The dawn of Emperor's Day heralded a momentous occasion for the Vylonia Empire. Once a humble celebration of the Emperor's birth, the event had grown into an extravagant spectacle, its date shifting with each new ruler. The people of the empire spared no expense to indulge the Emperor's desires, creating a lavish celebration filled with entertainment and excess.
As tradition dictated, the palace maids danced unclothed, their bodies moving in time with the music, while the Emperor hand-selected his favorites to join him in his chambers come nightfall. The Royal Mercy Championship, a brutal tournament where warriors fought for survival, loomed as the centerpiece of the festivities.
Compulsory attendance drew dignitaries from the 575 nations under Vylonian rule, with only the Thorenzians as they are the slaves of the Vylonians. 30 slaves are chosen from the Thorenzians to participate in the dark Royal Mercy Championship. In the southern reaches of Vylonia, the grand arena stood ready, its seats filled with Vylonian nobility and the kings of the subjugated nations.
Absalom rose from his throne-like seat, his voice boomed across the arena, his words carrying an air of authority that commanded the attention of all present. "People of the Vylonia Empire, esteemed guests, allies, kings, and knights, I extend my deepest gratitude for honoring my invitation. Welcome!"
The crowd roared in response, hailing their great Emperor, whose leadership had further solidified Vylonia's status and position at the pinnacle of world power. As the applause subsided, Absalom concluded, "I hereby declare that let this occasion begin!"
The arena exploded into another wave of cheers, with Absalom taking his seat amidst the adoration of his subjects. Soon, a group of unclothed maids emerged into the center of the arena, their bodies moving in time with the music, every step sending dust swirling around them. Their nakedness was on full display, their breasts bouncing with each movement as the crowd cheered wildly.
"The Vylonian ladies are truly breathtaking," one spectator remarked.
"Absalom will certainly enjoy their company tonight. It's not every day one gets to be the Emperor on Emperor's Day," another added.
"It was during one of these maid dances that Sariel caught the Emperor's eye and became Queen," a third spectator chimed in.
As the maids' performance reached its conclusion, the arena erupted into thunderous applause. All eyes turned to Emperor Absalom, waiting for his selection.
Absalom rose from his throne-like seat, a smile spreading across his face. "That was an exquisite performance by these beautiful and elegant ladies." The spectators responded with another round of applause and cheers.
However, Absalom's next words took everyone by surprise: "I will not be selecting anyone this time."
A stunned silence fell over the crowd.
"The reason is," Absalom continued, "I have a beautiful wife by my side, and I love her dearly. Let us give it up for Queen Sariel!"
The arena once again erupted into cheers as Queen Sariel smiled and waved to the crowd. Meanwhile, Prince Monday sat with a clenched jaw, his irritation evident as he seethed in silent displeasure.
The arena fell silent, anticipation hanging in the air as the Royal Mercy Championship was about to commence. Thirty Thorenzians, their identities concealed by head warmers, took their positions on the stage.
Emperor Absalom's voice boomed, echoing across the arena. "The rules are simple: no rules. Kill or be killed. The last person standing shall be crowned the victor. Let the games begin!"
Chaos erupted as the fighters clashed in a desperate bid for survival. Blades sliced through the air, the arena resonating with the clash of steel and the anguished cries of the fallen.
"Die, you Thorenzians!" A Vylonian's venomous voice rose above the din.
"Your existence is a mistake, a waste of space!" Another yelled.
"I wish Absalom would execute you all already!" A third bellowed.
The battle raged on, the number of combatants steadily dwindling until only 12 remained. In a flurry of steel, 6 fighters fell, leaving a mere 6 survivors standing.
The spectators roared with excitement, their fervor reaching a crescendo as they urged the remaining fighters on. Suddenly, an eerie hush descended upon the arena as the fighters ceased their attacks.
"Why have they stopped?" Absalom's brow furrowed in confusion.
"Perhaps fear has gripped their hearts, hahaha!" One of the guests joked.
The fighters aligned themselves before Absalom, their intent clear. "Who told you to stop?" Absalom's voice rang out across the arena.
