CHAPTER 8 : A TEMPTING PROPOSAL
“Greetings to Griffin the 3rd and the people of Olymzeus," Lupin paused, taking a breath before proceeding with the parchment. "We have been engaged in conflict for centuries, resulting in immeasurable losses on both sides. However, we, the Nine Pillars, now seek to end this perpetual strife. We propose the idea of 'Kreeda Utsab,' a tournament to settle our differences with the Beastmen without further loss of life. This tournament will consist of three games, testing our strength, intelligence, and unity to govern the world. Our objective is to demonstrate our superiority in every aspect you challenge us. To level the playing field, we will allow you to select the games and establish the rules for the tournament. And just to be clear, we know about the incident on the Skeletal Island. So if we wished, we could have waged an all out war to anhilate your kingdom, by taking advantage of the current situation. However we chose peace over bloodshed. Prepare for the 'Kreeda Utsab'; you have seven days.”
"Isn't it absurd?" Griffin inquired.
Lupin nodded before responding, "Indeed. What could their intentions be? I fail to comprehend. With their current advantage, they could easily launch an attack. Yet, they propose this alternative? This is quite a tempting proposal. There must be a larger scheme at work here."
"Nevertheless, we lack the luxury of time to delve deeper into their motives. We must strategize our response and prepare for this 'Kreeda Utsab'. Lupin, dispatch an urgent notice to the 'Six Servants'. We convene for a meeting tomorrow."
Without further questioning, Lupin obeyed the order. He wrote the message for the urgent meeting on a piece of paper and created six copies using his family's unique clone magic. Then, he tied each note to a different pigeon and sent them to six different locations where the 'Six Servants' were known to be present.
The 'Six Servants' were a group comprising six of the most formidable and skilled Beastmen who served Olymzeus and its king. Every ten years, they were chosen based on their performance and effectiveness on the battlefield. Additionally, they held the positions of commanders within their respective armies.Top of Form
Two hours after that exact moment, in a certain village in Patala, the demon residents found themselves under attack by Arachdread, the vice commander of the 1st army of Beastmen, who was completely unaware of the current circumstances. He embodied a dark blend of man and spider. His eight legs, poised for battle, carry him with unsettling grace across the battlefield. His eyes gleam with predatory intelligence, a stark reminder of his arachnid lineage.
“Kill every last one of them.” He smirked with his cold voice. Shacks and huts were set ablaze, screams echoed through the narrow streets, and the air was thick with the acrid scent of fear. The demon inhabitants fled in all directions, desperately seeking safety from the monstrous vice commander of the third army of Beastmen.
Among the fleeing demons was a young child, innocence evident in his wide eyes and trembling limbs. With fear driving him forward, he stumbled over the rough paths, his heart pounding with terror. Arachdread's looming presence cast a shadow over him, his dark form darting through the chaos with frightening speed.
As the child attempted to escape, Arachdread's attention fixated on him, his predatory instincts ignited by the sight of vulnerable prey. With a menacing grin, he launched himself towards the child, weaving a web of terror around him. The innocent demon's desperate cries for help filled the air, but they were drowned out by the cacophony of destruction surrounding him.
Arachdread's monstrous form loomed over the child, his eight legs moving with unnerving precision as he ensnared him in his web. With a cruel grin twisting his features, he relished in the terror that radiated from his captive. With each movement, the web tightened around the child, suffocating his hope and sealing his fate.
But then, in a sudden twist of fate, an arrow streaked through the air and sliced through one of Arachdread's limbs that was gripping the child.
“ARGHH! Who dares?" The vice commander's cry pierced the air, a mix of agony and fury as he spun around to confront the unexpected assailant.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
But as his eyes landed on the figure before him, his pain seemed to evaporate, replaced by a sudden wave of fear. "You? This cannot be!"
Before him stood a towering figure of strength and wisdom. His once jet-black hair had turned silver-white with age, cascading down his broad shoulders in majestic waves. A matching beard, full and flowing, framed his weathered face, the lines of experience etched upon his dark, regal skin.
His muscular frame that he honed by years of leadership and battle, emanated power and authority. Clad in garments of royal blue and gold, he exuded an aura of nobility and grace.
