Chapter 549 - Words of Caution or Malice?

A while later, Henry and the others were on the large underground maze. The paths were spacious, lit by electric bulbs hanging from above, even the ground they walked had a colourful rug which seemed to kept going.

They are guided by a young woman. Her erect gait and quick stride showed how time was of naught for her. She reluctantly had to leave her post to bring this group to their destination.

She did not have adept knowledge of this large underground structure. The only reason she agreed to bring them was because they were of Leonidas High. Which, she had enough knowledge of and knew where to take.

Previously, Henry did know what to do about the ring situation nor was anyone there well-informed who could help him. If anything, asking would only get him criticised so he just wore the assigned uniform for him and made way with the group.

Besides, he was sure he could defeat them with his own strength. Even Arthur and the smaller Valere arc villains wouldn’t be much of a problem for him... maybe?

If it were him against everyone with just their basic strength and even rings for most people, he didn’t worry... it was the small-arc villains with their rings that could become problems.

He couldn’t were armour or even bring his sword with him. The difference in having those accessories could dynamically change the ratio.

’Yeh, I’ll think about em when it comes.’

Henry looked ahead at the long row that only showed three directional ways and knew it would take time before they reached above. How he knew that much came from when he first arrived here with Jennifer.

Even she, a professor had mistaken a turn and grumbled about this bizarre place with paths that looked all the same. Though she didn’t complain since they have their importance.

Because of its earlier destruction by the hands of the Burning Pain of the Dragonicas Cult, the kingdom took excessive measures in increasing its security this time.

The underground place was really a maze with countless rooms and corners. With a lot of them being filled with traps for invaders. Besides, the countless rooms also had another meaning. They hid the seals, barrier, weapons and other rooms hidden all over the place, so they wouldn’t easily get compromised again.

If the Valere, a large tournament like this were to get hijacked by enemies, the kingdom would lose their reputation not only to its own people but also people from other kingdoms who all came to watch this magnificent event.

"I’ve heard a few of your deeds." Henry spoke, trying to make time pass. "That you and your party have been promoted a tier above beginner."

Arthur nodded, understanding it was directed at him. "Yes, a few weeks ago. Many quests were being piled up in the recent days, so I and my party had a chance to gather enough experience to be promoted."

"Hmm, it’s like saying with humility, ’Yes, I have been promoted with the goddess’s blessings and our deeds are just us working.’"

Arthur laughed and Xavier snickered with a small smile. The latter felt more in tune with what Henry said.

"I would indeed not be arrogant and claim that it was all me. My party had the biggest hand; without them I would not have been able to help so many people nor defeat all those criminals. Even death would not have been far away."

Henry turned to Xavier and pointed his thumb at Arthur, said, "Listen to this guy. It’s like we are young maidens listening to his brave tails and he cannot stop showing rizzing."

Xavier laughed for a moment before pausing and turning to Henry, "Why are you speaking as if we know each other or even getting comfortable with me. Don’t forget our status, you hear me!"

Arthur tried to placate him, not wanting an argument with the others amongst them. Henry snorted and gazed down below at Xavier.

"Oh my! I didn’t know his majesty would be amongst us. Our lowly presence seems to disturb the air around him. Is that what you wanted to hear? Or did my lord forget, that he like me, are lying on the ground with the dirty poor peasants."

Xavier’s face turned red, he wanted to yell, maybe start a fight, but didn’t. He had heard similar words before, many times that they came like violent wind, dishevelled him and passed away.

The next moment, His face lit up with the same snicker as Henry.

"Well, unlike you. I have not had my name dirtied once, brought up to the light to fall down from grace again. It is comically hilarious how someone can still brag about others with such a thick skin."

Ginny laughed loud enough to be heard by all. Her pink eyelashes glancing back with a smirk. She may not have done the blow, but she equally enjoyed the hurt.

Henry felt impressed by the aggressive words, "Good one, Xavier. A good one! I’ll remember to answer to that later."

"Did my words hurt your-"

"You forget something." Henry intercepted, "Yes, I have been thrust back into the ground numerous times, but yet it is me, the filthy and frowned upon one, who’s been specially given a position on the third year spot, while you worked your whole life, had difficult fights attaining the top place, only to come out as a substitute... though only because of your skills."

"If not, will anyone even remember you?"

Everyone stopped. They looked back to see what will happen next.

"..." Xavier became cold. The veins protruding on his head spoke levels of the anger. It took a moment before he turned down his head. Without saying anything, he kept walking, going past the group.

"Look at that... he actually didn’t say anything." Henry muttered, "And yet they say, I am the thick skinned."

As nothing escalated, the group almost disappointedly kept walking again.

"Why do you do that?" Arthur asked, his tone serious. "Yes, Xavier is arrogant, impulsive and has other issues, but he is still a good person. He tries to correct his mistakes. You should not have said that to him."

"Yeh... he’ll get over it." Henry shrugged, "If he wants to bring his family back to its earlier place, his going to have hear and deal with a lot more."

"How do you know that?" Arthur was surprised.

Henry smiled mysteriously and added quietly, "I also know about you too... how you want to bring your kingdom- oops, this kingdom back to the light or some crap." He waved his hands at the end.

If Arthur was surprised before, he was shocked now and his face tightened. He looked at the others, but they seemed not to have heard them.

"You are easy to read, Arthur. Your deeds bring populous and when you start gaining real attention, People high above will retrace your steps and they will eventually learn of your birthright. And with your deeds will seem to them as achievements, make them believe you are trying to contend for the lost title of prince."

"I am not-"

"Forget about me. What do you think will happen when the people who are against the old rule learn of you. What do you think will happen, then?"

Arthur closed his mouth. The words Henry said kept going around his head. His mind kept thinking of his mother, his party members and friends who might get caught up in this. His mother’s repeated words of helping others but always remaining cautious, sounded in his head.

Seeing his mind thinking of the consequences, Henry showed a horrible grin.

’I love bringing such ugly looks out from others.’