*WHIP*
"One hundred and forty-eight"
*WHIP*
"Ugh." "One hundred and forty-nine" *WHIP*
"One hundred and fifty"
The chains binding Elohan's wrists clanked to the ground as he stood tall, his black hair a stark contrast to his piercing red eyes. Blood seeped from every wound on his battered body, but with a subtle shrug of his shoulders, the injuries vanished, leaving behind only faint scars.
"Well done, Sire. Just five seconds." Hayden, a man slightly older with black hair, smiled at Elohan, his eyes gleaming with approval.
Elohan's response was a curt "Hn" before he strode out of the room, his footsteps echoing through the corridors.
"His Sire wants to speak to you." Hayden's voice followed Elohan, his tone measured.
Elohan turned, his gaze meeting Hayden's. "His Majesty wants to meet you." The doors to the throne room swung open, and Elohan entered, his footsteps echoing through the hall. He bowed toward the throne, where a dark entity sat, flanked by a man whose eyes seemed to bore into Elohan's very soul.
"Prince Elohan, I'm sure you are well aware of your transfiguration coming up next year, and if I'm not wrong, the year's coming to an end." The man's voice was smooth as silk, but Elohan detected a hint of underlying tension.
"Yes." Elohan's response was brief, his voice devoid of emotion.
"His Majesty hopes you are ready for it." The man's words hung in the air, like a challenge.
"Yes." The room fell silent, the only sound the dark entity's subtle movement on the throne.
"Good evening, Father." Elohan's voice was low and husky, his words laced with a hint of respect.
As he exited, Elohan's thoughts turned to his impending transfiguration. In the realm of Lone, life was governed by strict rules and regulations. Everyone eagerly anticipated his transfiguration, believing it would bring about the destruction of the Upper Realm. But Elohan's desires lay elsewhere.
*LOME*
In a distant chamber, Princess Beatrice lay on a king-sized bed, surrounded by the serene ambiance of a white room bathed in sunlight. The door creaked open, and Prince Ivon, her fiancé, entered, his blonde hair and ash-gray eyes a stunning sight.
"IVON!!" Beatrice's voice was a joyful scream, her face lighting up with a radiant smile.
"How are you, my marshmallow?" Ivon's voice was filled with love, his eyes adoring as he gazed at Beatrice.
"I'm good." Beatrice's response was barely above a whisper, her eyes sparkling with happiness.
"I'm not happy with you," she said, pouting, and Ivon lightly smiled, his lips brushing against her forehead.
"Why?" He asked, his voice low and soothing.
"You said you'd come yesterday," Beatrice said, her voice tinged with disappointment.
"Yeah, I was busy with work, sorry marshmallow," Ivon said, patting her head gently.
"You owe me something."
"Well, I have good news," Ivon said, his smile brightening.
"What?" Beatrice asked, her curiosity piqued.
"I spoke to your mother and brother, so... we're getting married!"
"YES!!!" Beatrice's joyful shout echoed through the room as she hugged Ivon, their lips meeting in a tender kiss.
"I love you," Beatrice said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I love you more." Ivon's response was automatic, his eyes shining with adoration.
** BOOM!!**
"Fire expansion." Elohan's deep, husky voice echoed through the room, the words laced with power. Hayden's eyes widened in surprise as the huge golden circles with ancient signs emitted energy, creating their own noise.
"Really?" Hayden asked, looking disappointed, a hint of amusement dancing on his lips.
"First form, Gates unlocked." Elohan's overpowering voice resonated through the room, and Hayden was stuck in one position, his eyes fixed on Elohan in shock.
"W... what is this?!" Hayden asked, his voice laced with fear.
"A little something Agori helped me master," Elohan said, his voice chilling, sending shivers down Hayden's spine.
"I'm still lagging, though."
"Kill me."
"Why would I?" Elohan's response was curt, his eyes flashing with intensity.
"I SAID KILL ME!!" Hayden's shout was desperate, his eyes blazing with determination.
"Impossible." Elohan released Hayden from his spell, his movements fluid.
"Lagging." Elohan's gaze never wavered, his eyes burning with an inner fire.
"I'd rather lag than kill you." Elohan's words hung in the air, a challenge to Hayden's understanding.
"What's wrong with you?" Hayden asked, his voice laced with confusion.
"I don't want to harm you." Elohan's response was simple, yet profound.
"Niceness will lead to your death." Hayden's words were a warning, a stark contrast to Elohan's conviction.
"So, we kill?" Elohan asked, his voice devoid of emotion.
"What would you do if you were told to kill me?" Hayden's question was a test, a probe into Elohan's very soul.
"I wouldn't." Elohan's response was instant, his eyes flashing with determination.
Just then, Hayden tried to strike him, but Elohan stopped him with a black energy shield.
"I'll be a leader who fights against evil; we live in hell!!" Elohan blurted out angrily, throwing a punch at Hayden, who dodged it with ease.
