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The Empire's Capital Building, known as "Haeven," stands as a majestic example of Romanesque architecture, perched proudly atop a mountain at the very heart of the capital city. It commands attention, surrounded by sprawling grasslands and accessible via a grand staircase that ascends directly up the mountainside, devoid of any spiraling. As you approach the capital building, two massive towers flank its lower level, and a formidable gatehouse guards the entrance, ensuring that only those with proper authorization may enter. Countless vigilant guards stand watch on the lower level, ready to thwart any unauthorized entry into the capital.
Constructed entirely from marble, the building's perfection is a testament to the skill and dedication of the thousands of elite craftsmen who contributed to its creation. It is hailed as the pinnacle of architectural achievement on the Southern Continent, an impregnable fortress perched high above, deterring any would-be invaders from even considering an assault.
Upon ascending the hundreds of stairs, you reach a sprawling flatland known as the courtyard. This expansive open space serves as a fitting setting for grand ceremonies, and for the upcoming royal selection, podiums have been strategically placed for the candidates to use. Encircling this vast expanse is a coliseum-style seating area, creating a magnificent amphitheater effect. Dominating the northern end of the courtyard is the royal capital building itself, a massive architectural marvel that seems to touch the skies. Adorned with the flags of the Southern Empire, which flutter proudly from its walls, this grand structure is visible from every angle of the coliseum.
As the ceremony approaches, eager spectators have already begun to fill the seats, their anticipation palpable in the air. However, not all the candidates have arrived yet, adding an element of suspense and anticipation to the proceedings.
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The resonating horns pierced the air, their commanding sound drawing the attention of all present. Outside the grand palace of the Southern Empire, the candidates for the throne had assembled, and the grandeur of the occasion was palpable.
Positioned to the right of the ceremonial gathering was Prince Franz, resplendent in his golden cloak, the Empire's first prince. He was accompanied by a meager retinue of ten soldiers, and his agitation was evident as he repeatedly glanced over his shoulder. He leaned toward his assistant, his voice a hushed urgency, "Where the hell is Arbious!?"
The atmosphere was charged with murmurs and whispers as everyone awaited the unfolding of this historic event. The seating arrangements were insufficient to accommodate the vast assembly, prompting the deployment of multiple magical projection devices around the capital. These devices broadcasted the entire spectacle to thousands of viewers, both within the nation and beyond. Franz, aware of the scrutiny upon him, nervously flashed a smile and waved toward one of these projecting devices, attempting to maintain his composure.
Franz's brothers had garnered substantial support during their reigns, a fact that irked him to no end. The first among them, a charming young boy two years younger than him, at the age of 18, had rallied an impressive following of 150 pikemen. Seven influential houses stood behind him, a testament to his charisma and intellect. While he stood as a centerpiece, the leaders of the other houses stood behind him as elequately as he did. Franz muttered bitterly as he saw his brother grinning in his direction, "They are looking down on us!" He made no secret of his disdain for his siblings, and Uniel, in particular, exuded arrogance. Despite his personal dislike, Franz begrudgingly acknowledged Uniel's intelligence and the significant houses that backed him. "Damn it all."
Once more, the horns blared, heralding the arrival of the next candidate. "Prince Hin of the Southern Empire has Arrived!"
Hin, accompanied by approximately thirty soldiers, marched onto the expansive open ground. He positioned himself between Uniel and Franz. Surprisingly, Hin dismissed his elite guard and made his way towards his older brother. Though just fifteen years old, Hin admired Franz. With an infectious smile, he approached, his golden cloak billowing gracefully.
Unbeknownst to Hin, Franz harbored deep-seated envy and resentment towards him. Despite this, Franz mustered a smile in response to Hin's cheerful greeting.
"Brother! It's great to see you again!" Hin exclaimed, oblivious to the intense animosity that simmered beneath the surface.
"Indeed, it is," Franz replied, masking his true emotions.
"I take it you're actually going to compete, huh?"
Franz hesitated, taken aback by the directness of Hin's question. Before he could respond, Hin continued, "When I heard you went to our uncle to discuss stepping down, I got worried... I really liked him too, you know? He was always kind to me and taught me math. A shame he passed away."
"A shame indeed. But he was getting rather old through the years."
Unbeknownst to all but two individuals, it was Franz who had orchestrated the assassination of his uncle, a sinister plot motivated by greed. The only people privy to this dark secret were Dorros and Arbious, both entrusted with the burden of this treacherous knowledge. Franz had taken great pains to ensure that the hired assassins were eliminated, preventing any potential leaks. He had even attempted to assassinate Arbious numerous times, but each attempt resulted in failure, with the hired killers mysteriously vanishing without a trace. Eventually, he had abandoned this futile pursuit. As for Dorros, he remained an enigmatic figure, a man of the shadows, making his whereabouts impossible to ascertain.
