[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-reborn-king":3,"chapter-the-reborn-king-the-reborn-king-chapter-136":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","The Reborn King",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},1100756,1437,"Chapter 136: Failing Son","the-reborn-king-chapter-136",136,"\u003Cp>The moons hung in the sky. It wasn’t late yet the streets were empty. A dark atmosphere loomed in the air and the heavy tension that had been created since Isra’s arrival felt as if it was going to boil over. No one knew why but most didn’t leave their homes, instead tightly locking their doors and looking through the gaps in their curtains at the dim streets. Some felt tonight everything was going to change whilst others could only feel the impending doom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aseel stalked the manor in the distance. It was obvious where Isra was staying and it also meant his target was there. He had been watching the house for two days now ever since his Mother had given him the order, and although he wished to return, he couldn’t until he had done what he was told. He was unblinking sitting atop a roof opposite looking through the window of a room on the second floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He watched as Isra went about her day, waiting for Chris to show any differing movements. The man couldn’t be on guard the entire time, it was physically impossible. He also couldn’t watch the entire time, but if it meant he could get back to Mother quicker he was willing to neglect his sleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He watched as Isra dressed into a formal but neat dress, adorning herself with light makeup and jewels. He watched as she slipped small weapons into her clothes. Noting escaped his sight. Finally, he saw his target walk in and give a deep bow before leaving with the Empress. His ears perked up and watching the door he waited. Much like when Mother made him dress nice he could see Isra was going to do something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The front door opened he saw Isra walk out with five guards, all surrounding her. At its head was a man littered with scars. When Aseel first saw him he recognised him to be the strongest. He was the one who would be able to challenge him. He was stronger than Saladin. Stronger than the Commander who came. His eyes nearly pierced through Chris’s skin and Aseel realised he messed up quickly ducking down as Chris looked up in his direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Breathing heavily, he stroked the mask covering his face, trying to calm himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is everything alright Chris?\" Isra asked with worry as her escort stopped, everyone reaching for their weapons. Chris remained vigilant watching the same place with an unbreaking focus eventually shaking his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Be alert.\" He said nothing else but it was enough. There was a noticeable shift in the way the Guard acted, a hand always on their sword. Their shields raised slightly higher to block any attack that could come their way. Isra didn’t say anything about Chris’s extra vigilance. She had been feeling eyes on her the entire day. She brushed it off originally. She was on the top floor. For someone to watch her would be incredibly hard. But with Chris looking onto the rooftops she realised that she had been watched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought of canceling her plans due to the danger it posed came, but Isra suppressed it. If she turned back now, then what about the next time something happened? She trusted the ability of her guard and more importantly herself. \"Let us go,\" Isra commanded and those around nodded, escorting her to her carriage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chris opened the door for her having another scan of the rooftops before climbing in afterwards. \"It doesn’t feel safe. Are you sure?\" Chirs asked once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If what Esmond says is true then I must go there. This city is full of danger, we don’t have time to worry about every threat.\" Reassuring him Isra smiled, but she could still see the hesitation in Chris’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m afraid His Majesty will punish me if he finds out I allowed you to go.\" Chris shook his head in a defeated voice followed by a pleasant laugh opposite him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It will be our secret. The Military is patrolling the streets, and more are protecting the new location. It will be fine.