PART 1 - Annual celebration : Access to the Democratic Palace.

The carriage came to a halt at the palace entrance, where luxurious carriages lined every corner, their polished surfaces gleaming under the evening lights.

On either side of the entrance, national guards stood in crisp white uniforms, their chests adorned with the emblem of democracy—a symbol of national pride.

They held their rifles firmly, a testament to their discipline and readiness, while the echoes of their footsteps resonated across the marble floor that overlooked small gardens, where lions rested in tranquil repose.

The luxurious carriages carrying influential democratic families were flanked by heavily armed soldiers, their unwavering presence a testament to the prestige of the distinguished figures inside.

This grand procession was not merely a display of wealth or power but a symbol of the significance of the annual event—the official celebration preceding the yearly military tournament, where the fate of the democratic army's high command was decided and the supreme commander for the year was chosen, just as it had been every year.

More than a hundred luxurious carriages, carrying prominent figures, headed towards the Democratic Palace, the grandest structure in the democracy of Elethra.

Here, elegance and prestige merge—not only in its opulent architecture but also in its status, reflecting the greatness of those who enter.

At the front gate, the magnificence of the building is on full display.

The sheer height of the gate makes those who pass through it appear as tiny as ants in comparison to its grandeur.

Surrounded by an intricately carved architectural structure, it still pales in comparison to the vastness of the palace, which stretches a full mile in width and rises to half its width in height.

Akriod reached the highest peak of the massive great staircase, accompanied by Ronan and Liana, flanked by three of his soldiers whose steady steps echoed beside him.

All eyes were on him in heavy silence, something Liana couldn't help but notice. This was to be expected, as he was one of the Five Dysars.

Having succeeded his father in the position of Dysar, his presence had now become ingrained in the hearts of those eager to get closer to him, as the connections made with the former Dysar were still valued, and everyone sought to build relationships with the new Dysar.

The gazes of the women were particularly intense.

Their gazes were sharp, like the fangs of wolves ready to pounce.

Marrying Inar was not just a desire that haunted every woman, but an ambition that went beyond his captivating looks, reaching for his irresistible, distinguished status.

Being the heir and the sole member of the family, every woman longs to attach herself to him.

After all, the honor of bearing the next generation for the Agard family is the aspiration of every woman in the elite class of the democracy, as they would gain immense status if they were granted the privilege of marrying the Agard family heir.

Amidst the glances that carried countless wishes and dreams, Akriod entered with his unwavering expression, completely ignoring the gazes directed at him as though they did not exist.

He was indifferent to them, especially since even a simple handshake or getting close to him was an extremely difficult feat for those who tried to seize the opportunity among the attendees, despite their influence and high status.

The prominent figures representing the elite class in democratic society could not overcome the well-known barriers, given the possibility of rejection and humiliation; everything was forbidden.

This also applied to the soldiers surrounding him like an impenetrable shadow.

They walked behind him with vigilance until they reached the inside of the palace, ensuring his safe entry before returning, leaving behind the noise of the inner hall.

******

As soon as he took his first step inside the palace, he was enveloped in radiant golden lights that cast their mesmerizing glow across the vast hall.

Every detail exuded opulence, with groups of elegantly dressed figures gathered around refined tables, engaging in conversation as the sounds of a grand symphony filled the air with awe and majesty.

At the heart of the hall, a spiraling staircase rose like a serpent coiling its way upward, ascending through the palace's successive floors.

Towering beyond sight, its gilded and crimson steps intertwined like a luxurious tapestry, seamlessly connecting the levels above.

A slender man with a handsome face swiftly approached, dressed in an elegant green servant's uniform.

He wore a smile as Akriod noticed his presence.

"Welcome, O great Dysar. The servants were supposed to receive you at the gate, but it seems there has been an unjustified lapse. I humbly ask for your deepest forgiveness." His words carried a blend of apology and fear, as if they were escaping from a throat that dreads the consequences.

Akriod smiled softly, his expression calm, and said gently, "It's alright."

"From here, sir," the man said, gesturing towards an elegant wooden elevator with a glass door, positioned next to a winding staircase that spiraled around a vertical glass tunnel piercing through the upper floors.

It reached up to the glass dome above, which appeared small from below due to its distance, as the palace had one hundred floors.

The glass gate opened, and the first to step inside the elevator was Akriod, followed by the servant, who was the last to enter.

As the gate closed behind them, the elevator moved automatically in response to the servant's command.

He had verbally instructed the system to ascend to the ninetieth floor.

The elevator began rising gradually, passing through each floor.

The view of the floors was irresistible, each showcasing stunning artistic arrangements and unique designs, making each one seem more impressive than the last.

However, what caught the most attention, more than anything else, was the vast number of attendants visible, even though they seemed insignificant compared to the grandeur of the palace, which grew even more magnificent with each passing floor.

The numbers decreased as the elevator ascended.

As it passed through the higher floors, the number of people gradually dropped from tens of thousands to thousands, then to hundreds, to tens, and finally to just a few.