The Next Day.
The sun stood high over Stargaze City, casting a golden sheen on the towering gallows built at the center of the Grand Square.
Thousands of people had gathered for witnessing the "punishment"
Men, women, and even children from every street and alley of the city stood in tense silence. This was not just a spectacle. It was justice long delayed. A cleansing of poison from the heart of their home.
Atop the wooden platform stood four figures, shackled and bloodied. Dominic Ecrox. Zeref Woodinson. Gareth Vermal. Caleb Brown.
Once the unshakable pillars of the Skadi Empire's dominion over Earth State.
Now, stripped of dignity, bound in chains, they awaited their final breath.
Their faces bore a thousand expressions. Rage. Defeat. Regret. But none of them had the courage to meet the eyes of the crowd below.
Before them stood Igaris Vance.
He wore no crown, yet none could question his rule. His presence was as sharp as a blade. As resolute as a mountain.
