x
Saber turned to his royal guards, his tone commanding yet calm. “Evacuate the civilians. Get them out of the area immediately.”
The guards nodded and began spreading out, ushering the frightened civilians toward safer zones. Malgron tilted his head slightly, observing the scene with an amused smirk. Saber turned his gaze back to the towering figure, his expression resolute.
“It would be best if you left them alone,” Saber said, his voice firm. “They have their orders, and I won’t let you touch them.”
Malgron chuckled, his laughter deep and rumbling. “Do you think I’d waste my time on such weaklings? No, Saber. My business is with you.”
Saber held his ground. “You mentioned you’ve been waiting for me. May I ask why?”
Malgron’s crimson-veined eyes glinted as he responded, his voice laced with disdain. “Justice.”
Saber’s brow furrowed, and Malgron continued. “Region 4 is a catastrophe. Corrupt kingdoms spring up like weeds, exploiting the weak and taking advantage of those without power. And you… You sit on your throne in the Sound Kingdom, letting everyone ‘govern themselves.’ Your so-called freedom is nothing but a weak excuse for neglect.”
Saber’s expression shifted, guilt creeping into his eyes. “I believed that giving people freedom was the best way to foster peace and harmony.”
“Your belief,” Malgron snapped, “has allowed the strong to prey on the weak. Region 4 doesn’t need your leniency—it needs stability and order. And you, Saber, are not fit to provide it. That’s why I’m here. That’s why we’re here. We’re going to kill you, take over the Sound Kingdom, and bring real justice to this land.”
Saber’s guilt deepened, but his resolve remained unshaken. “I see now that my approach has flaws. I apologize to those I’ve failed.”
Malgron sneered. “Apologies mean nothing to those who’ve suffered. Justice will be served for the downtrodden.”
With that, Malgron lunged forward, his massive fist aimed directly at Saber’s face. Saber stood motionless, forming the circular hand gesture with his thumbs and index fingers. “Unlimited Reflection!” he called out as Malgron’s punch was deflected with a massive burst of energy, sending the Obsidian Titan flying backward.
Malgron landed on his feet, skidding to a stop. He laughed, brushing off the impact. “Are you really just going to sit there and play defense? Why not attack me?”
Without waiting for an answer, Malgron leaped onto a nearby building, his immense weight cracking its foundation. In an instant, he jumped to another structure, the force of his landing reducing it to rubble. Finally, he landed on the ground, his hands glowing with crimson energy.
“Shardstorm Dominion.”
The ground beneath them shattered violently, massive jagged obsidian shards erupting from the land. Malgron controlled the shards telepathically, directing them like deadly spears toward Saber. The shards emitted a crimson aura that scorched the air, and the once-stable city became a chaotic, unstable mess.
Saber struggled to keep his balance on the crumbling ground. As he staggered, Malgron seized the opportunity and landed a devastating punch to Saber’s face, sending him crashing into the earth.
A jagged shard loomed over Saber, poised to pierce his stomach. Saber quickly drew the Saber of Reverberation, slashing the shard and reflecting its energy back toward Malgron. The redirected shard struck Malgron, forcing him to retreat momentarily.
“You have some tricks,” Malgron admitted, his voice tinged with frustration. “But how long can you keep this up?”
Malgron unleashed a flurry of obsidian shards, attacking from multiple angles. Saber’s Saber of Reverberation reflected the first few attacks, but each reflection chipped away at his reserves. Malgron manipulated the shards with precision, forcing Saber to expend all five reflections.
As the final shard was deflected, the glowing energy of Saber’s weapon dimmed. Saber landed on the unstable ground, breathing heavily. Malgron descended beside him, his fists glowing with molten energy.
“You’re done,” Malgron growled, raising his fist for the final blow.
Before he could strike, a barrage of shards shot toward him, piercing his Obsidian Aegis. Malgron coughed up blood, his eyes wide with shock.
“What—” he began, but Saber’s voice interrupted him.