In his hand, he held an arrow, its feathered shaft resting lightly against his palm. At his waist, he held a sharp silver talwaar, symbolizing his expertise in different weapons. Yet, despite the weapons that adorned him, it was the kindness and wisdom that shone from his deep, knowing eyes, casting a gentle warmth upon all who beheld him. He stood as a beacon of strength and compassion, a leader revered and respected by all who knew him.
As the unexpected scene unfolded before them, the villagers froze in their tracks. The chaos that had gripped them moments before now gave way to a collective sense of composure and relief. Amidst the murmurs of awe, one voice rang out, "I can’t believe we're seeing him in person. It’s Lord Bali, one of the ‘Nine Pillars’."
In reverence, they all bowed their heads and chorused, "All hail Lord Bali, the wise demon."
Arachdread consumed by fear and panic stepped back, unintentionally releasing the child from his grip.
The child, overwhelmed by emotion, broke free and dashed towards the wise demon, enveloping him in a tight embrace, tears streaming down his cheeks. Bali, with a gentle smile, patted the child's head reassuringly. "You need not worry. I am here," he said in a voice deep yet filled with kindness.
"What do you think you're doing?" bellowed a beastman soldier. "Do you have any idea who you're messing with?" another one joined in, their voices raised in anger.
"How dare you attack our lord when he's let his guard down?" a third chimed in, adding to the chorus of hostility.
"You may be one of the 'Nine Pillars', but our lord will soon join the ranks of the 'Six Servants'," declared another beastman, their words dripping with contempt.
"Show him what you've got, Lord Arachdread!" the beastmen shouted, urging their leader forward.
Arachdread found himself in a profound dilemma. On one hand, his reputation hung in the balance, but on the other, he knew if he fought Bali, he would be annihilated in an instant. He had heard tales of Bali's immense power, and now, face-to-face with the legendary figure, he understood that any attempt to strike would likely end in his demise.
Nevertheless, he gathered his courage and stepped forward, attempting to confront his fears head-on. Bali, amused by the unfolding spectacle, grinned menacingly.
"Should we assist you, Lord Arachdread?" a concerned soldier offered.
Just as Arachdread was about to accept the aid, another soldier interjected, "Are you daft? Lord Arachdread clearly requires no assistance. We may only hinder him. He seeks a one-on-one battle with the legendary Bali."
Arachdread swallowed hard, his nerves evident as he stammered, "Of course, th-that's true."
As Arachdread advanced, attempting to shoot poisonous webbing from the palm of one of his legs, a single glare from Bali was enough to halt him in his tracks. Bali closed the distance between them, a menacing smile revealing his bloodlust, a crimson aura emanating from his eyes mere inches from Arachdread's face.
However, a demon messenger astride a three-headed demon horse interrupted the tense standoff. "Lord Bali!" he called out, drawing near. "Lord Ravana has a secret message for you."
Bali nodded in acknowledgment and cast a wordless glance at Arachdread, a silent warning that lingering would mean certain death.
Understanding the unspoken threat, Arachdread retreated. "Soldiers, let's return," he commanded.
His soldiers, bewildered by his sudden change of heart, questioned his decision. Yet one among them offered an explanation, "Are you daft? Lord Arachdread assessed Bali's strength. Couldn't you see the confidence in our lord's eyes? He believes his powers are wasted on someone as feeble as Bali. He had no desire to engage in combat with an elderly man."
"I apologize, Lord. I failed to grasp your intention," the soldier replied sheepishly.
"It's fine. Just don't question me again," Arachdread sighed in relief as they turned back toward Olymzeus.
"Greetings, Bali. It appears the first stage of my plan is successful. The Beastmen have accepted our proposal of 'Kreeda Utsab',"
Bali smiled, folding the parchment closed. "As cunning as ever, Ravana. I have no objections, as long as it means I can safeguard my people," he murmured to himself, gazing at the grateful faces of those he had rescued from afar.
CHAPTER 8 END
SOMETHING EXTRA BEFORE THE NEXT CHAPTER
Name – Arachdread
Role – Vice Commander of the 1st army
Age – 32
Favorite Food – Venousmous Vittles
Hobby – Spinning webs