The Seventh Realm had never seen days like these. For the past forty-eight hours, every inch of its vast territories lay under an unprecedented lockdown.
From the busiest cities at the heart of the realm to the furthest village on the mountainous outskirts, life had ground to a halt. Shops that once bustled with life were shuttered, marketplaces lay eerily quiet, and street vendors who usually chat as they transported their goods could only watch their goods wither.
Even the mightiest clans, who wielded their influence like a blade, were feeling the sting of the stoppage as revenues plummeted, and fear spread among many families who helped the royal family to annihilate powerful old clans of realm.
The economy itself had faltered, teetering under the pressure of this enforced silence. For a kingdom as vast and vibrant as the Seventh Realm, the lockdown’s financial blow was staggering.
With teleportation gates closed, there were no incoming or outgoing trade caravans, no exchange of rare herbs, minerals, or exotic goods. Workers were sent home, and traders were forced to count their losses as stalls lay deserted.
This wasn’t just a blow to the kingdom’s coffers—it was a psychological shift, a wound to the pride of an empire that prided itself on bustling wealth.
Amid this, anxiety gripped even the nobility. The kings and lords, usually untouchable in their lofty palaces, felt the weight of this sudden halt. Whispers of protest snaked through the noble families, but no one dared voice these thoughts openly.
There was a darker fear in the air: the reason for the lockdown. Though rumors varied, many spoke of the audacious breakout from the royal prison—an escape executed so flawlessly that many believed divine diety intervention must have been at play.
No ordinary escape could provoke a lockdown of this magnitude. Some even speculated that a demi-god had descended, intent on freeing the prisoners in a grand act of retribution against the royal family, who were accused of imprisoning innocents to consolidate their own power.
Tales spread like wildfire, each version more dramatic than the last.
Meanwhile, the search for the escaped prisoners was relentless. The entire armed forces, numbering thousands upon thousands, were on the move, combing every corner of the kingdom.
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The armies of the Thirty-Three Kings, with their individual banners and crests, had joined forces in a rare show of unity. At their helm, leading the charge, was the Forbidden Army—a legendary force reserved only for the greatest wars of the realm. Their appearance alone was a sign of how grave the situation had become.
Armed to the teeth and decorated with enchanted armor and weapons, the soldiers scouted forests, climbed mountains, and patrolled the coastlines, leaving no stone unturned.
By day, they stormed towns and villages, questioning, intimidating, and sometimes detaining anyone who dared show reluctance. By night, they descended into the maze-like tunnels beneath the cities, determined to search every hidden corner and dark crevice. But the tunnels yielded nothing except frustrated soldiers, their efforts continually coming up empty.
The people watched with growing fear as soldiers went door to door, swords and spears in hand, demanding information. Whispers of rebellion began to spread. In their eyes, the prisoners were no mere criminals but heroes standing against tyranny. A dangerous sentiment was brewing, one that made the soldiers tense and the commanders wary.
–
In the skies, however, a figure on a massive golden throne, was moving at a speed of sound. The Dragon Lord Respected, [Kent] flew alone on his throne. His pets were drowsing by his side, sleeping after a meal, oblivious to the urgency of their master’s flight.
Every so often, a guard below would catch a glimpse of the flying golden ray and scramble to alert their superiors, but by then, Kent was already miles away, a phantom in the sky.
Inside a Divine Pot hanging from his waist lay the prisoners themselves, kept safe and hidden. Though the soldiers searched high and low, there was no chance they’d find them, for Kent was taking them away, right from under the noses of the guards and generals of the Seventh Realm.
He knew the teleportation gates were shut down, barring him from using the shortcuts of the realm. So, he relied on his throne, covering the biggest 7th-realm.
Kent had been flying for almost an entire day, and his journey was nearing its end. He is flying towards the Forbidden Island City of the Dragon King [Dead island City].
After a few more hours, Kent reached his city.
At the teleportation gate on the island, a figure waited impatiently, her robes rippling in the breeze, her gaze fixed on the horizon. It was Eila, his aunt, the only person he had entrusted with this mission.
As his throne descended, her stern expression softened into a smile, and she walked forward, greeting him with a mixture of pride and relief.
He dismounted, smiling back at her. “Sorry for the delay. The teleportation gates were shut everywhere. Sorry for the delay.” He handed her the Divine Pot. “Inside are the prisoners. They need to be taken to the Sixth Realm, to Master Tang Zi, at the Forbidden Mountain forest.”
Eila glanced at the pot with a hint of concern. “I never expected emperor Ryon to react in this way. The kingdom is upside down because of this. I don’t know why he took such drastic measures.” Eila said in a surprised tone.
“The reason for the emperor’s behavior is Jamba Zi, The father of Tang Zi. Jamba Zi is a half sovereign and a powerful wizard. He is alone enough to take down half of this realm in one night.” Kent replied with a happy smile.
As he spoke, a faint shimmer materialized from the Divine Pot, forming the shape of an elder—a tall, white-haired figure whose appearance commanded respect. Jamba Zi’s had emerged, his eyes widened as he surveyed Kent and Eila.
“Kent, the prisoners are under my protection now, but remember, this is a pact. These warriors have sworn to serve you and you alone. Unless you summon them, they’ll remain silent, hidden from the eyes of the world.” he said, his voice deep and resonant.
“I understand, Elder. When the time for war arrives, they’ll rise alongside me. Until then, prepare them for what’s to come.”
Jamba Zi’s stern face softened, a glint of pride in his eyes. “Then I’ll see to it that they’re trained, strengthened, and prepared to unleash their fury when you call upon them.”
A flicker of gratitude passed through Kent. “Thank you, Elder. I won’t keep them waiting for long. Once I return from the Spirit World, I’ll lead them into battle against the Quinn family.”
–
[Cont…557]