"Still to die with so much left to do... Anyway, will you attend his funeral? I hear it will be held next week," Franz inquired.
"A funeral?" Hin questioned.
"You haven't heard?"
"No, I haven't."
Just as they discussed this matter, the horns sounded once more, signaling the arrival of their sister. "Princess Anna of the Southern Empire has arrived!"
The proclamation echoed through the air, drawing attention to the grand entrance of Princess Anna and her formidable retinue of soldiers. All the projectors turned their focus toward her and her forces. Around 200 soldiers marched behind her as she made her regal entrance, waving graciously with a radiant smile. Children from Dorma Rhode, whom she had saved during her time assisting her uncle, joyfully scattered flower petals in her path. Dressed in her formal attire adorned with pink roses, Anna proceeded to her designated spot with unmatched elegance, leaving the other candidates and onlookers in awe. A growing crowd filled the colosseum to witness this royal procession.
The majority of the cheers and applause were reserved for Anna, a fact that grated on Franz's nerves. Even their late uncle had supported her. His gaze shifted to his younger brother, who stood beside him, evidently captivated by Anna's presence. "She's beautiful, isn't she?" the brother remarked.
At that moment, Franz's mind wandered. How could he possibly compete against his brothers and sister? It seemed everyone despised him, and the lone house that supported him had only a handful of soldiers at best.
Anna and her entourage reached their designated location, standing in a face-off with Uniel's forces, a display of strength between their respective factions. While Uniel enjoyed the backing of wealthy merchants, Anna garnered support from the majority of the populace.
Hin, noticing the ceremony was about to commence, addressed his brother. "I'll return to my position then. It was nice seeing you again! Let's have a fair competition!"
With those words, he left Franz before any response could be made, cheerfully waving as he departed. Franz seethed with frustration but bit back his retort. In front of the growing crowd, voicing his true feelings would be political suicide.
Glancing at the factions supporting his sister, he noted that Dorma Rhode's factions made up the majority. These supporters were among the less affluent, even considered lower commoners.
The royal faction, and the majority of thr unfortunate souls trapped in Dorma Rhode composed of demi-humans with physical traits resembling humans. Franz himself had fox-like ears, while Hin possessed cat-like claws. These were the products of their father's complicated personal life, hidden away due to political concerns. The stronger political factions were predominantly human, and both their father and advisors had encouraged concealing these differences to maintain their standing in the political landscape.
However, their sister proudly displayed her distinctive characteristics, allowing her long, cat-like tail to trail gracefully behind her. The people of Dorma Rhode embraced her unique traits, which endeared her to them even more.
Of course, there were some unsavory bunch among the audience, and from time to time, saying hateful things aimed towards her. "Has she no shame!" Remarking to her display of tail. Yet she did not care for their insults and continued to look forward proudly with the leaders of the houses who supported her.
Almost all the candidates had gathered, but Arbious was still conspicuously absent. Apart from Franz, Uniel, Hin, and Anna, the remaining contenders had already withdrawn from the competition.
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The ceremony was about to begin. The sounds of horns filled the air as soldiers took their place atop the capital. Protecting the palace of the king, the guards faced the open field. These were the kings guard, an elite fighting force comprised of humans who were capable of 4th tier magic. They stood proud in their shining armor and fancy crimson capes. As all eyes turned to the commotion atop the stairs to the palace, a figure robed in pristine white garments emerged from within the palace building, bringing a hush over the assembled crowd. This was the royal announcer, acting in the monarch's stead and bearing his royal message and decree. With measured steps and absolute confidence, he ascended his podium, which faced the candidates from atop the grand staircase leading to the capital building. With the audience now in absolute silence, he began.
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"Denizens of the Southern Empire, we have gathered here today to officially declare the commencement of the royal selection, which will determine the ruler of our nation."
His elderly voice resonated through the air, every word carrying weight, but as he concluded his introduction phase of his formal speech, the echoing footsteps of hundreds of soldiers in metallic boots reverberated throughout the coliseum.
Whispers and murmurs filled the air once more as the sounds of armored boots and clinking armor grew louder with each step. All eyes turned to the stairs leading to the courtyard, where a figure slowly materialized. This figure... He was tall, with long black hair. He wore robes adorned with black and purple, runesque sigils etched along its edges glowing melancholic hues. His presence exuded an ominous aura that sent shivers down the spines of those who beheld him. Silence and a sensation of cold enveloped the crowd as this sinister being approached. Emerging behind him were the knights he had brought with him, a formidable force that dwarfed the retinues of the other candidates. These knights were clad in heavy, full-body metallic armor, moving in perfect synchrony, showcasing their awe-inspiring strength. Two banner carriers marched behind them, hoisting the flag of their house, which bore an emblem of dark flames.
