《Spineless: The limits of reality unleashed》 Jackpot! I stared out the kitchen window, watching as the city of New Eden awakened. The year was 4000, and the world was a vastly different place. Towering skyscrapers made of a glittering white material called "SmartGlass" stretched toward the sky, their rooftops hiding the most advanced artificial intelligence systems in the world. In our kitchen, a robot named Zeta whirred and beeped as it expertly cooked breakfast. Zeta was an older model, but it had been upgraded with the latest AI software, making it almost indistinguishable from the newer, more advanced robots. My mom, Rachel, a nutritionist at New Eden General Hospital, smiled as she took a plate of steaming pancakes from Zeta. "Good morning, Thomas! Big day today, isn''t it?" I nodded, taking a sip of my coffee. My dad, Eric, a lead researcher at the prestigious WorldBuild Institute, sat across from me, scrolling through his comms device. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. "Hey, kiddo, did you study for your electromagnetic waves test?" Eric asked, looking up from his device. I nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, Dad, I think I''ve got it down. Electromagnetic waves are just waves that are created when an electric current flows through a wire, right?" Eric smiled. "That''s close, Thomas! But electromagnetic waves are actually created by the vibration of charged particles, like electrons. When these particles vibrate, they create a disturbance in the electromagnetic field around them, which propagates outward in all directions as a wave." I nodded, fascinated. "Whoa, that''s so cool! And these waves can be used for all sorts of things, like communication and energy transmission." Eric nodded. "Exactly, Thomas! Electromagnetic waves are the foundation of many modern technologies. And with the advancements we''re making at WorldBuild, we''re going to be able to do even more amazing things with them." I grinned, feeling a surge of excitement. My dad''s work at WorldBuild was always so fascinating, and I loved hearing about the latest breakthroughs. Universe 2.0! "What?!" I exclaim, my heart racing as blood rushes to my head. I feel breathless, my heartbeat spiking in my chest: "Boom... boom... boom... boom." I glance around, speechless and bewildered, wondering if this is some kind of prank. A salesbot approaches me cautiously, its voice calm and collected. "Sir, please calm down. You''ve won an exclusive product." My eyes widen in shock. "Are you serious?!" I ask, trembling and sweating. A tall employee steps forward, his tone reassuring. "You really won, sir. We didn''t mean to startle you." I''m stunned. Are they genuinely serious? What''s going on? Am I trapped in some bizarre prank show? The employees quickly provide me with a chair to sit in, the technology in spineless is unfathomable in it''s ability of simulating a human body experience. I sit down, trying to process what''s happening. The employees seem to have received a message to give me some space, even the robots shuttle away quickly. A lady goes in the shop and walks towards me, she is wearing a blacksuit. I get nervous and wonder who she is?. She takes a chair and sits, "Hello young man, what is your name?" I look at her mannerisms, she reminds me of mom. "Thomas " I said. "Alright Thomas nice to meet you!" she replied. I immediately feel my body calming down, what a rush!. I swallow my saliva, and nervously say "Nice to meet you too!" "Oh my name is Esther Thompson." She says to me, using an inquisitive tone. "What!" I freeze on my seat and look at her incredulously. She immediately reads my mind and confirms my thought, "Yes I''m from the Thompson family; Mr Benjamin Thompson''s daughter that is." Oh man today is a day of surprises, Dave won''t believe me even if I told him, what about Dave!? Even I wouldn''t believe myself. "Well Thomas although your ticket won, you need to purchase the game your salesbot reserved for you." She said to break the ice; since I was jammed. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. "Oh, that''s what I came here to do, until that happened." I said with a hint of confusion. She laughs and tells me to follow her. As we walk I see the history of ¡îMind Games¡î depicted by the props and the images. We finally arrive next to a tall pillar, it has many objects sticking out of it; vehicles, animals, sports gear, and tools. On the top there was an imposing multi-colored, and multi-textured text; "PlanetSimu." There was text that moved like how a snake would ; "50% off invites; only 50 invites left, sale valid for 9 SSH (Standard Spineless Hours.) Immediately after approaching it, the platform immediately realesed live imagery of the objects and then a voice said "Welcome, what do you need ?" she stepped aside and looked towards me, urging me on with her nods. I step-up I can''t belive I am going to get a premium invite for PlanetSimu, I request the discount invite. " Incoming transaction, please stay near don''t go too far." The platform warned me many times. Immediately I feel my reality shifting, I feel like I am falling so I close my eyes. Suddenly Duo immediately says "A transaction of SP 550 requested by ¡ðMind Games Merchant System¡ð , approve?" I reply "please approve with immediate effect." I eagerly said. All of a sudden I feel the reality shift again and brace myself by closing my eyes again. "Transaction completed, invite sent to Spineusername : Duo." The machine said and kept quiet after. Immediately the whole store became empty, everything disappeared; a building suddenly appeared in front of me, it had the ¡ðMind Games¡ð logo infront. Text suddenly appeared; "Come in please, get on the elevator to floor 100 the last floor." I went inside, it honestly looked like a hotel, but I knew better. This was an exact representation of ¡ðMind Games¡ð HQ. The elevator ride was fast, the doors opened ( Clank-clank-clank). Look! It''s the president''s office, the words are written in gold; "President Benjamin Thompson." I knock first, but the door beat me to it as if it knew I was outside; it just opened, I walked in. Documents laid there on the desk no one was there, there was a pen on the desk. A glowing white arrow appeared and pointed at the Documents. I walk over, and sit down. I open the documents and there was a Spineless contract of ownership. These contracts are signed using MindID''s. The contract gives me ownership of a birth certificate to Universe 2.0. After reading the contract I am muttering in disbelief "Universe 2.0, Universe 2.0, Universe 2.0?" I get myself together and invoke my Spineless; Duo. "MindID imprinting" immediately my whole body feel light then I close my eyes. As the diving experience subsides I open my eyes, I am in my "Homeworld" and there are two new world servers; PlanetSimu Premium, and Universe 2.0. My eyes glow, I can''t believe this!. Immediately Duo confirms, "Minit Waves from¡Ñ Mega brain Spineless ¡Ñof ¡ðMind Games¡ð stable." Duo return me to the mall, Immediately I dive into the mall. When I open my eyes, the lady is no longer there, I see a salesbot make it''s way toward me, "Can I interest you in complementary products?." I immediately reply "no." I leave the shop and walk towards the outside of the outer space mall, as I walk I ignore everything and arrive at the entrance platform. Immediately I ask Duo to stop the "Mind Blanket." Immediately I wake up to reality, I jump up from my bed, shouting; "Yyyyyessss!" PlanetSimu! ¡è 22 : 37 ¡è - Glowing Augemented clock on the wall. I release a big breath (hoo!) after I get off my bed and head downstairs. I hear; adult voices chatting, laughing, a bit of music. It seems the Jones'' family are here. As I approach them I see them sitting next to the fireplace on couches. It''s Mr. Andy Jones and Mrs. Samantha Jones, and their daughter Adelaide Jones. I greet them all, and proceed to take a seat. "How was school today?" Mom asks "It was great, I spent half a month researching for my history report" I said. "Good job Max, it''s better than you wasting time on your races." Dad immediately spoke his mind, his tone is cheerful. "Dad formula 1 is not just driving!" I argued "Yes, I agree Thomas. I was also a racer during my days at school, it''s a sport that needs serious decision making." quipped Mr.Jones "Hey Adelaide how have you been? why didn''t you call me to tell me I should expect you?." I asked the quiet slim blonde girl. The blonde girl looks at me briefly and just keeps silent, not a word came from her. I am not surprised, but her mother takes offense for my sake- "Ade dear, Thomas is being nice to you, don''t ignore people, now be nice." The girl looks at me again, she proceeds to keep silent after turning away. When her mother wanted to chastise her again, Mr. Jones intervened ; "Ah dear leave her, leave her. I am sure Thomas understands her." Adelaide struggles with social interactions, a genius that''s what she is, the girl gets 90 points and above on all her assignments!. Dave thinks I should ask her out on a date to the Outer space mall. I don''t know, Adelaide is just like a sister to me, I told Dave to give it a try since I introduced them. Adelaide was repulsed by his behavior, she didn''t even speak in his presence, after I introduced them, the girl simply unfriended me. I was shocked, but some time passed that she called me and told me not to do that again. I guess Ade gets it, it''s just she doesn''t react the way normal people would. I proceed to stand up and drag Adelaide by the hand to the kitchen, the she looks at me with an inquisitive face. "I got the premium for PlanetSimu" I said with a wide grin. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. Her face immediately brutghtens and then darkens, she looks at me, one word she uses -"how?" " There is a 50% off sale, a salesbot referred me" I said defensively. "The invites are few so better hurry and get it, a lot of people don''t know. " She gave me this cute nod "mhmm" she uttered. Immediately the girl ran towards the door, her parents surprised, get up and go after her. All I heard was; "Ughh we will talk dear let''s go." My parents looked at me with disapprove on their faces. I just shrugged. Since they were tired we all called it a day, with "goodnight." Amd then my mom added; "Oh Tom no games, go to sleep." She didn''t have to tell me twice, after so much today, I was mentally exhausted. I went to sleep...... ......... Day : 23 ?? Month: 7?? Year: 4225 Time : ¡è 11 : 30 ¡è AM Alarm rings in my mind- ( ) .......... I wake up after a good night sleep. "Duo, put on live feed from SGARTV on please." I see a rectangular screen appear in front of me. I tuned into some TV shows. ........ After 1 hour 30 minutes ...... ¡è 13 : 00 ¡è The feed stops and I see Mom'' face. I groan inside myself. "Get off bed Tom!" I heard her say. I get off bed, onto the bathroom. My parents invited me to visit my grandparents, they live in Creekside Avenues, Palms. We spent the whole day there, we used the train; blink to return home. ¡è 17 : 48 ¡è As I look at the time in my room. My body is tired, but I am excited; it''s my first visit to PlanetSimu using a premium invite." "Duo, Mind Blanket" I said. I closed my eyes, tucked in my cozy bed. I feel my body lose consciousness, then I land in my home world. It''s white all over, with big floating windows that represent worlds I can visit. "Duo, connect to PlanetSimu please." Immediately I experience an intense Mind Blanket. I feel my whole body spinning and then I find myself in a space ship, in a room with a bed and a screen, it''s very simple but spacious, A rocket pointing towards the planet is docked outside. I can''t go out but I can look outside. It orbits a clone of the earth. That''s PlanetSimu! Where I am headed. Wow the premium invite welcome room really has amazing views!. It all looks real, it''s just Mind blowing. Everyone starts here before going to PlanetSimu, I look at the screen infront of me. Welcome to PlanetSimu SimuCoins : 0 Property owned : 0 Premium user Friends on Planet Simu: 2 Guest friends : 1 Rocket rides : 0 I immediately buy a rocket ride for SP : 10 = PLC 100 Use rocket ride? [ YES ] OR [ NO ] I CLICK YES The rocket docked outside comes to life, it starts moving slowly until it eventually connects to my window. " psshhhhh" the doors sound as gas is released. I walk in, the premium spaceship is sure beautiful, the lights are flashing red, the seat has a wide open view of the planet, I grin. I sit down, the door closes. " Initiating planetary entry in ........" 5...4...3...2...1..... Engine phase one ( 20 MPH.....60 MPH... 80 MPH....) I feel a force strongly propelling the rocket , I brace myself. Engine phase two ( 100 MPH.....180 MPH.... 220 MPH....) I feel a greater force. Engine phase three ( 200 MPH.......280 MPH...... 320 MPH....) Engine phase four ( 300 MPH.....380 MPH..... 420 MPH) I see the rocket approaching the planet, Wow the view is just breathtaking. ( Woosh.....) The Rocket breaks through the blue atmosphere, the atmosphere looks so good, I see only a desert as we descend with some cacti and other plants. Buildings start being discernible. I hear the AI announce - " Welcome to PlanetSimulation, the world of fun." I have arrived, my excitement boils in me!. Stranded in the deserts of PlanetSimu! As the rocket approaches the ground, it immediately ejects the front part. [ intiating landing mode] The throttles change direction mid-air, flying towards space, I am left in the cabin with no thrusters. The cabin releases balloons on all sides, immediately the cabin approaches the dry sand, a sound echoes in the cabin - "boooom!" The cabin bounces and spins a bit until it stops with the sound- "Scree!" [ Landing successful ] The cabin opens the doors at the side, "pshh! pshh! pshh! ." Gas sounds reverberate around me. The sunlight on my face is glaring, as I step out. The desert sand is sprawled to the distance as far as the eye can see. Nooooo! my first time premium landing left me at a desert. I quickly run, from left to right, it''s really bad, I can''t see anything. What will I do? I immediately head back into the cabin. "Help me it''s an emergency." I cry out to the AI. [ Emergency mode activated ] [What is the emergency?] "Stranded that''s what''s going on, why did the rocket land me here. Give me my refund, that''s unfair" I complained. [ Rockets are programmed to land you randomly on the Map, Suggestion; call a rescue team for PSC 250?] Everything in PlanetSimu is run by the economy of PlanetSimu Coin (PSC). This World can leave you bankrupt. "Call it please." I said anxiously. [ Request successful ] The whole cabin lit up all red, the lights flashed continously. [Distress signal online] I read that these could take the whole day. I can''t check my bank account, so I just go in the cabin to rest. ...... 2 hours later This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. ........ I wake up to sounds of a helicopter rotor; "whoosh! whoosh! whoosh!" The sand starts dancing. What an ancient build, SimuPlanet really has it all. I look up, I see 4 people plus the pilot, and a ladder they are dropping. I climb the ladder, since they are not landing. I climb up until I finally go into the helicopter. "Hello there" "Goodness you sure were in a bind." One bulky guy said with a mask on. The other members go on to take a seat, it seems they aren''t interested in me that much. The ride took a whole hour until we arrived, at a huge town in the desert, they dropped me at the entrance. I look up to see the helicopter leaving, I wonder where they are going now. Those were players just like me, they earn in this World through , "Jobs." Let me go into this town, maybe I can contact Lucy, she will probably help me. I thought my luck was good, guess again. I see floating bikes parked, floating vehicles, trucks with wheels and a huge fountain of water. I proceed to enter the town, as I walk, the town is bustling with activity. The sun is beating me down, I head towards a building with the label "Mind Games Merchants" maybe they can help me contact Lucy. As I step in, I see people in simple modern clothing attending to their assigned responsibility. I walk in towards the counter, immediately someone on the side yells, " Hey buddy here''s the line." To my shock there is a line of people looking at me, some with mocking gazes, others simply laugh it off. I groan and head over to the back, I went there with my head down. ...... 20 minutes later ...... "Next customer please." I go in, ask for help in contacting a friend. "I would like to contact my friend, is there anyway you can help?." I said anxiously, Lucy must be wondering if I''ll show up. "There is, it''s simple; just buy or rent a ComD that''ll do, to buy, the starting price is PSC 1000....and ..." I didn''t let her finish as I said- "Renting is fine" I said anxiously The lady doesn''t even mind my behaviour, she just shrugs it off. "Currently we have the model....." I interrupt her again; " the most expensive please." "That will be PSC 400 " she blankly said . I got the device, and I immediately dashed outside. The device immediately links with me, and holograms shows up. ¡ñDISTRESS SIGNAL ¡ñCALL LUCY ¡ñCALL ADELAIDE ¡ñWATCH LIVE FEED ¡ñMAP What! Adelaide is playing! Call Lucy, that''s my selection. The call starts ringing, immediately I see a face. "Hey kid you are a bit late!" She said..... "I am sorry, I landed in some desert, I don''t know what to do." I said in a dejected tone. "Relax where are you first, send me your location" she said. I sent her the location. [ Continent of Lasteria, Desert Thrush....] "It''s 932,057 miles from where I am, but relax." She drops the call immediately. Lucy is really awesome! I decide to call Adelaide, it rings and rings, she doesn''t pick up. I decide to check out the town. I discovered a fun game they are playing; Desert glide racing. A hovering board is used to surf in the desert, many people are betting on who wins, flying robots follow the action with people cheering. Big screens are streaming the action from all sides. Suddenly a screeching noise sounds above the air (screech! screech! screech!, everyone looks up as the object heads towards the town''s parking area outside of town. I hear muttering in the crowds ; "That''s the sleek Airpiercer!" ....."Who could possibly own that!", "must be rich." "Amazing!" Some people even range towards the town''s parking. What''s that? I wonder, my ComD immediately starts flashing; "Lucy calling." I happily answer the call. "Kid come to the town''s parking!" She yells. The Airpiercer Rider As I head towards the parking area, I wonder if the fast object was from Lucy. The parking area is packed with people admiring the flying object. It looks like a tear, it''s colored all white, it has a pointy front side, the back being wide. It is suspended next to the ground, it looks so unreal. The vehicle is the size of a truck, I just wonder where would Lucy be. I decide to walk around the parking, I try to call Lucy. She answers, and immediately tells me to head toward the tearshaped flying object. "Tom bud, hurry up!" she said. I head towards the vehicle, how incredible. As I approach it, I don''t hear any sounds coming from it. All of a sudden, its doors open by disintegration. A tall girl walks out, she has blonde hair in ponytail, she has red lipstick; it''s Lucy. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. People look on, in amazement at the owner of the tear shaped plane. She keeps looking around the crowd, as I walk through it. She spots me, she looks at me as if I am hopeless. She waits..... I arrive infront of her, I look up to her whilst she stands on the tear shaped plane with the doors opened. "Hurry up kid, we are about to be late." Steps appear out of the plane, I climb the plane. The doors appear again, immediately I look inside. It''s all white, with only 10 seats and the driver''s seat. "Sit down and brace yourself" Lucy says with a sense of urgency. She sits on the first seat, it looks like a pilot''s seat. She buckles up, and says; "initiate alt return trip, autopilot." [ Brighton''s Airpiercer Online, Engines ready in 5...4...3...2...1 ] The plane somehow can display the surroundings on it''s walls. As it rises, people on the ground are looking up with amazement. [Destination acquired, 30 minutes until destination ] I feel the plane, vibrating in an intense way, then a vacuum like sound comes " Whoosh!" We reached speeds that are unbelievable in just a moment. [200 MPH.....400 MPH. ..600 MPH. ..800 MPH....1000 MPH....1200 MPH....1400 MPH....1600 MPH....1800 MPH....1999 MPH reached] Lucy casually turns on her seat and looks at me in the eye; "How have you been kid, hope you didn''t skip school to come play in this world!" Brighton HQ I look back at Lucy and retort; "What do you think, landing in a desert is fun?" She laughs and claps back; "Sure is nice having a friend like me kid, you should treasure me." She snickers. I immediately change the subject; "Where did you get this thing?, it''s so fast!" My mind overwhelmed by her means. "It''s my Dad''s he lets me borrow his stuff sometimes." She answers with pride. "Your dad is so cool, my dad doesn''t even own not even one Invite to a World built for fun!." I said complaining about dad''s strictness. Lucy looks at me, and wonders who could be my dad. Since she asks; "Kid who is your Dad, who could possibly afford a great spineless such as yours?." I immediately get uncomfortable, I don''t like telling people about Dad''s work. "He is just someone who is willing to share his Spineless with his son." I quickly answer to dispel her suspicions. "Kid you are lying, not a lot of kids can casually use Spineless like you do." Lucy said, obviously intrigued. I laugh very hard at how smart she is. I think her manners are rubbing on me. "Hey Lucy, where are we going, I can''t see the world at such high speeds." Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. I said, obviously curious. "To my family''s HQ, I want to introduce you to them." Lucy said, enthusiastically. "Who would I be if they asked, your boyfriend?" I asked testing the waters. "Hahaha, I like you kid. You are as open as a book. There''s something I want to show you." She said, and proceeds to take out a circular device. She throws it to the ground, it proceeds to become a 3D Map, with the words "PlanetSimu" on top. A map it''s really a map, finally. Lucy looks at me and proceeds to get serious in a sudden. "Kid listen up, I am recruiting you into my team. My family owns Brighton HQ, you want to enjoy PlanetSimu stick with me. Listen up, this world has 10 major landmass continents 1. The Desert, Lasteria 2. The Grassland, Puteria 3. The Wetland, Guteria 4. The Tundra, Iceteria. 5. The Concrete Jungle; New Simu where we are going. 6. Mountainous Hateria 7. The rocky, Sateria 8. The Jungle, Daderia 9. Undiscovered 10. Undiscovered This is the data players got after launching a private satellite. No one is able to reach the other two continents. There are natural disasters all around them. The cost is extraordinary, many have tried and have lost much. Now kid you are my guy, I need your help. I like you, I think you are sincere. I''ll give you a great contract, do you trust me?" - She watches me amused with my expression. I don''t even think it through, immediately say, "okay sure let''s do it now." Lucy laughs, and immediately sends a contract from he ComD. I read it, it simply states I will be employed as an employee for Brighton HQ, my salary will be based on the Job. I get to have my own apartment in the HQ. Everything that I need in PlanetSimu will be taken care of by Brighton HQ. When I think of the prospect of piloting Airpiercer I laugh in glee. " Hey, what''s funny share the joke you idiot." Lucy said with her finger pointing at me. "Nothing!" I mutter, recovering from my excitement. Immediately the Airpiercer AI spoke: [ Airbrakes initializing immediately] I look outside and it''s now discernible, the buildings have become visible. We are in a big city. The Skyscrapers go higher than normal. As the Plane approaches a building labelled ; " Brighton HQ" After that the plane lands, the doors open. [Autopilot disengaged, you have arrived at your destination ] On my seat I am just amazed at this plane. Lucy jumps out of the plane and calls to me, "Hurry up kid, I don''t have all day." I follow suit, and we start running after her, we go to the door that leads inside. We get on the elevator, floor 50 is were we are headed. The Building has 110 floors. When the elevator opens, we head inside. There is an office with the doors closed. After we go in, we see 8 people who are having a discussion seated on bean bags, some are dressed in extreme sports attire. Lucy immediately says, everyone meet my boyfriend; "Tom the man." Mount Grizzly I freeze at such a statement, what!? is she being serious!?. "Hi Tom" Everyone said. "I''ll brief you later Tom, take a seat and focus." Lucy said. It turns out that there is a client that wants to Skydive at Mount Grizz that''s in the Mountainous Continent of Haste ria. The client needs to be: [ 1. Picked up 2. Brought to Brighton HQ 3. Taken to Hasteria 4. Helped Climb Mount Grizzly 5. Go skydiving ] After that the team says "Hazel blue squad go!." Everyone is rushing out, whilst Lucy grabs my hand. Our current mission is to take the client to Haste ria. We will prepare the jet, forget about the Airpiercer, it''s too expensive to use. It''s not worth it. We head off to floor 20, after we arrive I observed this is the personal floor of Lucy, incredible. This is her family''s company. On the floor Lucy took me, I see a lot of cars, Planes, and boats. Sports gear and tools are well organized all over. Lucy really loves the color blue, most of them are blue. Lucy immediately says, "check this out"...."initiate elevator", all the objects had circles glowing below them, and then a circular platform raised the objects. "This is how I get my stuff outside." Lucy said whilst grinning. I look to her hand, she has keys spinning in her finger. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. "Let''s go, we are taking the SUV to mount grizzly" Lucy urged. We went into the black SUV with big wheels, it was really ancient in style. But it was the most coolest vehicle you could own. Wheels had a better feeling than hovering. I always cane to planetsimulation to be the passenger of vehicles with wheels. After going inside the car, the platform proceeds to glide outside, it suddenly drops from a high altitude to the ground floor. "Uggh...." I groan, how nauseating. "Sorry Tom, you will get used to it." Lucy laughed at me. "Lucy what was that about me being your boyfriend?" I asked, since it was so weird. "Hahaha, no one took that seriously. Relax kid"she mused. She proceeds to drive, we start off around the HQ, we the head off to put some fuel unto the tank. I can''t believe this engine works by burning fuel. Lucy explains to me along the way, the costs of playing this game. Seriously this is terribly an expensive world. As we drive, Lucy suddenly turns towards me and asks; "Do you want to drive ?" Of course I want to drive, but if traffic control were to fine me, I would be fined a whole PSC 1000. That''s SP 100 , how incredible is that. "No thank you! I read the tutorial as you advised at my grandparent''s place." I said in a cautious tone. Cheating in World was possible, but the World Owners hoped you would do that, so they can fine you an exorbitant amount of SP. I look at the process of driving, how nice can that be. I don''t like auto-pilot, there is no fun in that. [Adelaide is calling] Suddenly I hear my device announce. Lucy has this devious look on her face. "Keep quiet, this is just my friend!" I explained as I answered the call. A face showed up, a beautiful blonde girl, she has green eyes, she looks at me, keeps quiet. "I saw your contacts and needed your help, but don''t worry. Someone helped me" I quickly said. "Who is it?" a rare sense of interest came from Ade''s face. Lucy immediately speaks out, "he is with me, who are you?" Adelaide looks at me, visibly annoyed. "Bye Tom" She said, before I could say anything she had already dropped the call. Lucy looks at me, and says ; " Am I a home-wrecker?" "She is just a friend, by the way, how long is the drive?" I ask her, since I can see we have left the city. "1 hour : 30 minutes, you arrived here at 12 : 45. It''s now 15 : 23. Relax we have a long way to go." Lucy simply said. Lucy puts on some pop songs, she sings along. In my mind I start planning my gameplay for this world. Skydiving in PlanetSimu 16 : 30 -PlanetSimulation standard time ...... At Mount Grizzly ...... Thomas and Lucy have arrived ....... As I look up at this towering mountain, I can''t believe that we are going to climb this mountain. "The client is about to arrive, come on Thomas." Lucy called out to me. I hear plane sounds in the distance, as the plane lands. Lucy and I head over to welcome them. They all get off the plane, the client is a middle aged woman with red hair. She has a jumpsuit on, with safety glasses on. "Come on guys take me up to the big bear, it''s getting late.!" The lady yelled. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. Everyone starts arranging the gear needed. I see they have brought a robot that can fly, it has a rope attached to it. There are locks on the rope, everyone connects on it, it starts moving up the mountain as the team bounce on the mountain, the robot adds more power, I seed they start putting on some distance. That is when Lucy said - " You don''t have a licence to climb, let''s go to the plane. I did promise you, a skydiving experience in planetsimu." "Yea!" I quickly ran towards the plane. As we take off, climbing the heights of the Grizzly mountain, the vegetation on it, the sun as it sets, I look towards the distance and see the city of New Simu. This World keeps taking my breath away! [Toot! Engine Malfunction! Engine Malfunction !] "What!?" Lucy screams..... "Oh no, I can''t die, just after getting the premium invite!, Lucy you! you! do something!" I yell. "Let me check for diving equipments" Lucy said with some resolve. "Who going to pilot? Lucy!" I was frantically out of my seat by then, the views are no longer that good looking!. "Oh no kid, this is bad, I''ll call in Airpiercer, but even it can''t make it in time." She answered, I never thought I''d see Lucy angry like this. [Emergency, Emergency , mayday, mayday, mayday] I see the plane start loosing altitude, man this is really bad!. The plane kept falling, until it exploded on the ground, the last scene I saw was Lucy biting her nails, how cute I wondered during the fall, I also thought that "this girl owes me a lot of SP, for killing me!". ..... Back in reality I open my eyes suddenly, and Duo announces [Premium Invite for PlanetSimu disconnected] ...... I yell "Nooooo! " Birthday in Universe 2.0 Man that was not a great experience, it all looked real. I remember the health and wellbeing organisation of spineless users, said the experience of dying can cause serious mental health issues. The trauma is real, as I look at my hands, they are trembling. I am sweating bullets, my body has activated its defense mechanisms, the adrenaline is intense. "Duo please help me get back to normal." I asked Duo . "That won''t do, since the body has to undergo its natural course to keep balance. I suggest a quick recovery using the stimulation from Universe 2.0" Duo said. I check the time; 20 : 56 SET The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. "Call EAR please " "Your parents are asleep" Duo said. Thanks, that will be fine, "Duo check the house''s food, I would like to eat something before going to bed." "Alright I''ll send in a homecarpet, it will bring your food over, it''s not advisable to move" Duo said ....... After waiting for 5 minutes The food floats on the rectangular platform. 20 minutes later Am done eating. ....... "Duo take me to universe 2.0" I asked "Alright Mind Blanket commencing" - Duo Darkness engulfed me, all over. In a white room, a voice says; "You are about to enter universe 2.0. This is a copy of the universe and its laws. You are going to be born in a random human body. All memories of the real world will kick off when you are 16 years old. There are only 100 000 members like you of the real world. The time of universe 2.0 is 1 hour in the real world is equal to 2 hours in Universe 2.0. Commence your birth? [ Yes ] [ No ] [ Yes ] The Firstborn Son of King Gideon the III I close my eyes, its dark all over but I can hear sounds, I can''t breathe, or speak. I try to move its a bit hard. - Thomas .......... Queen Lana Leo Perspective - I am in so much pain, it hurts so much. My child is about to be born. "Push, push, Lana push" I hear my mother Duchess Sina hollering. "Waah!, Waah!, Waah ! " the baby cried for the first time. Everyone looked on at the baby boy, he had fiery red hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes, even his eyes were colored red. Aside from that; This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. He had smooth skin and looked like any other normal baby. "A prince has been born, heir to the Waltonia Kingdom" -a servant yelled My husband the King has left for a meeting with the other kingdoms, he will be pleased with his son. I am blessed of all women, to give the king a first born son, heir to the glorious throne. The child lies silently in my arms as I cradle him, and breastfeed him. All the servants and midwives have left, this little one is so precious. I look up, I hear the big golden doors open. My mother is approaching us. "Mother you will wake the little one, what do you want?" I asked with a tired voice. "Pardon my intrusion, child let me see him, he looks so handsome."