CHAPTER 50: NO CROWN ABOVE JUSTICE

Zeran and Kai's teams successfully thwart the escape of a mysterious man who summoned a powerful beast, but the man managed to slip away with a crystal. Zeran destroyed the crystal mid-air, preventing its use, but the leader retreated, vowing to continue his plans. Meanwhile, a shadowy council discusses the next phase in their scheme, focusing on manipulating key individuals for their own gain.

Scene: Arrival at the Main Capital

The sun was rising over the towering marble gates of the Royal Capital, casting long shadows over the cobbled path as Imperial and his friends approached, exhausted but determined.

"Finally… after two days of cutting through that cursed forest, we're here," Tracey said, stretching his arms as he gazed at the immense golden-arched gate that marked the entrance to the capital.

The city walls were tall and strong, with flags waving in the wind. Each flag showed the royal symbol—golden wings around a silver sun. Behind the walls, tall buildings and busy streets showed how big and lively the capital really was.

Imperial adjusted his cloak and nodded. "Back to the plan. Ari and I will go in first. Tracey, you wait two or three hours before entering. We'll meet in the food district—easy to blend in."

Tracey nodded, pulling up his hood. "Got it."

Scene: Entering the Capital

Imperial and Ari walked to the gate, cloaked and hooded to avoid attention. A pair of armored guards halted them with spears crossed.

"Identification, please. If you have no registry name, state your business," one guard asked.

Imperial calmly retrieved a card from within his cloak. The royal crest shimmered faintly on its surface.

"The Alden family," he said. "I'm Imperial Alden. This is Ari."

The guard took the card, eyes widening as he read the encrypted code. He quickly bowed. "Forgive me, Lord Imperial. I didn't recognize you at first. Please, allow us to arrange a royal carriage—"

"No need," Imperial cut him off gently. "Just a map of the capital. That'll help more than a fancy ride."

The guard, startled but obedient, handed him a folded map with intricate illustrations of the capital's districts. Imperial nodded in thanks and entered the city with Ari.

Scene: Inside the Royal Capital

The Royal Capital was a dazzling hub of life—stone-paved roads twisted through rows of multi-tiered buildings made of polished stone and glimmering crystal. Elegant shops with magically floating signs lined the streets, and glowing orbs floated in the air, casting soft light.

Vendors shouted over the clamor of the crowd. Children darted through alleyways with sweets in hand. Knights patrolled on silver-armored beasts. Carriages glided silently on enchanted wheels.

Ari whistled. "This place… it feels like another world."

Imperial smiled faintly, but his eyes remained cautious. "Let's keep a low profile until Tracey meets us."

They wandered for a bit, blending in. Eventually, they sat near a fountain shaped like a lion breathing mist, keeping their coats on and masks pulled low as they quietly ate oat bread and fruit.

An hour later, Tracey joined them, also disguised.

"We're all here," he whispered. "Now what?"

"We leave the empire tonight," Imperial replied. "Quietly. No more delays."

Scene: Tension in the Streets

Before they could leave, a sudden commotion echoed through the streets. A loud voice cried out for help, followed by arguing.

"Something's going on," Ari said, standing.

They followed the noise and found a small crowd gathered near a line of royal soldiers. A distressed woman, clothes worn and eyes red with exhaustion, was pleading with them.

"Please! My husband! It's been four months! I haven't heard anything since he left for that royal job! At least tell me he's alive!"

The soldiers stood still, indifferent. One of them even chuckled. "Lady, we don't run a babysitting service. Move along."

The woman's eyes filled with tears. "Please… someone…"

Imperial stepped forward, his voice low but sharp. "What's going on here?"

She turned to him, hope lighting her face. "Are you… are you with the Common Association? The ones who protect citizens?"

Imperial hesitated—then nodded. "Yes. Tell me everything."

She explained quickly. Her husband was recruited by the Royal Army for "temporary classified work" that promised high pay. He left willingly but vanished. She received no word, and her requests for information were ignored.

Imperial's expression darkened. He turned to the soldiers. "Why haven't you answered her?"

The air around him shifted—dense and heavy, like a coming storm. The magical pressure radiating from him rippled through the street. People in the crowd gasped, stepping back. Even Ari and Tracey looked uneasy.

The soldiers shifted uncomfortably.

Then one stepped forward, a tall man with two stars on his shoulder plate. "You dare question a Royal Captain in public? That's a violation of council protocol."

"I don't care about your protocols," Imperial growled. "Either give her answers now, or I'll get them myself."

The captain narrowed his eyes. "So that's how it is. You want a fight?"

He drew his weapon, a sword etched with glowing runes.

Ari whispered, "This is bad… he's not bluffing."

Tracey gritted his teeth. "Imperial's magic is unstable right now. If he snaps, this whole block could explode."

The captain raised his blade. "I'll teach you what happens when you threaten the royal system—"

The crowd screamed and scrambled for cover as the pressure around Imperial reached a boiling point. Lightning crackled faintly in the air around his hands. His cloak fluttered in the rising wind.