《Unstoppable King - Rebirth Of The Valiant Prince (System)LITRPG》 Unstoppable King - Chapter 1 Eomeoni Voice As I sat down, my breath felt heavy. My heart beat faster as memories from the past flooded in. Everyone I loved had died. What was there left for me to live for? Darkness crept in as I faded into it. I stared down at my lifeless body¡ªand in that moment, I was swallowed by complete darkness. ¡°Congratulations, Pyeha. Jungjeon Ma-Ma has delivered a healthy young Hyeon Daegun.¡± When I opened my eyes, a man stood before me in a royal Gonryongpo robe, smiling proudly as he looked down. ¡°Why isn¡¯t the baby crying?¡± asked the King. ¡°Nothing is wrong, my King. The baby is healthy,¡± said the doctor. It was in that moment I realized¡ªI had been reborn into the past. I tried to laugh, but instead, all that came out was a baby¡¯s giggle. ¡°Hey, the baby is laughing, my dear,¡± said the woman. ¡°I wonder what¡¯s going on inside that little mind,¡± said the King. I had been granted a new beginning. A new mother. A new father. And in this life, I would protect the ones I love¡ªno matter what. ¡°I will return soon, my dear Jungjeon. I must attend the court meeting,¡± said the King. He kissed the Queen on the forehead, then looked at me and gave me a soft kiss as well. He turned and left the room. ¡°Guard the royal baby and the Queen,¡± he commanded before the doors shut. ¡°Keep your eyes sharp. Report to me if anything happens.¡± A warmth came from my mother as her gentle, soft-spoken voice whispered: ¡°Your name will be Jinseo. You will be thunder and mercy¡ªa force that shakes the ground your enemies stand on, yet shields the innocent and the ones you love.¡± I responded with a happy baby noise. ¡°You like the name I gave you, my dear little Jinseo?¡± she said, snuggling up to me. Her soft face touched mine, and she smelled like peach blossoms. ¡°It¡¯s time to feed you milk,¡± said my mother. Aaaah! Noooo! I¡¯m not a baby! I¡¯m a man! Get that thing away from me¡ª My stomach growled. ¡­I gave in and started drinking. ¡°There, there, my little handsome Jinseo¡­ my lovely boy,¡± she cooed. A voice called from outside the chamber door. ¡°Ma-Ma, there are three children sent by the King to be royal and loyal servants to the newborn prince,¡± said the guard. ¡°Let them in,¡± said my mother. The three entered together and bowed deeply. ¡°Jungjeon Ma-Ma, we have been sent by Jeonha to present ourselves to the newborn prince,¡± they said in unison. Behind the white curtains, my mother¡¯s voice answered, ¡°What are your names?¡± ¡°My name is Baekho,¡± said the first, his voice sharp and determined. ¡°I am to be trained as Wangja Mama¡¯s personal guard, Jungjeong Ma-ma.¡± ¡°My name is Eunchae,¡± said the second, calm and composed. ¡°I am a eunuch, trained to serve and protect Wangja Mama.¡± ¡°My name is Sohwa,¡± said the third with a soft, quiet voice. ¡°I am a maid. My duty is to serve Jungjeong Ma-ma and Wangja Mama.¡± With a seal of approval, I let out a loud, giggly baby noise. ¡°Hee-hee!¡± ¡°It looks like little Jinseo likes you all,¡± my mother said with a warm smile. These short limbs were troublesome, if you ask me. I couldn¡¯t do anything adults could¡ªI could only roll around, cry, poop, and pee. By the age of three, while my father was busy with court officials and my mother managed palace matters, I began secretly training my body. I lifted small weights¡ªbaby-sized ones, of course. I ran, stretched, and pushed myself every night. Anything to become strong again. My three servants often watched me with confusion. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. By the age of five, I had grown more curious. I snuck out of the palace with Baekho, Eunchae, and Sohwa to see what the outside world was like. With a pouch full of coins, I walked the streets, helping the poor where I could. Baekho wore his usual serious look, while Eunchae and Sohwa had worried expressions glued to their faces. I knew they were afraid we¡¯d get in trouble. Hehehe¡­ I laughed to myself, amused. For the record, Baekho is the oldest, Eunchae the second, and Sohwa the youngest of the three. We strolled along the quiet trail, my servants close behind, when I saw them¡ªfive children, laughing near the bushes. A moment of peace. Then the leaves shook. A low growl crawled out of the earth. The children froze. So did my servants. Baekho stepped forward, hand on his sword. ¡°Your Highness, we should go¡ª¡± The words died in his throat as the beast lunged from the brush. A young bear, but massive. Foam clung to its teeth. Wild eyes locked on the children. ¡°RUN!¡± Eunchae shouted. But I didn¡¯t move. Not away. Toward. I tore the sword from Baekho¡¯s belt with all the strength my small body had. It was too big, too heavy¡ªbut it was enough. I didn¡¯t swing it. I aimed. One breath. One step. I hurled it like a spear. The air split. The blade flew true. And with a wet, sickening sound¡ªit struck. The bear dropped, its last growl fading in its throat. Silence. The children stared. My servants did too¡ªeyes wide, mouths slightly open. Then the oldest boy stepped forward and dropped to his knees. ¡°Wangja Mama!¡± they cried. ¡°You have saved our lives¡ªwe will be forever grateful!¡± Behind me, my three servants stood frozen, mouths open, eyes twitching. It was as if they had never seen anyone slay a bear before. ¡°It¡¯s time for us to return to the palace, Agissi,¡± Baekho said, still in disbelief. ¡°Okay,¡± I replied calmly. We snuck back into the palace as quietly as we could¡ªbut it didn¡¯t matter. My mother caught me. That evening, I was properly lectured. ¡°Jinseo, why did you go out without permission?¡± Eomeoni scolded me. ¡°Do you know how worried I was?¡± I snuggled up to her with the cutest voice and expression I could muster. ¡°Eomeoni, I just wanted to see what it¡¯s like outside the palace¡­ I want to help people¡­¡± My voice softened into a gentle, innocent plea as I leaned against her. Her angry expression shifted. She sighed¡­ then grabbed my ear and tugged. ¡°Are you trying to soften my heart, young man?¡± ¡°Gaahhhh!¡± I let out a dramatic yelp of pain. Behind me, my three servants giggled as I was punished. Urgh¡­ I¡¯ll get my revenge on these three one day, I muttered in my thoughts, serious as ever. The morning sun rose over the palace. ¡°Wangja Mama, your food has arrived,¡± Sohwa said. As I reached for the tray, Eunchae suddenly grabbed a spoon and started eating before I could touch it. His mouth full, he muttered, ¡°The food is safe to eat.¡± I stared at the plate. Most of the food was already gone. Eunchae had eaten half of it. I sighed. ¡°Hhhh¡­¡± ¡°Wangja Mama,¡± Baekho said, stepping forward. ¡°Jeonha has requested your presence.¡± I stood up and made my way toward my father¡¯s chamber, my three servants trailing behind. My father greeted me with a soft gaze. ¡°It¡¯s time for you to begin attending royal classes,¡± he said. Get yourself ready my son, I''m sure you well like it. ¡°I heard you snuck out of the palace.¡± I gave a quiet, guilty laugh. ¡°Hee-hehe¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t make your mother worry again,¡± he said. ¡°If you want to leave, ask her first.¡± ¡°Yes, Nae Wangnim,¡± I replied respectfully. ¡°Now go, and keep your servants with you at all times.¡± ¡°Yes, Nae Wangnim,¡± I repeated. I hugged my father and took my leave. ¡°I¡¯ll be heading to my secret training ground,¡± I told my servants. ¡°Are you doing those weird workouts again?¡± Eunchae asked. Baekho slapped the back of his head. ¡°Do not question Agissi.¡± ¡°Ouch!¡± Eunchae cried. Sohwa giggled. For the rest of the day, I trained, while my servants stood guard to make sure no one caught At age ten, my body felt strong¡ªstronger than most grown men. I could do things others only dreamed of. I could crush coal into a diamond with my bare hands. It was my birthday. I had turned ten, and my loyal servants had grown alongside me. ¡°Happy birthday, my dear boy Jinseo. I wish you a happy and long life,¡± said my mother with her soft voice. ¡°Happy birthday,¡± said my father with warmth. ¡°May your life be long and full of greatness.¡± ¡°Happy birthday, Wangja Mama!¡± my three servants shouted in unison, bowing low. As I made my way back to my room, my gaze met with three palace maids standing in front of my mother¡¯s quarters. My head throbbed with a familiar ache. Their faces¡­ they looked just like the women I once loved. They bowed as our eyes met. I walked past them¡ªbut then stopped and turned back. I entered my mother¡¯s room. ¡°Eomeoni, who were the three maids outside your quarters?¡± ¡°Hana, Yura, and Mirae,¡± she replied. ¡°They¡¯re training to be my personal maids.¡± Their names. Their faces. It was them. With a shy but firm voice, I said, ¡°Eomeoni¡­ I want them to be my maids.¡± She smiled gently. ¡°I thought you might. I¡¯ll send them to your quarters this evening.¡± I hugged her tightly. ¡°Thank you, Eomeoni.¡± A wide smile spread across my face. That very evening, the three girls arrived. ¡°Wangja Mama,¡± they greeted in unison. ¡°Come in,¡± I replied. My three servants stood nearby, silently analyzing them. ¡°Let¡¯s go for a walk,¡± I told the maids. I took them to the flower fields¡ªI knew they loved flowers. Hana loved roses. Yura loved daisies. Mirae loved orchids. I picked their favorite flowers and gently tucked them behind their ears. They blushed. ¡°Thank you, Wangja Mama,¡± they whispered in unison. We played together in the fields, laughing and smiling. It was the happiest I had felt in a long time. We were walking back from the flower field. Laughter still echoed behind us. Hana wore her rose. Yura had a daisy tucked behind her ear. Mirae held her orchid gently, like it was alive. Then we heard it. A rumble. The ground trembled beneath our feet. Birds scattered from the trees. And then¡ª ¡°Get back!¡± I shouted. A wild elephant burst through the treeline¡ªmassive, dust-covered, wild-eyed. Its tusks glinted in the sun. Its roar shook the forest. The girls froze. Baekho stepped forward, but I raised a hand. ¡°Stay back.¡± I dropped to one knee, grabbing the thickest broken tree limb I could find. My fingers moved fast¡ªshaving the wood to a jagged, lethal point with the dagger tucked at my side. The elephant was already charging. I breathed. Once. My hand tightened. And with all my strength¡ªI hurled the makeshift spear. It spun through the air, screaming. Then¡ªimpact. A sickening crack rang out as the spear drove into the elephant¡¯s skull. Its legs buckled. The beast crumbled into the earth with a final, thunderous groan. Silence. Dust floated through the air. When I turned, they were all staring¡ªBaekho, Eunchae, Sohwa¡­ and the three girls. There face said it all!.. They stood there, Shocked and in awe. Unable to speak. Death couldn''t keep me. Fate bent to grief. and in this life... I will rise. As thunder to my enemies. As Jinseo -- the name they will never Forget. My legend begins here. Unstoppable King - Chapter 2 - A Prince Among Ashes Morning arrived with the sweet sound of birds... and the loud snoring of my servant echoing across the chamber. It was Saturday morning¡ªthe perfect time to sneak out again. But not before¡ª ¡°Jungjeong Ma-ma!!¡± A chorus of voices rang from outside my chamber just as the doors opened. I quickly shut my eyes and pretended to be asleep. Then came a voice¡ªsweet, warm, and impossible to resist. ¡°Jinseo-ya, have you woken up yet, my precious boy?¡± I leapt up and wrapped my arms around my beautiful Eomeoni. ¡°Aigoo, my cute boy¡ªyou¡¯re already awake,¡± she chuckled. ¡°Eomma,¡± I said with wide, pleading eyes, ¡°I want to go outside the palace today.¡± ¡°Of course you can,¡± she smiled, ¡°but first, you have writing lessons this morning.¡± ¡°Eomma, can¡¯t I do it later?¡± I asked, eyes glowing with my most innocent look. She sighed with a smile. ¡°Of course, my precious Jinseo-ya.¡± ¡°It worked like a charm.¡± ¡°Thank you, Eomeoni,¡± I murmured, snuggling close. ¡°But you must come back this afternoon for your lesson,¡± she added gently. ¡°Jungjeong Ma-ma, I brought some tea,¡± said Sohwa as she entered quietly. As always, Eunchae was three steps ahead. He took a cup, sipped it quickly, and nodded. ¡°It is safe to drink, Jungjeong Ma-ma,¡± Eunchae said with a bow. Just then, a guard called from outside, ¡°Jungjeong Ma-ma, five boys request an audience with the young prince.¡± ¡°Let them in,¡± said my mother. As the boys entered, their faces struck a familiar chord. I remembered them well. One of them stepped forward and handed my mother a coin pouch. ¡°Jungjeong Ma-ma, I¡¯ve brought this coin pouch back for Wangja Ma-ma,¡± he said. ¡°What are your names?¡± my mother asked. ¡°With a courageous voice, the first said, ¡°My name is Daeyoung.¡± ¡°Minjae,¡± said the second with a calm voice. ¡°Sungho!¡± shouted the third, energetic and bright. ¡°Jisoo,¡± said the fourth, his voice soft. And finally, ¡°Harin,¡± said the youngest, composed but warm. Daeyoung then turned back to my mother. ¡°Jungjeong Ma-ma, I want to tell you something. The prince¡ªhe saved us fro¡ª¡± I cut him off. ¡°Mom, I¡¯m going to head out now. My servant and I will be going with Daeyoung and his friends.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t come home late, my dear Jinseo-ya. You still have writing lessons.¡± ¡°Yes, Eomeoni,¡± I replied. ¡°Would you like to take the horse carriage, Agissi?¡± Baekho asked. ¡°No, we¡¯ll walk.¡± Just as we stepped out, the three maids¡ªmy ¡°soon-to-be wives,¡± hehe¡ªappeared. ¡°Wangja Ma-ma! We brought you some breakfast!¡± ¡°We made this miyeokguk soup just for you,¡± Yura said brightly. We made our way to the picnic area, accompanied by the soft rustle of the breeze and the distant call of birds. I sat down ready to eat. Eunchae, ever vigilant, stepped forward. ¡°Agissi, I must taste the soup first.¡± Before he could stop me, I grabbed the bowl and began eating. ¡°Nooo¡ª!¡± Eunchae lunged toward me. ¡°Ahhh! If something happens to you, Agissi, I¡¯ll be guilty for the rest of my life!¡± He threw himself dramatically to the ground, tears in his eyes. I smiled and thanked my maids, then finally made my way out of the palace with my servants and the five boys. Once we passed through the palace gates, I took a deep breath, stretched my limbs to get the blood flowing, and made Baekho and Eunchae do the same. They grumbled¡ªEunchae the loudest, of course. We strolled down into the commoner district. I saw many elderly and sickly people, and pain twisted in my chest. As we passed through the market, I noticed the crowd was thin. The air was filled with a mixture of unfamiliar scents¡ªsweet, salty, sour. If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. I turned to Daeyoung. ¡°Show me where the rice fields are.¡± ¡°Yes, Wangja Ma-ma,¡± he replied. When we arrived, I saw many struggling farmers¡ªthin, shaking, weary. One old man caught my attention. His clothes were ragged, his hands rough with calluses, his voice trembling like leaves. ¡°What is your name?¡± I asked. ¡°Kim Dalsu, Wangja Ma-ma,¡± he replied. I gazed out over the rice field. It was dry and stunted. The growth was poor. ¡°Gather the farmers,¡± I ordered Kim Dalsu. ¡°I will share what I know.¡± Once they assembled, I stood before them and began. ¡°Land selection and leveling are key. Rice grows best in flat, low-lying areas. You must have reliable access to water. Proper leveling ensures water is distributed evenly, preventing floods or dry patches.¡± I paused and looked around. ¡°Any questions?¡± Kim Dalsu raised his shaking hand. ¡°Wangja Ma-ma¡­ what should we farmers do¡ª¡± ¡°To maintain a flat, low-lying area,¡± I explained, ¡°if you have a cow, attach a wooden or metal plow to it. Use large, flat wooden boards to smooth the muddy surface.¡± ¡°How do we find such items?¡± asked one of the farmers. ¡°I will help you build everything you need for the rice fields,¡± I said firmly. ¡°The people here are starving. I must do everything in my power to keep you healthy and strong. You are the foundation of this kingdom.¡± The farmers lowered their heads and thanked me, tears slipping down their weathered faces. I turned back to kim dalsu. ¡°Do you know any blacksmiths?¡± He straightened with pride. ¡°Yes, Wangja Ma-ma,¡± he said with a big smile. ¡°I¡¯ll lead the way, Wangja-Mama!¡± Daeyoung replied without hesitation. As we made our way toward the blacksmith, we passed more people¡ªthin, hunched, hungry. My heart ached with every step. The market thinned as we neared the edge of the district. The calls of merchants and laughter of children faded behind us, replaced by the crackle of fire and the faint, rhythmic ring of steel on steel. Daeyoung walked a step ahead, eyes scanning the path. ¡°You¡¯re sure he¡¯s here?¡± I asked. He nodded. ¡°Yes, Wangja Ma-ma. Not many know about him.