Prince's Retaliation

As evening came, and the sun dipped below the horizon, Admin was in his inn room, busy cleaning his revolver. Tundra was introducing Eyrie to a strategy game on her TV head, and Mirai was focused on sharpening her axe. The quiet was a welcome change after such a shocking day.

A sudden, loud knock came from the door.

Open up! By order of the King! a voice shouted.

Admin glanced at his friends. Trouble, he said, grabbing his revolver. He carefully opened the door a crack. Royal guards stood outside, grim-faced. A tall man in military attire was at the front: General Sylo.

Admin opened the door all the way.

You're Admin, correct? General Sylo asked.

Admin quickly checked the guy's name on his phone and saw General Sylo, Defender of Lazarus.

That's me, Admin replied. What's this about, General?

I'm General Sylo, and I'm here by order of King Lazarus. You're under arrest, the General said. Come with us without a fuss.

Arrested? What for? Admin asked, feigning innocence.

For using electric magic on Prince Dukren and disturbing the peace, General Sylo stated.

Admin sighed. That little jerk, he muttered. I should've zapped him again.

General Sylo raised an eyebrow. Regardless of your opinion of the Prince, you must obey the King's orders. I'd prefer no issues.

Admin eyed the guards. They seemed prepared for a fight, but he felt sure he could handle them if he even had to. Even so, fighting back would just make things worse for his image.

Alright, General, Admin said, trying to sound calm. I'll go along. But I was only defending myself. That prince had it coming.

General Sylo nodded. You can explain later. Now, come with us to the castle. He instructed the guards, Search the rooms for weapons.

The guards entered. Mirai allowed the search but shot daggers when they touched her axe. Tundra switched off her TV, looking wary. Eyrie nervously sought cover behind Admin.

Once the search was done, the guards reported, Rooms are clear.

Good, General Sylo said. Let's move.

Admin allowed them to lead him from the inn. People watched as they walked through town.

Reaching the castle gates, Admin looked back at his friends.

Don't worry, he said quietly. I'll be okay. Just… try not to get into trouble.

Mirai nodded, looking concerned. Tundra gave a thumbs up. Eyrie just looked frightened.

The castle gates opened, and Admin went inside, leaving his friends behind.

General Sylo led Admin through corridors to a large, ornate room—the throne room.

King Lazarus sat on his throne, looking uninterested. Queen Lazarus stood beside him, watching carefully. Prince Dukren stood to the side, enjoying Admin's predicament.

Ah, Admin, King Lazarus said. Welcome to Lazarus Castle. How was the accommodations?

Not the best, Admin answered.

General Sylo stepped forward. Your Majesty, I've brought Admin as requested.

Excellent, General, King Lazarus said. You may leave.

General Sylo left the room, looking troubled. He felt like he was being played. He suspected Admin was more than met the eye, and that the King and Prince were underestimating him. He wondered what Admin's arrival meant for Lazarus.

The door closed behind General Sylo, leaving Admin alone with the royal family.

King Lazarus leaned forward. So, he said, What's your full name, Admin?

Admin didn't know his real name. So, he made one up, using boss names from a game he once played. In the game, Shock Marauder was a boss with electric powers, and Eryie is his adopted daughter.

Administrator Eryie Shock Marauder, Admin said.

King Lazarus raised his eyebrows and smiled. Administrator Eryie Shock Marauder, he repeated. That's… quite a mouthful.

My parents gave it to me, Admin said.

Queen Lazarus didn't seem impressed. Really? she asked. And what brings you to Lazarus, Administrator Eryie Shock Marauder? Are you a merchant? A fighter? Or perhaps a… revolutionary?

Admin chuckled. I'm just passing through. I'm on a… personal trip.

A personal trip? King Lazarus asked. And that trip involves assaulting my son?

Prince Dukren spoke up, How dare you speak to me like that! Throw him in the dungeon!

King Lazarus stopped him. Patience. Let's hear what our guest has to say. He turned to Admin. Tell me, Administrator Eryie Shock Marauder, what's this 'personal trip' about? Why risk angering the King?

