My Cheat Skill Lets Me Copy Powers....But only if i kill-Chapter 24: A Noble Request

Chapter 23 – A noble Request

The guild hall was as lively as ever when Renji stepped inside, flanked by Kiera, Elara, and Lena. The usual clamor of adventurers, clinking mugs, and rustling parchment filled the air. Bounty boards overflowed with quest slips, most offering mundane rewards for pest control, lost items, or minor escort missions.

Renji scanned the board, his eyes sharp.

"Nothing new," Kiera muttered, crossing her arms.

"Look at this one," Lena pointed at a faded slip, grinning. "Lost kitten in the market district."

Renji sighed. "Not exactly worth the effort."

Elara giggled. "Could be fun."

But then, something caught Renji's attention — a sealed parchment with a golden emblem stamped at the top.

He pulled it free and unfolded it.

Special Request: Escort Mission from House Valenhardt

Client: Princess Seraphina Valenhardt of Lysoria

Details: Safe transport from Valkris to Lysoria's capital. Reward substantial.

Immediate departure upon acceptance.

Kiera read over his shoulder. "Princess escort? Fancy."

Elara raised a brow. "Sounds important."

Renji folded the parchment, turning to the group. "What do you think?"

Lena smiled. "Could be an easy journey."

Kiera smirked. "Or a royal headache."

Renji nodded. "We'll take it."

The eastern gates of Valkris bustled with traffic — merchants, guards, and adventurers coming and going. But amid the noise and movement, one wagon stood out.

A sleek, white carriage with silver trim and the emblem of a soaring phoenix wreathed in flame was parked beside the road, guarded by two armored knights in polished gear.

Renji approached, flanked by Kiera, Elara, and Lena. His silver eyes scanned the carriage — it wasn't gaudy, but every detail screamed wealth and status.

One of the knights stepped forward. "State your business."

Renji held up the sealed quest parchment. "We're here for the escort request. Princess Seraphina."

The knight inspected the seal, then nodded. "Wait here."

Moments later, the carriage door opened, and a young woman stepped down, lifting her dress slightly to avoid the dust.

She was striking — silver hair flowing down her back, eyes a vibrant emerald green, and her movements graceful, practiced. She wore a tailored travel outfit, noble in design but built for function.

Her gaze fell on Renji — calm, measured — before flicking to the others.

"So, these are my escorts?" she asked, her tone light, amused.

Renji gave a nod. "I'm Renji. These are Kiera, Elara, and Lena."

Seraphina curtsied slightly, a playful smile on her lips. "Seraphina Valenhardt of Lysoria. But you may call me Sera. Titles are tiresome."

Elara blinked. "You're... really a princess?"

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Seraphina grinned. "Last I checked."

Lena fumbled a bow. "It's an honor..."

Kiera rolled her eyes. "Let's not get too formal."

Seraphina studied Renji. "You don't look like the typical mercenary. Most nobles hire puffed-up men with shiny armor. You're... different."

Renji's expression didn't change. "I'm not here to impress."

Seraphina's smile widened. "Good. I prefer competence over flair."

She turned toward the carriage. "Shall we?"

They helped her into the wagon. Kiera climbed onto the driver's seat, while Elara and Lena took their places at the flanks. Renji stepped inside, seating himself across from the princess.

As the carriage rolled forward, Seraphina glanced at him.

"So, Renji. You don't talk much, do you?"

He shrugged. "Only when needed."

She chuckled. "How refreshing."

She leaned back in her seat, watching the scenery roll by through the window. "Most men I've met love to boast. Especially the ones who call themselves 'Chosen.'"

Renji's brow lifted slightly. "Chosen?"

She smirked. "Ah, I see that caught your attention."

He didn't reply — just stared, silently inviting her to continue.

Seraphina obliged. "You haven't heard the stories? Supposedly blessed by the gods — they awaken with immense power, unique skills, and dramatic flair." She waved her hand lazily. "I've met two. Both impressive, both absolutely insufferable."

