Chapter 20: The Rule of Lawlessness
Nexan Palace: Fear and Command
Two soldiers, filled with panic and fear, entered the king's chamber. Inside were Commander Swain and the one known as "Iron Body" Amper. In the center, seated on his magnificent throne, King Reacherd spoke in a calm yet commanding voice:
"Report."
The soldiers breathlessly recounted the events:
"Your Majesty! A single person... He destroyed both Lord Riyo and the entire Feyay Kingdom!"
King Reacherd's eyes widened.
"Who is this? The one who laid waste to an entire kingdom?"
The soldier on the right immediately interjected:
"His name is Morde, Your Majesty. And... we believe he is the new master of the Shadow Power."
King Reacherd's gaze sharpened.
"Are you sure of this?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. We saw it with our own eyes. He spared us only to bring you this news."
"Is that so," the king murmured. "Swain!"
"Your command, Your Majesty."
"Immediately send our three strongest scouts to find Morde. Let all of Nexan know. All city-states must assume battle positions."
"As you command, my lord."
"Sun!"
"Your command, my lord."
"Take soldiers and secure the capital's borders."
"As you command, my lord."
"Amper! Your orders, Your Majesty."
"Reinforce all borders. Post sentries everywhere. Everyone must be on high alert."
"As you command, my lord."
The king turned one last time and shouted sharply:
"Swain!"
Swain turned. "Your command, Your Majesty."
"You know what to do with these two."
A cruel smile appeared on Swain's lips.
"As you wish, Your Majesty." He turned to the guards and ordered: "Take them!"
A dozen guards flooded in and dragged the two unfortunate soldiers outside to the city's main square. Swain followed them.
Main Square: A Warning
Nearly the entire population had gathered in the square, filled with curiosity and fear. The two soldiers were pleading:
"Sir, what's happening? Why have you forced us to our knees?"
Swain stepped forward and addressed the crowd:
"These two fled from battle and came here! Their punishment... is me."
Swain removed the glove from his hand. Everyone was shocked. His hand had taken on a deep crimson, demonic appearance. He stretched his hand towards the two soldiers and whispered a single word:
"You are mine."
The soldiers screamed: "Sir, please stop! We don't deserve this!"
Swain's hand flared with an even more terrifying brilliance. Instantly, the two soldiers screamed in agony, transforming into two large crows that landed on Swain's shoulders.
The entire crowd stood frozen, mouths agape.
Swain shouted again:
"Watch this closely! Whoever flees from battle will share this fate! We are now at war! Everyone must assume battle readiness and take precautions!"
Then, he too dissolved into a murder of crows and vanished from sight.
Narrator: In truth, this place is no different from Nexan's other city-states. Here, even in the capital, there is no law, and everything is illegal. But strangely, Nexan does not collapse. Who knows, perhaps there is a reason behind it.
Fort Leviathan: The Admiral's Wrath
Meanwhile, the two scouts who had fled Fevay reached Hortex Port and sped to the main naval base, Fort Leviathan. The other sailors and Commodore Doberman were astonished by their terrified state.
"Hey, what happened to you two?"
"Sir, no time to explain! We must speak with Fleet Admiral Kaizen immediately!"
They were quickly taken to the admiral's office. The door knocked, a booming voice from inside said, "Enter!"
Kaizen was sitting at a massive desk, maps spread before him. He looked up at the two scouts.
"What happened? What is the meaning of this?"
The two scouts told him what happened: "Sir! Morde destroyed all of Fevay! He killed Riyo and the Lord! He took down the chief scout in a single blow!"
Kaizen stood up in anger.
"THEN WHY ARE YOU HERE?!"
The two scouts were too frightened to speak. They began to sweat.
Kaizen understood the situation. "I see." In a cold tone, he said, "Those who flee battle have no right to live."
Commodore Doberman thought to himself, Here we go again, and moved away from the two scouts.
Kaizen approached the two scouts, and his body suddenly glowed and transformed into magma. He grabbed the two soldiers by their throats and instantly turned them to ash.
Doberman watched in horror. This is... Lord Kaizen's power. This.
Kaizen returned to normal and calmly gave the order:
"Clean up this filth, quickly. I must report to the 5th Bug immediately."
Nexan Border Port: The New Arrival
At that moment, Kai arrived safely at the Nexan border port. Two soldiers greeted him.
"Who are you? Why have you come to Nexan? Where are you from?"
"My name is Kai. I come from Ielian."
"The real question is: Why have you come to Nexan?"
Kai was slightly surprised. "Is entering Nexan forbidden? I don't understand."
The soldiers replied: "My apologies, we are now on a war footing."
Kai was surprised: "Why? Did something happen? Are you preparing for war?"
"A man named Morde destroyed the Kingdom of Fevay. He killed everyone, including the entire population."
Kai couldn't believe what he was hearing. "What? Why would he do such a thing? That bastard!"
"We don't know yet. But from what we've learned, he is the new master of the Shadow Power."
"I see... I understand. I shouldn't be surprised you're questioning me."
The two soldiers laughed. "Okay, you can pass. But don't draw attention to yourself and be careful. There is no law here; everything is illegal."
Kai nodded. "Thank you. You can be sure I'll take your advice."
The Ancient Fortress: A Change of Plans
Meanwhile, Impernos was waiting for Neros in his ancient fortress. Soon enough, Neros entered.
Impernos immediately sprang to his feet:
"What happened, Neros? What's the situation? I cannot sense Morde. Is he dead, or..."
Neros immediately answered: "Yes, master. Your second guess."
Impernos clenched his fist in anger.
"How could he have grown strong enough to already neutralize that seal?!"
"Master, when I arrived, Morde had already destroyed the entire kingdom. He had killed everyone."
"What?!" Impernos roared.
"What I say is true, master. He even killed Riyo."
Impernos was momentarily astonished. "So... even Riyo, huh?" Then, with a determined expression, he gave the order: "Neros, this is spiraling out of control. We must change the plan. Go to Fevay and track Morde. Find him and bring him to me before you kill him."
Neros swallowed hard. "As you command, master." As he walked out, he thought to himself: I might not be able to defeat him now. I hope things don't go wrong.
Kai's Journey and the Mysterious Old Man
Kai wandered through the port town, muttering to himself:
"Morde... He's no longer the person I knew. I have to stop him." He decided to ask someone for directions to Fevay. Soon, he came across an old man.
"Hey, old man, hello. Easy does it."
"Thank you, son. Did you need something?"
"I'm looking for the Kingdom of Fevay. How can I get there?"
The old man didn't answer.
"Hey, old man! I'm talking to you, can you hear me?"
The old man slowly turned. "I see you're new around here. What do you want in Fevay?"
Kai answered: "An old friend."
"Is that so..." The old man stood up and described the location of Fevay to Kai.
Kai thanked him and was about to set off when the old man shouted after him:
"Young man! Be careful! Impernos lives near that area. If he sets his sights on you, he will hunt you."
Kai turned around. "How do you know that? As far as I know, the Sovereigns live in secret within the regions they rule."
The old man smiled mysteriously. "Everyone has their secrets."
Kai smirked slightly. "I guess you're right, old man." And he set off on his journey.
Morde's Hideout: An Unexpected Visitor
Morde had finally found a hideout for himself. As soon as he entered, he collapsed exhaustedly to the ground. His power was almost completely depleted. He went and leaned against a rock, took a deep breath, and muttered:
"I need to get stronger..."
Just then, a blue light flashed right where he was looking. A figure emerged from the light and stood before Morde.