Chapter 27: The End of Old Grudges

Amid the Ruins

The grand palace of the Canglang Empire lay in smoking ruin, its halls echoing with distant cries of surrender and the clashing of steel as pockets of resistance fell one by one. David Haipoli strode slowly through corridors filled with crumbled statues, shattered pillars, and scorched tapestries—remnants of a once-mighty empire reduced now to ashes by Chancellor Bismarck's tyranny and David's relentless vengeance.

At his side walked General Peter and a group of his most loyal soldiers, their swords still drawn and vigilant. The smell of smoke and burned flesh filled the air, thick and oppressive. Yet David barely noticed; his eyes were fixed on the immense doors ahead, ornate but battered, scarred by flame and blade. He knew clearly who awaited beyond those doors—Chancellor Bismarck, his oldest and most hated enemy, now cornered, desperate, and dangerous.

David paused, breathing deeply, controlling the tumultuous rage and anticipation building within him. This was the culmination of his entire journey, the reason for every sacrifice, every decision, every battle. He looked briefly at Peter, who nodded solemnly in silent understanding. Peter signaled the soldiers forward, and together they pushed open the massive doors, entering the throne room slowly yet resolutely.

---

The Confrontation

Bismarck stood alone before the throne, robes torn and stained, sword trembling in his grip. His eyes burned with a wild mixture of desperation and fury, his face pale and haggard from weeks of defeat and betrayal. Behind him lay the abandoned imperial throne, empty, cold, and silent—a stark symbol of his failure and David's triumph.

"So, you have finally come, David," Bismarck snarled bitterly, voice echoing through the broken chamber. "My empire burns, and here you stand—the orphan prince returned as conqueror."

David advanced slowly, his sword drawn yet lowered, calm authority radiating from his every step. "Your empire fell long ago, Bismarck, crushed beneath your greed, cruelty, and ambition. Today is merely the end of a dying regime."

Bismarck laughed sharply, bitterly. "And you believe yourself a hero? You who bring war and chaos to the world? You are no different from me, Haipoli—you merely hide behind the mask of justice!"

David's expression remained coldly determined. "Justice is no mask. Your betrayal destroyed my family, murdered innocents, and plunged this land into darkness. Your crimes demand justice—and I intend to deliver it now."

Bismarck drew his blade defiantly, trembling with a desperate anger. "Then come, Haipoli—claim your vengeance, if you dare!"

Without hesitation, David stepped forward, sword meeting Bismarck's in a fierce clash, steel ringing loudly through the chamber.

---

Duel of Destiny

Their swords clashed violently, echoing sharply through the crumbling palace halls. Bismarck fought wildly, driven by fury and despair, his blows powerful yet reckless. David fought calmly, methodically, each strike precise, strategic, disciplined. Years of training, hardship, and battle had refined his skills to a lethal art, unmatched by Bismarck's desperate fury.

As their blades met repeatedly, David saw the Chancellor's technique begin to falter, the strain of relentless defeat evident in his weakening movements. David pressed forward, every blow precise and calculated, forcing Bismarck steadily backward, until finally, the Chancellor stumbled, dropping his guard for a critical instant.

David's blade struck swiftly, slicing across Bismarck's chest armor, drawing blood, sending the Chancellor crashing heavily to the ground. David stood over him, blade poised calmly at his throat.

Bismarck stared up defiantly, voice trembling yet filled with bitterness. "Kill me now, Haipoli. Take your revenge—end this!"

David's eyes narrowed coldly. "Death would be mercy. Justice demands more. Your crimes must be answered openly, before the people whose lives you shattered."

Bismarck laughed harshly, voice weakened yet dripping contempt. "Justice? You naive fool. You believe that justice will restore your family, your past? Your parents died begging for mercy—a mercy I gladly denied them!"

David's jaw tightened, anger briefly flashing through his eyes. Yet he forced himself to remain calm, restraining the impulse to end Bismarck swiftly. Instead, he raised his voice, addressing clearly the soldiers now filling the hall, watching silently, awaiting his orders.

"Bind him," David commanded firmly. "Tomorrow, Chancellor Bismarck faces judgment. The people of this empire—and my family—will finally have justice."

