My Cheat Skill Lets Me Copy Powers....But only if i kill-Chapter 25: All Eyes on Me

Chapter 24 - All eyes on me

The moment Renji pushed open the heavy wooden doors of the Valkris Adventurer's Guild, a wave of noise hit him — clinking mugs, laughter, and the ever-present shuffle of boots on stone.

Inside, adventurers crowded tables, celebrating completed quests or arguing over contracts. The scent of ale and roasted meat wafted from the canteen, blending with the earthy tang of leather and sweat.

Renji made his way to the front counter, Kiera, Elara, and Lena close behind.

At the desk, Marla, a seasoned receptionist with glasses perched on her nose, looked up from her ledger. Her eyes widened as she recognized Renji.

"Hi How can I help?" she asked, blinking.

Renji reached into his pouch, pulling out the sealed parchment marked with the Valenhardt noble crest.

"Escort mission. Princess Seraphina. Completed."

Marla's eyes widened again, this time in shock. She quickly took the parchment, inspecting the golden seal.

"Seraphina... as in the Princess Seraphina Valenhardt?" She glanced up at him, awe and disbelief mixing in her expression.

Kiera chuckled behind him. "He's not joking."

Lena leaned in, whispering, "I still can't believe we escorted royalty..."

Marla snapped to attention, rummaging through a drawer, then placed a heavy pouch of silver coins on the counter with a satisfying clink. "Reward for a successful noble escort. Official mark included."

Elara whistled. "That's heavier than usual."

A few adventurers nearby turned, catching wind of the noble mission. Murmurs rippled through the hall.

"Did I hear that right? He escorted the princess?"

"No way. That guy?"

"Look at the coin he just got..."

Marla smiled, offering a slight bow. "Well done. Not many adventurers handle noble requests — especially that smoothly."

Renji nodded, pocketing the coin. "Thanks."

As he turned to leave, whispers followed him. Eyes watched. Some curious. Some envious.

Renji didn't care.

"Let's go," he said.

Kiera stretched. "Next stop — dinner with royalty."

The towering gates of the Valenhardt Palace loomed ahead, crafted from white stone and inlaid with silver. Banners bearing the royal phoenix crest flapped in the breeze, and royal guards in polished crimson armor stood at perfect attention, halberds crossed before the entryway.

As Renji and the others approached, the guards snapped to motion.

"Halt! State your—"

Before they could finish, the palace doors opened wide, and Seraphina stepped forward, her silver hair catching the late afternoon light, dressed in a regal yet practical gown trimmed with gold.

Her smile was warm. "Lower your weapons. These are my guests."

The guards immediately bowed and parted.

Kiera muttered, "I could get used to this kind of reception."

Elara's eyes sparkled as she looked up at the intricate mosaics on the palace walls. "It's like something out of a fairy tale."

Lena clutched her hands together. "So... pretty..."

As they passed through the gates, a line of maids stood waiting, dressed in matching navy uniforms with silver trim, heads bowed respectfully.

Seraphina gestured toward them. "They insisted on greeting the ones who kept me safe."

One of the older maids stepped forward. "It's an honor, my lady."

The younger maids stole glances at Renji — not of hostility, but of barely-concealed curiosity... and desire.

Renji stayed silent, walking calmly beside Seraphina.

"I trust your journey wasn't too taxing?" she asked, her voice smooth.

"No," Renji replied. "Everything went as planned."

She tilted her head, walking closer. "Good. I would have hated to be rescued by someone unreliable."

Kiera rolled her eyes behind them. "She's laying it on thick."

Elara giggled. "Think she's into him?"

They entered the grand foyer, the floor gleaming marble, high windows casting golden light across lavish tapestries and a massive chandelier above. The air was perfumed, delicate and warm.

Seraphina turned to them, her tone playful. "Now, shall we eat?"

Renji gave a faint nod.

The maids moved quickly, leading them deeper into the palace.

Seraphina's eyes lingered on Renji's face a moment longer before she followed.