¡± We turned a corner and stopped in front of an old forge wedged between two stone buildings. The roof sagged, and smoke drifted lazily from a bent chimney. An old wooden sign hung crooked above the entrance¡ªetched with a single character: Fire. ¡°His name?¡± I asked. ¡°Jang Hyukseon,¡± Daeyoung said quietly. ¡°He only speaks when he wants to.¡± I pushed the door open. The heat struck me first¡ªfollowed by the sound. Clang. Clang. Clang. The forge glowed like the heart of a beast. Steel lined the walls¡ªblades, chisels, hammers, and tools I couldn¡¯t even name. The air smelled of iron and smoke. At the center stood a man. Broad-backed. Slow-breathing. Covered in soot. His silver-streaked hair was tied in a knot, and when his eyes lifted, they were as sharp as the blades he forged. ¡°Hey, old man Jang!¡± Daeyoung called out. Jang Hyukseon turned, startled. Then he saw me. ¡°Wangja Ma-ma,¡± he said, quickly bowing low. ¡°How may this old man be of service to you?¡± My gaze wandered around the forge, taking in the craftsmanship¡ªthe balance, the weight, the precision of every blade. ¡°You can speak to me informally,¡± I said. ¡°I¡¯m here for something simple.¡± He looked up, surprised. ¡°I want you to forge me a plow. Something sturdy. A tool that a cow can pull through the mud.¡± ¡°¡­and forge me a fine spear,¡± I added. ¡°Ten feet long. Fifteen inches thick. Take your time¡ª¡± I paused, then smirked. ¡°¡ªbut make it quick.¡± ¡°Yes, Wangja Ma-ma,¡± Jang Hyukseon replied with a respectful bow. I turned to Daeyoung. ¡°Do you know any carpenters?¡± ¡°Yes, Wangja Ma-ma. I¡¯ll lead the way.¡± We weaved through narrow alleys, past weavers, potters, and fishmongers. The sharp scent of brine mixed with fresh wood shavings. Eventually, I heard it¡ªthe sound of hammering. Not sharp and ringing like a blacksmith¡¯s, but steady and warm. Rhythmic. Almost like a song being tapped into wood grain. We turned a corner and found him. A man in his late forties, sleeves rolled to the elbow, sandals worn thin. He crouched beneath a crumbling roof, tapping a beam into place with slow, deliberate care. Behind him stood a half-finished cart¡ªperfectly balanced on uneven ground. A child sat nearby, cradling a plank in their lap, watching the man work as if it were magic. ¡°That¡¯s him,¡± Daeyoung whispered. ¡°Han Seokjin.¡± The man looked up as we approached. His face was weathered, his eyes kind but sharp with focus. ¡°Wangja Ma-ma,¡± he said, standing and bowing with rough, calloused hands. ¡°Forgive my appearance. I wasn¡¯t expecting royalty.¡± I stepped closer. ¡°Royalty isn¡¯t why I¡¯m here,¡± I said quietly. ¡°I need someone who can build things that last¡ªnot just walls¡­ but hope.¡± He blinked, taken aback. Then a small smile formed on his lips. ¡°Then you¡¯ve come to the right place.¡± Han Seokjin studied me for a moment¡ªsilently. Not with fear, but with understanding. I reached into my robe and pulled out a folded sketch I¡¯d drawn the night before. ¡°I need this,¡± I said. ¡°A cow-pulled plow. Strong enough to cut through wet, uneven soil. Light enough that even the elderly can guide it.¡± He took the paper carefully, unfolding it with reverence. ¡°Hm¡­ dual handles, iron-plated edge¡­ a rotating axle for balance¡­¡± he murmured, reading the drawing like scripture. His brow furrowed as he examined the angles, the joints, the depth. ¡°I can build it,¡± he finally said. ¡°But it¡¯ll take a few days to find the right wood.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll have it delivered,¡± I replied. He looked up at me, a hint of surprise in his eyes. ¡°You think of everything, don¡¯t you, Wangja Ma-ma?¡± I met Han Seokjin¡¯s gaze. ¡°I have to,¡± I said. ¡°My people deserve nothing less.¡± He smiled¡ªslow and proud. ¡°Then let this carpenter serve your dream,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯ll craft it not just with my hands¡­ but with purpose.¡± ¡°Well then, old man Han Seokjin,¡± I smirked, turning away, ¡°I¡¯ll be seeing you around.¡± I faced my servants and Daeyoung with his four friends. ¡°Today, we help the farmers¡ªwith our bare hands, and anything we can use.¡± We returned to the fields, sleeves rolled, feet in the mud. The farmers worked beside us, shoulder to shoulder. My servants joined in¡ªreluctantly at first, but soon even Eunchae was on his knees, pulling weeds and hauling water. ¡°Wangja Ma-ma, I¡¯m tired,¡± Eunchae groaned dramatically, wiping his forehead. I raised a brow. ¡°I guess that means you¡¯re not eating today.¡± He froze. Then, as if possessed by the spirit of ten warriors, he sprang up with renewed fury. ¡°I-I was only resting my eyes, Agissi!¡± he cried, shoveling faster than ever. As the afternoon sun dipped low, it was time for me to return. ¡°Daeyoung,¡± I said, wiping my hands clean, ¡°stay behind. Help old man Kim. I need to get back to the palace.¡± ¡°Yes, Wangja Ma-ma,¡± he replied with a firm nod. With Baekho, Eunchae, and Sohwa beside me, we started our walk back. We were halfway through a narrow alley when Baekho suddenly stopped. His hand moved slowly to the hilt of his blade. ¡°¡­Something is wrong.¡± Unstoppable King - Chopter 3 Eomeoni teaching. The air shifted. No wind. No birds. No sound. Thud. A tile slipped off the rooftop behind us. I turned. From the shadows, five figures emerged. Black robes. Hidden faces. Eyes like ice¡ªcold and calculating. Each held a blade curved like a fang. Assassins. ¡°Stay back,¡± Baekho growled, stepping forward, body tense. ¡°No.¡± I stepped ahead of him, calm. ¡°This is meant for me.¡± One of them lunged¡ªfast. Too fast for most to follow. But I wasn¡¯t most. I dropped low, caught his wrist mid-swing, and twisted. Crack. His blade hit the ground. I drove my elbow into his throat. Collapse. He didn¡¯t get back up. Another came from behind. I spun, grabbing the first man¡¯s body and twisting it into the path of the next strike. Steel met flesh. The second masked man hesitated. That was all I needed. A swift kick to his chest¡ªhe flew backward and slammed into the wall. ¡°Eunchae, take cover!¡± Baekho shouted. ¡°Too late for that!¡± Eunchae yelped. He was already crouched behind a barrel, hands trembling. Sohwa ducked down beside him, her eyes wide, clutching her skirt. The remaining three circled me. One of them raised a hand¡ªa silent signal. Then they all charged. I closed my eyes for a single breath. Then moved. Spin. Step. Sweep. A leg broke with a crack. Another blade was torn from its owner''s grasp. A third strike came¡ªI blocked it using a sword I¡¯d stolen mid-move, one of their own. Clang. Crack. Collapse. One by one, they fell¡ªunconscious, groaning, or choking on defeat. I stood in the center, still as stone, a stolen blade gleaming in my hand. Only one remained¡ªtheir leader. He stepped back, panic crawling across his face. I pointed the sword¡¯s tip at him. ¡°Run,¡± I said coldly. ¡°And tell whoever sent you¡­¡± My eyes narrowed. ¡°¡­I am not a boy to be hunted.¡± I stepped forward once, blade steady. ¡°I am a future king, you dull creature.¡± He bolted¡ªvanishing into the shadows. I let out a slow breath and dropped the sword. Baekho stared, stunned as always. Eunchae peeked out from behind the barrel, jaw on the floor. Even Sohwa¡¯s eyes shimmered with disbelief. I turned to them with a cheeky grin. ¡°I mean¡­ not many ten-year-olds can do what I just did.¡± I giggled. We made our way to my mother¡¯s quarters. At the entrance, my three maids¡ªmy ¡°soon-to-be¡± wives, in five years, of course¡ªgreeted me with bright smiles. ¡°Good afternoon, Wangja Ma-ma,¡± they chimed in unison. I nodded like a proper prince, then pushed open the chamber doors. ¡°Good afternoon, Eomeoni,¡± I said in my baby voice. I mean¡ªtechnically¡ªI was still a kid. ¡°Jinseo-ya, my baby boy,¡± my mother beamed, arms open. ¡°Have you taken a shower yet?¡± she asked gently. ¡°I have not, Mother,¡± I replied. She smiled softly, stood up, and led me to the royal bathing chamber. As we arrived, her eyes caught something¡ªa faint stain. ¡°Jinseo-ya¡­ why is there blood on your shirt, my dear?¡± Her voice trembled. ¡°Aigo¡­ what am I going to do with you? You¡¯re all I have left, my dear¡­ Uri Aegi.¡± Tears welled in her eyes. Of course, I couldn¡¯t tell her I fought five masked assassins in an alley. ¡°Eomma¡­ Baekho accidentally spilled some blood on my robe while he was hunting,¡± I lied quickly. ¡°Baekho, you¡¯re in big trouble,¡± Eunchae whispered from behind, barely suppressing his giggles. I hugged my mother tightly. ¡°Everything¡¯s okay, Eomeoni. I¡¯m fine.¡± She looked down at me, her face filled with worry. ¡°You¡¯re not allowed to go out anymore¡­¡± Still, she gently helped me bathe, washing the mud and dried blood from my skin with care. Then she led me back to her quarters for my writing lesson. The quiet study room smelled of ink and aged parchment. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. A window stood open, the breeze rustling the sheer curtains. Birds soared past, their wings slicing through the afternoon sun as it painted the garden below. Eomeoni sat beside me in her elegant hanbok, her sleeves draping like silk clouds as she guided my hand over the brush. ¡°Hold it like this, Jinseo-ya. With patience. Let the ink breathe.¡± I watched closely. Her fingers were gentle, her movements precise¡ªlike everything she did. Together, we wrote a single word: Benevolence. ¡°To be a king, my son,¡± she said softly, ¡°you must first learn to Fear and obey God and practice kindness¡ªbefore you ever command others.¡± I looked down at the character we had written. Kindness. It looked gentle¡ªbut I saw strength in it too. My grip tightened slightly on the brush. In the distance, I heard Eunchae trip over a teacup¡ªagain. I stifled a giggle. After our lesson, Eomeoni took my hand, and we walked outside. She explained the roles of court maids as we strolled. My three servants followed quietly behind us, and my soon-to-be wives trailed close, whispering and giggling. The wind was soft. The trees swayed. Birds chirped overhead. The rustling leaves filled the silence like a lullaby. My mother pointed toward the horizon. ¡°Can you see to the end of it?¡± she asked. ¡°No,¡± I said. ¡°Nor can you see beyond the future,¡± she whispered. ¡°My dear Nae Adeul, my sweet boy¡­ one day, you will be a great king. This nation will rest under your protection and your rule. And I¡ªyour mother¡ªwill stand behind you. I¡¯ll support every decision you make.¡± I turned to her, voice soft. ¡°Eomeoni¡­ what was your life like before you became Queen?¡± She smiled gently. ¡°Of course, my dear Uri Aegi.¡± ¡°I was born in a quiet home. My father was a scholar. My mother was gifted in herbal medicine. Together, they taught me everything they knew. ¡°My Abeonim taught me the scholar¡¯s path. We read¡ªendlessly. He told me memory was a scholar¡¯s blade. I studied alone, reciting texts until I could recall them word for word. ¡°He also said a scholar must understand all walks of life¡ªwhat farmers do, how carpenters build, what merchants trade. A true scholar never stops seeking knowledge.¡± She paused, brushing a stray hair from my face. ¡°My Eomeoni was a healer. She knew every herb, every root, every remedy. From her, I inherited my understanding of medicine. I can still remember her teachings as if they were whispered just yesterday.¡± She looked out toward the garden. ¡°I was brought to the palace not for marriage¡ªbut because of my knowledge. My skill in medicine. My ability to read and interpret poetry, and classical texts.¡± Another pause. ¡°At first¡­ I hated it. I was alone. Watched constantly. Trapped by rules and tradition. ¡°But then¡­¡± Her voice softened. ¡°I met your father.¡± I looked up at her. ¡°Did you love him?¡± She smiled. ¡°Yes. Deeply. ¡°He was fierce¡­ but not unkind. He saw past the silk, the titles, the quiet mask I wore. He saw me. He once told me my mind was sharper than any blade in his court.¡± I fell quiet. Just listening. Watching her eyes shimmer faintly in the fading light. She looked at me, her voice calmer than ever. ¡°I¡¯ve lost friends¡­ and family. But you¡ª¡± Her voice broke just slightly, then steadied. ¡°You gave me purpose when all hope had drowned. You gave me something to hold on to. Something to fight for.¡± I didn¡¯t know what to say. I didn¡¯t have the words. So I did what felt right. I reached out and took Eomeoni¡¯s hand¡ªheld it tightly. ¡°You¡¯ve lost so much, Eomeoni,¡± I said softly. ¡°But even if the world turns against you¡­ I¡¯ll always stand by your side. And your enemies?¡± I looked into her eyes. ¡°They will become my footstool.¡± She touched my cheek with her cool fingers¡ªtender, quiet. We sat in silence. Behind us, my three servants and my soon-to-be wives stood still, tears glistening in their eyes, listening to everything Eomeoni and I had shared. As the sun dipped low and the golden light stretched across the earth, I walked my mother back to her quarters. My servants and future wives followed silently. Inside, her personal maids greeted her and tended to her needs. ¡°Eomeoni, I¡¯ll be going back to my quarter now,¡± I said. I leaned into her embrace, snuggled against her, and held her tightly. She kissed my forehead with warmth. I kissed her back and gave a soft smile before I left. ¡°It¡¯s time to lock in,¡± I whispered to myself. ¡°Follow me,¡± I told my three servants. The sun still hung in the sky. Birds still chirped. There was no time to waste. No room for weakness. I had trained every single day since I was three. I was in the best shape of my life. Pain didn¡¯t matter. Only the gain mattered. We headed toward my secret training ground. The breeze swept through the trees like a warning. The rattling leaves sounded like the prelude to battle. The world was alive¡ªand I could hear everything. The thud of baboon feet in the distance. The whisper of branches swaying. Every step¡ªanimal or human¡ªI could tell the difference. Even the air told me stories. I could smell scents¡ªdistinct, sharp. Whether beast or man, nothing escaped my ears, eyes, or instincts. Baekho followed silently behind me, carrying a sword wrapped in white cloth. Most boys my age would be napping. But I wasn¡¯t most boys. When we reached the secret ground, Baekho handed me the sword. I unwrapped it slowly. The blade gleamed, but this was just one part of my arsenal. I trained in everything¡ªhand-to-hand, swordsmanship, martial arts from the future, and disciplines from the past. I had trained my body to the very edge. Even a simple blade would bend if it struck my skin. I wasn¡¯t called a genius in my past life for no reason. I wasn¡¯t called the strongest for no reason. I wasn¡¯t called unmatched because it sounded nice. I trained¡­ Because I had a reason. I warmed up my joints and tendons to get the blood flowing. I wrapped weights around my ankles, my arms, my torso. Then I moved¡ªslashes, footwork, spins, strikes, kicks. Each form flowed into the next like water becoming wind. Martial wisdom surged through me¡ªnot because I read it in scrolls, but because it lived inside me. Strength. Precision. Memory. Every technique, every instinct¡­ came with me when I was reborn. My young body was lean, but shredded to the bone. I could outrun a cheetah. My agility was inhuman. I could lift weights heavier than an elephant without breaking stride. Then¡ª ¡°Agissi¡­ you¡¯re going to pass out,¡± Eunchae¡¯s voice groaned from behind a pillar. I glanced back. Eunchae was holding a cold cloth to his forehead like it might stop him from witnessing my insanity. Sohwa arrived moments later, worry etched on her face and a towel in hand. ¡°You¡¯ll overwork yourself again, Wangja Ma-ma.¡± With my strongest grip, I raised the sword. One slash. The tree split clean in half, crashing to the ground with a thunderous crack. My servants, as always, stood frozen¡ªstaring at me with their usual shocked expressions. I turned to Baekho. ¡°Let¡¯s go hunting.¡± He nodded, already prepared. ¡°Eunchae and Sohwa will stay behind,¡± I added before he could ask. ¡°No Eunchae,¡± I mimicked Baekho¡¯s voice playfully, ¡°he¡¯d just complain the whole time. And Sohwa¡­¡± I chuckled, ¡°she¡¯d follow us like a worried duck.¡± Baekho allowed himself the faintest smile. We left through the palace gates. The guards didn¡¯t stop us. Baekho had made sure of that. ¡°Whatever creature crosses our path today¡­¡± I muttered, adjusting the weight on my shoulders, ¡°is unlucky.¡± Unstoppable king - Chapter 4The Quiet After The Storm We entered the deep forest, where the light dimmed beneath thick canopies and the air carried the scent of moss and earth. We settled for a moment¡ªlistening. Then¡ª Crack. A branch snapped to our left. Then another. To the right. Heavy footsteps. Not human. And then they emerged. Five hulking gorillas, each towering over me by at least two heads. Their silver backs gleamed, eyes black and alert. Their breath steamed in the cool forest air. Muscles rippled beneath thick fur like waves on a stormed sea. These weren¡¯t just animals. They were challengers. Baekho stepped forward, blade already drawn. ¡°Run, Agissi. I¡¯ll hold them off.