𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏
(1)
A month had passed since that time.
In the capital city located far south of the town of Arche, a ceremony was being held to celebrate the 40th coronation anniversary of King Ramon.
It was a national celebration. Festive drinks were being offered everywhere in the city, and the entire place was in a festive mood.
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“Wooooah! Long live the ‘Wise King’!”
“Hey, isn’t that a bit too loud?”
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Amidst the festivities, a dead-drunk man and a slightly tipsy man wandered around the dilapidated slums, leaning on each other’s shoulders.
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“Why the fuss? Is it wrong to celebrate our king?”
“Why don’t you go to the public audience then?”
“It’s a sophisticated gathering there. You can’t drink freely – huh.”
“Hey, stop it right here.”
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The two entered a quiet park in the middle of the slums. They wanted to take a brief rest, but someone was already there.
Under the slender trees, an old blind woman sat. Dressed in simple hooded clothing and holding a branch that served as her cane, she muttered unclearly to herself.
The drunk man listened.
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“Who’s this old lady?”
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The slightly tipsy man who seemed to live nearby explained with mild annoyance.
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“She’s always here. Rain or shine, she mutters to herself. It’s honestly unsettling.”
“Homeless, huh.”
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There were a few coins scattered in front of the old woman. It seemed that the whims of the drunken patrons had kept this pitiful old woman barely alive.
Perhaps feeling generous, the very drunk man pulled out a flat wallet from his pocket.
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“Alright, it’s a day of celebration!”
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He took some coins from the wallet and tossed them in front of the old woman. Then he sat down beside her, trying to console her.
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“Hey, old lady, cheer up. Life can be tough, but there are good times too. Like today.”
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The old woman didn’t react to the man’s voice or the money. She just kept murmuring to herself.
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“Huh? What’s she saying?”
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The very drunk man leaned in to listen.
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“A crimson wave? The kingdom will perish?”
“Hey, let it go.”
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The slightly tipsy man sighed.
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“This old woman, she’s a ‘prophet’.”
“A prophet?”
“Yeah. Apparently, a local landlord took pity on her and took her in, caring for her for a while. During that time, she kept prophesying doom.”
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Though the landlord found it entertaining, no one took her seriously. The current times were peaceful, especially with the beloved “Wise King” ruling the land for so long. Why would anyone lament and anticipate destruction?
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“Still, what a tale.”
“Come on, let’s go. I’ve sobered up. Let’s get another drink at that place.”
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Even after the two drunkards left, there was no change in the old woman’s demeanor.
Occasionally, visitors to the park would either cast uncomfortable glances her way or ignore her altogether. Yet, the blind old woman continued to murmur her disjointed tales, speaking to no one in particular.
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◇
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There’s a nagging feeling. An anxiety that you’ve unknowingly missed out on something important. A guilt that feels like you’ve turned away from your responsibilities. Even though reason denies it, there’s an unsettling feeling deep within.
The blood stirs.
The royal blood.
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“Your Majesty.”
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With that voice, King Ramon snapped back to his senses.
It’s the throne in the audience chamber. A short while had passed since the 40th coronation anniversary ceremony ended. It seemed he had dozed off on the throne during that time. It was an act unthinkable from his once vibrant and intense younger self. Deep down, he chuckled at the realization of his aging.
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“Is it time?”
“Yes. Many of the people have gathered in the palace square to celebrate your majesty.”
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Four close aides stood before the king.
The one who spoke was a frail, elderly man, thin as a withered branch, Prime Minister Hou. Slightly behind him were Captain of the Royal Guards, Ignis, and Black Neck Squad leader, Ozma.
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“Hou.”
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King Ramon questioned the trusted old man.
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“Where do you think the demon beasts come from?”
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Clearly different from beasts, demon beasts. Possessing unique abilities, they attack humans indiscriminately upon sight. They are arguably the natural enemies of humans. Not limited to the “wilderness”, demon beasts inhabit various parts of the kingdom and frequently appear in human settlements. Much about their nature remains a mystery.
