Chapter 4: The Judgment Chain
The morning after his confrontation with the guards, Ezekiel rose early, his thoughts still swirling with plans. It had been a mere taste of his potential, a glimpse into what he could accomplish now that he had full control over Darius's body and the blessing of infinite mana. However, today would mark a different turn. Today, he would solidify his power. The world would see Darius Lionhart not as a weak prince, but as a rising god.
His father, King Kael Lionhart, had always been a cold, calculating ruler. A battle-hardened king who had built his empire through bloodshed and conquest. Yet, he was also a master of control, a man who never let emotion cloud his judgment. King Kael was a feared figure throughout the kingdom — an SSS-ranked warrior, a killing machine whose very presence on the battlefield sent armies fleeing in terror.
Ezekiel knew that his father would be the ultimate challenge. Not because of his strength, but because Kael was always three steps ahead, always testing his sons. If Ezekiel wanted to claim his birthright, he would need to confront Kael — but not today. Not yet. For now, he needed to show the world that he was not the illegitimate son they believed him to be. He needed to show them that Darius Lionhart was not weak.
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The Royal Court was buzzing with tension. News of Darius's sudden change in behavior had spread like wildfire, and the nobility was on edge, unsure of how to react to the prince's newfound aggression. Whispers filled the air, but Ezekiel stood tall, unbothered by the eyes that followed him. His father sat on his throne at the end of the hall, his sharp eyes watching every movement in the room. He had been silent thus far, observing his son's actions carefully.
Ezekiel approached the throne with confidence, his chains flowing behind him like shadows, their presence an undeniable sign of power. As he knelt before the king, he allowed his mana to pulse through his body, amplifying the sense of dominance in the air.
"Father," Ezekiel began, his voice calm but filled with an edge, "I am ready to prove myself. No longer will I be looked down upon as a mere pawn. I will show them all that I am your true heir."
King Kael's gaze never wavered. He leaned forward slightly, his voice low but carrying a weight that sent shivers down Ezekiel's spine. "Prove yourself, then. Show me you are worthy of the name Lionhart. If you seek the throne, you must first learn to rule with an iron fist. There is no room for weakness in this kingdom."
Ezekiel smiled inwardly. This is exactly what I want.
"I understand, Father," he said, standing up slowly, allowing his chains to sway menacingly as he rose. He looked around the court, his eyes scanning the noblemen and women present. "I will begin by setting an example. A lesson that will teach everyone in this kingdom not to underestimate me."
King Kael didn't speak, but his cold, calculating eyes bore into Ezekiel, as if sizing him up. He had always been a man of action, and Ezekiel knew that his father was eager to see if this sudden change in attitude was more than just a facade.
With a flick of his wrist, Ezekiel summoned one of his chains. It moved with unnatural speed, wrapping around the arm of a nobleman who had dared to speak ill of Darius in the past. The man was pulled off his feet, crashing into the stone floor with a loud thud. Gasps filled the air as the court watched in stunned silence.
"You," Ezekiel said, his voice sharp as a blade, "you've been speaking of my weakness, of my illegitimacy. I've had enough of it." The chain constricted around the nobleman's neck, forcing him to choke out a cry of fear. "If you value your life, you will learn to respect your prince."
The nobleman's face turned red as he struggled against the chain, but Ezekiel's will was stronger. The chain tightened, and the man gasped for breath. The entire court held its breath, waiting for what would happen next.
Ezekiel's eyes gleamed with malice as he flicked his wrist, releasing the chain's grip just before it became fatal. The nobleman collapsed on the floor, gasping for air, his face pale with fear.
"Let that be a lesson," Ezekiel said coldly. "If anyone dares question my worth again, they will not be so fortunate."
The court remained silent, the tension in the air palpable. For a moment, it seemed as though the kingdom had held its breath.
"Enough," King Kael's voice rang out, and the room seemed to exhale all at once. The king's gaze was intense, but there was a glint of approval in his eyes. "You've made your point, Darius. But remember, there are consequences for every action. And I will not hesitate to teach you those consequences if you lose control."
Ezekiel nodded, unfazed. "Understood, Father. But I will not lose control again. I will control everything."
The king's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, Ezekiel thought he saw a flicker of something — maybe even respect — in his father's gaze. But it was gone in an instant, replaced by his usual cold indifference.
"Very well," King Kael said, his voice ice-cold. "Continue to prove yourself. But remember, Darius, the throne is not easily taken. Many will try to destroy you, and I will not stand in the way of those who challenge you. You must be prepared for the consequences of your actions."
Ezekiel bowed, his eyes gleaming with the thrill of the game. "I'm prepared, Father. And I'll do whatever it takes."
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As Ezekiel left the royal court, his thoughts turned to the future. The road to the throne would not be easy, and his brothers — Elias and Asher — would soon take notice of his new strength. They would try to stop him, to undermine him at every turn. But he was ready. His chains, his blessing, and his infinite mana were all tools at his disposal. And he would use them to become the king.
But there was more to the game than just brute force. There was strategy, manipulation, and timing. And Ezekiel was a master of all three. He had learned that in his past life, and now, with this new power, he would use every skill he had to shape the world to his will.
The kingdom would kneel before him. And his brothers? They would either join him or fall before his might.
The choice was theirs.