Late at night.
The night sky is dotted with only a few stars.
The galaxy and the giant, luminous stars that used to appear are now gone.
A darker night, a rare sight.
It seems as if something secret will happen tonight.
In the royal palace at the heart of the Southern Cross Island capital.
Outside a large, heavy gate stand numerous guards, coming and going on duty.
Knights patrol the area. This seems to be the most important area in the palace.
Inside the gate.
It appears to be a private reception room. Judging by its décor and the precious ornaments, it's clear that this is where someone of great importance resides.
Further in, through a small door, a faint scent of blood wafts from within.
The door to the outside stood wide open, leading to a balcony.
A tall, burly, solemn man stood upright on the balcony, gazing out.
His face was calm, his expression unsmiling.
In one hand, he held a wine glass, savoring it carefully.
In the other, he held a book.
The bloody odor came from the center of the room behind him. A maid in a maid's outfit lay pale on the floor.
Blood oozed from her features, and her expression suggested she had suffered some kind of mental torture before her death.
"Oh, my friend, we meet again," a slightly exaggerated voice rang out from behind Kriyal.
Faced with the corpse behind him and the unfamiliar voice. Kriel wasn't the least bit alarmed. "I don't think I'm friends with a demon."
"Don't say that. Of course we are friends. We've met many times.
And how do you feel about the techniques I've given you?"
"If a few encounters mean we're friends, then I have too many friends," Kriel said, making no attempt to respond to the latter part.
The hidden demon wasn't angry, and waved his hand slightly. A pale green mist emanated from the features of the fallen corpse, and he inhaled it into his nostrils, as if inhaling some addictive stimulant.
A knowledgeable person could tell at a glance that the mist was the soul of the poor maid.
And faint red streaks appeared on the maid's exposed skin.
"What have you thought of my proposal? I can help you realize your ambitions. All you need is my cooperation.
I've even given you a small deposit to let you know I have the ability to help you.
You've only just reached the fifth stage of strength. You might be able to act with impunity in this desolate borderland. But if you venture even a little further inland, your strength will be no more than that of a slightly larger ant.
The people there look upon you like a country bumpkin. I'm sure you've already felt this, and you carry this humiliation within you.
Don't you wish to repay this humiliation? Trampling upon those foreign nobles who once looked down upon you, those mortals who dared to despise you, to show them who is truly powerful.
If only I could help you, for a small price, I could accelerate your ambitions. Why not?"
Kriel turned to look at the demon hidden behind him.
Faced with the demon's incitement and the words that seemed to strike directly at his heart, His face remained expressionless, seemingly unfazed.
"You call yourself a demon, but the actions you take seem more demonic. Not at all like what a furious demon would do."
"Of course I am a demon. I thought you weren't a racist. I'm just one of the few demons who's smart enough to use my brain.
I'm not like those demons, constantly engaging in scheming and conspiracy.
So I'm cunning and violent. So what do you think?"
"No, my answer is still no. I'm not in the habit of making deals with demons. I'll rely on my own abilities and strength to get what I want."
Hearing Kriel's words, the demon wasn't surprised or angry at all. Instead, he chuckled softly, a laugh that seemed to tinge with contempt.
"I see you're quite content using the power I gave you, you hypocritical mortal."
Faced with the demon's words...
Kriel remained unmoved, clearly having grown quite thick-skinned.
However, this demon still seemed to be acting like a devil, merely provoking him with a few words without actually committing any violent acts.
This was clearly different from his fellows.
He stood up from the nearby chair, a small bell appearing in his hand.
He placed the bell on the nearby desk.
"It's a shame our cooperation didn't end well, but I'll give you a small gift.
Just like I gave you before, I'm always so generous, especially to my friends.
Of course, you can rest assured that this small gift doesn't carry any danger; it's just there to help you in times of danger.
But my patience is limited. When you ring the bell, it means you're willing to cooperate with me. Be careful."
"Hahahaha, then I'll wait for your good news." The demon smiled and bowed slightly, disappearing into thin air.
Looking at the place where the demon disappeared, Kriel glanced at the bell he'd placed on the desk and picked it up.
He pondered for a moment before tossing it into the drawer.
He turned to look at the maid's body lying on the floor.
"The transformation failed? It seems a stronger body is needed. No, maybe the male demon consumed her soul.
No rush, take your time."
He comforted himself casually and waved his hand gently.
A spatial rift appeared beneath the corpse, dragging the blood-stained carpet into it.
As if nothing had happened, he sat down in the nearby chair, continuing to drink his wine and read his book.
…
In a dark little room.
Several dark figures in cloaks gathered, seated around a round table. The only light in the room came from a few candles on the table.
At this moment, the door next to him opened.
Another cloaked figure entered. Through the wooden door, the sound of rain could be heard outside.
