The days at the castle were becoming increasingly unpredictable. Jade's new life, though cushioned by luxury, was a game of balance. On one hand, he was treated as an honored guest, a future ally to the prince; on the other, there was an ever-present sense of unease, as if the kingdom's true intentions lay hidden behind layers of manipulation.
Jade had already begun to outmaneuver many of the prince's expectations, but this game wasn't over yet.
It was the prince's invitation to the royal tournament that had turned things uncomfortable. Jade was expected to participate, not just as a favor to the prince, but also as a display of loyalty. To the others, it was a simple demonstration of strength, but Jade knew better. This was a test.
The prince watched him closely, like a hawk watching its prey, waiting for the moment when Jade's true potential would reveal itself. But Jade had no intention of letting that happen. Not yet.
The tournament ground was massive, stretching across the kingdom's northern arena. Spectators filled the stands, their cheers filling the air as competitors from all walks of life—warriors, mages, and strategists—gathered to test their skills. Jade stood near the entrance, watching the first few fights, his expression unreadable.
He wasn't here to win. Not yet.
He was here to learn. To study. To play his role.
The prince, standing tall beside him, looked down at Jade, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "You seem... relaxed," the prince said, his voice tinged with something Jade couldn't quite place. "Aren't you worried about your opponents?"
Jade didn't look at him. His eyes were locked on the field, scanning the various fighters.
"No," Jade replied, his voice soft but steady. "I'm not worried."
He could feel the essence of the fighters in the arena—their energy rippling through the air. Each one of them had a unique signature, a rhythm that Jade could almost taste. There were some who could manipulate the elements, some who wielded swords with deadly precision, and others who relied on brute force.
And then there was Jade, who wasn't like them. Not yet. His abilities were still growing, still hidden beneath the surface.
"You should be," the prince muttered, his eyes narrowing. "It's not enough to simply watch. In this kingdom, those who show weakness are crushed underfoot."
Jade finally turned to face him, meeting the prince's gaze with a calm intensity. "Weakness is only an illusion," Jade said, his voice low but sharp. "It's a game of perception."
The prince's eyes flashed with something that could have been amusement or frustration. "We'll see if your 'perception' can help you survive the tournament."
The tournament began, and Jade's name was called. He walked onto the battlefield with a sense of purpose. The arena was a vast circle, surrounded by spectators eager to see bloodshed. His opponent—a large man wielding a massive warhammer—stepped forward with a confident grin.
The fight began.
The man charged, his warhammer swinging down with the force of a mountain. Jade dodged, effortlessly sliding out of the way, his movements smooth and calculated. He knew the man's every move before it happened, studying the flow of his Essence. The large man was powerful, but his attacks were predictable. The rhythm of his Essence was clumsy, blunt.
Jade, however, moved like water, using his resonance abilities to stay one step ahead. With each dodge, he could feel the pulse of the warhammer's force. The moment his opponent's attack became predictable, Jade struck.
With a single, precise movement, Jade reached out and shattered the man's weapon, his hand glowing faintly with the power of his Essence. The warhammer's head cracked in half, sending the fighter stumbling back, confused and off-balance.
Jade didn't waste time. He moved forward, using his understanding of the battlefield to control the flow of the fight. A quick series of strikes, and his opponent was on the ground, defeated, his Essence drained by Jade's calculated blows.
The crowd erupted in cheers, but Jade remained impassive. He knew this fight was only the beginning. There would be more battles, more tests ahead.
As he left the arena, the prince watched him with a knowing smile. But Jade noticed the tension in the prince's eyes, a flicker of doubt.
"You're more than I expected," the prince said softly, almost to himself. "But I can't tell if that's a good thing or a bad thing."
Jade simply nodded, knowing the prince's suspicions were growing. He had to be careful. The prince was dangerous, and Jade couldn't afford to reveal too much, too soon.
As Jade walked away, he felt something stir deep inside him—a sensation that felt like a whisper from his past life. It was his connection to his hidden power, the dormant storm waiting to break free.
The chapter concludes with Jade's victory, but the tension between him and the prince is clear. Jade is slowly starting to outsmart those around him, using his unique abilities and strategic mind to gain an advantage. However, the prince is not one to be easily fooled, and he'll continue to keep a close eye on Jade.
The tournament has only just begun, and Jade's path toward uncovering his full potential will require careful maneuvering.