Chapter 30

Chapter 30

The symbol of the broken moon still shone on Elion's forehead as he left the Fallen King's room. A dark, silvery aura pulsed around him, creating ripples in the air with every step he took. Veyla and Eridan followed him closely, looking worried.

"This power..." whispered Veyla, scrutinizing the black light escaping from Elion's body. "It's... unstable."

Elion glanced at his hand. Filaments of black light roamed his skin, seeping into his veins like a living ink.

"He adapts to me," he answered in a calm voice.

Eridan frowned.

"Elion... This power comes from the Fallen King. It is not a power for a human being."

Elion looked up at his knight.

It's not a human power, it's true. But now it belongs to me. And I will use it to shape this kingdom in my image."

Silence set in in the long stone corridor. The walls seemed to resonate with the new energy of Elion, as if the fortress itself was responding to the presence of the Heart of the Fallen King.

Veyla approached Elion.

"So... what's the next step?"

Elion stopped at the end of the corridor, his piercing gaze crossing the shadow in front of him.

Now that I have acquired this power, it is time to unite this kingdom under one banner. Mine."

A week later, Elion stood in the great throne room of Sky Castle. The room was vast, decorated with white marble pillars and purple carpets. Dozens of nobles stood lined up on either side of the room, their faces stretched out.

The throne was raised on a stone platform, inlaid with ancient symbols. Elion was sitting, dressed in a black, silver cape, a simple crown on his head. His cold gaze roamed the room.

"You know why I summoned you," he said in a deep voice.

A whisper ran through the assembly.

A man in gold armor stepped forward. He was Duke Valden, the most influential lord after Elion.

"Your Majesty," said Valden, kneeling. "The kingdom is in transition. The nobility are worried about what that means."

Elion got up slowly.

"What does that mean?"

He went down the steps of the throne, his black aura pulsating slightly. The nobles instinctively retreated, the pressure of his Ki becoming palpable.

This implies that the time for internal rivalries is over. The noble houses that will refuse to submit to my will..."

His gaze hardens.

"..." will meet the same fate as the Fallen King."

A freezing silence fell into the room.

Valden slowly raised his head.

" Your Majesty "

Elion stopped right in front of him, his gaze piercing the nobleman.

"If you have an objection, say it now."

Valden clenched his teeth, but kept his head down.

"No, Your Majesty. I serve the King."

Elion smiled faintly.

"Good."

He turned around and went up the steps of the throne.

"Tomorrow, a new policy will be introduced. Noble houses will have to provide a permanent contingent of troops for the royal army. Moreover, all border lands will be placed under the direct control of the Crown."

A wave of whispers rose in the room.

A man in red armor stepped forward. Count Hadrian.

"Your Majesty... it would mean that the nobility would lose its right of autonomy over its lands!"

Elion looked at him coldly.

- "Exactly."

Hadrian stood up.

"It's unacceptable! We have historical rights that..."

Elion disappeared in a silver flash.

He reappeared before Hadrian, a hand on his shoulder. A wave of dark energy passed through the Count's body, forcing him to kneel on the ground.

"Your historical rights are over."

Elion leaned over his ear.

"I'm the one who decides the rules now."

Hadrian trembled, unable to answer.

Elion released him and ascended to his throne.

"If anyone else wishes to discuss his rights, let him speak now."

No one moved.

"Very good," said Elion, crossing his legs. "Then we agree."

After the assembly, Elion stood on the balcony of the palace, watching the city of Sky. The streets below were teeming with life. Merchants circulated between the stalls, knights patrolled the cobbled alleys, and children played near the enchanted fountains.

Veyla approached behind him.

"You imposed your will today. But the nobility will not bend so easily."

Elion smiled faintly.

"They will bend. Or they will die."

Veyla crossed her arms.

"What's next?" Once the nobility give in, what will you do?"

Elion looked up at the starry sky.

"I will unify the kingdom by force." Create an invincible army. An army that even demons will fear."

Eridan stepped forward in turn.

"The demons... Do you think they'll come?"

Elion closed his eyes.

"They'll come."

He put a hand on his wrist, feeling the dark pulse of the Fallen King's Heart under his skin.

"And I'll be ready."

Three days later, in a hazy valley on the border of the kingdom, an immense shadow stood up against the moonlight.

A massive creature, covered in black leather and red scales, was moving slowly through the valley.

Two hooded figures were watching it from the top of a hill.

"The Heart of the Fallen King has been awakened." said one of the shadows in a hoarse voice.

The other shadow raised a scratchy hand.

"Then the true inheritance of the Fallen King began to take shape."

A dark laugh arose in the darkness.

"We'll see how far this new king is willing to go..."

The creature opened its bright red eyes.

A strident cry tore the night.

The war had just begun.