At the Royal Palace Gates
The cloaked figure walked calmly toward the palace gates. As he approached, more guards came rushing out, weapons drawn and ready to fight.
He raised his hand slightly and spoke in a calm, almost bored tone.
"Why don't we stop all this? There's no need for more dead bodies. It would be better for you if you just called your king."
But the guards didn't listen. They charged at him without hesitation.
The figure shook his head.
"Ignorance is a sin."
He opened his palm, and a wave of flames burst forth. In an instant, the fire consumed all the guards, reducing them to ashes. Only one remained, hiding behind a wall, trembling in fear.
The figure turned to him.
"I'll let you live. You didn't attack. You listened. Now go inside and call your king. Tell him I read his message—and I've come with a reply."
The terrified guard nodded quickly and ran off toward the palace.
The figure chuckled and stared ahead.
"Azreal… I've come to see you."
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