Renji's interest sharpened. "Where?"

"My home, Lysoria. They're currently training in the royal capital. One's a hothead with fire magic — nearly burned down the stables during 'practice.' The other? A smug swordswoman who thinks she's already a hero of legend."

Renji leaned back, thoughtful. "You don't like them."

Seraphina laughed. "They're useful. But they know they're special, and they want everyone else to know it too."

She eyed him curiously. "You're not like them. I can tell."

Renji's voice was quiet. "I'm just doing what needs to be done."

Seraphina smiled faintly. "That might make you more dangerous than them."

Renji turned his gaze to the road. Chosen Ones — powerful figures, already in play.

He'd need to remember that.

The capital city of Lysoria stretched beneath the golden afternoon sun — white stone walls, arched bridges, and towering spires casting long shadows over cobbled streets. At the heart of it all stood the Royal Palace, an architectural marvel of marble and gold, flanked by lush gardens and guarded gates.

Within the palace grounds, the Royal Training Arena buzzed with energy.

The training yard was vast — a polished stone floor encircled by columns, banners of the royal house fluttering in the breeze. Servants, nobles, and officers stood at the edges, watching.

In the center, two warriors clashed.

A tall, broad-shouldered man with flaming red hair swung a massive greatsword wreathed in fire, each swing accompanied by crackling heat.

Across from him, a lithe woman with silver-blue hair wielded twin daggers, her movements fluid as water, weaving between strikes with unnatural speed.

"You're slow, Aedric!" she taunted, darting past him.

Aedric grunted, flames flaring from his sword. "I don't need speed to crush you, Lyra!"

Their weapons clashed with a burst of fire and sparks, the heat washing over the onlookers.

High above, Seraphina watched from a marble balcony, a goblet of wine in hand, a subtle smile playing on her lips.

"They're improving," said a nobleman beside her.

She nodded slightly. "They're powerful. But they fight like rivals, not comrades."

The noble chuckled. "Aedric's pride won't let him lose, and Lyra enjoys pushing his buttons."

Seraphina's gaze remained fixed on the arena. "Pride and recklessness. Power without control."

Below, Aedric slammed his blade into the ground, sending a shockwave of fire outward. Lyra flipped backward, landing lightly on her feet, daggers spinning.

"I could've killed you ten times by now!" she called, smirking.

"Then stop running and try!" Aedric roared.

The crowd murmured with excitement, impressed by the spectacle.

Seraphina took a slow sip of wine. "Let's see how long they last when the real danger comes.

Present

The forest path narrowed as thick trees closed in on both sides. The wagon wheels creaked over uneven ground, and birdsong was replaced by silence — the kind that carried weight.

Renji's eyes narrowed.

"Something's off," he muttered.

Kiera, riding ahead, raised a hand. "Hold."

The wagon came to a stop.

Then, from the shadows, five figures emerged, stepping into the road. Bandits — scruffy, armed with mismatched weapons, faces smeared with dirt and arrogance.

One, a burly man with a chipped axe, stepped forward.

"Well, well," he sneered. "What do we have here? A rich lass in a shiny wagon... and a few low-rank guards."

Elara's eyes widened. "Bandits..."

Lena reached for her dagger, tense.

Renji stepped out of the wagon, positioning himself between them and the wagon. His hand rested calmly on his weapon's hilt.

"You're in our way," he said.

The axe-wielder grinned. "We want everything you've got — coin, weapons, and the girl."

His eyes flicked toward Seraphina.

She raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Bold."

Renji's voice turned cold. "Move. Or die."

The bandits laughed.

"Oh? Look at this one, thinking he's scary." Another jeered. "You hear that, boys? He's threatening us!"

Kiera remained behind the wagon, hand on her blade, eyes scanning the trees. "There could be more," she muttered.

