Chapter 379 The Twelve Princes
"For the later competition, there is no point in fighting one at a time. All of my eleven brothers can come at me all at once!" Zokaka shouted. It was more of an open challenge. However, the crowd loved it as their cheers and applause shook the stadium. Today, everyone's perspective of him took a sharp turn–admiration for bravery and camaraderie filled their hearts. Then, turning at Broddy, he asked. "Grand Elder, can I do that?"
Grand Elder was not happy with his sudden demand, as it was almost against his plan of the Crown Prince Selection Conference which had been happening according to his plan. "See! As much as I like to comply with your challenge. I think I can't bend the rules of this conference according to your whim. Everyone is waiting to see the performances of all the princes. So,"
However, before he finished his words, the crowd started shouting, "We agree to let the Seventh Prince face the other eleven princes all at once!"
"Yes! Let Prince Zokaka fight them!"
"Fight! Fight!..." chimed the crowd. Their voice was so thrilling that even King Ragnar started reminiscing about those warring days with neighboring kingdoms. The majestic seat beside him was left empty as the queen had already left the stadium with her nephew Caprio's headless cadaver and probably left for the Lavabane Dwarf Kingdom. However, after knowing all this, King Ragnar remained carefree, as if it was not his concern whether the queen betrayed him or the Lavabane Dwarf Kingdom might wage war the next day. Instead, all his attention was on the brave prince who was openly challenging all of his brothers on the stage. Today, he had a complete change of his perspective after witnessing all of them. Beaming, he thought. 'Maybe he's the one. Good for us, he came back completely as a new person after that one-month expedition to the border.' Then turned his attention to Damien. 'Make no mistake. It all happened after this great giant came into the picture.' Strangely enough, Damien looked back, making him startle a bit. "Oh-my-goody-goody, I shouldn't scan on such an expert." King Ragnar warned himself while muttering under his breath.
"This!" Grand Elder, who was feeling perplexed because of public demand, turned to King Ragnar, knelt, and asked in a subservient tone, "Your Majesty, um, what's your thought about this?" It was more like asking–I'm in a moral dilemma here. So, what should I do? I have neither the intention to go against Your majesty's plan nor to undermine the spread of the masses.
"I understand!" Grinning widely, King Ragnar responded, "Well, you heard them! Go on. I'm looking forward to seeing how he is going to face them all alone." His words made a loud cheering as the applause and songs of acceptance boiled up inside the stadium.
Grand Elder smiled and walked around the arena, waiting for the crowd to boil it down again. Minutes later, he straightened his back and announced loudly in a firm and regal tone. "Ladies and gentlemen, my brothers and sisters and all the distinguished guests, it's time to select the real crown prince of our kingdom. Okay, there will be some changes with our last match; since Prince Zokaka slayed–ahem! Sorry, I mean defeated Prince Caprio De Labavane which the other princes have failed. They will have the last chance for the crown if–"
He continued after a meaningful pause, "if they join hands together and stop Prince Zokaka from his last hurdle, which is you, princes. If the contrary happens then, we will crown Prince Zokaka for the said title. Alright, all the princes, please come up to the stage. Zokaka was already there, standing tall in the seventh arena.
The name of eleven princes and their images were flashed out using a certain type of photosensitive-slash-magical crystal marvel for the crowd to see in the air above the stadium. First Prince Lasker Dunderbun, Third Prince Gridlock Dunderbun, Fourth Prince Jagatva Dunderbun, Fifth Prince Laksterva Dunderbun, Seventh Prince Zokaka Dunderbun, Eight Prince Levi Dunderbun, Tenth Prince Jaruhl Dunderbun, Eleventh Prince Rolex Dunderbun, Twelve Prince Wednesday Dunderbun, Fifteenth Prince Thorin Dunderbun, Sixteen Prince Indra Dunderbun, and Twentieth Prince AprilFool Dunderbun.
Damien observed each of the dwarf princes closely, taking note of their individual appearances and mannerisms, carefully gauging their unique characteristics in his mind. The first prince Lasker was a stout dwarf with a round face and a thick, bushy beard. He wore a brown leather tunic with gold embroidery and a matching pair of boots. Lasker was well-known for his friendly and jovial demeanor, often telling jokes and making light of situations.
Gridlock was a serious and stoic dwarf prince with a chiseled jawline and piercing blue eyes. He wore a suit of chainmail armor with a red cloak draped over his shoulders. He was a skilled warrior and was often tasked with leading the armies of the kingdom.
Jagatva was a tall and imposing dwarf prince with a shaved head and a thick, black beard. He wore a suit of black plate armor adorned with silver filigree. He was a proud and hot-headed prince always ready to pick on Zokaka. Indeed, he was the only son of Queen Kudini.
Laksterva is a petite dwarf prince with long, curly red hair and a charming smile. He wore a flowing green dress with a matching scarf and a pair of comfortable leather sandals. Laksterva is known for his quick wit and his love of music, often playing the lute and singing ballads to entertain his family and friends. Among all the other princes, he kind of looked more feminine considering how dwarven men were muscles.
Levi was a dapper and well-groomed dwarf prince with a neatly trimmed beard and a polished top hat. He wore a crisp white shirt with a black vest and a pair of shiny black shoes. Levi was a cultured and refined prince, often attending formal events and mingling with the nobles of other kingdoms. He was the only one to have an authentic draw match with the former, Caprio De Lavabane.
Jaruhl was a gruff and no-nonsense dwarf prince with a bald head and a thick, bushy mustache. He wore a suit of armor made from the bones of his fallen enemies and carried a large battleaxe at his side. Jaruhl was a fierce warrior and was feared by his enemies on the battlefield.
Rolex was a flamboyant and extravagant dwarf prince with a long, curly blond beard and a love of jewelry. He wore a bright red suit with gold trim and a matching top hat adorned with rubies and diamonds. Rolex was a bit of a show-off and enjoyed flaunting his wealth and status.
Wednesday was a mysterious and enigmatic dwarf prince with a hooded cloak and a face shrouded in shadows. He rarely spoke and was often seen skulking in the shadows, observing his surroundings with a piercing gaze.
Thorin was a hulking and imposing dwarf prince with a long, braided beard and a fur-lined cloak. He wore a suit of armor made from the scales of a dragon and wielded a massive war hammer. Thorin was a fierce and formidable warrior, often leading the charge into battle.
Indra was a striking and beautiful dwarf princess with long, flowing black hair and his appearance was likely typical of dwarves. As a prince, he dressed in a way that reflects his status and wealth. As a member of a royal family, he had a sense of responsibility and leadership and was WELL trained in diplomacy and strategy.
AprilFool is a mischievous and playful dwarf prince with a bright smile and a twinkle in his eye. He wears a brightly colored jester's outfit with a hat adorned with bells and a pair of colorful striped stockings. AprilFool is known for his love of pranks and practical jokes, often playing tricks on his family and friends to make them laugh. Despite his playful nature, AprilFool is still a respected member of the royal family and is often called upon to lift the spirits of his people during difficult times.
Zokaka was a muscular and rugged dwarf prince with a braided beard and a scar above his left eye. He wore a simple leather vest and pants with a pair of sturdy boots. Zokaka was a skilled craftsman and spent most of his time in the forges, creating weapons and armor for his fellow dwarves. He was now standing in between the other eleven princes, ready to fight all of them at once.
Now, they all eyed Zokaka spitefully, as their last hope for getting the crown depended on defeating this black horse.
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