The figure shook off the water stains on his body and then simply took off his cloak and hung it beside him.
"Sorry, I'm late."
It was Balazs who spoke, and he sat down in an empty seat.
Alka and Narmins, who had just arrived two days ago, also sat nearby.
"This is our last meeting before the matter is accomplished. The next meeting will be a celebration of death," Alka said calmly.
The others nodded.
Aside from Alka and the three leaders, the others still wore hoods, even though they knew the fabric provided no concealment.
But it seemed that this thin layer of cloth could mask their emotions, giving them a sense of hope.
"Tell me about your plan, Baraz."
Baraz, who had just entered, nodded and said, "Kriel has many subordinates, and likewise, many enemies.
The only good news is that the troublesome team he personally trained died with him on the border island a few years ago."
Hearing this, Alka couldn't help but recall.
It should be said that when he first met Kriel, it was there that he and Kriel had forged a grudge.
"To minimize the cost and maximize the chances of killing Kriel, we must minimize the number of guards surrounding him.
Reduce the number of guards throughout the palace.
We need a reason to gather more people."
He turned to Narmins and asked, "Do you have any better ideas?"
"As a follower of the Virgin Mary and a prince of this country, at least my status as a prince has not been stripped away.
Naturally, my return requires a grand ceremony in honor of the Virgin Mary."
Narmins expressed his thoughts.
One of the hooded figures said, "This plan isn't feasible, is it? We've all worshipped the White Mist Serpent since childhood, and I mean no offense. But your faith has long been criticized by these commoners, so how could you possibly attend such a festival?"
"Distribute enough free food, and personally organize a ball for the entire upper class.
I know the city's nobles well. Even if they don't cooperate with me, they'll have to attend this ball because I'll extend the invitation as the prince."
Narmins said this. Although most officials and nobles now knew that he was a prince in name only,
Until now, his title had not been revoked. No one knew Kriel's intentions, and no one dared to gamble.
After all, Kriel had no children and rarely had any affairs with women.
The cloaked figures around him nodded in agreement. This was a reasonable and effective excuse.
"Then I will cooperate with you and try to get as many nobles as possible to attend. I will also increase the security for the festival," Baraz said from the side.
"But Your Highness, you must clearly understand that if anything goes wrong, you will also be in danger," a cloaked figure said.
Narmins nodded: "I am also a knight, and danger is always inevitable."
This was confirmed. Baraz turned to Alka: "Then the final and most important battle will be left to you and your companions."
Alka nodded: "Don't worry."
This series of arrangements is mainly to ease the burden on Alka and his companions and reduce unexpected situations.
It is also to minimize the damage to the entire country after the battle.
It would be best if only Kriel died, but that was obviously impossible.
Everyone knew Alka. This group of powerful people was the core of this operation.
Everyone was making preparations around them.
Similarly, Alka and his companions shouldered the most important and dangerous responsibilities.
"When the memorial service begins, the battle will begin. I will personally meet you at the palace gate and lead you directly to Kriel," Baraz said.
Narmins turned to Alka and said, "Thank you for what you have done."
Alka glanced at him and said, "No need to thank me. This isn't for you, or anyone else. It's for me and my companions.
We simply share a common target for revenge."
Everyone exchanged various details until they had finished their discussion. Only then did they leave the cabin.
Back on the ship, Alka shared the entire plan with everyone, urging them to prepare.
"Put your research aside for a few days. Rest and recharge. The enemy isn't foolish. We need to give it our all," Alka said, glancing at Simon.
After Simon nodded, he averted his gaze.
Everything remained silent, awaiting the day the festival would begin.
…
Everyone moved swiftly.
"The prince is back? Why are we still holding a festival to thank the Virgin Mary?" an elderly woman buying vegetables interrupted, observing the conversation between the shopkeeper and the others.
"Yes, it should be starting soon."
"The Virgin Mary? I prefer to believe that the great white mist serpent in dreams can protect our peace." At this, the elderly woman made a prayer gesture.
Observing the elderly woman's actions, a young man nearby glanced at her and said calmly, "I haven't seen anyone protecting our peace in recent years."
"Hmph, that's just the one in the palace…" The elderly woman, a little annoyed, tried to retort.
Before she could finish her words, her husband, who had come with her, covered her mouth.
Her husband glared at her in horror. "You're trying to kill us?"
The woman seemed to come to her senses, looking around in panic and nodding her head.
"Whether you go or not, we're going. We heard there'll be free food and wine," the owner said casually as he packed up his stall.
He even made a rather flawed prayer gesture.
"Thank you, Our Lady." His tone was so casual.
"Free?"
"Of course it's free."
"Then we'll go too."
"Didn't you say you only believe in..."
"Alright, stop rambling. The White Mist Serpent won't care about this. The gods understand my true trust."
