[Spirit Realm]
Akihiro regains consciousness, only to find himself face to face with Stella in a different realm where everything is white.
"Awake, Master?" Stella asks with a smile.
"Stella? Huh? Another dimension?" Akihiro inquires as he rises from Stella's lap.
"No, this time you're in my world. Strangely, you can physically move freely in a realm of spirits."
"Huh?" Akihiro confused.
"Well, don't worry about it. I'm glad you came, but before you bombard me with questions, do you remember how you got here?"
"I don't know. I should be asking you,"
"I figured as much. Looks like you have achieved a soul sight," Stella observes.
"Wait, how? I didn't even try much,"
"Well, I guess it might be because of your cursed eyes. For you to learn something is to understand it. That's why, and soul sight activates on its own when it senses danger, just like that time in the forest."
Akihiro looks down. "So I was in danger, huh? Who was that?"
"They are beasts from another realm. For now, I'd recommend you to train with me here. After all, a day here means an hour has passed in your world."
"Wow, interesting. I guess I could try. I have strength, but I can't use it."
"Exactly," said Stella, glancing around. "By the way, why did you act like that in front of your stepfather? Moments ago, you were okay."
"I don't know either, but there's something I feel different. I don't understand this feeling, this change."
"Hmm, well, I wouldn't be surprised. After all, you are his son. You're slowly becoming like him...," Stella thought to herself with a smile. "Enough about that. I'll teach you how to fight."
"Sure, but I don't want to hit a gir—"
Before he could finish his sentence, Akihiro found himself lying down. "What the—"
"Well, it's up to you. If you don't fight back, you'll just feel worse, and even your real body will be hurt too,"
Akihiro stands up. "Fine. I'd better not regret it." And so begins their training.
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[ROYAL PALACE]
In a remote, hidden enclave nestled amidst the sacred shrines of guardians and gods, a shroud of mystery enveloped the place as a lone figure emerged, attended by five loyal servants. The figure was none other than Aiden, one of the seven kings who ruled the kingdoms.
"Place my offerings," the King ordered, his voice resonating with authority. His servants, well-trained and disciplined, moved with precision and grace, placing the two precious golden pearls, items of immense rarity across the seven kingdoms, on the ornate offering table in front of the shrine.
Without warning, a deafening roar echoed throughout the shrine, causing the King and his attendants to jump in surprise. "Your offering has been accepted. Now, how may the gods bless thee?" boomed a voice, sending shivers down the spines of the King and his attendants. Their faces turned pale, and beads of sweat formed on their foreheads.
Kneeling before a mysterious figure with glowing red eyes, Aiden spoke with a sense of reverence, "My Lord, I thank you for gracing us with your presence. It is an honor to be in your presence." His voice quivered with both fear and devotion.
The mysterious figure, its aura enigmatic, replied, "Indeed, but the gods are displeased with the evils of your villagers and your disobedient behaviors." The King and his servants exchanged worried glances, realizing the gravity of the situation.
"Please forgive us, my Lord. I will see to it that the evil is eradicated immediately," Aiden implored, beads of sweat now rolling down his temples.
"The village near the forest must be destroyed at all costs," insisted the enigmatic figure, its red eyes glowing menacingly.
"But my Lord, it's been 17 years without war, natural disasters, or diseases in all seven kingdoms, including that village," the King beseeched.
"Sacrifices must be made to maintain peace and harmony, both in the physical and spiritual realms. Complete the task, and the gods will bless you and your kingdom greatly," the mysterious figure decreed.
"As you wish, my Lord. Your will shall be done,"
The mysterious figure then faded into the darkness within the shrine, leaving no trace of its existence. The King and his servants remained on their knees, trembling as the oppressive presence slowly dissipated.
Once the oppressive presence vanished, the King and his servants finally felt at ease as the air pressure normalized. They exchanged uneasy glances, each contemplating the dire task that lay ahead.
The King, deep in thought, contemplated his next steps. "These guardians are such a nuisance... now I have to..."
"One of the servants interrupted, "Your Majesty, we must inform all seven kingdoms of this matter before we consider taking any action."
Aiden's anger swelled. "How dare you want spread such horrific stories about our gods, even among the royal families? I can't tolerate this disrespect."
Before the servant John could finish his sentence, the King lunged forward, snapping his neck with ease, vanishing into thin air, leaving his other four attendants in shock.
John lay lifeless on the ground, his breath stilled forever. Micah and Linda looked around, bewildered.
"The gods have abandoned us," Nick mumbled.
Suddenly, a lightning bolt streaked toward Linda, and it was too late for her to react.
"Linda! No!" Nick cried, his voice filled with anguish.
Linda had joined the realm of the deceased, leaving Nick devastated.
Nick let out a thunderous roar, breaking the sound barrier. The King reappeared, silencing Nick with his hand. Micah intervened, kicking the King to protect Nick. The King stood next to Linda's lifeless body.
Micah confronted the King, asking, "Why, you...?"
The King sneered, his motives chillingly clear.
Nick realized the horrifying truth. "You killed Linda."
"She deserved it. She was too weak to protect me, just like the two of you,"
Nick attacked the King, who swiftly disarmed him and killed Micah with a lightning-quick strike and blood splashed on his face. Nick succumbed to his wounds, walking toward Linda's lifeless body.
"Don't turn... your head... to look at me, Micah," Nick whispered.
Micah, realizing his fate, gazed upon his own decapitated body, the world spinning in slow motion.
The King showed no remorse. "Your sacrifice won't be in vain."
"I shall give you a proper burial before my departure," the King announced. He planned to assign the task of destroying the village to other forces, ensuring his hands remained clean while he sought the gods' blessings, departing for the castle with a sinister smile.