“Echo Imprint.”
Saber rose to his feet, his composure regained. “When I reflect an attack with my Saber of Reverberation, I can store an imprint of its energy. Once all five reflections are used, I can release a weaker version of the stored energy as an offensive strike. Without knowing it, you helped me activate this ability.”
Malgron’s expression darkened, but Saber’s tone softened. “I like you, Malgron. I truly do. Your convictions, your anger, your pain—I empathize with them. You’ve opened my eyes to the flaws in my approach, and for that, I thank you.”
Saber began walking away, his voice calm but resolute. “I don’t want to hurt you. You’ve already given me much to consider. Stay here and recover while you’re trapped. I’ll go to the Council’s Hall and resolve this with your allies peacefully.”
As Saber turned, he added one final warning. “Oh, and I wouldn’t follow me if I were you. Seraphina’s already there, and I doubt you want to deal with her again—especially when she’s angry. I’m know you can still feel the force of her punch, even if you won’t admit it.”
Malgron’s eyes narrowed as he watched Saber leave. His confusion deepened—how could Saber know he was still feeling the effects of Seraphina’s strike? The thought lingered as Saber sprinted toward the Council’s Hall, the scene of the chaos yet to unfold.21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOz2UA8AAF
Seraphina burst through the towering obsidian doors of the Council’s Hall, the resounding echo silencing all activity within. Her eyes darted to the astonishing sight before her: two colossal figures standing defiantly in front of The Judge and his 12 Elders.
One was Balgareth the Stormbound Behemoth, a tempestuous force of nature incarnate. His immense, storm-weathered physique bore the appearance of cracked stone, illuminated by faint electric-blue veins coursing through him like thunder trapped in flesh. Towering at nearly twelve feet tall, Balgareth’s presence radiated raw power, amplified by his wild mane of silver hair and storm-laden cloak.
Beside him loomed Kaelthar the Abyssborn Colossus. His shadowy, marble-like skin shimmered with faint violet hues, and his piercing gaze seemed to strip the room of its courage. Cloaked in flowing robes of liquid darkness, Kaelthar’s brooding silence only deepened the overwhelming sense of dread he exuded. He was nearly as large as his counterpart, his imposing aura suffocating the air around him.
Kaelthar’s deep, resonant voice broke the silence. “This Council’s rule has failed Region 4. The kingdoms within it are allowed to roam unchecked, preying upon the weak while corruption festers unchecked.” His gaze shifted to The Judge, unflinching. “And your son, Saber, bears responsibility for this chaos.”
Balgareth’s thunderous laughter filled the hall. “To restore justice, we demand Saber’s execution,” he declared, his tone brimming with confidence. “Malgron shall take his place as King of The Sound Kingdom and Region 4.” He paused, his eyes glinting with menace. “Refuse us, and you’ll face consequences you cannot imagine.”
Elder Corvus Myrik leaned forward, his expression a mixture of disdain and defiance. “Who are you to make demands here without facing judgment?” he retorted.
Before Balgareth could respond, an aura of immense power enveloped him. The Judge had acted, summoning the ethereal balance known as “The Judge’s Scales.” The room froze in awe as the shimmering artifact materialized. Its intricate runes glowed faintly, casting an otherworldly light across the chamber.
The narrator (meeeeee lol) explained: The Weighing of Souls The Judge summons his ethereal balance scale to determine the morality and intent of his target by weighing a fragment of their essence against a representation of cosmic law. This process takes 10 seconds, during which neither The Judge nor the target can move. If the scales balance, the target is deemed neutral, and no immediate action is taken. If the scales tip heavily against the target, they are judged guilty, unlocking further consequences. If the scales tip in the target’s favor, they are judged innocent and gain The Judge’s temporary protection, becoming immune to harmful effects for 30 seconds.
Kaelthar’s voice roared through the hall as he noticed Balgareth frozen in place. “What is happening?!”
Elder Haldan Vross’s voice rang out sharply. “SILENCE!”