- Duchess Sina Mother really loves him, he looks so quiet right now. It seems he has fallen asleep, he is no longer sucking. ....... Thomas Duo suddenly ceases Mind Blanket ........ I wake up in my room, it is 22 : 23 PM Woah that was intense, I was just born in a strange world, during a strange time. Incredible world, it''s as if its the real world, it feels so strange. So in the world, I currently can''t take my memories there, but I can return with the ones I made there already. I will gain my real world memories when I turn 16. I wonder why, I remembered something very important; I NEED TO READ THE UNIVERSE 2.0 TUTORIAL! Universe 2.0 Tutorial ¡îMind Games¡î Universe 2.0 tutorial - ? Universe 2.0 is a copy of the real Universe. ? Universe 2.0 is installed, it is not an invite world. ? After the first connection to your spineless, to prevent plagiarism it will be disconnected. Since your world has been generated. ? Only a birth certificate from ¡îMind Games¡î can get you a copy of Universe 2.0. ? You own the life you are born as in Universe 2.0 ? Memories of the real world will be gained when your life in Universe 2.0 turns 16 years old, in the real world that is 32 hours. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. ? The Universe 2.0 time pauses when you stop the Mind Blanket. ? The world of Universe 2.0 is governed by "Laws" ? Certificates are laws gained through discovering a law in Universe 2.0 ? Only one law can be created per year in Universe 2.0 time ? You are not immortal when born in universe 2.0 ? The Universe 2.0 birth certificate is your sole possession unless you sell it or transfer it. ? You are free to do as you please in the world of Universe 2.0 ? The planet you are born on, will always host human life. ? When you die in Universe 2.0, you lose your life generated from the birth certificate. You will have to use it again to be born again and start afresh. ? After your first use, ¡îMind Games¡î generates universe 2.0 world for you ? User can invite as many guests into Universe 2.0 as they like. ? Law certificates is a special function in Universe 2.0, only you possess ? Life found in Universe 2.0 is similar to earth, may be modified. ? Laws can be discovered after 16 years old, be generated once a year, and be used once a year. ? Some Laws won''t work, some will function perfectly, some will have unexpected surprises Enjoy your copy of Universe 2.0 - ¡î Mind Games ¡î 1 year Old I was just born in Universe 2.0, the place looks like a normal planet. There is nothing out of the ordinary, I have to go in again, MG was mute about what this world is, I understand it. Evidently this is something very precious, like a second life, I searched for Universe 2.0 but it''s not even found in their stores. ...... The following day ...... I woke up from bed, after my first time in Universe 2.0 last night. The spineless is really something, to be able to make me experience being born is incredible. I can''t believe I won such a precious World, I can make as many mistakes as I like, experience many lifetimes. But it seems being immortal is possible, in the tutorial they stated "You are not born invicible in Universe 2.0." ..... 09 : 00 AM ..... After I woke up, I had breakfast with my parents. They asked me many questions, I told them about Lucy, we laughed about what happened in PlanetSimulation. My Dad even hinted at visiting PlanetSimu, but Dad''s job is building these worlds. He sure experiences things far incredible worlds. ...... 10 : 30 AM "Commence Mind Blanket Duo, into Universe 2.0." .... Queen Lana'' s perspective A pigeon has been sent to inform my lord, I have conceived our child, heir to the Waltonia Kingdom. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. The King Shall name him. The servants have been tending to my needs, I don''t get up from bed that much. My son is also very quiet, he cries when he is hungry. He is asleep most of the time, when I look at his fiery red hair, I am filled with pride that he bears the Leo bloodline; rulers of this land. ...... Queen Lani''s Perspective A whole week pass, my husband''s message is being read before me, by my young personal maid; Julie. "My Lovely Queen I shall not tire you with many words Name the boy after the untiring and ever glorious disc; Sun Leo is his name. I will make it back in a month''s time Good health to you My queen His Royal Majesty Ruler Of Waltonia Kingdom King Gregory Leo III I had tears in my eyes as she read, it seems I must try to get up from bed. ....... After a months time ...... I look down the balcony from the Royal Chamber, my son lies asleep. My husband makes his approach, my heart is filled with joy. I see a Red fiery banner with a maned lion Royal Crest. horses dressed in Red. A procession of nobles, courtiers, soldiers dressed in their finest attire move behind the Red Lion. Trumpet Sounds follow, I see mighty beasts; Lions, Elephants, Giraffes, Aurochs, Rhino pulling carriages. Spectacular indeed, this is my husband the KIng. King Gregory Enters the Palace alone, whilst the entourage waits outside. I hear his footsteps my heart beats faster. The King enters by pushing the Golden Doors with both hand, he dons a red cape. A bearded man, red hair flow onto his shoulders, broad shoulders, mighty is his frame, red fiery eyes. He wears an imposing golden armour, all over a red fiery maned lion crest is upon him. " Dear you are well." His voice deep like a drum. " Here is your child" I hand over Sun to him. He takes the child into his arms, raises him scrutinising him with a smile. They look good, they both have red fiery hair, he is his father''s son. My husband proceeds to the balcony, he says no word. He simply raises the child to show the entourage, shouts and applause sound from the group, mighty warriors in Red Manes on their faces march forward, these are the Red Lions Guards. Protectors of the Royal family, everyone of them the finest warrior of the land. " All of them blow a horn shaped with a lions head at the end" "Rooooaaaaarrrr!" Everyone of them kneels down. ......... The King has not left my side ever since, Leo has grown. and a year has passed of intense celebrations ......... Mind Blanket stopped .......... Mind Hack : Possession 13 : 00 PM I wake up from the Universe 2.0 Mind Blanket. I was born prince of a kingdom in Universe 2.0, this is a backward world, the planet is similar to earth. I really have red hair, it seems only the Leo family heirs have this unique hair and eye color. I have a queen for a mother, and a king for a father. The random birth seems to favor the visitor of universe 2.0. My plans are to completely rule this world, using science and technology. Until I am sixteen I won''t have much power. I could have been born poor, I am glad I was born privileged, I have the Red guard for my protection. I hope my life as Sun doesn''t lead to death, since Sun won''t possess my memories until he turns 16. I hope he works out and eats healthy. Even if he could be stupid, being a prince covers that. Alright I am a bit hungry. ...... Downstairs, Mom asked me to accompany her to volunteer at an animal shelter. ....... At the Animal Shelter of Newtown The animals in here are animals that have had their cognitive rights abused, Mind hackers are able to send Minit waves to the minds of the animals to control their bodies. This is illegal under TILLSU, humans want to experience the world through them. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. This is dangerous since animals have special abilities, that''s why I don''t go out much, it would be tragic to meet a dog with an intelligent mind controlling it. People can also be possessed by a Mind Hacker''s Minit waves, your body doesn''t belong to you anymore once they pass the government''s Spineless "MIND SHIELD". The solepurpose of mind shield is to monitor minit waves, and track illegal minit waves. The government has resorted to creating a special unit of possessed animal agents "PASA" (POSSESSED ANIMALS SPECIAL AGENTS). The cats are the most dreaded agents in the unit, since they possess outstanding agility. The world has advanced a lot technologically but the security has worsened. Under the threat of MAD( mutually assured destruction) The AI KnoIT achieved a game theory that made everyone give up destructive weapons. The Spineless granted everyone an outlet, most humans supported this act. After the government experienced an all out nuclear war, in a world using the spineless most agreed to give up their weapons. After the invention of spineless, everything became autonomous. In the real world the AI KnoIt achieved intelligence far beyond that of humans; a creation of the best minds on earth. The AI KnoIT was able to solve many problems but couldn''t solve human nature. Some institutions tried creating nuclear weapons again, war broke out again and again. Finally KnoIT worked on a project named "NO MADNESS" . A weapon with the sole purpose of disarming nuclear bombs, A wave from spineless brains interferes with the chemical needed to make bombs, as long as there is a minit wave in an area, destructive bombs won''t work. The AI KnoIT is not owned by any entity, in fact KnoIT can be used by anyone. ...... Back home " Mom mind hack is scary" I said to my mother. She seems to be in deep thought, "Thomas I have something I need to do, make sure you eat. I''ll come check on you at 20 : 00 PM, guess what? your father will take us along into a world" My mother said as she left. ..... 17 : 36 PM "Mind Blanket Universe 2.0" My Fathers Personal Railway World I just spent 4 years in the world of Universe 2.0. As Sun, I am now 5 years old, I am dressed with the nicest clothes. I never leave my mother''s side, my second mother is Julie, she is my mother''s personal maid. Grandma is the one who takes me out of the castle. 20 Red Guards follow after me, whereas grandmother has more than 100 really strong knights with swords at her side called the "Duchess'' Might." She must come from a very important family, it seems she will be a great help to me. This world is nothing like the real world, in terms of quality and quantity of nature. Trees are all over, there is no loud sound of machinery, the people all look healthy and beautiful. What''s incredible is that everywhere she takes me people bow down at my presence. I haven''t seen the bad side of this society, being a prince. 5 Year old Sun Leo in the royal chamber, on the bed falls asleep. ...... "Stop Mind Blanket." ...... 19 : 45 PM I head downstairs, mom has set up the table for our dinner. As we chat, my dad actually requests we visit his special world. All of the Worlds Dad owns are incredible. My father works at the research institution; "WorldBuild." I am very excited to spend time with my parents. "Alright Thomas, I''ll send Duo the Invitation to the Railway World." Dad said. I head to my room, and get in bed. It''s raining outside, how perfect. "Duo is the invitation in from EAR?." I asked, "Yes, begin Mind Blanket?" "Yes" I said as I braced myself. ..... When I open my eyes, I feel alive my rythmic breathing feels normal, as if I am in the real world. I open my eyes, a light burns my eyes, it''s as if I was just asleep and had woken up. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! I hear sounds, "Finally son you came, the train is about to arrive." I hear my father''s voice. He is dressed in a suit, mom is dressed in a white dress with flowers. We are at a train station, there are other people on the waiting seats. "Dad are these people real?" I ask since they seem so normal. "No Thomas, they are all individual AI generated personalities, they actually possess the same level of intelligence and individuality as us.In this world we are visitors. We are more alien than they could be, do you understand my analogy Tomboy? Hahaha! " my dad laughs. "Eric don''t call him that!" Mom giggles as she warns my father. I walk away a bit from them, I see a girl with black hair, in track and field attire, she is wearing headsets. I say "Hi, there!" She raises her head, looks at me, then says "Oh hi there, can I help you?" "Wow she is kind" I thought to myself. "I needed a break from my parents, so thought I could chat with you a bit " I said to her. "Oh where are you headed, I''m going to get off on Lake Janis station?" She asks with a smile, she has black eyes and a beautiful smile. She is so cute, she has hair cut short, she has earrings that have feather ornaments. She looks like she likes Art. "I honestly don''t know, my parent''s asked me to come along that''s all" I said with a bit of embarrassment. She smiles, " That''s fine, I can show you a map, I got it from my sister." She said as she rummaged her bear shaped bag. "My name is Thomas, what is your name?" I suddenly ask, I simply can''t imagine her being just data!. "Oh my name is Patricia, I am from the village of kites, nice meeting you Thomas!." She said sweetly with her eyes on me. "Oh look that lady is waving at us, is she your mother?" She points at my side. I look and see my mother, waving with a smile at me. "Yessss, that''s her" I said with a bit of exhaustion. She laughs for the first time, "Please introduce your parents to me." She asks out of the blue. I agree, my father has this complacent look on his face. As if to say "I told you that they are real people." As I get to know Patricia, I start calling her Pat. To her astonishment she likes it. She gives me her mail address, seems Dad''s world doesn''t have modern technologies. I wonder what train we will use. As if to answer my question on questions, a coal powered train whistles as it approaches. ( Chuff-chuff-hiss-hiss) - train sounds I see the train approaching us, with black smoke billowing above. When it arrives I see the coaches are as luxurious as it could get, wow they look so good. As I step in, Plush, upholstered benches, individual seats with velvet and leather cushions, some in jewel tones like ruby and emerald. Fold-down wooden tables and lace and linen antimacassars (armrest covers). The windows spill so much light in that it looks perfect. As we all get seated, Pat and I start chatting about the scenery we might see, since this is not her first ride, she tells me of the Tall trees of the place we about to pass through named Gazelle. The train start making steam noises, as the train gains power. I look out the window and just admire this world Dad owns. As the train moves along, we look outside the window, everyone pauses. We see a group of fast bird like creatures that look like ostrich, they are a running in a group, I look at dad inquisitively, he just smiles at me, behind his glasses lies a mysterious air of secrecy. I ask Pat, "What are those?" Pat looks at me strangely and then at my parents. "Don''t tell me you have never seen cassowaries!" Lake Janis Pat continued teaching me many things, I realised Dad must have modified the behavior of the nature of what exists on earth. Our next stop is a 100 km away from here, so we had a long way to go. "Thomas where are you from?" Pat asked obviously mystified by my identity. I look towards dad, he seems unconcerned with my issue. I reply "where are you from Pat?" I shoot back. Pat looks at me, and laughs "Hahaha, alright you! why keepyour hometown a secret? I am from Lake Janis." She easily revealed her hometown, as if to prove I am being too unreasonable. "Where is that?" I was obviously curious. My dad intervened at his proper time; "It''s our next stop, lake janis is marvel of the world. The water is as clean as you could get. I once fished there with my father." Dad said with his hand on his chin. "Sir I can''t believe you have been to my hometown. I''d like to invite your family to stay at my house for the upcoming festival if you don''t mind!" She said enthusiastically. "Sure thing! I can take this chance to teach Thomas how to fish" my father replied having changed our plans. "Great, my family will be pleased to have guests, we have a saying there - my house is your house." Pat said "Sure thing young lady, besides we are on a holiday. It''s nice of you to invite us to your home. Many thanks young lady." My father said cupping his hands. I look on in interest, this world Dad crated sure seems like the real world. I''d like to see this lake Janis. Pat has been going on and on about it. The train continues its motion- "Ching-ka-ching" train sounds. We suddenly stop, I look outside as it seems we have arrived at a station called Unify. The area behind the station looks like a village, the train conductor announces that the train will move in an hour. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. We get off, at the station we find bicycles that we ride into the Unify Village. The trail from the station to the village is grass. As I ride on my bike, I feel the air in this world is so refreshing, the sun on my face so bright. Mom and Dad are riding too, joined by Pat. We are heading into the village of Unify, to grab some lunch. As we approach the village, we hear sounds of music. It seems they are playing the bagpipe. SKWEE! -SKWEEE!-SKWEEEE! Many of the villager''s men wore; tunics, braies, hats and leather shoes. The women wore; kirtles, Smocks, and Leather shoes. They were dancing merrily along with the music. As we rode our bikes to an Inn named the "Fill the Pit stood at the edge of the village, its wooden sign creaking in the gentle breeze. The thatched roof was a warm golden brown, and the walls were made of rough-hewn stone. Smoke drifted lazily from the chimney, carrying the scent of roasting meat and baking bread. Inside, the common room was warm and welcoming, with a roaring fire crackling in the hearth. The air was thick with the smell of ale, sweat, and wood smoke. Travelers and locals alike sat at wooden tables, sharing stories and enjoying hot meals and foamy tankards of ale. The innkeeper, a stout man with a bushy beard, moved among the tables, laughing and chatting with the guests. "Ah, welcome to the Fill the Pit! ''Tis a grand day to be traveling. Come in, come in, and rest yer weary heads. I''m Friles, the innkeeper. What can I get for ye? A hot meal, perhaps? A room for the night? We''ve got a fine roast beef with all the trimmings, and our ale is the best in the county! What''ll it be, good sir... and madam... and young masters?" "Aah we are looking to fill out pits good sir." Dad being cringe, answered. Giles nodded and smiled, "Ah, excellent! I''ll bring out a feast fit for a king... or in this case, a family of four!" He chuckled and headed into the kitchen. A few minutes later, Triles returned with a large tray laden with steaming hot dishes. "Here we are! Roast beef, roasted vegetables, fresh bread, and a special treat for the young master... a plate of sweet pastries!" He set the tray down on the table and began to unload the dishes. The aroma of roasted meat and fresh bread filled the air, making everyone''s stomach growl with anticipation. The family dug in, savoring the delicious flavors and textures. "Ah, this is wonderful!" mother exclaimed. "You truly have a talented cook in the kitchen, Triles." Triles beamed with pride. "Thank ye, kind lady! Our cook, Mistress Agnes, is indeed a treasure. She''s been with us for nigh on 20 years, and her cooking just gets better and better." As they ate, the family chatted and laughed, enjoying each other''s company and the warm hospitality of the Fill the Pit. We rode our bicycles back to the train station, we immediately sat on our seats chatting and laughing about the experience at the Unify Village. As the train conductor announced; "Next Stop Lake Janis!" He yelled "Woohoo!-woohoo!" - the train wailed. The Stalker Chunk! - ching! - Chunk! The train has been moving for close to 3 hours since we left the Village of Unify. Pay smiles and softly says to me: "look at the horizon." She points at a direction, out the window. I see pink birds flying as a flock, descending down a valley. Whist I was thinking, the train put on the brakes- "Scree! Scree! Scree! " The announcement came; "You have arrived at Lake Janis! , Yu have arrived at Lake Janis Station!" Pat lead us through a flight of stairs at the back of the station. I look at the sky, it was getting dark. I wonder how do people here tell the time. I didn''t see anyone with a clock. As we walk on a path that is on a hill, I see flying lights ahead. They look so bright and they keep blinking in a pattern-like manner. I suddenly ask Dad; "What are those? they seem to be glowing!" "They are called; fireflies, insects that are able to create light. It''s called bio-lumiscence" - Dad''s voice sounded admist the sounds of crickets. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. We reach a field with horse carriages, immediately Pat whistles with her fingers on her lips- Whee! whee!. She waits and looks around, neighing sounds surround us. I am shocked at this scene; An an adult black horse (stallion) comes galloping along with one white horse and two brown ones. They immediately gather around Pat, I look on amazed that this began with a simple conversation. Pat brushes the horses as she does some weird gestures and sounds, the horses immediately take formation, two by two. Pat asks me help her connect the closest carriage to the horses, as I am about to go, a hand holds my shoulder; I look back, it''s dad. "Tom, all the inhabitants can communicate to animals. I hope you use your discretion when you are with her." Dad has a serious look on his face, whereas mom is looking at something in the distance. "I understand dad, don''t worry I won''t ask her about it." I said nodding. As I helped Pat, m parents joined us. We got on the carriage as Pat kept whistling. making weird sounds, and gestures. The horses seem to have understood her, they started moving at fast speeds. The ride was bumpy, I asked Pat- "what is the rush?" "You don''t want to miss my mom''s cooking, when the flamingos descend the valley, Mom starts cooking!" Pat said as she patted my shoulder. I immediately understood how she tells the time, they use the natural rythms like the migration pattern of the birds. Wow a world without modern technology huh? I wonder how dad built this world. I was bored leaning against the carriages window, as the four horses rushed towards a path between a forest. I saw a shadow move in the tress, I got up. "What! was that?" I immediately asked. Everyone raises their heads, I look on carefully and I see a tiger stalking us, as I try to point it, swifly it dived in the vegetation. "What did you see Thomas!?" Asked Pat, evidentity agitated. I immediately yelled; "Pat make the horses move faster, a Tiger is stalking us!" Janis Village "A tiger? are you sure ?" Pat asks with an ambiguous look. "Yes I am sure, I saw it!" I confidently said. "It''s Riva! She''s here!" Pat said excitedly. I was shocked, it seems she knows this tiger. As the horses galloped, Pat kept giving the horses directions. We passed many thatched roof houses. We began ascending a hill towards an open field, there seemed to be a building made of wood. It looked like a farmhouse, I saw that they used flame lamps for light. As the horses neighed, someone inside the house heard. A lady came out cradling a baby, she looked on inquisetively. Pat immediately got off the carriage, and ran towards the lady. She was yelling "mom, I am back!" We got off and followed after her, we found her squishing the baby''s cheeks. She introduced us; "Mom this is the Williams family. That''s Thomas my friend, Mr. Eric, and Mrs Rachel Williams. Her mother in a simple white dress greeted us. "Good evening, welcome to our home, I am Florina Everheart. This baby here is Luna, she is Pat''s baby sister." As we merrily got to know one another, we each got rooms to spend the night. Pat''s family house had 10 rooms in total. Pat lives with her mom, father, and Luna, her father went 10 stations away transporting the farm''s goods. Pat''s mom was so nice to us, she also told us to stay until the festival has passed. Pat was right, although the railway world does not seem keen on eating meat, the food she prepared was heavenly; The table was set with a vibrant and colorful spread, featuring an assortment of fresh vegetables, whole grains, and savory flavors. At the center of the table was a hearty Vegetable Stew, made with tender chunks of zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, and potatoes, all slow-cooked in a rich and aromatic tomato broth. Alongside the stew was a flavorful Quinoa Salad, tossed with roasted sweet potatoes, crunchy chopped kale, and a tangy citrus vinaigrette. A side dish of Garlic and Herb Roasted Vegetables added a satisfying crunch to the meal, with a medley of broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts tossed in a savory blend of olive oil, garlic, and thyme. The meal was rounded out with a warm and crusty Whole Grain Bread, served with a side of creamy Hummus for dipping. To finish, a refreshing Fruit Tart provided a sweet and tangy conclusion to the meal, with a flaky pastry crust topped with a colorful arrangement of fresh berries, melon, and citrus. After everyone had gone to bed, I was left with dad. We had gone outside, we spoke next to the cows. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. The stars in the Railway World are a breathtaking sight! On a clear night, the sky transforms into a dazzling canvas of twinkling lights, stretching endlessly above the rolling hills and fields. The stars shine with a brilliance and clarity that''s hard to find in urban areas, where city lights often obscure the view. The sky is a deep shade of indigo, almost purple, and the stars sparkle like diamonds scattered across the fabric of the universe. The constellations ¨C Orion, Cassiopeia, the Big Dipper ¨C are easily visible, their patterns and shapes etched in the sky like ancient myths. As you gaze up at the stars, you might notice the occasional shooting star, its brief, fiery trail blazing across the sky. The night air is filled with the sweet scent of blooming wildflowers and the distant chirping of crickets, creating a soothing melody that seems to match the rhythm of the stars. The darkness of the Railway World allows the stars to shine with unparalleled brilliance, making you feel small yet connected to the vast expanse of the universe. It''s a truly humbling and awe-inspiring experience that leaves you feeling grateful for the beauty of this world. Dad asks me; "what do you think of this world?" "It''s beautiful and a paradise!." I replied my dad as we both looked up, I was leaning on the wooden fence that kept the cows. "When you sleep, I''ll stop the Mind Blanket. Tommorow you have scool, we will continue our journey on Friday afternoon." Dad said as he slowly took out a cookie in his jacket! How sly! he must have slipped many in his jacket when we were eating. I quickly reached into jacket trying to pry open his pocket. Fast! he caught my hand, how stingy. "Thomas this world is where you grandparents live!" Dad suddenly said. I asked- "what do you mean?" I was confused. "You will find out very soon after we arrive." Dad simply said as he walked towards the house with the final words of the night. "Goodnight my son." I also lingered for a bit until I went inside, as I got in bed. When I closed my eyes, it came- (Mind Blanket stopped.) I woke up, I was on my bed. It seems we spent a good hour in the Railway World. It''s 21 : 00 PM, I decide to visit Universe 2.0. ...... (Universe 2.0 Mind Blanket ) Queen Lani''s perspective- My son is awake, he us crying. I rush to cradle him in my arm. How precious, everyone in the castle is happy with this child''s presence. His father has left, it seems there are problems up north. I hope he is safe, Sun is too young to lose his Father. I carry Sun down the Castle, we are met with an array of servants. The mighty Red guards follow after us. I head towards the Royal garden; As you step through the grand entrance, the soft "creak" of the wooden gate echoes through the air, beckoning you to enter the majestic garden fit for royalty. The warm sunlight casts a golden glow, illuminating the vibrant flora and fauna, and inviting you to indulge your senses. with perfectly manicured hedges of deep green, intricately patterned stone pathways that shimmer like polished silver, and majestic fountains that splash and gurgle softly: "Gloop, gloop, gurgle." The sound is like music to your ears, calming your mind and soothing your soul. The first thing that catches your eye is the stunning central fountain, its delicate water features and intricate carvings creating a mesmerizing display of sound and sight. Water jets shoot up into the air with a gentle "Whoosh," and the fountain''s edges bubble and chatter: "Bloop, bloop, babble." The water''s edge is lined with velvety-soft moss, its emerald green hue glistening with dew, inviting you to touch. The fountain is surrounded by a meticulously groomed lawn, soft and green as velvet, inviting you to stroll across its expansive expanse. The sound of gravel crunching beneath your feet is the only disturbance to the peaceful atmosphere. ......... This has been my routine with Sun, he is now 4 years old. The little prince is a stubborn boy, refusing for anyone except me, to carry him. A bit of a crybaby but headstrong like his father. His first words were "mama go." He seems to enjoy our time in the royal Garden. I look on to see Sun picking a Rose, I constantly tell him to be careful. After a while in the garden, he falls asleep on his garden bed I had servants make for him ...... (Mind Blanket Stopped.) ...... 22 : 00 PM (Agemented Reality Clock.) After that session, I was mentally tired. I really had fun today. It''s late, tommorow I have to visit my School. I am now 4 years old, it seems I have to add more hours. I need to reach 16 years old, right now I am basically just a spectator. The Continent of Natural Sciences 08 : 45 AM I woke up from sleep, the alarm ringing in my mind. Many messages were left for me; "Thomas Dear remember to take care of yourself, don''t go out dear it''s not safe." - Mom "Take your studies seriously, no slacking Tomboy!" - Dad "You are requested to attend School at 12 : 00 PM." - ¡ðNESA¡ð I take a bath as I ask Duo to put on some recent news; " Newtown''s Updates ? A cow that was under posession has been captured, the Mind Hacker responsible for the crime has not been identified. ? ¡î Mind Games ¡î stocks value has increased * ¡î Mind Games ¡î Sees Significant Stock Value Increase* Newtown, Cerebea¨C ¡î Mind Games ¡î a leading WorldBuilder company, saw its stock value surge. ? *Current Weather Conditions:* Rainy with a temperature of 18¡ãC (64¡ãF) and humidity at 80%. *Detailed Forecast:* - *Morning:* Light rain showers with a high of 20¡ãC (68¡ãF) and winds at 15 km/h (9 mph). - *Afternoon:* Heavy rain with thunderstorms, reaching a high of 22¡ãC (72¡ãF) and winds gusting up to 30 km/h (19 mph). - *Evening:* Continuous rain with a low of 15¡ãC (59¡ãF) and winds dying down to 10 km/h (6 mph). - *Night:* Rain showers easing, with a low of 12¡ãC (54¡ãF) and light winds. *Additional Information:* - *Precipitation Chance:* 90% throughout the day - *UV Index:* Low, due to cloud cover - *Air Quality:* Moderate, due to rain and wind ? Newtown''s Outer Space Mall has finished their planet, customers can now visit the planet. ? Minit wave numbers have increased from 367 000 to 486 000 in the past year. ?Mind Shield has tracked and eliminated over 200 000 illegal Minit waves. ? The Conglomerate Intellect Games have released a World named, Omniverse; *Create Your Own Universe* Imagine a world where you are the ultimate creator. Where your imagination knows no bounds, and your creativity is limitless. Introducing *Omniverse*, the revolutionary new virtual reality game that puts the power of creation in your hands. *Build, Shape, and Explore* With *Omniverse*, you''ll have the ability to create entire worlds, landscapes, and ecosystems from scratch. Want to build a towering mountain range? Done. Want to design a futuristic city? Easy. *Unleash Your Creativity* But it''s not just about building things. *Omniverse* also allows you to bring your creations to life. Add animals, plants, and even entire civilizations to your world. Watch as they evolve and adapt to their surroundings. *The Ultimate Sandbox Experience* *Omniverse* is more than just a game - it''s a tool for self-expression and creativity. With a vast array of tools and assets at your disposal, you''ll be able to bring your most ambitious ideas to life. *Join the Community* But you won''t be alone in *Omniverse*. Join a thriving community of creators and explorers, sharing and discovering new worlds and creations every day. *Get Ready to Create* So why wait? Step into the world of *Omniverse* today and discover the ultimate creative experience. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. *Platform:* Spineless *Release Date:* Coming Soon! *Pre-Order Now:* Secure your copy of *Omniverse* today and get exclusive bonuses and early access to the game! Don''t miss out on this revolutionary gaming experience. Join the *Omniverse* community today and start creating your own universe! [A group of Worlds for Entertainment industry analysts discussing the upcoming release of Omniverse.] Jaxon: "Welcome back to ''Game On''! Today, we''re discussing the highly anticipated release of Omniverse, the new Spineless World that''s set to revolutionize the Worlds for Entertainment industry." Lena: "That''s right. And one of the biggest questions on everyone''s mind is: can Omniverse finally end Mind Games'' dominance over the market?" Kai: "Mind Games has been the leading World developer for years, with a stranglehold on the market. But Omniverse is looking to change that." Jaxon: "With its innovative gameplay mechanics and vast creative possibilities, Omniverse is poised to give Mind Games a run for its SP." Kai: "But Mind Games isn''t going down without a fight. They''ve been quietly working on their own World similar to omniverse, and rumors are that it''s going to be a major contender." Jaxon: "Well, we''ll just have to wait and see how it all plays out. But one thing''s for sure: the Worlds for Entertainment industry is about to get a whole lot more interesting." Unbelievable, the Omniverse huh!? Incredible world. I wonder how much it costs. ¡îIntellect Games¡î huh? they may dethrone ¡îMind Games¡î with this one. After I was done, I decide to visit the Outer Space Mall. There is someone I would love to see, hmpph!. On my bed it''s, [ 09 : 30 AM ] [ Mind Blanket Newtown''s Outer Space Mall ] I arrive at the mall, I immediately gaze at the Planet, I saw a beautiful planet. It glowed with a soft light and had big, white clouds moving across it. The ice at the poles shone brightly. I don''t have much SP, I could be buying Land and stuff. I walk in the mall with no roof, all you can see are the multitude of stars as they twinkle in the darkness. I immediately call Lucy, [Lucidflower ringing] [No Answer] I wanted to meet her, guess that''s not going to happen. I go into the mall, many people are inside. As I head towards the ¡îIntellect Games¡î shop, I see a huge line of people going inside the shop. As I approach the last person, a chubby teen, "Hey bro" I said. "Hey what''s happening? " he said with a nasal tone. "Bro what''s this line for?" I asked him with eagerness. "Beta testing the Omniverse duh!" He said disdainfully. I didn''t take offence since I knew some people didn''t have manners. "What are the requirements?" I asked him. "Just be a teenager, that''s it. Oh also agree to share your first world created using Omniverse. They are soliciting World builders, this is just a way for them to discover a profitable World." He said with a high pitch. "Thanks bro" I said then, I got in line. We discussed many subjects, I realised that this Chubby dude has visited many Worlds for Entertainment. I asked him about my world that I won, "hey dude, know anything about Universe 2.0?" Immediately his face changed, he cautiously looked at me. "Add me as a friend, I''ll invite you to the world of Cryptia. I am Jamie Ferguson, who are you dude?" "I am Thomas, I attend Newton''s Saps. What about you?" I asked. "I don''t attend school!, that''s a waste of time!, my dad is a world builder. He home-schools me in his worlds. What about you, where does your dad work?" He asked. I felt uncomfortable, dad was a famous WorldBuilder. I signalled him that we''ll talk. He simply said; " understood." It was finally our turn to go inside the shop, the shop looked so otherworldly. Filled with planet props, creatures, and vegetation models. After we got registered as Beta testers, we parted ways. I immediately left the outer space mall. I am about to be late for school. [Mind Blanket Stop] As I open my eyes panicking, I look at the clock on the wall- 11: 45 AM <¡ðNESA¡ð -" Thomas Williams, you are required to attend School at: 12 : 00 PM Spend 2 weeks in the Continent of Natural Sciences! Zoology: *Instructions:* *Assignment: Behavioral Observation of Primates at a Zoo* *Objective:* To observe and record the behavior of primates in a controlled environment, applying principles of ethology and animal behavior. *Instructions:* 1. Visit a local forest that has a primate population (e.g., monkeys, apes). 2. Choose a specific species to observe (e.g., chimpanzees, gorillas). 3. Spend at least 2 weeks observing the primates, taking note of their behavior, including: - Social interactions (e.g., grooming, playing, aggression) - Feeding habits - Locomotion and movement patterns - Vocalizations and communication 4. Record your observations using a standardized ethogram or behavioral checklist. 5. Take photographs or videos to supplement your observations. 6. Analyze your data, identifying patterns and trends in the behavior of the observed species. 7. Submit a written report (2-3 pages) summarizing your findings, including: - Introduction to the species and its natural behavior - Methods used for observation and data collection - Results, including tables, figures, or graphs to illustrate your findings - Discussion, interpreting your results in the context of primate behavior and ecology *Grading criteria:* - Accuracy and completeness of observations - Quality of data analysis and interpretation - Clarity and organization of the written report - Adherence to scientific writing standards and citation guidelines This assignment allows students to apply theoretical knowledge of animal behavior to real-world observations, developing essential skills in data collection, analysis, and scientific communication. Spend a Week in the continent of P.E (Physical Exercise, you have: F1 driving You are ranked as a team, number ? 9338 out of ?10 000 Teams In the ¡¶Newtown''s F1 Racing Series¡· Time to attend School- [Mind Blanket Newtown''s High School Planet] Alpha Thomas When I opened my eyes after the Mind Blanket, I was at the outside door of the history teacher''s classroom. I walked towards the exit, I said "¡ðNESA¡ð I request transportation to the continent of Natural Sciences for my report." "A School bus will take you to the school''s parking, where there is an available ¡ðCAV¡ð."- ¡ðNESA¡ð .....The sleek levitating school bus arrived... outside the Sprawling Castle like school building. As I went in the bus, I realised there was no one. Ofcourse our schedules are not the same. The bus moves along, descending the mountain the school''s on. When we pass the draw bridge, we arrive at the school''s parking. The ¡ðCAV¡ð is there waiting for me. As I walk inside, there are 3 students inside. "Hello everyone!" I said. "Hiiiii" everyone said, all of them have floating papers in front of them. "¡ðCav¡ð doors closed, initiating continental travel. ¡·Natural Sciences Continent Travel speed will exceed the speed of sound. ............ After 30 minutes ....... The ¡ðcav¡ð slowed down to speeds that allowed us to observe the forest. As you stand at the entrance of the forest, the sheer scale of the landscape unfolds before you. The trees stretch out in every direction, a sea of green that seems to stretch on forever. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and the sweet aroma of blooming flowers. The forest seems to hum with energy, the sounds of the jungle carried on the breeze. You can hear the distant call of a bird, the chatter of monkeys, and the rustle of leaves as unknown creatures scurry through the underbrush. As you take your first step into the forest, the canopy above seems to close in around you, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. The trees loom above, their trunks thick and gnarled, their branches stretching up towards the sky like giant arms. _Two-Week Report: Behavioral Observation of Primates_ As I stepped into the forest, generated by Newtown''s Spineless Brain, I felt a thrill of excitement mixed with a dash of nervousness. Two weeks of observing chimpanzees in their natural habitat lay ahead. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Over the past fortnight, I''ve had the privilege of witnessing the intricate social dynamics, fascinating behavior, and impressive adaptability of these incredible creatures. In this report, I''ll share some of the most notable observations, stories, and insights gained during my time with the chimpanzees. _Observations:_ - _Social Hierarchy:_ The dominant male chimpanzee, Alpha, is the undisputed leader of the troop. I''ve seen him mediate disputes, protect the group from potential threats, and allocate resources. One remarkable instance was when Alpha intervened in a conflict between two females, gently but firmly separating them and restoring peace to the troop. - _Communication:_ Chimpanzees use a variety of vocalizations, body language, and facial expressions to communicate. I''ve observed them pant-hooting to alert others to potential threats, using lip-smacking to initiate grooming, and displaying aggressive postures to assert dominance. During one memorable moment, a young chimpanzee, Luna, used a series of high-pitched squeaks to beg for food from her mother, who eventually relented and shared her meal. - _Tool Usage:_ Chimpanzees employ sticks to extract termites from their mounds, rocks to crack open nuts, and leaves as sponges to soak up water. One fascinating observation was when Alpha used a rock to crack open a nut, and then shared the contents with the rest of the troop. - _Habitat Usage:_ Chimpanzees inhabit the forest canopy and understory, using trees for shelter, food, and transportation. They also use the forest floor for foraging and socializing. I''ve watched them expertly navigate the treetops, using their prehensile tails and agile limbs to swing from branch to branch. _Notable Events:_ - _Day 3:_ A severe storm rolled in, causing the chimpanzees to seek shelter in a nearby thicket. Alpha protected the group, using his body to shield them from the wind and rain. I was struck by the troop''s resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. - _Day 7:_ A rival troop of chimpanzees was spotted in the distance. Alpha led the charge, using aggressive displays to deter the rival troop. The encounter was intense, with both groups displaying and vocalizing, but ultimately, the rival troop retreated, and Alpha''s troop emerged victorious. - _Day 10:_ Luna, the young chimpanzee, was observed using a rock to crack open a nut. This was the first time I''ve seen a chimpanzee use a tool in this way. It was a moment of pure excitement, watching Luna''s face light up with pride and accomplishment. _Conclusion:_ These two weeks of observation have been an incredible journey, one that has left me in awe of the complexity and sophistication of chimpanzee behavior. I''ve gained a deeper understanding of their social dynamics, communication patterns, and adaptability, and I''m eager to continue exploring and learning more about these fascinating creatures. _Recommendations:_ - Further research is needed to fully understand the cognitive abilities of chimpanzees. - Conservation efforts should focus on protecting chimpanzee habitats and reducing human-chimpanzee conflict. - Future studies should investigate the role of tool usage in chimpanzee social dynamics. As I conclude this report, I''m filled with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the opportunity to observe these incredible creatures. The experience has been truly enriching, and I look forward to continuing my exploration of the natural world. It''s just incredible to experience these assignments. It''s been two weeks, Finally I can go to the P.E continent. "¡ðNESA¡ð please take me to the P.E continent. I am done with my assignment." I asked. "¡ðCAV¡ð currently on its way in just 30 minutes it will arrive." ..... After 30 minutes I was in the ¡ðcav¡ð off to the P.E continent. F1 Racer The cars are a blur of color, their sleek designs and vibrant liveries a feast for the eyes. The track itself is a masterpiece of engineering, with precision-crafted corners and straights that seem to stretch on forever. The cars zip past, a kaleidoscope of color and motion: "Zoom! Zzip! Vroom!" This is perhaps the most iconic aspect of F1 racing. The roar of the engines is deafening, a cacophony of sound that vibrates through every cell in your body. The high-pitched whine of the engines, the screech of tires, and the rumble of the crowd all combine to create an auditory experience like no other: "Rrrrrrr! Squeeeeeal! VVVVVVV!" The air is thick with the acrid smell of burning rubber and the sweet aroma of gasoline. It''s a potent mix that''s both exhilarating and overwhelming: "Pungent... Acrid... Sweet!" The rumble of the engines vibrates through the ground, making it feel like the very earth itself is shaking. The wind generated by the cars as they speed by is almost palpable, whipping through your hair and leaving you breathless: "Whooooosh! Rumble! Vibrate!" The taste of adrenaline is bitter and sweet, a mix of excitement and fear that''s hard to describe. It''s a sensation that''s unique to the world of F1 racing: "Tangy... Metallic... Exhilarating!" I have arrived at the continent of P.E. The thrill of putting on my Golden Lions racing gear! It''s a ritual I cherish every time I get ready to take on the track. First, I slip on my fire-resistant balaclava, feeling the soft, breathable material hug my skin. It''s emblazoned with the Golden Lions'' logo, a fierce symbol of our team''s pride and determination. Next, I put on my custom-designed helmet, its sleek, aerodynamic shape a testament to our team''s cutting-edge technology. The Golden Lions'' logo is proudly displayed on the side, a beacon of our team''s spirit and values. My racing suit is a marvel of engineering, designed to keep me safe and comfortable at speeds of over 200 miles per hour. The Golden Lions'' colors ¨C bold, gleaming gold and regal lion''s mane yellow ¨C seem to shimmer in the light, a constant reminder of the pride and honor I feel in representing our team. Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. I slip on my gloves, feeling the supple leather mold to my hands. They''re designed to provide the perfect balance of grip, sensitivity, and protection, allowing me to feel every nuance of the track. My shoes are specially designed to provide support and pedal feel, with a thin, flexible sole that allows me to feel the pedals'' subtle vibrations. As I buckle myself into the cockpit, I feel the familiar comfort of my custom-molded seat and the reassuring security of my six-point harness. Finally, I adjust my HANS device, feeling the reassuring presence of this vital safety feature. With my gear in place, I''m ready to take on the track, to unleash the Golden Lions'' fury and fight for victory. Bring it on! I''m part of the Golden Lions team, and I have to say, it''s been an incredible experience so far. My first few races were a bit rocky, to be honest. I struggled to find my rhythm and made a few rookie mistakes that cost me some valuable points. But I''ve been learning a lot from our team''s star driver, Daniel Cole. He''s a seasoned pro with years of experience, and he''s always willing to share his expertise with me. Daniel''s been dominating the series so far, and it''s been amazing to watch him in action. He''s got a sixth sense on the track, always seeming to know exactly where to be and when. I''ve been trying to learn from his techniques, studying his lines and braking points, and it''s definitely helped me improve my own performance. In our last race, Daniel was on fire. He qualified on pole and led the pack from start to finish, taking the checkered flag with ease. I, on the other hand, had a more average day. I qualified mid-pack and struggled to make my way up the field, eventually finishing 8th. But despite my average performance, I was thrilled to see Daniel take the win. He''s been an incredible mentor to me, and it''s great to see him get the recognition he deserves. As we celebrated Daniel''s win in the paddock, he turned to me and said, "You know, Thomas, you''ve got a lot of potential. Don''t get discouraged by your results so far. Keep working hard, and you''ll start to see improvements." His words of encouragement meant a lot to me, and I''m more determined than ever to keep pushing myself to be the best driver I can be. Next race, I''m aiming to do better. I''ll be studying Daniel''s data, working on my own techniques, and pushing myself to be more aggressive on the track. Who knows, maybe I''ll even give Daniel a run for his money! "¡ðNESA take me back please to the central continent, I''m down with my assignments." I asked when I was done changing into my casual attire. I have to meet Jamie, it seems there are some things he is aware of. The World of Cryptia ........ At the door of the Natural Science''s Class. I took a deep breath and I said; "I would like to submit my report, the observation of primates." The door immediately identified me and it opened. When I stepped in, I saw that it was a big hall. As I stepped into the grand hall of the museum, I felt like I''d entered a different world. The first thing that caught my eye was this... this monstrosity standing in front of me. It was a dinosaur skeleton, towering over everything else in the room. I felt my jaw drop as I stared up at the massive creature. It was a T-Rex, I think - I''d seen pictures before, but nothing compared to seeing the real thing. The skeleton loomed over me, its empty eye sockets seeming to stare right through me. I couldn''t believe how huge it was. The skull alone was as long as I was tall. I felt tiny and insignificant compared to this ancient beast. I wondered what it would''ve been like to see it roaming the earth, its roar thundering through the valleys. As I stood there, frozen in awe, I noticed the intricate details of the skeleton. The vertebrae were massive, and the ribs looked like they belonged to some kind of mythical creature. I felt like I was gazing into the past, seeing something that had been hidden for millions of years. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. I took a step closer, my eyes fixed on the T-Rex''s jaws. They were massive, lined with razor-sharp teeth. I couldn''t help but wonder what kind of prey this thing had taken down. It was both terrifying and awe-inspiring at the same time. I stood there for what felt like hours, taking in every detail of the skeleton. It was like I''d stumbled into a different world, one where giants roamed the earth. And I was hooked. The scenery immediately changed like last time I was submitting my history report; A judge''s seat was raised, and a giant towering over me was seated on it. His name is Professor Mark Bowing, he had glasses on, donning a mustache. His voice sounded so deep, at the same time comedic. "Thomas my man, how are you?" He asked. "Teach I am good and you?" I replied. "Great! how was the experience?" He asked again. "It was really tiresome, following primates is taxing mentally." I honestly replied. "I understand, but If you how precious the experience is, you would know it was worth it. The Spineless was first used in a primate after all." He eagerly said. "Yes, I noticed their bond and family structure." I replied. "Good, I am glad you enjoyed it. Alright give your report to me. " He requested. ....... After I was done with my submission, I lingered around the school premises for a while looking for my friends. After my school time was up I woke up on my bed. [Mind Blanket] 14 : 00 PM After eating and watching some SGARTV shows, I went to meet Jamie in the world of cryptia- the world of secrets. Jamie Ferguson When I opened my eyes there was a deep silence, and darkness. My consciousness in the midst of this place. So this is the world of secrets, anything spoken here is in secret, this world is built on the principle of one mind. The mind is a very personal and deep space. I yell, "Hey! Jamie! Where are you!?" "Dude I can hear you, stop yelling!" I heard Jamie''s voice. "I got here as soon as you accepted the invite." Jamie continued. "Bro this place is insane, so we are literally reading each other''s minds, that''s insane." I said. "Yeah, Cryptia is an invite created by KnoIT. For people to share things in absolute privacy. Its solid since KnoIT is a dependent AI that exists on the values of atoms. It literally functions on the laws of the creator of the universe, so it is incorruptible." Jamie said. "KnoIT is an incredible entity, so bro tell me about it, about Universe 2.0" I rushed and blurted it out. "Dude! dude! no one has any mental image of how Universe 2.0 looks. It''s the most exclusive product of ¡îMind Games¡î it''s a copy of the universe itself in its entirety and laws. My dad actually has a copy of it. He gave me one, he was one of the developers who built it. " I heard smugness in his tone. "What, dude I have a copy of Universe 2.0 ! " I yelled. "What! " Jamie yelled. Loosing his usual composure "I won it bro, at ¡îMind Games¡î " I clarified. "That''s awesome bro, how many lives have you lived ?" He asked. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. "Only one, I am not even 16 years old, I am 9! my memories kick off at 16!" I said "That sucks, I am on my 4th life, I was born as peasant in a very cruel world. Man there are days I starve in that world. I immediately leave the world when things get tough, I am not sure about this one, I am miserable in that world, everyone takes advantage of me, people have betrayed me, hurt me and exploited me. Man I sure am living badly, I was contemplating suicide. I told my dad, he told me to value the life I had in Universe 2.0. He told me that I should see things through, but I shouldn''t commit suicide. What about you dude, who are you in Universe 2.0? " Jamie asked out of concern. "Prince Sun Leo of the Waltonia Kingdom, Heir to the throne. Hahaha!" I bragged mixed with laughter. "What! How lucky, in all the lives I''ve lived, I have never been born in a position of power. No! I have to try, if you got it, maybe I can also get it." He panicked and frantically obsessed with the thought. "Tell me more about Law certificates" I suddenly asked. "They grant you, random special certificates, specifically bringing objects from your memories into Universe 2.0. Last I brought in a bicycle. The rule is, you need to fully understand the object you want. For example a bicycle, you just need to memorise the blueprints." Jamie said with his high pitch voice As I listened to him, I began wondering towards the possibilities. But first I need to reach age 16 in Universe 2.0. "Hey Jamie any other awesome world that you know of? " I asked out of curiosity. I heard "Sure dude, it''s Beast Life. It''s basically the legal way to Mind Hack an animal. ¡îIntellect Games¡î. My dad told me about it, you can live as an animal in this world." Jamie said excitedly. "Really dude, how much is it?" I enthusiastically asked. "I don''t know, but the World is said to be huge, with Land animals, Marine life, Avian life, even some fictitious animals." Jamie said carefully. "Awesome! " I yelled. "Bro, I''d like to invite you to my world in Universe 2.0, I need help!" Jamie pleaded. "Bro I am tight pressed with time, I have to grind years in your world." I cried out. "Relax bro, I have a invite certificate, been saving it. It''s different in the sense that you will arrive as a grown person in the world." Jamie said. "Alright bro, send the invite, I''m off to Universe 2.0. I am done with school for the day." I said. "Good one, bro." Jamie said. We immediately both Said [Mind Blanket] Coming of Age 14 : 30 PM I just had lunch, time to turn 16 in Universe 2.0. [Mind Blanket Universe 2.0] I sat in the grand hall of our palace, surrounded by the opulent tapestries and the warm glow of the stained glass windows. My teacher, Lord Thomas, stood before me, his wise eyes sparkling with a deep understanding of the world. Today''s lesson was one I had been eagerly anticipating - a discussion on the art of rulership and the intricacies of our great nation, Waltonia. I leaned forward, my hands clasped together, as Lord Thomas began to speak. "The Leo family has a rich and storied past, Prince Sun," he said, his voice low and soothing. "Your ancestors were brave warriors who fought alongside the great King Arin to unite the warring provinces of Waltonia under one rule." I listened intently, my mind racing with questions. I had always known that our family''s history was marked by bravery and strength, but I had never heard the full story. As Lord Thomas continued to speak, I found myself becoming increasingly fascinated by the complexities of our nation. I learned about the five provinces that made up Waltonia, each with its unique culture and challenges. I learned about the delicate balance of power between the provinces and the importance of fostering cooperation and mutual respect. But what struck me most was the emphasis Lord Thomas placed on compassion. "A ruler who is compassionate is able to understand the needs and struggles of his people," he said, his eyes locking onto mine. "And to make decisions that are just and fair." I felt a surge of determination run through me. I knew that I had a long way to go before I could claim to be a truly compassionate ruler, but I was eager to learn. As the lesson drew to a close, I turned to Lord Thomas with a thoughtful expression. "Lord Thomas, may I ask you something?" I said, my voice barely above a whisper. Lord Thomas nodded, his eyes encouraging. "Of course, Prince Sun. What is it that you wish to ask?" I hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Lord Thomas, what is the most important quality for a ruler to possess?" Lord Thomas''s expression turned serious, his eyes sparkling with a deep wisdom. "Ah, Prince Sun, that is a question that has been debated by scholars and philosophers for centuries. But in my opinion, the most important quality for a ruler to possess is compassion." I nodded thoughtfully, my mind racing with the implications of Lord Thomas''s words. I knew that I had a lot to learn, but I was determined to become the best ruler I could be. As I stood up, signaling the end of the lesson, Lord Thomas placed a hand on my shoulder. "Remember, Prince Sun, a true leader must always be willing to learn and grow. Never stop seeking wisdom and guidance, and always remember to compassionately serve your people." This has been my routine in the grand palace of the Leo Royal family. I am 15 years old, tommorow I shall be turning 16. I will go through my coming of age ceremony. As I walk through the hallway, I hear my footsteps echoing in the distance. Tap-tap-tap. I wonder where mom is, I decide to head into the royal library. As I step into the royal library, I''m immediately enveloped in a world of ancient wisdom and timeless knowledge. The air is thick with the scent of old parchment and the flickering light of candelabras casts a warm, golden glow over the rows of towering bookshelves. I walk along the polished stone floor, my footsteps echoing off the high, vaulted ceiling. The walls are lined with shelves that stretch all the way up to the ceiling, packed tightly with leather-bound tomes, their gilt-edged pages glinting in the soft light. As I run my fingers over the spines of the books, I feel a thrill of excitement. These aren''t just any books ¨C they''re rare, ancient texts that hold the secrets of the past. I see volumes on alchemy, astrology, and the arcane arts, their covers adorned with strange symbols and markings. The room is silent, except for the occasional crackle of the candles or the soft rustle of pages turning. I feel like I''m the only person in the world, surrounded by the collective knowledge of centuries. I sat in the grand library of our palace, surrounded by the musty scent of old parchment and the flickering light of candelabras. My eyes wandered over the shelves, scanning the titles of the various tomes that lined the walls. As I delved deeper into the stacks, I stumbled upon a worn leather-bound book. The cover was embossed with a golden phoenix, and the pages were yellowed with age. I carefully opened the book, and a piece of parchment slipped out, carrying the title: "The Travels of Alessandro Calvi" I settled into a nearby chair, fascinated by the stories of this medieval explorer. As I read on, I felt as though I was transported to the distant lands that Calvi described. Calvi''s journey took him from the sun-kissed hills of Azura to the bustling markets of Valtania. He traveled along the Golden Road, marveling at the towering mountain ranges and treacherous deserts that stretched out before him. As I turned the pages, I found myself enthralled by Calvi''s tales of the exotic East. He wrote of the majestic cities of Eldrida and Kyrial, with their soaring spires and glittering palaces. He described the vibrant markets, where merchants hawked their wares and traders bargained over the price of precious spices. But Calvi''s journey was not without its challenges. He faced treacherous mountain passes, raging sandstorms, and even a run-in with a group of ruthless bandits. Despite these dangers, Calvi persevered, driven by a sense of wonder and curiosity. His travels took him to the court of the great Horde King, where he was received with honor and hospitality. As I finished reading Calvi''s account, I felt a sense of awe and reverence for this explorer. His bravery, wit, and cunning had carried him to the farthest reaches of the known world, and his stories had inspired me to consider my own place in the world. I closed the book, feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience Calvi''s travels vicariously. As I sat there, surrounded by the silence of the library, I knew that I would never forget the tales of Alessandro Calvi. I hear light footsteps in the library-tap-tap-tap. "Young Master Sun, your mother is calling you." I heard the maid Julie''s call. I went out of the library, to be met with the maid''s visage. As she stood in the palace hallway, the maid''s visage was a picture of quiet diligence. Her eyes, a deep shade of brown, were cast downward, fixed on the intricate patterns of the marble floor. Her eyelids, fringed with thick lashes, seemed to veil a depth of emotion, a sense of inner life that belied her outward stillness. Her skin, smooth and unlined, glowed with a soft, golden light, a testament to her youth and vitality. A few stray strands of dark hair escaped her cap, framing her heart-shaped face with a soft, wispy tenderness. Her lips, pressed together in a firm line, seemed to suggest a sense of determination, of resolve. Yet, as she stood there, motionless and silent, there was something about her that seemed to whisper a deeper story, a tale of secrets kept and dreams deferred. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. Julie is 30 years old, she is like a mother to me. She is my mother''s personal help. As we walk, Julie''s refined movements echo along, she doesn''t speak much. But she suddenly asks "Young Master Sun, what have you been reading? " I tell her the book about the explorer, she laughs and smiles. "Wow the royal library has real treasure, it''s good you love reading." She said. As I entered the Grand Dining Hall with Maid Julie by my side, I couldn''t help but feel a sense of awe at the grandeur before me. The room was ablaze with candlelight, casting a warm glow over the assembled guests. The long, formal dining table sparkled with fine china and crystal glasses, while the walls were lined with the imposing figures of the Royal Guard, the Red Lions. Their masks, fashioned to resemble the majestic creatures, seemed to gaze out with an unblinking intensity, inspiring a mix of awe and reverence within me. I felt a surge of pride knowing that these elite warriors were sworn to protect our kingdom and our family. As I approached the head of the table, my mother''s warm smile greeted me. Queen Lana Leo''s eyes sparkled with a mixture of love and expectation, and I knew that she was thinking about tomorrow''s ceremony. Beside her, my little sister Lumina looked up at me with her piercing red eyes, identical to mine, and a mischievous grin that always seemed to make me smile. "Ah, Sun, dear son, I trust you''re prepared for tomorrow''s ceremony?" Mother''s voice was like music, with a hint of warmth and authority. I bowed my head respectfully, trying to hide the butterflies in my stomach. "Yes, Mother. I''m ready to accept my responsibilities as Prince of Waltonia." My voice sounded firm, but I couldn''t shake off the feeling of nervousness that had been building up inside me. As I approached the head of the table, my mother''s warm smile greeted me. Queen Lana Leo''s eyes sparkled with a mixture of love and expectation, and I knew that she was thinking about tomorrow''s ceremony. Beside her, my little sister Lumina looked up at me with her piercing red eyes, identical to mine, and a mischievous grin that always seemed to make me smile. "Ah, Sun, dear son, I trust you''re prepared for tomorrow''s ceremony?" Mother''s voice was like music, with a hint of warmth and authority. I bowed my head respectfully, trying to hide the butterflies in my stomach. "Yes, Mother. I''m ready to accept my responsibilities as Prince of Waltonia." My voice sounded firm, but I couldn''t shake off the feeling of nervousness that had been building up inside me. Mother''s smile broadened, and she reached out to gently ruffle Lumina''s hair. "And with your coming of age, Sun, you''ll be crowned with the sacred Red Crown, adorned with the symbols of our noble lineage ¨C the shining lions that have watched over our kingdom for generations." When I went to my room to sleep, I heard noises in my room. I said "come out" A head suddenly popped out of the chests that were laying next to the walls. It''s Xeona, she has brown hair that flows down her shoulders, blue soft watery eyes, she has this ruffled up apearance. "What are you doing hiding in my room, Xeona! " I chastised her. "Oh Sun, I don''t want to sleep in the servants courtyards, someone keeps peeping at me, I am scared." She said. Immediately my expression softened, someone has been harassing this girl, as a prince I really would like to catch them. Mother has advised I shouldn''t interfere in such things. "Alright you can sleep in here, by the way, where were you the whole day?" I asked. "I was washing clothes by the castle river, I am part of the laundresses" she said. "You sure work hard right?" I asked. "Yes! It''s nice being you , all you do is have fun" she said as she made an impression of me walking. We both looked at each other and laughed, we both got in bed. Xeona and I are childhood friends, we grew up doing everything together. I love her dearly. Mother and Julie have been oppossing our friendship, Xeona often gets grounded for secretly visiting me. As we sleep looking towards the roof, I told Xeona about the explorer. She kept saying, "wow, really Sun?, where is that? Is that real? what is that, and amazing!" She was so excited he face turned a shade of red. "They are going to crown me tommorow!" I suddenly said. Xeona paused, "Hey Sun, when you become crown prince, can you help look for my mother?" She said softly. "I promise to look for her using all the royal family''s power." I said. "Also I promise to give you a job in the palace, I''ll have you as my personal maid. We can read books together." I added. She smiled, "I know you would do it for me." She said, "I am tired Sun, washing all those clothes, goodnight!" She turned and slept. I stayed a bit thinking about my ceremony tommorow, slowly I drifted asleep. ........ Next morning I abruptly wake up, since I hear someone screaming, "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!" -one of the maids. I wake up with the Golden sheets weighing on me, as I run my eyes, I hear fierce marching and running footsteps. When I look up, a group of people have gathered at my room''s door; some of the maids, red Lions, and butlers. The maid Julie comes rushing with my mother Queen Lana. As they arrive, Mother is as angry as she could get. "Sun! You! Son of Leo what are you doing with the maid in your bed!" She yells. "No one is to speak about this, anyone who dares...., Red Lions! protect the young prince''s reputation! " Immediately the Red Lions acted, they started, guiding the servants away, evidently anyone who leaks this information will be killed. "Lions take this girl to the stocks! Now ! " mother yells. What I dread occurs, how can mother be so harsh!. I immediately stood on top of the bed and yelled "A Leo speaks, lions stand down!" As I yell with authority, the Red lion guard, seven in total immediately prostrate themselves. Although mother has authority given to her by my father, she doesn''t have more power than I do, since I am a son of the Leo. Xeona is covering her face with the sheets, crying her eyes out. "Sister Julie, Queen Lana, someone is harassing me in the servants courtyards. So when sister gave me the chore of arranging Sun''s sleeping gowns I hid here." She said sobbing. "Julie, Xeona has overstepped her boundaries!" My mother warned her maid Julie, Xeona''s elder sister. "Have mercy Sister, the child does not know any better. Please I''ll watch over her, in-fact I''ll send her off to the Western province!" Julie cried out in grief. "Not this time, as I am Queen she will surely repay me for her offence." Queen Lana yelled, breathing heavily. Mother walked out of my room, and yelled; "The might is hers!" Immediately I despaired, the situation was deteriorating further, the maid Julie is kneeling with a blank face. I stand on my bed, immediately I yell "Red Lions get up, block all approach to me, remove the maid Julie from my presence. Summon the Pride, all its might let it round the palace, expel the Queen from the palace! " "Sun! she is your mother!" Yelled Julie "You dare call me by name, how dare you!" I yelled at Julie. The Red Lions immediately unsheathed their swords ready to strike, immediately one of them took out the lions roar, blew into it, a sound of a roaring lion echoed through the palace. I commanded "Expel my mother from the palace, off you go into the servants courts and investigate the person who dared peep and harass Xeona! Bring them to me! I want them, how dare they do such a thing!" My anger was ablaze, I was so annoyed with my mother. Little Lumina is crying at the door, "Brother what is wrong, why are you fighting?" she asked with her hands clasped together. "Maids, care for my sister, make sure she is well" I commanded as the maids obeyed. "Also who dares enter my room unannounced, execute them!" I commanded again. Immediately, the maid Kasina with blonde hair bowed low, "My lord I beg for your mercy, the Queen said I should check on you!" She cried out. Immediately Lord Thomas'' words echoed in my mind; "the greatest quality a leader can have is compassion." I reprimand her and dismiss everyone. My mother has summoned her family''s guards, how dare she in the house of Leo. After I gave a command, the palace became silent. Xeona is taking a bath, she has been crying and saying sorry, I simply told her to calm down I''ll handle everything. I spent my day checking the palace, the Red Lions have expelled my mother and her entourage. It feels empty without her, the servants are all shook by all that happened. ....... Next Day - As I stepped out into the sun-drenched courtyard, the roar of the crowd was like a wave crashing over me. I stood tall, my heart pounding in my chest, as I gazed out at the sea of faces before me. The commoners and nobles alike had gathered to witness my coronation as Crown Prince of Waltonia. I felt a surge of pride as I caught sight of my mother, Queen Lana, beaming with pride in the front row. Beside her, my grandmother, the Duchess, nodded her head in approval, her eyes shining with a deep affection. The Red Lion Guard, resplendent in their steel armor and menacing red lion masks, stood at attention before me. Their eyes gleamed with a fierce intensity as they shouted in unison, "Hoo!" The sound sent shivers down my spine, and I felt a sense of awe at the tradition and pageantry of the ceremony. As I took my oath, promising to uphold the laws and traditions of Waltonia, I felt the weight of my responsibilities settle upon my shoulders. But I was ready. I had been prepared for this moment my entire life. The Queen''s voice rang out across the courtyard as she presented me with the symbol of my office: a golden circlet adorned with a ruby-encrusted lion. I felt a surge of pride as I accepted the crown, its weight settling upon my brow like a mantle of destiny. As the Queen declared me Crown Prince of Waltonia, with absolute power second only to my father, the King, the crowd erupted into a frenzy of cheers and applause. The Red Lion Guard shouted once more, "Hoo!" their voices hoarse from their exertions. I stood tall, my eyes blazing with a fierce inner light, as I gazed out upon the sea of faces. I knew that this moment marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life, one that would bring great challenges, but also unparalleled opportunities, as I was thinking of all this, I felt a rush and sudden headache, suddenly I collapsed. As I was going down I hear the people gasp, and many screams. Law Certificate As I slowly opened my eyes, the dim light of the chamber pierced through my haze. I was met with an unfamiliar ceiling, and for a moment, I was disoriented. But as my gaze drifted down to my hands, a strange sensation washed over me. I stared at my fingers, my palms, and my wrists, as if beholding them for the first time. A faint, maniacal grin spread across my face. I felt an eerie, tingling sensation coursing through my veins. It was as if my very cells were awakening, remembering a life beyond this realm. Suddenly, memories flooded my mind like a dam breaking. I recalled my life as Thomas, a soul who had somehow merged with the body of Prince Sun in the world of Waltonia. I remembered creating a new life here, exploring this fantastical realm, and forming connections with its inhabitants. But something was different now. I, Thomas, was fully aware and present within Prince Sun''s body. I burst into maniacal laughter, the sound echoing off the chamber walls. Tears streamed down my face as I reveled in this newfound awareness. I was no longer just a prince; I was the master of my own destiny within this world. The door to my chamber creaked open, and a concerned-looking Julie entered. "Young Master Sun, how are you feeling? You''ve been unconscious for a day." I wiped away tears, still grinning from ear to ear. "I''m...I''m fine, Julie. Better than fine. I''m myself again." Julie''s expression turned puzzled. "Whatever do you mean, Young Master?" I chuckled, feeling a sense of liberation wash over me. "Don''t worry about it, Julie. Just get me some food and water. I have a lot of catching up to do." As Julie nodded and exited the room, I heard the sound of approaching footsteps. My mother, Queen Lana, entered the room, flanked by two Red Lions. Her expression was stern, but I could sense a hint of concern beneath the surface. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. "Sun, I''m glad to see you''re awake," she said, her voice firm but measured. "But I must say, I''m a bit concerned about your behavior. You''ve been acting strangely of late, and this collapse...it''s not like you." I forced a laugh, trying to cover up my true nature. "I''m fine, Mother. Just a bit...overwhelmed, that''s all. The coronation ceremony, the responsibilities of being the future king...it''s a lot to take in." The queen''s eyes narrowed, but she seemed to accept my explanation. "Very well, Sun. But I expect you to be more mindful of your duties and your health. You are the future of Waltonia, after all." As the queen turned to leave, Xeona slipped into the room, her eyes wide with worry. "Sun, I''m so glad you''re awake! I was so scared when I heard you collapsed." I smiled, feeling a warmth in my chest. Xeona was one of the few people in this world who truly cared for me, and I was determined to protect her. "Thanks, Xeona," I said, trying to sound nonchalant. "I''m fine, really. Just a bit...tired, that''s all." Xeona left to fetch her stuff, I asked her to move in the palace to serve by my side as my personal maid, much to my mother''s dissaproval. Alright it''s time to take a breather, I take a moment to appreciate my room. Wow I can''t believe this world. As I think about all this, a daze overtook me. Suddenly, I saw myself in a white room, a glowing document was floating in the center of the room. Finally! So this is what Jamie was talking about, a Law Certificate. I approached it, the glow bouncing of me lightly. When I touched the document it stopped glowing, it read: : Universe 2.0 Law Certificate Spawn any existing object from the real world. Only none-living objects may be spawned. This certificate can only spawn a single object. This is a one use certificate. This Law Certificate is valued at SP 100 000 at ¡îMind Games¡î worldwids markets. Advise to owner: Law Certificates are extremely valuable, choose wisely. Finally I can spawn it, as I think of using the Law Certificate to spawn the object into Universe 2.0; I immediately call out - "Spawn a ....... A Spineless Brain in Universe 2.0! I sat on my bed, ¡ðEARS¡ð, the Spineless brain, humming softly beside me. Its backup power supply, the internal battery, was limited(lasting for a week), but I had to test its capabilities. With a deep breath, I focused my mind and connected with ¡ðEARS¡ð. The cognitive power of the Spineless brain surged through me, and I began to mind hack the Red Lions. I started with *Captain Orion Welles*, a seasoned veteran of the Red Lions. As I delved deeper into his mind, I discovered his thoughts on the recent kingdom''s policies and his concerns about the growing unrest among the people. Next, I targeted *Lieutenant Elara Vonn*, a young and ambitious officer. Her thoughts revealed a sense of frustration with the current chain of command and a desire for change. As I continued to mind hack the Red Lions, I stumbled upon *Commander Victor Vex*. His thoughts were shrouded in secrecy, but I managed to uncover a hint of rebellion brewing within the ranks. My curiosity piqued, I dug deeper into Victor''s mind. The more I explored, the more I realized that something was amiss. There were whispers of a conspiracy, of a plan to overthrow the monarchy. I saw glimpses of secret meetings, of coded messages, and of hidden alliances. My heart racing, I continued to mind hack the Red Lions, uncovering more evidence of the rebellion. I discovered that *Captain Ryder Blackwood*, *Sergeant Thrain Silverhand*, and *Lieutenant Commander Lyra Frost* were all involved in the conspiracy. The extent of the rebellion was staggering. I had uncovered a web of deceit that threatened the very foundation of the kingdom. As I disconnected from ¡ðEARS¡ð, I felt a sense of unease. I had stumbled upon something much bigger than I had anticipated. The palace, once a symbol of safety and security, now seemed like a powder keg, waiting to be ignited. With ¡ðEARS¡ð by my side, I set out to uncover the truth and to put an end to the rebellion before it was too late. I can''t imagine what would have happened if I didn''t find out early on. I sat on my bed, ¡ðEARS¡ð humming softly beside me, its gentle whirring a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within the palace walls. The scent of old parchment and leather wafted through the air, a familiar comfort as I steeled myself for the task ahead. With a deep breath, I focused my mind and connected with ¡ðEARS¡ð. The cognitive power of the Spineless brain surged through me, and I began to mind hack the Red Lions. "I need to know who''s loyal," I whispered to myself, my eyes scanning the mental landscape of the Red Lions. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. I started with *Captain Orion Welles*, who had seemed loyal earlier. As I delved deeper into his mind, I confirmed his loyalty and implanted a suggestion, making him even more devoted to me. "Captain Welles, report to my chambers immediately," I said, my voice firm and commanding. The sound of footsteps echoed outside my door, followed by a sharp knock. "Enter," I called out. Captain Welles stood at attention, his eyes locked on mine. "Prince Sun, I''m at your service." "I have reason to believe there''s a traitor among the Red Lions," I said, my voice low and urgent. "I need you to investigate and report back to me." Captain Welles nodded, his face set in a determined expression. "I''ll get to the bottom of it, Prince Sun." As Captain Welles departed, I continued to mind hack the Red Lions, uncovering more loyal warriors: - *Captain Ryker Thane*: A seasoned veteran with unwavering loyalty. - *Lieutenant Lila Earthsong*: A young, ambitious officer with a strong sense of justice. - *Sergeant Thoric Stonefist*: A grizzled veteran with unshakeable loyalty. - *Captain Zara Moonwhisper*: A skilled warrior with a deep sense of duty. With my loyal Red Lions by my side, I set out to purge the traitors. We moved swiftly, arresting the 66 traitors, including *Commander Victor Vex*, *Captain Ryder Blackwood*, *Sergeant Thrain Silverhand*, and *Lieutenant Commander Lyra Frost*. The sound of clashing steel and shouts filled the palace corridors as we rooted out the traitors. The scent of sweat and smoke hung in the air, a stark reminder of the chaos unfolding around us. As we investigated further, we discovered that the traitors had backing from the *Hyen Royal family* of the kingdom of Trabanila, ancient enemies of Waltonia. The revelation sent shockwaves through the palace. Maids, butlers, and even soldiers within the Waltonia army were implicated. - *General Maric Thorne*, who had left on a campaign with my father, King Gregory, was revealed to be a key player in the rebellion. - *Soldier Kael Darkhaven*, a seemingly loyal warrior, was discovered to be secretly working with the Hyen Royal family. As the purge continued, I was protected by my loyal Red Lions, including: - *Captain Ryker Thane*: My personal bodyguard. - *Lieutenant Lila Earthsong*: A skilled warrior and strategist. - *Sergeant Thoric Stonefist*: A grizzled veteran with unwavering loyalty. - *Captain Zara Moonwhisper*: A skilled warrior and leader. Xeona accompanied me everywhere, her presence a comforting reminder of my growing power. As we rooted out the traitors, I couldn''t shake the feeling that there was more to uncover. The Hyen Royal family''s involvement was just the tip of the iceberg. And then, I remembered something. Someone had been harassing Xeona, someone who had been lurking in the shadows. My eyes narrowed, my mind racing with possibilities. Who was behind the harassment? And what did they want? As I stood in the palace, surrounded by my loyal Red Lions, I knew that I had to get to the bottom of this mystery. But for now, I had to focus on consolidating my power and protecting my kingdom. The purge was far from over. "We''re not done yet," I said, my voice firm and commanding. "We need to investigate every lead, every hint of treachery. I want to know who''s behind this rebellion, and I want to know now." My loyal Red Lions nodded, their faces set with determination. Together, we set out to uncover the truth, our footsteps echoing through the palace corridors like a drumbeat of justice. The sound of clashing steel and shouts grew fainter, replaced by the soft murmur of whispers and the rustle of parchment as we delved deeper into the mystery. But I knew that the silence was deceiving. The palace was a powder keg, waiting to be ignited. And I was the spark that would set it ablaze. I immediately commanded a state of uregency, as the Red Lions used their Horns roar, all Red Lions recognize the roar as a coded message to assemble. The Hyen Royal Family; Princess Sixhonia I stood in the dimly lit dungeon, the air thick with the scent of mold and decay. Before me, the traitors knelt, their wrists and ankles bound by heavy chains. "Who was behind this rebellion?" I demanded, my voice firm and commanding. *Commander Victor Vex* sneered at me, but I could see the fear lurking behind his eyes. "We acted alone," he spat. I raised an eyebrow. "I doubt that." With a nod, I signaled to *Captain Ryker Thane*, who stepped forward, a cruel smile spreading across his face. "Let''s see how long you last without talking," he growled, his fist connecting with Victor''s jaw. Victor''s head snapped back, blood trickling from his lip. "Stop!" I commanded, holding up a hand. "I want answers, not broken bones." Captain Thane nodded, his expression apologetic. "Please, continue," I said, my eyes locked on Victor. Victor''s gaze dropped, his voice barely above a whisper. "We...we were backed by the Hyen Royal family. They promised us power, wealth, and protection if we overthrew the Leo monarchy." I nodded, my mind racing with the implications. "When was the rebellion planned to start?" I asked. Victor hesitated before answering. "End of the year. We were to strike during the Winter Solstice celebrations, when the palace would be at its most vulnerable." My eyes narrowed. That was mere months away. "What was the extent of the Hyen Royal family''s involvement?" I pressed. Victor''s eyes darted around the room before settling on me. "They...they provided us with gold, arms, and strategic guidance. They also promised to send troops to aid us in the rebellion." I felt a cold fury spreading through my veins. The Hyen Royal family had been secretly manipulating events within Waltonia, using the traitors to further their own interests. As I continued the interrogation, I discovered more startling information. The rebellion had been years in the making, with the Hyen Royal family slowly infiltrating the palace and manipulating key officials. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. The extent of the betrayal was staggering. As I left the dungeon, I couldn''t shake the feeling of unease. The palace was still reeling from the discovery of the traitors, and now, we faced an even greater threat: the Hyen Royal family. I made my way to the throne room, where my mother, *Queen Lana*, sat, her face etched with worry. "Sun, what did you discover?" she asked, her voice trembling. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation ahead. "The rebellion was backed by the Hyen Royal family," I said, my voice firm. "They planned to strike during the Winter Solstice celebrations." Queen Lana''s eyes widened, her face pale. "We can''t let that happen," she said, her voice resolute. "We must take action." I nodded, my mind already racing with strategies. "We will, Mother," I said. "We will not let the Hyen Royal family threaten our kingdom." Together, we began to formulate a plan, our voices hushed as we discussed the impending threat. The palace was on high alert, the Red Lions patrolling the corridors, their eyes watchful for any sign of treachery. As the night wore on, I couldn''t shake the feeling that we were running out of time. The Hyen Royal family would not give up easily, and we had to be prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead. I glanced at Xeona, who stood guard beside me. I sat beside my mother, Queen Lana, in the grand throne room, the walls adorned with the proud history of the Leo monarchy. The flickering torches cast shadows on the stone floor, and the crackling of the fire in the hearth was the only sound that broke the silence. "Mother, what''s going on?" I asked, breaking the silence. "Why is the Hyen Royal family backing the rebellion?" Queen Lana''s expression turned grave, her eyes clouding with concern. "It''s a blood feud, Sun. One that''s been brewing for generations." I leaned forward, my eyes locked on hers. "Explain." Queen Lana took a deep breath, her voice measured. "Your ancestor''s sons, King Leo III, killed Prince Arin Hyen, along with their brothers. He refused to hand over his sons to face justice, and instead, chose to go to war." I felt a surge of anger, but Queen Lana''s hand on my arm steadied me. Her touch was warm and reassuring, but I could sense the tension beneath. "That was centuries ago," I said, trying to keep my voice even. "Why continue the feud now?" Queen Lana''s eyes flashed with concern. "Because the wound never healed. And now, with Princess Sixhonia Hyen, their future queen, they will finally have their revenge." I exchanged a glance with Queen Lana, a shiver running down my spine. The name sent a chill through me, and I could sense the weight of history bearing down on us. "Princess Sixhonia?" I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper. Queen Lana nodded, her expression somber. "Yes, Sun. She''s the mastermind behind the rebellion. And from what we''ve gathered, she''s...formidable." I raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite myself. "Formidable?" Queen Lana nodded, her eyes serious. "She''s only 19 years old, but she''s already a skilled diplomat, a master of archery, and a brilliant strategist. She''s also incredibly beautiful, with natural blue hair and white eyes." I felt a shiver run down my spine as I tried to imagine this formidable princess. "That''s...impossible." Queen Lana''s expression turned somber. "I''m afraid it''s not, Sun. And there''s more. She''s excessively cruel and cunning, with a talent for manipulation. She''s also...personal." I frowned, sensing a deeper meaning behind Queen Lana''s words. "Personal?" Queen Lana''s voice dropped to a whisper, her eyes clouding with pain. "She publicly executed your Uncle Gord, Sun. She fooled him into letting his guard down, captured him alive, and then...executed him." My eyes widened in horror as the truth sank in. "That''s...monstrous." Queen Lana''s expression turned grave, her eyes locked on mine. "Yes, Sun. Princess Sixhonia Hyen is a force to be reckoned with. And we need to be prepared to face her." It was now at night, I find myself resting in my Royal Chamber. I decide to use my Spineless brain to Mind hack an animal, I choose a..... Mind Hack: Owl Posession I sat cross-legged on my bed, the ¡ðEARS¡ð lying before me. I had been thinking about using it to gather information, and now seemed like the perfect opportunity. I decided to mind hack an owl, hoping to gain a bird''s-eye view of the palace. I focused my mind, using the mini-waves emitted by the ¡ðEARS¡ð device to scan the surrounding area. After a few moments, I detected the presence of an owl perched on a nearby tree branch. I locked onto the owl''s mind, feeling the familiar sensation of my consciousness expanding. The room around me began to blur, and I felt myself being pulled into the mind of the owl. At first, everything was dark and disorienting. I felt a rush of wind in my face, and my ears were filled with the sound of rustling feathers. Slowly, my vision began to clear, and I saw the world from the owl''s perspective. The first thing I noticed was the incredible sharpness of my new eyes. Every detail was crystal clear, from the intricate patterns on the stone floor to the delicate threads of a spider''s web. I could see everything in vivid color, even in the dim light of the palace. As I looked around, I heard the soft hooting of the owl''s voice, a gentle "Hoo-hoo-hoo" that seemed to come from deep within my chest. I felt a strange sense of connection to the owl, as if I had become a part of its very being. I tried to move, but my new body was awkward and unresponsive. I flapped my wings, feeling the powerful muscles beneath my feathers. But instead of soaring through the air, I stumbled and fell, my talons scrabbling against the stone floor. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. I let out a soft "Hoo!" of frustration, feeling the owl''s instincts surge through me. I tried again, this time managing to lift off the ground. But instead of flying, I merely hovered, my wings beating wildly as I struggled to gain control. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I began to get the hang of it. I soared through the palace, my wings beating smoothly as I gazed out at the world below. I flew over the palace servants, watching as they went about their daily tasks. I saw the cooks bustling in the kitchen, the sound of sizzling meat and clanging pots filling my ears. "Sizzle, crackle, clang!" I heard the maids scurrying through the corridors, their soft chatter and giggles carrying on the wind. "Giggle, whisper, rustle." As I flew, I noticed the incredible range of sounds that filled my ears. I heard the creaking of wooden beams, the rustling of leaves, and the distant rumble of thunder. "Creak, rustle, rumble." Every sound was crystal clear, and I felt as though I could hear the very heartbeat of the palace. I made my way to the palace''s servants'' courts, watching as the servants went about their daily business. Everything seemed normal, with no signs of rebellion or dissent. Finally, after what felt like hours, I decided to end the mind hack. I slowly withdrew my consciousness from the owl''s mind, feeling myself being pulled back into my own body. As I opened my eyes, I felt a strange sense of disorientation. The room around me seemed dull and flat, and I missed the incredible sharpness of the owl''s vision. But I knew that I had gained valuable information, and I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. That was so addictive! I can''t wait to travel this world in bird form, or perhaps as a butterfly!. My thoughts were all over the place, since it had been a long day I decide to sleep, as I switch off the Spineless Brain, ¡ðEARS¡ð. Kidnapped! The next morning, I woke up to the gentle chatter of the maids as they helped me get dressed. They were efficient and quick, their hands moving deftly as they tied my laces and fastened my cloak. As they worked, their eyes kept drifting to the strange-looking object on the golden table beside my bed. The Spineless Brain seemed to fascinate them, and I could sense their curiosity. "What''s that thing, Your Highness?" one of the maids asked, her voice barely above a whisper. I turned to her, my expression stern. "That''s none of your concern," I said firmly. "It''s a personal item, and I''d appreciate it if you didn''t mention it to anyone." The maids exchanged nervous glances, their faces pale. "Yes, Your Highness," they chorused, quickly finishing their task and scurrying out of the room. As they left, Xeona entered, a look of concern on her face. "Sun, what''s going on?" she asked quietly. "I saw the maids looking at something on your table. What is it?" I turned to her, my expression firm. "Xeona, I appreciate your concern, but this is something I''d rather not discuss. Let''s just say it''s a personal secret, and I''d like to keep it that way." Xeona''s eyes narrowed, but she nodded. "Fine, Sun. But be careful, okay?" I nodded, smiling briefly. "I will." With that, I turned to the Red Lions, who were waiting outside my door. "It''s time to go," I said, my voice firm. "We have a mission to complete." The Red Lions nodded, their faces set. They marched beside me, their footsteps echoing through the corridors. As we walked, they blew their horns, the sound of lion roars echoing through the palace. We made our way to the carriage, which was waiting for us outside. My mother, Queen Lana, was standing beside it, a look of concern on her face. "Sun, be careful," she said, her voice low. "The city can be a dangerous place, especially for someone of your...status." I nodded, smiling briefly. "I will, Mother. Don''t worry." With that, I climbed into the carriage, the Red Lions following close behind. As we rode through the city gates, I felt a thrill of excitement. I was on a mission to gather the best bodyguards in the city, and I was determined to succeed. Before entering the city, we stopped to disguise ourselves as commoners. The Red Lions donned plain clothes, hiding their distinctive uniforms beneath cloaks and hoods. I did the same, covering my royal crest with a simple tunic. As we entered the city markets, the sounds and smells hit me like a wave. Merchants hawked their wares, from fresh produce to exotic spices. The air was thick with the smells of cooking meat and freshly baked bread. I walked through the crowds, the Red Lions close behind. We moved swiftly, our eyes scanning the crowds for any sign of trouble. As we walked, I felt the Spineless Brain''s presence in my mind, connected to me through the minit-waves. I hadn''t used its cognitive powers yet, but I was determined to do something special with it. I was going to form an elite team of bodyguards, personally chosen by me. And I was going to start by gathering seven of the best warriors in the city. As I walked through the city markets with the Red Lions, the smells of fresh produce and exotic spices filled my nostrils. We stopped at a vendor, and I purchased some roasted meats and steaming buns. "Thanks, lad," the vendor said, his voice gruff but friendly. "Be careful out there. There''s been rumors of bandits getting brazen around Leona." I nodded, taking a bite of the roasted meat. It was flavorful and tender, and I couldn''t help but let out a satisfied sigh. The Red Lions and I continued on our way, blending in with the crowds of people. As we walked, I noticed the way the Red Lions moved with a sense of purpose, their eyes scanning the crowds for any sign of trouble. "Hey, Sun," one of the Red Lions said, his voice low. "We''re glad to be working with you. You''re a lot more...relaxed than we expected." I smiled, feeling a sense of camaraderie with the Red Lions. "Thanks, guys. I''m just trying to get the job done." As we turned a corner, I suddenly found myself face to face with a beautiful girl. She was about my age, with piercing green eyes and long, curly brown hair. She was dressed in a practical tunic and leggings, and she carried a small knife at her belt. "Hey, handsome," she said, her voice husky. "My name is Lalisa. And you are...?" Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. I smiled, feeling a sense of charm from her. "I''m Sun," I said. "Nice to meet you, Lalisa." But before I could say anything else, Lalisa''s expression turned cold. She reached out and grabbed me, holding the knife to my abdomen. "Follow me," she hissed, her eyes glinting with a mixture of fear and determination. The Red Lions moved to intervene, but Lalisa''s eyes flashed with warning. "Don''t move," she said. "Or I''ll kill him." The Red Lions hesitated, their eyes locked on mine. I nodded slightly, and they followed us as Lalisa led us to a nearby shop. Inside, there were several other people waiting. They were all dressed in practical clothing, and they carried an assortment of weapons. "Welcome, Prince Sun," one of them said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "We''ve been expecting you." I raised an eyebrow, feeling a sense of curiosity. "Who are you people?" I asked. The leader of the group smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "We''re the Thieves in Hands gang," he said. "And we''ve been hired to collect information on the Leo Royal family." I felt a surge of anger, but I kept my cool. "I see," I said. "And what do you plan to do with me?" The leader of the group smiled again. "We''re going to sell you to the Hyen family," he said. "They''re willing to pay a handsome sum for you." I raised an eyebrow, feeling a sense of surprise. But I didn''t panic. I knew that I had the Spineless Brain''s power to rely on. As the thieves tied me up and prepared to leave, I secretly mind-hacked the horses. I told them to obey me, and to follow the thieves without hesitation. The thieves loaded me into a carriage, and we set off into the night. As we traveled, I could feel the Spineless Brain''s power coursing through me. I was invincible, at least for the next two weeks. As we rode, I noticed that the thieves seemed to be following a smuggler''s route. We traveled for 56 kilometers, the carriage rattling and swaying as we went. Finally, we arrived at a thief''s hideout. It was a small, secluded cabin, surrounded by trees and underbrush. Lalisa led me inside, where a fire was burning. She offered me some food, and we sat down to eat. As we ate, I asked her about her story. She told me that she had grown up on the streets, surviving by her wits and her cunning. She had been taken in by the leader of the Thieves in Hands gang, who had become like a father to her. I listened, fascinated, as Lalisa told me about her life. She was a complex, intriguing person, and I found myself drawn to her. As the night wore on, I decided to mind-hack a pigeon that was sleeping on top of the cabin. I slipped into the pigeon''s mind, feeling its wings flutter as it took to the air. I flew back to the city, observing the chaos and confusion that had erupted in my absence. The Red Lions were searching for me everywhere, and the queen was beside herself with worry. I flew over the palace, feeling a sense of nostalgia wash over me. I missed my home, and my family. ...to focus on my current situation. I flew back to the hideout, observing the thieves as they settled in for the night. I saw Lalisa sitting by the fire, her eyes gleaming in the flickering light. As I continued to observe, I noticed that the thieves seemed to be on edge. They kept looking over their shoulders, as if they were expecting something to happen. Suddenly, one of the thieves stood up, his eyes fixed on something outside. "What''s wrong?" Lalisa asked, her voice low. "We''ve got company," the thief replied, his voice tense. "And they don''t look friendly." I saw a group of men approaching the hideout, their faces twisted with malice. The thieves readied themselves for a fight, their weapons at the ready. Lalisa stood up, her eyes flashing with determination. "Let''s take care of this," she said, her voice firm. The fight was intense, the sound of clashing steel and shouting men filling the air. I watched as Lalisa took down one of the attackers with ease, her movements swift and deadly. But as the fight continued, I noticed that one of the thieves seemed to be fighting against his own comrades. He was a tall, burly man with a scar above his eyebrow. Lalisa noticed him too, and her eyes narrowed. "Traitor!" she spat, her voice venomous. She fired an arrow at the traitor, striking him in the chest. The other thieves stared at her in shock, but Lalisa just shrugged. "He was working with them," she said, her voice matter-of-fact. "We can''t trust anyone." As the fight died down, the thieves began to search the bodies of their attackers. They found a note on one of them, a note that seemed to implicate the Thieves in Hands gang in a larger conspiracy. Lalisa''s eyes scanned the note, her expression grim. "We''ve been set up," she said, her voice low. The thieves looked at each other nervously, unsure of what to do next. But Lalisa just smiled, a fierce glint in her eye. "We''ll get to the bottom of this," she said, her voice firm. "And we''ll make sure that whoever is behind this pays." As the thieves began to make plans, I slipped back into my own body, my mind reeling with the implications of what I had just seen. I knew that I had to be careful, that the Thieves in Hands gang was not what it seemed. But I also knew that I had to keep playing along, at least for now. I had to see where this would lead, and what secrets I could uncover. As I lay there, pretending to sleep, I couldn''t help but feel a sense of excitement. I was in this now, and I was determined to see it through. As we traveled on, the scenery around us changed, and we found ourselves standing at the edge of a tranquil river. The water sparkled in the sunlight, and the sound of gently lapping waves against the shore created a soothing melody. Lalisa and the thieves were busy preparing the horses for a river crossing, their movements swift and efficient. But suddenly, the peaceful atmosphere was shattered by a loud rustling in the underbrush. A massive grizzly bear emerged from the trees, its eyes fixed intently on us. The bear''s fur was a thick, matted brown, and its muscles rippled beneath its skin as it moved. Lalisa''s eyes widened in alarm, and she swiftly grabbed her bow, firing an arrow at the bear. The arrow struck the bear''s shoulder, but it merely seemed to enrage the beast further. "Get the horses ready to run!" one of the thieves shouted, his voice laced with panic. The horses, sensing the tension, grew agitated, their eyes rolling wildly as they snorted and pawed the ground. I could feel their fear emanating from them, and I knew that we had to act fast. Lalisa fired another arrow at the bear, but it was too close now, and the arrow merely grazed its ear. The bear swiped at Lalisa with its massive paw, and she barely dodged out of the way in time. "Run!" she shouted, grabbing my arm and pulling me towards the horses. But as we turned to flee, I saw that the bear was almost upon us, its jaws open wide in a snarling snout. I felt a surge of fear, and my heart pounded in my chest. The Captive Princess As the bear suddenly rushed away in fear after I used the spineless brain on it, I sat down on the ground, feeling the adrenaline coursing through my body. The encounter had been surreal and threatening. Lalisa approached me, concern etched on her face. "Hey, are you okay?" she asked softly. "I''m fine, thanks," I replied, still trying to process what had just happened. As we continued our journey, Lalisa and I began to bond. She told me more about her life as a thief, and I shared stories about my life as a prince. Lalisa grew to admire my personality and openness, and she found herself befriending me despite having kidnapped me. At one point, Lalisa turned to me and said, "You know, it''s possible to stop you from falling into the Hyen family''s hands." I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "How?" I asked. Lalisa hesitated before saying, "We could be paid off. If you pay us a huge amount of money, we might let you go." I pretended to consider her offer, but I had already set a plan in motion. Using the power of the Spineless Brain, I mind-hacked the Chief of the 500 Red Lions warriors, commanding him to follow me. I asked Lalisa, "What will the Hyen family do to me?" Lalisa''s expression turned grim. "They''ll humiliate and kill you in the most cruel way possible." She asked me to hand over the treasures, promising to speak to her adoptive father. I pretended to be worried, contemplating her offer. Meanwhile, the Red Lions were moving on mighty steeds, following the trail of their prince. As the warriors were halfway close to me, we reached a camp filled with women warriors in disguise. Lalisa panicked, realizing this was the Hyen family camp. The warriors announced our arrival with a trumpet blast, and a group of women warriors emerged from the tents. They were tall and beautiful, with piercing eyes and sharp swords. I was bound in ropes by Grimjack, a burly man with a scar above his eyebrow, and Scarlett, a lean, agile woman with a mischievous grin. As we were brought before the Hyen family camp, I suddenly spoke up, my voice ringing out across the camp. "Who dares set up camp in Leo family territory?" I demanded. Everyone''s gaze turned to me, wondering who could be so arrogant after being kidnapped. A group of tall, beautiful warriors stepped forward, led by General Akira, a stunning woman with long, flowing black hair and piercing green eyes. She rushed to the center tent, informing Princess Sixhonia Hyen of my arrival. The princess emerged from the tent, her enchanting beauty captivating everyone in the camp. She approached on horseback, wearing a hoodie that covered her striking blue hair. As she removed her hoodie, her blue locks cascaded down her back like a river of night sky, and her white eyes seemed to gleam with an inner light. As she looked at me, she asked Lalisa if I was really Prince Leo Sun. Lalisa confirmed, and the princess dismounted her horse, moving towards us with elegance. Lalisa closed her eyes, preparing for the worst. Grimjack and Scarlett demanded payment for my ransom, and the princess clapped her hands, summoning a chest. As the thieves reached for the payment, the princess raised her sword, and the camp erupted in cheers. "Hail Hyen! Hail the Hyen, slayers of the lions!" they shouted. The princess looked at me with ridicule, asking how stupid I must be to get captured as a prince. Her voice was like music, but it sent shivers down my spine. I smiled, trying to provoke her. "You''re beautiful," I said sincerely. The princess''s eyes narrowed, puzzled. "And you''re bold," she said. "I''ll give you that." She asked if I was worthy to look at her as a woman, and I replied that I was. The princess smiled, her eyes flashing with amusement. But then, her expression turned cold. "You''re not worthy of me," she said. "You''re just a pawn in our game." She commanded her warriors to cut off my hands and gouge out my eyes. I knew I had to act fast. Using the power of the Spineless Brain, I mind-hacked the lions and the bear, commanding them to rescue me. The animals ambushed the camp, causing chaos and confusion. I took advantage of the distraction to escape, riding atop one of the lions. The princess chased after me, followed by her warriors. I commanded the animals to scatter, and I rode off on the horse I had mind-hacked earlier. As I rode, the princess pursued me, her stern face set with determination. She was a mighty warrior, and she would stop at nothing to capture me. But the Red Lions were closing in fast. Their numbers far outmatched the Hyen squad, and their reputation as the most elite warriors of Waltonia was well-earned. With swift precision, they descended upon the Hyen camp, cutting through the enemy with brutal efficiency. Blood stained the ground as the Red Lions overwhelmed the Hyen warriors, their superior training and numbers leaving no room for resistance. Princess Sixhonia Hyen found herself surrounded, her squad decimated. She stood defiantly, her sword raised, but the odds were against her. The Red Lions closed in, their weapons gleaming with deadly intent. "Hold!" I commanded, stepping forward. The Red Lions hesitated, their loyalty to me unwavering. "No one is to humiliate Princess Sixhonia Hyen," I said firmly. The princess glared at me, her pride wounded but her spirit unbroken. "I will not surrender to just anyone," she declared. "If I am to surrender, it will be to Prince Leo Sun himself." The Red Lions warned me to be cautious. "Your Highness, she may try to capture you," one of them said. But I waved them off, approaching the princess with confidence. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. "Speak," I said, standing before her. She stepped closer, her eyes locked on mine. "A private negotiation," she said, her voice low. "Just you and me." I nodded, and the Red Lions reluctantly stepped back, forming a perimeter around us. As soon as we were alone, the princess''s demeanor shifted. With lightning speed, she lunged at me, her combat skills on full display. But I was ready. I evaded her strikes with surprising agility, my movements fluid and precise. The Red Lions tensed, ready to intervene, but I raised a hand. "Stay out of this," I commanded. They obeyed, though their eyes remained fixed on the princess. We fought, our movements a blend of martial arts and strategy. As we clashed, the princess spoke, her voice steady despite the intensity of our duel. "I must admit, Prince Sun, you are more impressive than I expected. But I will not allow you to capture me. The humiliation would be unbearable." I remained silent, focusing on the fight. With a mental command, I summoned three lions to appear behind the princess. They roared, their presence intimidating. The princess glanced back, her resolve wavering for the first time. She retreated, her pride refusing to let her surrender. Determined to avoid humiliation, she raised her sword, aiming to end her own life. But I acted quickly, using the Spineless Brain to mind-hack her with a command: *Lag.* Her body froze mid-motion, her strength leaving her. She was still conscious, but her limbs refused to obey her commands. Despair filled her eyes as she realized what had happened. "Have you poisoned me?" she asked, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and fear. "No," I replied calmly. "I simply ensured you wouldn''t do something reckless. You are too valuable to lose, Princess Sixhonia Hyen." She glared at me, but there was a flicker of respect in her eyes. The battle was far from over, but for now, the tide had turned in my favor. --- Prince Leo gestured to the female Red Lions, who swiftly mounted Princess Sixhonia Hyen onto his horse. He climbed up behind her, allowing her a bit of movement so they could speak as they rode. The princess sat stiffly, her pride wounded but her spirit unbroken. Her blue hair shimmered in the sunlight, and her white eyes glimmered with a mix of defiance and despair. "What will you do to me?" she asked, her voice low but steady. "If you have any honor, Prince Sun, grant me a dignified death. Do not humiliate me further." Leo studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable. "The three lions and the bear have gone after the three warriors who slipped away," he said calmly. "I am confident they will be captured. I¡¯ve also sent a group of fifteen Red Lions to assist. They won¡¯t escape." The princess¡¯s eyes widened in shock. "You¡­ you knew they fled?" she whispered. Then, to Leo¡¯s surprise, she pleaded, "Have mercy on them. Please." Leo raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Why would you, who has shown no mercy to others, ask for it now?" The princess remained silent, her gaze fixed on the horizon. Leo watched her, momentarily mesmerized by her beauty. She noticed his stare and turned away, her cheeks faintly flushed. Leo cleared his throat, embarrassed by his own reaction. As they rode back to the capital city of Leona, the Red Lions reported the capture of Princess Sixhonia¡¯s general and captains. The fight had been fierce. General Akira, with her flowing black hair and piercing green eyes, had fought valiantly, her sword a blur of motion. *Clang! Clang!* The sound of steel meeting steel echoed through the forest as she clashed with the Red Lions. But their superior numbers and training overwhelmed her. With a final *thud*, she was disarmed and forced to her knees. Captain Selene, agile and cunning, had tried to escape into the woods, her footsteps light and swift. *Crunch, crunch*¡ªthe leaves beneath her feet betrayed her as the lions closed in. She spun, her daggers flashing, but the lions¡¯ coordinated assault was too much. *Snap!* A trap sprung, and she was caught, her weapons falling to the ground. Captain Isolde, the burly warrior, had put up a brutal fight. Her war hammer swung with devastating force, *whooshing* through the air as she roared in defiance. But even her strength was no match for the Red Lions¡¯ precision. *Crack!* A well-placed strike from a Red Lion¡¯s spear disarmed her, and she was subdued, her chest heaving with exhaustion. The captives were brought before Prince Leo, their faces etched with defeat. The three warriors who had slipped away were among them, their bodies bruised and bloodied from the lions¡¯ pursuit. The women apologized to Princess Sixhonia, their voices trembling with shame. "We failed you, Princess," Selene said, tears streaming down her face. The princess remained silent, her expression unreadable, but the grief in her eyes was unmistakable. Leo watched her closely, noting the weight of her humiliation. --- As they set up camp for the night, the female Red Lions guarded Princess Sixhonia closely, their expressions a mix of resentment and begrudging respect. Leo made it clear that she was to be treated with dignity. "She is my personal property," he declared, his voice firm. "Any disrespect toward her will be met with severe consequences." The Red Lions murmured among themselves, some questioning Leo¡¯s decision. "Why show her such kindness?" one whispered. "She¡¯s our enemy." Leo¡¯s gaze hardened as he turned to them. "Do you question my authority?" he asked, his voice like ice. The murmurs ceased instantly. They had seen how he had purged the palace of dissenters, and none dared to challenge him now. The next day, the captives were brought to the camp. The three warriors who had been captured by the lions and bear were among them, their faces pale with exhaustion. They knelt before Princess Sixhonia, their heads bowed. "Forgive us, Princess," Isolde said, her voice heavy with regret. "We failed you." The princess remained silent, her grief evident. Leo watched her, his expression thoughtful. He continued to engage her in conversation during their ride, though her replies were often short and guarded. "Why do you fight so fiercely for your family¡¯s cause?" Leo asked as they rode. Sixhonia glanced at him, her white eyes narrowing. "Why do you fight for yours?" she countered. Leo chuckled softly. "Fair enough. But not all battles need to end in bloodshed." The princess looked away, her jaw tightening. "You speak as if you understand. But you don¡¯t." --- As they approached the capital city of Leona, the Red Lions sounded their trumpets, announcing the capture of Princess Sixhonia Hyen. *Boom! Boom!* The deep, resonant notes echoed through the city, signaling their triumphant return. The streets erupted in celebration, the air filled with the scent of flowers and the sound of drums. *Thump-thump-thump!* The rhythmic beat of the drums matched the pounding of Leo¡¯s heart as he rode through the cheering crowds. At the palace gates, Queen Lana and other royal family members waited to greet them. The queen¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief as she caught sight of the infamous princess. "My son," she said, her voice filled with pride, "you have done the impossible. Throw her at my feet so I may see her humbled." Leo shook his head. "No, Mother. She will not be humiliated." The queen¡¯s expression turned sharp. "She is our enemy, Leo. Do not let your soft heart cloud your judgment." Leo¡¯s voice was firm. "She is my captive, and I will treat her as I see fit." The queen glared at him, but Leo held his ground. Princess Sixhonia watched the exchange, her expression unreadable but her curiosity evident. *Why is he protecting me?* she wondered. Xeona, one of the royal maids, glared at Leo before turning and running away. *Thud-thud-thud*¡ªher footsteps echoed as she fled. Maid Julie, ever loyal, chased after her. "Do not pay her heed, Your Highness," Julie called back to Leo. "She is emotional, that is all." Leo nodded, then turned his attention back to Princess Sixhonia. He led her up to his room, instructing the maids to tend to her as they would to him. "Treat her with the same care and respect you would show me," he said. Exhausted, Leo collapsed onto his bed, falling asleep almost instantly. The Red Lions stood guard, their eyes occasionally flicking to the princess. Though they obeyed Leo¡¯s orders, their resentment was palpable. Still, they assisted her however they could, ensuring she was comfortable. --- The next morning, the kingdom continued to celebrate Prince Leo¡¯s victory. But as the princess sat in his room, her thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion and despair. She had expected humiliation, torture, even death. Instead, she found herself treated with a dignity she had not anticipated. Leo¡¯s actions left her questioning everything she thought she knew about him¡ªand about herself. Sixhonia Leo? ### **Queen Lana and Duchess Sani Celebrate** In the grand hall of the palace, Queen Lana and Duchess Sani sat together, sipping wine from golden goblets. The air was filled with the soft hum of celebration, the distant cheers of the city still echoing through the halls. "Can you believe it, mother?" Queen Lana said, her voice tinged with awe. "My son has captured Princess Sixhonia Hyen. The very woman who has eluded our armies for years!" Duchess Sani leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "It¡¯s nothing short of miraculous. How did he do it? Surely, it wasn¡¯t just brute force." Queen Lana gestured to one of the Red Lions standing guard nearby. "You there," she called. "You were with Prince Leo during the capture. Tell us, how did he manage it?" The Red Lion stepped forward, bowing deeply. "Your Majesty, Duchess," he began, "Prince Leo used his wits as much as his strength. He commanded the lions and the bear to ambush the Hyen camp, creating chaos. While the princess¡¯s warriors were distracted, he escaped and rallied us. It was¡­ masterful." Duchess Sani raised an eyebrow. "And the princess? How did he subdue her?" The Red Lion hesitated, then said, "He treated her with dignity, Your Grace. Even when she tried to fight him, he refused to humiliate her. It was¡­ unexpected." Queen Lana exchanged a glance with Duchess Sani, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "My son has always been full of surprises," she said. "But this¡­ this is something else entirely." --- ### **Maid Julie and Xeona¡¯s Conversation** Meanwhile, in a quiet corner of the palace, Maid Julie found her sister, Xeona, sitting on a stone bench, her face buried in her hands. The sound of soft sobbing filled the air. *Sniff, sniff.* Julie approached gently, placing a hand on Xeona¡¯s shoulder. "Xeona," Julie said softly. "What¡¯s wrong?" Xeona looked up, her eyes red and puffy. "It¡¯s Prince Leo," she whispered. "Seeing him with that princess¡­ it hurt me. I couldn¡¯t bear it." Julie sighed, sitting down beside her. "Xeona, you¡¯ve let your emotions cloud your judgment. Prince Leo was kidnapped, held captive, and yet you haven¡¯t even asked how he¡¯s doing. Instead, you¡¯re crying over something that was never yours to begin with." Xeona wiped her tears, her voice trembling. "But Julie, I¡¯ve always cared for him. I thought¡­ I thought maybe one day¡­" Julie shook her head. "You¡¯re dreaming, sister. Prince Leo is the future king. He¡¯s not ours to dream about. Don¡¯t ruin the wonderful relationship we have with him by letting jealousy take over. He needs our support, not our tears." Xeona nodded slowly, her sobs subsiding. "You¡¯re right," she said quietly. "I¡¯ve been selfish. I¡¯ll go check on him later." Julie smiled, squeezing her sister¡¯s hand. "That¡¯s the spirit. Now, dry your tears. The palace is celebrating, and we have work to do." --- ### **Prince Leo and Princess Sixhonia** In Prince Leo¡¯s spacious room, the midday sun streamed through the tall windows, casting a warm glow over the ornate furnishings. Sun lay fast asleep on his large bed, his breathing steady. Across the room, Princess Sixhonia sat in a plush chair, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Her blue hair shimmered in the sunlight, and her white eyes darted nervously around the room. She glanced at the sleeping prince, her mind racing. *What will he do with me?* she thought. *Why hasn¡¯t he humiliated me like his mother wanted?* Her heart pounded as she waited for him to wake. Finally, Leo stirred, his eyes fluttering open. He sat up slowly, running a hand through his disheveled hair. His gaze fell on Sixhonia, and for a moment, he was stunned by her beauty up close. Her delicate features, her piercing eyes, the way the light seemed to dance around her¡ªit was almost too much to take in. The Red Lions stationed in the room exchanged glances, equally captivated. Leo noticed and quickly regained his composure. "Leave us," he commanded, his voice firm. The Red Lions and maids bowed and exited the room, leaving Leo and Sixhonia alone. The princess tensed, her hands gripping the arms of the chair. "What do you want from me, Prince Sun?" she asked, her voice steady but laced with unease. Leo stood, walking over to her. He knelt before her, his eyes locking with hers. "Princess Sixhonia Hyen," he began, his voice soft but resolute, "I ask for your hand in marriage." Sixhonia¡¯s eyes widened in shock. "What?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. "You¡­ you can¡¯t be serious." The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. Leo smiled faintly. "I am. I¡¯ve seen your strength, your courage, your beauty. Together, we could unite our families and end this war. No more bloodshed. No more hatred." The princess stared at him, her mind reeling. "You¡¯re asking me to marry you," she said slowly, as if trying to process the words. "After everything that¡¯s happened?" Leo nodded. "Yes. I know it¡¯s unexpected, but I believe it¡¯s the right path. For both of us." Sixhonia leaned back in her chair, her expression a mix of disbelief and curiosity. "You¡¯re either the boldest man I¡¯ve ever met," she said, "or the most foolish." Leo chuckled softly. "Perhaps a bit of both." For the first time since her capture, a faint smile tugged at the corners of Sixhonia¡¯s lips. "I¡¯ll need time to think about it," she said. Leo nodded. "Take all the time you need." --- The room fell silent, the weight of Sun Leo¡¯s proposal hanging in the air. Outside, the celebrations continued, but inside, a new chapter was beginning¡ªone that could change the fate of their kingdoms forever. Here¡¯s the continuation of the story with all the requested details, dialogue, and interactions: --- ### **The Princess Agrees** Princess Sixhonia sat silently for a moment, her white eyes fixed on Prince Leo. The weight of his proposal hung in the air, and though her pride still burned, she could see the logic in his words. Finally, she nodded. "I agree," she said softly. "But I need a guarantee." Leo tilted his head, curious. "What kind of guarantee?" The princess turned to the Red Lions standing guard. "Bring me my personal items," she commanded. One of the lions nodded and left the room, returning shortly with a small, ornate chest. Sixhonia opened it and carefully removed a precious ice-blue tiara, its delicate silver filigree adorned with shimmering sapphires. She held it out to Leo. "In my culture," she explained, her voice steady but tinged with a faint blush, "a princess gives her family¡¯s tiara to her husband as a symbol of trust. He uses it to fetch her as ransom from her family, should the need arise." Leo took the tiara, his fingers brushing against hers for a brief moment. He studied it, the weight of its significance not lost on him. "It¡¯s beautiful," he said. "I¡¯ll honor this tradition." The princess nodded, her cheeks still faintly pink. "May I see the palace?" she asked, her voice quiet but with a hint of excitement. "I¡¯ve heard much about its grandeur." Leo smiled. "Of course." He turned to the Red Lions. "Call for Xeona. She¡¯ll show you around." --- ### **Xeona¡¯s Weird Behavior** Xeona arrived shortly, her expression stiff and her demeanor awkward. She avoided eye contact with the princess, her hands fidgeting nervously. "Your Highness," she said, bowing slightly. "I¡¯ll show you the palace." As they walked through the grand halls and lush gardens, Xeona remained silent, her discomfort palpable. The princess noticed but said nothing, instead marveling at the palace¡¯s beauty. The towering marble columns, the intricate mosaics, the vibrant flowers in the courtyard¡ªit was unlike anything she had ever seen. Meanwhile, whispers spread through the palace like wildfire. Servants and nobles alike gossiped about the princess¡¯s presence, wondering why she wasn¡¯t being mistreated. "Why is she being treated like a guest?" one servant muttered. "She¡¯s our enemy!" --- ### **Queen Lana¡¯s Outrage** Queen Lana, upon catching sight of the princess strolling through the palace as if she owned it, stormed to Leo¡¯s room. She burst in, her face flushed with anger. "Leo!" she exclaimed. "What is the meaning of this? Why is that woman being treated like royalty?" Leo stood calmly, his hands clasped behind his back. "Mother," he said, "Princess Sixhonia is my fianc¨¦e. She will be your future daughter-in-law." The queen¡¯s eyes widened in shock. "What?!" she gasped, her voice rising. "Have you lost your mind? She¡¯s our enemy!" Before Leo could respond, the queen swayed on her feet, her face pale. Her maids rushed forward, catching her before she could collapse. "Your Majesty!" one of them cried. "Let¡¯s get you out of here." As the maids helped the queen out of the room, Leo sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Well, that could have gone better," he muttered. --- ### **Crown Prince Sun Leo¡¯s Edict** Over the next few days, Leo enjoyed the luxury of the palace, realizing how much he had missed it during his captivity. He issued an edict declaring the Thieves in Hands his personal enemies, vowing to eradicate them from Waltonia. "Any member of the Thieves in Hands found within our borders," he declared, "shall be arrested or killed on sight." The members of the Thieves in Hands, however, laughed at the proclamation. "Prince Sun thinks he can defeat us?" one of them sneered. "Let him try." --- ### **Lalisa¡¯s Conversation** Somewhere in the city of Leona, Lalisa sat with her adoptive father in a dimly lit room. "The Hyen family is hunting us," he said, his voice grim. "They believe we set up Princess Sixhonia to collide with Prince Leo." Lalisa frowned. "But we didn¡¯t. This is a misunderstanding." Her father sighed. "Misunderstanding or not, we¡¯re in danger. We need to lay low." --- ### **The Princess¡¯s Return** When Princess Sixhonia returned to Leo¡¯s room, her quiet demeanor was softened by a hint of excitement. "The palace is beautiful," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I¡¯ve never seen anything like it." Leo smiled. "I¡¯m glad you enjoyed it." The princess hesitated, then asked, "What is the nature of your relationship with the maid? She seemed¡­ jealous." Leo waved a hand dismissively. "It¡¯s nothing. Xeona has been with me since childhood. She¡¯s protective, that¡¯s all." Sixhonia nodded, though her expression suggested she wasn¡¯t entirely convinced. She then turned serious. "I have a request. As your fianc¨¦e, I ask that you release me and dignify my three warriors. They are all that remain of my loyal companions." She bowed her head and knelt before Leo, a gesture of submission that surprised him. "I ask for your protection," she said. "I have business to attend to in my land." Leo was silent for a moment, then nodded. "I agree to your terms. You¡¯ll return home with 300 Red Lions as your escort, and your warriors will be treated with dignity." The princess looked up, her eyes wide with gratitude. "Thank you." --- ### **Lord Thomas¡¯s Rebuke** As news of Leo¡¯s engagement spread, Lord Thomas, a trusted advisor, confronted him. "Have you lost your mind?" Thomas demanded. "You¡¯re blinded by her beauty! This alliance could backfire spectacularly." Leo met his gaze calmly. "I know what I¡¯m doing, Thomas. This is the path to peace." Thomas shook his head, muttering under his breath as he walked away. --- ### **The Princess Departs** Princess Sixhonia left the palace with her escort of 300 Red Lions, her head held high. Leo watched her go, the ice-blue tiara in his hands a symbol of their newfound alliance. --- King Sun Leo I of the Waltonia Kingdom --- ### **Sun¡¯s Internal Dialogue** Sun sat alone in his chambers, the ice-blue tiara resting on the table before him. His mind raced with excitement and anticipation. *She accepted,* he thought, a smile tugging at his lips. *Princess Sixhonia Hyen, the most beautiful woman I¡¯ve ever seen, agreed to be my wife.* He leaned back in his chair, his imagination running wild. He pictured her standing beside him, her blue hair shimmering like the night sky, her white eyes glowing with a quiet strength. *I¡¯ll make her fall for me,* he vowed. *She¡¯s too extraordinary to let go.* But his thoughts soon turned to more pressing matters. *It¡¯s been five days since I returned,* he realized. *The first backup battery will be used up in two days, the second in a week.* He frowned, tapping his fingers on the armrest. *I need to be careful with the Spineless Brain. I¡¯ve already mind-hacked too many people and animals. I can¡¯t lose myself to its power.* He shifted his focus to the future of Waltonia. *What technology should I introduce?* he wondered. *Electricity? Railways? Or perhaps something more subtle, like improved agriculture?* He shook his head. *No, first I need to purge the kingdom of those with ulterior motives. Only then can I bring progress.