Renji's gaze didn't waver.

"You had your chance."

Phantom Step.

He vanished.

The lead bandit barely had time to blink before Renji appeared behind him, sword drawn with Quickdraw, slicing clean through his side. Blood sprayed. The man collapsed with a gargled scream.

"W-What the hell?!"

"Kill him!" one shouted, lunging forward.

Renji activated Predator's Instinct — time slowed in his mind, their sloppy attacks obvious. He sidestepped a strike, blade flashing with Dual Strike, cutting through two bandits in rapid succession.

One fell, clutching his chest. The other stumbled, stunned.

A third bandit swung wildly.

Renji caught the blade with his own, twisting it aside and driving his fist into the man's throat. He crumpled, gasping.

Only two remained.

They backed away, eyes wide.

"Monster—he's not human!"

Renji stepped forward, sword gleaming with blood. "Run."

One turned — but too slow.

Quickdraw — a clean slash across his back.

The final bandit dropped his weapon. "P-Please...!"

Renji's silver eyes glinted. "You chose this."

Steel met flesh.

Silence returned.

As the final bandit fell, silence reclaimed the forest. Renji stood motionless, blood dripping from his blade, his breath steady.

Then, the system chimed in his mind.

[System Notification]

[5 Souls Collected.]

[Total Souls Stored: 2/10]

[Convert to Mana?]

[Or Store Souls Toward Unique Skill?]

Renji's eyes narrowed slightly. Three more... and he'd unlock whatever this "unique skill" truly was.

"Store them," he thought, calm but firm.

Faint glimmers rose from the corpses — drifting wisps of energy drawn to him. They vanished into his body, warmth pulsing at his core.

He sheathed his blade.

"Almost there."

Kiera stepped out from behind the wagon, sword still drawn.

"Anyone else?" she called into the trees.

No answer.

She approached Renji, nodding. "Clean work."

Elara and Lena peeked out, clutching the princess protectively.

Seraphina stood, brushing dust from her sleeve. "Well. That was... efficient."

Renji glanced at her. "Let's move."

He stepped back into the wagon.

The road to Lysoria awaited.

After days of travel, the city of Lysoria unfolded before them — a gleaming jewel nestled between emerald hills. White stone walls rose high, adorned with gold-trimmed banners depicting a soaring phoenix — the crest of House Valenhardt.

Wide cobbled streets bustled with life: merchants shouting over stalls, guards in polished armor patrolling in formation, noblewomen in flowing gowns chatting on balconies.

Lena leaned out from the wagon, eyes wide. "This place is... huge!"

Elara nodded in awe. "And clean. The streets sparkle."

Kiera smirked from the driver's seat. "Try not to get lost in the palace."

Renji remained silent beside Seraphina, his gaze scanning everything with calm intensity.

The palace gates loomed ahead — towering archways of marble, flanked by guards in silver and crimson. As the wagon approached, halberds crossed, barring the way.

"Halt. State your—"

Seraphina opened the door, stepping out with practiced grace.

"Lower your weapons. I am Seraphina Valenhardt — and I have returned."

The guards immediately straightened, saluting.

"Apologies, Princess. Welcome home."

As the gates opened, Seraphina turned to the group, smiling.

"You've done well. And now, as thanks for enduring the journey..." Her eyes sparkled with amusement. "You are cordially invited to dinner at the palace tonight. It's the least I can offer."

Lena gasped. "Dinner? In the palace?"

Elara grinned. "Do we get to wear gowns?"

Kiera chuckled. "As long as the food's good, I'm in."

Renji met Seraphina's gaze, his voice low. "We'll turn in the quest first."

"Of course," she said, stepping closer. "But don't make me wait too long. I'd hate to have a feast without my favorite escorts."

She turned, her silver hair catching the sunlight as she walked through the gates.

Renji watched her go, silent — thoughts turning not to feasts, but to how little time he could afford to waste.