"That's how it's supposed to be." Elohan stopped fighting, his chest heaving with exertion. He paused, looking at Hayden with a straight, yet annoyed face, and leaned back, his head held high.
"I am king, acceded to this empire. I'm not your level, so mind how you speak to me, you lowlife." Elohan's words were a cold reminder of his status, his authority.
With that, Elohan walked out, banging the door behind him. He strode through the corridors, his presence commanding respect, his face a mask of anger. Everyone he passed bowed, intimidated by his aura.
As he disappeared into the distance, he reappeared in a beautiful forest, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and fireflies dancing in the air. The serene ambiance was a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside him.
And what did he do? He destroyed the whole place, unleashing his rage and turning it into a hellish landscape.
*LOME*
It was late at night, and Beatrice stood at the edge of her balcony, gazing out at the stars. "Just teleport," she thought, her mind made up.
Beatrice had heard about a beautiful forest from some of the servants, and she was determined to see it for herself.
"Common... Just then she slipped... " Ahhhhhh!!!!" And vanished ____ _____
*****
She appeared in the woods, a smile spreading across her face as she took in the sights and sounds. But her joy was short-lived, as she heard some strange explanations from the background and felt a dark aura wash over her.
She hid behind a tree, her eyes fixed on Elohan, who was conjuring spells she had never seen before.
"Fire expansion, Ice gate unify." A big, sphere-like hexagon appeared, and he shot it at the trees, his power levels and aura sending chills down Beatrice's spine.
After a while, Elohan calmed down, sitting on a rock and sighing. He tilted his head back, and their eyes met for a brief moment before Beatrice looked away in fear.
"Come out." Elohan's deep, scary voice made Beatrice's heart skip a beat.
"You're gonna kill me, aren't you?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
She slowly opened her eyes, but Elohan was no longer on the rock.
"It's really stupid. You... hiding." He said, his voice dripping with amusement.
Beatrice turned, looking at Elohan in fear, and when she tried to walk away, pretending he was invisible, he held her hand.
"Who are you?" he asked, his deep, husky voice sending shivers down her spine.
"I'm Princess..."
He burst out laughing, and Beatrice's annoyance was palpable. "Apologies," he said, his tone laced with sarcasm. Beatrice rolled her eyes and introduced herself, "I'm Princess Beatrice of Lone."
"So, you're Damion's sister?" he asked, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Yes," she began, but he cut her off again. "Wow, you're...," he trailed off, his gaze lingering on her face.
Beatrice met his gaze, and for a moment, they locked eyes. Then Elohan broke the contact, his expression twisting in disgust. "You're ugly," he said, the words dripping with disdain.
Beatrice's face reddened with anger and irritation. "What?!" she exclaimed, but before she could continue, Elohan spoke up again. "Ew, I just barfed in my mouth and took it back inside." He looked at her face with revulsion, his words stinging.
Beatrice's annoyance turned to outrage as he squeezed her face with one hand, turning it to one side. "So disfigured," he said, his voice cold. "Let go of my face! And who the hell are you exactly?" she shouted, her anger boiling over.
Elohan looked away, his expression still twisted in disgust. "Elohan," he said curtly. Beatrice's eyes narrowed, her skepticism clear. "I'm not just going to believe you're...," she began, but her words died on her lips as she felt a dark, evil energy wash over her.
The aura sent shivers down her spine, and she felt a creeping sense of fear. Meanwhile, Elohan continued to examine her face, his expression unchanging. "Ew, your face looks bad," he said, his voice devoid of emotion.
The dark aura dissipated, leaving Beatrice feeling shaken. "What was that?" she asked, trying to hide her fear. Elohan's response was nonchalant. "Oh, that? What you can't see, I can."
Beatrice's eyes widened as she realized the implications of his words. "What are you doing here?" he asked, his tone abrupt. "I came here to see the everlasting...," she began, but Elohan cut her off. "Ugh, shut up."
Beatrice fell silent, her annoyance clear. "So, you know where we are?" he asked, his eyes narrowing. "No," she replied. "A bridge between your disgusting Realm and mine," Elohan said, his words dripping with disdain.
Beatrice's face twisted in anger. "Did you just call my Realm disgusting?" she demanded. Elohan's response was unapologetic. "I have nothing against your people, but you... ugh, you're so ugly."
Beatrice's anger boiled over. "I'm not ugly!" she exclaimed. Elohan's laughter was mocking. "Yes, my mistake. You're not ugly; you're a disaster. Your whole face is a disaster, so disfigured. Oh my goodness."
Beatrice's face reddened with rage. "Stop it!" she shouted. Elohan's teasing tone was infuriating. "Does Princess want to cry?" he asked, his voice dripping with condescension.
He walked away, leaving Beatrice to follow him. "Can you ever act mature?" she asked, her annoyance clear. Elohan's response was smug. "I'm nineteen, and you're fifteen. I should be the one telling you that."
