Renaissance Palace, the royal guards' duty room.
"Lord Mallos, you mentioned that Prince Thales' Power of Eradication is the Wrath of the Sea?"
As the chief flagbearer cum vice-captain, Vogel no longer harped on the prince's sexual orientation. He switched to the next report and used his peripheral vision to intimidate the flagbearer Wei-ah, who was frantically wiping the stains off to the side.
But as the target of interrogation, Mallos felt that the tension in the room was even more intense than before.
"Yes."
The watchman stood in his own silent and barren world, expressionlessly sensing Vogel's emotions — extreme anger, but calm instead, leaving only turbulent undercurrents.
"When did it awaken?"
"Given that His Highness is fourteen years old, it should be not long ago."
Vogel flipped open the report, his gaze never leaving Mallos.
"Awakening at fourteen years old, almost the earliest record … No exact time?"
"Lord Talon," Mallos looked helpless, "I've only known him for a few months."
Vogel stared at him for a long time, but the watchman was calm and flawless.
"You said in the report that it's a 'variant' of the Wrath of the Sea, what do you mean?"
Mallos pretended to think seriously.
"I mean it literally. That means that at certain times, it will display characteristics different from the Wrath of the Sea that we know. After all, the Power of Eradication varies from person to person. "
Vogel scoffed.
"If it varies from person to person, how can you be sure that's it?"
Mallos smiled, courteously.
"Perhaps you've forgotten, but I'm the watchman of the guards, the watchman of inheritance."
Sure enough, the moment he said this, he saw Vogel's expression stiffen.
"I came into contact with the Eternal File of the guards' inheritance — there are many records about the 'Enemy of the Wolves', including his incredible Power of Eradication.
"If you have any questions, Lord Talon, you are welcome to request permission from His Majesty to enter the watchman's chamber and read top-secret files at any time."
Vogel was silent.
But at that moment, Mallos felt the flames in Vogel's chest leap.
Manic, restless, frustrated.
'He cares.'
Mallos told himself.
It's been more than a year since the watchman selection ended, but this guy still cares.
'Why?
Why does everyone grieve, obsess and go crazy over something unattainable? '
The atmosphere was a little strange. Will could not help but gulp.
A few seconds later, Vogel moved his razor-sharp lips.
"No need."
Mallos responded with a smile.
"The prince's physique is very good, his recovery rate is several times that of an ordinary person," Vogel quickly returned to normal, displaying his good qualities as a flag bearer, "Is that so?"
"I'm not sure about that. I heard that Madam Jines took care of His Highness' daily life six years ago …"
But Vogel would not let him off so easily.
"But I'm asking you."
Mallos was silent for a few seconds before he nodded naturally.
"It should be."
The watchman spoke again, but his voice became even more stern.
"At least in martial arts training, no matter how vicious the beating, he can quickly jump around."
"Although he likes to sleep on the floor and wash his hair every few days, he has never had a serious cold."
Vogel's gaze shifted back and forth between the man and the report in his hand.
"You've never doubted it?"
"It's a good thing that Your Highness has an outstanding physique. Even the Secret Intelligence Department didn't ask about it, so why should I doubt it?"
"What about your own guess?"
Mallos' gaze shifted.
"The Royal Family pays me a salary and grants me responsibilities, not for me to guess."
"But I am." Vogel's gaze sharpened.
"And I'm not asking for your help, Lord Mallos."
The two men in the room stared at each other in a silent confrontation.
Beside them, Wei-ah felt immense pressure, so he meticulously poured more tea for the two officers.
Looking at Vogel's cold gaze, Mallos thought of the countless top-secret Eternal Files displayed in the watchman's secret chamber.
Although in those times, the Six Wings of the Praetorian Guard were not as close and loving as they appeared to be.
But the Flag Bearer Division, when did they start to stand on their own? From flag protectors and messengers, they became monitors and investigators …
How did they become so glaring, annoying, relentless, and overbearing?
Was it the Age of the Virtuous King?
After the Kingdom's Secret Intelligence Department shed its gray coat and became a formal and grandiose state organ?
A few seconds later, Mallos finally took a step back.