Looking at the two hurriedly leaving, the owner smiled faintly.
Such scenes were playing out everywhere. In just one day, nearly the entire city knew about the festival and the free food and wine. The free gifts attracted countless commoners, who were now gathering to participate in the memorial service.
Their recent stress made them need a chance to relax.
An altar had already been set up outside the Church of Our Lady for the memorial service.
The priest and the prince stood on it, ready to begin.
On the nearby terraces and rooftops of various taverns, one could see wealthy and influential figures, leisurely sitting, their gaze fixed on this area.
"Why did our prince choose to return at this time? Doesn't he want to die?"
"He's a saint of the Virgin Mary. Unless he's done anything out of the ordinary, no one would bother him.
...It's not worth it."
A middle-aged man with a slightly balding head nearby took a sip of his wine. "We just need to wait and see how things develop. It has little to do with us."
"Not much?" A noblewoman nearby chuckled, her expression slightly dismissive. "When things escalate, no one can stay out of it. It's better to prepare early."
After saying this, she lifted her skirt and stood up to leave.
As more and more people gathered, more guards were dispatched. It could be seen that some of these guards were elite soldiers from the capital and the palace.
They primarily guarded not the prince on the stage or the members of the Virgin Mary Church, but the areas where the nobles sat, resting and observing.
To prevent these large gatherings of civilians from giving dangerous elements an opportunity to fish in troubled waters and endanger the safety of these nobles.
More and more civilians were gathering here.
As the crowds grew, even those who hadn't wanted to come began to watch with curiosity.
At this point, the entire palace was almost empty, save for a few servants and necessary guards.
Arka and his companions appeared on the street. Not many people were coming and going at this point, as most had already gathered around the festival.
Despite the distant bustle, Arka and his companions remained unfazed. They walked along the straight road toward the palace in the distance.
They soon arrived at the foot of the palace.
They gazed at the largest building complex in the entire capital: a grayish-white stone tower, stacked with tall spires.
Brahmi reliefs adorned it, highlighting the palace's nobility.
Gardens, fountains, and artistic sculptures dotted the landscape.
Elite soldiers patrolled the low walls guarding the palace.
"Stranger, leave! This is not a place you can tread lightly!"
The two soldiers at the gate immediately grasped their weapons and stared warily at Alka and the others.
Even though Alka and the others hadn't come here at all, they were merely observing the palace from near the walls.
"Friend, don't be so irritated. I'm just curious about what this palace looks like," Jason said with a smile, spreading his hands.
"Now you've seen it. Get out of here!"
The soldier looked at Alka with unceremonious arrogance.
Jason shrugged. "I did see it. It's a truly unforgiving borderland. This palace isn't even as well-built as my grandmother's cowshed back home."
Facing the foul-mouthed soldier, Jason retorted bluntly.
"What? You damned bastard..." The soldier, seething with rage, was about to advance, weapon drawn, when his companion stopped him.
"Don't cause trouble."
"You didn't hear him." Before he could finish, a figure emerged from the gate.
It was Balazs.
"Dear guests, you've arrived. Lord Kriel is waiting for you."
Balazs, humbled by his status, bowed solemnly.
Seeing this, the soldier, who had been furious just moments before, widened his eyes. Fear could be seen in his gaze. He turned to look at Alka and the others, then quickly lowered his head.
Alka nodded and led the others inside.
They silently passed by the soldier, without exchanging any words.
Only after Alka and the others had entered did Balazs, the last one standing, turn and glance at the soldier.
Sensing Balazs's gaze, the soldier's face was already covered in sweat.
"I hope you have good luck," Balazs said calmly, and followed him inside.
As soon as the others left, the soldier immediately collapsed to the ground.
His colleague, watching the soldier, sighed helplessly, waved to the soldiers on the wall, and together they carried him away.
A faint pink mist had already begun to linger on the walls and the soldiers everywhere.
It drifted along with Alka's movements.
But the soldiers seemed completely oblivious, continuing their patrols along the walls, repeating their old duties countless times.
Numb and stiff, their minds wandering.
Alka and the others continued their journey through the winding palace, unimpeded.
Led by Balazs, they arrived at a massive gate.
There were also two soldiers at the door.
These two soldiers, clad in heavy armor, had already reached the third stage of perfection.
They had reached the limit of an ordinary person's strength.
They ignored the approaching Balazs.
Facing the two soldiers, Alka turned to the others behind him and said, "Pororo, Shadati, Matresa. The three of you come with me. The rest of you stay outside."
The two soldiers seemed deaf to their conversation, completely unaware.
Alka brushed past them, pushed open the door, and led the others inside.
The moment the door swung open, the two soldiers' vision went black and they collapsed beside them, lost in thought.
From beginning to end, they never understood anything.
Meanwhile, the soldiers outside fell like dominoes, snoring in their sleep.