CHAPTER 21: EXPOSING THE RED CONTINENT

This was a major crisis in the Purple Continent.

Such a fatal assassination Attempt could not be hidden from the leaders of all the supreme Kingdoms.

There was an assassination attempt on Caden Ryder. A successor who had the highest score.

Breaking two records of having a Mana Aptitude of 10% at the young age of seventeen and awakening an S-Ranked Innate Skill.

This made him a treasure to the people of the Purple Continent.

The fact that there was an assassination attempt on his head was extremely shocking.

But that wasn’t all, a total of six hundred people had died from the ghastly explosion that burned the hotel building.

Only Caden survived and that was thanks to his newly acquired S-Ranked Innate Skill: Frost Life.

This assassination attempt dealt severe damage to the reputation of the Red Crescent Kingdom.

Even making people wary of the Red-Pool City and the Inner-Sector since it could be easily infiltrated.

But the most important question was who initiated the assassination?

Who wanted to see Caden Ryder, a top rising star die at such an early age?

There were many speculations, but no one could dare mention the name of a supreme kingdom.

They’ll simply be courting death.

****

[Location: Red Crescent Palace, Red Crescent Kingdom]

Heir Apparent, Prince Aeros of the Red Crescent Kingdom was directly sent to invite Caden.

This was to show how important this issue was. It’s rare for a supreme kingdom to send out an Archmage, not to mention a Grand mage like Prince Aeros.

Caden was led into the Red Crescent Palace like the important guest he is. Beside him was Prince Aeros.

Caden was touring the Red Crescent Palace, showing signs of amusement even though he’s been here before.

He did this to ease the tension between himself and Prince Aeros. The royalties of the Red Crescent Kingdom were wary of Caden.

After all, he was the victim of an assassination attempt and also the son of the domineering and ruthless King Alex.

Even if Caden decided to act irrationally against House Stark of the Red Crescent Kingdom.

They will have to keep quiet and take it shamefully.

But instead of voicing his anger and verbally attacking House Stark as they expected.

Caden was even respectful to them, this pleased Prince Aeros to a degree, at least they weren’t worried anymore.

Prince Aeros wore a warm smile. "Prince Caden, I’m glad that you are interested in those paintings. If you need one, you can simply ask," He said.

Caden nodded, still smiling "Anytime I need a beautiful portrait, I’ll definitely return back"

He walked with his hands behind his back, since half of his stats have been sealed and his Mana Core has been sealed for fourteen days.

He’s currently in a weak and fragile state. He also had his schemes, he needed to be on the good side of House Stark.

If assassins of the Red Continent attacked him within these fourteen days. He would need to be protected by the Red Crescent Kingdom.

To retain their dignity. House Stark will surely protect his life at all costs.

Caden careened his unshaven chin, "Prince Aeros," He called out. Prince Aeros slightly tilted his head. "Is there an issue? Prince Caden" Prince Aeros curiously asked.

Caden shook his head as he rubbed his head "Not really, since the Emerald Awakening Ceremony is over, I plan on spending some time in Red-Pool City"

"I hope House Stark can protect me during that time," Caden spoke respectfully. Prince Aeros’ eyes gleamed.

He knew Caden’s intentions. Caden was giving them a chance to regain their reputation.

If he stayed in Red-Pool City for some time. It would mean that he still trusts the Red Crescent Kingdom.

And if nothing happens to him within that period of time. It means the Red Crescent Kingdom is still safe and secure.

What merely happened could be considered a fluke and they would regain their reputation.

This was a political scheme that benefited the Red Crescent Kingdom and House Stark.

He felt grateful to Caden, but little did he know that this was Caden’s attempt to preserve his life.

At this weak state, with assassins lurking around. He could not dare attempt to travel back to Morningstar.

Prince Aeros nodded "It would be an honor for House Stark to protect young Prince Caden"

"Please this way.....my father awaits your presence," Prince Aeros said as he led Caden towards a certain direction.

After a few minutes of walking, they arrived at their destination. Inside the Red Crescent Palace.

There’s a throne room in which the King used to communicate with foreign leaders and make declarations.

And there’s a private courtroom prepared for private matters such as this. Caden was led into the courtroom.

The wooden door sprang open, and Caden walked in to see the Patriarch of House Stark and King of the Red Crescent Kingdoms sitting.

The wooden table stretched down and sat beside him were his direct descendants and his special council.

King Arthur Stark had five children, Prince Aeros being his eldest and the Heir Apparent, and his quadruplet.

Sumeri sat by her father’s left hand. With her brother, Hetu, sitting close to her, everyone’s attention drifted towards Caden, who walked in.

King Arthur softly exhaled the moment his gaze fell upon Caden. Caden had no major issues, no serious damage was inflicted on him.

King Arthur gently rose up from his throne. Caden’s movements came to a halt. He cupped his head, "Your Lordship, I, Prince Caden of Morningstar, bow before thee," Caden said with a bow.

King Arthur heaved a sigh of relief as he saw how respectfully Caden was. He glanced at Prince Aeros who winked at him.

"Prince Caden, you really are a prodigy of this young generation" King Arthur spoke out "I would like to apologise for putting you in such a dangerous situation"

"Even though we had tight security, an assassin still infiltrated the Inner-Sector and you nearly lost your life"

"We’re willing to make up for such a mistake," King Arthur said. Caden’s lips curled faintly "There would be no need for that my king, I already spoke with the Heir Apparent, Prince Aeros on my way coming"

"I feel no anger towards House Stark, and I do not believe the security of the Red Crescent Kingdom was lacking." Caden paused for a second. "It’s just that the assassin was too good," Caden stated.

King Arthur clenched his fist tightly, his expression turned grim. "Did you by any chance see the face of the assassin?" King Arthur asked.

Caden shook his head "No your Lordship, the assassin was too hidden, draped in a shadowy black hooded cloak, his face was completely hidden"

Caden’s lips curled for a second as he continued, "But while our S-Ranked Skills contested, his crimson hair was exposed." Caden decided to drop the bomb.

He had to expose the presence of the Red Continent to the King. King Arthur is a dignified member of the Purple Continent’s Supreme Council.

He needed it to be reported to the Purple Continent’s Supreme Council.

Upon hearing the report of Caden, King Arthur’s eyes flickered with otherworldly intensity, his teeth gritting as he cursed out loud, "Those Accursed Reds!!!"

He immediately faced his son Aeros as he commanded "Aeros, activate the summoning decree to the Supreme Council, I’ll be leaving in three days"