Reincarnated as the Most Hated Sovereign

Chapters 17: The First Lesson - The Assassin's Awakening

Chapter 17: The First Lesson - The Assassin's Awakening

Adrian's POV

The morning sun streams through my window, waking me from a restless sleep. Today is the day. Today, I begin my swordsmanship training. Richard had told me about the agreement he made with the Deputy Commander, Ethan Blackwood, and I felt a surge of determination. I wouldn't let Richard down. I wouldn't let myself down.

I dress quickly, my mind already focused on the challenge ahead. But it's not just about proving myself to Ethan, it's about something deeper, something ingrained in my very being. The instinct to fight, the cold calculation of strategy, the ruthlessness honed over years of being the most feared assassin in the underworld. These things are now a part of me, even in this new body.

As I descend the stairs, I see Richard waiting for me, a stoic expression on his face. He knows something is different about me. He senses the shift in my aura, the icy glint in my eyes.

"Ready?" he asks, his voice a low rumble.

"Ready," I reply, my voice firm, but devoid of the usual warmth.

We arrive at the training grounds, and I see Ethan Blackwood standing there, a smirk playing on his lips. He's surrounded by his men, all of them watching us with a mix of amusement and disdain.

"Prince Angelo," Ethan greets me, his voice laced with sarcasm. "So, you've finally decided to grace us with your presence."

"Deputy Commander Blackwood," I respond, keeping my tone neutral, but my eyes are cold, calculating. "I'm here to train."

Ethan throws his head back and laughs. "Train? You, Prince Angelo? You're going to train with me? This is going to be hilarious!"

I ignore his taunts and focus on Richard. "Are we ready?" I ask.

Richard nods. "Go get 'em, Adrian."

Ethan throws me a sword, its hilt cold and heavy in my hand. I grip it with a practiced ease, feeling the familiar weight. This is no ordinary sword. It's a tool, an extension of myself.

"Let's see what you've got," Ethan challenges.

I draw the sword, the movement smooth and precise. It's not just about the form, it's about the intent. My movements are fluid, but they carry a deadly edge, a sharpness that cuts through the air. I can feel the fear in the eyes of Ethan's men.

Ethan, however, is still confident. He charges at me, his movements swift and precise. I raise my sword to block his attack, but I don't just block, I counter. My blade strikes his shield, sending a shockwave through his arms, but I don't stop there. I follow through, my blade flashing, a blur of steel in the sunlight.

Ethan stumbles backward, his eyes wide with surprise. He's never seen anyone move like this. He's never seen anyone fight with such ruthless efficiency.

"You're… you're not just a Prince," he stammers, his voice tinged with fear.

I don't answer. I don't need to. My actions speak for themselves.

I keep fighting, my movements becoming more fluid, my strikes more powerful. I'm not just learning, I'm remembering. Every muscle memory, every deadly technique, is flooding back to me.

Ethan is no match for me. He's a good swordsman, but he's not an assassin. He doesn't have the cold, calculating mind, the relentless focus, the drive to kill.

He's starting to panic. He tries to back away, but I'm too fast. I'm too relentless. My blade flashes, and he falls to the ground, his sword clattering to the floor.

The training grounds are silent. Ethan's men are frozen, their eyes wide with fear, their faces pale with shock.

I stand over Ethan, my sword still raised. I can feel the power coursing through me, the power of years of training, the power of death and destruction.

"You underestimate me," I say, my voice cold, devoid of any emotion. "You underestimate me, and you underestimate the power of the Sovereign."

Ethan looks up at me, his eyes filled with terror. He knows he's lost. He knows he's facing something far more dangerous than he could have ever imagined.

I lower my sword, but my eyes remain cold. "You will train me, Deputy Commander Blackwood. You will teach me everything you know. And you will do it with respect. Do I make myself clear?"

Ethan nods, his voice a mere whisper. "Yes, Your Highness."

I turn and walk away, leaving Ethan and his men behind. The training has just begun, and I'm ready to learn. I'm ready to become the most feared Sovereign this kingdom has ever seen.

This is not the sweet, loving Prince they knew. This is Adrian, the assassin, reborn. And he's not going to be anyone's puppet.