The air was thick with celebration. On Foundation Day, thousands of people from all corners of Vineta traveled to witness the grand festivities. It was an event of tradition, pride, and spectacle. The day began with the King's ceremonial speech, followed by vibrant folk dances performed by each region of the kingdom. But the true highlight—the moment everyone waited for—was the fighting competition.
Unlike other tournaments, this one was designed for fairness. The rules were simple: if you lose once, you're out. No mana was allowed until the semifinals, and weapons were forbidden until the finals. Victory meant wealth—serious wealth—enough to change a person's life forever.
After returning from the family vault, I turned to my father and asked, "Father, where is your advisor? I haven't seen him around lately."
He glanced at me and replied, "Oh, him? He's attending to the guests arriving for tonight's party."
That puzzled me. "But I thought you and Mother didn't want any overseas guests. Who's he entertaining?"
My father chuckled, but there was a shift in his tone. "Yes, we said that, but the ones arriving tonight… they might help us in business."
"I see," I said quietly.
Soon after, my younger brother Alex appeared, fully dressed and glowing with excitement. His pink hair shimmered under the lights as he beamed. "So, Father, Brother—how do I look?"
Father and I exchanged a glance, then made dramatic faces of disapproval. Alex's smile faded into confusion. "What? Do I look weird? Is something wrong?" He started to panic.
Unable to hold it in, we both burst into laughter.
"You look stunning, Alex," came a gentle voice.
It was Mother, walking toward us with grace and elegance. My father turned to stone at the sight of her. "You look just like you did on our wedding day," he said, his voice trembling with awe.
Blushing, she waved him off. "Stop it, Karl. We're already late. You can admire me all you want after the ceremony."
With that, we boarded a helicopter—no cars this time, and no Space Portals either. Apparently, nothing quite delivered the "King's Entrance" like a helicopter, though even I didn't fully understand the logic.
As we rose into the sky, I looked down at the kingdom below. Vineta, from the clouds, looked breathtaking. "How is it?" Mother asked.
"Amazing," I replied with a smile.
"You're going to enjoy the Foundation Day, Liam," she said softly.
Soon, we reached WoodStrp. The city buzzed with life. The stadium—larger than any football field I'd seen—was packed with over a thousand people. I had seen it during construction, but this was something else entirely.
Our helicopter landed directly on the stage, where the dances and fights would soon take place. We were welcomed by the Lord of WoodStrp and his family, and escorted to the royal viewing area. The largest chair in the middle clearly marked the King's seat. Beside it sat the Queen's throne. Alex and I were seated just adjacent.
Father rose to give his speech, recounting Vineta's rich history—our ancestors' sacrifices, the struggles that shaped the kingdom, and the vision for a prosperous future. His voice rang with strength and promise, and when he finished, the crowd erupted in applause.
The regional dances began, a beautiful medley of color and tradition lasting twenty minutes. But my eyes were fixed on what followed—the tournament. The stage was divided into four massive arenas, each holding a match simultaneously. Combatants clashed with nothing but their fists, barred from using mana or weapons. Raw, unfiltered skill was on display. I could feel the pulse of the kingdom in that moment.
---
Jakes Tully Pov –
Meanwhile, in a secluded chamber connected to the main Space Portal, Jakes Tully waited.
He was not here for celebration.
He was waiting for Someone who is—the true pillar of their hidden plan. Or rather, the item's he brought.
Than suddenly.
A chill ran down Jakes' spine as he sensed a presence behind him. He turned.
A masked figure stood there, brown eyes piercing through the shadows, his hair a similar hue.
"Niko," Jakes said, nodding.
"Shouldn't you be at the Foundation Day?" the masked man asked coldly.
"I'm a Knight of the Darkness, not the Light... Max can handle the festivities," Niko replied.
"And I want you to handle Max tonight," Jakes said evenly.
Niko scoffed. "And why would I do what you say I can still tell about your plan to Morningstar and Prove my Loyalty?"
"Because my head's still attached to my body," Jakes said darkly.
There was a long pause. Then, Niko relented, "I'll do it. But only because I want freedom from the Morningstar. Free me now—and maybe I'll trust you."
"I was just waiting for someone," Jakes replied.
"We don't have time," Niko growled.
Just then, a voice boomed from the Space Portal terminal.
"Are you the bastards who came to pick me up?"
A man emerged—disheveled, arrogant, and unbothered. Jakes rushed to greet him.
"Welcome to Vineta. I'm Jakes Tully. This is Niko Goodswill."
"Yeah, yeah, f*** off," the man replied bluntly.
"Who is this?" Niko asked.
Jakes sighed. "Dr. Nicolas Benjamin. From Pelargir. He used to work for the World Government but got suspended for… illegal practices. Now he works with the Hellkins."
" World Government they're idiots," Nicolas sneered. "Couldn't grasp true science... And you're Jakes? How did someone like you manage to make a pact with a Duke-level Demon Lord?"
Niko's eyes widened beneath his mask.A B-rank…like him and he made a pact with an SS+ Duke? Is this madman telling the truth?
Jakes stood tall. "The Lord found me."
"Hah! That's not skill—that's dumb luck," Nicolas laughed.
Trying to steer the conversation back, Jakes said, "Dr. Nicolas, our friend Niko wants his blood pact broken."
"So this is the one you mentioned. Come on then," Nicolas said. "Let's set you free."
Niko nodded. " Really than do it right now. I've waited long enough."
"Careful," Jakes cautioned.
Nicolas pulled out a vial of glowing blue liquid. "Ok ok I can understand here i made from mermaid tears. One sip and the blood pact is destroyed. No harm. Just freedom."
Jakes stared. "Where did you get mermaid tears?"
"Shut up you idiot. I'm not here to answer your stupid questions," Nicolas snapped. "Now… drink."
Niko took the potion. As it coursed through him, a surge of fresh mana awakened in his veins. Then, from his hands, black liquid dripped onto the floor—thick and sinister.
"That's the blood spell unraveling," Nicolas said. "These bonds were crafted by the elves' by there True Mana Art. But now? You're free."
Niko raised his head. " ha ha ha now let's hunts the Morningstar."
Jakes frowned. "You can't take the King or Queen directly."
"I know," Niko replied. "But you have a plan that's why you so confident Jakes."
"I do," Jakes said. "You take Max Blackheart. I'll handle Them and with me the four other hellkin and than the Doctor will handle… the rest."
"But Luna…is the problem" Niko hesitated. "Her final form—her Soul Art—it won't kill us, but it can cripple our mana and souls."
"I know," Jakes said grimly. "That's why I've have someone else for her. And just like Doctor brought a gift for you, Sir Nicolas has gifts for them as well."
With that, the three of them stepped into a car, driving off into the night—waiting.
Waiting for the chaos to begin.