SUPREME ARCH-MAGUS

Royal Castle, Early Morning…

In the grand hall of the royal castle, Queen Mother Soya sat upon a throne of dark obsidian, her face stoic and unreadable. To her left sat King Hoon Doom, the patriarch of the Doom family, his brow furrowed in anxiety. Beside him was his daughter, Prince Chuli stood silently with cold eyes.

The air in the room was suffocating, as more than ten royal wizards, experts in laying traps, moved across the floor, weaving their intricate magic into a lotus-shaped design that spread from the center of the hall.

King Hoon Doom broke the silence, his voice low and serious. "Your Highness, the Titan Crystal Tree is no ordinary treasure—it's a gift from the gods themselves. Its value could eclipse even that of the entire royal capital. As per the rules of the realm, 50% of all natural treasures should go to the royal family, but...

if you help my family claim the island city where the tree resides, we're prepared to offer you 10% of the Titan Crystal personally, as a gesture of goodwill and partnership."

His voice carried sincerity, but his eyes betrayed the nervousness within. He knew how much was at stake.

Queen Mother Soya sat still, her sharp gaze calculating every word. Her fingers tapped rhythmically on the armrest of her throne as she weighed the offer. The vast wealth of the Titan Crystal Tree was a temptation even she couldn't ignore.

After a long pause, she finally spoke, her tone cold and decisive. "Do not report this matter to the Empire," she said, her words a thinly veiled command. "I will ensure that no complications arise in the future. But I will take 70% of the total Titan Crystal. You may keep the remaining 30%."

King Hoon Doom's eyes widened in shock. He tried to keep his face neutral, but inside, he was reeling. 'Seventy percent?' He couldn't believe the audacity of Queen Mother Soya. Her demand far exceeded what was expected.

If the news of the Titan Crystal became public, the law would dictate that half of it would go to the royal treasury to benefit the people. But Queen Mother Soya wanted to hoard the majority of it for herself, hiding the discovery from the realm.

'What a cunning woman', he thought bitterly. He realized the danger he was now in. If word ever got out, the royal family would no doubt make the Doom family the scapegoat. He would be painted as the villain who tried to steal a divine treasure, while Queen Mother Soya would escape unscathed.

He forced a smile, bowing his head slightly. "Your Highness... we will comply. Seventy percent will be yours, and my family will keep the remaining thirty. Thank you for your generosity. The Doom family will forever be indebted to your wisdom."

Just as the negotiation ended, one of the royal wizards approached the throne, bowing deeply. "Your Highness, the trap is set. Once anyone steps onto the central lotus design in the middle of the hall, they will be bound at your command. We will remain on the sidelines to ensure that the trap holds perfectly."

Queen Mother Soya nodded, her expression as cold and ruthless as ever. "Good. This matter stays within these walls. No one must know what happens here today." She looked toward the Doom family patriarch and his daughter. "Make sure only the masked young man enters. If he agrees to trade the island city for a mid-range city, we will let him go.

But if he refuses... trap him. And kill him without hesitation."

The wizards bowed once more and positioned themselves around the room like statues, ready to activate their trap at a moment's notice. The air grew heavier with tension, as the plan to betray Kent was now fully set in motion.

---

Outside the Frost Family Estate, Same Morning…

Kent stood in front of his chambers, dressed and prepared for the journey to the royal capital. The meeting with the Doom family was on his mind, though he felt a strange unease about it. Something didn't sit right with him, but he couldn't place what it was.

As he walked toward his awaiting uncle, a cloaked figure suddenly appeared on the sidelines, moving quickly toward him. The figure's face was completely covered, and his movements were hurried, almost frantic.

"Wait!" the cloaked man called out, his voice hushed but urgent. "I need to speak with you. Please... it's important."

Kent raised an eyebrow. The stranger's appearance was suspicious, but something in his voice held a note of desperation. "Who are you?" Kent asked while a lightning danced in his hand.

The cloaked man hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I know it seems strange, but please... just hear me out. I'm Goom Doom."

Kent's eyes narrowed. After hearing his name, Kent let him speak.

The cloaked figure looked around, making sure no one was nearby. "I can't say it out loud. But I'm really Goom Doom, the son of King Hoon Doom. I owe you my life."

Kent's suspicion deepened, but he nodded for the man to continue.

Seeing Kent's willingness to listen, Goom Doom cautiously led him to a secluded corner, away from prying eyes. He slowly removed his mask, revealing his face with anxious eyes. "It's true. I'm Goom, the one you spared during the Honor Justice fight. I've come to repay that favor."

Kent's expression remained neutral, but his curiosity was piqued. "Repay a favor? How?"

"There's no time," Goom said in a hurried whisper. "My father and sister... they've been acting strange since yesterday. I overheard them talking after a private meeting with Queen Mother Soya. They're setting up a trap for you. I don't know all the details, but they've laid something dangerous in the palace.

It's all set for your arrival."

"A trap?" Kent's voice was calm, but his eyes flashed with anger. "What kind of trap?"

"I don't know," Goom admitted, his voice trembling slightly. "But I heard the wizards say something about a 'Lotus Trap.' It's set in the central hall where the meeting is supposed to take place. I... I barely escaped the royal guards to bring this information to you."

Kent fell silent for a moment, his mind racing. He had suspected something was off about this sudden meeting with the Doom family, but now it was confirmed.

"Why are you doing this? You could've stayed silent." Kent asked in a serious tone.

Goom's expression softened, his voice becoming more sincere. "I couldn't forget what you did for me. Sparing my life... that was a debt I could never ignore. I'm repaying you now, hoping that this information helps you. After this...

we're even."

Kent nodded, his gaze intense.

Goom bowed slightly, pulling his cloak back over his face. "Good luck."

With that, Goom disappeared back into the shadows, leaving Kent alone with the weight of the revelation.

Kent stood there, his fists clenched as he contemplated his next move. "A trap... how predictable," he muttered under his breath. His eyes hardened with determination.

-

PeterPan ;-)