Soldiers stepped forward swiftly, chaining the Chancellor securely, dragging him roughly from the chamber as he shouted curses in rage and defiance. David exhaled slowly, feeling a heavy weight lift slightly from his heart—justice was close, yet something darker lingered still, unresolved.

---

Aisha's Plea

Hours later, David stood alone within the ruined throne room, surveying quietly the destruction. His heart remained troubled despite the victory. A faint rustle behind him alerted him quietly to another's presence, and he turned sharply, prepared for anything—yet froze instantly in shock.

"Aisha," he whispered softly, heart suddenly pounding fiercely, emotions surging uncontrollably. She stood quietly at the chamber entrance, her pale face filled with sorrow, regret, and a deep sadness.

"David," she spoke gently, voice trembling slightly. "I know my betrayal can never be forgiven. Yet I beg you—hear me, if only once."

David's expression hardened slightly, voice cautious yet calmer now. "Speak then. Why did you come here?"

Aisha stepped forward slowly, meeting his gaze firmly. "I betrayed you, I know—but only because Bismarck forced me. He threatened my parents' lives. I believed I had no choice. Yet that choice haunts me every day."

David's voice remained carefully controlled. "You chose your family over mine. Innocents died for your decision."

Tears shimmered faintly in Aisha's eyes, yet her voice remained firm. "I do not ask forgiveness, only understanding. I deserve punishment, yes—but please understand, David, I never wished your family harm. Every day since that night, I have regretted my weakness."

David's gaze softened slightly, heart conflicted deeply between compassion and bitterness. "Then why return now, after all this time?"

Aisha lowered her head quietly. "Because I owe you truth—Bismarck's cruelty went far beyond that night. He allied openly with the Dark Dominion, offering your family's blood as tribute. He never intended to spare your parents, regardless of my choice. Your family was doomed before I even betrayed you."

David felt cold rage sweep through him sharply, fists clenching tightly. "Bismarck's cruelty knows no limit. Yet your revelation changes nothing—his guilt is already proven clearly. And yours?"

Aisha knelt slowly before him, head bowed humbly. "My guilt is beyond forgiveness. Yet allow me one final chance—to testify openly against my grandfather, to aid your justice clearly. Afterward, accept whatever judgment you deem fit for my crimes."

David regarded her quietly, feeling turmoil within him—anger battling compassion, betrayal warring against understanding. Finally, he exhaled slowly, voice calm yet firm.

"You will testify," he stated clearly. "Yet afterward, justice demands accountability. Accept this willingly, and perhaps you might find some peace."

Aisha bowed deeply, voice steady with acceptance. "I understand, David. Whatever fate awaits, I accept it willingly."

---

Judgment Day

The following morning, the empire's capital square filled quickly with thousands gathered anxiously. Chancellor Bismarck stood chained and defiant upon a raised platform, eyes burning bitterly with hatred. David addressed the crowd clearly, calmly recounting Bismarck's countless crimes—betrayals, massacres, oppressions. Witnesses, including Aisha, testified openly, condemning Bismarck's cruelty vividly.

At last, David's voice rang firmly across the square. "Chancellor Bismarck, your crimes demand death—but justice demands suffering. You shall live, imprisoned and disgraced, your tyranny forever ended. Let your life remind all tyrants—the people's justice is absolute."

The crowd erupted fiercely in approval. David then turned solemnly toward Aisha. "Your guilt remains undeniable. Yet your courage today grants mercy. You will remain imprisoned, reflecting upon the cost of your betrayal."

She bowed humbly, accepting silently her fate.

---

A Future Uncertain

That night, David stood quietly upon the balcony overlooking the city below, at last free from tyranny. Athena joined him gently, taking his hand in reassurance.

"Justice finally achieved," she whispered gently. "Yet your journey continues."

David nodded slowly, feeling deep relief mixed with newfound purpose. "One enemy falls—but more rise. The Dark Dominion and Kingdom of Light now openly prepare war against us. Yet today, justice prevailed openly. Whatever storms come next, we face them resolutely together."

Athena's eyes shone clearly with trust. "Then let our enemies learn this clearly—the Noah Empire stands strong, unified, ready for whatever comes next."

David turned confidently toward the horizon, prepared fully now for the battles ahead.