Chapter 17: Chapter 17: Big News
The remaining survivors flew back to the Great Stellar Kingdom. As they landed in the training field, they collapsed from exhaustion, breathing heavily.
Veaon removed his helmet, his face drenched in sweat and fear.
"T-That monster..." he muttered in a trembling voice.
He slowly stood up, wiping his sweat, but suddenly, a voice called out from behind.
"Vice Captain Veaon."
He turned around to see three knights in armor. Before he could react, they grabbed his arms forcefully.
"What are you doing!?" Veaon shouted.
"The King is calling you," one of the knights spoke.
"Wha—?!" Veaon said in shock.
Without another word, they dragged him to a carriage and took him away.
After a while, they arrived at the enormous castle, its glowing lights illuminating the sky. The blue-roofed towers were filled with birds resting on them.
The knights escorted Veaon inside, leading him through a vast hallway. He walked in the center, surrounded by heavily armored knights, marching in perfect formation.
Finally, they reached a massive, ornate door. As it slowly opened, Veaon saw the grand throne at the far end of the chamber. Seated upon it was the king—a man with long white hair, piercing yellow eyes, and a muscular physique. He wore a golden crown and regal red robes.
The vast chamber was lined with nobles and officials, some young, some old, all watching the scene unfold.
Veaon took a hesitant step forward before kneeling and bowing his head.
"D-Did you call for me, my lord?" Veaon asked nervously.
The king's cold voice echoed throughout the hall.
"Veaon... do you realize the grave mistake you have committed?"
Veaon's breath hitched as the king continued.
"You led an army to battle without my permission. You broke the laws of this kingdom."
"M-My lord... I-I tried to stop it, but C-Captain Haijo told me it wouldn't be necessary, so I—" Veaon stammered.
"But you knew the rules!" the king's voice boomed. "Yet you chose to disobey the kingdom!" The king screamed
Veaon froze, his entire body trembling. Sweat dripped down his face.
"Because of your recklessness, we have lost many of our brave soldiers," the king said, his tone unwavering.
Then, his sharp gaze fell upon Veaon.
"Where is Captain Haijo?"
Veaon hesitated before swallowing hard.
"H-H-He is dead," he confessed.
A wave of shock spread across the room. Murmurs and gasps filled the air as nobles exchanged whispers.
Even the king, who remained calm, slightly widened his eyes.
"What are you saying?" the king asked.
Veaon took a deep breath and began explaining everything—the battle, the mysterious girl, and how she single-handedly wiped out most of the army, including Captain Haijo.
When he finished, silence consumed the room. Every noble, every knight, even the king himself sat in stunned disbelief.
The king closed his eyes briefly before speaking again.
"I see... If she truly is the Great Heaven God, then she will be a problem."
Then, in a commanding tone, he called out.
"Mayor!"
From the corner of the room, a man with green hair and green eyes, dressed in elegant black robes, stepped forward and bowed.
"Yes, my lord."
"Summon my son. Tell him to go and meet her," the king ordered.
The mayor bowed deeply.
"As you command."
Without hesitation, he turned and exited the chamber.
Veaon's eyes widened in shock.
"M-My lord, it might be dangerous to send the prince out there!" Veaon protested.
The king shot him a sharp glare.
"I trust my son. There is no need for concern." The king speaks in confident
"But—" Veaon tried to speak, but the king interrupted.
"You have broken the kingdom's rules and deserve punishment."
Veaon held his breath, bracing for his fate.
"However, with Haijo dead, there is no one to manage the army. I will spare you this time, but if you make another mistake, you will be executed."
Veaon lowered his head, his voice shaking.
"Y-Yes, my lord..."
With that, Veaon exited the room, followed by the other nobles and knights.
Now, only the king remained.
Then, in the quiet chamber, he suddenly spoke.
"Gearor."
From the shadows, a voice responded.
"Yes, my lord?"
There was no one visible, yet the voice was clear.
The king smirked.
"You heard him, didn't you?"
"Yes. Sounds interesting," the voice replied.
"Go. Investigate them," the king ordered.
"As you wish, my lord."
The king slowly stood up and muttered to himself.
"A god... huh?"