Karma

The silence of the royal palace was broken only by the soft breeze whispering through the cracked windows. Deep in his chambers, Kaiser remained asleep, unmoving and pale. Outside, Ned stood quietly beside King Diamond, his face solemn.

Diamond looked down at his son, eyes heavy with regret. Slowly, he knelt beside the bed.

"I'm sorry, child," he murmured, brushing a hand through Kaiser's hair. "I couldn't protect you when you needed me most. But I swear on the crown—I will take the head of that Nightveil dog myself."

The king's voice was colder now, burning with determination. Then he looked to Ned. "If anything happens to me… take care of my family. I trust you more than anyone."

Ned nodded. "I will, my lord. With my life."

Moments later, they made their way toward the central hall of the palace, a place reserved only for the highest members of the kingdom. The atmosphere was tense, as if something unspoken lingered in the air.

Already gathered were the queen and the most powerful figures of the kingdom. Agni, the Lord of Fire, stood stoically near the flaming pillars. Misa, the Lord of Realm, looked as unreadable as ever. Ven, the always-calm Lord of Nature, kept a pleasant smile. Men, the Lord of Beasts, sat hunched forward, his gaze unreadable. Ned stood a little apart, as a trusted outsider, but still within reach. Surprisingly, Arceus had also been invited to the session, standing quietly behind Ven.

The queen leaned forward. "Is it really appropriate for Arceus to be present during such a confidential discussion?"

Ven offered a reassuring smile. "Worry not, my queen. Arceus is my right hand. He is as loyal to me as I am to the crown."

The queen didn't press further. "Very well. My king, we are here to decide the next heir to the throne—for Kaiser."

King Diamond exhaled heavily. "Yes. I'm aging, and the kingdom cannot remain directionless. We must begin preparations for the succession ceremony."

Misa spoke up then, calm but firm. "My king, Kaiser is in no condition to rule. I received a message from the temple priests. He'll need at least four to five months to recover fully."

Diamond's eyes narrowed. "Who said I planned to give the throne to Kaiser?"

Gasps rang through the room.

"He is my son, yes. But he's still a child. Immature, reckless. The kingdom needs more than a bloodline—it needs strength."

The queen interjected, her voice tight. "But—"

Diamond cut her off. "My mind is made."

Lord Men raised an eyebrow. "Then who do you intend to crown?"

The king turned to the center of the room. "Ned Elenoir."

The room went dead quiet.

The queen stood, fury in her eyes. "Only those of royal blood can inherit the throne! You can't just—"

Diamond didn't even look at her. "It is my will. I decide the successor. And in three days, Ned Elenoir will be crowned king. That is final."

None of the lords spoke further. One by one, they bent the knee in reluctant obedience. The king and Ned departed the hall, leaving only shadows and silence behind.

The following morning was grey with snow.

Luci pulled her cloak tighter, her breaths shaky. "I'm not feeling right, Rimu."

Rimu, a few steps ahead, turned. "We just started. You're tired already?"

"It's not that," Luci said. "It's a feeling. Like something awful is about to happen."

Rimu placed a hand on her shoulder. "I know what it's like to lose someone. That weight… it never fully leaves. But we have to keep moving. This place won't forgive weakness."

Meanwhile, back in the palace, King Diamond sat with Ned in his chambers, speaking words few ever heard.

"You'll be king soon, Ned. But remember this—karma is real. If you bring harm, it will return. Protect your people and you'll find fortune. Be cruel to your enemies, and you'll gain strength—but lose something else."

Before Ned could respond, a soft knock interrupted them.

The door creaked open and Lord Men entered. "My lord, the queen requests your presence. She says Kaiser is acting strangely."

Diamond rose immediately. "What is it?"

Men kept his tone respectful. "He's not waking. It's… odd. You should see it."

The king started to walk. Ned moved as well, but Men stopped him. "You should remain here. It's a family matter."

Ned hesitated, but nodded. The king disappeared down the corridor.

The queen stood in the doorway of Kaiser's chamber, wringing her hands. "He hasn't spoken. Just… still. I'm scared."

Diamond moved to the bedside. "My queen—"

A sharp pain ripped through his back.

Blood sprayed across the royal sheets. Diamond stumbled forward, coughing.

Men stepped back, dagger in hand.

"Wh—why?" the king rasped.

A second dagger plunged into his side. Agni, the Fire Lord, stood over him now, face twisted in betrayal.

Diamond fell to his knees.

Footsteps echoed across the marble.

Ven arrived slowly, calmly. A dagger spun between his fingers.

He crouched next to the broken king. "You called me illogical. Said my ways would ruin this kingdom. You tried to stop me."

Diamond could barely breathe.

Ven leaned closer. "Kaiser is my son."

The king's eyes widened in disbelief. A moment later, they went dark.

Ven stood.

"Kill Ned," he ordered coldly.

Men raced back to the chamber, only to find the place empty.

"He's gone."

Ven stared at the empty room. "He'll be back. I know him."

Then he walked back to the throne room.

Ven stepped toward the grand chair that once held the kingdom's heart. Without hesitation, he pressed his boot against the crown, grinding it underfoot.

"From now on," he announced, his voice thunderous, "I am the king of the human world."

Silence. Then a chorus of forced voices:

"All hail the king..."

.