The Path Of A True King.-Chapter 37: Tristan’s Talk.

Thank you

Lieneilson_Firdaus

Chapter 76:

It had taken Tristan and Dean nearly an hour to reach the North District, even though the distance itself wasn’t particularly far.

The problem was the center of the city—currently crawling with gang members who had established numerous checkpoints.

Every car was stopped, every face inspected.

No one could pass through freely unless they were powerful enough to challenge authority... and that wasn’t them—not today.

So, they complied.

Once they slipped through the tension-choked central region and crossed into the quieter North District, the pace picked up.

Dean took the road that veered outside the city limits, a worn path surrounded by wild grass and scattered fences.

In the distance, a medium-sized mountain stood quietly against the skyline, its dark green silhouette carved beneath the afternoon light.

That was their destination.

Dean slowed the car as they approached, the road crunching beneath the tires.

The vehicle’s clear windows revealed a tranquil, forested base—untouched by the chaos of urban life.

Dean put the car in park and turned to Tristan. "You want me to come with you?"

Tristan shook his head without hesitation. "No. Stay down here. Keep the engine warm."

Without another word, Tristan opened the door and stepped out into the fresh, open air.

The wind met him with a light breeze that stirred his jacket and tousled his hair.

Above him, the mountain loomed—peaceful yet firm, like a slumbering guardian.

He began walking.

At first, the climb was gradual, the incline almost deceptive in its gentleness.

But the higher he went, the more demanding the terrain became.

Rocks jutted out like jagged teeth.

Roots twisted like veins under his feet.

Soon, his steps grew quicker, his momentum increasing until he was leaping over small boulders and dashing between trees with fluid precision.

Then came the cliff face.

No hesitation.

He jumped—fingers grasping the edge of a ledge with mechanical confidence.

The rough stone bit into his skin as he hoisted himself up, climbing swiftly like a man who had done this a hundred times before. His breathing stayed steady, controlled.

His focus was absolute.

It took him seven minutes.

Seven minutes to reach the top—a flat surface of open earth, surrounded by thick forest and kissed by the winds.

The trees whispered with each gust, casting dancing shadows across the ground.

The sky was a brilliant wash of blues and silvers, the sun beginning its slow descent behind the clouds.

Tristan paused and closed his eyes.

He spread his senses—extending his Ki like tendrils in every direction.

His range was roughly ten meters now, encircling him like an invisible net.

Nothing moved.

Nothing stirred.

Until something did.

A spot ahead was quiet—too quiet.

A field of stillness that didn’t respond to his Ki at all.

It was being masked, blocked—something, or someone, was disrupting it.

He moved toward it.

The area opened up into a small clearing where the grass swayed gently beneath the sun.

No trees stood in the center, only the quiet hum of nature.

Sitting on a log, facing the direction of the city far below, was a boy with dark skin and black hair.

His back was straight, posture calm, presence composed.

Elijah.

Without turning, he spoke. "You found me, huh?"

Tristan smirked, walking over. "Yeah. Not exactly the easiest person to track."

He sat beside him, the old log groaning beneath their combined weight.

"What kind of leader disappears without telling anyone?"

Elijah chuckled, not looking at him. "Sorry if I worried you. I did tell Mai, Kai, and Jack where I was going. I assumed they’d pass it along."

Tristan let out a long, tired sigh. "Then why did Kai say your first kill might’ve been affecting you?"

That made Elijah pause. His brow furrowed in thought before a flicker of realization crossed his face. "Ah... So they’re already in our territory."

Tristan blinked. "What does that mean?"

Elijah leaned forward, elbows on his knees. "The Stray Dogs... They were following me.

Everywhere I went, their eyes were on me.

I told Kai, and we devised a plan.

I faked leaving the city, just to see how they’d react.

And they stopped following me.

Went quiet.

From what Kai observed, they’ve been snooping around—like they’re searching for something inside our district.

They haven’t made a move yet, but it feels like a storm’s coming."

Tristan’s jaw tightened, the information settling in his gut like a weight.

"So why didn’t you just tell us?" 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"I told Kai and Jack to pass it along," Elijah said.

"But I think they held back on purpose.

Probably didn’t want the rest of the gang spiraling into paranoia.

If people start getting jumpy, the Stray Dogs might sense that and move earlier than expected."

Tristan nodded slowly.

That sounded exactly like Kai—strategic, secretive, always playing five moves ahead.

But Mai? "Does Mai know anything?"

Elijah shook his head. "Only that I’m up here."

Another pause.

Both of them stared at the city below—a vast grid of buildings and roads, bathed in orange sunlight and distant noise.

From up here, the world seemed so small. Almost peaceful.

"Beautiful view," Elijah said softly.

"Yeah..." Tristan agreed.

The wind rustled again, brushing against their backs like a soft warning.

Then Tristan asked, "Elijah, why did you allow me to host that party?"

Elijah smiled faintly. "To let you have some fun."

"That’s not like you." Tristan turned to face him.

"You hate drinking. Smoking. Anything that clouds the mind. So why allow it? Why now?"

Elijah exhaled, thoughtful. "You’re older than me, Tristan.

You’ve lived through more than I have.

But I’ve never understood the point of numbing yourself.

Drinking until you forget.

Smoking until you choke.

Sleeping around to pretend you’re not lonely.

To me, that’s weakness.

That’s surrender.

"But... I’ve learned something important.

You can’t change someone who doesn’t want to be changed.

Especially when it comes to desire.

Lust, alcohol, cigarettes, power, greed—even death.

These things only have control over your life if you let them.

Most people don’t even realize they’re being controlled."

Tristan stayed quiet, absorbing every word.

Elijah continued. "I tell them what I think.

Why I don’t indulge.

But I won’t chain them.

If they like those things, fine.

But I’ll always remind them: there’s a right way to handle desire.

And a wrong way."

Tristan smiled faintly. "That’s why you’re my leader. You never let it consume you."

"I promise I never will."

Elijah lowered his head, eyes focused on the grass between his feet. "But Tristan...

what about you?

When I first met you, you were so full of life.

Smiling. Laughing.

Since then, I’ve only seen that side of you around me, Kai, and sometimes Kevin.

Why?"

Tristan rested a hand on Elijah’s shoulder, firm and warm. "Because I’m not comfortable showing that side of me to everyone yet.

It’s hard to open up when you’re not sure who you can trust.

With you... I never felt judged.

From the moment we met, I felt like I could just be myself."

Elijah’s smile returned, soft and genuine. "That’s good to hear."

A beat of silence passed between them.

Then Tristan asked, "Tell me about your childhood.

I’m curious.

Especially about how you met Kai."

Elijah looked toward the horizon, eyes distant. "That’s a long story."

"I’m not going anywhere," Tristan said with a grin.

The wind continued to blow, gentle and endless, as if the mountain itself leaned in to listen.