Will of a Prince

"Along with these powers having unique abilities, there is a level of mastery that a person can achieve with their power. We divided these steps into the realm of singularity, realm of multiplicity and realm of divinity."

Jacob impatiently moved in his seat. A flood of questions rained in his mind that he needed answers to.

"What’s the difference between them?"

"The realm of singularity has to do with control over a single person, a single thing, or a single part of your body. For example, if I had a blessing, I could only affect one part of your body without any practice or mastery. The realm of multiplicity has to do with control over multiple people, multiple things, or a multiplicity of potency. For example, let’s use the blessing example again. Not only can it affect the whole part of a person, but I can also affect more than one person with it. As for the realm of divinity, the only way to achieve it is to have control and understanding of your power beyond what normal mortals like us can handle. It exists more for a ’limit’ that people can only get close to but never achieve."

"So, what you are saying is when someone receives a power, they always start with no understanding of how it works?"

"Exactly my young lord. Everyone given a power starts in the same place. The only way to increase that understanding and strength is through hard work. No cheating, no pampering, just good honest work."

"Are there any weaknesses to these powers?"

"The only weakness to these powers is a power of the opposite identity or extreme knowledge and understanding of how the power works. The latter allows you to prepare for a fight which gives you a crucial advantage before combat begins. If one has the knowledge, even the most fearsome powers can be overcome."

The professor stared down at his watch, moving his glasses towards his forehead so he could read it better.

"It appears we don’t have enough time to continue, but I feel we covered everything well enough to prepare you all. Good luck!"

Jacob slowly sat up from his chair and walked down the steps. There was a lot to think about after this presentation, including ways to defeat his father in a spar.

’What the hell is the opposite of blood?’

As Jacob was leaving the classroom, he stumbled into his father waiting for him. His presence was just as domineering as it normally was. It felt like the space around had a completely different air. Before Jacob could say anything, his father handed him a paper.

"I’m sorry for coming here at the last moment, but I need you to round up some more people."

Jacob didn’t need to look at the paper to know what it was.

"You need me to do more work for you? What am I a servant? Have someone else do it."

"No. It needs to be you."

"I did it last time. Besides, I hate talking to those low-life freaks. They absolutely disgust me."

"You will do as I command. As much as you hate them, they will be your people someday."

"How many people do you even need for this project? It feels like it’s been months and you still aren’t finished. Were the other workers still not enough?"

The king looked away, a dark expression illuminated his face.

"No. It needs to be more. If we’re lucky, these should be the last ones. Besides, remember that all these people have criminal backgrounds. Keeping them off the street will benefit me as well as the people."

"What is even the purpose of this big project you got planned?"

"It’s something I’m making to protect the kingdom."

"Do we even need any more protection with you and the noble clans here?"

The king was silent for a moment before he responded again.

"We could always benefit from more protection."

Jacob sighed and decided to walk away. Before his embarkment into town, he needed to refuel his energy with some royal delicacies. He slowly made his way to a room with a long wooden table. There were twelve empty chairs on each side with one larger chair at the end.

Jacob decided to have the luxury of stealing the larger chair since his father was busy with something else. Picking up a silver bell, he rang for his food to be brought to him. No one answered.

"What the hell? Helloooo?"

He rang it again. Jacob decided to look around to see where the servant was at only to be met with the pale face of a woman the moment he turned his head.

"GAH! What the-?!"

Taking a moment to compose himself he realized something.

"Wait a minute, I know you! You’re that woman I almost beheaded a few hours ago. Don’t sneak up on me like that or I’ll make sure to finish the job next time."

"What would you like to eat young prince? No matter the request, I’ll fulfill it."

Maria stood with her usual calm demeanor, her face portraying no emotion. Her dark green eyes reflected the image of the prince back at him, her hair was tied in a ponytail to keep it out of food, and she wore a white apron over her ragged dress. Her face was covered in grease making her pale skin look a shade darker.

"Can I uh... get someone else to get me my food?"

"No."

"Why?"

"Because I’m the only working this position today."

"Why?"

"Because you crippled the other one this morning my lord."

Jacob sighed and rubbed his head.

"I guess you’ll have to do."

Jacob ordered Maria to get him an assortment of fruits and meat. Within moments, she brought out a massive plater filled with colorful fruits, grilled meats and an assortment of pastries on the side. The aroma of seasoned beef filled the room and found its way into Jacob’s nostrils.

He enjoyed the scent for a few moments before diving in. In his peripheral vision, he could see Maria staring right at him. He took a moment to chew and swallow his food before saying something.

"Um... why are you looking at me like that?"

"Like what my lord?"

Jacob realized it was hopeless to get her to understand that her expressionless face was creeping him, and most likely other people out.

"Never mind. Just don’t look at me. I think it’s ruining my appetite."

Maria followed his command and simply looked forward until the prince finished his food. After taking a final bite of an apple, Jacob set it down and let out a huge sigh. Maria was still standing in the same position next to him, not moving a single muscle.

Looking at her, he was reminded about how she didn’t even flinch at the strike of his sword.

"Say, you hardly even flinched when I swung my sword at you earlier today. Can you fight?"

"If you command me to fight, I will fight."

"That’s not what I asked."

"I can fight."

"Who taught you?"

There was a short pause that followed his question.

"Myself."

Jacob started formulating a plan in his mind.

"Hm... are you any good?"

"I’m not sure my lord."

"Eh... good enough. Then I’m relieving you of your duty here. I need you to come with me."