A King’s First Order & An Unavoidable Duel

As the murmurs of the nobles died down, Ethan leaned forward, resting his chin on his fist.

'Now that we've settled that,' he said, his voice carrying weight, 'it's time to establish order.'

His golden gaze swept across the great families. 'You will each report to me with detailed accounts of your territories—military forces, economic strength, and ongoing conflicts. This is no longer a divided continent. If you rule under me, you will do so efficiently. Fail, and you will be replaced.'

His words sent a ripple through the room. Some clenched their fists in silent defiance, but no one dared to speak out.

Then—

BOOM!

A deafening explosion shook the palace, sending a tremor through the ground. The walls groaned, dust and debris trickling from the ceiling. Nobles stumbled in shock, panic flashing in their eyes. The thick wooden doors at the far end of the hall suddenly creaked open.