The Valenhardt dining hall was a masterpiece of elegance — a vast room with vaulted ceilings, crystal chandeliers glowing above a polished mahogany table long enough to seat thirty. Paintings of royal ancestors stared down from the walls, and the scent of herbs and roasted meats filled the air.

Renji entered with Kiera, Elara, and Lena beside him, their footsteps muffled by the velvet carpet underfoot. The maids — now in more formal uniforms — lined the walls, heads bowed, eyes lifting as Renji passed.

He could feel their gazes.

Seraphina led them to the head of the table, gesturing for them to sit.

"Please, be comfortable. You're honored guests."

Renji took a seat beside her — close enough to feel her presence, her subtle perfume a gentle distraction. He didn't react, but his posture stiffened slightly.

Kiera sat opposite him, narrowing her eyes.

Elara and Lena exchanged glances, tension flickering in their expressions.

As they settled, the head maid clapped, and the others sprang into action, carrying in covered silver platters.

One maid approached Renji with a plate, lowering it slowly, her fingers brushing against his hand as she placed it before him. Her touch lingered, warm and deliberate.

Renji didn't flinch, but his gaze flicked to the side — noting the soft giggle she stifled before retreating.

Another maid poured his wine, leaning too close.

Whispers followed.

"He's even more handsome up close..."

"Do you think he's single?"

"I'd repay him for saving her in ways she'd never forget..."

Renji closed his eyes briefly, exhaling through his nose.

Too much.

Seraphina watched him with amusement. "Something wrong?"

He shook his head. "No."

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"You're quiet, Renji," she said, swirling her wine. "I've hosted many warriors at this table. None as stoic as you."

"I prefer to observe."

She leaned in slightly. "And what do you observe now?"

He met her eyes. "A table full of strangers."

She laughed softly. "Honest. I like that."

Kiera's fork clinked against her plate. "So, what exactly is this dinner for again?"

Seraphina smiled. "To thank you for protecting me, of course. And perhaps... to get to know my mysterious escort a little better."

Elara kicked Renji under the table, whispering, "Say something."

Renji sighed and focused on his food.

But the maid stares didn't stop — they watched every move he made, hungry, whispering among themselves.

Renji kept his focus on the meal, pretending not to notice.

But it was impossible to ignore.

The Valenhardt training grounds were no ordinary arena. Carved from white marble, the spacious courtyard featured weapon racks, target dummies, and observation balconies overlooking the battleground. Nobles, soldiers, and servants lined the edges, whispers buzzing like bees.

Renji stepped onto the stone floor, flanked by Aedric and Lyra, the two Chosen Ones.

Aedric cracked his knuckles, his massive flame-inscribed greatsword resting against his shoulder. "So you're the guy who escorted Sera. You don't look like much."

Renji's silver eyes stayed calm. "I've heard that before."

Lyra smirked, twirling her twin daggers. "Don't underestimate us, pretty boy."

From the balcony, Seraphina watched intently, surrounded by nobles and her ever-present maids, who whispered eagerly.

"Are they really going to fight him?"

"I heard he cut down five bandits alone."

"He's so calm... it's terrifying."

Seraphina sipped her wine, eyes never leaving Renji. "Let's see what makes him different."

A palace guard stepped forward. "Mock battle. No killing blows. Begin!"

The Battle Begins

Aedric charged first, flames igniting along his blade. "Let's see you dodge this!"

His swing came fast — brute force wrapped in fire.

Renji sidestepped with minimal effort, activating Phantom Step, flickering behind Aedric before stepping aside again, calmly watching.

Lyra dashed in from the opposite side, daggers slashing in a blur.

Renji blocked with his blade, Dual Strike activating — two quick counter-blows forced her back, her eyes wide.

"He's not even trying!" she shouted, frustrated.

Aedric roared, swinging again, flames exploding outward.

Renji narrowed his eyes, Predator's Instinct kicking in — every movement slowed in his perception. He slipped past Aedric's guard and struck his sword aside, sending him stumbling.

