Chapter 19: The Deal - Part 2

Chapter 19: The Deal - Part 2

The golden chandeliers flickered above the grand chamber, casting elongated shadows across the walls lined with silk tapestries and ornate carvings. The heavy scent of incense drifted through the air, blending with the subdued murmurs of assembled nobles. Seated upon his high-backed throne, Duke Myint Myat Kyaw Saw regarded the young prince standing before him.

He had heard of the Second Prince, the so-called unwanted royal, the insignificant child born from a commoner mother. Yet, the man before him was anything but insignificant. Prince Aung carried himself with unnerving confidence, his golden eyes sharp with intelligence and an aura of sheer authority that unsettled even the Duke's seasoned courtiers.

The Duke had been given two choices by the Court and the Crown Prince.

Observe and contain the Second Prince's ambitions.

Eliminate him if he proved too dangerous.

But after hearing of his achievements in Thazin, the way he had dismantled corruption, gained the Mayor's loyalty, and secured a secret battalion, Duke Myint Myat Kyaw Saw began to realize a third option existed—one that could reshape the power dynamics of the entire empire.

He took a slow sip from his jade goblet, his fingers tapping idly against the golden rim.

"A young prince who has already begun to tip the scales of power… Will he be an asset or a threat?"

Then, he spoke, his deep voice echoing across the grand hall.

"Prince Aung, I do not take kindly to visitors who come empty-handed. You have entered my city, walked through my gates, and seek to use my resources. Tell me…" The Duke leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "What exactly do you have to offer?"

The challenge was clear. A test. A warning.

Jason, however, did not waver.

Instead, he smiled.

Jason met the Duke's gaze without hesitation.

"Your Grace," Jason began, his voice steady. "I am not here to beg. Nor am I here to deceive. I am here because I believe you understand what must be done for the future of this empire."

The Duke smirked, resting his chin on his hand. "Bold words for a man with no throne."

Jason's eyes gleamed. "I will have a throne soon enough. The only question is—will you stand beside me or against me?"

A murmur rippled through the nobles.

Jason pressed on. "You are not a traitor, Your Grace. Nor are you a fool. You know that seceding from the Empire will not save your people. The Magul Empire has promised you sovereignty, but we both know they will not keep their word."

The Duke's fingers tightened around his goblet.

Jason's words hit their mark.

"Your province," Jason continued, "is the wealthiest in the empire, yet it is suffocating under unfair taxation. Your military, though strong, is stretched thin against the looming threat from all sides. If war breaks out, the Empire will not be able to defend you. And the moment you go independent, you will be labeled a traitor and crushed from all sides."

The Duke let out a slow breath, swirling the wine in his goblet.

"Even if you understand this, Your Grace," Jason continued, "I know you are still hesitant. You see me as an unproven prince, a pawn who may not survive the political game."

Jason leaned forward, his voice growing sharper.

"Then allow me to prove my worth."

The Duke raised a brow. "And how exactly do you intend to do that?"

Jason straightened. "By defeating your strongest warriors in combat."

The chamber fell into stunned silence.

Then—laughter.

The nobles chuckled, whispering amongst themselves, murmurs of amusement passing through the court.

The Duke, however, did not laugh.

Instead, he nodded toward his right-hand general.

"Very well," the Duke said, voice laced with intrigue. "Let us see if the Second Prince is more than just words."

The Duke's strongest warriors stepped forward—General Zaw Thura and High Magus Khin Zan, both among the highest-ranking warriors in the entire empire.

[Appraisal Activated]

General Zaw Thura – The Iron SpearLevel: 35 (Peak Human Limit)

HP: 900/900

Anja: 150/150

Attributes:

Strength: 65

Agility: 60

Intelligence: 45

Charisma: 40

Skills:

[Titan Spear Mastery] – Can penetrate magical barriers with sheer force.

[Warrior's Endurance] – Reduces damage received by 40%.

[Battle Instincts] – Predicts enemy movements within a 5-meter radius.

High Magus Khin Zan – The Arcane TyrantLevel: 35 (Peak Human Limit)

HP: 500/500

Anja: 1500/1500

Attributes:

Strength: 20

Agility: 30

Intelligence: 90

Charisma: 50

Skills:

[Grand Arcane Mastery] – Grants control over all major elements.

[Void Barrier] – Can nullify physical attacks for 30 seconds.

[Mana Overdrive] – Enhances spell potency by 200% for 10 minutes.

The two stepped forward, eyes filled with pride and confidence.

They had never lost a battle.

They had crushed entire armies.

And yet, the man before them… smiled.

"Shall we begin?" Jason said, stepping into the grand courtyard.

The Duke and his nobles gathered, eager to witness the match.

Jason stood alone in the arena, his posture relaxed, as both warriors prepared their attacks.

General Zaw Thura lunged first, his spear shimmering with deadly force, aiming directly for Jason's heart.

At the same time, Khin Zan unleashed a barrage of high-tier magic, sending bolts of lightning crackling toward Jason.

Two peak warriors attacking in perfect synchronization…

But Jason did not move.

Instead, he exhaled.

And then—

A blinding wave of divine power erupted from him.

The very air trembled.

Time seemed to slow as Jason's body glowed with a golden light.

[Divine Aura – Supreme Being's Blessing] Activated.

A pulse of energy sent shockwaves across the courtyard.

The spear shattered.

The magic fizzled into nothingness.

And in the next instant—

Jason moved.

A single step—and he was gone.

He reappeared behind his opponents, a mere whisper of motion.

With a single tap on their shoulders, the two warriors collapsed to their knees, gasping for air.

The battle was over.

In one move.

The courtyard was silent.

The nobles stood frozen, their faces pale.

The Duke, for the first time in decades, felt true fear.

Jason turned to the Duke, his eyes now glowing with an ethereal golden hue and his body emitting the golden scales that is intimating and both calming.

"This is the power I wield," he said, his voice commanding.

The Duke stared, his heart pounding.

He had thought he was negotiating with a prince.

But this was no ordinary man.

'This was a legend in the making. He is beyond human ... nay beyond mortal realm. If for him, if only for him, no he is the only one who will go down to the world's history. I will regret if I do not stand beside him right now. I must do for the sake of my family and my people.. nay, for the sake of myself. I want to stand beside him, I want to watch the future by his side and the miracles he will be creating in the future with my own eyes.'

And in that moment—

The Duke fell to his knees. The nobles watching are surprised and 

"All hail the Second Prince!" he cried.

First everybody is stunned by the action of the duke and the General Zaw Thura and High Magus Khin Zan followed 

"All hail the Second Prince!" and one by one until nobody left, everyone inside the Grand chamber followed the duke, kneel down and chanted in unison,

"All hail the Second Prince!" 

"All hail the Empire future!" 

Jason closed his eyes and statisfied. 

The future of the empire had begun to shift.