Chapter 18 Real Genius

"He's a genius! A genius prince!"

"At the age of eight, he's already making economic decisions for the country."

"My prince, you've received mountains of marriage proposals once again."

"Lionel will be the crowned prince, not his older brother."

In the faraway Kingdom of Solaris, a land of power and prestige, the moon hung like a pearl in the midnight sky. 

At the heart of this scene was Prince Lionel, a young heir to the throne, whose life was all but normal.

Lionel, now at the age of sixteen, bore the weight of a peculiar ability known to no one but himself. He had regressed through time not once, but twice, each journey into the past offering him a chance to rewrite his fate.

He also gained what one would call a cheater's skill.

In his first life, Lionel had been considered a useless prince, a title bestowed upon him by both courtiers and commoners alike. He struggled to find his place in the kingdom's intricate web of politics and power. 

"What a useless brother. Go play somewhere else."

"Prince Lionel, do you really think I wanted to marry you?"

"You will never be like your older brother, son."

He shook these memories from a dark past away. So what if he showed off his wealth? So what if he hunted peasants for sport? So what if he tried to covet the throne? He was a prince!

The first time he regressed, he decided to emulate his older brother more. It's a good thing he killed Prince Theon off earlier on. How easy, he smirked to himself, to be better he just had to kill his brother!

However, as Prince Lionel was on the peak of power, Elara, a trusted ally and confidante, assassinated him. The very thought of someone he had trusted with his life plotting his death had shaken Lionel to his core.

How dare that pointed-ear whore double cross me.

He was overpowered in his second life, unable to prevent his own demise at the hands of those fools. But death was not the end for Lionel; instead, it had become a doorway to the past.

Third time's a charm, is what they say…

Now, in his third life, Lionel held the memories of his previous lives, a silent witness to the betrayals of those that were fated to be below him. He had learned from his mistakes, perfecting his act once more, transforming from a useless prince into a formidable force to be reckoned with.

His regressive abilities remained his most closely guarded secret, hidden even from those who believed in him. As he embarked on this new chapter in his life, Lionel carried with him the unwavering resolve to ensure that no one would ever again label him a "useless prince."

Prince Lionel's sword sliced through the air with precision and power as he practiced his expert swings in the secluded training area of Solaris Castle. Beads of sweat glistened on his brow as he moved with fluidity, the rhythmic clashing of steel against steel echoing in the dimly lit chamber.

His mind, however, was far from the physical realm. It dwelled on the elusive power of dragon magic that had slipped through his fingers. Rohan's abilities had fascinated him, and he couldn't help but wonder why he had failed to steal them away. It gnawed at his pride, fueling his desire for vengeance.

That broody mage–even in death he's so useless!

With a final flourish of his sword, Lionel ended his practice session. His heart pounded with determination as he sheathed his blade and exited the training area. Walking down a dimly lit corridor, he approached a hidden room, a chamber concealed from prying eyes and untouched by time.

As Lionel pushed open the secret door, five portraits greeted him. Each painting depicted a face, marred and vandalized, but still bearing a striking resemblance to five of the thirteen heroes he had been with in his previous life. The memories of their betrayals and their role in his past death flooded back.

Lionel's lips curled into a chilling smile. It was time for revenge, a reckoning that would not be denied. He had regressed through time, honing his skills, and now, with the power of his hidden ability to cheat death and steal talent, and the determination to reclaim what was rightfully his, he would make those responsible for his suffering pay.

How dare they lay a hand on the crown prince of Solaris.

He stood before the portraits, his gaze unwavering, his resolve unshakeable.

Prince Lionel turned away from the portraits, his thoughts momentarily diverted as a sultry voice called to him from the luxurious bedchamber. 

"My prince," the courtesan beckoned.

He cast a final, lingering glance at the vandalized portraits, a promise to himself that he would return to his mission of revenge later.

With a seductive smile, the courtesan reclined on the ornate bed, her eyes smoldering with desire. Lionel's steps quickened as he approached her, locking the hidden room securely behind him. The weight of his past and the burden of his secrets momentarily faded away, replaced by the allure of the present.

In the intimate confines of the bedchamber, Prince Lionel surrendered himself to the pleasures that awaited, the mysteries of his past and the pursuit of power momentarily forgotten in the embrace of the present moment.

Once again, he had it all. Still, he wants more.