Rygono's forehead creases, his eyes squinting as he hears the man's proposal. "What do you mean by that?"
"I'll show you…" The man moves his hands in an unorthodox motion, and several trees wither and die out, their lifeless forms contrasting against the lush greenery.
Rygono's features contort with recognition, and he steps back in shock. "You're a Black Mage. Why should I trust the likes of you..."
"Because I can give you the power to take the throne that belongs to you. So what do you say? Do you want power? Or do you want your brother to take everything from you?"
"I want power… but…" Rygono's mind races as he hesitates, weighing the risks of Black Magic against the temptation of power.
"Then come to me, and I shall give it to you," He teleports behind Rygono and the air shimmers with the residual energy of his magic. Rygono shivers when the man's cold and clammy hand touches his back. "I place a curse upon thee. Magic Spell Cursing: Beast Contract!"
When Rygono hears the incantation, his heart pounds, causing him to jump back. Rygono shudders as the Mysterious Man's laughter reverberates through the trees. The fury in his eyes intensifies as he glares at the masked figure. "What in the hell do you think you're doing?! Why did you place a curse on me?!"
"I said I'd give you power, and the only way for me to do it was through a spell contract. You gave me someone you wanted to kill, and if you are to kill him, your strength will double from your already doubled strength, making you way stronger than before. However, if you lose... You'll become a vile beast, and the rest of your bloodline will be cursed until your seed stops spreading throughout the universe."
"I'd hate to do it this way, but if it's the only way…" Rygono's body tenses as he contemplates the sorcerer's words, his muscles bulging and his fists clenching. "Then I shall not fail! I will take the rightful throne!"
The Mysterious Man's figure slowly dissipates, leaving behind the lingering sound of his cackling laughter. "Very well... but be warned... if you fail, there's no turning back."
Four months after Rygono's curse, the Shizonian Clan's World is abuzz with rumors of a rebellion as the number of guards mysteriously. We now go into the POV of Watsumoto within his Tree house, holding a meeting with the clan's elders. "I called this meeting into action because of the rumblings of a rebellion. The village people think a civil war will happen if we don't figure out who's behind this."
"Never in the hundreds of years I've been alive have we had a civil war happen. The peace of this clan lies in the balance," says one elder.
"Indeed," says another.
Watsumoto reaches into his robes and pulls out a small hardwood board. The board has marks etched into it, each symbolizing a guard's disappearance or death. The shock on the elders' faces is apparent as they take in the board's contents. "This is terrible! We must find the killer now! I vote we should go on emergency shutdown until this killer is found!"
"Agreed. If our people are still out right now, the danger this man possesses will increase," says another.
Watsumoto slams his staff onto the ground, sending a loud thud throughout the room. He glares at each leader, his eyes burning with determination. "Tell everyone this news right now. As of today, the Shizonian Clan's World is in emergency shutdown!"
The room falls silent as the elders leave one by one, disappearing into the shadows, while Watsumoto sits alone, contemplating the situation. "These sure are troubling times…"
"Chief, is everything alright?" Ralzhon walks into the pier.
"…"
"I heard about the rumors of a rebellion going on. Don't worry. This is a task we can handle together as a clan."
"But… Ralzhon… I'm scared…"
"Scared? Why?"
"I feel I haven't been doing my job as the leader of this world. I feel like I'm failing my father. When my predecessors were the leaders, they never dealt with rebellion."
"Fear is a natural feeling, young Chief, but that doesn't mean you're a coward or unworthy of leading. It's how you respond to it that determines whether you're a coward or brave."
"Thanks, Ralzhon…"
"But you have to wonder… who could pull off a coup of that magnitude?"
"I don't know, but hopefully, we'll find out here soon," Suddenly, the pier door bursts open, startling Watsumoto and Ralzhon. Rygono and his soldiers emerge into the room, their spears gleaming in the flickering torchlight. "B-brother… what are you doing?"
"The rumblings of the rebellion… It's me. I'm starting the rebellion because I'm the rightful ruler of this clan!"
"Ruler? So you're killing your people because of the title of a ruler?!" asks Ralzhon.
"That's right, brother, and I'm going to rid all the people who will stand in my way before I claim the head title myself!"
"Just what are you implying?" asks Watsumoto.
"I declare war on you, and we will win!" Rygono leaps from Watsumoto's pier, and what follows is a chorus of anguished screams that reverberates through the air, leaving Watsumoto paralyzed in fear.
"Young chief! Young Chief!" Despite Ralzhon's efforts to shake him out of it, Watsumoto remains trapped in his fear. "Guards, come to the aid of Watsumoto. He needs help! And start protecting the civilians."
Multiple guards assist Watsumoto and take him to safety. Ralzhon spends four hours in a bloody battle, leading a legion of guards to protect and escort civilians to safety while fighting off the rebel Shizonians. When Rygono's attack finally ceases after hours, the silence is deafening, broken only by the sound of mourning and the smell of smoke and blood. In a remote part of the world, far from the rebels, Ralzhon sees Watsumoto hiding away from everyone. "Young Lord! There you are! I've been looking all over for you! Now, come on! We must discuss what we must do to stop Rygono's rebellion!"
"I've failed everyone. We need to elect another ruler of the clan. I am in no position to-"
"Enough! Our clan is undergoing a rebellion, and as the Supreme Chief, you shouldn't be sitting away from everyone feeling sorry for yourself. Remember what I told you, young Chief? Fear is a natural feeling, but don't let it keep you from being the worthy leader you're called to be!"
Watsumoto ponders Ralzhon's words for a moment, then rises to his feet, filled with motivation. "Thank you… I needed that. I think it's time I tell the clan my plans to end this rebellion," Watsumoto arrives at a bustling location where thousands of Shizonian Clan members are gathered. Watsumoto strides atop the pier, his eyes fixed on the morally troubled group of people below. "Everyone, it saddens me to say this. My brother Rygono has declared war on us!" The area becomes filled with gasps and murmurs after the shocking declaration.
"You do not need to be fearful, for Rygono's rebellion is built upon jealousy and hatred. A reign of jealousy will not last long at all! I'm scared like the rest of you are, but we will not cower away in fear. Look to the left and right of you! Look behind you! Look in front of you! What we have is centuries of an unbroken bond! We will win this war by working together as one body and mind! We will win as one clan!" After Watsumoto finishes his speech, the crowd erupts into cheers, creating a deafening roar.