“What?” Robin was about to exclaim when Benjamin covered his mouth in time. “You mean Zooney--”

“Yes. He might kill Elder Joe if she changes her idea.”

“Why would she change her idea?”

“I don’t know. But what I do know is that we must get up there before it’s too late.”

They sneaked to the back of the mountain, and started to climb up. The cliffs on the back were steeper than the ones on the front. When they managed to get to half way up, Benjamin slipped on a crystal pond. Beneath the frozen surface, there were a vast chasm inside with hills of various height.

“Is it Hell?” he asked, peering into the abyss.

“You wish,” Robin chuckled, sweating and breathing heavily. “Hell is much deeper. This is the palace of the Homo Jumbos. Come on, we still have a long way to go.”

Finally, they located the three figures waiting in the shadows for their cue.

“Bet I can take them all with one single stroke.” Robin took a fighting poise, but his imprudent action was saved by Benjamin’s hand.

“Wait! That will disturb this ceremony. We can prevent them if they really gonna do something.”

Robin didn’t reply. But Benjamin figured out his thoughts with the resentment in his eyes.

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

“You actually want to disturb the ceremony, don’t you?”

“Yes, Ben, yes! I don’t know why Elder Joe believes that guy! She will regret it! Zooney is drunk with power. If he gets it, what will become of Laminia?”

“Elder Joe must have a reason.”

At this moment, Elder Joe had get to the end of her moving speech.

“As the prophesy goes, we are about to face a great threat. I’m afraid the demons in Hell are stirring already, preparing a devastating strike. If we fail to stop them, they will move on to attack the upper world. That will be a catastrophe for both realms and we, as noble Laminia warriors, as the chosen ones, will also meet our ends. So, we must unite, and fight against them as a whole under the commend of a strong leader. However, I am too old now. I am losing my magical powers. In the new era, you need someone who is good at fighting battles, someone has the flair and charisma that can bring the warriors together, someone is determined to carry on the missions of Laminia warriors--to defeat the demons from Hell and protect the upper world of earth. Now I give you Zooney, your new leader!”

Tumultuous applause erupted from the crowd as Zooney stepped forward. He bowed and showed a big charming smile.

Elder Joe, trembling, handed out the scepter which was made from a bone of a giant fish. “Zooney, do you accept the destiny as Elder of the World of Laminia, and swear to maintain the balance between the three worlds to the end of your life?”

Zooney received the scepter carefully in respect and vowed, “In the name of Freya, I accept the task of being Elder of the World of Laminia. I swear I will lead the warriors to victory.” He paused, looking around as if waiting for louder cheers.

“I will fulfill your wishes,” he continued after he heard louder cheers, addressing to everyone at present. However, his following statement resulted in polarized reactions from the crowd. Some of the warriors gasped, but most of them acclaimed with ecstasy.

He announced, “I have had a peaceful negotiation with the demons from Hell. They are happy to work with us in fighting against the people of earth. They even guaranteed the equal share of the upper world.”