¡± ¡°No.¡± I stepped forward, gaze locked with the lead gorilla¡¯s. ¡°This is my battle.¡± Baekho hesitated¡ªbut he knew better than to argue. The first gorilla charged with terrifying speed, shaking the forest with every step. I waited. Then slid to the side. One punch. A crack split the silence as I struck its jaw. The beast flew backward, crashing into a tree. Its jaw hung dislocated, its growl reduced to a gargled grunt. Another leapt from the trees above. I rolled, then rose with a power kick to its ribs. Crack. The gorilla roared as it was launched back into the air, landing against a tree and clinging with one hand. They surrounded me now. Five to one. Perfect odds. I closed my eyes for a breath. Then I moved. A spinning kick slammed into one¡¯s chest¡ªthud!¡ªsending it tumbling. A punch under the jaw¡ª A rising knee¡ª One gorilla dropped to its knees, gasping. Another grabbed me from behind. I bent forward, shifted my weight, and flipped it over my shoulder. Its grip broke mid-air with a snap as it slammed to the ground. The fourth tried to flank me. I snatched up a fallen stone, heavy and jagged, and hurled it like a hammer. It struck the beast¡¯s head with a crack¡ªthe gorilla collapsed, unmoving. Then came the last one. The largest. The fiercest. Its roar thundered through the trees as it charged with earth-shaking steps. I didn¡¯t flinch. I ran to meet it¡ªhead-on. The clash rattled the forest. Birds scattered into the sky. Trees trembled. I slipped left¡ªthen right. Leapt onto its swinging arm. Ran up its massive shoulder like a wall¡ª Then brought both fists down on the crown of its skull with the force of a boulder strike. The ground cracked beneath our feet. Then¡ª Silence. The forest held its breath. I stood in the center, drenched in sweat and dirt. Around me, five silver-backed giants groaned, unconscious. The clearing was still. Baekho stepped forward, stunned. ¡°¡­Remind me never to spar with you,¡± he muttered. I brushed dirt from my shoulder and exhaled. ¡°They were strong.¡± ¡°But not stronger than you,¡± he replied quietly. I looked once more at the fallen beasts¡ªthen to the horizon beyond the trees. ¡°No.¡± I narrowed my eyes. ¡°Nothing will be.¡± We skinned All of the gorillas, wrapping its pelt with rope for transport. Then, with the sun dipping lower, we paused to rest¡ªeating a small portion of the meat we cooked over a quick fire. Just as we were preparing to head back to the palace, I stopped cold. My ears twitched. ¡°Baekho,¡± I said, voice low. ¡°There are five enemies ahead¡­ five more to our left and right¡­ and one at our back.¡± Baekho¡¯s hand went straight to his blade. ¡°Can you handle the one behind us?¡± I asked calmly. He nodded. ¡°Yes, Agissi.¡± Then it happened¡ªfast. A rustling sound¡ªsuper speed through leaves. An arrow tore through the air, aimed directly at Baekho. In a flash, I drew my knife and intercepted the arrow mid-flight, knocking it aside before it reached him. Then¡ªfive more arrows¡ªracing toward me. I caught them all. One by one. Bare-handed. My eyes sharpened. I heard it¡ªtheir hearts pounding. Fast. Panicked. Afraid. Without hesitation, I threw the arrows back¡ªnot to kill, but to warn. Each arrow shot precisely in the direction it came from. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. A massive cry echoed through the trees. Then¡ª They charged. Nine bandits. I looked behind me¡ª Baekho was struck in the chest. My vision narrowed. Rage burned through me like fire. I dashed toward a bandit near Baekho. With a single punch to his skull, blood erupted from his head like a burst dam. He dropped without a sound. The rest charged from behind. I grabbed a thick log from the ground and swung it with precision. CRACK¡ª The impact launched them into the air like ragdolls, bodies colliding with trees and earth. One bandit managed to stagger up. I was faster. I dashed forward, jabbed straight to his face. His nose shattered. His skull caved in. Another lunged. I spun¡ªone clean kick. Skull crushed. Jaw shattered. All silence now. Only the sound of wind brushing through the trees. Baekho lay on the ground, blood staining his robes. I rushed to his side and lifted him carefully. ¡°Wangja¡­ I can walk,¡± he said, breath shaking. ¡°I got this. How could I¡ª a servant¡ªbe weak and fragile, serving you¡­?¡± Tears slipped from his eyes. I looked him in the eyes. ¡°I didn¡¯t choose you because of strength¡­ or weakness,¡± I said softly. ¡°I chose you because you are trustworthy. That matters more than any blade.¡± By late afternoon, around 5 p.m., I built a makeshift cart from wood and rope. We placed the gorilla¡¯s body on it and made our way to the commoner district. The people there were weak. Thin. Starving. As a prince, I had the power¡ªand the duty¡ªto do what my father once did. To feed them. I gave the meat to the villagers¡ªwatched as their tired eyes lit up with tears and disbelief. By accident, I ran into Daeyoung on the road. ¡°I need a doctor,¡± I said. Without hesitation, he nodded. ¡°Follow me, Wangja Ma-ma.¡± We reached a modest wooden home nestled at the edge of the district. From a distance, I saw a man in a dark robe, worn with age and stained by years of medicine and work. A leather pouch hung at his side. He noticed us immediately¡ªand saw Baekho¡¯s injuries. Without a word, he opened the door. As I entered, the scent of herbs hit me¡ªcool, calming, sharp. Inside the small wooden home, Seo Haneul moved with focus and precision. His hands were steady as he began stitching Baekho¡¯s wound. He looked young¡ªmaybe early thirties¡ªbut his eyes¡­ They held wisdom. A black ponytail tied behind him. Sleeves rolled. Pouch full of hand-ground medicine by his hip. ¡°He¡¯s lost a lot of blood,¡± Haneul said. ¡°But he¡¯s strong. He¡¯ll live.¡± I exhaled in relief. Baekho opened one eye. ¡°Told you¡­ I¡¯m not dying today,¡± he muttered. ¡°Quiet,¡± Haneul said flatly. ¡°Save your strength.¡± I turned to Haneul. ¡°You have skill. More than most I¡¯ve seen¡ªeven in the palace.¡± He bowed slightly. ¡°I only serve where I¡¯m needed.¡± I nodded. ¡°You served where it mattered.¡± As dawn drew near, Haneul completed the treatment. But I wasn¡¯t just a prince¡ªI was trained in medicine too. So of course¡­ I stepped in to assist. I helped bind Baekho¡¯s chest. Applied pressure. Checked for swelling. I had studied healing since childhood. ¡°Stay here for the night,¡± I told him. ¡°Wangja Ma-ma¡­ I can¡¯t. I have to be with you. Always.¡± I paused, then said gently: ¡°I need you to rest. Replenish your strength. If I lose you¡­ if I lose someone I trust¡ªwho can I trust in the future?¡± Baekho¡¯s head lowered. Tears quietly fell from his eyes. ¡°Yes, Wangja Ma-ma¡­¡± I stepped out the door. The breeze hit me softly. The sun was going down, painting the sky in gold and fire. The leaves rattled above, whispering the secrets of the wind. For the first time¡­ The villagers had full stomachs. They devoured the five gorillas I had brought them with laughter, with tears, with the quiet awe of survival turning into comfort. I made my way back to the palace. From a distance, I caught a familiar pair of eyes¡ª Eunchae. He sprinted toward me with all his might¡ª And tripped. Hard. ¡°Wangja Ma-ma!¡± he gasped from the ground, arms sprawled. ¡°Jungjeon Ma-ma is heading to your quarters!¡± In a flash¡ª I disappeared. Eunchae blinked, confused, still face-down in the dirt. Meanwhile, Sohwa was already in my chamber, doing her best to stall my mother. ¡°My dear Jinseo-ya,¡± I heard my mother call as she approached. I splashed my face with water, wiped off the dust, and rushed to put on my sleeping robe. Then I ran toward her with my best innocent grin. ¡°Eomma!¡± I chirped, throwing myself into her arms. She held me close, stroking my hair. ¡°My dear Jinseo-ya¡­ have you bathed yet?¡± ¡°No,¡± I replied with a cheeky smile. ¡°Hehe.¡± She sighed with that familiar mix of love and resignation, then guided me to bathe. Afterward, she helped me into a fresh robe, soft and warm against my skin. ¡°Tomorrow morning, your Abeonim will teach you ¡ª and I hope you¡¯ll listen well, my Jinseo-ya.¡± ¡°My precious boy,¡± she whispered as she kissed my forehead. ¡°Sleep well.¡± She returned to her chamber. Moments later, from outside, I heard chaotic footsteps. Eunchae burst into the room, panting like a winded dog. ¡°Wangja Ma-ma, are you¡ª¡± He didn¡¯t finish. He collapsed face-first in front of me, completely out of breath. Typical Eunchae. A soft knock came at the door. Before I could answer, it creaked open. ¡°Wangja Ma-ma,¡± Mirae peeked in, her eyes sparkling. ¡°We brought something for you.¡± Hana and Yura followed behind, each carrying a tray. ¡°Fresh fruit and honey tea,¡± Yura said gently, her calm smile glowing in the candlelight. ¡°And bean rice cakes!¡± Mirae added, bouncing over to the table. Hana knelt beside me and placed a polished wooden training sword by my side. ¡°In case you get bored,¡± she said with a sly grin. I smiled. ¡°Are you three trying to bribe me?¡± ¡°No,¡± Mirae smirked as she flopped down beside me. ¡°We¡¯re just keeping you from brooding.¡± The three of them settled on the floor, surrounding the low table. I looked at them¡ªreally looked. Their eyes, their smiles, their warmth¡ª It felt like home. A strange, unexpected comfort I didn¡¯t know I needed. Mirae leaned closer, eyes glinting mischievously. ¡°You took down five assassins and ten bandits today. Are you secretly a beast?¡± I chuckled. ¡°Maybe.¡± ¡°Then we¡¯ll just have to tame you,¡± Hana said, mock-serious. I raised an eyebrow. ¡°All three of you?¡± ¡°In time,¡± Yura answered softly, her gaze meeting mine. ¡°But for now¡­ let us just be here. With you.¡± So we sat and talked¡ªabout everything and nothing. The rice fields. The struggling farmers. The carpenter and the blacksmith. And of course, Eunchae tripping over his own feet¡ªagain. Mirae sat close, braiding a small strand of my hair as she hummed a lullaby she said she¡¯d learned from an old palace maid. Hana leaned back, sharpening a wooden blade, her motions calm but precise. Yura sat by the candlelight, quietly writing in her journal, her brush strokes slow and thoughtful. The warmth of the room, their presence, the soft flicker of candle flames¡ªit lulled me into a rare moment of peace.
Later that night, the door creaked open. Baekho slipped in silently. He wasn¡¯t supposed to be here. But of course, he never listened. Wordless, he stepped forward and placed something on the table beside me. A bloodied strip of black cloth... And a small charm. A wolf fang, dipped in dried black ink. I picked it up between my fingers. Cold. Sharp. Heavy with meaning. ¡°This was on one of them,¡± Baekho said quietly. My fingers closed around it. ¡°Black Fang¡­¡± I whispered. The name alone tasted like ash. Old stories. Warnings in the dark. Mercenaries. Bandits. Assassins. No loyalty. No mercy. No faces. Only missions. Only blood. ¡°So¡­¡± I murmured, eyes narrowing. ¡°They¡¯ve crawled out of their holes.¡± That could only mean one thing. ¡°I disturbed their nest,¡± I muttered. ¡°And now¡­ I¡¯ve put fear into their hearts.¡± ¡°I have to keep my guard up. If they dare touch my family¡­ they¡¯ll pay with their lives.¡± Unstoppable King - Chapter 5 "Ashborn: The First Roar It was a quiet early morning ¡ª the kind I¡¯d grown used to. Most days, I woke to the sound of Eunchae snoring softly just outside my chamber. But today, something was different. My door was already open. It was my Abeonim. ¡°I remember Eomeoni told me¡­¡± I thought to myself, ¡°Father gives lessons in the morning.¡± He walked in slowly, eyes calm but alert. He stepped toward me and gently touched my cheek. ¡°Did you sleep well, my dear adeura?¡± he asked, his voice warm. I wrapped my arms around him without thinking. ¡°Yes, Abeoji.¡± A moment later, Sohwa came in carrying a tray of tea. As usual, Eunchae shuffled in behind her and gave it a careful taste ¡ª always taking his job too seriously, and somehow still half-asleep. Then the door creaked again. I looked up. There they were ¡ª Hana, Yura, and Mirae. They stepped into the chamber, heads bowed, moving in perfect unison. ¡°Starting today, we will be serving Wangja-Mama,¡± the three maids said together. I couldn¡¯t look away. My eyes stayed locked on them longer than I meant to. My father chuckled quietly beside me. ¡°It looks like my son has his eye on someone,¡± he said. My face turned red. ¡°It¡¯s not like that¡­¡± I muttered, laughing under my breath. ¡°¡­hehe.¡± My father and I left the chamber together, heading toward the resting shelter near the east garden. The wind brushed past us, carrying the scent of morning leaves. Some drifted down like snowflakes, soft and golden. As we walked, Abeonim spoke. ¡°My son, there will come a day when the distance you walk feels unbearably long¡­ but remember ¡ª you must keep moving forward.¡± We reached the shelter and sat beneath the open canopy. The world was quiet here ¡ª just the rustle of leaves and the low murmur of the wind. Then he turned to me again, eyes steady. ¡°My son, you can¡¯t change the past¡­ but you can change the future.¡± He paused, watching the branches sway above us. ¡°If even the strongest man can fall, then of course a normal man will. We are all driven by greed, desire, flesh, destruction¡­ evil.¡± He looked down at his hands, then back at me. ¡°But that doesn¡¯t mean there isn¡¯t humanity left in our hearts.¡± I said nothing ¡ª just listened. ¡°One day,¡± he said with a proud smile, ¡°you¡¯ll take my place.¡± The words didn¡¯t scare me. They just sat heavy in the air. ¡°A country without a king will lead itself astray,¡± he continued. ¡°But a country with a king ¡ª a corrupted one ¡ª will fall just the same.¡± He placed his hand gently on my shoulder. ¡°But a country with a good king¡­¡± He smiled again. ¡°¡­will flourish. In peace. In harmony. No evil can prevail if the people stand on the side of good.¡± Then his voice softened, just slightly. ¡°And a king without God is a crown without foundation.¡± I took in every word. I knew most ten-year-olds wouldn¡¯t understand the weight of what he said. But I wasn¡¯t one of them. Not at heart. My father stood, and I followed as he led me to the palace sword training grounds. The courtyard was still shaded, the morning sun just starting to stretch across the stone floor. He wasn¡¯t just a king by blood. He was a king by hand ¡ª by sword. I watched as he picked up a wooden practice blade. One clean motion. No wasted breath. One slash. The training dummy snapped cleanly in half, falling with a quiet thud. I barely breathed. ¡°A blade is meant to cut down your enemies¡­¡± my father said, lowering the sword, ¡°¡­but never forget ¡ª words can do the same.¡± He turned toward me, eyes steady. ¡°Use both. When you must.¡± She appeared like a dream ¡ª my Eomeoni, dressed in soft morning silk, her beauty quiet and timeless. I rushed toward her before I could think. She smiled, arms open, and I sank into her embrace. Together, the three of us ¡ª Abeonim, Eomeoni, and I ¡ª walked out to a wide, open field behind the palace. The view stretched far, beyond the rooftops and gardens, to where the sky met the hills. We sat down in the grass. The breeze was soft. We watched the clouds drift above us, watched the birds rise and scatter across the pale blue. I leaned into her side, small and silent, letting the wind pass over us. It was peaceful. And for a moment, everything felt still. When it was time to go, we walked back together. My father returned to his court. My Eomeoni kissed me gently on the forehead. ¡°You behave now, my dear Jinseo-ya,¡± she said, smiling. And just like that, I was alone again ¡ª but not empty. A guard came rushing toward me and my Eomeoni just as she was about to leave. ¡°Wangja-Mama, two men have arrived with the items you requested,¡± he said. ¡°Bring them in,¡± I replied. My mother smiled and kissed my forehead once more before departing. ¡°You behave now, my dear Jinseo-ya.¡± I stepped back into my chamber, where my six attendants were already waiting for my orders. Calm, patient, loyal ¡ª always. I called out quietly, ¡°Han, Jang. Come with me.¡± They entered with bowed heads. ¡°We¡¯ve finished the item and delivered it to the farmer, Wangja-Mama,¡± said Han, the carpenter. ¡°And your spear,¡± Jang added. ¡°I made it exactly as you described.¡± He held it out carefully ¡ª a weapon of my design, balanced and sharp. I handed them a pouch of coins, but they tried to refuse. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. ¡°This is your hard-earned pay,¡± I said firmly. ¡°Take it. I insist.¡± They exchanged glances, then bowed deeply. ¡°Call on us anytime, Wangja-Mama. Send a letter, a word, and it will be done.