"If I had to guess, that physique might be a special effect of the Wrath of the Sea and Stormy Waves. Just like what was recorded in the watchman's files: 'Enemy of the Wolves' can predict and adapt, and avoid death like a miracle …"
But he changed the topic, as if he suddenly realized something.
"Oh, sorry, I shouldn't have told you."
Vogel's breathing paused for a second, an undercurrent surged in his eyes.
In this barren world, Mallos felt the flames in the vice-captain's chest rise by an inch.
Anger, humiliation, patience.
Vogel wasn't just concerned.
Mallos told himself sorrowfully.
He cared too much, too deeply, too much.
So he didn't notice it.
Unlike me, who was locked in and unable to extricate myself.
"But you just said," Vogel breathed expressionlessly, "Prince Thales only recently awakened his Power of Eradication.
"But his physique is at least six years old."
Mallos took a sip of tea.
"You look much clearer than I do."
"Answer the question."
The watchman stared at him for a while.
"I don't know, but I think someone might know."
"Who?"
"Eckstedtians, especially that Star Killer — it was said that he supervised His Highness' outdoor training in Dragon Clouds City."
Vogel paused slightly.
"That's right, the murderer who killed Prince Horace."
Mallos smiled faintly.
"Are you going to summon him for questioning? Like this? "
There was a moment of silence in the night shift room.
Until Vogel leaned forward slowly, as if trying to get a good look at Mallos from the inside out.
"Haven't you thought of another possibility?"
Mallos did not answer immediately.
In this barren world, he sensed that the Vogel in front of him had turned into a huge shadow, igniting everything around him with the cold flames in his chest.
'Strange.
'What else does Vogel want besides this?'
The watchman met Vogel's gaze.
"I don't understand what you mean."
Vogel's expression turned colder.
"His Majesty and Captain Adrian, do they 'not understand' like you? Watchman? "
Mallos' pupils constricted slowly.
"Then why don't you ask them?"
At this moment.
Click.
The two men facing each other turned their heads in unison.
Beside them, Wei-ah looked awkward. He pointed stiffly at the broken pen tip in his hand, his smile terrible.
Realizing the presence of a third party, Mallos and Vogel exchanged a look and retreated.
Wei-ah heaved a sigh of relief.
"It's alright," Vogel's tone softened, but his gaze was like a venomous snake's tongue, licking Mallos' calm face from time to time.
"Let's talk about something else."
Mallos picked up his maté tea and let the bitterness hit his taste buds.
Vogel waved his hand, and Wei-ah placed a new stack of documents on the table.
"Twenty-four royal knights, transferred from the royal guards to stand by under your command, to welcome the return of Prince Thales.
"But from now on, stationed at Mindis Hall, by the side of the Duke of Star Lake."
Vogel sneered.
"So, Lord Mallos, how does it feel to leave Renaissance Palace and establish a new position?"
'Establish a new position.'
Wei-ah, who had just relaxed, had to hold his breath again. He turned his head and focused on monitoring the Sound Replication Spell.
"In the first few months, the work of the guards was still a little rusty," Mallos thought for a while, as if he did not understand what Vogel meant.
"But thank you for your concern, we are gradually getting on track."
Vogel lowered his head and snorted, his meaning unclear.
"In fact, the accident at last night's banquet had a profound impact."
The vice-captain picked up one of the reports. The sharp-eyed Mallos recognized it as the personnel files of the Star Lake Guards.
Each file on the table had so many pages and so many entries that even if the person in question were to write an autobiography, it would not be as exaggerated as this.
An old trick of the Flag Bearer Division.
Damn it, who sketched this? Can't they make my hair look nicer? I'm a watchman, after all.
"This made me realize that your daily work in Mindis Hall has many shortcomings."
The vice-captain was unhurried.
"Out of the twenty-four people, you chose three from the Command Division, eight from the Vanguard Division, six from the Guard Division, three from the Punishment Division, three from the Logistics Division, and the Flag Bearer Division …
"Only one person."
Vogel paused. There was a profound look in his eyes.
"You don't like our division very much, do you?"
'Don't like it?
Old friend, your choice of words is too elegant. '
"I chose Flag Bearer Hugo Fuble because he is experienced and capable." Mallos looked at Vogel, then at Wei-ah, who was standing beside him.
"I think that in Mindis Hall, he alone is enough to replace two."
