You nod once to Lukas, voice calm and decisive.
"Let the guards find us. We walk openly to the palace. Let the King see the truth with his own eyes… but remember — none of us kneel or bow. Not to him. Not to any god. We stand as we are."
Lukas smiles, shadows flickering faintly at his feet. "Understood, big brother."
Mira's tail curls proudly around your wrist. "As you command, my lord. I will stand at your side — never on my knees."
Liora bows her head only to Lukas, then straightens tall. "I follow Cosmic Lord Lukas. I do not kneel for kings."
The four of you turn and begin walking openly down the main avenue toward the royal palace, completely calm and unhurried. The crowds part around you as the wildfire rumors spread even faster at the sight of Lukas walking boldly in the open.
Within minutes, elite royal guards swarm the street — fifty armored men with spears and magical barriers raised. Their captain steps forward, voice loud but shaking slightly.
"Fifth Hero Lukas! By order of His Majesty the King, you and your companions are summoned to the palace immediately!"
Lukas doesn't slow down. "Lead the way."
The guards form an escort around you, but none dare touch or restrain anyone. They keep glancing nervously at the quiet aura radiating from Lukas… and the even heavier, invisible weight coming from you.
The grand palace gates swing open. You are led straight through marble halls and into the towering throne room.
The King sits on his golden throne, crown gleaming, surrounded by nobles, mages, and the four otherworldly heroes (who are still pale and shaken from the alley). The Goddess's priests stand to the side, watching nervously.
The moment you enter, the entire room expects the usual ritual.
But none of you kneel.
None of you bow.
You, Mira, Lukas, and Liora simply stop in the center of the hall and stand tall — heads high, backs straight, eyes level with the King himself. Mira's hand rests lightly on Starfang. Lukas's cosmic crown (visible only to divine eyes) pulses faintly. Liora stands gracefully at his side. You radiate quiet, overwhelming presence that makes the air feel heavier.
The King's eyes widen in shock. The nobles gasp. The four heroes flinch visibly.
The King leans forward, voice booming with forced authority:
"Fifth Hero Lukas! What is the meaning of this?! You dare stand before your King without kneeling?! And who are these people with you?! Speak! The entire capital is saying you humiliated the blessed heroes with impossible power. Explain yourself — now!"
Lukas looks straight at the King, calm and unafraid, shadows curling gently around his boots.
The room holds its breath.
Mira and Liora remain perfectly upright beside you and Lukas — no knee touches the floor, no head lowers.
The King and every god watching from the divine realm feel the silent message loud and clear:
These four do not bow to kings… or gods.
The throne room is deathly silent, waiting for what comes next.