OUTSIDE, THE IMPERIAL PALACE’S GATES.As the post-celebration of the prince’s naming persisted within the grand halls of the imperial palace, a scene unfolded outside its monumental gates. Assembled was a segment of the imperial army, specifically the Silver Dragon Knight squad. Comprising of five hundred knights, each meticulously chosen by the emperor himself, the squad boasted a spectrum of prowess ranging from a fourth-class Grandmaster as the least powerful, to an eighth-class Grandmaster as the most formidable. The knights stood in disciplined formation outside the palace gate, organized into five distinct lines, with each group encompassing a hundred knights.*CREAK*A loud creaking sound of metal filled the air as the palace gates opens, revealing Emperor Maximus. He walks out with the air of a conqueror exuding from his body. With each stride he took, the surrounding air became heavy, affected by his Aura. Causing the knights guarding the palace gates, to fall to their knees
SILVERWOOD MANOR’S COMPOUND.*SHOOSH**SHOOSH**SLASH*The air whirled into a frenzy, stirred by the astonishing speed at which Helena and Chamberlin Eadulf moved. Their forms could only be glimpsed as blurs, locked in a fierce exchange that painted a trail of destruction across the Manor's Estate.*SWOOSH**CLANG**BANG**WHOOSH*"How does his speed continue to outpace mine, even as I pushed my speed to the limit? Among the ‘Ten Aura Masters’ on the continent, I hold the title of the 'Lightning Sword' due to the unique characteristics of my abilities. Yet, here I am unable to match the speed of this unknown Hooded Figure. How frustrating… But, it’s not solely my speed that has earned me the Title of Lightning Sword!”Chamberlin Eadulf thought in his mind as he abruptly ceased his movements, coming to a complete standstill.*WHOOSH**HALT*“Huh!? Why did you stop? Are you gassed out already...?”Helena asked, her tone carrying a tinge of surprise. as she slowed down before coming to a
OUTSIDE CHAMBERLAIN EADULF’S DOMAIN. *CRACK*"Huh?!... It appears the battle's outcome is clear. Your Majesty, who do you think emerged victorious?"Master Zurrick asked Emperor Maximus after noticing Chamberlian Eadulf’s Domain began to dissipate.“From the pressure he released it would be difficult for Eadulf to win, but since he got into Eadulf’s Aura domain… well, we’ll just wait and see.”Emperor Maximus replied.****************************************************************A MINUTE LATER.Once Chamberlain Eadulf's Aura Domain had fully dissipated, Emperor Maximus and Master Zurrick were met with a startling sight. The hooded figure, previously ensnared by Eadulf's Domain, now stood unharmed, casually dragging an object with a single hand as they strolled forward.*SCRAPE! * [Sound effect of dragging an object]“I must say… he had a strong determination and will. But what use are those if you are weak!”Helena said as she tossed the object she'd been dragging, like trash, rig
INNER CAPITAL CITY - SOMWHERE.“Be careful of your own shadow; for it might hide more than you realize.”Emperor Maximus said, as he emerged from behind Helena, stepping out of her shadow. His sword's blade, deeply embedded in her back, piercing through her chest.*THUD*“COUGH!!... How did you”Helena exclaimed, after coughing out blood. As she turned to Emperor Maximus, her face twisted in shock and agony.“Did you truly believe I could be defeated with such a meager display of power? That was nothing more than a mere shadow double.”Emperor Maximus said with a condescending tone and expression.“Even with an energy more powerful than mana and Aura, this is all your strength amounts to. What a waste… Don’t worry; I will be using your power to its full potential, after extracting it from your corpse… Any last words before you die?”Emperor Maximus asked.“Cough…Ha…haha… Did you think you’ve won!? HA-HAHAHAHA!”Helena exclaimed, erupting into maniacal laughter before her body dissolve
INNER CAPITAL WESTERN WING – RAINBRIDGE ESTATE*CLIP-CLOP**CREAKING* (sound of carriage)The loud sounds of horses’ hooves, striking a cobblestone path and carriage creaking wheels, resounded in the air as multiple horse-driven carriages, drove towards a grand building in the distance. And in one of those carriages, two sisters are in an anxious state, as it is their first time attending a high society party.“… it's been almost thirty minutes since we entered the Estate, and we still haven’t arrived at the ballroom yet…”Lily said in an anxious tone as she opens the blinds and gazed out the carriage window. What she saw left her in awe—an expansive landscape adorned with grand buildings and structures.“Wow... This is a duke's estate... it's so huge! It must be larger than two districts in the outer capital... I wonder just how much larger their estate in the Western territory is. if the one in the capital is already this massive!”Lily said with an excited tone and expression as sh
CH 76--------------------------------------------------------IN THE BALLROOM, SOMEWHERE AMONG THE GUESTS."Oh my, did you see that? Lord Phames actually kissed her on the hand!"Lady Fiora of House Merewind exclaimed in astonishment, while surrounded by a group of other noble ladies."How could that commoner's daughter simply stand there while he did that? She ought to be on her knees, showing gratitude for such an opportunity." Lady Justina of House Quickfire remarked, her tone dripping with disdain and disgust."It appears this commoner's daughter, needs to be taught her place." Lady Annelore of House Merewind added, glaring at Cyra with a malicious expression."I heard from my mother that when a nobleman gets close to a commoner woman, he becomes bewitched. They supposedly sprinkle love potions on their clothing, so that when the nobleman inhales it, he falls in love with them."Lady Thessaly of House Starfrost said."I heard the same from my elder sister. She said her husband
—-------------------------------------------------------------------MISTY PEAK ROYAL PALACE - THRONE HALL"It's been ten days since I neutralized the empire's most powerful weapons from play. I expected the capital to descend into chaos and panic without the Emperor at its head. However, after locking down the capital, they are handling the situation better than I imagined. But I wonder how they will react to the present I have, prepared for them." Helena thought as she leaned back on the throne with a plotting smile.*BAM**CREAK*"…?"Hearing the loud sound of the Throne Hall's heavy stone doors opening, Helena turned her gaze to the hall entrance, to see Grace walking in."Grace?... It seems all her injuries have healed." Helena thought with a slight smile as she watched Grace walk towards her.*****************************************A FEW MOMENTS LATER.After a while, Grace arrived at the end of the throne steps and fell to her knees immediately, bowing her head.*THUD**WHOO
-----------------------------------------------------------------RAINBRIDGE ESTATE- CENTER OF THE BALLROOM.*SWISH**TAP*"I am still quite surprised you asked me for a dance, even though you have the option of picking many more beautiful noble-born ladies, who are dying to dance with you. My lord."Cyra said, locking eyes with Lord Phames. Their hands clasped, fingers intertwined as they twirled and waltzed in the heart of the ballroom, surrounded by the elegance of the moment."You are mistaken…"Lord Phames said, pausing momentarily as he skillfully guided the dance. With a graceful movement, he gently pushed Lady Cyra away.*WHOOSH*"What is he doing?!..."Cyra thought in her mind with a surprised expression after she was pushed. She realized her balance was thrown off by the sudden push and she was going to fall. Strangely, she wasn't scared, as she could still feel Phames's touch, through her gloves.Just As Cyra's fingers were about to slip from his palm, Lord Phames, with imp