All eyes remained locked on this marching army, curiosity and apprehension gripping the audience. Yet, Franz's eyes lit up with recognition and excitement, though he restrained himself from any overt displays of emotion. He grinned with sheer joy at the formidable force now rallying behind him.
And so, Arbious scanned the coliseum, taking in the bewildered expressions of the other contenders and their forces. The royal announcer demanded an explanation from the mysterious man and his formidable army now before them.
"In the name of the King! State your purpose!" the announcer called out; his voice tinged with caution. The armies present braced themselves, their swords at the ready, poised for any sign of aggression.
Arbious raised his hand, a gesture that oozed with malevolence. In a tone that conveyed a complete lack of interest in the royal procession, he declared, "I am Lord Arbious of House Infernal. I am here to pledge my support, to Prince Franz of the Southern Empire."
Uniel, unable to contain his disbelief, stepped out of position, throwing a tantrum. "Absurd!" he exclaimed in frustration, his face contorted with anger.
The crowd buzzed with conversations and questions among themselves, and even the soldiers in attendance couldn't help but express their confusion. It seemed inconceivable that anyone would genuinely pledge support to Franz.
"SILENCE!" The announcer's voice boomed, quelling the rising clamor.
As the voices quieted down, another robed figure emerged from within the capital adorned in robes of white. He approached the announcer, yet his face remained hidden by a mask. He leaned in, whispering into the announcer's ear as all attention turned to the commotion taking place atop the grand staircase. With a slight bow, the guard stepped back as he stood at the announcer's side. The announcer then continued, addressing Arbious directly, "Lord Arbious... We have been awaiting your arrival."
Uniels' objections were drowned out by the announcer's authoritative tone. "I understand. Please join Prince Franz at your convenience."
"At your convenience...?" Uniel whispered to himself, left dumbfounded at what had transpired.
Uniel was not the only one who was confused from this, for Anna, who watched the entire ordeal transpire before her eyes, questioned Arbious within her mind. "If he has the power to amass an army this vast and well equipped, he must have a reputation... But I can't seem to read him at all!"
Hin on the other hand was the only one who felt a true sense of fear. From the very moment he had laid eyes on Arbious, he felt a cold within his body, and the army that had emerged, they had a chilling air to them, as if they were not human. Yet with his anxiety growing ever so fast, he took a faint breath, releasing his frustration, refreshing his mind for what's to come.
Arbious, sporting a wicked grin that mirrored Franz's own, signaled his army to move forward. They marched in perfect synchronization, following Arbious as they made their way toward Franz, who waited impatiently for their arrival. As Arbious reached him, Franz wasted no time in questioning, "Where in the hell were you? And what the hell is this army?"
He offered no response, instead gesturing toward the announcer. Franz was frustrated but understood the urgency of the situation, so he fell silent, realizing that all eyes were on the announcer.
"With the late arrival of Lord Arbious, we will now proceed with the royal procession."
Uniel wanted to scream at the top of his lungs at how absurd this entire thing was, but biting down his pride, he decided to keep out of it for now as to not make a fool of himself.
"The Royal Procession is a tradition entrusted to us by generations before, a sacred duty gifted to us by the Archangel Anauel, the angel of unity. It should come as no surprise that we uphold this tradition in his name, thus safeguarding the unity of our people. However, let it be known that this is no ordinary event! We are gathered here to determine the destiny of our nation!"
All eyes were fixed upon the announcer as he unfurled a substantial scroll from beneath his robes and began to recite its contents. "In the name of our revered sovereign, we shall now proceed with the regulations of this momentous event—a procession to determine the destiny of our nation. So, I pose this question to you all: What truly defines a great ruler? Is it merely their popularity among the people? Nay! It is their capacity to shape the land to serve the needs of the multitude. It is under this very doctrine that our wise and illustrious monarch has transformed this barren realm to match his vision. It is through our combined efforts, in concert with his profound mastery of magic, that our prosperity has flourished. Henceforth, the participants in the royal procession shall undertake the Trials of the Three Elementals: the Trial of Earth, the Trial of Air, and the Trial of Water. Our inaugural challenge, the Trial of Earth, shall assess the candidates' grasp of the Spirit of the Earth. You will be called upon to utilize your knowledge and skills to cultivate our Empire's lands, thus affirming yourselves as instruments of the divine will."
Arbious, with a slight shift in expression, placed his hand on Franz's shoulder as he leaned in. Franz felt a shiver run down his spine but seeing that it was Arbious he calmed himself. "What is this trial?" Arbious questioned. "I have never heard of such a thing."