* Sun called for Xeona, who entered the room with a cold, distant demeanor. Her usual warmth was gone, replaced by a frosty silence. "Xeona," Sun said, his voice firm but concerned. "What¡¯s wrong with you? You¡¯ve been acting strange." Xeona avoided his gaze, her hands clenched at her sides. "Nothing is wrong, Your Highness," she replied stiffly. Sun¡¯s patience wore thin. "Don¡¯t lie to me. I¡¯ve known you since we were children. Tell me what¡¯s bothering you." Xeona¡¯s eyes flashed with anger. "You want to know what¡¯s wrong? You¡¯ve been kidnapped, held captive, and now you¡¯re marrying the enemy! And you haven¡¯t even caught the man who harassed me!" Sun¡¯s expression darkened. "You¡¯re right," he said, his voice low and dangerous. He turned to the Red Lions standing guard. "Why hasn¡¯t the harasser been caught? Are you incompetent?" The Red Lions stiffened, their faces pale. "Your Highness, we¡¯ve been searching, but¡ª" "Enough excuses!" Sun snapped. "Find him. Now." --- ### **The Family Meeting**### Later that day, Sun found himself in a tense meeting with his family and advisors. His mother, Queen Lana, sat at the head of the table, her face pale and drawn. His little sister, Lumina, only seven years old, clung to her mother¡¯s arm, her wide eyes filled with confusion. Duchess Sina, his grandmother, sat calmly, her sharp eyes observing everything. Lord Thomas, his teacher, stood nearby, his arms crossed. The commander of the Red Lions, Maid Julie, and Xeona were also present. "Sun," Queen Lana began, her voice trembling. "Your father has declared you a traitor. He¡¯s charging you with treason." Sun¡¯s jaw tightened. "I know." "Do you understand the seriousness of this?" his mother pleaded. "Your father is strict. He won¡¯t show mercy. Other royal family members are already on their way to ensure your punishment is carried out." Sun leaned forward, his gaze steady. "Then let them come." Queen Lana¡¯s eyes filled with tears. "Please, Sun. Send a messenger pigeon to your Red Lions. Bring the princess back. It¡¯s only a five-day journey to her homeland. Rectify this before it¡¯s too late." Sun shook his head. "No. I¡¯ve made my decision." He turned to the commander of the Red Lions. "Block and patrol the palace. No one enters or leaves without my permission." The commander nodded and left to carry out the order. Queen Lana stared at Sun in disbelief. "You¡¯re rebelling against your father? Do you understand what you¡¯re doing?" Sun stood, his voice ringing out. "I am now King of Waltonia. Let an edict be sent throughout the kingdom." His mother burst into tears. "Don¡¯t dishonor yourself, Sun! Your father has an army. I won¡¯t lose my family because of a woman!" Duchess Sina, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "I will send troops from my realm to help you secure the kingship." Sun nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Grandmother." Lord Thomas stepped forward, his expression grim. "Sun, your father is a proud warrior. He¡¯s capable of eradicating everything in this palace. Are you prepared for that?" Sun¡¯s eyes hardened. "My father is unfit to rule. He¡¯s neglected Waltonia for too long. And now I¡¯ve discovered he has secret children all over the provinces¡ªchildren who might claim my throne." The room fell silent, everyone shocked by the revelation. Queen Lana¡¯s face turned ashen. "Sun¡­" "If he weren¡¯t my father," Sun continued, his voice cold, "he¡¯d already be dead." Duchess Sina leaned forward, her voice calm but firm. "Kill him, Sun. He¡¯s a pretentious man who hides behind righteousness. Waltonia deserves better." Sun nodded. "Tomorrow, I will be coronated as King." --- ### **King Gregory¡¯s Army** Meanwhile, in the Western province of Atina, King Gregory III sat in a luxurious mansion, surrounded by his mistress and their two sons, Peter Leo and Fog Leo. The boys, both with fiery red hair, played in the garden, their laughter echoing through the air. The mansion was a symbol of excess, filled with gold, silk, and priceless artifacts. Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Outside, King Gregory¡¯s mighty army camped, their tents stretching across the landscape. Among them were 200 elite members of the Red Lions, their crimson armor gleaming in the sunlight, and 1,000 soldiers of Waltonia, each one a seasoned warrior. The generals, clad in polished steel, moved among the troops, their voices commanding respect. King Gregory, a tall and imposing figure with a graying beard, stood on the mansion¡¯s balcony, his eyes fixed on the horizon. He had been informed of Sun¡¯s actions and felt a deep sense of regret. *I should have stayed at the center of power,* he thought. *Now my son dares to challenge me.* He turned to his generals. "Sound the trumpet for war. We ride to Leona at dawn." The generals nodded, their faces grim. One of them handed King Gregory a red lion crest message of imperial authority. "We¡¯ve sent a pigeon to Prince Sun, demanding his submission." King Gregory took the message, his hands trembling with anger. "Let¡¯s see if he has the courage to defy me." --- ### **Sun¡¯s Response** Back in Leona, Sun received the pigeon carrying his father¡¯s message. He read it, his expression unreadable, then handed it to Duchess Sina. "He demands my submission," Sun said, his voice calm. Duchess Sina smirked. "And what will you do?" Sun picked up a golden lion crest edict, his eyes blazing with determination. "I¡¯ll demand his abdication." He handed the edict to a messenger, who sent it back via pigeon. As the bird flew into the sky, Sun turned to his advisors. "Prepare for war. Waltonia will be mine." --- **War Brews in Waltonia** The kingdom stood on the brink of chaos. Sun¡¯s declaration had set the stage for a brutal conflict between father and son. The Red Lions patrolled the palace, their loyalty unwavering. The people of Waltonia whispered in fear and anticipation, unsure of what the future held. As Sun stood on the palace balcony, watching the sun set over the city, he felt a strange sense of calm. *This is my destiny,* he thought. *I will rule Waltonia, and no one¡ªnot even my father¡ªwill stop me.* *The March to the Army Camp* The morning sun rose over the city of Leona, casting a golden glow over the palace towers. I stood at the gates, flanked by 200 Red Lions, their crimson armor gleaming in the light. Behind me, my three adult lions and the bear stood tall, their presence commanding respect and awe. The city buzzed with excitement, the streets filled with people cheering my name. Even though I had let Princess Sixhonia go, they celebrated me as their hero. Their faith in me was humbling, but I knew the real test was yet to come. I mounted my horse, a majestic black stallion, and raised my hand. The Red Lions fell into formation behind me, their footsteps echoing in unison. The lions and bear walked beside me, their low growls sending a clear message: I was not to be trifled with. As we rode through the city, the crowds parted, their cheers growing louder. "Long live Prince Sun!" they shouted. "The savior of Waltonia!" I nodded to them, my expression calm but my heart racing. Today, I would secure my place as king. --- *The Army Camp** The army camp lay just outside the city walls, a sprawling sea of tents and banners. Over 2,000 soldiers were stationed here, the defenders of the capital. As we approached, I could see the generals waiting for us, their faces stern and unyielding. They had been informed of my arrival, and it was clear they were not pleased. I dismounted, the lions and bear staying close as I walked toward the generals. The Red Lions formed a protective circle around me, their hands resting on the hilts of their swords. The air was thick with tension. "Generals," I said, my voice carrying across the camp. "I have come to address the army. Assemble your men." One of the generals, a tall man with a scar running down his cheek, stepped forward. His name was General Marcus, a seasoned warrior who had served my father for decades. "Prince Sun," he said, his voice cold. "You have no authority here. The king has declared you a traitor. We will not obey your commands." I clenched my fists but kept my composure. "I am the crown prince of Waltonia," I replied, my voice steady. "The throne is mine by right. Assemble the army, or face the consequences." Another general, a stout man named General Darius, sneered. "You think you can waltz in here and demand loyalty? You¡¯re a boy playing at being king. The army answers to the true ruler of Waltonia¡ªKing Gregory." I turned to the Red Lion guard beside me. "Execute them," I said, my voice low but firm. The Red Lions moved swiftly, their swords flashing in the sunlight. General Marcus and General Darius barely had time to react before they fell, their bodies crumpling to the ground. The camp erupted into chaos, soldiers drawing their weapons and shouting in confusion. --- ### **The Army¡¯s Loyalty** I stepped forward, raising my hand. "Silence!" I commanded, my voice booming across the camp. The three lions behind me let out a deafening roar, their voices shaking the ground. The soldiers froze, their eyes wide with awe and fear. "Men of Waltonia," I said, my voice calm but commanding. "You have pledged your allegiance to the throne of the Leo family. I am the crown prince, the rightful heir to the throne. My father, King Gregory, has neglected this kingdom for too long. He has abandoned you, left you to defend this land while he indulged in his own pleasures. I will not abandon you. I will lead you to a brighter future." The soldiers hesitated, their eyes flicking to the fallen generals. One of them, a young captain, stepped forward. "Prince Sun," he said, his voice trembling. "We serve the throne. If you are the rightful heir, we will follow you." The rest of the army nodded, their voices rising in agreement. "Long live Prince Sun!" they shouted. "Long live the king!" I felt a surge of relief but kept my expression stern. "March to the palace," I commanded. "Today, I will be crowned king of Waltonia." --- ### **The Coronation** The army marched through the city, their footsteps shaking the ground. The people of Leona lined the streets, their cheers growing louder as we approached the palace. Inside, the royal court was in a frenzy, servants and nobles rushing to prepare for the coronation. I entered the throne room, the lions and bear following close behind. The room was grand, its walls adorned with red banners and golden statues of lions. The throne itself was a massive seat of carved stone, flanked by two towering lion statues. I walked to the throne and sat down, the lions taking their places beside me. The ceremony began, the royal keeper stepping forward with the crown. "Prince Sun Leo," he said, his voice echoing through the room. "Do you swear to uphold the laws of Waltonia, to protect its people, and to lead with honor and justice?" "I swear," I said, my voice steady. The keeper placed the crown on my head, and the room erupted in cheers. "Long live King Sun Leo!" they shouted. "Long live the king!" I looked out over the crowd, my heart swelling with pride. The journey had been long and fraught with danger, but I had finally claimed my rightful place. Waltonia was mine. --- **The Celebration** The palace was alive with celebration, the halls filled with music and laughter. I sat on the throne, the crown heavy on my head but the weight of responsibility even heavier. My mother, Queen Lana, approached me, her eyes filled with tears. "Sun," she said, her voice trembling. "I pray you know what you¡¯re doing. Your father will not take this lightly." I nodded. "I know, Mother. But I will not back down. Waltonia deserves a king who will fight for it." She sighed but said nothing more. Duchess Sina approached next, her sharp eyes gleaming with pride. "You¡¯ve done well, Sun," she said. "But the fight is far from over. Your father will come for you." "I know," I replied. "And I¡¯ll be ready." As the celebration continued, I couldn¡¯t help but think of Princess Sixhonia. *She¡¯s out there somewhere,* I thought. *And one day, she¡¯ll return. Until then, I¡¯ll prepare for the battles to come.* The Pride of a Lion The Arrival of Duchess Sina¡¯s Warriors The ground trembled as the rhythmic *thud-thud-thud* of marching feet echoed through the streets of Leona. I stood on the palace balcony, the cool morning breeze brushing against my face. Below, Duchess Sina¡¯s army of 1,500 warriors approached, their armor glinting in the sunlight. Their voices rose in a thunderous chant: *"The might is hers! The might is hers!"* Duchess Sina rode at the front, her silver hair flowing like a banner. She dismounted with the grace of a seasoned warrior and approached me, her sharp eyes gleaming with pride. "Grandson," she said, her voice carrying the weight of authority. She handed me her insignia of power¡ªa golden lion medallion. "Today, my warriors and I stand with you. Together, we will crush your enemies." I took the medallion, its weight heavy in my hand. "Thank you, Grandmother," I said, my voice steady but filled with gratitude. "Your support means everything." The crowd erupted in cheers as Duchess Sina¡¯s warriors joined my army. The combined force of over 3,000 soldiers, plus my 600 Red Lions, was a sight to behold. The air buzzed with energy, the clinking of armor and the stomping of boots creating a symphony of power. The people of Waltonia chanted my name: *"Sun of the Lions! Sun of the Lions!"* But amidst the celebration, I noticed one of my lions, the largest and fiercest, lagging behind. It had been unwell for days, its once-powerful roars reduced to weak growls. The bear stayed by its side, a loyal companion. The maids fed them raw meat, their hands trembling as they approached the majestic beasts. The kingdom had begun to mystify these animals, believing they had submitted to me out of sheer charisma. Rumors spread like wildfire, and I couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of awe at how quickly my legend had grown. --- **The Return of the Red Lions and Queen Isasha¡¯s Letter** As I prepared for the coming battle, the 300 Red Lions I had sent with Princess Sixhonia returned. Their leader, Captain Rylan, approached me, bowing deeply. "Your Majesty," he said, his voice steady. "Princess Sixhonia was received by her family. We bring a letter from Queen Isasha, her mother." I took the letter, my heart pounding as I broke the seal. The parchment smelled faintly of lavender, and the elegant script flowed like a river. Queen Isasha¡¯s words were gracious and filled with gratitude. She thanked me for treating her daughter with dignity and acknowledged my marriage proposal. But her tone shifted as she warned me of Prince Gus Hippo of Tamus, a giant of a man who had declared his love for Sixhonia. *"He has vowed to burn Waltonia to the ground,"* she wrote, *"if his father approves his request for war."* The letter ended with a request: one year with her daughter before Sixhonia would fulfill her marital duties. She also expressed her heartfelt apology for the suffering Waltonia had endured at the hands of the Hyen family. I felt a surge of excitement. *Sixhonia will be mine,* I thought. But my joy was short-lived as Xeona, standing nearby, let out a groan and stormed out of the room. Anger flared within me. "Xeona!" I shouted, my voice echoing through the hall. "Do not return!" This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. She ran out, tears streaming down her face. My mother, Queen Lana, rushed after her, surprising me. I could see the gears turning in her mind¡ªshe was plotting to use Xeona to challenge Sixhonia for my heart. Duchess Sina, ever observant, shook her head. "Sun is sincere," she said, her voice firm. "Let him follow his path." --- ### **Preparing for War** The scouts arrived with urgent news: King Gregory was nearing the entrance of Leona. I immediately donned the majestic armor of the Leo royal family, its golden plates gleaming in the sunlight. The three lions roared as I mounted my horse, their voices echoing through the palace grounds. The bear stayed behind, keeping the sick lion company. As I rode out, the cheers of the people filled the air. *"Long live King Sun Leo!"* they shouted. *"The Sun of the Lions!"* But beneath the surface, I felt a growing unease. The first backup battery for the Spineless Brain had been depleted, and the second would last only six more days. I couldn¡¯t afford to overuse its power. I commanded the Red Lions to round up orphans and able-bodied homeless people in Leona, using the Spineless Brain to ensure their loyalty. The Red Lions moved swiftly, their efficiency a testament to their training. The palace bustled with activity as the new recruits were integrated into the ranks. --- ### **The Confrontation with King Gregory** King Gregory¡¯s army arrived, exhausted from their rushed march to the capital. His ranks were divided, and discontent simmered among his soldiers. One of his generals, a man named General Alaric, openly rebelled. *"We¡¯ve followed you for years,"* he shouted, his voice booming across the camp. *"While you indulged in luxury and left our families to suffer! No more!"* His speech rallied more than half of the army, and chaos erupted. King Gregory, desperate to regain control, removed his crown and blew into the royal horn of roar. The sound was deafening, a deep *BWAAAAH* that echoed across the battlefield. For a moment, the soldiers froze. *"Men of Waltonia!"* Gregory bellowed, his voice filled with fury. *"The Leo family stands above all! Do not let this treachery divide us!"* But his words fell on deaf ears. As my army arrived, more and more of his soldiers deserted, submitting to me instead. Gregory¡¯s face twisted with rage as he realized his power was slipping away. --- My mother, Queen Lana, arrived on horseback, her face pale with shock. She approached the King. *"Gregory,"* she said, her voice trembling. *"Why did you betray me? Why did you have children with other women?"* Gregory sneered, his arrogance on full display. *"You were nothing more than a womb for my seed,"* he said, his voice dripping with contempt. *"I married you for your mother¡¯s army. And now, you dare question me?"* He lunged at her with his sword, dragging her onto his chariot. *"I will crush you all!"* he shouted, his voice filled with madness. *"I will return with the northern army and destroy Leona!"* --- **The Pride of a Lion** I couldn¡¯t let him take my mother. My heart burned with fury, but I knew I couldn¡¯t rely on the Spineless Brain. Instead, I stepped forward, my voice ringing out. *"Father! I challenge you to the Pride of a Lion! Let the victor claim the throne!"* Gregory laughed, his eyes filled with mockery. *"You think you can defeat me, boy? Very well. Let the duel begin."* We disrobed our armor, standing bare-chested before our armies. The lions roared, and the warriors cheered, their voices rising in a chant of praise for the Leo clan. Gregory wielded a sword and spear, his muscles rippling with strength. I held only a sword, my heart steady despite the storm within. As we faced each other, the air crackled with tension. This was more than a duel¡ªit was a battle for the soul of Waltonia. And I would not lose. Fallen Lion **The Duel: Pride of a Lion** The air was thick with tension as I faced my father, King Gregory, in the center of the battlefield. The sun hung high in the sky, casting long shadows over the blood-stained ground. Around us, the armies of Waltonia stood in silence, their eyes fixed on the two lions about to clash. The only sounds were the distant *caw-caw* of crows and the low growls of my lions, who paced nervously nearby. Gregory smirked, his sword and spear gleaming in the sunlight. "You¡¯re brave, boy," he said, his voice dripping with mockery. "But bravery won¡¯t save you. You¡¯ll likely die here today." I tightened my grip on my sword, my heart pounding. "We¡¯ll see, Father," I replied, my voice steady. "You¡¯ve underestimated me before." He laughed, a deep, rumbling sound that sent a chill down my spine. "Marrying that Hyen girl was a stupid move, Sun. Even if she¡¯s beautiful, it makes you look weak. A king can¡¯t afford to be weak." I didn¡¯t respond. Instead, I lunged forward, my sword slicing through the air with a sharp *whoosh*. Gregory parried with ease, his spear spinning in his hands like an extension of his body. The clash of steel rang out¡ª*clang! clang!*¡ªas we exchanged blows, each strike faster and more precise than the last. --- **The Fight Intensifies** The crowd watched in stunned silence as I matched my father¡¯s skill. His eyes narrowed, and for the first time, I saw a flicker of surprise in them. "You¡¯ve improved," he admitted, his voice grudging. "But not enough." With a sudden burst of speed, he hurled his spear at me. I dodged, but not fast enough¡ªthe blade grazed my arm, drawing blood. The pain was sharp, and I hissed through my teeth as I stepped back. The warriors on Gregory¡¯s side erupted in cheers, their horns blaring¡ª*BWAAAAH! BWAAAAH!*¡ªas they celebrated his small victory. Gregory switched to his sword, his movements becoming even faster and more fluid. He was a whirlwind of steel, his strikes coming from every angle. *Clang! Clang! Clang!* The sound of our swords colliding echoed across the battlefield. ---**Internal Dialogue: Shock and Realization** As we fought, my mind raced. *How is he this good?* I thought, my shock growing with every passing moment. I had mind-hacked the combat skills of over 500 Red Lion Guards, yet my father was matching me blow for blow. His experience and raw talent were beyond anything I had anticipated. "You¡¯re holding back, Sun," Gregory taunted, his voice cutting through my thoughts. "Is this all the mighty ¡®Sun of the Lions¡¯ can do?" I gritted my teeth, pushing aside my doubts. *I can¡¯t lose. Not now. Not like this.* --- **The Battlefield Erupts** The queen watched from the sidelines, her face pale and her eyes filled with tears. "Stop this!" she cried, her voice breaking. "Please, stop!" But no one listened. The rebellious general, seeing an opportunity, spurred his horse toward the fight. "Now¡¯s our chance!" he shouted. "Kill them both and free us from their tyranny!" His words ignited chaos. Warriors from both sides rushed forward, their weapons drawn. The lions, sensing danger, roared and charged toward me, their massive bodies moving as fast as horses. The sound of their roars¡ª*ROAR! ROAR!*¡ªsent the enemy horses into a frenzy, their riders struggling to maintain control. Gregory¡¯s voice boomed across the battlefield. "The Lion¡¯s Pride is sacred! What are you doing?!" But no one listened. The young warrior sent by the general dashed toward us, his sword raised high. "Kill them both!" he shouted. "Hurry!" Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. --- **The Final Clash** I blocked the young warrior¡¯s strike with a loud *clang*, disarming him with a swift twist of my sword. My lions reached me just in time, their roars sending the attackers scrambling back. Gregory and I stood face to face once more, our breaths heavy and our bodies battered. "You¡¯ve made a mess of things, Sun," Gregory said, his voice cold. "But this ends now." I met his gaze, my resolve unshaken. "No, Father. This is just the beginning." The battlefield fell silent as we prepared for the final clash, the fate of Waltonia hanging in the balance. --- **The Red Lions Demand Justice** The battlefield was chaos. Warriors clashed, swords rang out¡ª*clang! clang!*¡ªand the ground was slick with blood. My Red Lions surrounded me, their crimson armor gleaming as they formed a protective circle. One of them, Captain Rylan, stepped forward, his voice sharp with anger. "Your Majesty," he said, his eyes blazing. "The general and his men have defiled the Lion¡¯s Way. They¡¯ve broken the sacred code of combat. We ask for your permission to kill them." I glanced at the rebellious general, who was now surrounded by his own men, their faces filled with fear and defiance. My heart pounded, but I knew what had to be done. "Kill the general," I commanded, my voice cold and firm. "He alone has influenced the armies. The rest can surrender." The Red Lions moved like a storm, their swords flashing as they charged toward the general. The battlefield erupted into chaos once more¡ª*clash! clash!*¡ªas the rebels fought to protect their leader. My lions flanked my horse, their roars¡ª*ROAR! ROAR!*¡ªsending shivers down the spines of the enemy horses, which reared and whinnied in panic. --- **The War Rages On** I fought without relying on the Spineless Brain, its power now down to just five days. My confidence wavered as I realized how much I had depended on it. *Without it, I could die here,* I thought, my heart racing. I commanded my warriors to focus on killing King Gregory and his generals, but my father was already being rushed away, battered from our duel. "After them!" I shouted, my voice hoarse. "Don¡¯t let them escape!" But as the battle raged, I felt a growing sense of dread. My personal Red Lions withdrew, forming a protective barrier around me. "Your Majesty," Captain Rylan said, his voice urgent. "You must return to the palace. The battlefield is too dangerous." I hesitated, but the fear of losing everything without the Spineless Brain¡¯s power gnawed at me. "Very well," I said. "But find Lord Thomas. Dead or alive. I want him brought to me." --- **Return to the Palace** I rode back to the palace, my lions flanking my horse as we galloped through the city gates. The people of Leona watched in silence, their faces filled with awe and fear. As soon as I arrived, the palace physician was summoned. He examined my wound, his hands trembling as he checked for poison. "You¡¯re lucky, Your Majesty," he said, his voice relieved. "The blade wasn¡¯t poisoned. But you¡¯ll need rest and treatment." I nodded, my mind still racing. *What if I had lost? What if the Spineless Brain fails me?* The thought was terrifying. --- **King Gregory¡¯s Last Stand** Meanwhile, King Gregory and his men were pursued by my personal Red Lion guards. The elite warriors closed in, their movements swift and precise. Gregory turned to face them, his face twisted with rage. "Traitors!" he shouted, his voice echoing across the battlefield. "You swore loyalty to me!" One of the Red Lions stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "We are sworn to obey any crowned Leo in the capital of Leona. Prince Sun is now the Lion among Lions. He must rule." Gregory¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief, but he quickly regained his composure. "Then we fight!" he roared, raising his sword. The battle was fierce. Gregory fought with the strength of a cornered lion, but his men were outnumbered and outmatched. Just as it seemed he might break through, one of his trusted generals¡ªa man named General Darius¡ªstepped forward and plunged a dagger into Gregory¡¯s back. The king gasped, his eyes wide with shock. "Why?" he whispered, blood bubbling from his lips. "For my daughter," Darius said, his voice trembling with anger. "The one you defiled." Gregory¡¯s body crumpled to the ground, his eyes staring blankly at the sky. The Red Lions made quick work of his remaining men, their swords cutting through the rebels with brutal efficiency. --- **The Kingdom Mourns** Gregory¡¯s body was placed on a chariot and taken back to the royal palace. I declared a period of mourning, and the kingdom fell silent in respect for the fallen king. The streets were lined with people, their faces filled with grief and confusion. As I stood on the palace balcony, watching the procession, I felt a strange mix of emotions. Relief, sorrow, and a growing sense of responsibility. *I am the king now,* I thought. *I must lead.* --- ### **The Truth About Lord Thomas** Later that evening, the Red Lion guards tasked with finding Xeona¡¯s harasser returned with shocking news. "Your Majesty," Captain Rylan said, his voice grim. "The pervert who peeped at Xeona was Lord Thomas. He has fled the royal court, but we¡¯ve discovered he was a foreign asset of an empire." My blood boiled with anger. "Find him," I said, my voice cold. "I don¡¯t care how far he runs. Bring him to me." --- **The Aftermath** The war was over, but the scars remained. The kingdom mourned its fallen king, and I prepared to lead Waltonia into a new era. The Spineless Brain¡¯s power was dwindling, but I knew I couldn¡¯t rely on it forever. *I must become stronger,* I thought. As the sun set over the palace, I felt a sense of determination. The road ahead would be difficult, but I was ready. I was the Lion among Lions, and I would rule. - The Funeral --- The funeral of King Gregory was a grand and somber affair. The streets of Leona were lined with mourners, their faces filled with grief as the procession made its way to the royal mausoleum. The air was thick with the scent of incense and flowers, and the sound of mournful horns¡ª*BWAAAAH! BWAAAAH!*¡ªechoed through the city. Dignitaries from neighboring kingdoms arrived to offer their condolences and pay their respects to the new king. Among them was Princess Sixhonia and her mother, Queen Isasha, escorted by a contingent of Hyen warriors. The palace was abuzz with activity as merchants, nobles, and commoners alike flocked to the capital, turning Leona into a bustling hub of trade and diplomacy. Princess Sixhonia¡¯s merchants set up stalls in the market, their goods drawing crowds from all over Waltonia. She approached me with confidence, her eyes gleaming with ambition. "Your Majesty," she said, her voice smooth and calculated. "I trust you will grant my merchants exclusive access to the markets of Leona." I nodded, though I kept my expression neutral. "We shall discuss the terms, Princess. But first, let us honor my father." --- In the days following the funeral, I often visited the section of the palace where the orphans were housed, next to the servants¡¯ quarters. These 21 children, ranging from ages 9 to 12, had become my special project. I named the youngest boy Mustard Leo, and officially adopted them all as members of the royal family. Using the Spineless Brain, I had subtly installed advanced combat techniques into their minds. They were unaware of their newfound abilities until I introduced them during a grand ceremony. The audience gasped as the children demonstrated skills that rivaled even the Red Lion Guards. The enemies of Waltonia, including the burly representatives from the Thamus Kingdom, watched with a mix of awe and dread. One of the Thamus delegates, a towering man with a sneer on his face, made a snide remark about the children being "trained monkeys." Without hesitation, I commanded one of my lions to bite off his arm. The man screamed¡ª*AAAH!*¡ªas the lion dragged him to the ground. The room erupted in chaos. Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. "Let this be a declaration of war," I said, my voice cold and commanding. "Anyone connected to the Thamus Kingdom is no friend of mine. You are dismissed from my land." The Thamus delegates left in a hurry, their faces pale with fear. The room fell silent, the weight of my words hanging in the air. -- Later that evening, I asked Princess Sixhonia to take a walk with me in the Leo family lions¡¯ park, a serene area next to the palace. The lions played nearby, their roars¡ª*ROAR! ROAR!*¡ªfilling the air as they guarded us. The bear lumbered along, a rib bone clutched in its massive jaws. As we walked, I noticed a softer side to Sixhonia. She spoke of the bloodshed she had witnessed from a young age, her voice trembling with emotion. "I never wanted this life," she admitted. "But I had no choice." I reached out, grabbing her hand affectionately. She responded by flipping me onto the ground with a swift combat move. I was stunned but impressed. "You¡¯re full of surprises," I said, brushing myself off. She glared at me, her cheeks flushed. "You¡¯re a pervert who only wants my body," she snapped before storming off. I commanded one of the lions to follow her, but she unsheathed her sword, her eyes blazing. "Stay back!" she shouted. I ran after her, apologizing profusely. "I didn¡¯t mean to offend you," I said. "I just¡­ I care about you." She was silent on the way back, her expression unreadable. I let her go, feeling a mix of frustration and regret. --- Later, I took a walk alone, my Red Lion Guards marching behind me. I headed to the quarters of the Lion¡¯s Mane Bureau, where the children flocked to me. Some stayed back, shy and reserved, while others eagerly showed me their progress in their studies. The children adored me, and I adored them in return. They had become like family, their laughter and energy filling the palace with life. The maids acted as their mothers, while the Red Lion Guards served as their mentors. Even my little sister, Princess Lumina, often dropped by to play with them. The big lion and the bear, whom the children had named "Goldmane" and "Honeyclaw," were tame around them. The animals played with the children, their roars and growls¡ª*ROAR! GRRR!*¡ªfilling the air with a sense of warmth and security. As I watched the children train and play, I felt a sense of pride. They were the future of Waltonia, and I would do everything in my power to protect them. --- The Scandalous Princess Night fell over the palace, the moon casting a silvery glow over the grand halls. I, Prince Sun, couldn¡¯t shake the restlessness in my heart. My thoughts kept drifting to Princess Sixhonia, her beauty and her fiery spirit consuming my mind. In a moment of impulsiveness, I decided to sneak to her room, my footsteps silent as I moved through the shadows. I hid in the dark corner of her chamber, my heart pounding with a mix of excitement and guilt. But before I could reveal myself, a knock¡ª*tap-tap-tap*¡ªechoed through the room. My blood ran cold as a hooded figure entered, their face hidden but their voice unmistakably male. I clenched my fists, the trauma of Lord Thomas¡¯s betrayal aching in my chest. *Who is this?