Beatrice, ever cautious, wouldn’t blindly trust the kidnapper’s words. She cast a powerful illusion spell, one that required the target to remain immobile, a condition the captive readily met. The spell’s intricate execution took time, but it would reveal the truthfulness of his claims and potentially yield more information.

Meanwhile, William rushed to James and Leonard, removing the gags from their mouths.

“William!” James exclaimed, relief washing over him. “You found me!”

Leonard nudged James with his elbow. “This is the student you mentioned? He seems quite capable.”

A warmth spread through William’s chest. It was gratifying to know that Professor James had spoken highly of him to his friend.

“What happened?” William asked, eager to free them. “How can I remove these cuffs?”

“The leader likely has the keys. Check his pockets,” Leonard advised.

William swiftly searched the leader’s clothes and found the keys. James and Leonard, freed from their restraints, rotated their wrists with audible relief.

“Much better,” James declared, picking up the discarded cuffs. “We should keep these.”

Beatrice, her spell nearing completion, focused intently on the captive’s mind. Images flickered before her eyes, revealing the prince’s clandestine meeting with the kidnappers, his instructions clear and his demeanor menacing. The prince’s motive, however, remained shrouded in mystery.

Suddenly, a sharp cry pierced the air. Beatrice whirled around, her eyes widening in alarm. One of the fallen kidnappers, seemingly lifeless, had sprung to his feet, a dagger clutched in his hand. He lunged towards William, his face contorted with rage.

William, caught off guard, barely had time to react. The dagger plunged towards his chest, its point glinting ominously in the moonlight.

Just as the dagger threatened to pierce William’s flesh, Leonard intervened. With astonishing speed, he moved in front of William, his hand intercepting the blade.

The dagger shattered against Leonard’s palm, unable to penetrate his skin.

“W-What?” the attacker stammered, disbelief etched on his face.

Leonard’s expression remained cold as he delivered a swift kick to the man’s head, ending his life instantly. Experience tales at empire

William, shaken, stared at the scene. Leonard’s speed was terrifying. It was unsettling to realize someone could end his life so easily.

James, sensing William’s apprehension, explained, “Leonard specializes in body enhancement magic, like you. Between the two of us, he was the only one capable of reaching you in time.”

“That was incredible!” William exclaimed, admiration replacing his fear.

He then noticed James’s troubled expression. James was repeatedly attempting to cast a simple spell, but nothing happened.

“Damn it!” James cursed. “He was telling the truth?”

Leonard, noticing his friend’s distress, rushed to his side. He pulled up James’s shirt, revealing a rune etched onto his torso.

“Do you think that Runic Sealer was serious?” Leonard asked, concern in his voice.

“It seems so…” James replied grimly.

William, confused, sought an explanation. James’s words filled him with anxiety.

“They hired the best Runic Sealer in the kingdom,” James revealed, his voice trembling. “He sealed my mana. I can’t cast spells anymore.” He paused, his gaze distant. “He claimed to be the only one who can remove the seal, and he’s long gone. I’ll have to find a way to break this seal…”

Leonard, skilled in body enhancement magic, was also adept at creating magical formations, including those designed for sealing. He examined the rune on James’s torso, his expression growing grim.

“I don’t believe anyone possesses the knowledge to remove this rune…” Leonard admitted. “You might have to endure it for some time.”

William’s apprehension grew. If the prince had orchestrated James’s incapacitation, he must be aware of their mission to gather the antidote ingredients. With James powerless, the responsibility now fell solely on William’s shoulders.

“Let’s leave,” Beatrice declared. “The captive has no further information to offer. We should hand him over to the authorities.”

They returned to the city, the kidnapper leader bound and secured. They informed the guards, and the man was promptly arrested.

Beatrice bid them farewell. “I can’t stay away any longer, or the family I work for will become suspicious.”

She embraced James. “It’s been a while, James. I’ll do everything I can to help you remove that seal.”

William observed their interaction and sensed an underlying connection between them. He wasn’t oblivious, but he wisely chose to remain silent, saving his teasing for a more private moment.

After Beatrice departed, Leonard followed suit. “I need to return to my house,” he explained. “If your student and Beatrice were able to enter, it means the traps are deactivated.”

With Leonard gone, James and William were alone.

“What should we do now?” William asked as they walked towards the palace.

“The prince is behind this,” James mused, “but I can’t confront him while my mana is sealed. I believe staying in the palace is the safest course of action for now. No one will attempt anything there.”

Within the palace walls, the prince wouldn’t dare to act against them. The king’s guards were numerous and vigilant; the prince wouldn’t risk such a brazen attack. That’s why he had seized the opportunity while James was outside.

With his mana sealed, James was vulnerable and needed a safe haven.

“I’ll speak with the king and see if he can help me with this seal,” James decided. “Should I tell him about the prince’s involvement?”

William considered this. “Yes, I think so. It’s better to inform him and avoid any surprises. If he knows his son is plotting something, he can monitor his actions.”

Whether it was the right decision remained to be seen, but they were willing to take the risk.

However, another challenge arose. “How will I gather the ingredients alone?” William expressed his concern. “I’ll have the crew, but without you, I’m not sure I can succeed.”

James placed a reassuring hand on William’s shoulder. “I have faith in you,” he said. “I believe the king will assign another powerful mage to assist you, someone he trusts. It won’t be the same, but it will have to suffice. We can’t afford to delay; the king’s life is at stake.”

The mission was indeed critical. With war looming, the king’s survival was paramount. He was a powerful figure and a symbol of the Black Flame Kingdom. His death would have dire consequences.

They returned to the palace and retired to their chambers. It was too late to speak with the king that night. After a restless sleep, they scheduled a meeting with the king in his private chambers.

When James informed the king of the events that had transpired, the old man was overcome with a mixture of anger and sorrow.

“My son has always been troublesome, but to act against me…”

King Memphis’s sadness was palpable. His strength seemed to drain away, his shoulders slumped, and his eyes held a vacant expression. The betrayal of his own son had dealt him a heavy blow.

“I won’t reveal to my son that I know his intentions, but I’ll keep a close eye on him,” Memphis assured them. “I’ll also find someone to examine this seal on you, James. If it cannot be removed, I’ll assign another mage to accompany William. We’ll need to wait a few days.”

James and William departed the king’s chambers. As they entered the main palace area, they spotted the prince strolling through the corridors. He smirked at them but remained silent. James felt a surge of anger, but he was powerless for now. Revenge would have to wait.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep