The Useless Prince Is A Gangster
Chapter 64. Representing Pride

Chapter 64: 64. Representing Pride

Lucian’s grey eyes, weak but stubborn, looked up as Leo stood over him, crimson eyes burning with anger and pain. Lucian’s bloody lips managed a faint smile. "Big... brother," he whispered, voice rough, barely there, full of hurt and relief. His eyes closed, body slumping.

Leo dropped to his knees, grabbing Lucian before he fell, his arms shaking under the weight. Blood soaked Lucian’s torn coat, staining Leo’s hands red.

He forced a shaky grin. "You’re too heavy, dumbass." The joke hid his fear, looking at Lucian’s wrecked body—ribs crushed, thigh stabbed, hands torn from his shattered blade.

Lucian coughed, blood on his lips, giving a weak laugh. "Don’t... make me sound lame," he mumbled, too tired to say more.

Leo stood, lifting Lucian with a grunt, nearly stumbling. He turned, and his crimson eyes locked onto Valtharion’s glowing purple ones across the clearing. His stare was pure rage, so fierce it made even Valtharion pause, a tiny flicker of doubt in his stance.

Leo walked forward, holding Lucian, eyes never leaving Valtharion’s. Each step was bold, like he didn’t care about the danger. Valtharion didn’t move, didn’t lift his sword—just watched, like a wolf eyeing new prey.

Leo just passed him and walked towards the students.

Velmira ran from the group, tears running down her face, her staff falling to the ground. "Lucian!" she yelled, voice cracking as she saw his bloody, broken body.

She stood in front, hands shaking, her golden magic glowing as she touched Lucian’s chest. He turned his head, barely, a small smile showing. "Vel... seems you’re okay," he whispered.

Velmira’s hands shook as her magic checked his wounds, her face white. "He’s... almost gone," she choked, voice full of fear. "Broken ribs, cut lungs, so many gashes. His leg’s ruined, hands..." She stopped, crying, magic flickering.

Leo’s jaw tightened, voice low. "Can you save him?"

Velmira swallowed. "It’ll take hours, even with my divine magic. He’s lost too much blood. We need to get him out to a safe place."

Leo looked at the group, voice sharp. "Someone carry him!"

Kareth, stepped up, nodding. Leo handed Lucian over, blood dripping on Kareth’s arms. "Run to the dome’s edge," Leo said to everyone. "The staff’s rift pulse should open soon. Don’t stop."

Rin came closer, pink eyes big with worry. "What about you?" she asked, voice shaking.

Leo gave a wild, dangerous smile, glancing back at Valtharion, who stood like a silent killer. "I’m stopping him here," he said, voice low, full of hate.

He looked at Rin. "You’re the only one who can lead them out. Save my brother, Rin. I trust you."

Rin’s face went pale, fear and worry mixing. Her hands shook, but she nodded, voice small. "Please... come back carefully," she whispered.

Lucian grabbed Leo’s wrist with a shaky, bloody hand. His grey eyes, weak and cloudy, met his brother’s. "Be... careful, brother," he whispered. "He’s... too strong."

Leo’s forced a wild grin, eyes soft but fierce. "You know, little brother, you should’ve said, kick his butt for me."

Lucian coughed, a faint laugh breaking through. "Good... luck," he rasped, barely audible. "Beat his ass... for me." His hand fell, eyes closing, body limp.

Leo’s throat tightened, but he held Lucian’s gaze until Kareth ran off with the group. Their heavy breaths echoed as they disappeared into the trees, running hard. Leo stood still, then turned slow to face Valtharion, his grin gone, face cold and deadly.

He’s strong, Leo thought, every nerve screaming. Too damn strong. Stronger than anyone I’ve fought. His blood ran cold, but his resolve burned hotter.

"Time to talk, big guy?" Leo said, voice low, sharp, sword steady in his hand.

Valtharion’s helm tilted, his deep voice rumbling like a storm. "Vel’zar lunek, thir’dan?"

(Is the heart talk done, child?)

A bright flash hit Leo’s eyes, Elynn’s voice loud.

[Alert! ]

[Demonic language detected!]

[Installing Language Pack!]

"Installing?" Leo growled, eyes squinting. Last time Elynn did this, it hurt bad. A sharp pain stabbed his head, like a knife twisting, his vision blurring, knees wobbling. He grabbed his skull, holding back a yell, blood dripping from his nose.

Valtharion’s purple eyes flashed, voice annoyed. "What the hell you doing, child?"

Leo stood up, forcing a grin though his head pounded. "Just a headache," he spat. "Keep talking, big guy."

The demon stepped back, voice suspicious. "How you speak our words?" He got closer, purple eyes staring hard, like he could see Leo’s soul.

Leo shrugged, grin sharp. "Fancy trick. But who are you, asshole?"

Valtharion walked to Leo’s katana, stuck in the ground, He pulled it out, and turned, voice icy. "You’re the real Ruler’s Prophecy—the one I have to eliminate."

"Ruler’s Prophecy?" Leo snarled. "What’s that crap? And who the hell are you?"

"I’m Seventh Commander of the Demon Kingdom, summouned to eliminate the rulers prophecy," he said. "Those friends running? They won’t get out. This cage is mine."

In the forest, the students ran, hearts racing, breathing hard. Kareth held Lucian tight.

Suddenly, a shadow emerges on the path they’ve crossed, forming Valtharion’s shape—a dark, misty giant with purple eyes, big sword raised. It looks at the running students.

Leo laughed, low and mean, stepping forward, eyes wild. "Let’s focus on us, huh? You and me, right now."

He pulled out speed and strength potions from item space, gulping them fast, tossing the empty bottles away.

[Alert!]

[Speed has been boosted for ten minutes! (57+ 10)]

[Strength has been boosted for ten minutes! (56+ 10)]

Valtharion’s cape whipped, and he threw that katana at Leo, the blade spinning fast. Leo caught it with one hand.

The demon’s voice mocked. "The kid before—he fought good. I don’t feel that level of strength in you."

Leo’s smile was cold, dangerous, as he raised his short sword. "Lucian’s stronger, yeah," he said, voice calm, eyes locked on Valtharion. "But he don’t know how to kill like me." He got low, ready, every muscle tight.

Valtharion raised his greatsword high, runes blazing, his voice a thunderous roar. "I am Valtharion, Seventh Commander of the Demon Army, representing Sin Pride!" His purple eyes burned, armor gleaming, the air trembling with his power.

Leo channeling fire mana, the blade igniting with crimson flames. "I’m Leonhardt Caulem, first son of House Caulem!" he replied. "Let’s see your pride bleed!"

In an instant, they vanished, a blur of shadow and fire. The air cracked as they reappeared, swords clashing in a deafening explosion, flames and shadows bursting outward, the ground splitting under their feet.