evangeline looked shocked, shook her head, and greeted me with a bright smile as they all knelt before me, avoiding eye contact. Moments later, Selene and Sahara joined me, standing by my sides.
''Your Highness, that was brilliant, and you didn't use any spells, just pure strength and speed,'' Evangeline gushed, her smile growing wider. ''The change you've shown will send the kingdom into a frenzy. After all, we all know about the Crown and the Second Prince's deeds.''
A smile crossed my face when I saw the excited expression on the older woman's face as she continued. ''I'm Evangeline Ashwood, fourth daughter of Count Andrey Ashwood, and an aspiring Third Circle Battle Mage. I was escorting the supplies here at the request of the king and my father.''
''Monster troubles? Bandits, perhaps?''
She nodded, a frown crossing her pretty face. ''Yes, they're coming from the Bleakmarch, and father refuses to waste any more soldiers trying to stem the tide.''
I was about to speak, but she suddenly asked. ''I heard you're going there to clear it out with the Ninth? Is it true?''
''It is true, I'll be creating a base for myself for the foreseeable future. But I'm curious, what does your father think of my plans?''
''Worried, mostly. He does want to meet with you now that you're not being targeted by assassins,'' she said. ''Once we get this stuff inside, want me to escort you?''
''We'll come!'' Sahara suddenly spoke up, catching me off guard.
I turned toward the Orc who grinned at me. ''Yes, General. You, Selene, and a century of Legionnaires.''
''Yes, My Prince!'' The brunette revealed. ''I am working on getting more bodyguards; none have yet to meet my standards.''
After speaking, Selene rushed off before I could say anything else, making me chuckle. I turned back to Evangeline, a charming smile crossing my face. ''Yes, we were going to visit Tidewater City. We're heading out tomorrow afternoon, since the weather is good.''
She blushed, causing her to look even prettier, then steeled herself. ''We've brought food, cores, water, and many other things you'll need in that horrible land, but I do hope you clear it, your highness.''
I glanced at the mature beauty, my bright blue eyes glowed as mana rushed through my veins. ''You'll see, everyone sees me as the fool, and when I take Bleakmarch, they will come to fear me.''
''Do you need a mage?'' Evangeline questioned, looking hopeful.
''Why? We're hunting bandits, monsters and cannibals,'' I replied. ''What's the need for them when hand-to-hand combat will be the main focus?''
''You're not using magic?'' she muttered, shocked as her eyes widened.
''Well, the Ninth doesn't have any mages at the moment,'' I revealed, glancing toward a nearby cavalry patrol. ''I only have four thousand men and women. My legion was understrength thanks to my father's games.''
''How will you even get a foothold there? I heard a powerful bandit group holds the Widow's Pass and Dreadfort?''
''I'll clear it,'' I reassured. ''Sahara here has told me about the place, and with my bodyguards, it shouldn't be a problem.''
Evangeline nodded, still not looking convinced, but she suggested. ''Tidewater has an influx of soldiers back from the Eastern War. Since the peace was signed, they have no place to hone their skills, maybe they'd join the Ninth?''
When I heard, my eyebrows rose in interest. I looked at Selene with a curious glint in my eyes. ''Is this true?''
''Yes, my prince,'' she answered. ''I believe since the king signed the Treaty of Seluca with the Akarai Empire, Veronians are returning to normal life, many veterans the Ninth could use.''
''Interesting,'' I muttered, rubbing my chin.
The kingdom only trains Legionnaires and Legionnaire Cav. Maybe I could create a sword and shield soldier? A Verona Sword Cohort?
''General, can Asmara or Garrick train soldiers to use swords and shields?''
When the Orc woman heard this, she looked confused, and it showed on her face, scrunched up. ''Why do you want them? Aren't the Legionnaires enough?''
''No, we need flexible Cohorts to counter the growing threats. Variety is essential.''
Before anyone else could interrupt, Evangeline interrupted us. ''Could I join you? I know how to use magic, and my Mana Missiles are dangerous, or so father says.''
''You want to travel into the heart of the Bleakmarch?'' I repeated her question.
The lavender-haired beauty nodded. ''Yes, I want to help. I've lost many family members to that horrible place.''
''Welcome to the Ninth, Evangeline Ashwood, the mage who fights with only two spells,'' I said, a smirk tugging at my lips.
Evangeline giggled, the sound light but confident. She met my gaze with a spark of challenge in her light blue eyes. ''If you want proof of my strength… shall we fight while the supplies are being stored?''
''By all means,'' I replied, grinning.
We stepped away from the walls to give ourselves space, careful not to risk any damage. Selene and Sahara flanked me, accompanied by three others, their eyes sharp and ready. The air thrummed with anticipation; this was no casual duel; it was a test, and I intended to enjoy every moment.
I took a step forward, feeling the tension coil in my muscles. Evangeline raised her hands, her gaze narrowing, and suddenly the air shimmered without saying a word. A glowing blue Mana Missile flew in my direction. I rolled instinctively, feeling the heat of her missiles whiz past my shoulder.
Not bad, I thought, though a flicker of unease ran through me.
She wasn't wasting a single spell. Another volley streaked toward me, five missiles in a tight spread. I dove, twisted, ducked, every move drilled into muscle memory, but something about her rhythm unsettled me. How could she anticipate my feints so precisely?
Following that, I lunged, fists blazing, and for a heartbeat, I thought I might break through, but her calm stance stopped my momentum. She raised a shimmering barrier mid-step, Mana Shield, and my punch slammed harmlessly against it. The force reverberated through my arm, causing me to grit my teeth.
