The Royal Capital… The Day of the Trial
The sun hung high in the sky, casting its warm rays over the Royal Capital, but the city was far from peaceful. The streets, normally filled with merchants and locals, were now flooded with outsiders.
People had come from the farthest nations of the realm, swelling the city’s population to ten times its normal size. The market stalls were crowded, inns were overbooked, and every tavern overflowed with patrons discussing the only topic of interest—the public trial of the masked man, a figure who had committed an unprecedented crime by killing a king in the heart of the Royal Palace.
In every alleyway and on every corner, groups of people stood in tight circles, exchanging rumors, opinions, and predictions.
“For the first time in Seventh Realm’s history that a king has been murdered,” an older man whispered in awe to his companions as they huddled near a vendor selling roasted meat. “By a mere masked youth, no less! It’s unbelievable.”
“Not just any king—King Doom!” another voice chimed in. “And his daughter too. The Emperor will have no choice but to sentence him to death!”
More than true events, the rumors were spreading like true stories. Kent became a legendary figure.
Amidst the clamor and chaos, unseen by the masses, 2000 women Supreme Mages from No Man’s Island, experts in Forbidden Arts mixed in the crowd. Each of them held onto powerful magical treasures—artifacts capable of wreaking havoc on the entire Royal Family.
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They were dispersed throughout the capital, seemingly unrelated strangers to the naked eye, but all were connected by a mutual communication network through magical talismans, their minds in perfect sync, waiting for their leader, Ria Semen, to give the command.
Ria had delivered a plan the previous night. Their mission was clear: create enough chaos during the trial to strike at the Royal Family. And if something went wrong? They all had escape plans—a network of secret exits and transport talismans prepared.
Ria, now standing at the edges of the Royal Arena Court, her face hidden beneath a tattered cloak, gripped her storage ring tightly. She looked toward the towering palace walls, her eyes burning with determination.
“Everyone is in position,” her voice whispered through the communication network. “Enter inside the Arena and occupy seats close to the Royal Family.”
—
While the No Man’s Island warriors waited in the shadows, the Frost Family had taken a much more visible stance. Lily Frost, radiant in her silver robes, stood at the forefront of her family’s supporters, entering the Royal Arena.
The Frost Family had gathered their allies and supporters, more than 5000 strong, to protest the imprisonment of Kent.
“If necessary, we’ll stand before the Emperor and demand justice.” Lily declared to her family’s gathered warriors.
Yet, as strong as the Frost Family’s presence was, it was the Stick Family that commanded even more attention. As the most powerful and wealthy family in the realm, they had brought with them a vast entourage of wealthy merchants and influential figures.
The Stick Family controlled most of the royal trade, and their appearance at the trial was a blatant demonstration of their power.
Princess Sony Stick, draped in royal blue with golden decorations, led the Stick delegation. Her eyes burned with intensity as she looked toward the Royal Arena Court. She had secured prime seats, close to the Emperor, to demonstrate her family’s support for Kent.
“The Emperor won’t dare ignore us when we ask for his release. We are the lifeblood of the Royal Empire’s wealth.” Sony declared in a confident tone.
—
Meanwhile, in the depths of the Royal Prison, Kent sat in his cell. His pets were gathered at his feet as he fed them with smile.
The Prison Chief, an elderly man with stern features, stood just outside the bars, watching Kent’s every move. His hands were behind his back, and his posture was rigid, as though he were expecting Kent to make an escape attempt at any moment.
“Are you ready, masked one?” the chief asked, his voice echoing in the stone-walled chamber. “The Emperor has summoned you.”
Kent looked up, his golden eyes gleaming beneath the mask. He said nothing, only nodding once.
“Good,” the chief continued, giving a signal to the guards. “Prepare him.”
At once, several guards entered the cell, binding Kent with powerful magical treasures—bindings that shimmered with blue light, enchanted to prevent any escape. They wrapped his arms and legs in magical threads, tying him down without a shred of mercy.
Kent’s face remained expressionless. There was no fear in his eyes, no tremor in his limbs, only calm acceptance of what was to come.
As the guards led him toward the Royal Arena Court, the chief glanced back one last time.
“You still have time to beg for mercy, you know,” the chief said softly. “If you confess, the Emperor might spare your life.”
But Kent’s only response was a silly smile.
—
The Royal Arena Court was an awe-inspiring circular stadium, large enough to hold millions of people. Towering marble pillars stretched toward the sky, each carved with intricate details depicting the long and storied history of the Royal Family.
The seats of the Arena rose like mountains, with row after row packed with spectators, nobles, and commoners alike. The crowd’s excited chatter filled the air like a swarm of bees, a buzzing that echoed endlessly through the massive space.
At the very center of the Arena was the judgment platform, where the Emperor would sit to pass his verdict. Surrounding him were several of his most trusted advisors and members of the Royal Court.
Princess Sony Stick and the representatives of the Stick Family watched eagerly, their attention fixed on the soon-to-be-delivered trial. Not far behind, Lily Frost and the Frost Family supporters stood tall, their faces hard with determination.
The crowd’s excitement reached a fever pitch as the Emperor entered, walking with the weight of authority. Emperor Ryon Lionheart strode to the judge’s seat, his golden robes trailing behind him like the rays of the sun itself. He sat down, his eyes scanning the crowd, taking in the vast sea of people.
“Bring in the prisoner!” the Emperor commanded, his voice booming across the Arena.
—
A hush fell over the crowd as Kent, bound in magical threads, was led into the Arena. His mask still hid his face, but his tall, broad figure struck an imposing image.
Whispers began to ripple through the crowd, and all eyes turned toward the masked figure who had dared to kill a king.
The Emperor’s eyes narrowed as he examined the man standing before him, but he showed no sign of recognition. To him, Kent was just a dead criminal, an unknown face behind a mask.
But for Kent, this moment held a deeper significance. This was the first time in his life he had seen his biological father—Emperor Ryon Lionheart—face-to-face. And yet, there was no emotion in Kent’s eyes. No anger, no sadness, no joy. Only cold, unwavering focus.
He had known for a long time that this day would come. And now, standing before his father, he felt nothing.
As the Emperor sat upon the judge’s throne, towering above the Arena, the world waited with bated breath. The trial had begun.
–
*Expect several twists&turns!