The Emerald King managed to gather some strength attacking Red Demon with his staff. He stepped back making it miss and kicked the now skinny bird across the balcony. He stabilized the newly absorbed chi that swirled into the blackhole in his core. Steam came out the sides of his mask and eyes glowing bright red. He then turned and looked at the guests all staring at him. He walked forward making himself front and center. Rumbles from outside continued. The cries of the guards fighting Smiling Demon were now silent. "People of this realm you all have made plans to conspire for power. I won't hinder that, but I want you to all think about this day. This king is the corruption and depravity personified. What comes with that power you so seek. You think serving the cause of the Void Faction is the only way to keep your land safe? Or staging a coup to dethrone a king chosen by the World. Gaining the favor of it and gaining a crown? There is a third option to all this. You share power equally do away with these petty differences at this point. Yes, the World will govern a king to reside over you. But wouldn't you rather whoever is chosen among you to be someone you trust? Someone who sees the importance of maintaining strong relations? Thinks of the people that actually became a home for many over the ruling class of a few?" He waited for a response. To be honest he hadn't really thought of himself as someone who came to the realms to make a difference. He wasn't sure if any slayer did so. But from what he had seen after the Land of Madness leaving the realm in chaos just didn't sit well with him anymore.
He wanted a free conscience after leaving this place and never coming back. Knowing he tried to make some difference. He started this journey in revenge and ended up seeing a bigger picture. The kings had more impact on their land and with that he wanted whoever was chosen to realize the folly in the kings he slayed. They were nothing more than examples to not follow. Another epiphany came to him here. This King's Test was not just about combat. It was seeing how the rule of the king truly was on their subjects.
So now he stood here a villain giving some speech that may not even work. A speech he wished would give some semblance of hope. No one really responded and honestly he was fine with silence. He turned his attention back to the king as the palace shook again from the battle outside. "And what of the army attacking us? Are they going to be just towards people in this room? You can't guarantee that and you look down on us for seeking power?" The one who spoke was the Old Lord. He had stepped through the crowd. He was calm with his words. "Slayer have you ever stopped to think of why the World even has kings? Why you even exist? Each King's Test is to slay a king that has lived out their purpose. Or squandered their rule like him. Or to test if they have the power to ascend. Do you think that was all by design or by accident?" Old Lord asked.
'What an interesting question? Could be both I would say. Not every king must die if they rule correctly right? The World never gave any indication that each king must die. They merely told me to end this civil war and putting new kings upon the throne? Was the war itself by design?' He was truly stumped. It was true his title was King Slayer. But the World gave him this title to be the judge, jury, and executioner of their will. From what he saw this civil war between two camps of kings was disrupting that will they had over the realms. They even told them that new rules would be put in place with oaths to prevent such things from happening if he succeeded. Finally he spoke keeping his answer short, "Was it by design that chaos has fallen on the realms because of the choices that lead here? I don't know the answer. I merely here to judge the realms and how they are govern. Me killing your ruler is my choice and his choices lead him to me" he then approached the king and then cut his head clean from his shoulders.
He then picked up the mask as it disappeared into his ring the staff followed the mask into the ring. He dissipated his armor and sheathed his swords. 'Didn't even get to try my new odachi. This has been a truly disappointing endeavor' he thought. He walked down the stairs coming towards the guests that flinched. Those who were veteran warriors stood tall as stone as he approached the Old Lord. They stared at one another till Red Demon walked past them and approached the doors. He placed a hand on the slab of metal covering the the double doors. He then directed shadows to push the slab down back into the floor. It took some effort but he was able to do it. He kicked the doors open and walked out to a grisly scene. All around the halls was dead brigade soldiers sitting against the wall with his mask on was Smiling Demon. He had a long broad sword resting on his shoulder. He looked up and met Red Demon's eyes. "Is it done?" He asked. "It is. Now we help Cornelius" the two then left the guests.
