Chapter 12: Assignment

Michael gasped for breath, his hand resting on the ragged stone walls that made formed this cell. His knees shook and trembled, as if they could give out at any moment. Sweat dripped from his back, the hot cell providing more than enough to lavish him in a thin layer of moisture.

“Hah! Well done young one!” A thick voice vibrated through Michael’s ears as a large hand slapped him on the back, sending him to his knees.

The entire night was dedicated towards learning the new spells, before moving on to combat tests. Luckily for him, the demon held back its’ strength, so Michael wouldn’t get smushed into a red paste. The constant exhaustion, coupled with the added deficit of intense mana drain, pushed him near unconsciousness, yet he still persevered.

He slumped against the wall, his hand opening reflexively, revealing a ethereal green glow, before slowly disappearing, shutting off the effect of Burning Hands, or whatever the hellfire version of it was. I really need to find a name for that spell he thought, before feeling a wave of energy rush over him. Glancing down at his legs, they were no longer shaking, instead feeling as if the entire night of work and hardship didn’t happen!

The demon smiled, before revealing a small glowing crystal in his hands. It was a deep, emerald green, glinting in the torchlight, yet it seemed dead and despondent. “This is a Stamina Crystal, and its power is what you just felt.” It flipped the crystal from arm to arm, before reeling up, and slamming the crystal into the ground with a startling Chunk!

Michael flinched in surprise, not expecting the violent action on something that seemed so valuable. “Why did you do that?” he asked, staring at the small dust cloud that formed around the demon’s feet.

“I wanted to demonstrate its durability.” It said, reaching down and pulling out the exact crystal, fully intact and untouched, not a single scratch visible on it’s still shiny shell. “Crystals are essentially unbreakable, and no one has managed to do it so far. They are vital towards survival in battle, where one can tire easily.”

Michael could see the value of this rare commodity. There was several things he read about in stories, the most important one being: “Your heroes will die tired.” Finding a solution to this sort of problem was a godsend. Now, he just had to find a way to get his hands on some of them!

Just as Michael found his conclusion, the Demon’s hand was thrust forward, the crystal finding itself in Michael’s hands. “Crystals, once used, are depleted, but every night, when the moon is at its highest, the crystal regains its power, to be used once again. As for me, I have no use for it where I’m going. You should use it on your travels, young hero.” The demon smiled, its muscles flexing as it moved away. “As a hero of the kingdom, I have suspicions that you will come in possession of a set of crystals soon enough, yet two stamina crystals is significantly better than one.”

Michael looked down at the rectangular crystal in his hands, his face becoming solemn, before turning into an expression of acceptance. “T-thank you, demon. I appreciate all you have done for me, and for the path you have set me upon. I will complete your task, no matter the cost. You have my word.” He said, his head bowing down slightly in a form of respect.

“Thank you, Human Michael, it is my pleasure to bestow strength to one like yourself. My loyalty remains to my liege, and I shall pay the price for it. Nevertheless, I shall die with a smile, knowing you are carrying my knowledge, and my legacy with me.” The demon moved to its knee as it said that, bowing its head deeply. “Your necklace will stay with you, no mind the consequences. I suggest keeping it on at all times, yet if you wish to give it away, you must give it away out of free will and thought.” Michael nodded, making a mental note of the information as the demon spoke.

“Now, the guard will be arriving in a few minutes. I’m sure your schedule is busy, so do not divert from your normal practices.” The demon said, right as Michael heard a small click on the door, and as the demon returned to its stationary position on the dungeon floor, the door swung open, revealing a fresh pair of guards.

“Morning, hero. Your allotted time is up, and you have successfully completed your task. Usually we’d allow you to take the day off and get some rest, but the King has summoned you and Sir Johan to the throne room, to be tasked with a new assignment. I assume you were already aware of this, Sir hero. You best be off before the King gets impatient!” The guards said urgently, and upon suggestion Michael set into a run, moving towards the stairs.

“Greetings, Hero!” The King said boisterously, his arms in the sky, averse to their usual resting point on the throne. “Congratulations on completing your task, and earning the right to begin the next part of your training.” He said, seeing Michael bow his head.

The King was sitting on the throne , with three others sitting on smaller thrones beside him. To his left, were two young women, close to his age, and to his right, was Prince Arthur, looking rather bored. “Ah, allow me to give introductions. Michael, these are my daughters, Princess Gwyneth…” he said, turning his head towards her, who smiled and waived.

“Please hero, despite what my father implies, you need only call me by my title in public. In private, please address me as Gwen” she said, sounding rather kind. She had bright blonde hair that fell down to her shoulders, and her head was decorated with a bright silver crown, similar to the one her siblings wore.

Truly, they are royalty Michael thought as he observer her. She was adorned in a bright white dress, which reached down to her ankles, as if she was prepared for a formal event. Her sister was dressed in a nearly identical attire, while Prince Arthur wore a shining white robe, his expression blank.

“Next to Gwyneth sits Princess Lorraine, my youngest daughter.” The King continued talking, his hand motioning to the next royal. “She prefers Lorraine, unlike Gwyneth here, and she is currently in training to become the captain of the Royal Guard!” He exclaimed, sticking his chest out proudly, pulling a giggle from the Princess.

“Now Now, Hero. I’m sure you’re curious as to why I have summoned you today.” The King continued, his posture stiffening as he spoke. “As one that holds the Spy class, your first task will not be the same as the other Heroes’.” Michael’s eyes furrowed at that, but he remained silent.

“Your task, young Michael, is to investigate the missing persons cases developing within the city. You must find the culprit, and promptly arrest them, or deal with them, if it comes to that. You will be under the direct tutelage of your mentor, Johan, since he prefers this form of work.” He said quickly, the King’s words spilling out of his mouth as quick as Michael could comprehend them.

Michael sat still for a minute, before snapping back to reality, curious towards the peculiar assignment given to him. He made to leave, but stopped himself before he could move. You have to respect the King, Michael! Remember your manners! He practically screamed in his head. Turning towards the King, he dropped to one knee, before practically shouting to the King: “As you wish, your Highness!”

With a nod of the King’s head, Michael spun around, and moved out the large door, his eyes falling to the two royally fashionable guards standing at the entrance. His mind was reeling, and he quickened his pace. His curiosity was eating him up inside. Missing People? In the royal capital? What’s going on?!