The regression of the damned

Chapter: 3

Arthur returned to his private chambers in the northern tower. The palace was completely quiet. He locked the heavy oak door and sat cross-legged on his bed.

"Open the system shop," he muttered in his mind.

Instantly, a large virtual screen expanded in front of him. It was divided into three categories: *Skills, Weapons, and Elixirs.*

Arthur scrolled through the *Skills* section first. Most of the high-tier skills cost thousands of points, but his eyes locked onto a passive ability that fit his current situation perfectly.

“[Passive Skill: Heart of Iron (E-Rank)]

Description: Grants the user absolute immunity to all mortal poisons and increases physical stamina by 20%.

Cost: 150 Shop Points.”

"This is exactly what I need," Arthur thought.

In his past life, Vivienne had poisoned him right before the invasion. If he bought this skill, her slow-acting blockers and future traps would be completely useless against him.

"Buy Heart of Iron," Arthur commanded.

[150 Shop Points deducted.]

[Skill acquired: Heart of Iron (E-Rank).]

A warm, soothing sensation rushed through Arthur’s chest. The faint tightness in his lungs, a remnant of the cheap medicines Vivienne had been giving him for years, instantly vanished. He felt lighter, stronger, and completely refreshed.

Next, he looked at the Weapons.tab. He only had 150 points left.

[Weapon: Ghost-Forged Dagger (F-Rank)]

Description: A blade made from dark iron. It leaves no reflection in the light and increases attack speed by 10%.

Cost: 120 Shop Points.

"Buy it," Arthur said.

A flash of black light appeared in his right hand. When the light faded, a sleek, pitch-black dagger rested in his palm. It felt perfectly balanced, almost like an extension of his own arm.

Suddenly, a loud commotion echoed from the main courtyard outside his window. Arthur stood up and looked out through the glass. Royal guards were rushing toward the palace gates, their torches lighting up the night sky.

A loud voice boomed from the lower halls. "Alert! The Elven diplomatic carriage was attacked in the lower district! The ambassador's daughter is missing!"

Arthur’s lips curled into a cold smile. General Henry was probably panicking right now, wondering why his cultists hadn't reported back.

A sudden knock slammed against Arthur's door.

"Prince Arthur! Open the door!" a guard shouted from outside. "General Henry demands to check every sector of the palace immediately!"

Arthur hid the Ghost-Forged Dagger inside his sleeve and walked over to the door. He put on a fake expression of confusion and fear, pulling the door open.

General Henry stood right behind the guard, his armor clanking loudly. His face was tense, his eyes scanning Arthur’s room like a hawk.

"What is happening, General?" Arthur asked, making his voice shake slightly. "Why is there so much noise?"

Henry stepped into the room, his eyes locking onto Arthur’s face. He was trying to see if the prince knew anything. "An elven noble was attacked, Your Highness. We are searching the palace for any hidden assassins. Have you seen anyone strange tonight?"

Arthur looked directly into Henry's eyes, his face a perfect mask of innocence.

"No, General," Arthur said smoothly. "I have been in my bed all night. Is Lady Natalia dead?"

Henry’s eyes narrowed slightly. "We do not know yet. But whoever did this will pay."

"I am sure they will," Arthur replied, his voice dropping slightly. "The truth always comes out, General."

Henry stared at Arthur for a long moment. He felt a strange, chilling sensation from the young prince, but Arthur's weak posture made him dismiss it.

"Stay inside your room, Prince Arthur," Henry said coldly. "The palace is dangerous tonight."

"Of course, General. I trust you to protect us," Arthur said, bowing his head.

Henry turned and walked away, his guard following close behind. The moment the door closed, Arthur’s fake fear vanished completely. His eyes became freezing cold.

"He is getting desperate," Arthur thought. "If Natalia is found alive, the Elves will investigate, and Henry's connection to the cult might be exposed too early."

The next morning, Arthur walked to the royal kitchen. He prepared a basket of fresh bread, roasted meat, and clean water. The servants didn't pay any attention to him. To them, he was just a useless prince who liked to take walks alone.

He carried the basket down to the old northern ruins. He pushed the door open softly and stepped inside.

Natalia was already awake. She was sitting on the stone bed, polishing her silver rapier with a piece of cloth. Her face looked much healthier, the color returning to her cheeks.

"You look better," Arthur said, placing the basket on a wooden table.

Natalia looked at the food, her stomach growling softly. She didn't hesitate and took a piece of bread. "The poison is completely gone. My mana is returning. How did you know the cult would use that specific gas?"

"Because I know everything about the people who want to destroy this world," Arthur said, sitting on a wooden stool across from her.

Natalia chewed slowly, her sharp blue eyes studying him. "The palace is in chaos today. My father is furious. He believes the humans of Solaria tried to assassinate me to start a war."

"Exactly," Arthur nodded. "That is what General Henry wants. If your father attacks Solaria, our defenses will be weakened, making it easy for the Obsidian Empire to conquer us from the east."

Natalia froze, dropping her bread. "The Obsidian Empire? They are involved in this?"

"Yes," Arthur said calmly. "Henry is their pawn. If you return to your father right now and tell him the truth, Henry will deny it. He will claim a random bandit group did it, and you will have no proof."

"Then what do you suggest I do?" Natalia asked, her voice tight with anger. "Am I supposed to just hide here like a coward while a traitor runs your kingdom?"

Arthur leaned forward, his eyes locking onto hers with absolute intensity.

"No," Arthur smiled darkly. "We are going to let him think he succeeded. Tonight, the King is hosting a grand banquet for the nobles. Henry will be there, celebrating his position."

Natalia narrowed her eyes. "And what are we going to do at this banquet?"

Arthur stood up, his cloak rustling in the quiet room.

"We are going to walk into that ballroom together," Arthur said, his voice dripping with icy anticipation. "And we are going to show the entire kingdom exactly what kind of monster their favorite general truly is.”