Killian arrived back to the demi-human kingdom. Carnoal prepared a grand welcome for Killian and waited at the front gate. There is a sentence written with huge words 'Welcome Home' at the military gate.
"Welcome back great hero!"
Thousands of soldiers saluted at Killian and said in unison.
"What the f*** is this!"
Killian's eyes twitched. What the heck happened here. Aren't Carnoal very busy? And why would he turned the whole military base into a flowery garden. It doesn't even look like a military base anymore.
"Welcome back hero! You done an amazing job. Hahaha."
Carnoal has a bright smile as his mouth seem to almost touch his ears. It was understandable since Killian had killed Rasner, someone that even Carnoal cannot win against.
"Say that again and I'll kill you."
Killian said and entered. Carnoal quickly shut his incoming praises and followed Killian.
"Back to business. His Highness the king summoned you to the royal palace. After hearing your achievements, he wanted to see you in person."
Carnoal said to Killian.
"Very well. I also have to meet the king. There is something I want from him."
"Something you want? May I know what you want from the king?"
Carnoal asked carefully.
"The throne."
Killian turned to Carnoal and answered shortly.
"What!"
Carnoal gasped. Is he trying to challenge the king and take the throne for himself? Although its quite common, Carnoal is still surprised.
In the nine kingdoms, the kings are the strongest in their kingdoms. Its very rare that the strongest person is not a king. Unlike the outside world where bloodline or wisdom is needed for the throne.
Strength is all that matters in this dungeon floor. Everyone can challenge the current king to seize the throne. It was a life and death battle between the two where the winner obtain the throne while the loser lose its life.
"I know you are very powerful but the king is extremely strong. Even Rasner is nothing in front of the king."
Carnoal warned Killian. Although Killian's aura is very suffocating and powerful, Carnoal still has a deep faith towards the king. He had seen the king's strength in the past. On the other hand Carnoal only felt Killian's aura.
"No problem. Just bring me to him."
Killian expressionlessly said. Carnoal could only sighed and agreed. Everyone can challenge for the throne as long as they are the same race. Since he can't stop Killian, he can only bring him to the palace.
_ _ _ _ _
In front of the royal palace of the demi-human kingdom, Killian and Carnoal walked out from the carriage. The carriage is originally sent by the king to welcome Killian as a hero.
However it became a carriage for a reaper who will took his life. In front of the palace, there is another welcoming ceremony. Killian's eyes twitched. What's wrong with these demi-humans.
Killian stepped on the red carpet. A series of soldiers raised their swords from both sides of the carpet and form a walking path. Its like welcoming a returned knight.
At the end of the red carpet, there are two demi-humans that stand out from the rest. One looks like a mage as she holds a magic staff. At the tip of the staff was a deep ocean blue crystal that illuminating with ocean waves. There are fins and scales on her body like a sea creature. She is known as the 'Sea Witch'.
The other one looks like a knight. His whole body is covered in a full plate armor. He always wore a helmet and not many people seen his face before. There is also a giant shield that look impenetrable on his back. He is known as the shield of the demi-human kingdom, the 'Iron Knight'. They are the two pillars of the demi-human kingdom aside from Carnoal.
Demi-human kingdom has a total of three pillars, only half that of the orc kingdom. Among them Carnoal the 'Lightning Lord' is considered to be the strongest. He is the leader of the main army.
"Carnoal, long time no see."
The female mage greets cheerfully.
"Mira, when did you come back? I thought you went out for a mission."
Carnoal nodded and replied. They are the pillars of the same kingdom and colleagues. Their relationship isn't bad and normally they converse like friends.
"Just finished the mission and returned recently. I heard you recruited a new talent and he even managed to kill Rasner. Today is the welcoming of a new pillar. Of cause I have to present."
Mira said. However Carnoal's expression become weird after she said that. Mira noticed it and frowned a little.
"Carnoal, what's wrong?"
Mira asked with interest.
"Nothing."
Carnoal fixed back his expression. Killian is here to challenge the king. His heart was very heavy because of it.
The three pillars and Killian entered the palace. Killian looked around. The demi-human palace isn't as grand as the palaces from outside kingdoms.
Since they lacked many resources and valuable things, the palace looks more like a huge mansion. Killian entered the throne room. There's a demi-human with a big body sitting on a throne. His appearance resembled that of a bear.
"Welcome hero!"
The demi-human king stood up from his throne and walked towards Killian.
"You killed the wolf champion and even his band of wolf riders. Your achievements can defiantly make you the strongest pillar of the demi-human kingdom.
What do you say? Will you accept and become the pillar of the demi-human kingdom?"
The demi-human king said and waited for Killian's answer. Everyone in the room silently awaited Killian's answer. Only Carnoal was sweating profoundly.
Pillars are the highest level combatants of a kingdom. Every pillar is an important deterrent to the other kingdoms. Although the position of the pillar is extremely enticing, it also comes with a responsibility. If Killian accept the offer, he will be bond together to the kingdom's fate.
"I decline."
Killian answered. He had different plans. Why would he become a mere pillar of a kingdom when he can be the king. It will he easier to lead them to victory if he is a king.
The whole room went silent. Everyone looked at the king. The king's expression is not good. However he nodded.
"It's a pity but I will respect your choice."
The king said. He won't force someone who doesn't want to become the pillar. Although its a waste, he still respect the wish of someone who just had a great achievement.
"I don't want to be a pillar. I want the throne. King of the demi-humans, I challenge you to a battle for the throne."
However at that moment, the king heard shocking words from Killian. Everyone in the room looked at Killian with disbelief.
Although powerful people sometime challenge the king to seize the throne, they were still shocked. Battle for the throne is a brutal battle that one won't stop until the other person is dead.
The winner can spare the loser, however that kind of scenario is extremely rare. Because they are a hidden threat that can challenge the king again in the future. Thus, most winners chose to kill the loser.
But losing a top powerhouse is not a good thing for the kingdom. That why many people don't like the rule of the battle for the throne. However rules are the rules. It was said to be set by the gods.
Whoever refuse to obey will be punished by the gods. There are several cases that strange things come to assassinate the ones who break the rule. After that no one would dared to disobey the rule anymore.