Overwhelming Firepower

It didn’t take too long for Lucen to capture the people who hired others to infiltrate Thornefang. As long as they were in Stellhart, no one could escape the eyes of the Thorneharts.

Unfortunately, some of those who were captured immediately killed themselves. After that, the Lucen and the knights were cautious, and upon subduing those involved, they would check their entire bodies.

Despite torturing them, they would not tell who they worked for. In fact, many of them didn’t even know who was paying them, as they would only receive letters that appeared without their knowledge.

There were also some who, despite wanting to answer, could not due to a curse placed on them.

Their veins darkened like black ink spreading under the skin, their throats bulged as though invisible hands crushed their windpipes.

Even when their mouths opened, no sound came out, only a wet gurgle as blood dripped from the corners of their lips. Lucen’s eyes narrowed. It wasn’t loyalty that silenced them, but a cruel seal.

In the end, Lucen was unable to get any information about the true people behind the scenes.

Still, it didn’t really matter, since he had captured all those who wanted to infiltrate Thornefang with intentions of spying.

’If this were a novel, this is where we switch POV to the villain’s side as he schemes his next move in the shadows. Guess I’ll just have to wait for the next plot hook.’

***

Once he was done dealing with the spies and those involved, he went back and focused on the recruits.

He observed them from a distance. In the beginning, most of the recruits did nothing and waited for the announcement of whether they got in or not.

Of course, there were the odd ones out.

Thrall, for instance, seemed determined to fight anyone stronger than him. He prowled the courtyard like a restless wolf, demanding spars, throwing himself headlong at anyone with an ounce of reputation.

Daniel, on the other hand, looked as though his greatest ambition in life was uninterrupted sleep. Every time Lucen’s eyes drifted to him, Daniel was either stretched across a bench or trying to vanish behind barrels. It might have worked if not for Thrall.

Thrall shadowed him relentlessly, sniffing him out like a hound. No matter where Daniel hid, under a tree, behind the kitchens, or even under a cloak feigning unconsciousness, Thrall appeared.

After a while, Daniel seemed to have gotten serious in trying to hide, as even his presence became very faint; he blended with the surroundings perfectly. Unfortunately for him, Thrall was about to sniff him out despite all that.

Lucen found their game of hide and seek very amusing, especially since both parties were anything but normal.

***

He also noticed the relentless training of Veronica. The way she was moving was completely different from before.

’There’s a story there, I just know it. Damn it, I miss such an interesting thing because of those f*cking spies. I wonder if I can somehow get the story out of her? Should I talk to her, and speak in a mysterious way that would make her open up and tell me what happened?’

While he was thinking of what to say to Veronica to get the hidden story out of her, she noticed Bram was looking at Veronica.

Lucen knew enough about Bram to understand that the other party was not some pervert voyeur; he must be thinking about something else.

’Hoh, it seems this hidden story involves multiple characters. These guys are so interesting, I wonder why they weren’t part of the main storyline.’

Lucen was enjoying watching the four recruits who stood out the most. It made him feel like he was watching an anime episode as he watched them.

Lucen could not longer hold it in and wanted to interact with these interesting people, but before he met with them, he decided to use Acting Adept.

He was already thinking about what type of character would have the most interesting interaction with the four. But first, he needed to learn what kind of event happened to Veronica, so he decided to start with her.

’I decided I’m going to use that popular character that practically has invincibility written in his face.’

Once Lucen had made his decision, he used the trait Acting Adept to embody the character in his mind. Lucen’s demeanor changed into one of extreme confidence with a bit of playful arrogance.

***

Lucen strolled into the courtyard, hands tucked into his coat pockets, a lazy grin plastered on his face. Veronica was in the middle of another brutal drill, sweat dripping off her chin, spear flashing in steady arcs.

Lucen suddenly appeared in front of her, which surprised her, and her spear was about to hit Lucen. She wanted to stop, but she couldn’t. Still, Lucen easily evaded the thrust and caught the spear’s handle.

Lucen had easily taken Veronica’s spear, and he started twirling it around. ”Those are some sharp movements,” he said, his grin widening. Lucen then handed the spear back to her. Veronica unconsciously caught the spear.