The crowd erupted in cheers and applause for their favored candidates, including Uniel, Anna, and even Hin, but notably not for Franz. The announcer continued, "I leave you to your own devices. Make haste to the Darkened Sands, for it is there that your trial shall take place." The announcer neatly stowed the scroll back beneath his robes. Taking a one last look at all present, he bowed his head, making his leave.
"If anything, I thought you'd know more than I do." Franz replied back in a hushed whisper to Arbious as the crowds continued their cheers.
"Are you of any use to me then? With your incompetence and lack of knowledge?"
"Nono, you miss understand, I know the very basics of it at the very least."
"Then begin with telling me that."
"Certainly... The Trial of Earth, the task before us now..." Before he could finish, Franz was cut off by Uniel who interrupted their conversation as he rode into their area atop his horse.
"The trial of earth. A challenge for the ultimate druids. Of course, my half-witted brother would have no advanced knowledge of such a thing."
Arbious remained silent as he watched Uniel insult Franz.
"Do you have nothing else to say? why are you here?" Franz questioned.
"Arbious of House Infernal?" Uniel smirked. "That's a mouth full. Still, you have gathered a sizable crowd. Why not join me?"
Franz was left speechless as he silently wondered to himself, "what if Arbious agrees to that?"
"I have already devoted my servitude to Prince Franz. It would speak ill of my own reputation if I were to abandon him."
"Bah! You hurt your reputation further by aligning yourself with such filth. This coward forced our beloved father to constantly look over his shoulder. I bet his sickness is because of him too!"
"Now now..." A voice, young and gentle, emerged from behind. It was Anna, who had quietly approached the group, accompanied by a demi-human companion. The companion appeared to be a hybrid of human and wolf, with the wolf-like features dominating her appearance.
"Speaking in such a way would only tarnish your own reputation brother." She spoke looking in Arbious's direction as she gracefully nodded her head. "Yet It piqued my interest to hear of this house infernal. Arbious I must say, you are an interesting one, that's for sure, and this army you have gathered here, it feels too surreal. Are they even alive? Not a single one of them is moving out of line."
"That is training and dedication. That is pride of true soldiers. Any less than absolute perfection would be an insult." Arbious replied.
"Absolute dedication? Is that what this is?" Anna questioned.
"Indeed so." Franz added.
Uniel, his heart heavy with the bitterness of defeat, found himself unable to sway Arbious to his cause. With a heavy sigh and a heavy heart, he departed without uttering a single word. He rode away on his trusty steed, returning to his regiment.
Meanwhile, Anna stayed behind and softly implored, "I beg of you, do not think any less of Uniel. The pressures of the high society seem to be taking a toll on him, and he is quick to point fingers at anyone when it comes to our father's ailing health."
"Your father's health. Could you tell me more about what ails him?"
Anna cast a cautious glance around their surroundings before leaning in and whispering, "I'd be willing to talk, but not in this place. There are prying eyes and listening ears all around. We can't risk demons or witches catching wind of our father's condition. Would you be willing to accompany me to my private domain? It's there that I can provide a full explanation of our predicament... though I thought you were already aware."
Arbious turned his attention towards Franz.
Then what of this undead army I have gathered here? Without me present, they might go rogue and begin slaughtering the humans...
"I'm afraid we'll have to save that conversation for another time. Nevertheless, I'm rather intrigued, and we'll pay you a visit in due course," Arbious replied.
Anna, with a tinge of disappointment in her voice, responded, "Hmm... very well, I suppose that will do." She had been looking forward to conversing with this enigmatic Arbious, and his delayed visit left her somewhat disheartened.
"Prince Franz, I suggest we make our way back to your residence. There is much to discuss and preparations to be made," Arbious recommended. He then turned to Anna and inquired, "Princess Anna, if it is fine with you, we would appreciate the opportunity to delve deeper into this matter. How does tomorrow at three in the afternoon, at your estate, over a cup of coffee sound to you?"
Anna directed his question to her assistant, a demi human who had in her possession a substantial tome containing her meticulously organized schedule. "Does that work for us?" she asked.
Her assistant quickly consulted the tome and confirmed, "Yes, that time is suitable, your grace."
Feeling somewhat excluded from the discussion, Prince Franz sought clarification, "Lord Arbious, regarding the preparations you mentioned?"
Arbious responded promptly, "Indeed, let us make our way to your estate. We shall discuss these matters in greater detail there."
Arbious offered a respectful bow to Anna, and then both he and Franz, accompanied by their formidable contingent of soldiers, departed from the colosseum. Anna remained standing in the open, her thoughts swirling as she pondered an intriguing detail. "Did he just call him... Lord Arbious?"