[Timeline: Day 3 of the Tournament – The Invasion]
[Location: The Central Continent – The Imperial Capital]
The Imperial Palace was usually a place of noise, bureaucrats arguing, guards marching, nobles plotting.
Today, it was silent.
In the centre of the Throne Room, a massive magitech crystal screen floated in the air. It was broadcasting the feed from the Academy.
It showed the ruined arena. It showed the monster, half-dragon, half-shadow, hovering above the destruction.
And it showed the corpse of Prince Nero lying in the dirt like garbage.
Emperor Aurelius, Ruler of the Central Empire, sat on his throne. He was a 7th-Order Grand Mage, a man whose mere presence usually forced people to bow.
He didn't move. He didn't speak. He stared at the screen, watching the masked man, Zero, declare war on the world.
"He..." The Emperor's voice was a dry whisper. "He killed my son."