Gasps echoed from the crowd.

"Is he toying with them?"

"He hasn't used magic at all."

Seraphina leaned forward, breath caught.

Lyra lunged again, but Renji caught her wrist, disarming her with a precise flick, Quickdraw flashing. Aedric swung behind him — Renji ducked, then swept his leg, knocking the big man to the ground.

Both Chosen Ones lay stunned.

Renji stood over them, calm, unscathed.

"Done?" he asked.

Aedric groaned. Lyra cursed under her breath.

Applause erupted.

Seraphina rose, eyes gleaming. She descended from the balcony, approaching Renji.

"You're full of surprises."

Before he could speak, she grabbed his arm, pulling him down, and kissed his cheek.

Silence.

Mouths hung open. The crowd froze.

Renji blinked, stunned.

Before he could respond, Kiera, Elara, and Lena stormed over, grabbing him.

"We're leaving," Kiera snapped.

"Princess, sorry!" Lena added.

They dragged Renji away, his mind spinning.

Behind them, Seraphina smiled.

The door to their inn room slammed shut with a loud thud, rattling the old wooden walls. The modest space, filled with the faint scent of herbs and candle wax, was a stark contrast to the opulence of the palace — the worn wooden floor, small hearth, and simple beds giving it a warm but humble feel.

Kiera paced across the room, her arms folded tight across her chest, eyes narrowed in irritation. Elara collapsed onto one of the beds with a loud sigh, kicking off her boots, while Lena sat at the edge of another bed, hands gripping her knees.

"Can you believe her?" Kiera snapped, stopping mid-step. "Grabbing him like that... in front of everyone."

Elara rolled onto her back, groaning. "And all those maids... they couldn't take their eyes off him."

Lena's voice was small, pouty. "It's not fair. We were with him from the start... now suddenly they're all over him."

Kiera ran a hand through her hair. "And he just stood there. Didn't even flinch when she kissed him."

Elara sat up, arms crossed. "That's what bugs me. He doesn't even realize. He's just... so calm. Like none of it affects him."

Lena muttered, "Or he doesn't care..."

Silence fell over them for a moment, the crackling of the small fire filling the room.

Then Kiera shook her head, her tone softer. "No... it's not that. He just doesn't know how to handle this kind of attention. I've known him longer than both of you. He's always been... distant."

Elara sighed. "Well, it's getting harder to stay distant when royalty's pulling you in."

Lena kicked at the floor lightly. "I just... I don't want to lose him to someone else."

Kiera stopped pacing, glancing at the door. "We need to stay close. Keep his head clear."

Elara nodded. "Before it's too late."

The royal court

The Royal Throne Room of Lysoria stood silent, save for the soft crackle of torches along the gilded walls. King Alden sat atop his throne, flanked by guards, his expression sharp with purpose.

The great doors opened.

A hooded figure strode in, her steps even, composed. Power radiated from her — an aura sharp as steel, coiling beneath her calm demeanor.

She knelt before the throne, her voice steady. "You summoned me, Your Majesty."

King Alden studied her. "You are newly summoned — a Chosen One brought forth by the system, marked by power and potential."

She inclined her head. "So I've been told."

He waved a hand, and a scroll was brought forward. "There is a matter requiring your... unique talents. A man, powerful, growing stronger with every day, possibly outside our control. He escorted Seraphina, defeated two Chosen Ones, and draws eyes we cannot afford."

The hooded girl remained silent.

"His name," the King said slowly, "is Renji Hurozawa."

A pause.

Then a small, cold smile.

She pulled back her hood — silver hair cascading down, eyes matching Renji's perfectly.

"My name is Reina Hurozawa. Renji is my brother."

Shock rippled through the room. The nobles whispered furiously. The King's gaze hardened.

"You will find him. Learn the truth. And if needed..."

Reina's eyes glinted. "Eliminate him?"

Silence.

She turned, cloak trailing behind her, voice soft.

"We'll see if blood matters... or power."