¡± And with that, they took their leave. I told the rest of my attendants to remain behind. Only Baekho followed me ¡ª injured, but capable. Always. We made our way to the commoner district. The moment we entered, the mood changed. I saw the truth in plain sight: hunger, sickness, silence. Thin bodies. Shaky hands. Children with hollow cheeks and empty eyes. Some played quietly in the dirt, but there was little laughter ¡ª mostly from the youngest, the ones who hadn¡¯t yet learned to feel the weight. I caught glimpses of figures slipping through alleys. Bandits, likely. But they vanished before I could act. Still, I walked. Helped where I could. Spoke when needed. Along the way, Daeyoung found me. Without a word, he joined us ¡ª walking quietly beside me like a shadow. Loyal as always. I offered advice to merchants, to children, to the weary. I listened to whispers. Rumors flew like leaves in the wind. ¡°The young prince slayed a bear.¡± ¡°The young prince and his father¡­ they¡¯re our only hope.¡± And then I saw him. A boy ¡ª sitting alone, knees pulled to his chest. His shirt was torn, his hair a mess, and his body was covered in scars no child should carry. I knelt down gently, not too close. ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± I said. ¡°Where are your parents?¡± He flinched. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± He looked up at me ¡ª wary, tired. ¡°Joon,¡± he said. ¡°I don¡¯t have any parents.¡± I turned to Daeyoung. ¡°Take him to Seo Haneul,¡± I said. ¡°Tell Haneul this child is to be his disciple. These are my words ¡ª from Prince Jinseo.¡± Daeyoung bowed immediately. ¡°Yes, Wangja-Mama.¡± He lifted Joon carefully onto his back and disappeared into the winding streets. ¡°Let¡¯s check on the rice fields,¡± I said to Baekho. ¡°Yes, Wangja-Mama.¡± We strolled through the district, helping people along the way ¡ª lifting, listening, guiding. The air still smelled of dust and damp earth, but the weight wasn¡¯t as heavy here. From a distance, I saw him ¡ª Kim Dalsu, standing tall with a proud smile stretched across his weathered face. The moment our eyes met, he rushed toward me. ¡°Wangja-Mama,¡± he said, bowing low. ¡°You may rise,¡± I said gently. ¡°You seem¡­ happy. How are things here?¡± He grinned wider. ¡°Ever since your visit ¡ª since you gave us the tools and advice ¡ª everything has changed. We¡¯re not exhausted like before. The work¡¯s still hard, but it no longer breaks us.¡± I nodded. ¡°Gather the others,¡± I said. ¡°I¡¯m passing out coins ¡ª think of it as your hard-earned reward.¡± He did as told. The farmers assembled, tired but wide-eyed. Baekho stepped forward, distributing coin pouches into their hands, one by one. Gratitude filled the space. And then Dalsu looked at me with a curious smile. ¡°Strange to see a prince among mud and straw,¡± he said. ¡°What brings you here, Wangja-Mama?¡± I smiled softly. ¡°Can I tell you a story?¡± He chuckled, expecting a child¡¯s tale. ¡°Once, in a world far away, there was a boy who lived in a kingdom made of glass and steel. He had everything ¡ª knowledge, strength, power¡­ but he lost everyone he loved.¡± ¡°So when he died, the stars gave him a second chance. They sent him back ¡ª not to rule, but to change things. Not to wear a crown¡­ but to earn it.¡± Dalsu blinked, a slow breath caught in his throat. ¡°¡­That¡¯s a heavy story for a boy your age.¡± I looked toward the horizon. ¡°It¡¯s just a story.¡± But my eyes told the truth. We made our way back to Seo Haneul¡¯s home. The air was quiet here. Still. Peaceful in its own way. Inside, Haneul was already tending to Joon ¡ª wrapping his wounds, laying out fresh clothes, preparing him for a life he never thought possible. I walked in slowly, then knelt beside the boy. He sat on the floor, arms wrapped tightly around his knees. He didn¡¯t look up, not even when Baekho placed warm food beside him. The scars on his skin told stories no child should carry. I crouched a little lower, gently meeting his eye. ¡°Joon,¡± I said softly. ¡°Do you want to hear a story?¡± He didn¡¯t answer, but his gaze flicked toward mine. That was enough. ¡°There was once a boy,¡± I began, ¡°who lived in a world made of steel and glass. It was too bright, too loud. Everyone wanted something from him. They loved him ¡ª until they didn¡¯t.¡± Joon blinked, but stayed still. Listening. ¡°He lost everyone. Everything. And when the world was gone¡­ the sky, or maybe something beyond it, gave him another chance.¡± I kept my voice low. Not for drama ¡ª for peace. ¡°They sent him to a new world. One filled with mud, and pain, and broken people. But also¡­¡± I looked at Joon again ¡ª not at the bruises, not the mess. Just him. ¡°¡­also kindness. Even in the dark. Even after the pain.¡± Joon shifted slightly. His breathing slowed. ¡°What did the boy do?¡± he asked. I smiled faintly. ¡°He chose to stay. To fight. Not as a prince of stars¡­ but as a king who walks among ashes.¡± Joon didn¡¯t say anything more. But I saw something in his eyes ¡ª Not hope. Not yet. But something close. The sun was dipping low now, shadows stretching across the rooftops of the district. The air smelled of smoke and drying rice husks. I walked beside Baekho, our pace steady. His steps were heavier than usual ¡ª the wound still not fully healed ¡ª but of course, he didn¡¯t say a word. He never did. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be walking around like that,¡± I muttered, eyes forward. He grunted in response. Classic Baekho. I smiled to myself, then let the silence return. We walked in step, the rhythm of our boots the only sound between us. After a moment, I said, ¡°Want to hear a story?¡± Baekho gave me a side glance. ¡°You never tell stories.¡± ¡°I do. You just don¡¯t listen.¡± He rolled his eyes, but said nothing more. That was his way of saying yes. So I told him. ¡°There was a boy once,¡± I began, ¡°born with everything ¡ª intelligence, strength, ambition. But he was cursed. No matter how much he gained, he lost even more. One by one, the people he loved disappeared. Until he stood alone. A ruler with no kingdom. A warrior with no one left to protect.¡± Baekho didn¡¯t interrupt. He never did when he knew it mattered. ¡°But fate wasn¡¯t finished with him,¡± I said. ¡°It pulled him into a new life ¡ª one with a crown, a palace, and more responsibility than any boy should carry. And now¡­¡± I paused. ¡°¡­he walks the line between past and present, trying to protect people who don¡¯t even know who he really is.¡± Baekho stared ahead, silent. I didn¡¯t expect a reply. I just needed him to hear it. After a while, he asked quietly, ¡°It¡¯s not just a story, is it?¡± I looked at him ¡ª didn¡¯t hide it this time. ¡°No. It¡¯s me.¡± Baekho stopped walking for a moment, then nodded once. That was all I needed. We kept walking ¡ª two shadows heading back to the palace. One carrying a sword. The other, the weight of two lives. We returned to the palace just as night began to settle. Outside my chamber, I saw them ¡ª Hana, Yura, and Mirae ¡ª sitting near the door with Sohwa and Eunchae, waiting for me. When they spotted us, they stood and bowed. I nodded. ¡°Come in,¡± I said. ¡°All three of you.¡± Inside, the room was dim. Only two candles lit the space, flickering softly. The brazier crackled nearby, casting long shadows across the floor. I sat cross-legged against the wall, arms resting in my lap. They sat across from me ¡ª the three girls who would one day rule beside me¡­ though none of them knew it yet. Hana leaned against the frame, one leg folded under her, eyes sharp but curious. Mirae sat closest to the fire, lazily playing with a thread on her sleeve. Yura knelt quietly between them, serene as ever, her gaze locked on mine. None of them spoke. But I could feel the question in the air. So I told them a story. ¡°There was once a boy who lost everything.¡± That caught their attention. ¡°He lived in a world that moved too fast, spoke too loud, and loved too little. He was strong. Brilliant. But it didn¡¯t matter.¡± I leaned forward, watching the candlelight dance in Mirae¡¯s eyes. ¡°Everyone he loved¡­ died. One by one. Until the world around him was hollow.¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­ sad,¡± Mirae whispered. ¡°It was,¡± I said. ¡°But the stars saw him. Or something beyond them did. And they gave him another chance. A second life ¡ª not in the world he came from¡­ but in this one.¡± Yura¡¯s voice was gentle. ¡°What kind of world?¡± ¡°This one,¡± I said quietly. Hana leaned forward now. ¡°The boy was born again. Not as a hero. Not as a noble. Just a child. With memories he couldn¡¯t share¡­ and a pain no one could see.¡± ¡°Why hide it?¡± Hana asked, voice softer than usual. ¡°Because he didn¡¯t want to lose everything again,¡± I replied. ¡°He wanted to protect the people he hadn¡¯t even met yet.¡± The fire popped in the brazier. No one spoke. They didn¡¯t know the story was about me. Not yet. Maybe not ever. But they listened like it mattered. And for me¡­ that was enough. Later that night, after they returned to their chambers, I stepped outside alone. The breeze was cool. The palace is quiet. And then I saw it ¡ª a falling star. Or¡­ no. Not a star. A meteor. It fell faster than anything I¡¯d seen, crashing just outside the palace walls. Smoke rose, small at first¡­ then large. Fire flickered into flame. And then ¡ª screams. Before the guards at the front gate could react, I was already moving. I struck them down quickly ¡ª no time for panic. Baekho followed behind me as I opened the gate. And there, in the distance, through the fire and smoke¡­ I saw it. A shadow. A roar. One single inhale ¡ª and the flames were gone. One single cry ¡ª and the ground shook. The worst fear¡­ Had come true. Unstoppable King - Chapter 6 – The Boy Who Bled for the Kingdoms The smoke rose in the distance. I ran toward it, the screams echoing beyond the outer palace walls. The night was thinning, and stars had begun to pierce through the dark. Baekho followed behind me, limping¡ªhis wounds far from healed. When I opened the gate, my eyes locked on fire. A towering inferno scorched the horizon, and in the center of it stood something unreal¡ª A monster. Something pulled from fantasy. There was no such thing in my world, but this world had made it real. With one roar, buildings faltered. With one inhale, the flames vanished. With one exhale, they returned. Daeyoung and his four friends came rushing toward me. ¡°Wangja-Mama! What should we do?¡± ¡°Evacuate everyone in the village,¡± I ordered. ¡°Get them away from the flames.¡± They obeyed without hesitation, running into the smoke. Baekho handed me my spear, eyes heavy. ¡°Please, agissi¡­ don¡¯t leave us. You¡¯re our only hope,¡± he said in a low tone, then turned back to the palace. The monster stood six feet tall, but its presence made the world feel smaller. Its body looked like molten obsidian¡ªglowing with veins of red fire. Muscular. Towering. Its eyes were dark and regal, locked onto me with burning hatred. Its mouth hung open, saliva dripping like lava, as if it were ready to destroy anything in front of it. It vanished in a flash. Then reappeared¡ªright in front of me. One punch sent me flying through the air. It was the first time since coming into this world that my body truly broke. The monster appeared again, grabbed my foot, and swung me like a ragdoll. It threw me nearly a hundred feet away. Ash rained from the sky as I lay in burning wood and smoke. My robe had been burned off. My skin blistered. Still, I stood up. ¡°I fear no man, no monster¡­ but God.¡± ¡°For with God, nothing shall be impossible.Luke 1:37¡± (KJV) I rushed forward. My senses¡ªbeyond human¡ªactivated with pure adrenaline. Every strike had precision. Every punch had purpose. But I couldn¡¯t get close. The monster was too tall. Its punches too fast. A human wouldn¡¯t have even seen them before dying. I ducked, launched upward, and struck its chin with everything I had. It smirked, spat lava, and laughed. Chains formed around its arms¡ªglowing, burning, alive. With one swing, it sent me flying backward again. The shockwave destroyed everything behind me. It pulled me back with its chains and pummeled me again and again. The only thought that kept me conscious¡ª My family. I broke free, grabbed my spear¡ªbut before I could strike, it melted in my hands. I tried again. I stabbed with the broken shaft, but it never reached its flesh. The heat was too great. The monster grabbed me by the neck and threw me across the battlefield, laughing as my body bounced against stone. I had never been pushed this far. I could barely breathe. But I got back up. It growled¡ªno longer amused. Then it breathed fire. I dodged. Barely. It came faster now. It grabbed my foot again. Swung me harder. Slammed me into the earth. It threw me through the palace gate. That¡¯s when I saw him¡ª My father. ¡°My adeura!¡± he shouted. ¡°Are you okay?!¡± He looked at the creature, stunned. Like he had seen something from myth. The palace guards charged. One by one, they turned to ash. My father dashed in¡ª But one roar from the monster sent him flying into the palace wall. He didn¡¯t get back up. My second chance¡­ was slipping. The monster turned to me. It laughed. Mocked me. I stood, blood dripping from my mouth. It struck again¡ªinto my gut¡ªsending me crashing through the palace wall. I heard a voice through the chaos. ¡°Jinseo-ya¡­ my boy!¡± My Eomeoni¡­ ¡°Don¡¯t come any closer! Get away!¡± I shouted, but the monster noticed her. With a single whip of its chain, it struck the ground. A shockwave blasted her back into the palace. Rage overtook me. I shouted to Baekho. ¡°Get everyone to safety!¡± The monster and I clashed once more. The sound of our blows cracked the air. The ground trembled. Buildings collapsed. It got faster. But so did I. I crouched, kicked upward, and uppercut the beast with everything I had. This time, it didn¡¯t laugh. It staggered. I grabbed its leg, spun it like it had done to me, and drove my fists into its face. And it bled. Its armor cracked. It coughed up molten blood. I grabbed the chains it had created¡ªwrapped them around my arms. They burned, but I held on. I pummeled the monster again and again, until it roared. We clashed one last time. Shockwaves erupted with every punch. The monster raised both fists to crush me. I jumped back. Then I dashed forward¡ªfaster than ever¡ªand appeared beneath it. I struck. My fist pierced through its chest. The monster collapsed. Dead. I stepped onto its body and let out a cry that echoed through the flames. Joon stumbled out from behind debris, crying. ¡°Who are you, Wangja-Mama?!¡± ¡°Son of God, boy,¡± I answered. I lifted the monster¡¯s corpse by the throat¡ªpunched it skyward. It burst into flames. Shards rained from the sky, scattering across the world. I dropped to one knee, exhausted. My body couldn¡¯t take much more. But it wasn¡¯t over. Figures stepped from the fire. Bandits. But no longer human. Their skin glowed red. Their eyes burned. If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. They had absorbed the monster¡¯s power. ¡°Step back,¡± I told Joon. They rushed me, faster than anything I had fought before. But I wasn¡¯t just a boy anymore. I unleashed my new weapon¡ªthe burning chain. It spun like flame around my arm. I roared. Swung it once. The first bandit¡¯s skull burst like a bubble. The ground cracked beneath him. Two more came for me. Two charged at Joon. I grabbed the first pair by their throats and crushed them. Then I spun the chain¡ªcutting the others in half. Ash fell. And then¡­ silence. Darkness took me. I collapsed in the street. Joon¡¯s POV The ground was still shaking. Smoke curled into the sky like it was trying to escape the horror we just witnessed. Burning wood crackled behind me. The heat made it hard to breathe. I stayed hidden ¡ª half-buried under what was left of a cart. My arms trembled. My face was wet. I didn¡¯t know if it was sweat¡­ or tears. And then¡ª Silence. No more roars. No more screams. Only the sound of something massive crashing into the earth. I crawled out, knees scraping against broken stone and ash. And I saw him. Jinseo. Lying at the center of it all. Surrounded by shattered bricks and glowing embers. His robe was torn. Blood ran down from his mouth. One of his eyes was swollen shut. But he was breathing. Barely. The monster was gone. Nothing remained but ash¡­ scattered like snow. I didn¡¯t know how he did it. I didn¡¯t even know what he did. But I saw him. I saw him stand alone. Take every blow. Face every roar. And never run. I moved toward him, each step heavier than the last. Fear gripped my throat. What if he didn¡¯t wake up? What if he¡ª He coughed. Not much. Just a flicker of life. But it was enough to make my knees buckle. I dropped beside him. Dirt smeared my hands. ¡°Jinseo¡­ Wangja-Mama¡­¡± I didn¡¯t know what to call him anymore. He wasn¡¯t just a prince. He felt like the only thing keeping this world from crumbling. I reached out with shaking fingers, brushing his sleeve. His skin burned with fever. His lips moved, whispering something I couldn¡¯t hear. ¡°I¡¯m here,¡± I said softly. ¡°I¡¯m right here.