The Blood King

" Why is it called the everything guild?" Levi asked.

" That's what it's called because array masters, apothecaries and inscription masters amoung other things, are registered and tested there. " Old gray explained.

" Why didn't you mention this 'Everything Guild' when you were explaining the state of the city? Wouldn't this guild have an important role in this city's situation?" Levi asked.

" I didn't mention the everything guild because, reguardless of what happens in the imperial city, good or bad, they don't lift a finger."

" Unless something happens to the guild itself, they will do nothing. So they are more like a ghost power." Old gray explained.

"..." After listening to old gray explination, Levi stayed silent.

After walking for a while, they arrived in front of a large white building.

It had 4 small towers and one large main tower.

A lot of people walked in and out, some were martial artists, while others looked like scholars.

Old gray and Levi walked in.

The inside was very spacious.

" What are you here for today, sir?" They walked up to a free attendant.

" This boy here wants to take the inscription test." Old gray spoke up.

" Then you will need to go to tower c, room 7. That way." The attendant directed.

Old gray and Levi walked to where the attendant pointed, and ended up in front of a wooden door.

Knock knock!

" Come in." A husky voice responded.

Creak!

" There are 3 metal plates on this table here, use them and construct 3 basic inscriptions."

" How well your inscriptions are made will determine your rank, high, middle or low, from the beginner grade." The man explained without delay.

After a few minutes he spoke.

" I'm done. I only know one inscription." He said plainly.

" Then, regardless of how good that one inscription was constructed, your rank will be 'low'."

" Take this badge, It will monitor your progress."

" When you become more proficient, the rank on it will change automatically."

" It can be used to monitor multiple fields, array master and apothecary for example."

" Place a drop of your blood on it to have it registered exclusively to you." The man explained.

Levi silently picked up the bronze badge and dropped his blood on it.

He wasn't worried that this everything guild would try anything.

Since they didn't seem interested in the cloud continent, why would they be interested in him, a weak nobody?

After getting the badge, the man explained a few more things before Levi and old gray left.

...

In a well lit room, a boy who looked to be around 18 or 19 sat at a large white stone table.

This table had 13 chairs including the one he sat on.

" Have any of them responded to my proposal yet?" The boy asked.

" Out of the 7 we sent the letters to, only 3 have responded thus far, they find your highness' proposal favorable." An old butler bowed behind the boy.

" Oh? Already? I thought that they would try to wring more benefits out." The boy said as he sipped his wine.

" Oh, i have heard that my little brother has gone to see my royal father everyday for these past few days?" The boy suddenly remembered.

" Yes, your highness. The third prince has visited his majesty several times in the past few days, but forgive this old servant, as i am unable to find out why." The old butler said.

' Hou....Unable to find out. He probably doesn't want anyone to find out why third brother went to see him.'

' What is going on?'

' Is father going to support third brother? Well it doesn't matter, after i get the nobles on my side, next i have to win over the army.' The first prince thought.

" Keep an eye on that situation, if you find out anything, report it to me." Yhe first prince said.

" I understand. This old servant will take his leave." The old butler said as he turned around and left.

' Though, i doubt you will find out anything.' The first prince thought as he sipped his wine.

...

" Father keeps refusing to let me marry her, but i will not give up."

" Even though i'm not interested in the throne, and even though my martial arts talent is almost non-existent, for her, and my child in her belly, i have to take the throne!" The third prince sat in a dark room, he clenched his fists tightly.

" Your highness, the first princess has come." After a knock on the door, a butler reported respectfully.

" Anastasia? Why is she here?" The third prince mumbled.

" Do i need a reason to visit my cute little brother?" A gentle voice was heard as the door opened.

" Eh, ah, th-that's not what i meant!" Hearing the voice, the third prince clumsily got up from his chair, as the serious mood vanished.

" So little brother, i came to tell you something." Anastasia said with her smiling face.

" Wh-What is it?" The third prince stuttered.

" Oh my, are you that afraid of me? Am i scary?" Anastasia asked.

" N-No, that's not it....." The third prince looked away.

He had always been unable to deal with this older sister of his.

" Well ok, let me get to the point. Do not fight for the throne." Anastasia said.

" Wha....What?" The third prince asked, shocked.

" What are you talking about?!" He shouted.

" Our two brothers are both strong and merciless, though i wonder how they turned out that way since i raised them."

" If you get caught up between them, you will get hurt." Anastasia said, still smiling.

" Even so....Even so! I have a reason now! No matter what, i must take the throne for myself!" The third prince said as he clenched his fists.

" Is that so." Anastasia opened her eyes as the smile dissapeared from her face.

" Is it because of that girl?" Dhe asked as she looked at her brother.

" Ho-How did you know about her..." The third prince asked in disbelief.

" I will be going back to the sect in a month or so, during my time here, i will help you as much as i can." Anastasia took one last look at her brother before leaving.

Thump!

" What was with that look....she felt like a completely different person after opening her eyes...an air of oppression on par with or even higher than father's...." The third prince fell on his backside after Anastasia left.