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“Who knows.”
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Hou responded as if in a daze.
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“I’m no scholar of demon beasts. But I can offer speculations, but it’ll be a long story. Shall I prepare some tea and snacks?”
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The two shared a relationship where they could jest like this.
King Ramon chuckled and rose from his throne.
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“No need. Let’s end this pointless conversation.”
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Moving from the audience chamber to the balcony overlooking the palace square, the crowd erupted in cheers the moment King Ramon appeared.
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“Ah, he’s come out!”
“Long live the King!”
“Hail the “Wise King”!”
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Thousands had gathered in the palace square.
Witnessing this scene and hearing the cheers, King Ramon felt reassured about his past actions.
Indeed, his worries were but fleeting anxieties. Baseless fears.
Displaying his regal dignity, he acknowledged the crowd.
Then his expression froze.
Above the crowd, at the same height as the balcony, a massive shadow flapped its wings.
It resembled a lion with wings on its back and a horn on its forehead. Its fur was a vivid blue, and its eyes amber. With wings and tail included, it might be ten times the size of a human.
The blue lion-like creature hovered in the air, fixing its gaze on King Ramon.
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“Your Majesty!”
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Blocking its view, Captain of the Royal Guards, Ignis, stood in its way.
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“Everyone, don’t let that demon beast approach! Protect the King!”
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Shortly after, his subordinates, the Royal Guards, surrounded King Ramon.
The cheering ceased, and the square filled with a suspicious commotion as people finally sensed the anomaly.
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“[O King of humans.]”
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It wasn’t a voice heard through the ears, but an intention, like that of the beast, resonating directly in the mind. All inside the palace heard the cold, flat words.
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[It’s been seven hundred and nine years, King of humans.]
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The blue lion-like creature spoke.
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[The time of our covenant has come. Fulfill the trial and offer me the “Blood of the Goddess”.]
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Before anyone realized, the plaza in front of the royal palace had fallen silent. Thousands in the crowd, with not a single person making a sound. Their minds were paralyzed by the surreal scene and mysterious phenomenon before them. The same was true for King Ramon and others on the balcony.
Suddenly, the blue lion-like creature growled.
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[It seems there is no daughter inheriting the “Blood of the Goddess” here.]
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It made a gesture as if sniffing the air.
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[She’s not nearby either. Where have you hidden her?]
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Facing the beast that bared its fangs at the king, the Captain of the Royal Guards, Ignis, shouted in anger.
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“What are you doing? Attack!”
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The guards waiting atop the castle walls responded.
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“Draw your bows!”
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They all nocked their arrows in unison.
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“Fire!”
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The blue lion-like creature flapped its wings powerfully, causing a gust of wind, and the dozen arrows shot at it went astray.
Once more, the creature roared.
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[Now that I recall, there once was a foolish king who resisted, cherishing his daughter’s life. I remember now. How humans tend to forget!]
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The blue lion-like creature took a deep breath. The next moment, a light, nearly white with a tinge of blue, emanated from its mouth. As the creature moved its head, the light spread out radially, engulfing all the guards on the castle walls.
As if a thread of tension had snapped, one person in the plaza screamed. That scream spread to others, turning into a massive wave. The crowd, yelling out in fear, rushed toward the exits of the plaza. Many fell, and others trampled over them.
The creature looked down at the scene with apparent boredom. Had it released the flames from before, it would have been a total disaster, but it seemed to have no intention of launching another attack. Narrowing its amber eyes, it glared at King Ramon on the balcony, who remained motionless.
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[Human king. I’ll be waiting at the “Altar of Endings”. Abide by our covenant and willingly present the “Blood of the Goddess”—your daughter. That is, after all, the only hope granted to you.]
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Leaving those words behind, the blue lion-like creature flew off in the direction of the north.
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