Red Sword City…
The war general, donned in his crimson and gold armor, rode at the front of fifty elite soldiers. Their march through the streets of Red Sword City was a spectacle. Citizens lined the roads, murmuring in hushed voices, their faces etched with both fear and curiosity. Word spread like wildfire—retribution was coming for the King family.
Inside the King family estate, a grim silence loomed as the heavy footsteps of the approaching soldiers echoed through the air. The patriarch, his face a mask of stone, stood alongside the old patriarch. Other members of the family trembled, their hands clutched together in silent prayers.
When General Wei Xun arrived at the gates, he spoke with the authority of the Emperor himself. “For the crimes of Kent, one member of the King family shall pay with their life. Bring forth a sacrifice.”
Gasps rippled through the crowd as the soldiers dragged out a lesser-ranked member of the King family. His hands and legs were bound in thick ropes, his face pale as he struggled against his captors.
A wooden execution contraption was set up in the courtyard, its purpose clear. The victim’s head was locked into place, the heavy axe gleaming under the sun.
As the general raised his sword high into the air, ready to deliver the Emperor’s decree, a distant voice erupted through the chaos.
“STOP! STOP IT NOW!”
The sound of galloping hooves shattered the moment. A single soldier, his uniform dust-stained, pushed through the thickening crowd. “General! Please, stop this execution!” he cried, his voice frantic.
General Wei Xun hesitated, his sword mere inches from its mark. His sharp eyes locked onto the approaching soldier. “Speak! What is the meaning of this interruption?”
Without a word, the soldier reached into his robe and produced a Jade Crystal tablet. He handed it over with shaking hands.
The general activated the tablet, and an illusionary projection appeared in the air above them. It was Kent, his expression calm yet menacing. Beside him sat Princess Chi Kai, her regal demeanor unshaken, but the subtle fear in her eyes undeniable.
The message played:
“Emperor Kai, I assume you’re watching this. If even one member of the King family is harmed, I will personally take a piece of your daughter in return. For every life lost, a limb shall follow. Consider this a warning—I won’t be returning for the next three years. And neither will your daughter.”
The declaration sent a wave of murmurs through the crowd. Horror, shock, and a twisted sense of admiration painted the faces of onlookers.
The war general clenched his jaw. He knew the Emperor’s fury would only deepen at this threat, but he also knew better than to disregard a hostage situation. With a reluctant nod, he sheathed his sword and turned to his men.
“We return to the palace.”
The bound family member was released, collapsing to his knees in relief. The King family let out a collective breath, though their faces remained wary.
Khoya, hidden within the gathering crowd, watched the entire ordeal unfold with an unreadable expression. Kent had anticipated such a move from the Emperor, and she had already taken measures to ensure the safety of his loved ones. There was no reason to panic. Everything was falling into place.
As the general and his soldiers rode back to the imperial palace, the message from the Jade Crystal tablet spread like wildfire through the city.
Whispers filled every street corner.
“Kent has the princess…”
“He threatened the Emperor himself…”
“He won’t return for three years… What is he planning?”
Back inside the King family estate, the tension lifted ever so slightly. The old patriarch sighed deeply, his eyes reflecting both relief and the heavy burden of an uncertain future.
The patriarch finally spoke, his voice firm but calm. “For now, we are safe. But this is only the beginning.”
Khoya allowed herself the smallest of smirks before disappearing into the shadows. Kent’s game had just begun, and she was determined to see it through to the end.
—
As Kent and the beast-woman Dakini walked along the bustling streets of Kulu City, the sky above them was filled with dazzling sights—flying treasures shaped like golden chariots, majestic spirit beasts with armored riders, and levitating platforms carrying noble families wrapped in luxurious silks.
The air shimmered with magical formations, leaving behind faint golden trails as elites soared across the capital with ease.
But down below, on the dusty roads, the reality was much harsher. Kent remained silent, walking beside Dakini, though he felt the weight of discrimination pressing down on them.
Every time a noble passed above, commoners and slaves instinctively lowered their heads. Dakini had already warned him—using any kind of treasure for travel was forbidden for those from the slave village. If they dared to fly, the city guards would confiscate their treasures, or worse.
