The Path Of A True King.

Chapter 31

Elijah sat at his desk, tapping his pencil against the wooden surface as he stared out the window.

The morning sun cast a warm glow over the school grounds, making the day seem deceptively peaceful.

But his mind was far from calm.

Lisa's words from yesterday still lingered in his thoughts.

"I don't want to see you at the hideout in the morning." It wasn't a rejection, but it certainly wasn't an invitation either.

He wasn't sure if she was upset with him or just needed space.

"Hey, earth to Elijah," a voice called from beside him.

Snapping out of his daze, he turned to see Lisa staring at him with an amused smirk.

"Are you even listening?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Uh… yeah, totally," he replied, though he had no idea what she had been saying.

Lisa rolled her eyes. "Right.

I was saying that today we're supposed to have a guest lecturer for history class.

Some big shot from the city. You think it's going to be boring?"

Elijah shrugged. "Probably. But it's better than math."

Lisa chuckled. "Fair enough."

The bell rang, signaling the start of class.

Students shuffled into their seats as their history teacher, Mr. Vance, walked in.

He was followed by a tall man in a sharp suit, his presence commanding attention.

His neatly combed black hair and piercing gaze gave him an air of authority.

"Good morning, students," Mr. Vance began.

"Today, we have a special guest—Mr. Alden Holt, a historian specializing in the rise and fall of influential figures throughout history. I expect you to give him your full attention."

Mr. Holt stepped forward, his deep voice filling the room with an air of authority.

"Thank you, Mr. Vance. Now, let's talk about power—how it's gained, how it's maintained, and how it's lost."

Elijah's ears perked up.

This was more interesting than he expected.

Mr. Holt's sharp gaze swept across the room.

"Throughout history, many individuals have sought power for different reasons—some for justice, others for greed, and some simply because they refused to be weak. But tell me, what do you think is the most important quality a leader should have?"

A few students hesitated before someone finally spoke. "Strength?"

"Strength is important," Mr. Holt agreed, nodding.

"But it is not enough. A leader needs vision. Without vision, power is meaningless. Many have tried to rule through brute force alone, and they have all fallen. Power without strategy is like a ship without a compass—it might move forward, but it will eventually be lost at sea."

Elijah leaned forward, his mind replaying Kai's words about starting their own gang.

Did they have a vision, or were they just chasing power blindly?

Another student chimed in. "What about intelligence?"

"Ah," Mr. Holt said with a knowing smile. "Now we're getting somewhere. A true leader is intelligent, not just in books, but in people. They understand how to read the room, how to predict their enemies, how to inspire loyalty. Intelligence allows a leader to turn a weak position into a strong one. To see opportunities where others see dead ends.".

Elijah nodded slightly. He had always thought of strength as the key to power, but intelligence… He had seen smart people manipulate situations, control those stronger than them, and always stay one step ahead like Kai.

"But," Mr. Holt continued, "even intelligence is not enough. A leader must have an unshakable will. Why? Because there will always be pressure. Rivals, betrayals, doubt—true leaders make decisions even when the weight of the world is on their shoulders. Weak-willed leaders hesitate when they should act, and hesitation in the world of power is the same as surrender."

Elijah clenched his fist slightly. Unshakable will… He thought about all the times he had let things slide, the moments he had allowed himself to fall for his weak will.

Lisa nudged him. "You're actually paying attention, huh?"

"It's interesting," he admitted, his thoughts racing.

Mr. Holt paced slowly in front of the class. "A leader also carries responsibility. People often desire power but forget the cost that comes with it. Every decision a leader makes affects not just themselves, but those who follow them. Every choice could mean survival or destruction. True leadership is about carrying that burden without breaking under it."

Elijah frowned. He had never thought about leadership like that before. He had only thought about what he wanted—power, respect, the ability to stand at the top.

Another student raised their hand. "So is leadership about controlling people?"

Mr. Holt shook his head. "No. Control is temporary. Influence is permanent. A true leader does not rule through fear alone. They inspire, persuade, and guide. People follow them not because they are forced to, but because they believe in them."

Elijah thought about that carefully.

Mr. Holt continued, his voice steady. "Some leaders inspire loyalty. Others demand obedience. There is a difference. A leader who earns respect will never lack soldiers willing to fight for them. A leader who rules by fear will always have to watch their back."

The more Elijah listened, the more he realized how much he still had to learn about leadership. Power wasn't just about fighting or winning battles—it was about making people believe in something greater than themselves. Could he inspire others? Could he command loyalty, not just obedience?

By the time class ended, his mind was filled with new thoughts. As they packed their things, Lisa glanced at him. "You seem deep in thought."

"Just thinking about what he said," Elijah replied, more to himself than to her.

Lisa studied him for a moment before nodding. "Good. Maybe next time you'll actually listen when I'm talking too."

Elijah smirked. "Maybe."

As they walked out of the classroom together, Elijah realized something—if he was going to lead anything, he needed more than just strength.

He needed intelligence—to outthink his enemies.He needed an unshakable will—to never back down, no matter the pressure.He needed responsibility—to understand that leadership was not just about himself.He needed influence—to command loyalty, not fear.And most of all, he needed a purpose.