\" Chris could only sigh in resignation. He wasn’t worried about Isra saying anything but a certain old man would happily tell Alfred everything if he knew anything. He had to make sure Esmond never found out about his apprehension about Isra leaving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The carriage ride was short and Isra stepped out. Two soldiers saluted towards her as she walked into the old building. No one would expect an Empress to enter such a place, but Isra knew that what Esmond had was something that couldn’t be taken to her residence. She walked through the bright halls arriving at a staircase that led downstairs into a dark abyss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You two wait here,\" Chris ordered two of the guards to watch the door as the remaining few went down. A rancid smell soon filled the air with Isra covering her nose with a handkerchief. The smell of decaying flesh, disease, excrement, and blood created one horrid picture. Isra however didn’t falter taking each step slowly. Her eyes lost the usual gentleness that everyone was accustomed to. Now only remained a deep chill that threatened to freeze anyone who caught it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was used to blood and filth. Her old life had conditioned that into her. It may have been a long time since she experienced it but it didn’t mean she ever forgot its unique scent. With the final step, she saw a series of cages. At the far wall, a man was strung up with deep cuts all over his body. His body was covered in dried blood and his face showed the extreme pain he was constantly in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a sight that didn’t please her but one she knew existed. Her role as Empress Alfred had urged her to get accustomed to sights like it. The first couple of times she did, it was a flash to the past, remembering her old life. She was conflicted but knew that if she was to support Alfred she had to condition herself again to see these sights, no matter how unpleasant the business was. Whilst she didn’t mind taking a life in battle, torture was something that always displeased her, even now. But she couldn’t show that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Esmond stood opposite, his hands behind his back looking at him with unbothered eyes. Hearing the sound of people approaching he turned and gave a slight bow towards Isra’s direction. \"Is he the one?\" Isra asked with an unusual callousness that surprised everyone. It was a stark contrast to the gentle mother they all knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isra however didn’t feel it was strange. She simply sliped back into the warrior of the old world. Esmond surprise was a passing thought, however. \"Yes. Thanks to this one we have found Mother’s hiding place.\" Esmond went over and lifted his face up for the others to see. Despite it being black and blue with deep cuts all over, a face could still be recognized if one looked hard enough. \"He was one of the people on the list given to the mayor before. I had men planted on him all the way to the banquet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isra walked forward looking at the man. His body twitched occasionally showing he was alive, but she was sure he wished that weren’t the case. \"What did you get out of him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not much. Despite what you would think he didn’t talk much. All I know is that the Commonwealth is funding them. Weapons, gold, provisions. Anything that would help. His role seemed to only be a bridge between the Mother and the nobility. Not much use.\" Esmond’s words were cold. Isra looked at the man. She lifted his head up and looked into his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How many times had she seen them in the old world? Eyes that lost all hope. That wished for nothing but death. She pitied anyone who had them. Because when they did they couldn’t be classed as living anymore. Trapped in a purgatory which is their own body. It also meant they were useless as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isra dropped his head. \"Kill him. He’s done.\" It was one final mercy she could show. Esmond nodded and with a quick drag of his blade he slit the man’s throat. the blood sprayed onto he dress, creating a strange image for anyone who saw. \"Leave his disposal to someone else. We have work to do.\" Esmond nodded as the party left as quickly as they arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aseel waited outside. He didn’t dare walk in knowing his strengths are best when outside. It didn’t matter. They would have to leave to take the Empress home and Aseel could wait as long as needed. He snuck forward toward the carriages hiding in a nearby alley. The two sentries despite being on high alert didn’t notice Aseel who blended into the background.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minutes passed and he saw Isra walk back out with her guard. Aseel waited, but seeing the old man he froze. It was an unexplainable feeling he got from him, inducing an unjustified dread when seeing his eyes. Aseel knew he could easily kill him if he attacked but he didn’t know if he could even lift his sword to attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His feet refused to move, but he thought of his mother’s disappointed eyes. The unbearable thought consumed his mind as he touched his mask walking forward. He reached to his waist pulling the saber out. Its long, cold blade reflected the moonlight, creating an eerie appearance as the masked figure walked forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aseel saw Chris look his way and moved quickly, rushing forward. It was a quick reaction and Chris pushed Isra away in a panic, raising his shield to block the attack. The weight behind the strike was strong but not overly powerful. His breathing was fast as he looked over his shield pushing the assassin away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aseel used the strength of the push to jump back, gracefully landing once more as he avoided the attacks from the other guards. He watched as the old man calmly moved the Empress in the carriage, following her in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chris calmed down and had a decision to make. Let Isra leave and risk further attacks on the road back without him. Or keep her here. It was an easy choice. One vs five. If they couldn’t win it was an insult to Royal Guards. Unspoken they repositioned themselves. Chris flicked his shield and one moved back taking its place by Isra’s door, protecting it, whilst the other spread themselves on the wide street. Aseel watched as they closed in on him, but his focus was mainly on Chris.