¡± I didn¡¯t notice the footsteps behind me until a hand touched my shoulder. I turned¡ªflinching. It was Daeyoung. His face was pale, smeared with ash. Behind him, Minjae, Sungho, Jisoo, and Harin ran with a makeshift stretcher. Seo Haneul, the doctor, followed with urgency in every step. ¡°Joon!¡± Daeyoung gasped. ¡°Where is he?¡± I pointed. They dropped to their knees beside Jinseo. Haneul¡¯s hands moved fast, checking his pulse, scanning wounds. ¡°He¡¯s alive,¡± he said. ¡°Barely. But alive.¡± My chest loosened. ¡°Help me lift him,¡± Haneul ordered. The boys obeyed instantly. I helped too. I wasn¡¯t strong like them. But I would not let them carry him alone. We placed Jinseo on the stretcher. His head tilted to the side, bruised and bloodied¡ª But peaceful. Like someone who had won. ¡°You¡¯re coming with us,¡± Daeyoung said. I nodded. We carried him through the broken streets. Past flames, rubble, and ash. As we walked, villagers peeked out from hiding. Some gasped. Some fell to their knees. One old man whispered, ¡°The boy¡­ he protected us.¡± No one called him ¡°Your Highness.¡± They looked at him like something sacred. Like a shield that had bled to keep them safe. Jang (The Blacksmith) ¨C POV The heat hadn¡¯t left the air. Even after the fire died down and the beast was gone, the ground still smoldered. My forge¡ªwhat was left of it¡ªstood blackened, half-eaten by flame. I hammered nails into splintered wood with a hand that wouldn¡¯t stop shaking. ¡°We rebuild,¡± I muttered. Not because it would bring back what was lost¡ª But because he did. From across the ash-covered field, I saw them. Six boys. One stretcher. And him. Wangja-Mama. Covered in blood. Barely breathing. A ghost of the boy I last saw full of fire. ¡°Gods¡­¡± I whispered. ¡°He¡¯s just a child.¡± But even broken, he looked like he had won. Even dying, he looked like he had protected us all. Beside me, Han stood still. He didn¡¯t speak. Just stared. Han (The Carpenter) ¨C POV I didn¡¯t know how to pray. But my hands folded anyway. ¡°That little prince¡­ he made us tools when we couldn¡¯t afford them,¡± I said quietly. ¡°He gave us coin¡­ when no one else remembered our names.¡± I remembered the spear I helped deliver. I remembered his voice when he said, ¡°This will help my people.¡± And now, he looked like he gave everything. I stepped forward, watching the stretcher vanish into the palace walls. ¡°Jang,¡± I said, barely able to speak. ¡°When that boy wakes up¡­¡± He looked at me. ¡°Yeah?¡± I swallowed hard. ¡°We build him a throne.¡± Kim Dalsu ¨C POV The fields were quiet. Not peaceful ¡ª quiet in the way that follows thunder. Ash still floated down from the hills like black snow, landing on stalks that hadn¡¯t yet bloomed. I stood beside the edge of the rice field, hoe in hand, but I wasn¡¯t working. Not really. How could I, after what I saw? They said the prince fought it. Alone. A creature of fire, built like a nightmare. A beast that swallowed flames and spat death. They said he didn¡¯t run. They said he roared back. I didn¡¯t see the fight, but I saw the sky. Saw the clouds light up red. Heard the roar that cracked the heavens. And when I saw him carried through the village gates ¡ª broken, bleeding, barely breathing¡­ I couldn¡¯t look away. That boy, that prince¡­ The same one who fixed our plows, shared stories with our children, passed out coin like it meant nothing to him¡ª He nearly died for us. Not for war. Not for glory. But for us. I took off my straw hat, pressing it to my chest. ¡°You were never just a prince to us, Jinseo-ya,¡± I whispered. ¡°You were our hope in the mud. And now¡­ you¡¯re our sun above the ash.¡± Hana ¨C POV I had never seen so much blood. He wasn¡¯t supposed to be like this. He was the prince ¡ª the one who smiled and snuck rice buns to us when no one was looking. The one who talked to me like I wasn¡¯t invisible. Now¡­ he wasn¡¯t moving. I stood behind the pillar, biting my lip, my hands shaking. I didn¡¯t want anyone to see me cry. ¡°Why would he fight a monster for us?¡± I thought. ¡°Why would anyone?¡± He looked so small on that stretcher. But also¡­ bigger than anything I¡¯d ever seen. I think I started to love him right there. Not like in stories. Not yet. But the kind of love where I knew, I¡¯d follow him anywhere. Yura ¨C POV I didn¡¯t understand all the words the guards were saying. Just the look on their faces. Fear. A kind I hadn¡¯t seen before. And then I saw him. Wangja-Mama. He was supposed to be the strong one. The clever one. The one who helped us lift water buckets when the others didn¡¯t bother. Now he was quiet. Pale. A trail of blood marked where they carried him. I hid behind the curtains and whispered a prayer I didn¡¯t know I remembered. ¡°Please¡­ don¡¯t take him. Not him.¡± Something inside me said this wasn¡¯t the end. But it was the beginning. Mirae ¨C POV I wanted to scream. Not because I was scared. But because I didn¡¯t know what else to do. I peeked around the corner. Everyone was silent ¡ª even the birds outside had gone quiet. Jinseo looked like he was sleeping. But not in the way that makes you feel safe. In the way that made my chest hurt. He had told us a story just a few days ago. About stars and swords and second chances. And now he looked like someone who had used all of his. I didn¡¯t know much about princes. But I knew this: He made me feel like my voice mattered. And I never wanted to lose that. Queen Gyeonghwa¡¯s POV The palace was too quiet. When the guards first whispered of fire beyond the walls¡­ I knew. When the wind carried the scent of ash through the halls¡­ I felt it. Mothers always do. I stood in the main hall, hands trembling. I prayed ¡ª not with words, but with silence. And then¡ª The doors opened. The scent hit first. Smoke. Ash. Blood. Then the boys entered, carrying something. No. Someone. ¡°Jinseo-YA.¡± I ran before I even realized it. My son. His robes torn. His lips bloodied. His small hands covered in soot and wounds. He looked like a child who had wandered too close to the fire. But when I knelt beside him, I saw it¡ª The faintest smile. He wasn¡¯t broken. He was branded. Branded by battle. By the cost. By the crown. ¡°What did they make you carry, my son¡­¡± I brushed the hair from his face and kissed his forehead, careful not to hurt him. ¡°You were supposed to sleep in today,¡± I whispered. The boys stood in silence. Even the doctor looked away. I didn¡¯t cry. There were no tears left. I reached for his hand ¡ª still warm. Still trembling with life. And I held it like I was holding a piece of the sun. ¡°Jinseo-ya¡­¡± I breathed. ¡°My sweet Uri aegi¡­ what more must you endure?¡± I laid him down gently. The room was filled with sorrow. Everything was still. Even time seemed to pause. I rested beside him, whispering through the tears drying on my cheeks. Eomeoni Lullaby Since the day you came to me, A light was born the world could see. You are mine, my only one¡ª My dearest child, my little sun. Through the storm and through the night, I¡¯ll guard your dreams ¡®til morning light. You are mine, no need to run¡ª Sleep now, my heart, my little sun. Rest well, my little Jinseo-ya Mom is right here And I¡¯ll be here When you woke up. Unstoppable King - Chapter 7 King Of Ash Awakening No sound of birds. No sound of wind. I opened my eyes into complete darkness. I couldn¡¯t see my arm. My body. Nothing. Had I lost my second chance? In the midst of the void, a faint voice echoed. Distant. Faint. Growing clearer. ¡°Master Jinseo, welcome back.¡± A soundwave shimmered through the dark. A soft blue light blinked into existence. (Doctor Haneul¡¯s POV) Everyone else gave up hope. But I didn¡¯t. A doctor doesn¡¯t abandon his patient. But he wasn¡¯t just a patient. He was the heart of our kingdom. I checked his pulse. Stronger than usual. His temperature? Normal. All signs were stable. A good sign. A very good sign. Then came a gentle footstep. Calm. Graceful. The scent of peach blossoms floated in. It was our Queen ¡ª Jungjeong Ma-ma. (Queen Gyeonghwa¡¯s POV) The palace was quiet ¡ª too quiet. No wind. No songbirds. Only the rustle of dry leaves falling in the courtyard. I walked the familiar path to my son¡¯s chamber. As always, Doctor Haneul was there, seated beside Jinseo. ¡°How is he?¡± I asked gently. ¡°His heartbeat is stronger than usual, Jungjeong Ma-ma,¡± Haneul said with a quiet smile. ¡°I believe Wangja-Mama is returning¡­ with that same smile we all miss.¡± Today marked two years since my Jinseo fell asleep. I sat beside him, as I had every day. And I waited. (Eunchae¡¯s POV) Ever since Agissi fell into deep sleep, I haven¡¯t been eating well. But who could I tell? Sohwa still moves like always ¡ª cleaning, cooking, staying by the Queen¡¯s side. And Baekho? Baekho hasn¡¯t left the Prince¡¯s chamber once. Two years. Nonstop. He¡¯s stronger now. They say he can knock out an elephant, take down five men at once. And he might need to ¡ª because those bandits? They¡¯ve changed. Red eyes. Razor hands. Twisted. I¡¯m just glad Baekho¡¯s ours. (Daeyoung¡¯s POV ¨C We Are His Sword) ¡°Six incoming. East ridge. Fast,¡± Minjae called out, calm and focused. I signaled the others. No words needed. We¡¯ve trained two years for this. Two years of drills under Baekho. Two years guarding a sleeping prince. Two years holding Soryun together. And now, they come again. Ash-Touched. Twisted bodies. Red eyes. Burning skin. ¡°Let¡¯s remind them this place is protected.¡± The first lunged. I met it mid-air, blade flashing. It split in half. Sungho followed with a shout, kicking down another with precise strikes. ¡°Two flanking behind the shed!¡± Minjae warned. ¡°I got them!¡± Harin called out, already moving. Jisoo stood his ground, spear steady. Clean thrust. One down. ¡°Don¡¯t let them near the village!¡± I barked. The fight ended quickly. But our message was clear: Soryun is not undefended. We carry Jinseo¡¯s name like armor. Sungho wiped his blade. ¡°He¡¯s going to be proud.¡± ¡°No,¡± I said, looking toward the palace. ¡°He¡¯s going to lead us again.¡± (Farmer Kim Dalsu¡¯s POV) The rice fields shine brighter now. Ever since Wangja-Mama helped us, everything changed. No one¡¯s starving. Everyone¡¯s thriving. But there¡¯s still a hole in our hearts. He hasn¡¯t woken up. So we keep working. We clean. We build. So that when he does wake ¡ª this town will be ready. (Joon¡¯s POV) The nursery was quiet, the herbs warm against my fingers. I mixed medicine, just as my master taught me. I wanted to be at the palace, to help Wangja-Mama. But my master told me to stay here ¡ª to help the people. To serve like he would. That day haunts me. The battle. The fire. The prince who gave everything¡­ and still lives. I¡¯ll become the greatest doctor in the world. For him. (Carpenter Han¡¯s POV) The hammer never stopped. Not when the skies darkened. Not when the prince didn¡¯t wake. Not even when people said, ¡°He¡¯s not coming back.¡± But I remembered that boy. Ten years old. Standing between us and a monster with a broken spear. ¡°Wake up soon, Jinseo-ya,¡± I whispered. ¡°We¡¯ve kept your kingdom standing.¡± (Blacksmith Jang¡¯s POV) The forge remembers. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. His first blade. His reforged spear. The chains. The ash. The blood. They all sing in the flames. I don¡¯t pray. I prepare. Because when he wakes, the monsters won¡¯t wait. Neither will I. Bang. Bang. Bang. The forge doesn¡¯t forget. And neither do I. (Hana¡¯s POV) The night is too quiet. Not even the guards speak anymore. I sit by the brazier outside his chamber, staring at the flame like it owes me answers. He hasn¡¯t opened his eyes in two years. But I see him every day. In the way Baekho stands. In the way the villagers whisper his name like a prayer. In the way I still set out three cups of tea ¡ª one for me, one for him, one for the future. I used to be loud. Bold. Fire in my veins. Now¡­ I¡¯ve learned to be still. To burn without showing it. If anyone had dared say he was gone, I would¡¯ve cut them down where they stood. But no one dares. Because we all know. He¡¯s not gone. He¡¯s just waiting. And when he wakes, I¡¯ll be there. Sword drawn. Heart ready. Because fire never forgets where it came from. (Yura¡¯s POV) I light incense beside his bedside. The room smells of lavender, of ash, of memory. Every day I speak to him, even when no one else is around. Not as a maid. Not as a servant. But as someone who once saw a boy smile at the stars like he remembered something from another life. He was always different. He listened more than he spoke. He watched people like he was measuring their pain ¡ª like he could carry it better than they could. And now he sleeps. But I believe¡­ his mind is awake. Somewhere, he¡¯s fighting again. I smooth the sheets. Wipe the corner of his mouth. Whisper soft prayers into his ear. ¡°I¡¯m still here,¡± I tell him. Even if it takes another year, or ten. My place is beside him. Because love doesn¡¯t fade. Not when it¡¯s built on something deeper than words. (Mirae¡¯s POV) I sneak peaches into his room. Not for him to eat ¡ª not yet. Just to fill the space with something sweet. Sometimes I hum lullabies while Sohwa isn¡¯t looking. Sometimes I lie on the floor, watching the ceiling, pretending he¡¯ll sit up any second and say, ¡°Mirae, what are you doing on the floor?¡± I¡¯d laugh. He¡¯d smirk. And we¡¯d go right back to pretending we were just kids with no crowns and no monsters. But the world isn¡¯t fair. He saved it. And now it waits for him like I do. I don¡¯t need him to be perfect when he wakes. I just need him to remember he¡¯s loved. Even if he comes back broken. Even if he never laughs the same again. I¡¯ll still be here. Peaches in hand. Smile ready. And a promise sealed in my heart: You are not alone, Jinseo-ya. You never were. (Jinseo¡¯s POV ¨C Mindspace) That voice¡­ I knew it. ¡°Nova?¡± ¡°Master Jinseo. As perceptive as ever.¡± ¡°Am I dead? Did I fail again?¡± My voice cracked. My chest tightened. ¡°Did I waste this second chance?¡± ¡°No, Master. You protected them. You¡¯re in a coma¡­ but alive. And your mind ¡ª is awake.¡± In front of me, a glowing house formed. My old house. From the other world. ¡°There¡¯s something in your veins,¡± Nova said. ¡°Metal fused with flame.¡± ¡°Can you use it?¡± ¡°Yes. I can transfer it to your body. Forge it into armor ¡ª into a weapon.¡± ¡°Do it.¡± ¡°Analyzing combat logs¡­¡± ¡°Processing enemy data¡­¡± A hologram of the monster appeared ¡ª burning. Terrifying. Familiar. ¡°This creature possessed a unique flame-metal core,¡± Nova explained. ¡°I recovered a shard.¡± A red fragment floated before me. Alive. Beating like a second heart. ¡°You kept a piece of it?¡± ¡°Affirmative. I¡¯ve converted it to a transferable weapon.¡± It twisted, reshaping ¡ª a glowing chain wrapped into a tight coil. ¡°What is that?¡± ¡°Ashreign: forged from your flame. Enhanced by your enemy¡¯s power. Weapon class: Living chain. Power obtain - fire Attributes: Adaptive durability. Flame-reactive strikes. Recall bound to user.¡± ¡°You¡¯re giving it to me?¡± ¡°You defeated the monster, Master Jinseo. Now¡­ become what they fear.¡± I reached out. The chain wrapped around my arm. It didn¡¯t burn. It belonged. ¡°Ability transfer complete.¡± ¡°Welcome back¡­ King of Ash.¡± ¡°Would you like to test your new power?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± I whispered. The old house faded. Replaced by darkness. A black field. No sky. No sound. Just me ¡ª and Ashreign. ¡°Nova, run the simulation.¡± ¡°Engaging Combat Trial: Level 1.¡± Shadowed enemies formed ¡ª red-eyed, fast, humanoid. Ash-Touched. They charged. ¡°I need to know what I can do.¡± The chain uncoiled. One swing ¡ª one enemy reduced to ash. I spun. Lashed. Struck down another with explosive force. ¡°Ashreign adapting to user rhythm. Flame resonance increasing.¡± Three enemies rushed me. I slammed my palm into the void floor. Ashreign exploded outward ¡ª wrapped their legs ¡ª yanked them inward. Silence followed. I stood in the fire. Breathing steady. No pain. Only clarity. ¡°They wielded chaos,¡± Nova said. ¡°You wield purpose.¡± I looked at my hands ¡ª reforged, awakened. ¡°When I wake,¡± I said quietly, ¡°I¡¯ll burn through all of them.¡± The fires of Ashreign dimmed, and the simulation faded into flickering light. The black void around me calmed. No enemies. No roars. Just silence¡­ and Nova¡¯s voice. ¡°Simulation complete.¡± I stood still, breathing evenly. Not from exhaustion ¡ª but from something heavier. ¡°¡­It¡¯s strange,¡± I said softly, ¡°How real this all feels.¡± ¡°This is your soulspace, Master Jinseo. Everything here is part of you ¡ª memory, power, pain.