As they walked, Beatrice's anger simmered just below the surface. "How do you know my age?" she demanded. Elohan's response was nonchalant. "You look like a doll," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "And yes, I mean it in a bad way."
Beatrice's pride was wounded. "Are you married? Because if you are, I feel bad for your wife," she said, her voice laced with sarcasm. Elohan's response was dismissive. "Why would I waste my time on women? It's pointless."
Meanwhile, Hayden watched the exchange from a distance, his eyes narrowed. "I wouldn't do that if I were you," he said, his voice low.
Hymē, Beatrice's personal bodyguard, turned to face him, his sword drawn. "Who are you?" he demanded. "I'm Elohan's personal guardian," Hayden replied.
Hymē's eyes narrowed. "You're my enemy. Why are you being nice?" he asked, his tone suspicious. Hayden's response was calm. "Jumping out on them like that can cause issues. Plus, your princess is getting married, and my prince is going to become supreme. Jumping in can cause commotions and distractions."
Hymē's gaze lingered on Hayden, his expression unreadable. "You're acting weird," he said finally. Hayden's response was calm. "Are you going to act rational or mature?" Hymē leaned against the tree, folding his arms. "Just for observation reasons, I'll lay low." The two men fell silent, watching their masters with intense interest.
Meanwhile, Beatrice's patience was wearing thin. "Ouch!" she screamed as Elohan's words cut deep. He laughed, the sound grating on her nerves. "Miss attitude," he said, his voice dripping with amusement.
Elohan's curiosity got the better of him. "So, what do you do every day?" he asked, trying to steer the conversation in a more pleasant direction. Beatrice's response was prideful. "Princess stuff, and if you must know, I'm getting married." Elohan's laughter was instantaneous, the sound echoing through the forest.
"When I was your age, I was more focused on work and how to be a better ruler to my people," he said, his voice tinged with nostalgia. Beatrice's response was swift. "Well, that's good for your sorrowful life. I'm going to get married and have children." Her words were laced with pride, but Elohan's response was a harsh dose of reality.
"Once a woman gives birth in Lone, she dies," he said, his voice devoid of emotion. Beatrice's eyes widened in shock. "What?!" she exclaimed. "Yes, if a child is born a female, she's sent as a slave to go through the same process," Elohan continued, his words painting a bleak picture.
Beatrice's face fell, her expression a mix of sadness and horror. "Love's an evil place," she whispered. Elohan's response was nonchalant. "That's life there. Everyone's used to it." Beatrice's shock was palpable, her eyes wide with dismay.
The conversation took a turn as Elohan asked, "So, how's life in Lome?" Beatrice's response was effusive. "The best, actually. I get whatever I ask for, so I don't have a problem. And yes, women are valued in Lome." Her pride was evident, and Elohan's response was unexpected.
"I wish I could make Lone like that," he said, his voice tinged with longing. Beatrice's eyes narrowed, her curiosity piqued. "You want to make your Realm a better place?" she asked. Elohan's response was measured. "Yeah, but that's not what my religion teaches."
Beatrice's suggestion was impulsive. "Then tell them you want to change." Elohan's laughter was wry. "I wish it was that easy." Beatrice's next words were laced with admiration. "I thought you were the almighty Elohan." Elohan's gaze was skeptical, as if wondering if she was sane.
"It's not everything I control," he said finally. "Not even in my final state – Transfiguration state – is stronger than the anti-spiralist." Beatrice's curiosity was piqued. "Have you ever seen it?" she asked. Elohan's response was grim. "Yeah, he's the reason a border exists between us."
Beatrice's insight was perceptive. "To keep life in balance," she added. Elohan's nod was almost imperceptible. "That's why light and darkness can't live together." Beatrice's next words were unexpected.
"I know this sounds weird for a princess, but if a war broke out, I want to be on the frontlines of it!" Elohan's response was instant. "Of course you do. You're weird and ugly." Beatrice's anger flared. "I'm not ugly!" she scolded.
Elohan's words were like a slap in the face. "Damion is really handsome, but you – you're a mistake from above." Beatrice's response was vehement. "No! Damion's evil!" Her tone suggested a deep-seated animosity between the siblings.
Elohan's liking for Damion was clear. "I like him," he said. Beatrice's response was immediate. "I hate him." The contrast between their opinions was stark.
Elohan's words were tinged with sadness. "Be grateful you have a sibling who is alive." Beatrice's gaze was curious, her eyes locked on Elohan's face. "I thought you were the only son?" she asked.
Elohan's response was measured. "Only son." Beatrice's next question probed deeper. "You have sisters?" Elohan's annoyance was evident, as if she was prying into his private life. "Had," he responded curtly.
The silence between them was oppressive, until Elohan spoke up. "That's part of life. Dying's like sleeping or eating – it's normal." His words were a harsh reminder of life.