In a flash, one of the fighters lunged at Absalom, pinning him down with her chains and driving a small knife into his chest.
"What are you doing?" Queen Sariel gasped in shock.
The fighter removed her head warmer, revealing Princess Alexandra, her face set in a determined expression. The other 5 fighters followed suit, their identities as members of the shield now clear.
"Absalom, you'll pay for my grandfather's death," Princess Alexandra seethed, her eyes blazing with fury. "I'll send you straight to hell!"
Princess Athena flung her sword at Princess Alexandra, who deftly dodged the attack, executing a flawless backflip onto the stage to rejoin her companions.
"How about I send you to hell first?" Princess Athena retorted, a malicious grin playing on her lips.
As the Emperor was whisked away to safety, Princess Athena launched a ferocious assault on Princess Alexandra. Just as their blades were about to connect, Valerus intervened, grasping Princess Athena's sword with his bare hands.
"Yo, guys, what do you know?" Valerus said with a grin, eliciting smiles from the other members of the shield. "You guys have got guts."
"Valerus!" The shield members exclaimed in unison, as Princess Athena's eyes widened in surprise.
Valerus' voice rang out with urgency, "Guys! Get to the gate immediately. Someone's waiting for us!"
"But Valerus, what about our chains? If we get near the walls, we'll be beheaded," Elara voiced her concern.
"Good point," Isolde added, worry etched on her face.
"Don't worry about the chains. Trust me," Valerus reassured them, his gaze fixed on Princess Athena. "Now, go!"
In an instant, the members of the shield vanished. Valerus turned his attention back to Princess Athena. "Hello, Princess. Sorry, but I'm in a hurry. I'll have to make this quick."
Princess Athena's face flushed a deep crimson as she struggled to form a response. "H-hello… V-Valerus," she stammered, her voice barely audible.
Valerus was taken aback by her reaction, unsure of if she was serious or just teasing, "I guess I'll just take my leave then," he thought to himself, turning to walk away
Princess Athena's heart fluttered. "He called me his Princess. He must be in love with me," she thought, a dreamy sigh escaping her lips.
Meanwhile, the rest of the shield raced towards the walls only to be confronted by a mysterious figure. "You kept me waiting. I was about to take a nap," the man drawled, drawing his sword. "I'm afraid I can't let you pass. This is the end of the line for you."
"Who are you?" Princess Alexandra demanded, her hand gripping her sword's hilt.
"What good does it do to reveal my identity if you're all going to die here anyway?" the stranger replied with a sly grin. "Alright, I'll at least tell you my name. It's Blackthorn. Nice to meet ya."
Without warning, Blackthorn attacked, but a woman stepped in, halting the blade with her beast-like hand. "Not so fast!" she growled.
"You!" Blackthorn exclaimed, his eyes widening. "Luisa the witch! What are you doing within the walls?"
Luisa smirked, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Looks like our little Blackthorn has missed me a lot."
Blackthorn's face twisted with rage. "We were ordered to kill you on sight within the walls. By the Emperor's order, I must kill you! Right here, right now!"
Luisa teased him, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, really? Well then, go ahead… if you can."
Blackthorn lunged at Luisa, his blade flashing. Just as it was about to strike, Valerus jumped in, stopping the blade with his bare hands. "You've got some nerve attacking a lady, coward," Valerus said, his gaze locked on Blackthorn.
Luisa chuckled, a look of gratitude on her face. "Thanks, Valerus."
The shield members chorused Valerus' name, relief evident in their voices.
"Luisa, guys, get out of the walls now. I'll meet you at the tent once I'm done here. Luisa, please release them from their chains," Valerus instructed, never breaking eye contact with Blackthorn.
Luisa nodded in agreement. She then led the way as they raced for the exit. As they disappeared into the shadows, Valerus refocused on Blackthorn.
"How should I kill you?" Blackthorn asked, a smirk on his face.
Valerus smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Instead, how about I teach you some manners on how to treat a lady?"
Nearby, Princess Athena watched the scene unfold, tears streaming down her face. "I'm glad, I'm so glad you're alive, Mother!" she wept, her voice filled with joy.