¡± I looked down at my hands. They shimmered slightly, etched with faint glowing veins of red ¡ª like molten rivers beneath skin. I clenched a fist. ¡°I never expected to come back here again,¡± I muttered. ¡°Not after dying once.¡± ¡°And yet¡­ you survived twice.¡± There was a pause. I felt Nova¡¯s presence shift, as if it were staring through me. ¡°You know what¡¯s waiting for you out there.¡± ¡°I do.¡± ¡°Your body is still damaged. Wounds deeper than muscle. Fractures in bone. And there is fear waiting in the eyes of those you love.¡± I closed my eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t care if I wake up broken.¡± ¡°Then why hesitate?¡± The silence hung. ¡°¡­Because I remember what it felt like to lose everything,¡± I said quietly. ¡°I remember the old world. The silence after the screaming. The way it crushed my chest.¡± ¡°And now?¡± ¡°Now¡­¡± I opened my eyes. ¡°I¡¯m afraid of losing again.¡± Nova didn¡¯t reply right away. When it did, its voice was softer. ¡°You created me to protect the last remnants of your mind, your strategy, your strength. I followed you through death itself. And I will follow you again.¡± ¡°Then tell me the truth, Nova,¡± I whispered. ¡°Will this world break me like the last one did?¡± ¡°¡­No.¡± I turned. ¡°Because in this world, you¡¯re not alone.¡± That hit harder than I expected. I saw them flash through my mind: Baekho standing guard at my door. Sohwa crying quietly when no one was watching. Eunchae pretending everything was fine. My mother, praying in silence. And the three girls¡­ my wives-to-be¡­ waiting for the boy who had changed their lives without realizing it. And the village. The town I nearly died for. Still standing. I smiled. ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± I said. Nova¡¯s light pulsed brighter ¡ª proud. ¡°Would you like me to engage full system integration? Ashreign is stabilized. Your flame-blood composition is compatible. Combat logs have been archived. Physical body regeneration is at 62%. Awakening sequence is now available.¡± I nodded once. ¡°Yes, Nova.¡± ¡°Then let us begin.¡± The world began to shatter ¡ª not in fear, but in transition. The black void around me cracked with beams of white-gold light, pouring in from above. Ashreign coiled tighter around my arm, its warmth now steady and alive. ¡°One last question, Master Jinseo.¡± ¡°Hm?¡± ¡°When they ask who you are¡­ what will you say?¡± I turned toward the light. The chains hummed. My pulse beat like a war drum. ¡°I am the king who stood among fire,¡± I said. ¡°The shield who didn¡¯t break. The blade that learned to burn.¡± I raised my head. ¡°And when I wake ¡ª I will become everything they fear.¡± ¡°Then wake, King of Ash.¡± (Real World ¨C Prince¡¯s Chamber) His fingers twitched first. Then a flicker in his brow. A breath caught in his chest ¡ª deeper than the rest. Queen Gyeonghwa¡¯s hand, which had rested over his gently for hours, trembled. She gasped. ¡°Sohwa,¡± she whispered. ¡°Call the physician.¡± Doctor Haneul rushed in. The monitor beside the bed began to blink faster. Pulse climbing. Breath strengthening. Baekho stood outside the chamber. When he heard the rustle ¡ª a faint sound ¡ª he didn¡¯t move. Just clenched his fist tight. Inside, Jinseo¡¯s eyelids parted. At first, only a sliver of light. Then slowly, fully. His piercing blue eyes opened to the world once more. Gyeonghwa covered her mouth, tears already spilling. ¡°Jinseo-ya¡­¡± The boy¡¯s gaze was steady. Older. Different. Something ancient burned behind those eyes. He turned his head slightly. The first words he spoke were barely a whisper. ¡°¡­Mother.¡± And then ¡ª with one deep breath ¡ª he sat up. The world outside would soon know: The King of Ash has awakened. Unstoppable King - Chapter 8 The light return I had fallen into complete darkness. But in an instant¡­ a bright light followed. My eyes opened. Eomeoni was there, laying her head beside me. The white curtain gently surrounded my chamber. With the slightest movement of my hand, she stirred. Her eyes filled with tears. ¡°My dear¡­ uri aegi!¡± Dr. Seo rushed in, checking my pulse with trembling hands. Sohwa burst into the room, gasped, then turned and ran back out, calling for the others. ¡°Wangja Mama has woken up!¡± ¡°He¡¯s healthy, Jungjeon Mama,¡± Dr. Seo added with relief in his voice. Sohwa¡¯s POV I heard a sound behind the curtain. ¡°Wangja Mama has woken,¡± Dr. Seo said to Jungjeon Mama. I ran inside¡ªand saw our agissi, awake. Without thinking, I ran back out and told Eunchae. Then I sprinted toward the King¡¯s royal office. The birds were chirping more brightly than ever. The breeze¡ªit felt cooler, sweeter, like the heavens themselves were rejoicing. I ran, shouting for the world to hear: ¡°The prince has woken from his deep sleep!¡± Just as I reached the doors, they flew open. His Majesty rushed out, eyes wide. ¡°Is it true? Is my adeura awake?¡± Tears were already in his eyes. He didn¡¯t wait for an answer. He ran straight to the prince¡¯s chamber. Eunchae¡¯s POV From outside the palace, I saw Sohwa running and shouting, ¡°Wangja Mama has woken up!¡± The moment Baekho and I heard her, we moved. I ran inside. Baekho took off toward the town to spread the news. Baekho¡¯s POV As soon as I heard, I ran to the town with all the strength I had. I shouted at the top of my lungs: ¡°The prince has woken up! The prince has woken up!¡± From houses, alleys, rooftops¡ªI heard voices answer me: ¡°The prince is awake?¡± People ran toward the palace gate, cheering, weeping, smiling. And then I turned back, sprinting toward the palace again. Blacksmith Jang¡¯s POV The forge roared, metal glowing bright red beneath my hammer. I was shaping a blade for the guards ¡ª the way the prince preferred. Strong spine. Clean edge. Sweat poured down my brow when I heard it: ¡°The prince has awakened!¡± I paused. Another voice followed ¡ª louder, real. ¡°Wangja Mama is awake! He lives!¡± The hammer slipped from my hand. It clanged to the ground. For the first time in months, the fire didn¡¯t warm me. Something inside my chest did. I stepped outside. The town was alive¡ªrunning, crying, shouting, laughing. I looked toward the palace, then down at my hands, still stained with soot and iron. ¡°He¡¯s back¡­¡± I whispered. ¡°That damn stubborn boy actually came back.¡± And then, for the first time in years¡ª I smiled. ¡°THE PRINCE HAS AWAKENED!¡± I shouted with everything I had. And I joined the others as we rushed toward the palace. Not as a blacksmith. Not as a subject. But as a man proud to have known him. Carpenter Han¡¯s POV I was strolling through town around midday, offering help where I could. Then I heard it: ¡°The prince has woken up! The prince has woken up!¡± The voices rose from the palace road. People stopped. Listened. Then we ran. All of us ¡ª toward the palace, to see him return from his long sleep. Farmer Kim Dalsu¡¯s POV I was knee-deep in muddy water, tending to the spring sprouts. The sun was high. The scent of wet soil filled the air. Then I heard it. A voice, faint at first. Then louder. Echoing from hill to hill like a prayer. If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°The Prince has woken up!¡± ¡°Wangja Mama is awake!¡± I froze. My hands still in the earth. My old heart skipped a beat. I stood, wiped my hands on my tunic, and looked toward the palace. ¡°He¡¯s alive¡­¡± I whispered. ¡°Our Jinseo¡­¡± Then I laughed ¡ª a sound I hadn¡¯t made in years. ¡°Go! Tell the others!¡± I shouted to the boys nearby. ¡°The prince has returned!¡± And as they ran off, joy bursting from their heels, I looked to the sky. ¡°Thank you, heavens. Thank you for bringing our boy back.¡± Joon¡¯s POV I was at the clinic, wiping sweat from an old man¡¯s forehead. His breath was shallow, but steady. Around me ¡ª coughs, moans, the scent of herbs and fever. We did what we could. What he would¡¯ve done. Jinseo-hyung taught us to never turn our backs on the suffering. Then I heard it¡ªfaint at first. ¡°The Prince has awakened!¡± I froze. Not another dream. More voices came ¡ª louder, nearer. ¡°Wangja Mama has woken up!¡± A murmur swept through the sick room. People sat up. Eyes widened. ¡°The prince¡­?¡± the old man rasped. ¡°He¡¯s back?¡± No one told them to move. But they did. Even the sick rose from their mats. Some limped. Others carried those who couldn¡¯t walk. And we went ¡ª together. Through the alleys. Past the market. Toward the palace gates. People poured from every corner of Soryun. I was among them, crying and laughing. He had returned. Not just for the palace¡ª For all of us. The Five Boys¡¯ POV We were training in the fields, just outside Soryun ¡ª doing what Jinseo-hyung taught us. Daeyoung led the drills. Minjae adjusted our formation. Sungho groaned about sore legs. Jisoo reminded him that pain meant progress. And Harin, as always, tried to outpace everyone. Then we heard it. A voice ¡ª distant but clear. ¡°The prince has awakened!¡± We froze. Then another voice, closer now: ¡°Wangja Mama has opened his eyes!¡± We dropped our weapons. For a heartbeat, no one moved. Then Sungho yelled, ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± and we ran. Barefoot. Breathless. Like we were ten again. ¡°Do you think it¡¯s real?¡± Harin asked. ¡°It has to be,¡± Jisoo replied. ¡°He promised he¡¯d return,¡± Daeyoung said. ¡°He never breaks promises.¡± Minjae didn¡¯t say a word. But the tears in his eyes said everything. When we reached the palace gates, they were open. Bells ringing. Lanterns rising. He was awake. Our prince. Our brother. Our light. Jinseo¡¯s POV ¨C Mother and Father Eomeoni looked at me, eyes overflowing with tears and joy. I couldn¡¯t speak¡­ but seeing her smile made everything worth it. Then I saw him. From behind the curtain ¡ª tall, still, proud. Abeonim. He stood just like he did when I was young. Watching over me. A quiet strength. Technically, I¡¯m still young ¡ª twelve. Three more years, and I¡¯ll be a husband. Hehe¡­ Eomeoni¡¯s voice was soft, warm ¡ª like the peach blossoms she always smelled of. ¡°You finally came back, my little Jinseo-ya¡­ I¡¯ve sat by your side every day since the moment you fell into your deep sleep. I¡¯m so glad you returned, my dear aegi¡­¡± She wrapped me in her arms. Her scent hadn¡¯t changed. I breathed in. I was alive. My second chance wasn¡¯t in vain. By afternoon, Eomeoni asked Abeonim to come in. She stepped out to give us space. I tried to sit, but Abeonim gently stopped me. ¡°Rest,¡± he said. He took my hand. His was rough, scarred ¡ª a warrior¡¯s hand. He looked at me with the same eyes he always had. From the moment I opened my eyes in this world. ¡°Son,¡± he said. ¡°This world is mysterious¡­ but mystery doesn¡¯t stop humanity from striving.¡± ¡°You are going to be a great king. A king who fears God. A king who is wise. A king who put God first. One who loves his people.¡± I swallowed hard. ¡°I won¡¯t disappoint you, Abeonim. I¡¯ll protect those who love me. I¡¯ll protect our country. And our people will fear God¡­ as I do.¡± He smiled. He pulled me into a firm embrace. ¡°Dr. Seo,¡± he called. Dr. Seo entered. Eomeoni followed, carrying food. ¡°What will my son need to recover?¡± Abeonim asked. ¡°Rest. Good food. Light exercise to restore blood flow,¡± Dr. Seo answered. ¡°I must walk outside,¡± I said. ¡°They need to know I¡¯m okay.¡± Daeyoung¡¯s POV From a distance, we saw Wangja Mama walk outside his chamber. The people cheered. He was back. And slowly, he returned to his room. I couldn¡¯t stop myself. ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re back, Wangja Mama!¡± I called out, my voice bright with joy. Blacksmith Jang¡¯s POV We stood together, packed shoulder to shoulder, hoping to glimpse the young prince. And then ¡ª he appeared. From the chamber steps, he walked out. Pale. Slower than before. But alive. The city of Soryun had grown because of him. ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re back, Wangja Mama,¡± I whispered. Joon¡¯s POV I was in the middle of the crowd when I heard someone shout: ¡°There he is! Wangja Mama! He¡¯s outside!¡± I didn¡¯t need to see him. Just hearing those words¡­ it was enough. He was alive. He was back. Jinseo¡¯s POV ¨C Recovery and Revelation For the rest of the week, I rested, walked, ate, and trained lightly. Eomeoni and Abeonim were always close. So were my six attendants. Every day since I woke up, I¡¯ve done what I was told: exercise. First thing in the morning, I pray. Then breakfast ¡ª meat and vegetable soup, made by my lovely Eomeoni. Eunchae always tastes it first, like he has since the day we met. On the first day, it was just walking and stretching ¡ª light yoga to get my blood flowing. I didn¡¯t feel tired, even though I ran for three hours. I was surprised my servants kept up, though we only ran around the training grounds. I added a bit of light weight lifting afterward. I know cardio is supposed to come first, but¡­ whatever. In the evenings, a healthy dinner and a warm bath are a must. By Tuesday morning, my body already felt better. I followed my usual routine ¡ª prayer, breakfast, training. Then I attended court with Abeonim. He teaches me rules and regulations. He told me that when I become king, there will be a lot of paperwork. Eomeoni teaches me how to love and care for a wife. She says that if you love her well, she will love you the same. Baekho was stronger than usual. I watched him slash through a tree with a single swing. Fast. Precise. His swordsmanship is no joke. Eunchae¡­ he¡¯s lost weight these past two years. I hope it stays that way. I don¡¯t want him to suffer a heart attack ¡ª hehehe. Sohwa, as always, is like a worried duck. She flinches every time I stretch too far, always afraid I¡¯ll hurt myself. My three soon-to-be wives ¡ª Hana, Yura, and Mirae ¡ª are cheerful as always. Later that Tuesday, we visited the flower field. We laughed, walked together. Baekho didn¡¯t laugh, of course. He was serious as ever ¡ª even more protective now. Me, my three wives-to-be, and Sohwa made flower decorations together under the canopy. There were so many colors around us ¡ª it was bright, vibrant, beautiful. Afterward, we cooked together in the palace kitchen. We made soup. We made so many dishes, laughing the whole time. Wednesday morning the morning sun poured through the open windows, warm and slow. A breeze carried the scent of clean herbs and peach blossoms. I sat on the veranda just outside my chamber, a cup of warm tea in hand. My muscles ached pleasantly from morning training ¡ª proof that my body was waking up day by day. Dr. Seo knelt nearby, checking my pulse with two fingers pressed gently against my wrist. ¡°You¡¯re recovering faster than expected,¡± he said, nodding. ¡°Your blood flow is strong. No signs of internal strain. Good breathing. Good appetite. Good spirit.¡± ¡°I was asleep for two years,¡± I replied. ¡°I¡¯ve had enough rest to last me a lifetime.¡± Dr. Seo smiled softly, but his eyes stayed focused. ¡°Rest is one thing. Restoration is another. It¡¯s good that you¡¯re moving again, but don¡¯t rush. The body remembers pain too.¡± I nodded. From behind us, I heard familiar footsteps ¡ª light, fast, almost tripping over themselves. ¡°Hyungnim!¡± Joon appeared, carrying a tray with sliced fruit and two bowls of honeyed porridge. He was beaming. ¡°I stole these from the kitchen,¡± he said proudly. ¡°Well, not really. Sohwa gave me permission¡­ sort of.¡± ¡°You bribed her with sweet potatoes again, didn¡¯t you?¡± I asked. He grinned. ¡°I might have.¡± Dr. Seo chuckled. ¡°You two are trouble together.¡± Joon set the tray down and sat beside me, handing me a bowl. ¡°Eat up, hyung. You still look like you skipped a few meals in the afterlife.¡± I took the bowl with a smirk. ¡°Thanks for your concern, royal nutritionist.¡± We ate in quiet peace for a moment, just the clink of spoons and the occasional chirp of birds overhead. Then Joon asked, voice quieter, ¡°Did it hurt?¡± I looked at him. ¡°The sleep,¡± he clarified. ¡°The¡­ darkness. Were you scared?¡± I paused. ¡°Not scared,¡± I said. ¡°Not at first. But it was cold. Lonely. Like floating through time with no anchor. It wasn¡¯t until I remembered you all¡­ that I started to feel warm again.¡± Dr. Seo looked at me for a long moment, then nodded. ¡°Memory heals more than medicine ever can.¡± Joon swallowed hard, then smiled. ¡°Well, you better not drift off like that again. We can¡¯t run this place without you.¡± ¡°Agreed,¡± Dr. Seo added. ¡°The palace is louder. Brighter. Better with you awake.¡± I looked at them both ¡ª one like a brother, the other like a guide. And I felt it again. Gratitude. Not just for life, but for people like them. The ones who waited. The ones who stayed. And by the seventh day ¡ª my body was whole again. System Nova Activated System: Master Jinseo. Your body has fully recovered. The power you hold is now stable and ready to use. ¡°Oh?¡± Ability Unlocked: ¡°What are these abilities, Nova?