”I wonder what has you so rattled that your training like tomorrow doesn’t exist.”

Veronica’s eyes narrowed, her chest rising and falling with steady breaths. She planted the spear’s butt on the ground, keeping her stance disciplined despite the sweat streaming down her face

”... Young Lord...” Veronica gave a knight’s salute.

”So are you willing to tell me what has gotten you so motivated?” Lucen asked.

Veronica stared at the smiling Lucen. It took her just a brief second before she decided to tell Lucen about her vow to the now deceased Erwin.

”So that’s it, keeping the dream of another alive with you. That’s pretty hardcore.” He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck.

”Hardcore?”

”That just means you’re doing something great. Still, the way you’re doing it seems like this dream has become a burden. You gotta lighten up, if you die before fulfilling that vow of yours, it would be such a shame.”

Lucen turned around and was about to leave, but before he went, he said one last thing. ”I’ll be watching your story unfold, so better make it a great one.”

Veronica stared at Lucen’s back for a few seconds before she closed her eyes and then looked at her spear.

’This is the second time someone told me I’m training too hard...’ Veronica sighed as she decided to take a quick break before continuing her training.

***

After Lucen got the story he wanted from Veronica, the next recruit he wanted to interact with was Thrall.

When he was watching from afar, he understood that Thrall was a battle-junkie type character. The best type of interaction someone like this would be with another battle-junkie.

He decided to use one of the personas he used in the underground arena. This was someone who loves to fight, which would match Thrall’s energy.

He closed his eyes for a moment, slipping into another mask. His body loosened, his expression sharpening into something feral. His presence shifted, not playful arrogance this time, but raw, suffocating confidence. The air seemed to tighten as he approached, each step heavy with killing intent, like a predator strolling into another predator’s den.

Thrall, who had just finished sparring, quickly sensed Lucen’s overwhelming presence and looked at him.

Thrall knew who Lucen was. Lucen was the one who commanded the men of Thornefang; he was something like the child of the chief.

When Thrall saw Lucen fight the Dire Wendigos in his stead, he always wanted to have a go with him, but Lucen was too busy in the past few days, and Thrall could not find him. Now that Lucen was standing before him, Thrall knew that he could not let this chance go.

’... What should I call this guy again... Oh, right!’ Thrall, who knew a few things about how people outside the tribe act, started thinking of what he should call Lucen. After a brief thought, he remembered.

”... Young Lord, spar with me!”

Lucen’s grin widened, sharp and dangerous. He tilted his head, cracking his neck as if he’d been waiting for those exact words.

”Oh? So the pup’s been itching for a fight with me? Sure, show me what you’ve got.” His tone dripped with amusement, but the weight behind it pressed on everyone in the courtyard.

The second Thrall heard Lucen, he quickly pounced on the other party. He was a blur of muscle and raw power. His fist tore through the air, fast enough to whistle, but Lucen leaned aside, the punch brushing past his cheek. A smirk curled his lips, ”Too slow.”

Snarling, Thrall swung again, then again, fists hammering like boulders crashing down a mountain.

Lucen danced around them, weaving through the storm as though strolling through falling leaves.

When Thrall finally overextended, Lucen’s hand shot out, fingers digging into his arm like iron clamps, before slamming him into the dirt. The ground cracked. Dust exploded upward.

***

Several minutes after they started sparring, Thrall was on the ground breathing heavily, while Lucen was standing before him with a wide grin.

”That was a nice little distraction, but it’s not enough. Come challenge me again when you get stronger.”

After saying those words, Lucen left. Thrall, who was exhausted from just a brief battle, could not respond, but the smile on his face never left.

***

Lucen wanted to try to interact with Bram and Daniel, but he did not want to overuse Acting Adept too much, since the last time he did so made him feel like he was losing his own personality.

Still, overall, Lucen did enjoy these interactions he had with Veronica and Thrall. Lucen stretched, yawning as though he’d just watched a particularly satisfying play.

”Now that was entertaining,” he chuckled. ”Being part of the show is quite a refreshing feeling. Now I guess that Act one of the meeting with the recruits is complete. I’d better think of what to do in the next episode.” Lucen joked to himself.