Chapter 32

Chapter 32

The delegation of the Kingdom of Sky was crossing the vast mountainous territory separating Sky from Velka. The mounts advanced by the cobblestone streets of the border towns carried the black standard decorated with the silver phoenix, symbol of Elion's reign. The morning mist clung to the mountaintops, masking the austere silhouette of Velka's walls that cut themselves out in the pale glow of dawn.

At the head of the procession, Elion rode a black steed with scarlet eyes, a level 5 creature, born from the fusion between a war stallion and a magical beast domesticated by the black Ki. At his side, Veyla, draped in a shadow cape, watched the landscape with an icy calm, while Eridan followed just behind, his hand resting on the handle of his sword.

"Velka has strengthened his defenses since our last visit," whispered Eridan.

Elion stared at the massive watchtowers that rose on either side of Velka's front door. Red armored and gold crossbowmen lined up along the ramparts, their eyes scanning Sky's procession with palpable vigilance.

"They're nervous," remarked Veyla.

Elion smiled slightly.

"They should be."

Velka's heavy doors slowly opened into a metallic squeak. A knight in golden armor came up to them, his helmet adorned with a scarlet crest. He put a knee on the ground as a sign of respect.

"King Elion, the king of Velka awaits you in the great throne room."

Elion didn't answer immediately. He descended from his horse with a fluid movement, his black cape dragging on the paved ground. Veyla and Eridan also descended, their dark figures following the king like two shadows.

"Lead me."

The knight hurried up and opened the march through the narrow streets of Velka. The inhabitants, dressed in simple tunics of linen and wool, moved away in their path, their faces marked by fear and curiosity. Some whispered in low voices, others bowed slightly as they met Elion's cold gaze.

"They're afraid of you," whispered Veyla.

"They should be." repeated Elion, his tone sharp as a blade.

They finally reached Velka Palace, an imposing black stone structure, overlooked by towers decorated with golden banners. At the entrance, two rows of knights in blood-red armor bowed as Elion and his entourage passed through the large engraved doors.

Velka's great throne room was decorated with black marble columns and gold-lined red carpets. A huge crystal candlestick projected a bright light onto the golden throne, where Velka's king, Regent Velkor, sat.

Velkor was an imposing man with graying hair, dressed in a royal scarlet velvet robe adorned with golden threads. At his side stood several high-ranking nobles, whose calculating gaze betrayed a barely concealed nervousness.

Elion stopped a few meters from the throne, his icy gaze crossing that of Velkor.

"King Elion, welcome to the kingdom of Velka," said Velkor in a deep voice.

Elion didn't answer immediately. He looked for a moment at the king's posture, the tension in his shoulders, the slight tightness in his jaw.

"Velkah is in a vulnerable position," Elion finally replied.

Velkor raised an eyebrow.

"We are perfectly capable of defending our borders."

Elion took a step forward. The Knights of Velka instinctively tightened their grip on their swords.

"Faced with a level 5 beast invasion? You're vulnerable."

Velkor clenched his fists.

"That's why we're asking for an alliance with Sky."

Elion smiled.

"You are not asking for an alliance. You are asking for a submission."

The nobles of Velka exchanged anxious looks. Velkor straightened up, his expression hardening.

"It's not..."

Elion raised a hand, cutting it off immediately.

Sky does not make alliances based on weakness. If Velka can't defend herself, then she deserves to be conquered."

A nobleman came forward abruptly.

- " How dare you - "

Elion's gaze rested on him, a dark glow running through his golden irises.

- "Approach."

The nobleman hesitated, but driven by pride, he drew his sword decorated with a glowing magic seal.

"You are insulting Velka, King of Sky. It is my duty to defend the honor of this kingdom!"

Eridan took a step forward, his hand on the guard of his sword.

- " Majesty - "

"Leave it." whispered Elion.

The noble leap forward, his red Ki bursting around him. He reached an impressive speed in a split second, his sword pointing at Elion's heart.

An invisible wingbeat echoed in the air.

Before the blade touched his armor, Elion grabbed the nobleman's wrist with one hand.

The black Ki instantly bursts out of Elion's body, devouring the noble's red Ki like a hungry shadow.

"You're slow."

Elion exerted pressure. The nobleman's arm cracked in a howl of pain. Suddenly, Elion threw it across the room. The body of the nobleman crashed into a column in a broken stone explosion.

Elion looked up at Velkor, whose face was pale.

"Velka will submit to Sky. You have no choice."

Velkor stood up abruptly.

- " You - "

Elion raised his hand.

"Or... you can fight."

Velkor trembled, his furious gaze fixed on Elion.

An oppressive silence fell in the room.

Finally, Velkor slowly sat down on his throne, his jaw tightened.

"Velka... agrees to submit to Sky."

A cold smile stretched over Elion's face.

- "Wise decision."

He turned around, his black cape floating behind him.

The Velka garrison will be integrated into Sky's army. Your knights will follow my direct orders. Any resistance will be considered a betrayal."

Velkor remained silent, his eyes down.

Elion walked towards the exit, Veyla and Eridan closely following him.

"We are now at the head of the largest military force on the continent," whispered Eridan.

Elion smiled.

"This is just the beginning."