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was the main threat and the only one he had to deal with. He charged in first. He couldn’t let himself be surrounded. Chris raised his shield, blocking the attack way. Aseel didn’t panic as he saw an attack come stabbing from the side. With great flexibility, he fell into the splits to avoid the attack, spinning and sweeping Chris to the floor as he did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aseel reached behind his back as he rose, pulling a small dagger out from behind. He stabbed the knife into the legs of a second guard before jumping back to give some space. He reached behind once more, pulling a second dagger. He chucked it towards the rising Chris, but a shield intercepted it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On his feet Chris watched the assassin move back. his breathing was heavy and he felt sweat on his head. One of his men had lost the use of a leg, the blade piercing through the gap in his armor, attacking his vital.’Flexible, strong, and accurate.’It was the worst combination he could ever hope to face and Chris already knew that the man in front was a incredible assassin. There was no hesitation in anything he did, and it was impossible to predict him, his moves seemingly coming from instinct\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Move,\" Chris said with a cold indifference to his injured subordinate, but the man paid in no mind and crawled himself out of the way. The two sentries came over and helped him. \"Call for Marcus,\" Chris ordered the two as they took away the injured soldier. They gave a nod that wasn’t acknowledged, Chris to busy focusing on the threat in front.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aseel moved once more, and a guard came forward, swinging his sword at his chest. Sliding underneath it he grabbed one of his daggers on the ground and pushed himself to his feet one more. An attack came down as he rose and he met the blade with his saber. Deflecting it away. Closing the gap quickly, he used the free dagger to stab into the small gap between the chest and stomach piece.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chris watched as he saw the blade slip through, his subordinate too late with his shield attack. Blood poured out but in a final act of vengeance the dying man, headbutted Aseel. His body fell backward, but the stumbling Aseel grabbed his forehead not expecting such an attack. Chris didn’t hesitate. Neither did his subordinate. He stabbed forward, aiming for Aseel’s heart whilst the other sword aimed for his neck. Chris was watching for any movement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he fell to the ground he was prepared. If he jumped sideways he was prepared. Aseel in his daze saw the blurred outlines of Chris’s attack. He knew an attack was coming from behind and without thinking, swayed his body to the left. Chris saw his attack go under Aseel’s arm. He lowered his chest, ducking his head under the attack aiming for his neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling the cold blade cut above him, he clamped down on the sword under his arm and swung himself around. The dagger in his hand flew through the air, attacking the free guard. They reacted quickly, lifting the shield to knock the attack away, barely defending.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aseel was still trapped between the two but didn’t panic. He made himself small watching the two. Facing Chris he attacked fiercely, his saber intercepted each of Chris’s unmovable shields. He focused mainly on dodging the second guard, only deflecting attacks towards Chris to hinder him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chris remained steadfast. he didn’t need to win, only buy time for Marcus’s arrival. he was an unmovable wall, and with one of his men guarding the carriage, if a second assassin approached they would have to deal with him. The attacks were strong and the skill of Aseel was undeniable. If he had to fight to kill he may of lost, but in a fight like this he was at the advantage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aseel could see Chris’s static and his fingers fiddled with the blade even more. He wanted to win, but it was impossible. He saw the soldiers in the distance coming over and knew he would die when fighting so many. He had to escape but with two of them, it was hard. Aseel refocused his attention on the other guard. He struck a quick blow, one after the other. His eyes never left Chris waiting for the perfect moment. He closed the distance to Chris more, forcing the second guard in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after half a minute of being passive did Chris try and stab him. Aseel used the opportunity. He bent backward, the sword going over him. The guard was forced to pull back slightly to avoid Chris’s attack, but Aseel strikes. With the dagger in his right hand, he stabbed into his leg. Throwing his body back up, he let the blade drag across his chest amour, running into the alley near him, and disappearing into the dark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aseel ran back into the temple, his breathing heavy showing how tired he was. Mother was not prepared for the suddenness of it and jumped in surprise seeing her son run in. She saw the blood on his dagger and smiled. \"My son. Are you okay? Are you hurt?