Kaelthar’s fury surged, and his response was swift. “NO!” He unleashed his first ability: Abyssal Shroud.
The narrator elaborated: Abyssal Shroud Kaelthar summons a suffocating veil of darkness that spreads outward in a 50-meter radius over 5 seconds, enveloping the battlefield in shadow. The shroud blinds enemies, reducing their vision to mere meters, while amplifying Kaelthar’s presence, instilling an overwhelming fear that lowers enemy morale and weakens their attacks by 30%. Within the shroud, Kaelthar becomes a nearly invisible silhouette, allowing him to move undetected.
The shroud consumed the hall in darkness, rendering all but Kaelthar powerless to see. In an instant, he lunged toward The Judge, his massive fist poised to strike. However, the attack collided with an invisible barrier, leaving The Judge unscathed due to the temporary protection granted by the scales.
From the shadows, glowing chains erupted, ensnaring Kaelthar mid-air. He was slammed to the ground, writhing in agony as the fiery bindings burned into his marble-like skin. Seraphina’s commanding voice echoed through the chaos. “Enough! Your impatience is unbecoming.”
The narrator explained her ability: Hellfire Chains of Dominion Seraphina can create chains of Hellfire that not only bind her enemies but also drain their life force and power. These chains are virtually unbreakable and can extend across dimensions, binding even gods or cosmic entities. Once ensnared, the target’s energy is siphoned into Seraphina, further amplifying her strength.
Kaelthar’s Abyssal Shroud dissipated as he screamed in pain, the hellfire rendering his ability inert. Meanwhile, the scales completed their judgment of Balgareth, revealing a balanced outcome. He was deemed neutral, neither guilty nor innocent.
Seraphina released her chains, allowing Kaelthar to collapse to the ground. At that moment, the obsidian doors burst open, and Saber entered, his face stern. “Malgron has been handled,” he announced, recounting the events of their battle. “His intentions, while misguided, stem from a desire for justice.”
The Council erupted into murmurs as Elder Rainer Solrenn addressed Saber, disappointment etched on his face. “Your lack of governance has caused immeasurable harm. Damage to the Main District cannot be ignored.”
Elder Caelus Orn’s voice cut through the tension. “As a result, you will officially lose your title as King of The Sound Kingdom.”
Seraphina’s eyes widened in shock, and Saber’s expression faltered with guilt.
Elder Haldan Vross added gravely, “A meeting with the other five rulers will be convened to decide the next ruler of The Sound Kingdom. As for you two,” he gestured toward Balgareth and Kaelthar, “you and Malgron will return here in three days for individual judgments.”
Balgareth and Kaelthar exchanged sinister smiles before leaving to check on Malgron. With their exit, the tension in the room shifted.
Elder Astris Caldean scolded Saber harshly. “Look at what your negligence has wrought. Parts of the Main District lie in ruin because of your failure to lead.”
Elder Haldan Vross delivered the final blow. “You are hereby sentenced to 100 days in the Underground Prison.”
Seraphina’s voice erupted in protest. “This is absurd! Saber’s intentions were noble. He offered refuge to those who needed it!”
Elder Corvus Myrik sneered. “Stay out of this, outsider. This is not your concern.”
Seraphina’s aura flared dangerously as she stepped forward. Her voice dropped to an icy calm. “I’ve tolerated your disrespect long enough. If one more word leaves your mouth, I will reduce this district to ash.”
Corvus laughed mockingly. “As if you could.”
Her eyes burned with lethal intent. “Try me.”
The room fell into a tense silence as none dared challenge her. Seraphina turned to the Council. “Saber is coming with me. My team of ten will be ready for the tournament in seven days. If anyone has a problem with this, speak now.” Her voice carried a promise of destruction.
No one responded.
Seraphina and Saber left the Council’s Hall, the silence of the Elders speaking volumes. The pair exited the Main District, leaving behind a storm of consequences yet to unfold.
ns 15.158.61.5da2