¡± System: Time Structure: Enemies near you will move slower ¡ª though they won¡¯t feel it. All Seeing: Your senses are 100x stronger than an average human. It will be nearly impossible to deceive you. System: Would you like to activate them, Master Jinseo? ¡°Not now,¡± I replied. Evening ¨C Jinseo¡¯s Room It was evening. I sat alone, bathed in soft lantern light. Eunchae had fallen asleep beside a scroll. Baekho stood guard, unmoving. Sohwa had already retired. Then, the door slid open. Hana. Yura. Mirae. They stepped in, cheeks flushed, eyes full of courage. They knelt before me, hands in their laps, breath tight. Then, in perfect unison: ¡°We love you.¡± I didn¡¯t move. ¡°Not as a friend,¡± Hana whispered. ¡°Not as a prince,¡± Yura added. ¡°But as the one our hearts have chosen,¡± Mirae said, her eyes shining. ¡°As a lover.¡± The silence that followed¡­ was not empty. It was full. Full of truth, tension, and something new. And I knew ¡ª from this night forward, everything had changed. Unstoppable King - Chapter 9 My Beloved People Year 1400 Today marks my first visitation to the town of Soryun¡ªmy country town. It¡¯s been two years since I last walked its roads, and I¡¯m certain many things have changed. My room, however, hasn¡¯t changed a bit. The walls, the scent, the light that spills across the floor¡ªit all feels the same. I have great memories in this chamber. It carried me through the silence. At morning, Sohwa entered quietly, as she always does, and served me a healthy morning meal. Eunchae, ever serious about his duty, tasted the food before I touched a single grain of rice. Before heading out, I stretched, loosening the stiffness in my body with a series of morning exercises. All my servants joined in¡ªan old routine we never lost. And from a short distance, my three soon-to-be wives watched us with radiant eyes, each of them glowing in their own way. Even in stillness, they steal breath. The palace was quiet. I didn¡¯t want to disturb my parents from their rest, so I left without a word¡ªstepping into the fresh morning light, toward Soryun. The wind greeted me before the people did. Cool, clean, and familiar¡ªyet¡­ sharper now. Like even the air had changed in my absence. I stepped beyond the palace gates, the stone path firm beneath my feet. Baekho said nothing. Eunchae walked a step behind me. For once, they gave me silence. I needed it. Soryun came into view like a memory half-rewritten. I stopped without meaning to. This¡­ this wasn¡¯t the same town. Where there had once been dirt and dust, there were paved roads. Lanterns hung above the market stalls like stars caught in ropes. Buildings stood taller, painted, proud. The children wore shoes. The vendors smiled without fear. Even the river¡ªchoked and brown before¡ªnow flowed clear, cutting through the heart of town like a lifeline. My chest tightened. Was this really Soryun? I walked further. A shop I remembered as broken now had a wooden sign painted with golden ink. A field where I once trained the boys was fenced off, turned into a small garden. There were benches. Flowers. Laughter. Then I saw it. In the town square, a post carved from old cedar. On it, my name. ¡°To Prince Jinseo, Who fell with the stars, And gave us the will to rise.¡± The letters were faded. As if touched too often. My throat tightened. They didn¡¯t just wait. They believed. Eunchae finally spoke behind me. ¡°They held on to you, even when they feared you¡¯d never return.¡± He didn¡¯t need to say more. I looked around¡ªreally looked. Every change, every clean road, every rebuilt wall¡­ was a promise. A silent vow they made to a sleeping boy. They built a better town while I was buried in silence. I didn¡¯t save them. They saved themselves. And somehow¡­ they¡¯d saved a place for me too. I took a breath, steady and full. I was home. The sun had barely crested the hills when I reached the outer edge of Soryun. The road sloped gently, curving down into the open farmlands. I stopped at the ridge, taking it in. The fields stretched farther than I remembered. What once were patches of struggling crops and uneven soil were now clean, level rows of golden stalks swaying gently in the breeze. Irrigation canals, newly carved, cut through the earth like quiet veins. Farmers moved in rhythm, their motions swift and purposeful. Even the scarecrows stood taller¡ªwell-built and dressed in fresh cloth. It was quiet, but not the kind of silence I¡¯d known in my chamber. This was the silence of work, of life. I stepped forward slowly, the wind brushing past my hair. I remembered this place. I remembered breaking ground here, barefoot in the dirt with Joon. I remembered Kim Dalsu¡¯s crooked smile as we fixed the old water wheels. I remembered the boys hauling sacks of rice, laughing like they had all the time in the world. And now? The land had matured. The people had too. Baekho stood behind me, silent as always. ¡°They didn¡¯t wait for the prince to return,¡± I said quietly. ¡°They learned to stand on their own.¡± He gave a slight nod. ¡°Because you showed them how.¡± I didn¡¯t answer. Instead, I watched a little boy run through the rows, chasing a wooden cart while an old farmer called after him, laughing. The boy tripped, fell, then stood right back up. Yes. Soryun had changed. But it still had its soul. I stepped off the road and onto the edge of the fields. The soil was firm beneath my feet¡ªricher, darker than before. Every step carried the scent of grain and earth. Farmers glanced up as I passed, some pausing mid-swing with their tools, unsure of what they were seeing. And then I saw him. Bent over near the southern paddies, sleeves rolled to his elbows, straw hat low over his brow¡ªKim Dalsu. He hadn¡¯t changed much. A few more lines in his face, a broader back, stronger hands. But the way he moved¡­ steady, patient. Just like before. I stopped a few paces away. ¡°That field looks straighter than the one we carved two years ago.¡± He froze. Slowly, he rose, wiped his hands on his trousers, and turned toward me. His eyes narrowed, as if not quite believing what he saw. ¡°¡­Prince Jinseo?¡± I gave a small nod. For a moment, he said nothing. His hands trembled. His mouth opened¡ªthen closed again. And then he stepped forward with hesitant steps, like a man approaching a dream he feared might vanish if touched. When he reached me, he dropped to one knee, head bowed low. ¡°My prince¡­ You¡¯re awake.¡± His voice cracked. I placed a hand on his shoulder. ¡°You kept your promise,¡± I said softly. ¡°Soryun¡¯s blooming.¡± He looked up, eyes glassy. ¡°We tried¡­ every day. For you, for this town. But we never stopped hoping.¡± His voice steadied. ¡°The boys¡ªthey kept coming back to the fields, even when it rained. Said you¡¯d want them strong when you returned.¡± Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. I smiled faintly. ¡°They weren¡¯t wrong.¡± Behind me, Baekho kept his distance, letting us have this moment. ¡°I missed this place,¡± I said, scanning the field once more. ¡°I missed you, old man.¡± Kim Dalsu let out a laugh through his tears. ¡°You still call me old¡ªsome things really don¡¯t change.¡± ¡°No,¡± I said, eyes steady on the horizon. ¡°But many things did. And I¡¯m ready to see them all.¡± After parting with Kim Dalsu, I followed the stone path east, where the old barn used to be. It was no longer a barn. A new building stood in its place¡ªsimple but clean, with wide windows and white curtains that fluttered in the breeze. The sign above the entrance was carved neatly in wood: Soryun Clinic ¨C For All Who Hurt, All Who Heal. I pushed the door open gently. The scent of herbs and warm wood filled the air. Beds lined the walls, most of them empty. A few elderly patients rested quietly under soft blankets, and a child sat near the corner drinking medicine with a sour face. Then I heard him. ¡°Don¡¯t squint like that. If the medicine tastes bad, it means it¡¯s doing its job.¡± That voice. I stepped further in¡ªand there he was. Joon. Now taller, sharper around the jaw. He wore a simple healer¡¯s robe, sleeves rolled, holding a clay cup in one hand. His eyes flicked toward the door. And widened. He dropped the cup. ¡°Hyung?!¡± I barely had time to react before he rushed forward and crashed into me with a hug that nearly knocked the wind from my chest. ¡°You¡¯re alive¡ªyou¡¯re actually alive!¡± His voice cracked, too loud for a hospital, but no one stopped him. ¡°We prayed, we waited, I¡ªI almost lost hope!¡± I rested a hand on his back, steadying him. ¡°You¡¯ve gotten stronger,¡± I said quietly. He laughed, still clinging. ¡°So did you.¡± A new voice cut in¡ªcalm, composed. ¡°So you finally show up, and the first thing he does is interrupt my clinic with noise.¡± I looked up. Seo Haneul stood in the doorway of the back room, arms crossed. His robes were tidier than Joon¡¯s, hair tied back, eyes calm as always. ¡°I see your sense of timing hasn¡¯t changed, Jinseo.¡± I gave him a half-smile. ¡°Neither has your sarcasm.¡± He approached slowly, then stopped before me. For a second, the mask slipped¡ªjust a little. I saw the warmth in his eyes. ¡°You came back,¡± he said softly. ¡°Good. This town needs its heart.¡± ¡°I¡¯m no heart,¡± I replied. ¡°Not anymore,¡± he agreed. ¡°You¡¯ve become something bigger.¡± For a long moment, none of us spoke. Joon wiped his face, grinning again. ¡°Come on, you have to see the rest! We¡¯ve got rooms, shelves, real bandages¡ªwe even got a real bed for childbirth thanks to Kim Dalsu¡¯s donations.¡± ¡°Still using your hands like a fool?¡± I asked. ¡°Every day.¡± I looked around at the hospital¡ªthe herbs, the people, the light. And I realized: this place had grown too. Not just the land. Not just the people. Their dreams. The sun was high by the time I left the clinic, warmth pressing gently on my back as I made my way to the training yard near the edge of town¡ªthe same one we had once carved out with nothing but worn shovels and youthful stubbornness. Laughter echoed before I even turned the corner. I stopped beneath the shade of an old tree, eyes narrowing slightly. Five figures moved across the open field¡ªsparring, shouting, challenging each other with playful insults and mock attacks. No guards. No instructors. Just boys who had grown into their own strength. No¡­ not boys. Young men. Daeyoung stood at the center, holding a wooden staff like a general with a war banner. His shoulders had broadened, his presence steady and firm. Minjae leaned against the far wall, arms crossed, analyzing every movement with sharp, unreadable eyes. Sungho lunged wildly at Daeyoung, laughing as he nearly tripped over his own feet¡ªstill fearless, still fire. Jisoo stood by the equipment rack, handing out weapons with calm efficiency, saying little but watching everything. And Harin¡­ Harin sat perched on a fence post, legs swinging, sharp eyes tracking every move, a small smirk tugging at his mouth. My chest tightened. They grew. I stepped forward without a word. Daeyoung caught sight of me first. He froze. The staff in his hand slowly lowered. ¡°¡­No way,¡± he whispered. Sungho turned. Then Harin. Then the others. One by one, they dropped what they were doing. Jisoo¡¯s voice was the first to break the silence. ¡°¡­Hyung?¡± I nodded. For a long second, no one moved. And then they all did¡ªrushing toward me like a wave. I barely had time to brace myself. ¡°Hyung!¡± Daeyoung pulled me into a crushing hug. Sungho shouted something incoherent and tackled my side. Harin grabbed my arm, shaking it like he didn¡¯t believe it was real. Jisoo placed a hand on my shoulder, steady and warm. Minjae, ever quiet, just stood there¡ªeyes shining, jaw tight¡ªbefore finally stepping forward and bowing deeply. ¡°You came back to us,¡± Minjae said, his voice low. ¡°You promised you would,¡± Harin added. ¡°You kept it,¡± Daeyoung said, clutching my sleeve. ¡°I had to,¡± I said softly. ¡°You all kept yours.¡± They surrounded me now¡ªnot as children needing protection, but as brothers. As warriors in the making. Sungho laughed, wiping at his eyes. ¡°I was ready to punch the sky if you didn¡¯t wake up.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve all gotten stronger,¡± I said, eyes drifting across each of them. ¡°So have you,¡± Jisoo replied, smiling. ¡°We can feel it.¡± Minjae met my gaze. ¡°What happens now?¡± I looked at them¡ªtheir faces, their fire, their growth. ¡°Now?¡± I said, the wind brushing past us. ¡°Now, we rise together.¡± After meeting with my brothers I travel to meet carpenter Seo. The scent of fresh wood drifted through the alley behind the market. I followed it, letting memory guide my steps. The carpenter¡¯s workshop hadn¡¯t changed. Planks of cedar and pine were stacked neatly against the walls. Wooden stools, unfinished toys, and parts of a dismantled cart lay scattered across the open space. Sunlight streamed in through the high windows, illuminating dust that danced gently in the air. I stepped inside. At first, he didn¡¯t notice me. Han Seokjin stood at his workbench, head bowed, running a plane over a long slab of oak. His motions were slow, focused¡ªpatient, like always. A thin line of sawdust curled away from the blade, falling to the floor in a perfect spiral. I cleared my throat lightly. He paused, turned halfway¡ªand froze. His eyes locked on mine. For a moment, he didn¡¯t speak. Didn¡¯t move. Just stared, as if I were a ghost come walking out of his past. ¡°¡­Jinseo?¡± I gave a small bow. ¡°It¡¯s good to see you again, Seokjin ajusshi.¡± He blinked. ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re awake.¡± ¡°I am.¡± He set the tool down slowly, hands trembling just slightly. ¡°They said you were alive, but¡­ I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d come here.¡± ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I?¡± I asked softly. He let out a breath¡ªpart relief, part disbelief¡ªand leaned back against his bench. ¡°You¡¯re a prince. You¡¯ve returned from a coma, stronger than ever, with the whole kingdom holding its breath¡­ and you come to see an old carpenter in a dusty shop.¡± I stepped further into the room, fingers grazing the surface of a half-built cradle. ¡°You¡¯re not just any carpenter.¡± He scoffed, trying to hide the shine in his eyes. ¡°Still silver-tongued, I see.¡± ¡°You taught me how to work with my hands when no one else would,¡± I said. ¡°You treated me like a student, not a prince.¡± He crossed his arms, finally smiling. ¡°And you were terrible at sanding. Don¡¯t think I forgot.¡± I laughed. ¡°Only at first.¡± He stepped closer, studied my face. ¡°You¡¯ve changed.¡± ¡°We all have.¡± Seokjin nodded slowly. ¡°Still¡­ I didn¡¯t think I¡¯d ever hear your footsteps in this workshop again.¡± I looked around the room¡ªthe tools, the light, the quiet. ¡°I owed you that sound.¡± After meeting carpenter Seo I went to meet blacksmith JANG. The forge was louder than I remembered. Sparks flew from within, lighting the air with brief flashes of orange. The rhythm of hammer against steel echoed through the alley like a heartbeat¡ªstrong, steady, unchanging. I stepped into the warm glow of the blacksmith¡¯s workshop. The heat hit first, then the scent of metal and smoke. And there he was. Jang Hyukseon. He didn¡¯t look up. He stood with his back to me, hammer in hand, striking a glowing blade with the same power and focus I remembered. His muscles moved like cords beneath his shirt, every motion precise. A man carved from discipline. ¡°You¡¯re late,¡± he said, without turning. I blinked. ¡°You knew I was coming?¡± He grunted. ¡°Didn¡¯t need a letter. Didn¡¯t need a guard to announce it. My bones told me yesterday. Felt it in the steel.¡± He struck the blade one last time, then plunged it into the trough beside him with a hiss. Steam rose around him like smoke off a battlefield. Then he turned. His face was older. Hair a little more grey. But his eyes¡ªsharp and steady¡ªwere the same as they¡¯d always been. He looked at me for a long moment. ¡°Still short,¡± he muttered. I couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°And you still talk too much.¡± He snorted. ¡°You used to come in here with bruises on your hands and calluses too soft to grip a hammer. Now look at you.¡± I held up my hand¡ªscarred, stronger, steadier. ¡°You helped shape these,¡± I said. He stepped forward and studied my face. ¡°There¡¯s more behind your eyes now.¡± ¡°There had to be.¡± He nodded once. ¡°You¡¯re not just a prince anymore.¡± ¡°I never was, not really.¡± That made him smile¡ªjust slightly. ¡°You came back here to remember.¡± ¡°And to thank you.¡± He turned, walked over to a cloth-covered table, and lifted the sheet. Beneath it rested a sheathed sword¡ªsleek, dark steel, the hilt bound in black and silver thread. He picked it up with both hands and held it out to me. ¡°Didn¡¯t make this for a king,¡± he said. ¡°Didn¡¯t make it for a soldier.¡± ¡°Then who?