Niel headed into the battle with his soldiers behind him. He soon started a slaughter, these regular barbarians were not his match at all. Soon one of the stronger barbarians noticed Niel’s actions and rushed in to save his allies. He struck down at Niel with a large hammer, Alfan jumped in at this moment, blocking the attack with his battle axe. Unfortunately Alfan was a level weaker than the barbarian soldier, causing the attack to launch him backwards. He spit out blood but managed to stay on his feet.

“Leave this to me Alfan, a leader shouldn’t let his soldiers be bullied”

Niel moved in and shot his spear towards the barbarians throat. The barbarian blocked with his hammer, and the two were soon engaged in a back and forth of attacks. The barbarian swung his hammer sideways, as if he wanted to split Niel into two. Niel jumped over the attack, and struck his spear forwards, embedding it deep into the barbarians skull.

With each additional kill, he felt himself get a little bit stronger. He was heading through the battlefield like the grim reaper, collecting more lives with each step. The war trumpet sounded again, showing that the battle was officially over. Niel wanted to stay and fight some more, but he had to follow the general's orders.

Years soon flew by and Niel got stronger and stronger. From a young man he had now turned into an adult, his body filled with endless power, and just looking at him would cause fear in weaker soldiers. Niels fame in the northern battle fields had also exploded over the years. He was known as the Spear of Budo, with his spear in hand, he killed countless amounts of barbarians. Included in those numbers were some of the finest warriors the barbarians had to offer, unfortunately they fell all the same before Niel’s spear.

The first princes plan completely backfired on him. He originally wanted to use this chance to kill Niel, but the plan went in the complete opposite direction. Niel had instead built a name for himself as one of the strongest fighters in the Budo Kingdom, his ascension to the throne was essentially guaranteed at this point.

The first prince was exasperated. However no matter what kind of plans him and his advisors came up with, none of it would work. Niel was already far too strong, trying to get him killed wouldn’t work. The only possibility was to ruin his reputation, but how would they go about achieving that? He was already well known for his valor, and his tales from the battlefield had spread across the kingdom. Everyone looked up to him.

“The chieftain”

Suddenly one of his advisors uttered this name

“What about the chieftain?”

“The chieftain is said to be as strong as King Budo. If he fought, even someone with Niel’s strength wouldn’t stand a chance”

“Yes, but there's one major flaw with that plan. How exactly we are meant to get the chieftain to fight Niel?”

“We can bribe him… The chieftain comes from the harsh northern area. Despite his prestige and power, his resources are quite low. Using this we can easily offer him some rewards that will tempt him”

The prince went silent upon hearing this. It was high risk and high reward. If they did it successfully, the biggest thorn in the eldest prince’s eye would be gone, however a single mistake would most likely cause the eldest prince's death or banishment. However he quickly steeled himself, what was his life worth if he couldn’t even become the king? He decided to take the risk and quickly sent a messenger to try and meet the chieftain.

A few days later the messenger came back. This alone was a good sign since it meant the chieftain didn’t kill him, which meant there were chances for negotiation.

“Young master, the chieftain says the only way he’ll accept the request is if he is given, 1000 cows, 1000 sheep, and 2000 chickens”

The messenger spoke

“What?! Is the chieftain insane. That’s almost half of what the kingdom has!”

The advisor moved in at this moment

“Your Highness, we have no other options. As long as you become king, what do a few animals mean?

“Good point. A true king has to make some sacrifices along the way, or else he will never achieve greatness. Fortunately my royal father doesn’t put much attention on these animals, so we can smuggle them out easily. However it won't be long before someone notices, by then we may become suspects”

“Your Highness, King Budo is already old, and will have to give up the throne soon. As long as Niel dies, with your influence as the eldest prince, you will be able to swoop in and take the crown in a single movement. By then whether people suspect you or not, it won’t matter”

“Very well, have the plan take place tonight. I want Niel to die as soon as possible.”

“Yes, your Highness”