* I thought, my anger simmering. But I stayed silent, forcing myself to retreat. I slipped out of the room, my heart heavy as I made the long walk back to my chambers. The Red Lions saluted me as I passed, their eyes filled with loyalty. "Go to Princess Sixhonia¡¯s room," I commanded, my voice low but firm. "There¡¯s an intruder. Make a ruckus." The Red Lions obeyed immediately, their footsteps thundering through the halls. The lions followed, their roars¡ª*ROAR! ROAR!*¡ªechoing through the palace, shaking the very walls. Chaos erupted as the palace came alive with the sound of shouting and running feet. --- In Princess Sixhonia¡¯s room, the young man in the hoodie froze as the commotion grew louder. He pulled back his hood, revealing a handsome face with sharp features. "Inak," Sixhonia hissed, her voice filled with panic. "You fool! They¡¯ll think I¡¯m a loose woman!" Inak, the son of the Hyen royal guard chief, smirked. "Relax, Sixhonia. I just wanted to see you." Before she could respond, the door burst open, and the lions charged in, their roars deafening. Sixhonia stepped forward, her voice calm but commanding. "Enough!" she said, placing a hand on Goldmane¡¯s massive head. The lion growled but obeyed, its golden eyes fixed on Inak. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. The Red Lions marched into the room, their swords drawn. I followed, my face a mask of fury. "What is the meaning of this?" I demanded, my voice trembling with anger. Sixhonia turned to me, her eyes wide. "Sun, it¡¯s not what you think¡ª" "Not what I think?" I interrupted, my voice rising. "A man in your room at night? Do you take me for a fool?" The queen, who had rushed to the scene, stepped forward. "Sun, calm down. There¡¯s been a misunderstanding." But I wasn¡¯t listening. My pride was wounded, my heart aching with jealousy. The lions growled, their agitation mirroring my own. I drew my sword, the blade gleaming in the moonlight. "You¡¯ve shamed the Leo family home," I said, my voice cold. "Both of you." --- Inak stepped forward, his own sword drawn. "If you¡¯re so offended, King Sun, then challenge me to the Lion¡¯s Pride. Let¡¯s settle this like warriors." The room fell silent, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. I glared at him, my injured arm throbbing but my pride refusing to back down. "Fine," I said, my voice steady. "Tomorrow, at dawn. We¡¯ll see how arrogant you will be when I humble you." The Red Lions blew their horns¡ª*BWAAAAH! BWAAAAH!*¡ªsignaling the acceptance of the challenge. I turned and left the room, the lions and guards following close behind. --- Back in my chambers, I collapsed onto my bed, my emotions overwhelming me. My mother entered, her face filled with concern. "Sun," she said softly, "anger is not the way to go. You¡¯re a king now. You must think before you act." I didn¡¯t respond, my eyes red with unshed tears. Lumina, my little sister, climbed onto the bed beside me, her small hand patting my arm. "Don¡¯t cry, Sun," she said, her voice innocent and sweet. "You¡¯re the strongest person I know." My mother left the room, chasing away the guards. She understood that I couldn¡¯t be seen weak, not even by my most loyal soldiers. But she wasn¡¯t done. She went looking for Xeona, her mind racing with a plan to help me. --- The queen found Xeona in the servants¡¯ quarters, her face pale and her eyes filled with tears. "Xeona," the queen said, her voice firm. "Sun is about to make a terrible decision. He needs you." Xeona looked up, her eyes wide. "Me? But he hates me." The queen shook her head. "He doesn¡¯t hate you. He¡¯s hurt, confused. Go to him. Help him see reason." Xeona hesitated but finally nodded. "I¡¯ll try." --- As the palace settled into an uneasy silence, I lay in my bed, Lumina curled up beside me. My mind raced with thoughts of Sixhonia, Inak, and the challenge ahead. I knew I had to be strong, but my heart ached with a pain I couldn¡¯t ignore. The night stretched on, the moon casting its pale light over the palace. Tomorrow would bring a battle, not just for pride, but for the future of Waltonia. --- Prideful Sun The morning sun rose over the open field where the duel was to take place. The air was thick with anticipation, the crowd buzzing with excitement. Nobles, soldiers, and visitors from neighboring kingdoms had gathered to witness the Pride of a Lion between King Sun and Inak. The field was surrounded by Red Lion Guards, their crimson armor gleaming in the sunlight, and the Hyen warriors, their blue-painted faces stern and unyielding. Lumina tugged at my sleeve, her small face filled with worry. "Sun, please don¡¯t fight," she begged, her voice trembling. "You¡¯re hurt. What if something happens to you?" I knelt down, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I have to do this, Lumina," I said, my voice firm but gentle. "For my pride. For our family." She burst into tears, but I stood and walked away, my heart heavy but my resolve unshaken. I disrobed, revealing the bandages around my injured arm. The crowd gasped as they saw the extent of my wounds, but I ignored them, focusing on the task at hand. I dual-wielded my swords, the blades gleaming in the sunlight, and stepped into the center of the field. -- Inak stood across from me, his face painted with blue lines, his sword held confidently. His father, the chief of the Hyen royal guard, watched from the sidelines, his expression a mix of pride and foreboding. "Remember, Inak," he said, his voice low. "This is not just a fight for Sixhonia. This is a fight for our honor." Inak nodded, his eyes narrowing as he looked at me. "Let¡¯s see if the rumors about you are true, King Sun." I didn¡¯t respond. My anger burned within me, my pride crying out for vengeance. The moment the horn sounded¡ª*BWAAAAH!*¡ªI charged at Inak, my swords flashing in the sunlight. The crowd erupted in cheers and gasps as I pushed him back with a flurry of strikes¡ª*clang! clang! clang!*¡ªeach one faster and more precise than the last. Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Inak struggled to keep up, his confidence wavering as he realized he was outmatched. The Red Lions roared in triumph¡ª*ROAR! ROAR!*¡ªand the soldiers hit their shields, creating a rhythmic *clang-clang-clang* that echoed across the field. -- I didn¡¯t hold back. My swords slashed at Inak, leaving him bleeding and desperate. The crowd watched in stunned silence as I mocked him, my voice filled with venom. "Is this all the Hyen have to offer?" I taunted. "A cheap princess and a weak warrior?" I threw one of my swords at Princess Sixhonia, the blade embedding itself in the ground at her feet. "May the Thamus family pick up the trash I¡¯ve thrown away!" I shouted, my voice echoing across the field. The crowd gasped, and Sixhonia burst into tears, her face red with humiliation. The Red Lions cheered, their voices rising in a deafening roar. "Long live King Sun!" they shouted. "The Lion among Lions!" I turned back to Inak, my remaining sword pointed at his throat. "You can keep Sixhonia," I said, my voice cold. "But you¡¯ll pay a heavy price for humiliating me." I stepped on his face, the crowd watching in stunned silence. I spat on him, my anger and pride consuming me. The Hyen warriors looked on in horror, their confidence shattered. The chief of the Hyen royal guard couldn¡¯t stand it any longer. He dashed into the field, his sword drawn. "Enough!" he shouted, his voice filled with rage. The lions charged at him, their roars shaking the ground. But before they could reach him, an arrow whistled through the air¡ª*whoosh!*¡ªand pierced my injured arm. I stumbled back, pain shooting through my body as chaos erupted. The Red Lions rushed to my side, their swords drawn as they formed a protective circle around me. The Hyen warriors scrambled to retreat, their faces pale with fear. The crowd erupted into chaos, everyone shouting and running in different directions. --- I was rushed back to the palace, the arrow still embedded in my arm. The queen and Duchess Sina followed close behind, their faces filled with worry. "Sun, you fool," my mother said, her voice trembling. "You¡¯ve made enemies of the Hyen. What were you thinking?" I didn¡¯t respond, my mind racing with thoughts of revenge and pride. The Spineless Brain¡¯s power was dwindling, and I knew I couldn¡¯t rely on it forever. But for now, I had won. I had proven my strength, even if it came at a cost. As the palace bustled with activity, I lay in my bed, my arm bandaged and my heart heavy. The road ahead would be difficult, but I was ready. I was the Lion among Lions, and I would rule. The Princess tears The Lion¡¯s Mane children, a group of 21 orphans ranging from ages 9 to 12. They were Sun¡¯s special project, trained and educated to serve as his loyal servants and future protectors. They lived in the servants¡¯ quarters next to the palace, where they attended classes on combat, literature, and kingdom affairs. The children adored Sun, seeing him as both a king and a father figure. --- Lumina dragged me to the Lion¡¯s Mane courtyard, where the children were gathered. As we approached, I could hear the sound of shouting¡ª*"Stop it!" "It¡¯s mine!"*¡ªand the occasional growl from Goldmane, who had followed us. The other two lions, Shadowclaw and Stormheart, stayed close behind, their eyes scanning the area for any signs of danger. When I entered the courtyard, everyone froze. The children, the maids, even the lions turned to look at me. My distinct red hair and the presence of the lions made it clear who I was. But what surprised me most was seeing Princess Sixhonia in the midst of the chaos, her face pale and her eyes filled with tears. "Sun," she said, her voice trembling. "I¡­ I didn¡¯t mean for any of this to happen." I stared at her, my heart heavy with conflicting emotions. The disgust I felt earlier was still there, but so was a flicker of something else¡ªregret, perhaps. *What have I done?* I thought. --- The children had been in the middle of a heated argument when we arrived. Mustard Leo, the youngest at 9 years old, was clutching a wooden sword, his face red with anger. "It¡¯s mine!" he shouted, his voice cracking. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Another child, a girl named Ruby, glared at him. "You stole it from me!" she snapped, her hands on her hips. The maids tried to intervene, but the children were too worked up. Goldmane let out a low growl¡ª*GRRR*¡ªand the children immediately fell silent, their eyes wide with fear. "Enough," I said, my voice firm but calm. "What¡¯s going on here?" Mustard Leo stepped forward, his lower lip trembling. "Your Majesty, Ruby took my sword. It¡¯s mine!" Ruby crossed her arms. "I did not! He¡¯s lying!" I sighed, kneeling down to their level. "Listen, both of you. Fighting like this won¡¯t solve anything. You¡¯re part of the Lion¡¯s Mane now. That means you¡¯re family. And family doesn¡¯t fight over petty things." The children nodded, their faces filled with guilt. "We¡¯re sorry, Your Majesty," they said in unison. --- Princess Sixhonia stepped forward, her eyes filled with tears. "Sun," she said, her voice soft but steady. "I know I¡¯ve made mistakes. But I never meant to betray you. I¡­ I just wanted to explain." I looked at her, my heart torn. The disgust I felt earlier was still there, but so was a flicker of the affection I once had for her. "Sixhonia," I said, my voice heavy with emotion. "I don¡¯t know what to think anymore." Before I could say more, Lumina tugged at my sleeve. "Sun, don¡¯t be like Father," she said, her voice pleading. "Don¡¯t push people away." I looked down at her, then at Sixhonia, and finally at the children. *What am I doing?* I thought. *I¡¯m the king. I need to be better than this.* --- I took a deep breath and turned to Sixhonia. "We¡¯ll talk," I said, my voice firm but gentle. "But not here. Not now." She nodded, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Sun." I turned to the children, who were watching the exchange with wide eyes. "As for you," I said, my tone lighter, "no more fighting. Understood?" "Yes, Your Majesty!" they chorused, their faces breaking into smiles. A shot of Poison The Lion¡¯s Mane courtyard was alive with laughter and joy as the children played with King Sun and Princess Sixhonia. The Red Lion Guards stood at a respectful distance, their eyes scanning the area for any signs of danger. Goldmane, Shadowclaw, and Stormheart lounged nearby, their massive bodies relaxed but alert. The children, full of energy, ran around the courtyard, their laughter echoing through the air. Mustard Leo, the youngest, tugged at Sun¡¯s sleeve. "Your Majesty, play with us!" he said, his eyes wide with excitement. Sun smiled, though his injured arm throbbed with pain. "Alright, but take it easy on me," he said, his voice light. He joined in their games, his movements slow and careful to avoid aggravating his wound. Princess Sixhonia watched from the sidelines, her face softening as she saw Sun interact with the children. She stepped forward, joining in the fun, her laughter blending with theirs. For a moment, it felt like the weight of the world had lifted. -- As the afternoon wore on, Goldmane suddenly stood up, his golden eyes fixed on the woods beyond the courtyard. With a low growl¡ª*GRRR*¡ªhe bounded off, his massive form disappearing into the trees. "Where¡¯s he going?" Ruby asked, her voice filled with curiosity. Sun frowned, his eyes following Goldmane¡¯s path. "I don¡¯t know," he said, his voice tinged with concern. "But he¡¯ll be back." A short while later, Goldmane returned, but he wasn¡¯t alone. Behind him were two lionesses and four cubs, their eyes wide with curiosity. The children gasped, their excitement bubbling over. "Look! Cubs!" Mustard Leo shouted, running toward the newcomers. "Wait!" Sun called, his voice sharp. But it was too late. The lionesses, protective of their cubs, immediately reacted. With a snarl¡ª*SNARL!*¡ªthey lunged at the children, their claws extended. Chaos erupted as screams filled the air¡ª*"AHHH!"*¡ªand the children scrambled to get away. Goldmane, Shadowclaw, and Stormheart sprang into action, their roars¡ª*ROAR! ROAR!*¡ªshaking the ground as they charged at the lionesses. The Red Lion Guards rushed forward, their swords drawn, but the lions were faster. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Sun tried to stand, his heart pounding, but his injuries flared up, sending a wave of pain through his body. He stumbled, his vision blurring as a fever began to take hold. *The arrow¡­ it must have been poisoned,* he realized, his mind racing. Before he could react, his legs gave out, and he collapsed to the ground¡ª*THUD!*¡ªhis body heavy and unresponsive. The courtyard erupted in panic. --- "Sun!" Princess Sixhonia screamed, rushing to his side. The Red Lion Guards formed a protective circle around him, their faces grim. "Get the royal physicians!" Queen Lana shouted, her voice trembling with fear. "Now!" The children were ushered away by the maids, their faces pale with shock. Goldmane and the other lions stood guard, their eyes fixed on the lionesses, who had retreated into the woods with their cubs. Sun was carried into the palace, his body burning with fever. The royal physicians were summoned, their faces filled with concern as they examined him. "The poison is spreading," one of them said, his voice grave. "We need to act quickly." --- As the physicians worked, Sun¡¯s mind raced. He wasn¡¯t unconscious, but his strength was fading fast. *I can¡¯t die like this,* he thought, his determination flaring. *I have to fight.* Using the last reserves of the Spineless Brain¡¯s power, he focused his mind on Goldmane. *Find the herb,* he commanded, sending a mental image of a plant he had learned about during his studies on the continent of natural sciences. It was a rare herb with powerful antibodies that could counteract the poison. Goldmane¡¯s golden eyes glowed faintly as he received the command. With a roar¡ª*ROAR!*¡ªhe bounded out of the palace, his massive form disappearing into the woods once more. --- Goldmane moved swiftly through the forest, his senses heightened by Sun¡¯s mind hack. He sniffed the air¡ª*SNIFF SNIFF*¡ªand followed the scent of the herb. The forest was dense, the shadows long and dark, but Goldmane pressed on, his loyalty to Sun driving him forward. Meanwhile, back in the palace, Sun¡¯s condition worsened. His breathing grew shallow, and his skin was pale and clammy. The physicians worked tirelessly, but the poison was relentless. "Hold on, Sun," Queen Lana whispered, her voice trembling. "Please, hold on." -- Hours later, Goldmane returned, a bundle of the rare herb clutched in his massive jaws. The physicians took it immediately, grinding it into a paste and applying it to Sun¡¯s wound. They also brewed a tea from the leaves, forcing him to drink it. Slowly, the fever began to break. Sun¡¯s breathing steadied, and the color returned to his face. The physicians let out a collective sigh of relief. "He¡¯s going to make it," one of them said, his voice filled with gratitude. --- As Sun drifted in and out of consciousness, he felt a deep sense of gratitude for Goldmane and the Spineless Brain. *I can¡¯t rely on it forever,* he thought, his mind clear despite his exhaustion. *But it saved me today.* The palace was quiet, the tension slowly easing as the news of Sun¡¯s recovery spread. The children, the maids, and even Princess Sixhonia waited anxiously for him to wake up. When he finally opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was Goldmane¡¯s golden mane. The lion let out a soft growl¡ª*GRRR*¡ªand nuzzled Sun¡¯s hand, his eyes filled with loyalty and affection. "Thank you, my friend," Sun whispered, his voice weak but filled with gratitude. 0 Percent Battery Sun lay in his bed, his body weak but his mind sharp. The poison had taken its toll, but the rare herb Goldmane had retrieved had saved his life. His family visited him in pairs, offering words of encouragement and comfort. Queen Lana and Duchess Sina were the first to visit. "You¡¯ve been through so much, Sun," his mother said, her voice soft but filled with pride. "But you¡¯re strong. You¡¯ll recover." Duchess Sina placed a hand on his shoulder, her sharp eyes filled with affection. "You¡¯ve made me proud, grandson. But don¡¯t push yourself too hard. Rest now." Princess Sixhonia and Lumina visited next. Sixhonia¡¯s eyes were filled with guilt, but Lumina¡¯s were bright with hope. "Sun, you¡¯re going to be fine," Lumina said, her voice cheerful. "And when you¡¯re better, we¡¯ll play again!" Sixhonia hesitated, then spoke. "Sun, I¡­ I¡¯m sorry for everything. I never meant to cause you pain." Sun nodded, his voice weak but sincere. "We¡¯ll talk later, Sixhonia. For now, I need to focus on recovering." -- As Sun regained his strength, he realized the Spineless Brain had only one day of power left. He decided to use it wisely, ensuring the stability and loyalty of his kingdom. First, he focused on the local lion prides. Using the Spineless Brain, he mind-hacked the 26 lions in the wild, taming them subtly but leaving them in their natural habitat. They would serve as a hidden defense for Waltonia, loyal to him but free to roam. Next, he turned his attention to the soldiers in the capital city. With a single command, he mind-hacked all 4,200 soldiers, making their loyalty to him absolute. The process was swift and seamless, the soldiers¡¯ eyes glazing over for a moment before returning to normal, their devotion unwavering. Finally, he focused on the Lion¡¯s Mane children. He subtly implanted latent skills into their minds¡ªcombat techniques, strategic thinking, and leadership qualities¡ªthat would develop over time. They would become an elite team, loyal only to him. The children, unaware of the changes, continued their studies and training, their potential growing with each passing day. -- Sun then summoned the Red Lion Guard and sent them into the city to search for masons, artisans, and workers. He also used the Spineless Brain to mind-hack a homeless man, commanding him to come to the palace. Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. The man arrived, his appearance ragged but his eyes sharp. He had a lean frame, a scruffy beard, and calloused hands that spoke of years of hard labor. The guards were skeptical, but Sun, watching from his balcony, called out, "Let him in." The man entered the palace, his steps hesitant but determined. Sun met him in the throne room, his presence commanding despite his weakened state. "What is your name?" Sun asked, his voice steady. "Joran, Your Majesty," the man replied, his voice rough but respectful. "Joran," Sun said, "I have a job for you. You will be the Chief Engineer of the Leo family." Using the Spineless Brain, Sun subtly implanted all the ancient engineering knowledge he had into Joran¡¯s mind. "I¡­ I accept, Your Majesty," Joran said, his voice filled with shock wondering why King Sun chose him since he doesn''t know anything about the job. Sun nodded. "You¡¯ll live here in the palace. The maids will prepare a room and fresh clothes for you. Welcome to the Leo family." --- Sun then ordered the Red Lion Guard to issue a recruitment application. Within a day, 756 people lined up outside the palace, eager to serve. Using the Spineless Brain¡¯s group mind-hack ability, Sun made them all extremely loyal to him. The process was swift, the recruits¡¯ eyes glazing over momentarily before returning to normal, their devotion absolute. --- The palace was bustling with activity. Queen Lana began warming up to Princess Sixhonia, impressed by her kindness and strength. "You¡¯re not what I expected," the queen admitted. "You¡¯re good for Sun." Xeona, however, was saddened by the princess¡¯s growing acceptance. She continued visiting Sun, her affection for him evident. One day, she and Sixhonia had a private duel of words, their voices sharp but their emotions raw. "You don¡¯t deserve him," Xeona said, her eyes filled with tears. "And you do?" Sixhonia countered, her voice steady. "I¡¯m trying to make things right. What are you doing?" The tension between them lingered, but they both cared deeply for Sun. Duchess Sina spoiled Sun with gifts from surrounding nations¡ªexotic fruits, fine silks, and rare artifacts. The palace was lively but peaceful, the Lion¡¯s Mane children given exclusive access to any part of the palace as adoptive members of the Leo clan. The children, each with distinct personalities, often needed guidance and correction. The maids and Red Lion Guards acted as their parents, their patience and care shaping the children into disciplined yet joyful individuals. --- Sun allowed his lion pets¡ªGoldmane, Shadowclaw, and Stormheart¡ªto bring their families to the palace. The three lionesses and eight cubs added to the lively atmosphere, their playful antics bringing smiles to everyone¡¯s faces. The children named the cubs, their laughter echoing through the halls. Lumina arranged a royal adoption ceremony for the lions, her excitement contagious. Sun observed from a distance, his heart warmed by the scene. But as the ceremony ended, he felt a pang of sadness. The Spineless Brain¡¯s power had finally run out. --- Sun returned to his room, the Spineless Brain device on the table. He covered it with a cloth, his mind racing with thoughts. *It¡¯s done,* he thought. *For a whole year, I won¡¯t have its help.* The Lion and the Princess I sat in my room, the dim light of a single candle casting flickering shadows on the walls. My body was still weak from the poison, but my mind was restless. The events of the past few days played over and over in my head¡ªInak¡¯s death, the chaos in the courtyard, the humiliation of Sixhonia. I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling of betrayal, the disgust that lingered in my chest. There was a soft knock on the door¡ª*tap-tap-tap*¡ªand Sixhonia stepped in, her face pale but determined. She closed the door behind her and stood there, her hands clasped in front of her. "Sun," she said, her voice steady but soft. "We need to talk." I looked at her, my jaw tightening. "About what? About how you let Inak into your room? About how you betrayed me in my own house?" She flinched but didn¡¯t back down. "I didn¡¯t betray you, Sun. Inak came to me, and I told him to leave. But he wouldn¡¯t listen. He was stubborn, just like you." I scoffed, my anger flaring. "Stubborn? Is that your excuse? You¡¯re engaged to me, Sixhonia. Or have you forgotten?" She stepped closer, her eyes blazing. "I haven¡¯t forgotten. But you¡¯re the one who asked me to marry you, Sun. You¡¯re the one who saw something in me. And I accepted because I saw something in you¡ªa good man, someone who could lead with strength and compassion. But now¡­ now you¡¯re making me miserable." Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. I opened my mouth to argue, but she cut me off. "I don¡¯t love you, Sun," she said, her voice trembling. "I accepted your proposal because it was in my best interest. But that doesn¡¯t mean I don¡¯t respect you. That doesn¡¯t mean I don¡¯t want this to work. But if you keep treating me like this, if you keep humiliating me, then what¡¯s the point?" I stared at her, my chest heaving with anger and frustration. "You think I¡¯m the one who humiliated you? You¡¯re the one who had a grudge against the Leos. You¡¯re the one who came here with your warriors, ready to kill me." She shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "The world works like that, Sun. You know that better than anyone. We¡¯re tools in a game much bigger than us. But that doesn¡¯t mean we can¡¯t try to make something of it." --- We argued back and forth, our voices rising until they echoed through the palace. I could hear the murmurs of the servants outside, but no one dared to intervene. Even Lumina, who usually barged into my room without a second thought, was fast asleep after a long day of playing with the Lion¡¯s Mane children. Finally, I¡¯d had enough. I stood up, my body trembling with anger, and approached Sixhonia. She backed away, her eyes wide with fear, but I didn¡¯t stop until I was right in front of her. "You will regret ever trying to betray me in my own house," I said, my voice low and dangerous. "Now get out." She stared at me for a moment, her chest heaving, and then did something I never expected. She dashed past me and threw herself onto my bed, lying down as if she owned it. "What are you doing?" I demanded, my voice rising. "This is my room now," she said, her voice defiant. "You can leave if you want." I was so exasperated I could barely speak. "You¡¯re a shameless woman," I spat. "Pretending to be dignified when you¡¯re nothing but¡ª" "Stop!" she shouted, tears streaming down her face. "Just stop, Sun. You don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about." I was too angry to think clearly. I reached for her, but she was faster. She leapt off the bed and rushed at me, her fists flying. I tried to defend myself, but my injuries made me slow and clumsy. She landed blow after blow¡ª*thud! thud! thud!*¡ªuntil I was on the ground, my body aching and my pride shattered. The lions¡ªGoldmane and Shadowclaw¡ªwatched from the corner, their golden eyes filled with concern. But they didn¡¯t intervene. Somehow, they trusted Sixhonia, and that only made me angrier. "Apologize," she said, her voice firm but trembling. I glared at her, my pride refusing to let me give in. "Never." She knelt beside me, her hands gentle as she checked my wounds. "You¡¯re hurt, Sun. Don¡¯t make this harder than it has to be." I winced as she touched my injured arm, the pain shooting through my body. But I still refused to apologize. "You¡¯ll die for this," I muttered. She shook her head, her eyes filled with sadness. "I¡¯m your fianc¨¦e, Sun. You wouldn¡¯t dare." --- The pain was too much. My body was weak, and my pride was crumbling. Finally, I couldn¡¯t take it anymore. "Fine," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I¡¯m sorry." She nodded, her expression softening. "Thank you." She stood up and walked back to the bed, lying down as if nothing had happened. "This is my room now," she said again. "You can sleep somewhere else." I wanted to argue, but I was too tired. I limped over to the lions¡¯ low bed and collapsed onto it, my body aching and my mind racing. Goldmane and Shadowclaw nuzzled me, their warmth a small comfort. I lay on the lions¡¯ low bed, my body aching and my pride in tatters. The room was quiet now, save for the soft breathing of Goldmane and Shadowclaw beside me. Sixhonia was on my bed, her back turned to me, but I could tell she wasn¡¯t asleep. The tension in the room was thick, suffocating. I tried to hold it in, to keep my emotions locked away like I always did. But the weight of everything¡ªthe betrayal, the pain, the loneliness¡ªwas too much. Tears welled up in my eyes, and before I could stop myself, they spilled over, streaming down my face. "Do you even care?" I said, my voice breaking. "Do you even care how much this hurts me?" This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. Sixhonia didn¡¯t respond at first, but I heard her shift on the bed. I didn¡¯t look at her. I couldn¡¯t. "I loved you," I continued, my voice trembling. "I thought you were different. I thought you saw me¡ªnot just as a king, but as a person. But you¡¯re just like everyone else. You use me, you betray me, and then you act like I¡¯m the one who¡¯s wrong." She sat up, her face pale and her eyes wide. "Sun¡­" "No," I snapped, cutting her off. "You don¡¯t get to talk. You don¡¯t get to explain. You let him into your room, Sixhonia. You let him humiliate me in my own house. And now you¡¯re here, acting like I¡¯m the one who¡¯s being unreasonable." She stood up and walked over to me, her steps slow and hesitant. "Sun, I didn¡¯t¡ª" "Stop!" I shouted, my voice echoing through the room. The lions stirred, their ears twitching, but they didn¡¯t move. "Just stop. I don¡¯t want to hear your excuses. I don¡¯t want to hear your reasons. You betrayed me, Sixhonia. And I¡­ I trusted you." My voice cracked, and I hated how weak I sounded. But I couldn¡¯t stop the words from pouring out. "Do you know how hard it is to be king? Do you know how many people are waiting for me to fail? How many people are just waiting to stab me in the back? I thought you were different. I thought you were someone I could trust. But you¡¯re just like the rest of them." Sixhonia knelt beside me, her eyes filled with tears. "Sun, I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to hurt you. I didn¡¯t mean to¡ª" "To what?" I interrupted, my voice bitter. "To betray me? To humiliate me? Because that¡¯s exactly what you did." She reached out to touch my arm, but I pulled away. "Don¡¯t," I said, my voice cold. "Don¡¯t pretend to care now." "Sun, please," she said, her voice trembling. "I know I made a mistake. I know I hurt you. But I¡¯m not your enemy. I¡¯m not like the others. I¡­ I care about you." I laughed, the sound hollow and bitter. "You care about me? Is that why you let Inak into your room? Is that why you¡¯re here, trying to justify what you did?" She shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "I didn¡¯t let him in, Sun. He came on his own. I told him to leave, but he wouldn¡¯t listen. He was stubborn, just like you. But I didn¡¯t betray you. I didn¡¯t want to hurt you." I wanted to believe her. I wanted to believe that she was telling the truth, that she wasn¡¯t like the others. But the pain in my chest was too much, the betrayal too fresh. "You don¡¯t understand," I said, my voice breaking. "You don¡¯t understand what it¡¯s like to be king. To have everyone watching you, waiting for you to make a mistake. To have people you thought you could trust turn their backs on you. And now¡­ now you¡¯re one of them." Sixhonia¡¯s tears turned to anger, her face flushing red. "You think I don¡¯t understand? You think I don¡¯t know what it¡¯s like to be used, to be betrayed? I¡¯m a princess, Sun. My entire life has been a game of politics and power. I accepted your proposal because I thought you were different. I thought you were someone who could see me as more than just a tool. But you¡¯re just like the rest of them. You¡¯re so caught up in your own pride that you can¡¯t see the truth." I stared at her, my chest heaving. "The truth? The truth is that you betrayed me, Sixhonia. And no amount of excuses will change that." She stood up, her fists clenched at her sides. "Fine. If that¡¯s what you want to believe, then fine. But don¡¯t come crying to me when you realize you¡¯re the one who pushed me away." She turned and walked back to the bed, lying down with her back to me. I wanted to say something, to call her back, but the words caught in my throat. Instead, I lay there, my body aching and my heart heavy. Goldmane nuzzled my hand, his golden eyes filled with concern. I reached out and buried my fingers in his mane, the warmth of his body a small comfort. Shadowclaw lay down beside me, his presence steady and reassuring. I closed my eyes, the tears still streaming down my face. Being king wasn¡¯t supposed to be like this. It wasn¡¯t supposed to hurt this much. The room was quiet now, save for the soft breathing of the lions and the occasional rustle of fabric as Sixhonia shifted on the bed. I lay on the lions¡¯ low bed, my body still aching but my mind calmer after our heated argument. The tears had dried on my face, but the weight of her words lingered in the air. Then, she spoke. Her voice was soft, almost hesitant, but it carried a sincerity that made me turn my head to look at her. "Sun," she began, her eyes fixed on the ceiling. "I need to tell you something." I didn¡¯t respond, but I didn¡¯t stop her either. She took a deep breath and continued. "When we first met, I wanted to kill you," she said, her voice steady. "You were a Leo, the enemy of my family. I thought you were just like the rest¡ªarrogant, cruel, and heartless. But then¡­ you captured me. And you treated me with dignity. You didn¡¯t humiliate me, you didn¡¯t hurt me. You even let me go, despite everything." She paused, her eyes flickering to mine. "That¡¯s when I started to see you differently. You don¡¯t like killing people, do you? Even common folk. You see them as more than just tools. That impressed me. It made me admire you." I stared at her, my chest tightening. "Sixhonia¡­" "No, let me finish," she said, sitting up and turning to face me. "I know you¡¯re hurt. I know you feel betrayed. But I want you to know that I care about you. I understand your concerns about loyalty because I¡¯ve lived with those same fears my entire life. And I promise you, Sun, I will be loyal to you. Not because I have to, but because I want to." Her words hit me like a wave, washing away some of the bitterness I¡¯d been holding onto. But I still couldn¡¯t bring myself to fully trust her. "Why didn¡¯t you leave, then?" I asked, my voice quiet. "If you had options, why stay?" She smiled, a small, sad smile. "Because I love you, Sun. I didn¡¯t want to leave. I didn¡¯t want to lose you." Her confession hung in the air, and for a moment, neither of us spoke. Then, slowly, the tension began to ease. We started talking¡ªreally talking¡ªabout everything. She told me stories of her adventures, of the times she¡¯d snuck out of the palace as a child to explore the forests and rivers near her home. I laughed, surprised to find that we shared a love for adventure. "You¡¯re secretly a wanderer, aren¡¯t you?" I teased, a small smile tugging at my lips. She grinned, her eyes sparkling. "And you¡¯re secretly a soft-hearted king who hates killing. Who would¡¯ve thought?" We joked and laughed, the weight of our earlier argument slowly lifting. But then she threw a pillow at me¡ª*thud!