"I trust that everything is prepared?" A dignified baritone voice asked, his back towards a figure cloaked in black.

"Yes, my Lord... The last of what is required being yourself." Replies in many hushed whispers that echo in the royal suite.

"And that they will be under my influence, correct?"

"As it shall be so, my Lord... This one ensures it... As it is written, between us"

Hmph. So they say. His thoughts to himself as his hands finished his royal ensemble with a golden crown adorned of many colors.

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"All rise to his Majesty, King Kegan IV!" A royal herald proclaimed ahead of Kegan, as the sounds of shuffling feet and armor resounded across the Grande Theatre, as if it was their response.

As for the king, his entrance into the theatre was with little pomp or fancy. Kegan, violet head held high, adorned with the symbol of his nation, and flanked by his royal guard, made his way towards the great stage where his throne stood waiting, slightly navigating around that which was to be addressed.

On his way, many men and women flocked their eyes towards him, hoping for the chance to meet his gaze, their right hand clenched above their hearts in salute to their kingdom's leader.

Many could taste the intensity in the air as the king walked by.

Many others were poised to pounce on an assailant that dared.

All that were present armed in one way or another.

...

Although he was at the center of all possible attention, as his body moved through the motions of measured steps, posture, even breathing, as he done many times before Kegan's mind was elsewhere.

-me way or another, these heroes must be restrained in a sense. They all seek fame and fortune, but from records, there are particular individuals that are different somehow... Over emphatic, overly vengeful, sometimes being the epitome of Lust... We need not another Risa of the Elves or Hunter of the beasts, but unrestrained, their power is unquestionable... ... Blasted gods! if they had only sent those loyal to humanity, I would not have to resort to such methods and then can we truly thrive to give back to world, especially towards the Dwarves... On that thought, he had arrived at the steps of the stage, the line of knights guarding parted for him and his royal guard.

It's been 6 months, I hope you are ok, Thean.

With that, Kegan stands in front of the throne of black marble, interlaced with white gold, cushioned by Thunder Ram wool. He turns and beholds his people in the Grande Theatre.

Separate from his castle, and created many generations ago, the Grande Theatre, a theatre dedicated to all subjects of the nation, could seat 300 men, and was open to them today, if it were not already filled with nobles, knights, and clergymen.

As of late, the noble houses have become far too in abundance that they have pushed out the common folk from attending. Kegan inwardly sighed at this

but that is in necessity. Remember, Kegan, many of them were commoners before that proved themselves capable in defending our borders. And that there are knights present that were of commoner descent. I can trust my word will disseminate and reach my people properly though them....

Kegan's eyes lower to the center of the Theatre and back to his people.

"My People of Thanascaria!" Kegan's low baritone voice boomed, with the help of sound magic, bringing the already given attention of his audience to his voice.

"Thank you for coming today of all days to the 600th year since our founding!" He raises his arms to the sounds of clapping and cheers, but soon lowers them, the audience stopping at his motion.

"It should be a time for celebration, for mead, merriness and laughter, and that indeed you hear the caucus jubilation outside our halls. Having said that I also offer my apologies to delivering alongside what should be celebration somber news... Please sit, as this shall take long."

At this statement, was a slow knowing silence that spread amongst the crowd, followed by the rustling of clothing as every member sat.

Seeing this, Kegan finally sits on his throne after everyone.

"As was written to your houses and what I shall inform to you again is the situation with our borders and neighbors... To the East of us comes reports of renewed raids upon our farmlands by the Beastmen savages. Making this coming year harder on all with lesser harvests and good food for our children and wives... Thus, I decree a law be passed through the courts that all families be at least provided with 15 loaves of bread and half pig-head's weight in meat per week. And if this be untenable, especially towards winter, that the noble families take measures of their own to ensure every citizen, every people within our land, be fed and healthy. As I will also check on each house for measurement that keep most of their people fed and healthy, while keeping in mind our reduced harvests. For whoever does this shall be rewarded greatly and shall serve as the template on how we shall provide food to all."

Murmurs begin amongst the nobles at the end of his first report.

"To the South, our inbound cargo vessels, from Dwarven port of Allay, that lay much of our armament from our allies, the Dwarves, against the North has been waylaid and hassled by Beastmen Pirates, Merfolk... And startling news from our vessels that do survive engagement... Both."

The murmur from the crowd raises an octave, slightly, to a low rumble.

"This raises concern as there have been in no recent history an alliance between the Savages and the Merfolk, and there have not been any rumors of such a thing happening from the colonies we do have relations with. But may hamper our ability in defending the North and bolster our enemies in the East as it will any in South. As I do raise this concern, I, as many are aware, am not versed in sea combat, thus I defer the coastal and seaside nobles towards my Navy Advisor, Sir Theador."

The low rumble goes to a murmur again, as sounds of paper and writing could be heard.

