Chapter 584 The Shadow Prince
After that, she jumped up, kissed him, and cleaned the kitchen just as Ella walked into the treehouse. The half-elf let out an adorable yawn as she approached the table.
Halime gave Ella a plate with three omelets on it. When the half-elf saw this, she smiled before eating. Archer watched this with a curious look but soon realized he had to prepare for the day.
He went to freshen up after the intriguing visions and the sight of the eagle-like creatures gliding through the mist. After a refreshing bath, Archer emerged from the bathroom, a towel slung over his shoulder.
The comforting warmth of the treehouse enveloped him as he made his way to the living room. To his surprise, he found Ella, Halime, and Hemera engaged in conversation in the warm space.
Ella's eyes sparkled with a wisdom that went beyond her apparent age. When the three girls spotted him, they smiled before he asked. ''Do any of you ladies want to go on a walk through the city?''
The half-elf and snake girl shook their heads as the half-elf answered. ''Hali and I will rest until classes start, but Hemi said she wanted to stretch her legs.''
Archer looked at the sun elf, who had a big smile on her pretty face as she stood up and went to grab her cloak. He waited a little until she returned wrapped up to fight the cold.
He extended his arm, and Hemera took it as they bid farewell to Ella and Halime, who smiled at the departing pair. Archer conjured a portal to Starfall City, and together, they stepped through.
Upon arriving on the other side, the snow was still falling, unlike last night's storm. Archer looked around and still saw many people walking the streets. The two of them started walking.
They strolled through the bustling streets of Starfall City, their surroundings alive with the vibrant energy of a city suspended among the clouds. The floating island above which held the imperial palace and all its splendor.
Their first stop was Guild Street, a bustling thoroughfare running through the city's heart. Lined with ornate buildings and colorful banners representing various guilds, it was a hub of activity.
They walked past storefronts and workshops, catching glimpses of artisans practicing their craft and traders haggling over magical artifacts.
Hemera remarked as they walked down the street. "Guild Street is always lively, Each guild has its own unique charm. You can find anything from enchanters crafting magical relics to alchemists concocting potions."
Archer nodded before he stopped paying attention to the surroundings and asked the sun elf a question. ''Are you enjoying it up north? Or do you prefer it in Mediterra?''
She looked at him but didn't answer immediately and looked around for a second before dragging him somewhere. Soon, they came to a quiet park on the side of the Eventide River that runs throughout the empire.
The couple sat down, and Hemera looked out at the passing ships and spoke. ''I miss home, but being with you and the girls is better. But I enjoy going to the college and all the knowledge it holds.''
Archer smiled as he also spoke. ''Yeah, the college is good. I find some of the classes boring, but others are good. I want to fight in the tournaments and use that to show the world why they should leave me alone and let me adventure.''
Hemera laughed as a large trade ship passed by and sounded a horn as they approached the docks to unload their goods. The sun elf turned to him and asked. ''Mata keeps asking about you, Arch. You must see her; she understands you are busy, but make time for her.''
When Archer heard that, he nodded with a guilty smile before commenting. ''I will do it this week. I honestly keep forgetting as things keep happening around me.''
The sun elf giggled, leaning against his shoulder as they watched the ships sail by. Seated together, the couple observed dolphin-like creatures leaping in and out of the water. The sight reminded Archer of how distinct this world was from Earth.
After seeing that, the two continued chatting about books Hemera had found and wanted to show him. That's when she pulled out a black book that called out for Archer, who quickly took it, which shocked Hemera.
However, as she turned her yellow eyes to him, astonishment seized her as a shadowy figure appeared behind Archer. It leaned towards him, making contact before seamlessly melding into his form.
When Archer held the book, a screen popped up in front of him. [The Prince of Shadows has been found. Do you wish to claim your birthright?]
He was so confused that Hemera could see and asked in a concerned voice. ''What's wrong, darling?''
Archer shook his head before responding. ''What is this book, Hemi? It called me the Prince of Shadows?''
Hemera's eyes widened in shock. She quickly explained in a hurried voice. ''Well, the book is from the Frostwood Continent and is said to come from a shadow cult's library that was wiped out by the Winterfang imperial family, whom the cult attacked numerous times.''
''Why?'' He asked in a curious voice.
The elf shrugged as she commented. ''I'm not sure, to be honest. This happened hundreds of years ago, but the Brownies brought me this from one of the dragon-kin traders.''
Archer acknowledged her with a nod and then resumed reading "The Shadow Prince" before embracing the birthright. The book calmed the prince, who would be granted the power to use the shadows and everything inside them, which spooked him a little bit.
He already used Shadow Shroud and Shadowspawn, so claiming something his system says belongs to him didn't frighten him. Archer accepted it, and suddenly, his world went dark, but all Hemera saw was him feint.
When Archer came to, he was standing in the same little park they were sitting in, but it was black and white. He looked around to see everything was motionless and grew concerned.
"So, you're the Shadow Prince, huh? It's odd, given that it typically selects humans. But who am I to resist the will of the first prince?" The voice of an old man came from behind him.
He turned around to see an old man standing there. Archer shook his head before commenting. ''Who is the Shadow Prince?''
The old man laughed, but Archer raised an eyebrow, curiosity etched across his features. "First prince? What are you talking about?"
The old man began to pace around him, his gaze focused on the surroundings. "The Shadow Prince is a title passed down through generations. The shadows of the world choose their bearer, and this bearer wields the power to influence the balance between light and dark, good and evil."
Archer listened intently, absorbing every word. "So, I'm supposed to maintain this balance?"
The old man nodded, his long white beard swaying gently. "Indeed. The shadows and the light, they dance together, intertwined to keep the world in harmony. You, being a being of both light and shadow, have a unique role to play."
"So, guess what? Mana and the world picked me to be the white dragon, and now the shadows want me as their prince. What's the plan here? Am I destined to marry Gaia and the sky goddess and become a flying stone? Maybe I'll throw in juggling fireballs for good measure," ranted Archer.
He paced back and forth in the white and black world he found himself in, waving his arms in exasperation. "I swear, the universe has a personal vendetta against me! First, it makes me a white dragon to get a bunch of light fanatics chasing after me since I was thirteen, then shadows, and now what? Is it planning to make me the Demon King? Am I destined to engage in epic battles with heroes? What's next, a cape fitting session?"
He threw his hands up in frustration as the old man watched amusedly. "I mean, come on! I'm just a guy who wants a quiet life. I didn't sign up for this mayhem. There are no 'Adventurer Wanted' signs on my front door!"
As he ranted, he dramatically mimicked a sword fight. "Picture this: Archer, the reluctant White Dragon Demon King, fighting off a hero with a ladle. Because apparently, my destiny is to wield kitchen utensils in epic battles."
The old man raised an eyebrow. "Well, at least you'd be the most unexpected Demon King in history."
Archer sighed, "Yeah, great. That's just what I needed – a twist in the prophecy. Can't a dragon catch a break?"
''No. People like you only come along once in a planet's life cycle. You see Archer Wyldheart, or would you prefer Bennet? I can see you had a good life on Earth, and even if you complain about your life here, you're enjoying it very much.'' The old man said as he motioned for the bench.
[If there are any mistakes, point them out, and I'll edit it. Thanks]
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