A Background Character's Fate

[2] 71. Son Of The Gods

We wait in the cave for the Trentechas to calm down as Julius updates me on the situation. Julius is the youngest in his family. Naturally, his position of inheritance is the lowest. Thus, he needs to prove himself to be more capable than his siblings, which is succeeding. His older siblings noticed and started to act to eliminate competition from the youngest. It was first mere threatening actions that may potentially kill Julius' reputation but they resorted to assassinations after their plans backfired. It propelled Julius to recognition of his ability and insight.

"That's about it," Julius says.

...

"What about your plans to escape this situation if you predicted it?" I ask.

He points at me nonchalantly. "You are my plan."

I furrow my brows as my jaw drops. "You gambled your life on me?" I exclaim.

"Unlike my siblings, I don't have any grandmaster trump card at my disposal, you are my strongest wild card." Julius stares daggers into me. "Do you know how much I invested in you?"

This guy...

Sometimes, he puts on an almighty demeanour, exactly how I remember him from my past life, and other times, he becomes my friend. I can't tell which side is real or fake.

"Don't worry. Unless you try anything funny, I will repay you for your help."

Julius nods. "I know, we both need each other so I trust you."

...

I see...

"But...I can't fight Trentechas. I will die." I say.

"That's a last resort, I don't think any of us will survive if we meet that monster. They say you won't be able to use your aura in its complete domain and should simply wish for a peaceful death. Anyways, who is that kid?"

"I don't know. He won't tell me his name. Some circumstances happened and he is following me."

Julius furrows his brow. "Hmmm..."

"Don't worry, at the very least, the kid can take care of himself," I say.

"What?"

"The boy was the one that found all of you."

...

Julius figured asking further to be unnecessary. With no way to tell the actual time, we waited until night fell to move. Jay and the other men have not arrived, most likely obstructed by the forces I met before. Julius says they belong to the second eldest princess.

We push our bodies through the thick snow, leaving several trails across the landscape.

"Loi, the people you met might have secured the perimeter of this forest to prevent our escape. You know what to do. But I worry they may cross the line from sheer loyalty..."

I don't understand Julius' last line. As he predicted, I start to detect many presences as we approach the edge of the forest.

"Loi, I can handle ordinary masters or elite warriors myself so hide your power. We need to bait out the leader-"

"Attack!!"

Julius wasn't given the chance to finish and a barrage of ambushes rains from above.

Three blades dive towards Julius, almost touching him before Julius unleashes a golden aura, rebounding all attacks with a spark.

"KEGH!"

His blonde features glow strongly, shining light in the night. That's the imperial arts taught to every Darto royalty. Most of the attackers focus their efforts on Julius even though his group attempts to keep every force away but Julius seems to have no problem cutting everyone down. His golden aura and unpredictable sword movements cleave through enemies with ease, leaving behind graceful glitters of stars.