Days passed until, in an isolated region, thousands of young people gathered at the center of some hills and peaks close to one another. The place looked like a stone world, with a large altar at the end, protected by two peaks in the back, seemingly guarding it from the elements.
A stone staircase climbed up to the summit of the peaks, culminating in a raised platform with a throne. The tables, chairs, and even the steps nearby seemed to have been carved directly from the peaks, forming a single piece of stone.
On both sides of the staircase, several statues resembled guards holding spears. They seemed to protect something, lined up along the steps like imposing sentinels.
Normally, the place was extremely quiet, with no visitors. But today, a large gathering was happening there. Young disciples from seven of the eight major clans, along with a battalion of youths from several powerful sects, had gathered. They were all prodigies of the empire.
Preparation began early at the base of the steps. Servants rushed back and forth, setting up tables with fruits and dishes for the guests.
Leading the informal banquet was an Aberrant, a figure that looked like a mix between a horse and a humanoid. Anyone from Earth would call her a female centaur. She had long black hair tied back, wild eyes, and an aura of a warrior.
The guests could sit or walk around, talking in groups. The absence of strict codes and formalities made the atmosphere lively and relaxed. This was a great opportunity for them, and they did their best to stand out.
Conversations mixed—old friends reuniting or new bonds being formed. However, the center of attention was six women, the centaur being one of them. They were considered beautiful and the treasures of their respective clans and races. After a while, the main figures began to discuss.
"As you know, our ancestors made an agreement with the Sacred Guardians Sect," the Aberrant began seriously. "They weren’t allowed to enter and attack that bastard King directly. But people from the same generation can, fairly."
"Yeah, someone’s gotta cut off his head and put an end to our pointless engagements," said a three-meter-tall female Fiendgod dryly, extremely strong, with a heavy sword on her back.
Next to her, a small woman from the Alvs race, who looked very much like Ruri, added, "Let’s get to the point. We all want to end this."
"Yes, this meeting is for us to handle everything fairly, without killing each other," said a Chromaraic woman lightly.
"He’s got nowhere to run. All the exits are sealed by our clans, but this sect is too arrogant and doesn’t allow anyone to enter. Anyway... who’s gonna take the lead? My clan is willing to negotiate generously," said a Yggdrasil woman calmly.
"This place looks so fun, seems like I was missing out." Suddenly, a relaxed voice interrupted the tense atmosphere.
Everyone turned to see who had arrived. Kakarotto was walking slowly through the stone forest, with Ruri holding his arm like a shy wife, and Maelik walking a few steps behind.
"It’s him!"
The crowd looked at each other, shocked. They all recognized him. However, no one understood why he had come; after all, he wasn’t invited—he was the reason for all this! Was he there to cause trouble?
The six women’s eyebrows raised slightly. They felt something strange but couldn’t define what it was.
The Aberrant spoke coldly, "Why are you here uninvited? You’re not qualified to participate in this gathering!"
"I don’t need to join such an insignificant party." Kakarotto didn’t even bother to look at her and continued towards the throne and the staircase.
Everyone looked at him with disdain. They had heard of Kakarotto’s ridiculous behavior. After losing his kingdom, he still didn’t know how to keep a low profile. What an arrogant fool.
Kakarotto stopped on the steps and looked at the raised platform, not caring about the others.
"A bastard who doesn’t know when his time to be slaughtered has come... just say what you came here for!" A man in the crowd roared, and several people drew their weapons with cold expressions.
"Do I need to report to you before coming here? The world is under my feet, and I’ll go wherever I want." Kakarotto spoke calmly, without even turning to face the crowd.
Several men heroically stepped forward: "The world belongs to the people, let the virtuous..."
"Okay, no need for a scholar’s speech," Kakarotto interrupted him with disdain. "Attack me directly, show some courage, and stop dressing it up. When I was on the throne, you knelt in the Imperial Hall, trembling with fear, not even daring to breathe. Now you act all arrogant?"
"You!" Several young men turned red with anger, speechless in response.
Who would dare betray him during his coronation? At that moment, the king was at the height of his authority.
"That’s in the past," said a humanoid female Deepmonster, looking at Kakarotto with murderous intent. "This kingdom isn’t yours anymore. Not even your life is yours now."
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"She’s right." The Chromaraic woman confirmed, and the other five quickly supported her, "He still thinks he’s a king, instead of being smart enough to tuck his tail between his legs. It’s good that he came on his own, let’s end this once and for all."
