The Castle
Meeting Room of the Four Royal Knights
The royal chamber was vast in a way that evoked awe, with a high ceiling that touched the shadows. The walls were covered in black marble adorned with silver threads that shimmered in the dim light emitted from blue torches that lit the place with a cold hue, as if resisting the heat of life itself.
In the center of the room stood a massive round table made of strange dark wood, carved with mysterious symbols that pulsed with faint red threads, as if drawing the air around them. Seated around it were four individuals, unlike any others. Their auras were conflicting, but all of them stirred unease in the heart, as if they were born of the storm.
Their eyes watched each other in silence, each bearing something different in their presence: raw power, lethal calm, concealed madness, and ominous wisdom.
The air around them was charged with power and dread, moving through the corners like a living being, watching and waiting…
This was no ordinary meeting room.
It was the heart of power in the Kingdom of Beasts.
White: Why was this sudden meeting held without my knowledge, and why was I summoned here?
Thanos: I was the one who arranged this meeting, and we need to talk about something very important.
At the far end of the table, someone rested his head on the table, taking a nap as if he wasn't really interested in this meeting.
Thanos looks at him: Ban, did you come here just to sleep? Do you not know where you are?
Ban ignores Thanos's words and continues his nap.
Thanos: Are you ignoring me, you fool?
Thanos forms a small dagger in the air and sends it toward Ban. Ban moves his hand and catches it between his fingers, making it disappear.
Ban: Damn you, you're annoying. I have a lot of work, and you just come here and babble. Tell us what you want. Why did you summon us here? I don't have much time to waste.
At the other end of the table, Thea sits quietly and elegantly, unlike anyone else at the table—like a princess among beasts.
White: Both of you, shut up. And you, Thanos, speak. What's the purpose of this meeting?
Thanos speaks arrogantly: Do you really not know? You were disgracefully defeated in front of everyone, and you still don't know why I called this meeting?
White (with an angry look): Then why don't you go fight him, you fool.
Thanos (laughing): You're just weak, White. Give up your rank. I'll do better than you.
White slams his hands on the table and stands: Is this really what you wanted? To be the first?
Thanos: Don't act like being ranked first doesn't matter to you, you arrogant one.
White: Fine. You want to be first so badly? Looking for an excuse to take it? Fine, come and fight me before the king. If you win, you fool, I'll give up my position and leave the Four Knights.
Thanos: This is quite entertaining. You seem confident. Remember, there's no difference between me and you. The only thing you have is the king's support—this is why you're always put in the lead.
White: Go tell the king. I don't care what you think. If you want to be first, just do what I told you.
Thanos: Fine. I agree. Let the fight be in the Royal War Arena.
White looks at Thea: Thea, prepare the arena for this fool.
Thea: Yes, Sir White.
White leaves the hall and shuts the door behind him.
Thanos: Are you his loyal dog or something?
Thea gives him a sharp look: Sir Thanos, I believe you're overstepping your bounds.
Thanos gets up and heads toward the door. As he leaves, he turns back and says: Be his obedient dog, until I bring him down, you hypocrite.
Thanos leaves the room.
Ban lifts his head: They're really annoying. All they care about is power. Damn them.
Thea: It's alright. I'm confident he'll learn a thing or two when he faces Sir White.
Ban: You really trust him? Are you his lover or something?
Thea: I'm not. But Sir White is extremely reserved. He never wants people to see his weakness. But in the end, he's someone with thoughts and a life like us. He was also the one who helped me and gave me hope in this life.
Ban: I've heard that. What's so special about him? He's saved many, but he's also killed many in return.
Thea: That's his job and mine: killing, domination, and preserving the law.
Ban: Doesn't matter. Anyway, I don't care about any of this. I'll return to work—I've got a lot of it now because of that hybrid.
Ban leaves the room and shuts the door behind him.
Thea speaks to herself: Okaiz, you've really grown, but I didn't expect you to reach this level. (She looks up) Arlena, I'm sorry. I truly couldn't do anything when he was in trouble. I'm sorry, big sister.
To be continued…