Chapter 171 - 27 - King’s Game, Part 3 (1)

Meanwhile...

Julius's POV

There were only 20 people left on the island, signaling that the King's Game was nearing its conclusion. I'd heard of numerous deaths occurring, but it didn't concern me.

Throughout the duration of the game, I'd stayed hidden, not even bothering to participate. My strategy was simple: let the others thin their own numbers through conflict, then strike when the field was ripe for the taking.

However, as the number dwindled to just 20, I sensed eyes on me. Gradually, I felt two presences approaching, moving stealthily from above.

"It's quite unusual to see someone of your status mingling with the common folk, Your Highness. I must say, I'm rather surprised," remarked a woman, who was being carried by a dark-skinned woman as they descended towards me.

I was perched atop the largest tree on the island, my chosen base. Not only did it provide an abundance of food, but it also offered safety from elimination. Not that I was concerned about being eliminated if I stayed below, but conserving energy was key.

The dark-skinned woman settled onto a large branch of the tree, gently lowering the woman she carried. I recognized the woman immediately—she was the commander of the magic knights.

"Well, well, Commander Lilia," I greeted with a cheerful smile. "What a pleasant surprise. Last time we crossed paths was last year, on my 18th birthday, if I remember correctly."

"That's correct. It's your coming of age, so naturally, I had to be there," she replied with a smile. "Now then, Prince Julius, care to enlighten me on your motives? This isn't my directive; it comes straight from your father. He's been on edge lately due to your recent actions. He's practically sweating buckets."

"Father? I've already discussed my plans with him, haven't I?" I retorted. "Why would I need to repeat myself?"

"Well, it seems he's rather anxious. He needs constant reassurance, multiple times over, to put his mind at ease," she explained with a shrug.

I chuckled mockingly, "Is he that terrified of me snatching his precious throne?"

"That's correct," Commander Lilia replied matter-of-factly. As the head of the magic military, she was keenly aware of my father's state of mind. "That's why he tasked me with preventing you from winning."

"Will you stop me?" I inquired.

The commander simply smiled. "Why would I? I couldn't care less about the royal family drama or who ends up ruling the kingdom, or even the world, for that matter. All I care about is myself, my position, and all the wealth and privileges that come with it. That's all I want."

"Oh?" I exclaimed. "So you're suggesting that if I succeed, you'd like to retain your position?"

"Exactly," she confirmed.

As she spoke, I sensed a subtle energy emanating from her mouth. So she was attempting to influence me with her power, huh? Unfortunately for her, my clothes were equipped with a power dampener, rendering her control ineffective. Nevertheless, I didn't mind the idea of her remaining as the commander. She was cunning and manipulative—qualities I could appreciate in an ally.

"Something's coming!" I exclaimed.

The squad immediately snapped to attention as the source of the ominous aura drew nearer. It was a young man, exuding an air of royalty, with a smirk playing on his lips.

"Hey there," he greeted cheerfully. "Looks like I've got everyone gathered. Excellent." With a flourish, he gathered mana and conjured a fireball in his palm—a massive one, even larger than the Great Fireball spell. This was deadly.

"I figure it's best to have you all in one place for an easy slaughter," he remarked casually.

"Everyone, scatter!" commanded the Captain urgently. "That's Prince Julius. That fireball of his can incinerate an entire city! Run as fast as you can!"

But it was too late. Prince Julius had already completed the formation of the fireball. With a casual remark of "It's a shame, but oh well," he hurled it towards us.

In an instant, we were engulfed by the searing heat, both from the scorching sun and the fiery projectile launched by the Prince.

***

Myrcella's POV

As we prepared to retreat to our base, a sudden surge of scorching heat swept over me, its fiery tendrils licking at my skin and sending shivers down my spine. With a sense of foreboding, I turned my gaze towards the source, where ominous clouds of smoke billowed into the sky, painted crimson by the raging flames that devoured everything in their path.

"Julius..." I breathed.

Without hesitation, I began sprinting towards the inferno, with Johanne at my side.

"Princess, don't rush into things," he cautioned.

"I know," I replied, determination etched on my face.

We dashed through the dense foliage, the cacophony of our footfalls drowned out by the crackling inferno ahead. As we burst from the oppressive shadows of the forest, a scene of devastation greeted us. Amidst the roaring flames stood my brother, a dark silhouette against the backdrop of chaos and destruction. His laughter, tinged with madness, echoed through the island.

His arms were outstretched, a twisted mockery of triumph as he reveled in the destruction he had wrought. The charred remains of his victims lay scattered around him, their flesh reduced to ash, leaving only skeletal remains behind.

It was a gruesome sight, one that sent a shiver down my spine. The flames danced in his eyes, reflecting the madness that consumed him. In that moment, he seemed more monster than man, a terrifying force of nature unleashed upon the world.

"Julius!!!" I screamed, my voice cutting through the crackling flames.

My brother turned to face me, his grin widening into something sinister. It was a chilling expression, entirely unlike the uneasy smile I was accustomed to seeing on his face. This grin held a darkness that sent a shiver down my spine.

"Well, well, well, look who's here," he sneered. "Do you want to join them too, dear sister?"