After Hazel left the room, a strange silence followed. Patriarch Berkan's brows twitched with visible irritation. For years, his daughter had never involved herself in sect matters. Now, suddenly, she decided to butt into a discussion with the Second Prince? He clenched his fist, glancing at the kid seated before them. For some reason, he felt an overwhelming urge to slap that smirking brat. But he held himself back.
On the other hand, Maverick Norma, Second Prince of the kingdom, was mildly annoyed by Hazel's presence. Conquering her was proving more difficult than anticipated. Even that venomous flower from House Sean, Tatiana, had demanded marriage before even acknowledging his intentions. He forced a chuckle, redirecting his thoughts to something more… satisfying. The Eternal Blossom Sect—the all-female powerhouse nestled near the border of the Norma and Walster Kingdoms. Its influence ran deep, even controlling Walster's royal family like puppets. How delightful would it be to tear them apart?
But Travis felt a shiver crawl up his spine. He sensed the malice in Maverick's smile and the hostility in Berkan's gaze. Goosebumps pricked his arms. So, he cut through the air, keeping his voice steady."So, about that predicament, brother Maverick… mind sharing what it is?"
Snapping out of his reverie, Maverick offered his usual charming smile. "Ah yes. You see, Amaris has House Eldria behind him—military titans and war tacticians. Their influence stretches even into your future post. Compared to that, the third prince is no threat. His only backer is the weakened Samara House."
Travis tilted his head slightly, smile still playing at his lips. "Brother, aren't you being too modest? You have the Omera Blood Sect backing you. And I imagine your own cultivation isn't anything to scoff at."
Before Maverick could reply, Berkan interjected with a scoff. "Brat, what do you know? Eldria isn't just strong. They command armies, devise battlefield strategies, and have a terrifying grip on war. Even the Seventh Battalion of the Lost Hell Hounds—where you're heading—falls under their umbrella."
That drew Travis' attention. His eyes gleamed. That was exactly why he wanted to infiltrate that very battalion. Power was important, yes—but more than that, he wanted the mind of a true general, a leader. He recalled visions—burning lands, two young boys, and a mother in chains. His heart clenched.
Snapping out of it, he gave a small smirk. "Thank you for the warning. I'll keep it in mind."
Berkan didn't respond, merely grunting.
Maverick leaned forward now. "That's why I need someone loyal within their ranks. Someone who can gain their trust, influence decisions, and help me orchestrate the downfall of the Norma family. I plan to reforge this kingdom under my bloodline—the House of Kaal."
There it was. The prince wasn't even hiding it. A coup in the making. He wanted Travis to be a spy.
Travis blinked, feigning shock, then smiled knowingly. "Ah… I see. So, you want my cooperation?"
Maverick nodded slowly.
"Very well," Travis said. "I'll serve you, Your Highness. I hope we'll work well together."
Berkan gave him a curt nod in response.
Maverick's eyes gleamed. "Good. Your first step is to integrate with the Seventh Battalion. Once you gain their trust, your real task begins—join the 'Seven Hells' Regiment. Even the royal family knows little about them. They act without answering to me or any noble. Only the king receives their reports. Get in… and then await contact from the sect. We'll issue your next task from there."
Travis bowed slightly. "Understood. Consider it done."
He then softened his voice. "Brother Maverick, since you're investing in me… might I trouble you for a Tier 4 medicinal herb? My current collection of Tier 3s is getting stale."
coughcough
Maverick nearly choked on his drink. Red liquid spilled to the floor from his golden chalice.
Berkan glared. "Are you mad? Tier 4 isn't some trinket to hand out. It's rare even in the Empire. You'd have to trade five Tier 3 herbs to even—"
"I'll take it," Travis interrupted, eyes sharp. "Where is it?"
Berkan grunted and took out a glowing, stone-like fruit. The Bloom Titan Fruit. Travis' Spirit Truth Seeking Eyes activated subtly, confirming the herb's identity. A perfect enhancer for his physique.
Without hesitation, he pulled out five Tier 3 herbs from his old ring and placed them on the table.
Maverick and Berkan were stunned. Berkan hadn't even recognized the true value of the fruit. Greed overtook logic, and he agreed to the deal. He would come to regret that decision bitterly.
Travis calmly stored the fruit in the storage ring his mother had gifted him. As talks progressed, Maverick said, "I'll arrange a swift horse for your journey. Sorry, no spare carriages at the moment."
"No need," Travis grinned. "A swift steed is perfect. I like speed."
As he left the carriage, Travis inhaled deeply, catching one final whiff of the place. Something… interesting lingered in the air.
Back inside, Maverick murmured, "Heh. You've just made a deal with the devil, kid. Let's see if you survive."
Little did he know—it was the devil who just walked away.
On the road, Travis rode the newly gifted stallion with practiced ease. Purple's voice rang in his head.
"Oy, are you just going to ignore me forever? Should I come out?"
Travis groaned. "For heaven's sake, Purple. Do you ever stop talking?"
"I have something important to say!"
At the same moment, in the carriage, Berkan turned to Maverick. "Did you notice?"
Maverick's eyes narrowed. "Yes. That kid… he reeks of secrets. I want his blue eyes dissected. There's more to him than meets the eye."
Meanwhile, Travis smirked.
"I knew the prince was shady the moment I smelled that stench. The blood arts, that golden chalice… there's something darker hiding beneath."
Purple agreed. "That chalice—The Golden Samsara of Densvor—enhances soul control. It's housing fragments of tortured souls. I could feel it."
Travis nodded. "So it's true."
Then, out of nowhere, he asked, "So… should I call you Infinitus, or…?"
Purple stammered. "Wh-what? How did you…?"
"When I mentioned Infinitus, you reacted. You said 'give it to me'... not 'us.' You are the spirit, aren't you?"
A small purple fairy with faint wings emerged, her form soft and vague.
"Hmph. You haven't earned the right to call me your spirit yet. But… you may give me a name."
Travis smiled as the horse galloped forward. "Let's see... but first, tell me everything you know. About Infinitus… and about yourself."
"I'll tell you what I can," she muttered.
Travis looked ahead. "Not long now. Time to meet the Lost Hell Hounds. Let's see what fate has in store for me."
* * *
[A/N: hello everyone, I made an Instagram account for upcoming updates of novel. You can follow me there @asrel_writes321
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