The main hall of Darius Valen's palace, adorned with crystal gold-clad walls and large, luxurious hardware, reflected a dignified glow, creating a mesmerizing light. Outside the palace, the ceiling was filled with shining stars, while in the palace hall were huge and luxurious lamps that transformed the room into a different world, a world filled with power and influence.
On that night, Darius celebrated his victory for defeating his enemy. Darius' achievement in defeating his last enemy state made everyone feel amazed and happy. It was a political achievement that ensured his position as an unbeatable global leader.
All the princes and people from all corners of the empire came to hear the news and celebrate. From princes, diplomats, and the elite of the modern world came to celebrate an achievement by their king, Darius. Everyone looked on in awe, appreciating his authority, strength, and wisdom in maintaining the country.
In that luxurious room sat a powerful and dignified man at the center, King Darius Valen. Sitting in his throne, he scrutinized every face that came before him. Everyone knew he was a powerful man.
"Power is not just in the palace," the king said with intimidation."But power is something that makes others bow before it." The words seemed to seep into the souls of every individual who came and made them feel a sense of awe and, at the same time, great fear.
Darius looked out over the large windows that overlooked the cities of his country. "This world, like all others, is subject to power," he said firmly.
The room was filled with many great leaders and dignitaries. But not a single person could contradict the noble king's words. Darius knew that no one would understand the heavy burden he carried. Every decision he made, every move he made, affected not only the existing nations but also the balance of the modern world itself.
"To victory." Darius raised a glass filled with a luxurious beer, his eyes sharp, indicating that he was an inviolable king.
Everyone cheered and raised their glasses. "To victory." The princes of this world had recognized Darius' greatness; they were certain that no one could challenge his power again.
In a secluded room on the upper level of the palace, Darius' trusted right-hand man, "Marcus," stared blankly into a mirror. Seeing their king on the balcony enjoying his victory and gaining unrivaled power and influence. All his enemies had bowed before him.
His normally calm face was now filled with deep concern. Perfectly hidden behind a smile.
"Too much power, too much ego—all will end tonight, Darius." Marcus said, making a decision.
As Darius moved away from the balcony, Marcus continued to approach him in his usual state. The two of them continued to develop until they were out of sight of the crowd. Darius looked at Marcus with a question mark.
"Is there something waiting for you, Marcos? You don't look well." Darius said calmly with a beer in his hand. Not realizing he was caught in the false confidence of the man behind him.
Marcus didn't answer immediately. Just staring at the floor with a strange blank stare—a stare that suggested everything they had ever done was coming to an end.
"Ti... it's alright, my lord," Marcus replied in a slow voice. "It's just... I think we've lived too long in the shadow of power."
Darius looked at him with concern, not realizing what was about to happen. "The shadow of power? Have you been sleeping or drinking too much beer? Marcus, we have made progress that no one can match."
Marcus stepped closer to Darius. In an unexpectedly swift move, Marcus stabbed the sharp blade right into Darius' chest. The stabbing pain was indescribable.
"What...is this?" Darius was shocked. Blood rushed down his luxurious shirt.
Darius collapsed on the floor, unable to believe what was happening. Fresh blood gushed out of his mouth and down his chest, filling the place with dark red. Darius was in excruciating pain, a pain he had never experienced. Not only a physical form of pain, but also from the wound of betrayal by the person he trusted the most.
"Marcus...wha...what are you doing?" Darius was in pain. His hand pressed against the blood flowing down his chest. "After all I've given you, is this how you repay me?"
"Power..." Marcus replied slowly, his eyes cold as snow. "You're too confident in your power. You've been in power for too long. With your greed, it will become a hindrance.
"Those who are present here," Marcus continued, "they have long planned everything; you are just a roadblock to something bigger."
"They?...a barrier?" Darius groaned in pain. "You think by killing me, the world will get better? The world will only be a disaster."
Marcus bowed his head, thinking about what Darius had said. There was no sign of remorse or any sign of stopping, only satisfaction.
"You ruled with tyranny for too long, Darius. They... they all want a new world, and I am the bringer of that change.
Darius could not speak. His body was getting weaker. Everything seemed to be spinning. "Them...obstructions?" There was a lot going on behind him without him even realizing it.
Darius lay on the floor, his body almost completely paralyzed. Despite the pain tormenting him, his mind was still clear. The pain that came not only from external wounds but also the wounds of betrayal and disappointment that came with losing power.
She tried to look at Marcus once more, trying to say something; unfortunately, her mouth was unable to. Suddenly, there came a voice that echoed in her mind, not a human voice, but much darker and darker.
"If I am given the chance," Darius whispered to himself, "I will destroy them all. Let them know who is more powerful."
Darius began to lose consciousness. His eyes began to close slowly. In his mind, he envisioned a new, bigger world, a world where he would once again rule everything.
To be continued…