“W-What?” Kai stood there, utterly baffled by the Empress’s unexpected and enigmatic words.
As Lucius had emphatically warned, wielding an Arcane Card within the sacred confines of the temple, where the Mother Root held its mystical presence, was tantamount to committing an act of self-destruction….. aka Suicide.
Even that was the reason as soon as Kai’s sword appeared it instantly disappeared and merged with Card during the baptism.
The unwritten rule etched into the very essence of the sanctum dictated that no one should brandish their Arcane Card before the Mother Root.
And Those who dared to break this sacrosanct rule would be condemned to a gruesome fate….
As Mother Root would drag them to Hell!!!
This wasn’t a metaphor…. it was the brutal reality that loomed over every Arcane being.
It’s the Fucking Truth!!! That even a child knows.
Visibly sweating, Kai cast a bewildered glance at the Empress, his expression a strange amalgamation of confusion and anxiety.
“Y-Your Majesty, I-I don’t think that’s—” Velc began, attempting to voice his concerns, but before he could complete his sentence,
The Empress interjected, her tone tinged with a hint of sarcasm, “Your father will die if things continue…
So, are you going to wait until then, The Chosen One?”
“I-I…” Kai’s body trembled, his gaze flickering nervously across the temple’s current situation.
He knew that being the chosen one meant he would have to endure numerous hardships, a destiny bestowed upon him by the Arcane energy….. However, he never anticipated facing such challenges immediately upon being announced as The Arcane King to the world.
“You guys seem to revel in chit-chat… ah,” Sparrow sighed with a tone tinged with weariness, glancing over at Kai. A trace of haughtiness coloured his expression as he continued, “He was already caught in our grasp; how could he mov–”
‘Thunk!’
“Splurttt!!”
‘THUD!”
The words hung in the air, silenced by the abrupt beheading of the black-hooded figure holding Kai, the lifeless form tumbling to the ground.
“….” Sparrow stared vacantly at the scene before redirecting his gaze to the Empress, who maintained a stoic countenance as if she wasn’t involved.
Inwardly clenching his fist, Sparrow gulped. ‘I believed that barrier would confine her, but… Damn! She truly is insane!’ Determined to conclude the task before the Empress could intercede, he readied himself.
Velc gulped audibly, his thoughts racing, ‘Just as I thought, We merely an entertainment to her!’ Velc screamed internally. He had heard rumours about her extraordinary abilities, but no one had witnessed her actions firsthand, leading him to dismiss it as mere gossip. Now, witnessing the gruesome display, he couldn’t shake the uneasiness…. He just wants to go home now!
Kai hurriedly stood up, distancing himself from the lifeless body. He cast a worried glance at the Empress, his thoughts echoing his concern, ‘Shit! This woman is seriously dangerous!’
Meanwhile, Aether… Well..
‘Damn it, man!! I really want popcorn now!!’ Aether mumbled to himself, inwardly lamenting the lack of cinematic snacks as the unfolding events captivated his attention. The twists and turns of the situation drew his gaze to the purple-haired woman.
Sometimes…. he truly wished he could have a see-through magic… ahem, ahem… He means a spell that enables him to see other’s data that inherently came with the system…. That’s all!!
‘Compared to Velc and Mortimer… She’s different. I can’t sense any oppressive power. She… Hmm…. She feels as calm as water, seemingly harmless. But I think that’s just–!!’ His thoughts abruptly ceased when he noticed her sudden gaze fixated on him, as if he had committed some transgression.
In an instant, Aether lowered his eyes, feigning unconsciousness to avoid drawing attention to himself.
“Hey, Brat!!”
Aether’s entire being recoiled at the address, his heart pounding with the fear that his facade had been unveiled.
However, to his astonishment, it was Sparrow who bellowed, addressing Kai with a stern tone.
“W-What?” Kai stammered, flinching in turn as he faced Sparrow with an alert expression.
“You have two options: Either die or come with us,” Sparrow declared, his words hanging heavy in the tense air.
Kai remained silent, uncertainty etched across his face. His desperate eyes sought his father, who persistently struggled against Sparrow’s elusive movements, resembling a sparrow dancing effortlessly through the air.
“Y-Your Maje–” Kai began to plead for the Empress’s intervention, hoping her formidable power would tip the scales. However, the Empress, with an air of indifference, curtly stated,
“It’s your life. Fight!”
She wasn’t a heartless woman; she simply sought to witness Kai’s capabilities.
Taking in the chaotic scene, Kai’s gaze fell upon his unconscious sister, sprawled on the floor like a delicate fallen flower. Alfred valiantly fought against two relentless black-hooded figures, while Lucius, not inclined towards combat, found himself restrained by a single, imposing man.
Then there was Timmy, his assistant, the first to succumb to unconsciousness on the cold floor….. Utterly useless now.
Left with no alternative, Kai reached for his Arcane Card, and….. a radiant rainbow enveloped the surroundings.
‘Gulp’ Kai’s throat tightened audibly as he stole a glance at Sparrow, who stared at him with an intensity that conveyed the gravity of one wrong move. However, a deeper fear nestled within Kai’s heart, warning him not to use the card unless he wanted to be ensnared by the ominous Mother Root.
The Empress, with her keen eyes, fixed her gaze on Kai, observing his every move…
A flicker of courage danced in his eyes as he held the Arcane Card before him. Velc’s face twisted into an expression of discomfort, as if he were about to witness the brutal demise of his own child.
Sparrow clicked his tongue in impatience, readying himself and signalling others to eliminate Kai at the slightest hint of action.
“I…. ‘Gulp’….” Kai’s fear was palpable, his hands trembling as he faced the impending threat.
The anticipation in the Empress’s heart surged, awaiting the unfolding of the unexpected.
“I….”
“I-I…. Help me, Ether”
“Huh?” Aether let out a shocked voice, incredulous that the brat had called on him of all people. He quickly lowered his head pertending he still unconcious, feigning disbelief, ‘The fuck was that!!’ he screamed inwardly.
Yet,
Kai, with the newfound idea, asserted,
“I, Kai Frostblade, order you, Ether, to kill that man!” The command hung in the air.
Suddenly,
“AAARRRHHHHHH!”
A guttural scream of agony echoed as Aether clutched his neck, his body moving involuntarily…. He stood before Sparrow, a vessel for Kai’s command as if compelled by an unseen force.
With a horrified look, Aether stared at Sparrow who had an amusing smile and pity face.
“Well, It’s good to see you again….”