Vogel snorted coldly.
"Not just him."
He picked up a file.
"And Danny Doyle, he almost lost his life last night, and even implicated others."
Will sensed something was amiss. He seemed to be involved in the political struggle between the watchman and vice-captain — the people around the future king.
Mallos smiled and decided to go on the defensive.
"I thought we discussed Doyle earlier, and His Highness has already punished …"
But Vogel's voice drowned him out.
"You think you're protecting them."
Vogel pushed the file towards Mallos. On the file, Doyle's handsome, sketched face smiled at him.
"But as you can see, Danny Doyle has a bad reputation in the capital. He indulges in beauties, indulges in rouge, and there are even rumors accusing him of being a womanizer and abandoning women."
Mallos' expression remained the same. In this barren world, Vogel's flames were burning brightly.
Radical, incisive, determined to win.
The watchman shook his head.
"Doyle is of noble birth, handsome, it's not his fault that he's popular with the opposite sex."
Vogel sneered.
"So last night's loss of composure was no accident, but the inevitable result of his usual indiscretions in life, not to mention the mess his father created."
"You expect someone like this to protect the kingdom's bloodline?"
Mallos stared at him without retorting.
This concerned the rights and wrongs of the guards. Will, who was taking notes, dared not even breathe loudly.
There was a long silence in the night shift room.
Vogel pulled out another file. His voice was even colder.
"Caleb Glover.
"To be honest, I was pleasantly surprised when I saw this name."
Mallos did not speak.
"Let's hear what Staley's report has to say," Vogel sneered and read.
"Vanguard Glover is socially inept, eccentric and extreme, with hidden violent tendencies. They call him — Zombie."
Vogel put down the report and looked at Mallos.
Mallos did not argue. He merely raised his teacup and stated calmly.
"The strong always have their own personalities …"
Vogel interrupted him like a selfless flag-bearer.
"Vanguard Glover has attacked his own people during missions, more than once!
"In the most serious case, this son of a b * tch severely injured six of his Vanguard Division colleagues in Blade City, causing three to retire and one to be permanently disabled.
"This is your so-called personality?"
Mallos furrowed his brows.
Hearing these secrets, Will's expression changed several times. He could not help but recall if he had offended that Zombie.
"Although the news was suppressed, this is a stain that can't be erased even with his noble birth. Neither the power of the Glover family nor his grandfather's legacy can save him."
Vogel sneered.
"Until you took the warrant, took him away from the detention well, and brought him directly to Western Desert.
"And then a few months later, he suddenly became the personal guard of the Duke of Star Lake?"
Mallos was as indifferent as ever.
In his barren world, the Vogel before him emitted a dark shadow, ignited a flame, and filled the entire room.
Vogel. He did want something.
From just now until now, everything was just a means.
"Logistics Division, Leo Procca."
Vogel flipped through another person's file, his voice becoming calm, "In the early years of the Vanguard Division, he was quite famous, rumored to be comparable to Staley."
The Chief Flag-Bearer's tone changed to one of contempt.
"But ever since he was injured in the Desert War, his health has deteriorated. He lost his drive, and all he can do is bow and scrape — I heard he lost to Prince Thales in training?"
Mallos took a sip of maté tea. The bitterness made him feel alive.
"I'm more inclined to call him a 'smooth person'."
Vogel snorted disdainfully.
"When the blade is blunt, it can still shine again.
"When the willpower is lost, it's incurable."
Mallos watched as Vogel tossed Procca's file aside and picked up the next one.
"Defense Division, Gianluca Kommodore."
"This is an opportunist. I heard he didn't even complete knight training, and used a lot of tricks to climb his way up from the position of police officer."
Vogel scoffed and looked at Mallos.
"Climbed to Prince Thales' side."
Mallos raised his eyebrows, as if he did not understand Vogel's sarcasm.
Beside him, Wei-ah hurriedly turned to look at the Sound Replication Spell to avoid the increasingly unpleasant topic.
At the same time, he cursed himself regretfully, 'Why did I sell my soul for two gold coins and switch shifts with that old fox Gaitan?'
"Why aren't you speaking?" Vogel said coldly, "Aren't you quite good at retorting?"