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Outside the Green Palace a battle was taking place. Cornelius was coordinating his Flame Users in creating massive balls of flames using groups of five flame users working in unison. They then directed the fireballs at the palace. Creating damage on its roof and against the outside walls. Brigade soldiers rushed up and down the bridge carrying supplies, "WHERE ARE THE TURRETS?" One shouted carrying bows and quivers. "No idea but we're on our own! Get the hot oil and tar ready men!" One leader shouted. Shadow Cat had a team of warriors carrying a massive battering ram that they coordinated to help breach the gates. They held ups shields over their heads to protect from arrows as the went back and forth hitting the gate. Gust Users assisted in pushing the arrows away with wind if any came at the battering team.
Some arrows were not deflected in time and some warriors fell only to be substituted from the shield wall behind them. Replacements wasted no time to pick up a shield and help hit the gate. On the bridge soldiers rushed alongside it when a scythe came spinning past them only to come back their direction. A few ducked but most didn't react in time. They were severed in two as the scythe cut through the line. Survivors got up and looked behind them only to see two masked men. They drew swords and ran at the intruders they could see behind them dead brethren laid about. Red Demon sprinted forward cutting them down with ease with one slash each. He kept moving till he came to the gate cutting down all he stood against him. He made for the gate and cut through the bar securing it closed. The gate then burst open as a flood of warriors poured in attacking all in green armor. Cornelius came through and quickly found the two demons cutting down teams of knights.
Warriors then ran into the palace sacking it before Red Demon came to Cornelius, "Subdue your men! The guests are willing to negotiate. The king is dead!" He shouted. Cornelius hesitated having a hard time pushing down his anger. "If I refuse?" He stared daggers at Red Demon. He would have is satisfaction even if he had to kill an ally.
Red Demon sighed, "Choose to make peace or don't? It matters not to me. My advice though is to look past the pain and see a future. You want to start a society with out slaves or being persecuted? Then make one, but that won't happen if you take this battle to the table" Red Demon's words were true. Cornelius was riled up and angry. Anger was blinding him, but it wasn't something he could just shrug off. His people suffered in this realm and many died. He lost his love, his family. he had nothing left. Cornelius signed in annoyance. He looked at Shadow Cat who was stoic. The big cat merely nodded at him. "Peace brings everlasting relaxation and sunny days" he said with his usual poetic voice. Cornelius sheathed his sword. "Fine. I will join the peace talk if you are present?" Cornelius wanted Red Demon there not for moral support but as a body guard. "If you think I'm your sword in this peace talk? I must warn you I am not. I owed you a debt and I paid it helping you take this palace. I will sit on the discussion, but that is all" Red Demon was serious. To him yes they should make peace but his debt was paid. He gave Cornelius the tool to set his own path now. 'Up to him now' Red Demon thought.
Cornelius understood and they walked to the Dining hall.
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Far in the forest Con man staggered from a shadow falling forward to the ground. His body was in shambles most of his back was burned along with his arms and legs. He was in a tremendous amount of pain. He got to one knee and took out an elixir to help his body heal. He drank it fast pulling down his mask. He felt the communication stone give off chi. "Damnit…he'll want a report…I failed him" he said somber and angry.
He pulled the stone out and let it fall to the ground. "Yes Sire…" there was silence for a moment. "I take it from your tone you have something to say?" The voice of the King asked. "Yes sire…I failed…I am also extremely injured. The king is dead. Chirp also lives as does the Old Lord and Chief Pride. As does…the Slayer" the king was silent for a moment. "Well…I would say you completed at least 80% of your task. What was the Red Demon like?" Con man looked taken aback staring at the stone. "He was formidable. Duel elementalist wielding Flame and Shadow to be exact. Forge ability and a versatile warrior. He was ruthless. Chirp intervened only to be shut down like a dog tugging on a leash. Old Lord and Chief did nothing. The Green Brigade is also dead, and it seems Slayer provoked an army of slaves to attack the Palace. That's when I escaped" Con man explained hoping for reprieve. "Well as I always say failure is a learning opportunity. We learned a lot about this demon he's not only skilled combatant but a strategist. But he doesn't completely think ahead? Being that I have taken precautions to maintaining the wealth in that realm and if you should fail" Con man looked confused, "Sire?" He asked. Sword King was silent, "I have sent an army for a dimensional incursion into the Land of Winged Things" Con man looked surprised.