"As for our allies in the west, past the territory of the elves, the dwarves, within their vast empire of mountains... ..." Kegan breaths in and back out,"-We... have lost contact with the Dwarves capital city of Dunstardt."

Amongst the crowd, open and rushed talking happens in a flurry as many worry about extended family and investments within the mountain empire.

"While this causes issue, everyone, please... I assure you. We all know the rock-headedness of our dwarves, and that whatever has and is happening within their mountains of theirs, they are fighting as hard as we are against the North. We know our Dwarves will win and we'll be with them again at their table, drinking till our bellies are full of their hardy Beer. So let us have faith in them."

Some cheers erupt from the crowd at the in-prompt speech of their King.

"But to give slightly more assurance, I will also be sending an elite team of warriors to check up on our little friends... Just don't tell them I said that 'little' part out loud to them."

Kegan smirks at his own joke, as some slight giggles come from a group of ladies on his left, to which they notice his gaze, face fully smiling now, and awkwardly quiet down, their own faces hiding behind fans and ears burning hot.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

"Ahem- ... For the North... I thank the Noble families that are here representing the North for their continued fighting and vigil against the Northern Demons and their Kin. As for now and has been for the past 100 years, we have kept the demon armies from advancing across Red Landing. Good news. For the past few months, however, there have been reports of a Banner that is becoming more and more common amongst all the armies we have repelled or destroyed. As for what this means, I am unsure, as there were reports of similar movements before with nothing to come of it. But I ask those of the Northen Noble Families to remain vigilant and on guard. I will send relief supplies soon, even if it comes from my own armory."

Murmurs still, but with a renewed vigor, Kegan could see, to which he inwardly smiles... but...

Now comes the hard part...

"Now, for the last and true reason that you have been all called here today..."

At this... All murmurs ceased, and uncomfortable and intense silence creeped upon everyone in the room.

"We are here... to commence the 54th summoning... of heroes"

...

... ... The silence was heavy, and worry grew on many of the nobles and knights, alike.

They have read the histories, heard the stories of the Beast of many Legs or of the Elf's Red Vengeance come Storm. The devastation they did and the near collapse of the kingdom.

But amid their anxiety and in the middle of the Grand Theatre lay the blue, pulsing, god-touched, summoning circle, the treasure and also dubbed curse of Humanity.

----------------------------------------

They are scared... Kegan thought as he sees the worry in their eyes.

I would be too if this is the only way... but we have an assurance.

"I understand everyone's reluctance to summon heroes. However, it is necessary due to the occurrences of these events happening all at once. We had dealt with an occurrence slightly similar to this before, I understand, but we had come out weaker when we did. I cannot risk dividing our attention like that again, without risking our safety. But like I assured you before in the past four times concerning our neighbors. I assure you once again, this will be different than the last two summonings. I guarantee it. I will not be like the Foolish Kings."

And as if to rebut Kegan's words, an old man spoke up.

"How can we know you guarantee it?!"

Many of those around the old man, stared at the elder in utter shock that such words were uttered and back at the king in case if he were to cast judgement on the cur, so that they may leap away in save for themselves.

"How can you guarantee that these fools would not summon terrors, like those of the Beast of Legs and the Red Storm? How can you guarantee something your ancestor was not able to control? I remember the tales of my great great grandfather. I have seen the river that was diverted by the Beast of Legs, such terrible power to control a force such as the rapids of Kugre. So, tell us how are you to tame such wild animals?!"

As for Kegan, he smiled. For the first time, some people doubted Kegan's words, even those that said nothing.

Others looked at the old fool wishing to shut him up, complete faith in the king of whatever he had in his hands.

What they did not expect was his next words that would prove his loyalty to his people

"To assure you, I will tether my life to the heroes." Kegan replied to his doubters and faithful alike.

... "What?"

Kegan then stands from this throne, declaring in a loud voice, "To ensure that no heroes summoned today will be a threat towards this kingdom, I, as king, will tether my life to the heroes summoned, in that if any one hero were to threaten the safety and security of my citizens I have the capability to end all heroes summoned with the ending of my own... Through MY life or death, will I be the first and last defense towards a rogue hero or heroes, ensuring the safety of my kingdom. THAT... is my assurance to you."

The old man, eyes wide open, alongside many others began to dissent.

"My Lord!! You can't!..." "We shouldn't summon them then, if we risk losing you!" "Don't do this!..." "We have no need for heroes, we have you, your Majesty!" "Don't be Mad!" and so on, which began the start of cacophony.

This dissent could have gone longer than what could be anticipated, but Kegan simply held his hand to the crowd.

No sooner he did that the crowd began to become quieter, not of their own accord though, as many were still trying to shout their displeasure of their King's decision. No, it was through Kegan's own sound magic that he quieted the crowd.

Then, finally, as the crowd realized their inability to voice their concerns, did they stop to listen on what next their king had to say.