Still, Kent’s mind raced. How ridiculous. A city that prides itself on civilization, yet they treat their own people like insects beneath their feet. He clenched his fists but kept his face indifferent, knowing this wasn’t the time for reckless actions.
They passed through several village districts before finally reaching Spring Water City, one of the eight ministerial towns within the capital. The grand entrance was marked by towering jade gates, with spirit inscriptions glowing faintly. A group of armored soldiers stood guard, their uniforms embroidered with the sigil of Minister Gao—the ruling authority over this region.
“Halt!” The head soldier, a man with a scarred face, stretched out his hand, stopping their path. His sharp eyes darted between Kent and Dakini, suspicion gleaming in his gaze. “State your business!”
Dakini stepped forward, bowing slightly. “Respected officers, we are members of Slave Village. I am returning to the slave district after running some errands.”
The soldier’s expression darkened. “A slave village rat dares to wander around the ministerial town?” He scoffed, looking Kent up and down with disdain. “And who’s this? Another lowly brat trying to act important?”
Kent remained silent, his gaze steady. But just as Dakini was about to reply, a burly man stepped forward from behind. His thick arms bulged with veins as he grinned maliciously.
“Heh, a beast-woman, huh? Haven’t touched one in a while…” he muttered under his breath.
Before Dakini could react, his large hand reached out to grab the back of her round fat ASS.
Snap!
A bone-crushing sound echoed through the street as Kent’s fingers gripped the man’s wrist midair, halting him in place. A moment of silence passed before the burly man howled in agony.
“AAAHHHHHHHH!” His knees buckled as he fell to the ground, his entire arm trembling violently. “LET GO! LET GO!”
Kent’s grip didn’t loosen. Instead, he tightened it further, his calm expression unchanged. “I thought soldiers were supposed to protect the people… not harass them like dogs.”
The surrounding soldiers tensed. “How dare you lay hands on one of our men!” The head soldier unsheathed his sword, his face twisting with anger. “Seize him!”
Several guards lunged at Kent, their weapons drawn. But before they could even take a step—
Boom!
Kent lifted his foot and delivered a sharp kick to the nearest soldier’s chest. The man flew back like a broken kite, crashing into two others, sending them tumbling to the ground. Another soldier swung his spear, but Kent effortlessly dodged, grabbing the spear’s shaft and twisting it with brute force. The metal pole bent like melted wax, shattering into pieces.
Chaos erupted. More soldiers poured in, surrounding Kent and Dakini. The situation was about to spiral out of control.
But Kent wasn’t in the mood for an extended brawl.
With a flick of his wrist—
Rumble!
A deep thunderclap echoed through the air as a magnificent throne, wreathed in golden lightning, materialized behind him. The Storm God’s Throne. Its intricate carvings of storm dragons and celestial engravings glowed fiercely, radiating an overwhelming pressure.
Kent casually took his seat, his posture commanding and imperious, as though he was a ruler descending from the heavens.
The soldiers froze. Their aggressive expressions turned pale as they recognized the terrifying aura of divine power emanating from the throne.
Dakini, still in shock, quickly climbed onto the throne beside him.
The head soldier gritted his teeth. “Stop them! Don’t let them—”
BOOM!
The throne shot into the air with a deafening crack of thunder, streaking across the city sky like a comet.
As they ascended, Kent looked down at the dumbfounded soldiers and smirked. “Remember my face. Next time you see me, bow.”
The soldiers from other districts watched in awe as the throne soared past them. None dared to interfere, their eyes filled with awe and fear. They didn’t recognize Kent, but they knew one thing—no mere slave or commoner could possess such a treasure.
Whispers filled the streets.
“Who is he?”
“Must be a noble from another land…”
“A big shot visiting the ministers, no doubt…”
As they finally left the chaos behind, Dakini let out a shaky breath. “You… You’re insane.”
Kent merely smiled. “No, I just don’t like being looked down on.”
With that, they soared toward the Slave Village, leaving behind a city in turmoil.