Adrian was shocked to hear the news. King Lavein Norhart only summoned people for very important matters. Despite his many injuries, Adrian forced himself out of bed, chronic pain following his every move. He couldn't shake the uneasy feeling about this summons.
The empire had been in a brutal war for years. The conflict had drained resources, shattered families, and left cities in ruins. Adrian, a skilled and respected captain, had fought bravely to protect the people and maintain order. His strategic mind and prowess on the battlefield had earned him the loyalty of his soldiers and the admiration of many.
Despite his efforts, the imperial family had failed to support the people adequately. Corruption and greed had spread into the highest ranks, leaving the common citizens to fend for themselves. Discontent brewed, and whispers of rebellion echoed through the streets. Adrian had seen the suffering firsthand—the hunger, the desperation, the loss.
As Adrian walked to the King's mansion, a highly secured area guarded by soldiers at every corner, he couldn't shake off the bitter memories. He got inside after showing the permit from his mobile phone. As he made his way to the King's hall, he noticed futuristic gadgets not available to the public, showing the big difference between the monarchy and the common people.
The hallway was lined with high-tech security systems and advanced robotic guards. Adrian passed by a lab filled with scientists working on secret projects—enhanced weapons, experimental armor, and other technologies that could shift the balance of power. He couldn't help but feel a pang of anger at the resources wasted on these luxuries while the people outside suffered.
Adrian's mind drifted back to a pivotal moment in his past, a memory that haunted him. The day the monsters emerged from the dungeons was embedded into his soul. The city was under siege, chaos reigned, and the skies were filled with the screams of the dying.
Monstrous creatures poured out from the dungeons, destroying everything in their path. The king's orders were clear—protect the palace and the noble families at all costs. The citizens were left to fend for themselves, a decision that still made Adrian's blood boil.
"Captain Adrian, we must hold this position," his lieutenant had urged. "The king's orders..."
Adrian had nodded, his heart heavy with regret. As a knight, his duty was to follow orders, but as a human being, he felt the weight of every life lost due to the king's heartless decision. He could see the fear in the eyes of the people, hear their cries for help.
"Please, save my child!" a woman had begged, clutching her young son to her chest.
"I'm sorry," Adrian had whispered, unable to meet her eyes. The pain of that moment was still fresh. He felt pathetic, a knight sworn to protect, yet powerless to help those who needed it most. Money and power controlled the king, and by extension, controlled him as well. The memory left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Reaching the door to the hall, Adrian paused. As he opened it, he felt a wave of murderous intent wash over him, only to disappear in an instant. His thoughts raced, 'Something is definitely fishy here. That murderous intent just a while ago!'
Inside, the person sitting on the throne was the mighty SS-ranked king of the empire. Adrian knelt before him, saying, "Greetings to His Majesty."
"Enough with the greetings. Stand up," the king commanded.
After Adrian stood, King Lavein asked, "Do you know why I have called you here?"
"No, I don't, Your Majesty," Adrian replied, still uncertain about the reason for this urgent meeting.
The king began to explain, covering his face with one hand. "After this war, people's faith in the imperial family will go down. The hunger for power is strong."
Adrian knew the imperial family had not fulfilled the people's needs. In this time of crisis, when many had died and the monarchy had done nothing, the citizens had begun to revolt.
"Because of this, the monarchy will be destroyed unless we get great power to control the people. But you have always stood in the way of this."
"Huh?" Adrian was confused. Why was he being blamed for this?
"In order to gain more power, I must remove you from my path and grow stronger," the king said coldly.
Then King Lavein pointed to a figure standing in the shadows. "Do you recognize him?"
Adrian's eyes widened in shock, anger, and a blood-driven aura beginning to surround him. The figure was someone he knew well, someone he trusted.
The king then revealed another body, a woman Adrian recognized instantly. "Do you recognize her as well?" the king asked with a cruel smile.
Adrian's fury exploded. "WHY DID YOU DO THIS TO THEM?"
The king replied happily, "Not only them. Other people of the empire were also taken as sacrifices."
"You damn bastard! How can you kill your own citizens?"
"They are just livestock to be used for gaining greater power. I sacrificed their bodies to join hands with the God of the Underworld and the God of Demons."
Adrian's rage turned into a cold, focused intensity. His aura darkened, swirling around him like a storm. "It's your time to die," he said in a slow, chilling voice.
Just then, a commander burst into the hall, his face pale with fear. "Your Majesty," he stammered, "the rebellion has reached the palace gates!"
The king's eyes widened in shock. Adrian seized the moment, his anger fueling his strength. The confrontation had begun, and the stakes were higher than ever.
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###Chapter 2 - End###