Chapter 12: A Lucky Eavesdropper

  Ray

  Maki’s eyes lit up as she stepped toward Theodore, hands outstretched in excitement. “Ray’s friend? He’s so awesome and strong!” she exclaimed. “My name is Maki, Zeying Maki!”

  Theodore hesitated for a moment before awkwardly shaking her hand. “Nice to meet you,” he replied, his tone measured.

  I interrupted their exchange, my voice cutting through the moment. “What are you doing here, and how did you end up in this world?”

  Theodore’s expression turned serious. “There’s a lot I need to tell you, boss.”

  I raised an eyebrow and corrected him. “I’m not your boss anymore. I’m just Ray now. Start talking.”

  He glanced at Taki, who coughed weakly, prompting Selia to guide her away for food and rest. Then Theodore began. “Brody, the man who wanted Selia, is here too. He’s not in the Elthias Kingdom, but it seems he followed you to this world.”

  A flash of anger surged within me. “That bastard… he’s obsessed with her.” My voice trailed off, and I changed the subject. “How did you die? What happened that night?”

  Theodore’s gaze hardened. “You assigned Clair and me to make sure Selia reached Brody. After Selia joined him, everything changed. Clair betrayed me—she attacked me from behind without hesitation. As I lay there, barely alive, I overheard their conversation. Clair declared she wanted the honor of killing you herself. Brody agreed, saying, ‘I have Selia. That’s all that matters.’ Then she left me to die. The last thing I remember is a blinding light and distant voices before I awoke in this world.”

  I stared at the ground, processing his words. “It seems like you died before me.”

  He hesitated. “Does that mean… she killed you?”

  I met his gaze, my voice cold. “No. I killed her, and then someone else attacked me.”

  After a long silence, I asked, “What are you doing in the Elthias Kingdom?”

  “I was summoned nearby. They took us to the capital, and after rigorous tests of our blessings and strength, I became part of the kingdom’s special forces. But things aren’t going well here. Prince Marshall left with many soldiers, including five from the special forces, and they were all attacked recently.”

  Maki interrupted with a dramatic sigh. “And only Marshall survived because of his stolen blessing, blah blah blah. We’ve heard this story a million times.”

  Theodore blinked in surprise. “How do you know about that? I just found out hours ago.”

  Akira pointed at me. “Because he’s the one who wiped out the city.”

  Theodore’s jaw dropped. “You… destroyed the city? That means you went easy on me during our fight?”

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  I nodded. “Yes, and yes. Now tell me, what changed after that?”

  Theodore glanced at the darkening sky. “It’s getting late. Let’s continue this conversation at my house.”

  Selia gasped as we entered Theodore’s home. “Your house is amazing! Do you live alone?”

  He nodded. “Yes. Special forces members are given privileges like this. I got in because I picked a strong blessing and knew how to use it.”

  The house was grand, tucked among trees with balconies, a pool, and even a gazebo. It looked like something out of a dream.

  Theodore handed us drinks and continued. “You’ve just arrived in this world, and yet you’re already the most wanted man in the kingdom.”

  I sipped my drink. “I had no choice but to kill them.”

  He frowned. “I also heard they caught someone suspected to be the criminal. Is he connected to you?”

  “Big, muscular guy?” I asked.

  “Yes. He’ll be executed in a few days.”

  “I tried to kill him, but he escaped. He’s the only one alive who knows the full story.”

  Theodore’s tone grew grim. “Your actions have put the kingdom in a precarious position. Other royal families are planning to invade and kill the king.”

  “What’s the king’s blessing?” I asked.

  He explained, “Each royal family has a unique blessing. If anyone outside the family obtains one, they’re either killed or sold to that kingdom. The Elthias family’s blessing revolves around power-stealing. None of you have that blessing, right?”

  I smiled faintly. “Let’s not talk about my blessing.” Behind me, the others fidgeted nervously.

  Theodore shrugged. “So, what are your plans now?”

  “I need to find Brody,” I said, my voice hardening. “He betrayed me and played a role in my death. I’ll uncover the truth and make him pay for what he did.”

  Theodore’s face darkened. “I’m coming with you. I want revenge on Brody and Clair for their betrayal.”

  Ray’s expression shifted, his thoughts turning. “Clair... Do you think she’s here too? Does everyone who dies end up in this world?”

  Theodore shook his head. “I don’t know about Clair,” he admitted. “But I’m certain not everyone who dies comes here. It’s... selective, though I don’t know the criteria.”

  The next morning, Theodore and I sat in a tavern, discussing strategies. A wiry young man approached, his eyes bright with curiosity. "Excuse me," he began hesitantly. "My blessing is Luck, and, well, people call me Lucky. You both seem... different. Would you mind sharing what's special about you?"

  We ignored him, preparing to leave, but he persisted. “I overheard your conversation. Pay for my drink, and I’ll share valuable information.”

  Theodore sighed and reached for his coin pouch, but I stopped him. “Aren’t you supposed to be lucky?” Just then, someone’s wallet fell to the ground near Lucky.

  Ignoring the commotion, we left. Lucky followed, blurting, “I know when and how the capital will be attacked.”

  I stopped and faced him. “Your blessing is Luck? Prove it.” Without hesitation, I swung my fist at him. The punch landed squarely on his face, catching him off guard. He staggered back, holding his cheek, his expression a mix of surprise and frustration.

  Theodore frowned. “Luck? That’s a lie.”

  Just then, a knife sailed through the air, seemingly out of nowhere, a stray result of the chaotic fight in the tavern over the missing wallet Lucky had conveniently found earlier. The blade narrowly missed his head, passing through the space he had just occupied.

  Theodore blinked, confused. “What’s going on?”

  I stared at Lucky and chuckled. “Looks like my punch just saved your life by pushing you out of the way.”

  Lucky rubbed his cheek. “My blessing gives me a set amount of luck each day. I saved it for years, and today, I used it all to meet you.”

  I laughed. “You really are lucky. Tell us what you know.”

  “Let me join you first,” Lucky demanded. “All my luck is spent on you anyway.”

  I agreed, and we returned to Theodore’s house. There, Lucky revealed the plan.

  “In three days, someone will drop from the sky and kill thousands as a distraction to draw soldiers away from the king. This is how the city will be attacked.”

  Theodore frowned. “How will they break the aerial shield?”

  “The spellcaster is collaborating with them,” Lucky explained.

  I nodded. "We’ll prepare for this. Lucky, you’ll stay with us for now."

  Akira crossed his arms and asked, "What’s the plan, Ray?"

  I smirked, my eyes narrowing with determination. "If the kingdom is going down, we’re taking it over."