In this magical world, there is a place called Aetherius, a realm that resembles any other fantasy world, but...
Three hours earlier
(Language of Aetherius)
"Your Majesty, I have completed the investigation and found that the kingdom's third round of hero summoning has revealed great potential in this group of heroes. That is why we selected them. All the steps are complete, except for the final one. However, Your Majesty..."
The person reporting to the king paused, as though troubled by something.
"Do not worry. This is an investment in our kingdom's greatness. There is no need for fear."
The voice came from an old man, radiating power and experience. His hair was white, though he appeared to be in his 30s or 40s. Dressed in clothes that clearly marked his wealth, his blue eyes shone as he sat upon the throne. He was the king.
"Very well. We will begin soon. It should not take long. Please, Your Majesty, await good news."
When the servant left, the king's expression grew more serious, shedding the gentleness he had shown moments before.
"You may come out now."
Two figures, a man and a woman, emerged. Both had black hair and were dressed in fine clothing, better than most commoners. Their blue eyes sparkled. The woman had a beauty that could be called striking, while the man was undeniably handsome.
They both bowed respectfully to the king.
"Greetings, Father."
"There is no need for such formality, my children. Now, let me get straight to the point. If any capable heroes appear, you must marry them."
Both of them looked deeply troubled, wanting to speak but remaining silent.
"I understand how you feel, but this is necessary for all of us."
"We understand, Your Majesty."
"If you have nothing further to say, then you may go."
The two siblings left the king's chamber.
---
This was the room where heroes were summoned, always protected and secure. A large magic circle lay in the center, with several humans standing within it, appearing strong. Around them stood figures resembling mages, their expressions heavy with indescribable emotions.
Some even shed tears.
"We don't wish to sacrifice you, but for the prosperity of our kingdom, we must."
The people inside the magic circle wore angry expressions but were helpless to resist. Still, one of them spoke.
"I understand that, but I can't die until I kill that bastard."
This man appeared bound to keep him from acting on his violent desires.
Soon, the man he referred to arrived.
"Don't say that. I regret losing someone with your talents as well. Rest assured, we will take good care of your family. Your names will be remembered in history for your selflessness and your sacrifice."
The newcomer had short blonde hair, was handsome, and had an impressive build. He appeared perfect in many ways, looking genuinely regretful. But the bound man only shouted in rage.
"Wasn't it you who orchestrated this whole plan to make me suffer, leaving me with no choice? They used my family to threaten me and tricked me into dying for this!"
His face was filled with rage.
If anger alone could kill the man standing before him, he would have died a million times over by now.
"Even though you're angry about being sacrificed, they fail to see that if we summon a brave and capable hero, it will be the true hope for humanity."
"Yes, our leader is right. Furthermore, accusing him like this is a serious offense. But we are compassionate people, so we won't hold a grudge against you. Isn't that right, great selfless one?"
The faces of the remaining people twisted with anger
"Now, to prevent anyone from suffering further, I will commence the sacrifice ceremony."
"You guys!!"
he shouted, his voice trembling with fury.
"Start!!"
Immediately, the magicians standing around the magic circle began to be slowly drained. Their blood, flesh, organs, bones, and brains were pulled from their bodies. Yet, before they perished, they spoke in unison, their voices filled with malice.
"I won't let them go, even if we become ghosts!!"
Their souls left their bodies, transforming into vengeful spirits, caretakers of a growing mass of wrathful souls.
Like the legendary gashadokuro from Japanese folklore, these spirits would forever haunt, fueled by their lingering anger and desire for revenge.
"We will kill you all!!!"
The spirits launched a furious assault on the magicians, their rage unleashed in a violent frenzy. But suddenly, the man swiftly activated something, shattering the spirits and making them vanish in an instant.
It was over in less than ten seconds
"May you go to a better place."
The blonde-haired man, along with the other magicians, observed a brief moment of mourning before moving on to the next step of the ritual.
Afterward, they used magic to transform the previously drained material into the cost required to activate the magic circle, causing two beams of light to emerge.
"Succeed!"
Many magicians were overjoyed.
In hero summoning, it wasn't only the sacrifice of people that was required—factors like the strength, talent, and other qualities of the sacrificed individuals played a role. Because of this, even after a thousand years, successful hero summonings had occurred fewer than 100 times. Despite the sacrifices, there was always a chance of failure. But this time, they had succeeded, making this a rare and significant victory.
After their success, they realized they could only summon one time and the final decision had to be left to the king. Thus, they dispersed and sealed the place, patiently waiting for the king's arrival.
---
Later, in a luxurious room, the blond man returned to his quarters.
*Haha, everything is going according to plan, King. Soon, your reign will end, and it will be my time*
His once-kind expression twisted into a devilish grin, his eyes gleaming with cunning
*But now is not the time... though it won't be long*
His grin widened, a sense of anticipation lurking behind his cold, calculating gaze.