Chapter 1245: Sudden outburst
Arthur Lionheart was deep in thought. Ever since he’d learned that Eldea, the Heavenly Swordmistress had turned down his request to become her student, he’d been trying to make sense of everything he’d experienced.
He’d worked hard. Forgo any kind of joy or entertainment or love in favor of training.
But seeing the people here in the stadium, the players on the field, he was starting to feel bitter. Why did he have to do all of those sacrifices, and achieve nothing for it? Was the confidence he had about his talent had been wrong this whole time?
And as he was in this mood, the rest of the Lionheart children were having fun with the baseball match.
And unbeknownst to him, it seemed that his younger cousins had made quick friends with a few Rebornian locals.
"Look Arthur. We made a new friend!"
Arthur gave the kids a sideway glance. They introduced themselves to him. "We’re from Metropolis! Maybe you knew our grandmother. She’s a big deal over there."
He didn’t care about who they were, if he were going to be honest. He just let the kids be kids.
But then, they said something. "You guys should come with us on the rollercoaster!" offered one of the Rebornian boys.
The Lionheart youths were quick to agree. Their curiosity was getting the best of them. As their guardian, Arthur knew that he had to be the one to reel them in.
"After this game, we’re immediately meeting up with our grandfather," he said strictly.
As soon as he said that, his younger cousins immediately protested. They’ve heard a few things about the rollercoaster and were immediately taken in with the idea.
"Come on, Arthur! Let’s go!"
"Grandfather said we could enjoy as we liked!"
"They’re just going to be stuck in a boring meeting all day! They won’t mind if we visit this rollercoaster for a few moments!"
Despite their best efforts, Arthur was adamant. It was only when the Rebornian kids spoke up did he finally show some reaction.
"It’s safe there, don’t worry about it," said the boy. "Our friend Jaku and the other Dragonborns will be there to make sure nothing happens!"
At the mention of Jaku, Arthur’s eyes widened. He tried to not to show his emotions, but in truth, he was quite shaken.
Ever since the attack on the Colosseum, he’d been having nightmares. Not of the monsters that prowled the streets, not of the threat on his life and his family’s life. It was about Jaku.
In his dreams, the Dragonborn kept on saving him throughout every scenario. Meanwhile, he was useless. His swordplay and power was ineffective against the monsters. It was lackluster compared to Jaku. That was the most terrifying nightmare he’d ever had.
Because of this, his sword heart had been wavering. It had been unable to perform like he had before. It was as if there was a barrier there that had been placed, preventing it from beating at its maximum rhythm, stifling its flow.
Thankfully, no one had noticed yet. Otherwise, he didn’t know how his grandfather was going to react knowing that his prized grandson could no longer swing a sword.
And in the end, he relented to his younger cousin’s request. As soon as the baseball game was finished, they hurried off out of the stadium, evading the ensuing celebrations and traffic for the winning team.
They all boarded a large, private automobile.
Arthur noticed that this automobile was customized. It was then that he realized that these kids his cousins had befriended were no ordinary citizens of Reborn. They looked regal-born.
Did they say that they’re from Metropolis? And that their grandma is big there?... could it be? No... definitely not... right?
There was no way that the grandchildren of the famed Duchess Regina of Metropolis would be spending their time here in the Nation of Reborn. Especially without any escorts.
Most of all, they introduced themselves as Rebornians. They came from Metropolis. But they were Rebornian.
If they were as Arthur guessed, then the implications of this were tremendous.
It would mean that the relationship between Reborn and the regal monarchs of Metropolis were much deeper than anyone could have expected.
And since Metropolis was such a vital territory in the Royal Continent, this would mean that Reborn would be able to much better assert their dominance in the Queens region better than anyone else. Including the Conglomerates who had long been trying to court the Duchess’ favors, to no avail.
Arthur calmed himself down. This was nothing more than a speculation on his part. These kids were not proven to be the grandchildren of the Duchess. At least, not without full proof.
Anyway, as Arthur ruminated on his thoughts, they finally arrived in the neighboring territory of the Nation.
There, they saw the large, towering, imposing figure of Cthulhu bearing down on them from above.
Immediately, Arthur’s heart seized. He was just a second away from unsheathing his sword and trying to protect his younger cousins.
His actions were stopped as soon as he saw the contrasting emotions of the people on the monster’s feet. They were emotional. Excited, but not fearful.
"We’re here," said the Rebornian boy. "Come on! Let’s go. We should get in line before the rush hour starts!"
Led by them, the Lionheart youths followed them towards the supposed rollercoaster ride. Their excitement wasn’t out of place. Children, teens, and even adults crowded at the monster’s feet, cheering and squealing in happiness.
Arthur couldn’t put his hands on it. There was something about the Cthulhu monster that was... different. It was as if there was an actual, living, leviathan in that structure.
The Rebornian kids assured him it was just an imitation of the real thing. But looking at it now from up front, Arthur was starting to doubt that.
The Lionheart kids and the Rebornian youths lined up eagerly.
"Please wait in line," said the attendant on the ride.
As soon as Arthur heard that, he unsheathed his sword and swung at the attendant.