¡± He met my gaze. ¡°For the boy who stood in my forge and asked how to shape fire.¡± I reached out and took the sword. It felt familiar the moment my fingers closed around the grip. Balanced. Clean. Alive. I bowed deeply. ¡°Thank you, Hyukseon ajusshi.¡± He gave a low hum, then turned back toward the anvil. ¡°Next time,¡± he said, lifting his hammer again, ¡°don¡¯t wait two years.¡± Night was drawing near. The sky dimmed into hues of violet and amber as the final light of the sun sank behind the hills. It was time to return. Me and my three attendants¡ªBaekho, Eunchae, and Sohwa¡ªquietly made our way back to the palace. We said little along the path, each step a soft echo of a full day lived. I carried the scent of wood, metal, and rice fields on my clothes. Soryun still clung to me. When I arrived, the palace felt calmer than usual. Lanterns were being lit. Servants moved gently through the halls. I walked alone to my chamber, expecting silence. But there were voices. Soft, familiar¡ªdiscussing something behind the door. I entered. My Eomeoni sat near the window, a warm cup of tea in her hands. My Abeonim stood beside the table, his arms crossed but his posture relaxed. They both turned toward me. ¡°Sit down, adeura,¡± my father said. I obeyed quietly, folding my legs beneath me. He looked at me for a moment¡ªstern as always, but something gentler resting in his eyes. ¡°It¡¯s time for you to begin attending the royal academy,¡± he said. ¡°Starting tomorrow.¡± My chest rose slowly with breath. The Royal School. I looked at both of them. My mother gave a small, knowing smile. My father nodded once, proud and firm. They believed in me. They always had. ¡°You¡¯ve already walked farther than most ever dream to,¡± my mother said. ¡°This is just another step.¡± I bowed my head, heart steady. ¡°Yes, Abeonim. Yes, Eomeoni,¡± I answered. ¡°I¡¯ll make you proud.¡± They didn¡¯t say another word¡ªjust looked at me with quiet smiles that carried the weight of love, trust, and something deeper. They knew. I would do more than fine. Both my parent gives me a good night kiss as they leave to retire for the day. Tomorrow would begin a new chapter. Not one of blades or battlefields¡ªbut of books, politics, rivals, and the unknown. I stood at the window for a while, watching the wind ripple through the palace gardens. It¡¯s time for me to rest. Time to sleep¡­ and prepare. Because by afternoon, I would be on the road¡ª to the Royal School. Unstoppable King - chapter 10 Farewell, My Country Yeonhwa It was the beginning of evening. I sat on my bedding, looking at the ceiling. The room felt quieter than usual. I called for Eunchae and asked him to bring my three maids. He gave a small nod and left immediately. By nightfall, they were with me. The palace was still, save for the crickets outside singing through the quiet. We talked about my departure for royal school. They hugged me, and I hugged them back. I looked into their eyes¡ªwarm, nervous, red with emotion¡ªand I told them: ¡°When I return in three years¡­ I will marry you all.¡± Their eyes filled with tears. Their faces flushed with joy. And then, together, they said what would stay in my heart through all the years ahead: ¡°We¡¯ll be waiting for you. ?? ? ???. Urin neol saranghae.¡± I couldn¡¯t help but blush. All three of them¡ªat the same time? This moment would stayed with me through every academy day. Hehe. The night drew near, and we all fell asleep together, curled under the same blanket of silence. Eunchae retired to his bed. Sohwa slipped away like a shadow. Baekho, of course, slept standing outside the chamber like always. Typical Baekho. Hhh. The next morning, I woke alone. The warmth beside me was gone, but I heard footsteps outside. The door opened. My three soon-to-be wives entered, carrying breakfast, smiling like sunbeams. They helped me bathe and dress, preparing me for the journey ahead. To Daehwa¡ªthe city where my school, Hwaeon Academy, stood. The pride of the Kingdom of Geumryang. Once I was ready, they cuddled me one last time and kissed me on the cheek. ¡°It¡¯s great to be alive,¡± I whispered. From the door, my Eomeoni and Abeonim entered, dressed in quiet dignity. They caught me tangled in the arms of my future wives¡ª I almost got caught, hehe. I turned, flustered, and told them: ¡°I¡¯ll marry them once I return.¡± They smiled softly. We spent the rest of the morning together¡ªmy parents, my lovers, my servants. All of them¡­ pieces of my heart. My three maids handed me a handkerchief, handwoven, embroidered with their favorite flowers: a rose, a daisy, and an orchid. I laughed softly. ¡°I love them so much,¡± I thought. Abeonim¡¯s farewell: ¡°Son. Remember this. Humble yourself¡ªeven if you¡¯re better than everyone else.¡± He handed me his sword. ¡°This blade¡¯s been passed down for generations. Keep it well.¡± Eomeoni¡¯s farewell: ¡°You are my son. From the beginning¡­ to the very end.¡± She gave me her phoenix hairpin. ¡°It was given to me by your great-grandmother. It carries our blood.¡± Then came the final farewell from my three hearts. Hana (The Fire in His Heart): ¡°I hate this. I hate watching you leave when all I want is to stay by your side. But I know you¡¯ll do great things. So go¡ªshow them who you are. Don¡¯t come back until the world remembers your name. I¡¯ll be waiting. Red lips, red ribbon, and all.¡± ¡°?? ? ???.¡± ¡°Urin neol saranghae.¡± Yura (The Mind Behind the Crown): ¡°I¡¯ve watched you grow from the boy who questioned everything¡­ into the man who leads without words. You¡¯re not leaving us behind¡ªyou¡¯re carrying us with you. So carry the love, the memory, the promise. And when it¡¯s heavy¡­ remember, it¡¯s real.¡± ¡°Come back to us, Your Majesty.¡± ¡°?? ? ???.¡± ¡°Urin neol saranghae.¡± Mirae (The Light in His Darkest Hours): ¡°Three years feels like forever, doesn¡¯t it? But I¡¯ll be counting. Every moon. Every letter. Every dream. Come back stronger¡ªbut not too scary, okay? When you return, smile. That soft one you think no one sees.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t forget to laugh, and don¡¯t forget us.¡± ¡°?? ? ???.¡± ¡°Urin neol saranghae.¡± As I walked toward the gate, my servants bowed deeply. Baekho, Eunchae, and Sohwa, in unison: ¡°We wish you a safe journey, Wangja Mama.¡± A guard approached. ¡°Wangja Mama. The carriage from Geumryang has arrived.¡± My father hugged me once more. My mother kissed my forehead. I turned, gave each of my lovers a goodbye kiss¡ªand saw my parents¡¯ eyebrows raise in surprise. Hehe. It was worth it. And then I stepped through the gate. And there they were. The people of Soryun. Not cheering. Not shouting. Just¡­ watching. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. Lined up along the path. Farmer Dalsu. Joon, clutching a bundle of pastries. Seo Haneul, bowing low. The five boys I trained, standing proud. None of them spoke. One by one, their hands rose to their hearts, then stretched out¡ªpalms open. A silent vow. We see you. We believe in you. I turned back and bowed. Not as a prince. As a boy raised by their kindness. Then I climbed into the carriage. The door closed with a soft finality. And as the wheels turned, I watched the fading hands¡­ ¡­until the gates of Yeonhwa closed behind me. Morning had barely cracked. The sky was pale, the wind light. We had made camp just off the road. The guards were out hunting in the woods. I stayed behind, sitting cross-legged in front of my tent, watching the trees breathe. ¡°System Nova,¡± I said, half-bored. ¡°What am I supposed to do while they try and catch rabbits?¡± System Notification: Skill Acquired ¨C Animal Tamer (??? / Sujoja) ¡°You now hold the ability to bond with wildlife, Master Jinseo. It is awakened by your spirit¡¯s alignment with nature.¡± ¡°Animal Tamer, huh?¡± I tilted my head. ¡°How¡¯d I unlock that?¡± ¡°In situations of isolation and need, I adapt accordingly,¡± Nova replied calmly. ¡°You needed a new eye. I gave you one.¡± ¡°Thanks for the upgrade,¡± I smirked. I stood, raised my hand gently to the sky, and closed my eyes. A few moments passed. Then I heard it. A single cry. Wings beat against the wind. I opened my eyes to see a falcon gliding downward¡ªfast, powerful, beautiful. It landed on my arm without hesitation. No fear. No resistance. Only understanding. System Nova: Falcon Acquired Type: Imperial Falcon Linked to master¡¯s vision. Capable of long-range surveillance and spirit-mark tracking. ¡°I can see through its eyes?¡± I asked. ¡°You can,¡± Nova confirmed. I smiled. I reached up and whispered, ¡°Let¡¯s fly.¡± The falcon launched into the sky. In an instant, my vision blurred¡ª ¡ªthen snapped into focus above the trees. I could see the forest, the guards wandering the brush, deer moving cautiously through the branches. I saw everything. ¡°So this is what it¡¯s like to see beyond myself¡­¡± I sat down again, a little more aware of the world. And for the first time since I left Yeonhwa¡­ I didn¡¯t feel alone. The falcon circled high above, its eyes scanning the forest like mine. From inside the tent, I watched through its vision. Trees blurred beneath its wings. The guards were still out there¡ªscattered, tense, and honestly¡­ not doing great. ¡°They¡¯ve been out for an hour,¡± I murmured. ¡°Not even one rabbit.¡± I could see it all. One of them had even tripped over a root. Twice. Nova¡¯s voice buzzed softly in my mind. ¡°Your father said to stay in the tent.¡± ¡°He also said to humble myself,¡± I replied, standing up. ¡°And right now, I¡¯m humbling myself¡­ by helping them not starve.¡± I stepped out quietly. The forest welcomed me. Every branch, every stone beneath my feet¡ªI moved around them like I was part of the earth. The air was crisp, the wind light. No distractions. Just instinct. Through the falcon¡¯s view, I spotted them. A group of deer, about forty yards out. Calm. Grazing. I picked up a fallen branch. Nothing special. Just wood. I held it gently, let my breath slow, then imbued it with a small flicker of fire essence¡ªjust enough to sear through muscle, not burn the forest down. I threw it. Silent. Clean. Fast. One large deer dropped instantly. No struggle. No noise. One perfect hit. ¡°Nova?¡± I whispered. ¡°Target neutralized. Precision: 97.2%.¡± I slung the deer over my shoulder and headed back to camp. By the time the guards returned¡ªmuddy, frustrated, empty-handed¡ªI was already turning the meat over a campfire, letting the smoke rise into the early dusk. They froze. One of them dropped their bow. ¡°Where¡­ where did you get that?¡± ¡°Hunted it,¡± I said casually, flipping the meat. ¡°It wasn¡¯t hard.¡± They looked at me like I had three heads. ¡°You hunted that¡­ alone?¡± I nodded. ¡°With a stick.¡± ¡°Bare-handed¡­? You¡¯re twelve¡ª¡± I just smiled. ¡°Eat up. We¡¯ve got more walking tomorrow.¡± They did. In silence. Eyes wide. Minds racing. They weren¡¯t sure whether to thank me¡­ ¡­or fear me. The sun rose slow and gold, casting long shadows through the trees. The guards were quiet during breakfast. Still unsure how to look at me after last night. One of them bowed twice before even speaking. Another avoided eye contact entirely. I didn¡¯t say anything. Just stepped into the carriage and sat with my back straight and my eyes closed. ¡°Nova.¡± ¡°Yes, Master Jinseo?¡± ¡°Falcon view.¡± My senses shifted instantly¡ªupward. I soared through the falcon¡¯s eyes, high above the tree line. The forest stretched endlessly below, a ripple of green and dark roots. Birds scattered. Deer grazed. Wolves stalked the edges. It looked peaceful. But then¡­ Sharp cry. Sudden dive. My falcon shrieked, its wings cutting through the air. I focused deeper. And I saw them. Black figures. Moving fast. Too fast. There were at least a hundred of them, moving through the woods like smoke¡ªcloaked in torn robes, skin cracked, and eyes glowing white beneath their hoods. Bandits? No. Not anymore. ¡°Nova,¡± I whispered. ¡°What am I looking at?¡± System Notification: ¡°These are former humans¡ªbandits twisted by fragments of fallen angelic power. They are no longer men. Now, they are monsters.¡± I sat forward slowly. The carriage jolted, the horses sensing something ahead. ¡°Thanks for the heads-up, Nova.¡± ¡°No problem,¡± it replied. I reached for my sword. And then I heard it. The falcon screamed overhead. The wind shifted. The trees stopped moving. And I knew¡ª They were here. The falcon dove. I opened my eyes. ¡°Stop the carriage.¡± The guards jolted. ¡°W-Wangja Mama?¡± ¡°Stop it.¡± They did. I stepped out slowly. The earth felt¡­ wrong. Like the roots had curled back in fear. The air was thick with rot and something older than blood. Then I saw them. They emerged from the forest, one by one¡ªshadows wrapped in shattered cloth, their eyes burning with holy fire twisted into something cursed. One hundred of them. Their bodies cracked with angelic residue. Wings that weren¡¯t wings. Limbs that bent too far. Once men. Now monsters. The guards behind me froze. ¡°Wangja Mama,¡± one whispered, trembling, ¡°this isn¡¯t something we can fight¡ª¡± ¡°I know,¡± I said. I stepped forward and drew my sword. ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m not letting any of you die.¡± They charged. Howling. Screeching. Too fast. Too wrong. Time cracked around me. Time Structure ignited in my blood¡ª Everything slowed, like the world had to catch up to me. I moved. Slash. Turn. Slash. Pivot. The first four fell before they even realized I was gone. They surrounded me. So I let them. My vision locked in¡ªAll Seeing activated. Every footstep. Every twitch. Every breath became a path through them. I cut through twenty. Then thirty. Then forty. But they didn¡¯t stop. ¡°Nova.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Tracking?¡± ¡°Target count: 61 remaining. Suggesting a shift in weapons.¡± ¡°I agree.¡± I sheathed my sword. The air pulsed. And I reached behind me. Asherign. The legendary chain weapon forged from my first battle with a fallen beast. It slid down my arm, coiling like a serpent ready to strike. Glowing with embered runes, whispering with the memory of divine hatred. The monsters paused. Even they could feel it. ¡°You took power from the fallen,¡± I said, voice low. ¡°But I took something from them, too.¡± I spun. Asherign exploded outward. CLANG. SNAP. WHIP. Ten fell instantly, crushed and torn in mid-air. I spun again. The chain moved like it had a will of its own, bending through the crowd, wrapping around legs, necks, torsos¡ªdragging them like dust through fire. ¡°This isn¡¯t a weapon¡­¡± one guard whispered. ¡°It¡¯s a curse.¡± They kept coming. So I gave them no chance. ¡°Nova. Chain assist. Pattern: Spiral Crush.¡± ¡°Confirmed.¡± I jumped. Asherign spiraled beneath me, carving a storm of ash around my landing. They screamed as their bodies were shredded. And when it was done¡ª Silence. Only ash remained. Ash and five guards who didn¡¯t know what to say. One of them dropped to his knees. ¡°What¡­ are you?¡± I didn¡¯t answer. I stood in the center of what was once a battlefield. My cloak torn. My shoulder bleeding. Asherign cooling like a beast that had just eaten. And I whispered to no one but the wind: ¡°Yeonhwa may be quiet¡­¡± ¡°But I am not.¡± Silence. Not peace. Just the kind that comes when there¡¯s nothing left to scream. The forest was still. Ash floated through the air¡ªsoft, like snow that had forgotten how to be pure. It coated the trees, the grass, my cloak. My hand still gripped Asherign, the chain faintly pulsing with heat, like it hadn¡¯t had enough. My shoulder throbbed where I¡¯d been clipped. My ribs ached. But I was breathing. Alive. Standing. I turned slowly, and behind me¡ªwhat was left of the five guards. One had fallen to his knees, his helmet half-bent from a fall. Another clutched a burn along his arm. Two just stood there, frozen, eyes wide like they were staring at a god they didn¡¯t believe in. One finally spoke. ¡°W-Wangja Mama¡­ what¡­ what are you?¡± I looked past him. Past all of them. At the field I had made. Charred soil. Scorched roots. What remained of one hundred corrupted lives. I should¡¯ve felt something. But I didn¡¯t. Or maybe I did. And I was too tired to name it. I stepped forward, dragging Asherign behind me. The chain clinked softly like bells muffled by ash. ¡°Get up,¡± I said, voice quiet. ¡°The dead won¡¯t chase us.¡± They obeyed. Not out of discipline. But out of fear. We returned to the carriage. No one spoke. They kept glancing at me¡ªbut when my eyes met theirs, they looked away like they¡¯d seen something they shouldn¡¯t have. When I reached the steps of the carriage, I stopped and turned. ¡°None of this leaves this forest,¡± I said. They stiffened. ¡°You saw what happened. But no one else needs to. Not Geumryang. Not the court. Not even the academy.¡± ¡°This¡­ never happened.¡± They nodded, all five of them. But I could see it in their eyes. They¡¯d never forget. And deep down¡­ Neither would I.