"Listen to your advice, Lord Talon," Mallos looked up, "and reflect on yourself."
Vogel snorted angrily.
"Mike Jonveled, originally from the Discipline Division, transferred to the Vanguard Division from the Star Lake Guards by you," the vice-captain flashed the next file, "Received knight education from the Northern Territory, no wonder he's a left-handed swordsman. Looks like the Northlanders didn't correct him when he was young …
"But why did I hear that he had an affair with his young stepmother?"
Mallos sighed silently.
He really did not know about this.
He had indeed underestimated the Flag-Bearer Division.
Vogel flipped to the next page and spoke faster.
"And Nate Ness."
"A brilliant disciple of the Tower of Eradication, a student of the Flash Faction, a genius who was admitted as an exception, a supreme class sooner or later."
The Chief Flag-Bearer looked up maliciously.
"But he has a nickname, and both of them are linked together."
"One-On-One Heavenly King …"
Vogel paused, then maliciously spat out Ness' second nickname.
"Sinkhole Team Battle?"
Mallos frowned.
"About that …"
But Vogel seemed to have found a rhythm to attack, and he showed no mercy.
"Ness is arrogant and selfish, has no sense of teamwork, and will step on the heels of those in front of him even when walking in line.
"These are the original words written by Marico in the training report: 'Although this child is talented, he is not naturally suited to teamwork and cannot work as a partner. Whether it's the battle formation of the Age of the Empire or the contemporary Astral Formation, if there's even one additional comrade within two meters, the swordsmanship he prides himself on will be greatly discounted, and he may even attack blindly without distinguishing between friend and foe, dragging the battle down and making things worse. '"
Mallos sighed in his heart.
Vogel put down the file and sneered.
"I didn't expect there to be someone in this world who 'one plus one is less than two'.
"Reminds me of your predecessor, Lord Mallos."
The watchman's gaze sharpened.
He glanced sideways at Mallos.
"One is when the enemy is against him, the fewer people, the better. The other is when the enemy is against us, the fewer people, the better. "
Vogel shook his head sarcastically.
"Sure enough, geniuses have something in common."
'That's right.
And you, Vogel Mystical Xixi Talon, you have something in common with your predecessor as well. '
Mallos reminded himself not to retaliate with sarcasm — perhaps after living with a certain Jadestar boy who was unforgiving with his words, his desires in this area had grown stronger. That was not a good sign.
In the world of dead silence, Vogel's shadow grew larger and larger, his body covered in flames.
Confidence, greed, ruthlessness.
And emptiness.
Next, Vogel flipped open the files one by one like a dealer, while Wei-ah carefully took the files he had read.
"Penal Officer, 'Gardener' Gray Patterson. To be honest, Facundo should be very grateful to you. He's been trying to get rid of this untouchable deputy of his for a long time."
"Logistics Officer Stone? You're really good at picking people. I heard he'll be retiring in another year? "
"Defense Division, 'Iron Tower' Bastia. A man who can't even outrun a rapid march …"
"Defense Division, Highman Franzuke. A man who's afraid of water and heights?"
"Defense Division, Dummy Ferri. Rumor has it that he has mania."
Mallos remained silent.
Vogel continued to scoff.
"Vanguard Division, Ghost Face Vladivostok. So unpopular that he can only sit at a table by himself during lunch."
"Vanguard Division, 'Shit' Supa Langlais. Oh, that's quite a nickname."
"And 'Bronze' José Custa. A foreigner, and a Son of Thorns."
"Leo Morgan. A guy you promoted from the Jadestar Private Army on your own initiative. Before the formation of the guards was finalized, he followed you to the Western Desert to welcome the prince …"
At the mention of this name, Vogel's expression changed.
"But the most important thing is …"
He lifted the file. The sketch was of a sinister man with a face full of scars and enough to make children cry at night.
"Morgan. A veteran who murdered his superior on the battlefield?"
Vogel slammed the table angrily.
"Are you f * cking kidding me?"
Mallos stared at Leo Morgan, who looked like a murderer on the file. His expression was calm and his thoughts were indecipherable.
"These are the 'elite guards' you've selected? For the sake of Constellation's heir, the nation's treasure, you've chosen such a batch … "
The vice-captain gritted his teeth.
"Defective?"
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