First epoch of the god's grace. Year- 986
In the heart of the Beastia continent, a land alive with vibrant flora and bustling communities of beast-men, a lion beast-man named Lianos Ge Roar reigned as a powerful and just ruler. His golden mane flowed like a shadow of the sun, and his amber eyes sparkled with wisdom and compassion. Under his leadership, peace and prosperity thrived across the realm, and he earned the devotion of both his people and allies.
"His majesty the emperor has entered the royal court!" A wolf-man soldier called in a loud voice from the entrance of the royal court.
At that moment, the hall which had been filled with buzzing excitement fell silent as every being stood in a gesture of respect for their emperor. Moments later, a majestic presence strode in, his aura so powerful it seemed to command the very air around him. The court ministers bowed in reverence, a thrill of anticipation racing through them as they beheld their monarch, his presence still overwhelming despite the passage of time.
Lianos ascended to his throne, the once-lustrous gold of his mane now streaked with silver, a testament to the years he had fought for his realm. Even in aging, his eyes burned with the fierce spirit of a lion, sharp and alert, scanning his court as if he might hunt the very shadows lurking in corners.
"Who among you is willing to be the next emperor?" the old lion's voice rumbled, resonating against the stone walls of the grand hall.
The question hung in the air, heavy like an approaching storm. Shock raced across the faces of the ministers, who had not expected such a direct inquiry. Nervous murmurs began to ripple through the court. The brothers — Irokan , Kavan, and Saro exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of disbelief and dread. The once lively atmosphere felt stifled as fear nestled in their hearts. They each knew that the weight of such a title could shatter their carefree existence.
The trio, despite being sons of a noble lineage, possessed an uncommon understanding. Each had his own reasons for avoiding the throne.
"I have not the heart for the bureaucracy of ruling, father," Irokan spoke, his confident voice betraying a tremor as he shifted uneasily. "The insipid meetings, the endless flow of documents… not for me!"
Kavan grunted, his towering frame crossing his arms, "I'd rather clash steel on the battlefield than sip tea with emissaries. What value is there in such endless discussions?"
Saro, who had been quietly watching, smirked. "Let us not forget the burden of being a role model. If they even caught wind of my late-night escapades, I'd be dragged through the mud of shame," he added with a laugh, but the laughter rang hollow.
The brothers shared a mutual glance, an unspoken pact binding them together. None would accept the crown, and perhaps they would find a way to not only coax their father into continued reign but also avoid the throne for themselves.
Lianos sighed, a deep, resonating sound that stirred the air in the hall. "You are wise, my sons… and yet, wisdom comes with a price. What of our people? This world must not only stand, but it must flourish," he said, his voice lowered in a fatherly tone.
The emperor had 3 wives that gave birth to one son each. The situation of the beastia continent was quite unique, because the three brothers actually didn't want to rule.
"Let's have a competition for a ruler!" Lionas's roared in the court flinching some of the ministers nearby.
Whispers flooded through the court like wildfire, excitement sparkling in the eyes of the observers. A competition? The thought stirred the hearts of the ministers and attendants, each picturing grand trials and spectacles that would create stories for generations.
"Let this competition test not only strength but wit, courage, and the essence of leadership!" Lianos declared, a proud smile illuminating his lion-like features. The brothers' eyes met, filled with a mix of dread and reluctant amusement.
"I suppose we don't have a choice," Irokan mumbled, resting his chin on his palm, his brow furrowed in thought.
The emperor raised his paw and called out to the court. "I will devise challenges worthy of embodying what it means to be a ruler of Beastia! For we are not only beast-men, but we are also some the fiercest beings the world of Xaleous has ever known. So, the one who loses the competition would accept the throne!"
Weeks passed in preparation. Each brother felt the weight of ancestry turn into a heavy shroud around their shoulders. At times, they found joy in the camaraderie that spun between them, often reminiscing about their childhood escapades, the mischief, and pranks that had once drawn them together. Despite their shared resolution to avoid the throne, the spark of competition ignited an energy neither could deny.
As the days drew closer to the competition, the atmosphere in the court electrified with anticipation. The trials were set; there would be a series of challenges:
a test of strength,
a contest of tactics,
a test of wisdom, culminating in a final challenge that would determine the fate of beastia.
On the day of the trials, the grand arena sparkled under a sunlit sky. Throngs of beast-men gathered, their voices a cacophony of excitement and disbelief at the spectacle unfolding.
The first challenge was to capture a wild beast, the elusive Cerberus-Wolf. The brothers set out with their respective teams, drawing on their skills and instincts. Irokan, with his sharp intellect, devised a strategy that instantly struck a chord with his men. Kavan reveled in the thrill, charging headfirst into the wilderness, while Saro, despite his rogue charm, found clever ways to entrap the creature.
In the end, they succeeded, but not without chaos that ended with a roaring Cerberus challenging each of them to their wits.
Second was the challenge of tactics, a simulated battle against a coalition of rebellious factions that had begun to rise. Each brother brought forth their unique approaches, allowing their personalities to shine, but once again, they found themselves working together to outwit their opponent. It became apparent through forced alliances and reluctant camaraderie that leadership was not about solitary power but the unity they forged amidst conflict.
Finally, came the test of wisdom in the form of a court where they had to mediate disputes between various beast tribes. Here, the brothers had to let go of competition and embrace collaboration. They listened, empathized, and reached consensus, realizing that the essence of being a ruler lay not in commanding but in understanding.
The final challenge awaited them, where they faced their father directly. In the arena's center stood the emperor on his throne, all eyes drawn to his golden mane aflame under the sunlight. "Now, I ask you, my sons, what have you learned?"
As they lined up, hearts pounding with anticipation, Lianos felt a swell of pride. Each brother, in turn, spoke of bravery, camaraderie, and compassion, molded by the challenges they faced together. It resonated throughout the crowd, as cheers erupted, not just for the brothers but for the unity they represented.
When they finished, Lianos chuckled, an echo of lion-like authority in his laughter. "Look at you, all three, sharing your wisdom and mischief. It appears that leadership is neither about a single paw nor a crown. It is a shared responsibility, a woven fabric of bonds."
In that moment, Lianos made a ruling that surprised everyone. "You each shall rule, not as solitary leaders but as a council, divided into strength, wisdom, and courage. Each brother will lead a season for its unique challenges, drawing from your combined experiences and allowing the realm of Beastia to thrive under your care."
The court erupted into joy, the burdens of kingship lifted off the shoulders of those who had feared the crown. They laughed and rejoiced together, for the spirit of the kingdom lived in their unity, not in the solitary weight of a throne.
And so began the era of collaboration, weaving ties between the beast-man tribes, flourishing far and wide under the vigilant eyes of Lianos Ge Roar, the lion who had guided them toward understanding the true essence of leadership.
Each season stood as a testament to their growth—courage woven into wisdom, strength balanced with compassion—each brother reminding the other that power is best exercised together. As the first epoch of the god's grace concluded, it marked not just another year on the calendar, but a new dawn for Beastia, where the legacy of the lion-shaped emperor would resonate far beyond a throne.
As the court was filled with joy, the emperor closed his eyes slowly, savoring the last melody of his life. He immediately used his 8 star destiny segment's one time use passive aspect ability. He knew that this day would come when he received his destiny.
He could reincarnate in future with his memories intact. It was something that could happen only once, when he dies. He was happy that he didn't leave behind any regret before dying. He stopped breathing as he made a last smile on his face.
Next day, The whole of beastia cried for the death of their ruler.