Admin hesitated. He didn't want to say the truth, but he also didn't want to look like a shady drug dealer.

He decided to tell a partial lie. I'm searching for something that was stolen from me, he said. Something important.

And what is this something? Queen Lazarus asked.

Admin sighed. It's an important memory of mine...

The King and Queen looked at each other. They didn't believe him, but they couldn't prove he wasn't telling the truth.

A memory, huh? King Lazarus said. That's a pretty weird... story? What makes you think it's in Lazarus?

Admin shrugged. I have… leads, he said. They led me here.

Leads, eh? King Lazarus chuckled. Sounds like they're not very reliable. Maybe they just sent you on a pointless search.

Maybe, Admin said. But I have to follow every lead.

Queen Lazarus moved closer. Enough games, Administrator Eryie Shock Marauder. We know you're not being truthful. You're hiding something.

Admin met her gaze. I'm not hiding anything. I'm simply looking for something that was taken from me. Believe it or not, it's up to you.

King Lazarus sighed. I'm growing tired of this. Take him to the dungeon. Perhaps a few days in the dark will loosen his tongue.

He told the guards, Take him away.

The guards approached.

Admin tensed, preparing to fight. But before he could act, a voice called out from the back of the room.

Wait!

Everyone turned to see Princess Aurelia, the King and Queen's daughter, rushing toward them.

Father, Mother, please! Don't send him to the dungeon! Aurelia pleaded.

Princess Aurelia's words hung in the air, and her father wouldn't change his mind. Aurelia, He hit your brother and insulted the King. I can't simply let him go.

But Father, maybe there's more to this than we know! Aurelia said. He mentioned a stolen memory. Perhaps he was framed. We should investigate before judging him!

Queen Lazarus sighed and touched her daughter's arm. Aurelia, you're too trusting. This man is nothing but trouble. He's better off in the dungeon.

King Lazarus nodded. Enough. Take him away.

The guards seized Admin and dragged him down to the dungeon. It was cold, damp, and foul-smelling. They shoved him into a cell and slammed the door shut.

As the guards left, Admin felt a surge of anger. He couldn't remain here. Quickly, he checked his pockets and, surprisingly, found his phone.

He activated his headphones and called Tundra.

Tundra, can you hear me? he whispered.

Tundra's voice came through clearly. Admin! Are you alright? What happened?

I'm in the dungeon, Admin said. The princess tried to help, but it didn't work. I need to break out. What's going on with you?

We're outside the castle, Tundra said. Mirai's itching for a fight, and Eyrie's trying to look cute for the guards.

Good, Admin said. Here's the plan. I'm going to try to escape. I'm gonna check if my phone has a teleportation thingy.

He searched his phone and found a teleportation application.

Tundra, I located it, he said. Teleportation is ready. Prep to pick me up.

He set his mind on a spot outside his cell and opened the application. He vanished.

He reappeared in the hallway outside his cell, startling the guards. Before they could react, Admin pulled out his revolver and shot them.

Bang! Bang!

The guards fell. Admin took their keys and unlocked the dungeon door.

He stepped into the castle courtyard, just as his friends showed up beyond the castle walls.

Mirai and Tundra charged through the gates, battling the guards. Eyrie shielded them with defensive magic.

The royal family appeared on the castle walls. King Lazarus, Queen Lazarus, and Prince Dukren watched in shock.

Admin spotted Prince Dukren and smirked. He aimed his revolver and fired.

Bang!

Prince Dukren screamed in pain.

Bullseye, Admin muttered, putting away his revolver.

The King and Queen gasped in horror.

Princess Aurelia appeared beside them, looking a bit pale but determined. She had witnessed everything.

Father, Mother, she said. I comprehend the situation now. Admin is not just a troublemaker. He's intelligent. He's resourceful.

She pointed to the dungeon. He escaped himself, right? How could he have done that without skills? What if he is the only way to save ourselves from Mishanter?

Aurelia's words gave them pause. She was right. There was something unique about Admin. Something smart but also stupid?