Kakarotto turned around and sneered: "Just a few worthless bitches, not even fit for breeding." He pulled out some contracts and held them up. "Is this what you want? An unreliable, dishonorable person shouldn’t be walking around acting all high and mighty. Don’t pretend to be noble, showing off your lineages when you can’t even uphold the most basic virtue: keeping your promises. Would any man take you seriously, knowing who you truly are?"
The women’s faces darkened at the public insult.
The crowd was stunned, some frozen in place, just staring at Kakarotto. Everyone had heard of the infamy surrounding this king, but it seemed the rumors were true. He really had no scruples and knew no boundaries.
As the six women drew their weapons, their clans followed suit, eyes filled with murderous intent.
Only the Galefury Clan wasn’t present. The Shadowveil Clan members were confused, unsure of how to react; after all, Xinya, who was Ruri, stood by Kakarotto’s side, clinging to his arm. They thought maybe waiting and watching was the best option.
Kakarotto had to die, but whichever clan killed him would never be able to claim the throne, as they’d carry the stigma of regicide and would never be respected. This meeting had been organized to decide exactly that — someone had to kill him, and the others would benefit. Whoever took the burden would be rewarded by the rest.
"Ladies and gentlemen." Just before chaos broke out, a young Alv stepped forward and said, "It’s rare for all of us to gather like this. This is supposed to be a festive occasion, let’s not ruin it with bloodshed."
For some reason, his intuition told him something big was about to happen, and his intuition never failed.
He wasn’t alone. Dozens of people from various races also tried to calm the situation. The others watched them, unsure of their motivations; maybe even they couldn’t explain it.
It was something instinctive. Looking at Kakarotto, they couldn’t feel any animosity. On the contrary, there was a sense of admiration, an unexplainable euphoria just seeing him. As if they had been waiting for this moment for a long time; it was incomprehensible.
Maelik and Ruri smiled faintly as they observed the scene. Meanwhile, Alm and Bruno were certain: these were their allies. All the top young talents of the empire were gathered here. He trusted that his allies would shine, and this was a great opportunity to find them. Minnan was among them, silent, watching Kakarotto with hopeful eyes.
After a few tense moments of silence, Kakarotto ignored the crowd and shifted his gaze to the throne and the statues on either side, standing tall like guardians with spears grounded.
The hostility in the air was thick. The atmosphere had grown strange, as the six women debated who would strike first.
Unfazed by the tension, Kakarotto began to climb the steps toward the platform, his two allies following closely.
Everyone watched, unsure of what he intended. "What’s he doing?" someone whispered.
"Who the hell knows? No one can understand someone as ridiculous as him," another murmured with disdain.
"Hm, come to think of it, what is this place?" Some began looking at the platform and statues.
"I’ve heard of this place," a more scholarly young man spoke up. "This is where the ancestors of the empire used to gather. That practice was later abandoned for unknown reasons."
People glanced at each other, curious. Meanwhile, Kakarotto reached the top of the platform and looked at the throne. With a mocking grin, he ignored the fact that it was dirty and sat down.
The throne had been carved into the crest of the two peaks. From his elevated position, he could look down at everyone, as though he were the king, and they his subjects.
"Since so many have gathered here today, it’s time to end this ridiculous show."
Silence followed. It wasn’t out of respect, but everyone was curious about his intentions.
"I’ll let you all know now — the show’s over. It’s time to bare my fangs. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Dragon, a Tiger, a God, or a Demon. You’d better all kneel, or blood will be spilled."
"Hmph, what arrogance," the Aberrant woman scoffed with disdain. "Do you think the world is still yours? You’re delusional."
"The world is still mine, just like it was before. I am still your master. There’s still time for you all to kneel," he said indifferently.
His response was met with a burst of laughter.
"Kneel? You’ve lost your mind if you think you’re still king. You’re only a king in name. Why should we bow before you?" someone mocked, laughing.
"Your Majesty, don’t tell me you expect us to give you a full formal bow?" another sneered.
Kakarotto remained impassive at their taunts... until a wicked smile flickered in his eyes. At that moment, everyone felt the air leave their lungs, and a dense, suffocating pressure enveloped the area.
Alm, excited, exclaimed, "Great, great... we’re going to have so much fun together."