*¡ªand glared. "You owe me, Sun. You humiliated me in front of everyone. Do you know how hard it is to recover from that?" I ducked as another pillow came flying. "I said I was sorry!" "Not good enough," she said, her voice playful but firm. "You need to make it up to me. Starting with making me Queen of Waltonia tomorrow." I raised an eyebrow. "Queen? Just like that? You¡¯re no longer qualified, Sixhonia. You betrayed me, remember?" She got up and marched over to me, her hands on her hips. "Oh, I¡¯m qualified. And if you don¡¯t agree, I¡¯ll make your life miserable." I groaned as she grabbed my arm and started dragging me off the bed. "Sixhonia, stop! I¡¯m injured!" "Exactly," she said, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I¡¯ve discovered your weaknesses, Sun. You hate pain, you hate being bothered, and you¡¯re very personal about your space. And I¡¯m going to exploit all of them." She poked my injured arm, and I winced. "Fine, fine! I¡¯m sorry! I¡¯ll make you Queen!" She laughed, a bright, genuine sound that made my heart skip a beat. I carefully looked at her, really looked at her, and for the first time, I saw her for who she truly was¡ªa strong, kind-hearted woman who, like me, had been forced to live with two faces. She couldn¡¯t express her true self, just as I couldn¡¯t. Without thinking, I reached out and pulled her into a hug. She stiffened for a moment, then relaxed, her arms wrapping around me. But then she punched my shoulder¡ª*thud!*¡ªand I groaned. "Don¡¯t get too comfortable," she said, her voice teasing. "You¡¯re still on thin ice." I laughed, despite the pain. "Noted." I got up and walked over to a small chest in the corner of the room. Inside was a red medallion, a symbol of the Leo family¡¯s authority. I took it out and turned to Sixhonia, holding it out to her. "By my word as a lion," I said, my voice steady, "I declare you Queen of Waltonia." She took the medallion, her eyes wide with surprise and delight. "Finally," she said, a triumphant smile spreading across her face. "Now, let me tell you about my plans as queen." She started rambling, her voice filled with excitement as she outlined her ideas for the kingdom. I listened, but my exhaustion caught up with me, and I drifted off to sleep without her noticing. When she finally realized, she let out an exasperated sigh. "Sun! You¡¯re impossible!" I mumbled something incoherent, half-asleep. She glared at me, then smiled. "Fine. But I¡¯m hitting you tomorrow." Lazy Lion I woke up to the soft light of the morning sun streaming through the windows. Stretching, I realized the bed was empty¡ªSixhonia was nowhere to be found. Even my lions, Goldmane, Shadowclaw, and Stormheart, were absent. The room felt unusually quiet without their presence. I decided to call it a lazy day. After everything that had happened, I deserved a break. I summoned a Red Lion Guard and asked for Maid Gina to be brought to me. Gina arrived shortly, her presence as warm and comforting as ever. She was a middle-aged woman with kind eyes and a no-nonsense attitude. Her hair was tied back in a neat bun, and her hands were calloused from years of hard work. She had been serving the royal family for as long as I could remember, and her loyalty was unwavering. "Your Majesty," she said, bowing slightly. "How may I assist you?" "Gina," I said, my voice relaxed. "Arrange for the finest breakfast for me. And set up a chaise and footstool on the balcony. I want to enjoy the morning." She nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Right away, Your Majesty." The balcony overlooked the palace gardens, the vibrant colors of the flowers and the gentle rustling of the leaves creating a serene atmosphere. I lounged on the chaise, a plate of delicacies beside me¡ªfresh fruits, warm bread, and a steaming cup of tea. The Red Lion Guards stood at a respectful distance, their eyes scanning the area for any signs of danger. As I enjoyed the peace, various people came to see me, their faces filled with surprise at seeing me so relaxed. Lords, merchants, and even some of the Lion¡¯s Mane children stopped by, their curiosity evident. "Your Majesty," one of the lords said, bowing deeply. "It¡¯s good to see you recovering." This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. I nodded, a small smile on my lips. "Thank you. I needed a day to myself." As the morning wore on, I asked about Sixhonia¡¯s whereabouts. To my surprise, I was told she had left with Lumina, Queen Lana, and Duchess Sina on a trip to the Southern Province. A letter from the queen was read to me: *"Sun,* *We have gone to the Southern Province to check on a mansion we own. Take care of yourself and rest. We¡¯ll return soon.* *With love,* *Mother"* I sighed, a mix of relief and annoyance washing over me. At least she was safe, but I couldn¡¯t help feeling a little abandoned. Later that day, news arrived of people wishing to meet me. I made the excuse of being sick and injured, but I did send out a letter to the merchants in Leona, demanding the overdue taxes be paid to the royal palace. The response was swift. Lords of cities and their representatives arrived, their carriages laden with Leo coins¡ªgold, silver, and copper. The sight of the money was staggering. Piles of golden Leo coins glittered in the sunlight, their value undeniable. I realized just how rich kings really were. The tax for this time alone was 5,000 golden Leo coins. It was a fortune. I summoned the Lion¡¯s Mane children, their eager faces lighting up as they entered the room. "Children," I said, my voice firm but kind. "I have a task for you. Tend to the kingdom¡¯s budget and oversee the expansion of the palace." They nodded, their eyes wide with excitement. Despite their young age, they immediately got to work, their determination evident. The palace expansion was a massive project. The children worked tirelessly, coordinating with architects, masons, and artisans. In just three weeks, the palace was transformed. New wings were added, their walls adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant murals. The gardens were expanded, their beauty enhanced with fountains and statues. The throne room was renovated, its grandeur unmatched. The children named the new wings after themselves¡ªMustard Wing, Ruby Hall, and the Golden Pavilion. The palace was a testament to their hard work and dedication. As the days passed, my bandages were removed, revealing a scar where I had been injured. It looked impressive, a reminder of the battles I had fought and survived. But despite my recovery, I remained paranoid, spending most of my time in my room and calling the Red Lion Guards to patrol the area around the palace. Suns Queen The sound of trumpets¡ª*BWAAAAH! BWAAAAH!*¡ªechoed through the palace grounds, signaling the arrival of the royal entourage. Queen Lana, Duchess Sina, Lumina, and Princess Sixhonia had returned from their trip to the Southern Province, accompanied by a contingent of the army and some members of the Red Lion Guard. The palace buzzed with excitement as servants and guards rushed to greet them. I, for the first time in weeks, stepped out of my room. My recovery was complete, and though I had avoided the warrior¡¯s path, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. I dressed simply, in a plain tunic and trousers, my long red hair tied back. At 16, I was still growing, but my features had sharpened, and the servants whispered among themselves about how handsome their young king had become. The Lion¡¯s Mane children were the first to notice me. "Your Majesty!" Mustard Leo shouted, his voice filled with excitement. "You¡¯re outside!" The other children rushed over, their faces beaming. "We missed you!" Ruby said, her eyes wide with joy. I smiled, ruffling Mustard¡¯s hair. "I missed you too. But I¡¯m back now." As the ladies entered the palace, I stood at the top of the grand staircase, my presence commanding attention. Sixhonia¡¯s eyes met mine, and for a moment, the awkwardness between us was palpable. She looked away, her cheeks flushing. Queen Lana, ever observant, raised an eyebrow. "Sun," she said, her voice teasing. "What were you and Sixhonia doing in the same room before we left?" The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. I felt my face heat up, and Sixhonia¡¯s blush deepened. "Mother," I said, my voice firm but flustered. "It¡¯s not what you think." Duchess Sina chuckled, her sharp eyes gleaming. "Oh, I¡¯m sure it¡¯s exactly what we think." I decided to put an end to the speculation. "Bring me the Horn of the Royal Roar," I commanded, my voice steady. A Red Lion Guard hurried forward, holding the ornate horn. I took it, my hands steady despite the weight of the moment. I raised it to my lips and blew¡ª*BWAAAAH!*¡ªthe deep, resonant sound echoing through the palace and beyond. "People of Waltonia," I announced, my voice carrying across the courtyard. "By my word as your king, I declare Princess Sixhonia Hyen Queen of Waltonia!" The crowd erupted in applause and cheers¡ª*"Long live Queen Sixhonia! Long live King Sun!"*¡ªtheir voices rising in a deafening chorus. The Lion¡¯s Mane children jumped up and down, their excitement infectious. The servants and guards clapped, their faces filled with joy. Queen Lana and Duchess Sina exchanged a look, their expressions a mix of shock and amusement. "Well," Duchess Sina said, her voice dry. "That¡¯s one way to make an announcement." After the celebrations died down, I asked Sixhonia for a private moment. We walked through the palace gardens, the scent of blooming flowers filling the air. The tension between us slowly eased as we talked. "Sun," Sixhonia said, her voice soft. "I¡¯m sorry for everything. I didn¡¯t mean to hurt you." I nodded, my eyes fixed on the path ahead. "I know. And I¡¯m sorry too. I shouldn¡¯t have let my pride get in the way." She smiled, a small, genuine smile. "We¡¯ve both made mistakes. But I think we can move past them, don¡¯t you?" I looked at her, really looked at her, and for the first time in weeks, I felt a sense of peace. "I think so too." As we walked, we caught up on everything that had happened during our time apart. Sixhonia told me about the Southern Province, the mansion they had visited, and the people they had met. I told her about the palace expansion, the Lion¡¯s Mane children, and the tax collection. By the time we returned to the palace, the awkwardness between us had faded, replaced by a sense of understanding and mutual respect. We were both young, thrust into roles we hadn¡¯t asked for, but we were determined to make the best of it. Daily Suns The wine swirled in my goblet as firelight danced across the stone walls. I ran a finger along the scar on my arm - my body''s ledger of mistakes. *How did I get here?* The question echoed in the hollow of my chest. "This world...it wasn''t supposed to be real," I muttered to the shadows. The Spineless Brain lay dormant on the bedside table, its smooth surface reflecting my distorted face. "Just a game. Just a simulation." Yet the ache in my muscles, the weight of the crown, the sting of betrayal - all felt terrifyingly real. I drained the goblet, the bitter wine mirroring my thoughts. "Father would be disgusted," I whispered, seeing Eric''s disapproving face as clearly as if he stood before me. *"Cognitive rights are sacred,"* his voice lectured in my memory. *"Even a butterfly''s mind deserves respect."* I hurled the goblet against the wall. "Then why give me this power?" The clatter of metal on stone startled Goldmane from his sleep. The great lion lifted his head, golden eyes questioning. "Every decision...every mind hacked..." My hands trembled. "Did I build a kingdom or just an elaborate puppet show?" The wine-fueled visions came unbidden - steel bridges arcing over the Leon river, factories belching smoke into Waltonian skies, the Lion''s Mane children grown into ruthless technocrats enforcing my will across continents. "Yes..." I whispered, then recoiled. "No!" The duality tore at me. "I can do better. Roads first. Education. Limited technology under strict control-" The door burst open. Lumina tumbled in like a summer storm, her nightgown swirling around her like crimson leaves. "Sun! You''ll never guess what Stormheart did today! She-" "Not now, Lumina," I sighed, but she clambered onto the bed anyway, smelling of grass and lion musk. "You''re brooding again," she accused, poking my scar. "Stop it. Tell me about the spinning water wheels you promised!" Before I could respond, Xeona slammed in, her face a thundercloud. "How could you?" she hissed. "After everything, you make that Hyen witch your queen?" "Xeona!" I warned, but Lumina leapt to her feet. "Don''t talk about Sixhonia like that! She''s family now!" The door crashed open a third time. Sixhonia stood framed in moonlight, her breathing ragged. "I heard my name." Her eyes locked on Xeona. "From the mouth of a jealous maid." What followed wasn''t a fight - it was a ballet of fury. Xeona flipped a dagger from her sleeve as Sixhonia snatched up my discarded belt. Metal whistled through air as Lumina squealed. "Enough!" I roared, but they were already spinning into the corridor, a whirlwind of silk and steel. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. By the time we reached the grand hall, the entire court had gathered. Duchess Sina''s voice cut through the clamor: "Are they trying to kill each other?" Maid Julie threw herself between them. "Your Highness, please forgive-" Sixhonia''s elbow connected with Julie''s jaw. A sickening crack echoed through the hall. "STOP!" The Lion''s Mane children formed a living barrier, little Mustard Leo standing tallest. "The king is right here! Show respect!" In the sudden silence, all eyes turned to me. The weight of judgment pressed down. Not just for tonight''s chaos, but for every decision that led us here. I looked at Sixhonia - her lip bleeding, chest heaving. At Xeona - her dagger hand trembling with suppressed rage. At Lumina''s tear-streaked face caught between loyalties. The throne room stank of sweat and shattered dignity. My kingdom was watching. My lions were watching. History was watching. **The Weight of the Crown** Sun walked away from the chaos, his footsteps heavy, his shoulders slumped under the invisible burden of kingship. The three lions¡ªGoldmane, Shadowclaw, and Stormheart¡ªfell into step behind him, their massive paws silent against the stone. The Lion¡¯s Mane cubs, who had been playing nearby, abandoned their games and trotted after them, their small tails flicking with concern. The throne room remained frozen in stunned silence. No judgment had been passed. No royal decree issued. The king had simply¡­ left. Queen Lana, ever the pillar of stability, stepped forward to take charge. But before she could speak, Sixhonia turned on her heel and sprinted after Sun, her bare feet slapping against the marble. Xeona, still seething, moved to follow¡ªonly for Duchess Sina¡¯s voice to cut through the tension like a blade. **"Enough!"** The old matriarch¡¯s command silenced the hall. Her sharp eyes flicked between the two women, her expression unreadable. **"Can you not see that Sun is suffering? That boy has carried more weight in sixteen years than most kings do in a lifetime."** Xeona opened her mouth to protest, but Sina raised a hand. **"You will both come with me. Now."** No one dared disobey. --- In the quiet of her chambers, Duchess Sina sat like a queen herself, her maids standing at attention behind her. She studied Xeona first, her gaze softening slightly. **"Xeona, my dear,"** she began, her voice firm but not unkind, **"you have been with Sun since childhood. You know his heart better than most. But you must understand¡ªhis heart has chosen Sixhonia."** Xeona¡¯s fists clenched. **"But she¡ª"** **"She is his queen,"** Sina interrupted. **"And if you continue this feud, you will lose him entirely. Not as a king, but as the boy who trusted you above all others."** Xeona¡¯s defiance wavered. Sina turned to Sixhonia next. **"And you, my daughter¡ªfor that is what you are now¡ªmust be patient with him. Sun is not just a king. He is a boy who loves books, who overthinks every decision, who fears betrayal more than death itself. He was injured. He is paranoid. And right now, he is drowning in duty."** Sixhonia swallowed hard. **"I¡­ I didn¡¯t realize."** **"Go to him,"** Sina ordered. **"Not as a queen demanding answers, but as the woman who holds his heart. Ask him what troubles him. And listen."** Sixhonia bowed deeply and rushed out, her heart pounding. -- When she reached Sun¡¯s chambers, the door stood ajar. The room was empty. No king. No lions. Her breath hitched. **"Sun?"** No answer. She checked the balcony, the gardens, even the library¡ªnothing. Panic rising, she sprinted back to the Duchess. **"He¡¯s gone!"** The palace erupted into chaos. --- The Red Lion Guard mobilized instantly, fanning out across the palace grounds. The Lion¡¯s Mane children, wide-eyed but determined, insisted on helping. **"He wouldn¡¯t leave us,"** Mustard Leo declared, his small voice shaking but firm. **"We have to find him!"** Queen Lana, her face pale, turned to Duchess Sina. **"Where would he go?"** Sina¡¯s lips thinned. **"Somewhere quiet. Somewhere he can think."** Mud Lion **Sun''s Disappearance: A Kingdom in Silent Panic** The palace was eerily quiet in the days following Sun¡¯s disappearance. Queen Lana, Duchess Sina, and Sixhonia had made the decision to keep his absence a secret. The last thing Waltonia needed was panic¡ªor worse, opportunistic enemies sensing weakness. **"We tell no one,"** Duchess Sina had ordered, her voice iron. **"Not the nobles, not the generals. Only the Red Lion Guard and the Lion¡¯s Mane children are to know."** Sixhonia had protested. **"But what if he¡¯s in danger?"** **"He¡¯s the King of Lions,"** Sina replied coldly. **"If he wanted to be found, he would be."** --- **The Search in Shadows** The Red Lion Guard conducted discreet searches, their crimson cloaks blending into the night as they scoured the countryside. The Lion¡¯s Mane children, though young, proved invaluable¡ªMustard Leo and Ruby even snuck into the city¡¯s taverns, listening for rumors. Lumina, however, was inconsolable. She refused to eat, sitting instead by the palace gates, waiting. **"He¡¯ll come back,"** she whispered to Goldmane, who lay beside her, his golden eyes scanning the horizon. **"He always comes back."** But days turned into a week. And still, no sign of Sun. --- **Sun¡¯s Journey: The Weight of a Crown Left Behind** Meanwhile, Sun¡ªnow "Toma"¡ªworked the fields of Hino, his hands blistered from labor, his back aching under the sun. It was¡­ freeing. No politics. No expectations. No Spineless Brain whispering in his mind. Just sweat, dirt, and the simplicity of honest work. But at night, when the farmhouse was silent, he lay awake, staring at the wooden beams above. *What am I doing?* He had spent his entire time in this world fighting, scheming, clawing for power. And now, here he was, hiding like a coward. But was it cowardice? Or clarity? Lira, the sharp-eyed girl from the farm, had taken a peculiar interest in him. **"You don¡¯t talk much, Toma,"** she remarked one evening as they mended fences. Sun shrugged. **"Not much to say."** She smirked. **"Or you¡¯re hiding something."** His grip on the hammer tightened. **"Aren¡¯t we all?"** She studied him, then nodded slowly. **"Fair enough."** Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Renn, the brash farm boy, remained suspicious. **"I don¡¯t trust him,"** he muttered to Lira when he thought Sun couldn¡¯t hear. **"No one shaves their head like that unless they¡¯re running from something."** Lira just laughed. **"Or maybe he¡¯s just ugly."** Sun, despite himself, smirked. -- Back in Leona, the Lion¡¯s Mane children had taken matters into their own hands. Using the skills Sun had unknowingly implanted in them, they began mapping the kingdom, tracking every rumor, every whisper of a red-haired¡ªor now bald¡ªyoung man. Mustard Leo, ever the boldest, even snuck into the city¡¯s underground, bribing informants with sweets stolen from the palace kitchens. **"We¡¯ll find him,"** Ruby declared, her small hands clenched into fists. **"Because he¡¯s ours."** --- **Sun¡¯s Revelation** One night, as Sun sat by the farm¡¯s fire, Lira joined him, tossing him a flask of spiced cider. **"You ever think about going back?"** she asked suddenly. Sun stiffened. **"Back where?"** She shrugged. **"Wherever you came from."** He stared into the flames. *Back to the palace? Back to the throne? Back to the endless weight of a crown he never asked for?* Or¡­ *Back to the real world?* The thought hit him like a physical blow. *One hour there is two years here.* How long had he been gone? How much had he changed? ### **Sun¡¯s Life on the Farm ¨C A World Without Power** **Morning in Hino** The rooster¡¯s crow jolted Sun awake before dawn. For a moment, he forgot where he was¡ªno silk sheets, no servants, no lions at his bedside. Just a straw mattress and the smell of earth. Lira was already outside, milking the goats. She glanced up as Sun stumbled out, rubbing his bare scalp. **"You look like a plucked chicken,"** she said, smirking. Sun scowled. **"You¡¯re one to talk. Your hair¡¯s a bird¡¯s nest."** She flicked milk at him. **"At least I have hair."** Renn emerged from the barn, stretching. **"Toma, stop lazing about. The wheat won¡¯t harvest itself."** Sun rolled his shoulders. **"Lead the way, farm boy."** --- ### **The Rhythm of Labor** Under the blistering sun, Sun learned the weight of a scythe, the ache of a full day¡¯s work. His royal hands blistered, his muscles burned, but for the first time in years¡ªhis mind was quiet. No Spineless Brain. No politics. Just sweat and soil. At midday, they collapsed under an oak tree, passing a waterskin between them. **"Where¡¯d you learn to swing a sickle like that?"** Renn asked, eyeing Sun¡¯s calloused palms. **"You some kind of runaway soldier?"** Sun took a long drink. **"Something like that."** Lira leaned forward. **"You¡¯re lying. Soldiers don¡¯t have hands that soft."** **"Maybe I was a scribe,"** Sun countered. **"Scribes don¡¯t carry swords,"** Renn said, nodding to the blade at Sun¡¯s hip. Sun exhaled. **"Maybe I¡¯m just a man who wanted to disappear."** Silence. Then Lira tossed him a piece of bread. **"Well, you¡¯re terrible at it."** Sun laughed¡ªgenuinely, for the first time in months. --- Nightfall brought stories. Renn boasted of wrestling a wild boar (a lie). Lira told tales of the Eastern Witches who could curse a man with a glance (also a lie). Sun, for once, spoke truth. **"I had a sister,"** he said softly, staring into the flames. **"Small. Loud. Always getting into trouble."** Lira tilted her head. **"Had?"** Sun¡¯s throat tightened. **"She¡¯s¡­ still there. Where I left her."** Renn, uncharacteristically quiet, poked the fire. **"You gonna go back to her?"** Sun didn¡¯t answer. --- Weeks passed. Sun learned to mend fences, to haggle at the market, to soothe a spooked horse without mind-hacking it. He learned Lira¡¯s mother had died in childbirth, that Renn¡¯s father drank away their savings. They, in turn, learned "Toma" hated turnips, could recite poetry from memory, and had nightmares about lions. One evening, as they repaired the barn roof, Renn smirked. **"You¡¯re not half bad, Baldie. For a runaway noble."** Sun threw a handful of straw at him. **"And you¡¯re not half annoying. For a farmhand."** Lira grinned. **"Careful. He¡¯ll start thinking you like him."** Sun¡¯s chest ached. *This. This is what I never had.* -- The palace was a storm of whispers. Sixhonia paced the gardens, her nails digging into her palms. **"He wouldn¡¯t just leave. Not forever."** Duchess Sina sipped her tea, watching the Lion¡¯s Mane children train with the Red Lion Guard. **"He¡¯s finding himself. Let him."** Lumina, curled up with Goldmane, whispered, **"Come home, Sun."** --- One night, a traveling merchant brought news to Hino¡ªrumors of unrest in Waltonia. Of nobles questioning the king¡¯s absence. Lira noticed Sun¡¯s grip tighten around his cup. **"You know something,"** she accused. Sun met her gaze. **"Maybe."** Renn leaned in. **"You¡¯re not just some scribe or soldier, are you?"** A long pause. Then, quietly: **"No."** The fire crackled. Lira exhaled. **"So. Who are you really?"** Sun stared into the flames. And for the first time¡ª He considered telling them. Lions Prey The fire crackled between them, its glow painting their faces in flickering gold. Sun¡¯s words hung in the air like a blade¡ª*I¡¯m the King of Waltonia.* For a heartbeat, no one moved. Then **Renn** lurched to his feet, his chair clattering backward. His face drained of color. **"Your¡ªYour Majesty,"** he stammered, dropping to one knee so fast his kneecap cracked against the dirt. **"Forgive me. I didn¡¯t know. I¡ªI called you *Baldie*¡ª"** Sun reached out, gripping Renn¡¯s shoulder before he could press his forehead to the ground. **"Stop. Get up."** But Renn didn¡¯t. His hands shook. **"They¡¯ll kill us. The royal house¡ªthey¡¯ll burn the farm just for *looking* at you wrong¡ª"** **"No one is killing anyone,"** Sun growled. Then came the sound of quiet, hitched breaths. **Lira** wasn¡¯t laughing anymore. Tears streaked down her dirt-smudged cheeks, her fingers clenched white around her skirt. **"Why?"** she whispered. **"Why would you do this to us? Was this all some game? Were you laughing at us the whole time?"** Sun¡¯s chest ached. He¡¯d expected anger, disbelief¡ªnot this. Not *hurt*. **"No,"** he said, voice rough. **"This was the first place I ever felt real."** Lira wiped her face with her sleeve, glaring. **"Real? You¡¯re a *king*."** **"And you¡¯re the first people who treated me like I wasn¡¯t."** Silence. Then Renn, still kneeling, peeked up. **"...So you¡¯re not gonna have us executed?"** Sun rolled his eyes. **"If I wanted you dead, I¡¯d have let you fall off that roof last week."** A slow, wobbly grin broke across Renn¡¯s face. **"Huh. Fair."** Lira sniffed, still scowling. **"You¡¯re a jerk."** **"I know,"** Sun admitted. --- As the night deepened, the fear thawed into something else¡ª**curiosity**. Renn, now sprawled on the grass again, poked Sun¡¯s boot with a stick. **"So, uh. Do you, like, *own* the sky?"** Sun snorted. **"No."** **"But you *could*,"** Renn insisted. **"If you wanted."** Lira, quieter, asked the real questions. **"Why did you leave?"** Sun stared into the fire. **"Because I forgot what it meant to be human."** They talked. **About their parents**¡ªLira¡¯s mother, who died bringing her into the world. Renn¡¯s father, who drank himself into an early grave. **About the farm**, the seeds their parents had left to buy, the dream of a harvest that could feed a village. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. And Sun, for the first time, spoke of **his** life. The gold, the silk, the suffocating weight of a crown. The way servants flinched when he raised his voice. The way his sister, Lumina, was the only one who ever told him *no*. **"You have a sister?"** Lira asked, her voice softer now. Sun¡¯s mouth quirked. **"A loud, stubborn little beast who once stabbed me with a fork for stealing her dessert."** Renn barked a laugh. **"I like her already."** Lira, though, was watching Sun¡¯s face. The way his eyes warmed when he spoke of Lumina. The way his voice tightened at the mention of **Sixhonia**. **"Who¡¯s she?"** Lira asked. **"The queen?"** Sun¡¯s fingers twitched. **"No. She¡¯s¡­"** He trailed off, searching for words. **"The only person who ever looked at me and saw *me*."** Lira¡¯s stomach twisted. *Oh.* She recognized that tone. That look. **He loves her.* And just like that, something in her chest wilted. --- By morning, something had shifted. Renn clapped Sun on the back like he always had, but now with a grin. **"Alright, *Sun*¡ªshow me how a king chops wood."** Lira, though, was quieter. She caught Sun¡¯s wrist as he passed her in the yard. **"You¡¯re going back, aren¡¯t you?"** Sun didn¡¯t lie. **"Yes."** She swallowed. **"Will we ever see you again?"** He turned his hand, gripping hers. **"If you want to."** She forced a smirk. **"Maybe. If you beg."** But her heart wasn¡¯t in it. Because she knew the truth¡ª**kings and farmers don¡¯t share the same sky**. And yet, as Sun walked away to help Renn with the axe, she let herself watch. Just for a moment. Just long enough to memorize him. - The sun had barely risen when **Lira** cornered **Sun** by the old oak tree, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. Her usual smirk was gone¡ªreplaced by something raw, unguarded. **"I need to say something,"** she blurted out. Sun wiped sweat from his brow, still half-asleep. **"If it¡¯s about the turnips again, I told you¡ª"** **"I love you."** Silence. Sun blinked. **"¡­What?"** Lira¡¯s face flushed, but she didn¡¯t back down. **"You heard me. I *love* you. And I know you¡¯re a king, and I¡¯m just some farm girl, and you¡¯re in love with that queen¡ªSixhonia¡ªbut I had to say it."** Sun¡¯s stomach dropped. **"Lira¡­ you don¡¯t."** **"Don¡¯t tell me what I feel!"** she snapped, eyes burning. **"You walked into our lives, made us care, made *me* care¡ªand now you¡¯re just going to leave?"** Sun exhaled sharply. **"I¡¯m not *worth* this. You think a man like me¡ªa man who¡¯s killed, who¡¯s lied, who¡¯s *run* from his own kingdom¡ªdeserves anything from you?"** **"That¡¯s not your choice to make!"** A rustle in the bushes. **Renn**, frozen mid-step, eyes wide. He¡¯d heard everything. Lira¡¯s face crumpled. Without another word, she turned and **ran**, disappearing into the wheat fields. Sun didn¡¯t follow. -- That evening, Renn found Sun sharpening his sword by the fire, his movements tense. **"You really gonna let her go like that?"** Renn asked, arms crossed. Sun didn¡¯t look up. **"It¡¯s better this way."** Renn kicked a log into the flames. **"Why¡¯d you even come here, Sun? To play farmer? To make us love you just so you could walk away?"** Sun¡¯s grip tightened on the blade. **"I came because I was *tired*."** **"Well, congratulations,"** Renn muttered. **"Now we¡¯re tired too."** Sun said nothing. By midnight, he was gone. --- Sun rode hard under the moonlight, his **red hair**¡ªnow grown past his ears¡ªwhipping in the wind. He didn¡¯t look back. *Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.* He¡¯d ruined everything. Again. A shout cut through the night. **"HALT!"** Sun¡¯s blood turned to ice. **Red Lion Guards.** Their crimson cloaks billowed as they spurred their horses after him, lances gleaming. Sun **panicked**¡ªhe couldn¡¯t be caught. Not yet. Not like this. He dug his heels into his horse¡¯s sides, veering off the road into the dense forest. Branches lashed at his face, but he didn¡¯t slow. Then¡ª A **roar**. Deep. Primal. *Familiar.* Sun¡¯s heart stopped. *No. Not him. Not now.* A massive **golden lion** burst from the undergrowth, muscles coiling as it **leaped**. Sun¡¯s horse screamed as **300 pounds of predator** slammed into it, sending both rider and steed crashing to the ground. Sun rolled, gasping, as the lion **pounced**¡ªits jaws snapping inches from his throat¡ª ¡ªthen froze. Hot breath huffed against Sun¡¯s face. The lion¡¯s golden eyes widened. **"¡­Gold?"** Sun whispered. The lion **whined**, nuzzling his face like an overgrown house cat. The Red Lion Guards skidded to a halt, their faces **pale with shock**. **"Y-Your Majesty?!"** one stammered. Sun groaned as Goldmane licked his cheek, tail wagging. *Of course.* Even his **own pet** had to humiliate him.