\" Mother got up grabbed his face mask and touched the scar on his chest piece. Aseel leaned his cheek into her hand and shook his head. The warmth coming from his mother had a soothing effect as he slowly closed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mother stroked his hair for a little seeing him so relaxed. \"Did you finish what Mother asked?\" Aseel opened his eyes in flight upon hearing that. His breathing got heavier and Mother realized instantly what was wrong. She pulled her hand away and looked at him with a slight coldness. \"Aseel?\" Despite the coldness in her eyes, she said his name extremely softly. She reached out and forced him to look at her, whilst his fingers fiddled with the hilt of the dagger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tell me the truth. Did you do what I asked?\" Aseel’s breathing became even worse. His eyes went back and forth. and he could only shake his head robotically. He watched as Mother’s eyes went incredibly cold. Her hand left his face and she watched him with disappointment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cold killer minutes ago was gone, now replaced with a fragile man who couldn’t breathe properly from the coldness on his mother’s face. Mother reached out grabbing the face mask. She pulled dit off revealing Aseel’s handsome face. Yet it made everything worse. His breathing got rapid and he reached up with his free hand to cover it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through his finger, he watched as Mother snatched the dagger from him and lifted her sleeve up. Her eyes went sad and she smacked his hand away from his face. \"I told you not to disobey Mother anymore.\" The blade touched her arm and Aseel tried to reach out to stop her, getting a hard glare freezing him. With a final push a drop of blood formed and Aseel grabbed his face. His eyes shook but they never left the sight of Mother’s wrist. \"Why did you disobey me Aseel? I trusted you.\" Mother dragged hard and quickly creating a cut on her scared arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aseel reached up grabbing his hair unable to cope. His breathing was hectic only able to watch as the blade fell on her arm once more. \"Mother wants whats best for you. It hurts me to do this. But you keep being bad.\" Aseel tried to scream but a sound didn’t escape his mouth. He wanted to stop her seeing the blade fall on her arm a third time. In between rapid breaths, he tried to replay the fight over and over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The vision of the old man came to mind and he raised his shaking hand holding one finger up. Mother looked at him, her eyes showing slightly less disappointment. She pulled the blade away and waited for Aseel to write. His hands shook terribly and he struggled to dip the pen into ink. His once neat handwriting came out like a child and he held up the scribbled words reading ’another threat.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mother read it and smiled putting the dagger on the table. She saw her son shaking in complete terror and went over and hugged him, putting his mask back on. \"You should have told me sooner.\" Mother stroked his head and felt his heavy breathing slowly calm. \"shhhhhhhh. It is okay. I’m not mad anymore. Mother is sure you must have tried your best.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She raised his face to look at him. His eyes held tears in them and she wiped them through the eye holes in the mask. \"Don’t be bad anymore. It makes me sad and do stupid things.\" She tightened the hug on him. \"I’m sorry for being a bad parent my sweet boy. You don’t deserve it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aseel shook his head and looked up at her nurturing eyes. He felt himself cry once more and she smiled. \"Come.\" Mother walked to the sofa and sat down. Resting his head on her lap she soothed him. \"Sleep. Mother will keep you safe tonight.\" Aseel’s breathing stabilised and he closed his eyes feeling Mother’s gentle hand stroke his hair. She looked down with genuine motherly love at her son. Deep behind it a calculating coldness sat. Mother knew she had made any future moves on the Empress harder, but she never thought Aseel would fail. Contingency plans formed as she needed to figure out how to deal with her followers and the Empress with this failure.\u003C\u002Fp>",3387,"2026-06-03T11:17:48.774Z","2026-06-03T11:17:51.400Z",1,"novelbin.me","0abd10f53e307f3581ab355eae16a838033ee816223215f88862ea3ca36bd0cc","the-reborn-king-chapter-137","the-reborn-king-chapter-135",487,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-reborn-king-cover.jpg"]