Kegan, noticing his audience, then said, "It gives me great joy to see how well cared and loved I am in this kingdom, and I know it is to your displeasure to hear my decision in this. However, there was no other guarantee that can be had when dealing with heroes of the gods, other than this. It brings me great pain to say that this is the only way and one that ensures the least amount of bloodshed lost... My people, please, do not worry. Even in the event were to happen, I had deigned my heir, my 8 year old son to take the throne, but have my queen as the Proxy ruler till my son is proper to rule... If it were to happen... My people, I ask... No, as King Kegan IV, I command my subjects, if I were to fall, teach my son in the ways you have seen me rule but not impede my queen in her duties as a mother or leader."

At their King's command, noblemen, knight, clergyman, and even the high priest stood and saluted.

And in one voice, "It Shall Be Done!"

The King smiled at their resolution, that's one part done, now the other...

"Now, let us summon our four heroes."

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Murmurs were about the place, as everyone situated a ways away from the runic treasure in the middle of the Theatre, most of them concerned for their king, some of them ready to burn the little heathens if they showed none respect, all of them tense about the situation.

Kegan stood on the precipice of the Summoning circle as woman in white, gold highlighting the collar and sleeves. approached him on the side.

"High Priestess Sorale."

Sorale bows her head slightly, responding "We are ready, My Liege." as her priests were chanting in a low tone at 8 equal portions of the circle.

Kegan sighs, nodding, preparing to receive the Church's weapon.

Sorale holds up a Sabre pommel towards the king. "As is tradition, you are to cut your hand with the holy saber, letting your blood drop on the runes to activate it. As it drops, pray to the gods to receive the four heroes whose hearts align with the gods of the elements, Ignis, Tera, Ventos, and Akua, that they may recieve their blessings and be brought from beyond the void to this land."

"Understood" taking the weapon in hand, placing his palm on its edge... hesitating.

This will work, right? This has to work.

As if in response to his own doubts, whispers filled his ear drowning out the next parts of the High Priestess's message.

"Do not fear... I am with you here... to ensure my end... to be true..."

Whispers... yah, it's here too. Here's to believing their words then... Kegan cuts his palm, the weapon vibrating slightly within his hand, as blood begins to drip.

Holding over the runes he thinks to himself in short prayer.

Gods of water, wind, earth and fire. I beseech thee Ignis to cleanse this world of evil, I beseech thee Tera to let none escape thy watchful vigil, I beseech thee Ventor to let no enemy pass through your presence, I beseech thee Akua to let your heat burn the trespassers so that your people is secure. I beseech thee, seek four beyond the veil that follows after thyself. Seek our heroes and save our world!

As Kegan completed his own prayer, the sigils were activating with an intensity of light. What started as a pale blue glow, began to shimmer, sing in a piercing tone, and magnify in presence, until its blue tones turned to a nearly blinding light the closer his prayer was to ending.

Those nearest to the circle had to shield their eyes or were forced to look away. As for the priests, they were forced to stop their mantras, covering their ears. Only Kegan was left standing nearest the bright light, his figure almost eclipsed. No one the wiser to notice the flickering runes.

Meanwhile, Whispers in an almost excited tone, "That's it~... your awaited contract is nearly complete... Let me add clauses to bind those four souls to yo-... Wait! Stop the ritual! Kegan! Stop! STOP!"

Wha-? His thought didn't finish as the bright light suddenly collapsed in on itself, sucked to the center of the runes before blinding almost everyone with a loud BANG, shattering windows within the halls.

Ringing in the ears and blindness for a long couple of were the result for many of those present. Those that recovered faster were ironically those closest to the ceremony, by protecting either ears or eyes.

However, none were more dazed or shocked in the aftermath than King Kegan IV, who had neither blindness nor deafness, due his eyes being closed by prayer and his magic warding off the sound.

From what was recorded in the royal archives, what should have been spectacular sight of the elements floating, representing the gods, harming none and dividing into their respective cardinal zones within the circle, their four blobs of light hovering within their perspective zones of element to represent the summoning of their chosen champion...

What should have been a sight of the four new heroes, confused and dazed with their surroundings, supposed to be young men and women eager for adventure and tasked after his plea for help for his kingdom... A rehearsed speech, him bowing to show his respect and earnestness towards them, ... a secret pledge between the heroes and he to not fornicate his world...

Instead, Kegan's eyes were met by only two individuals, clad in black iron armor and their poise with what seemed to be rifles in hand carefully, one of them scanning the crowd, the other hero?, his? weapon drawn, trained on King Kegan IV. Above them were two orbs of the same color, ominously humming a single low note.

...

... ...

... ... ...

The moment seemed to hang on forever, between Kegan and they, as if stunned by the depth's sun-kissed starfish. Their dark visor penetrating, foreboding...

Kegan was only to croak out the first lines of his speech.

"Great heroes, I beseech you, please save my kingdom."

... The Kingdom's heroes' response? A helmet tilted in confusion.

.. -- only for the moment to be broken by an onlooker's cry.

"DEMONS!!!"

Before all hell broke loose.