She smiled at my actions. ''Not bad, but you'll have to do better than that, Your Highness.''
I cursed under my breath. Her control over her magic was impressive; she wasn't just powerful, she was precise. A Third Circle mage moving with the reflexes of a dancer. Every strike, every dodge, every counter was calculated. My own strength and speed, which usually left enemies scrambling, barely gave me an opening.
Seconds later, I feinted left, then surged forward, aiming for her side, but she spun and cast her second spell, Mana Shield. It absorbed my momentum and countered with a sudden burst of energy that slammed into my chest. I flew backwards, hitting the ground hard, wind knocked out of me.
She didn't waste a moment. Another volley of Mana Missiles zipped around me, forcing me to roll, jump, and parry instinctively. Every time I thought I could close in, she adapted in seconds, her shield or her missiles predicting my moves before I even committed. Finally, I lunged with a full sprint, fists blazing, hoping sheer speed would let me break through.
Evangeline raised the shield at the perfect moment, deflecting me, and tapped the ground lightly with her foot. A surge of force knocked me off balance, and before I could recover, her final strike connected with my forehead, sending me crashing to the ground. I lay there, chest heaving, staring up at her with a mix of respect and frustration.
Damn… she's perfect. She didn't even sweat, I mused while getting the perfect view of her long legs.
Evangeline lowered her shield, hands at her sides, eyes bright with triumph but calm. ''That's what third-circle training gets you," she said, almost teasing. ''You might be strong, Your Highness, but raw power only takes you so far.''
I got to my knees, smirking despite the burn in my muscles. ''Alright… I admit it. You've got skill. But next time, I won't be so easy to read.''
She laughed softly, the sound light but dangerous. ''I look forward to it.''
And for the first time, I felt the thrill of a fight where brute strength alone wouldn't be enough. Following that, Selene, Sahana, Evangeline, and I entered the fort. The scent of dust, earth, and the faint tang of sweat filled the air. Inside, workers were hauling crates and barrels into large tents that had been set up as temporary storage.
The permanent warehouses were still under construction, so this would have to suffice for now. I walked past a group of labourers, my eyes scanning the scene. ''Everything here seems organised,'' I muttered, more to myself than anyone else. ''But temporary tents won't hold for long. We'll need real storage soon, or this place becomes a target.''
Selene suddenly appeared beside me, nodding, eyes sharp as she assessed the fort. ''I've been over the defences. The walls are solid, but the gates need reinforcement. And the eastern watchtower, if we position archers there, we could cover most of the approach.''
Sahana, ever practical, folded her arms. ''And we'll need patrols. Bandits or monsters won't wait for us to finish building.''
She glanced at the lavender-haired woman, who was studying the workers with keen interest. ''They're quick with the tents, but supply management will be key,'' Evangeline said, tilting her head. ''If we rotate stock properly, we can keep everything accessible and minimise losses. Temporary solutions now, but efficiency matters.''
I allowed myself a small smile. Good. She's not just a fighter; she thinks.
''We'll handle the fort defences, the supplies, and the training. But first, let's see how much we can get stored safely today,'' I said.
We moved deeper into the camp, the four of us weaving between the busy workers. Tents stretched across the courtyard, and I could see the beginnings of a command centre near the central tower. I made mental notes: better lighting for night, stronger tent stakes, reinforced pathways for wagons.
Small improvements now would save lives later. As I watched Evangeline direct a group of labourers moving Mana Cores into one of the larger tents, I realised how much stronger we could be with coordination, and Bleakmarch wouldn't know what hit it. With the temporary tents holding the supplies, I turned toward the trio of women.
''Looks like we've done all we can here for now,'' I said, stretching my shoulders. ''It's time we move on to Tidewater City.''
Selene's eyes flicked to the horizon, calculating. ''The roads are clear for now, but there's always the chance of bandit activity. We'll need to keep the formation tight.''
Sahara cracked her knuckles, grinning. ''I like it when things get interesting, now let me arrange a fresh Century as an escort, my prince.''
I nodded as the Orc beauty whistled, and one hundred veterans of the First Cohort stepped forward, led by Asmara Dunthera. I smiled when I saw the dark-skinned warrior who saluted me. I turned to them. "Listen up. From here to Tidewater City, we're travelling as a unit. Stick close and follow orders. Understood?''
''Yes, Your Highness!'' the cohort chorused, their voices echoing across the fort.
The sound filled me with an odd sense of pride; these were no ordinary soldiers; they'd been chosen, trained, and now entrusted with something far bigger than themselves. Evangeline gave me a confident nod, her lavender hair catching the morning light. ''I'll make sure nothing surprises us. Tidewater City isn't expecting your arrival, but I can soften any obstacles if necessary.''
''Good,'' I replied.
I glanced at Selene and Sahara, then back at the cohort. "Mount up. Keep your eyes open. This is more than a journey; it's a statement to the entire kingdom. When we arrive, Duke Ravencourt and my father will know the Ninth has been reborn.''
The Legionnaires moved quickly, checking gear, tightening straps, and adjusting weapons. Selene and Sahara patrolled the perimeter, scanning for any threats. Evangeline moved alongside me, already calculating the safest path through the nearby forest that led to the main road.
I swung onto my horse, feeling the familiar surge of power through my veins. Bleakmarch is behind us for now. Tidewater City awaits, and with it, new allies, strategies, and opportunities to show everyone what the Devourer Prince is capable of.
With a final glance at the fort, I signalled for the column to move. The earth trembled lightly under the century, following in perfect formation. Together, Selene, Sahara, Asmara, Evangeline, and I led the way, ready to meet Count Ashwood and make my presence known.