SUPREME ARCH-MAGUS

Unlike the usual bustling, gossip-filled court grounds, where whispers and murmurs fluttered from one person to another, the Royal Arena was dead silent. Thousands sat in deep silence, their breaths barely audible as they waited, their eyes glued to the masked man standing before Emperor Ryon Lionheart.

At that moment, not a soul dared to speak. Many in the audience had come with their own motives, some seeking justice, others vengeance, and many simply craving the spectacle of watching a man executed.

Emperor Ryon sat atop his towering throne in a regal posture. He held the Judgment Staff of the Seventh Realm, a scepter that symbolized his absolute authority. With one simple gesture, it could silence armies with a magical spell. Experience new tales on My Virtual Library Empire

"So, what is your name?" The Emperor's voice, amplified by the magical yanthras scattered around the Arena, shattered the silence like thunder on a clear day.

Every corner of the Arena trembled with the resonance of his words, the echoes reverberating off the stone walls.

The crowd held its collective breath as all eyes turned toward Kent. He stood tall, calm, and unbothered. Despite his chains, there was a quiet power in his demeanor.

"Kent…" came the reply, calm and deliberate.

"Where are you from?" Emperor asked, his voice once again booming through the arena, reaching every ear.

"Blue Planet, Third Realm," Kent replied, his tone steady, almost indifferent. He made no effort to elaborate, and the Emperor didn't ask for more.

For a brief moment, the Emperor's eyes narrowed, but he remained silent. Without a word, he turned his attention to the Palace Chief, an elderly man with a long silver beard and the aura of one who had served the Royal Family for decades.

"Present the details of this trial to the public. Read out what you found after the investigation, and..." his eyes darkened with subtle cruelty, "share your opinion on this 'culprit' based on your findings." Emperor Ryon commanded.

The crowd stirred slightly at this command. With eager anticipation many leaned over others.

The Palace Chief stepped forward, his movements deliberate as he climbed onto a small wooden table known as the Table of Truth. This table was said to reveal the true essence of a person's words, but today, it was a stage for pre-written lies.

He held a wand in his hand, raising it high as he began to read the investigation report.

"After thorough investigation, it has been found that the masked man, Kent, engaged in conflict with the Doom Family following an Honor Justice Duel over the construction of a teleportation gate.

On the day in question, a meeting was arranged between King Hoon Doom, Princess Chuli Doom, and the masked man, Kent, under the supervision of the Royal Queen Soya. This meeting took place in the Musical Hall of the Royal Palace."

The crowd leaned in, eager for the grisly details.

"During the meeting, tensions escalated, and the masked man Kent, in a fit of rage, attacked and killed King Hoon Doom and Princess Chuli Doom. Not only did he murder them in cold blood, but he also slaughtered twelve experienced trap masters who were guarding the hall. His violent rampage did not stop there; he attempted to assassinate Queen Soya herself, but was thwarted at the last moment by none other than the Emperor's brother, Ragnar, who arrived just in time to protect the Queen."

The audience gasped in horror, the tension growing thicker with each sentence. Whispers spread like wildfire, but quickly died down as the Palace Chief continued.

"The Queen, the only living witness, has testified that she saw Kent transform into a beast during the attack, tearing apart the trap master and the Doom family with savage brutality. She shouted for help, commanding the palace wizards to subdue him. By her decree, Kent was immediately arrested and placed in the darkest cell of the Royal Prison, where he was to be tortured for his heinous crimes."

The Palace Chief paused, his eyes scanning the audience for effect. "My Lord," he said, bowing toward the Emperor, "after reviewing all the evidence and testimonies, it is the unanimous opinion of the Palace Elders that this man, Kent, is guilty of the murders of King Hoon Doom, Princess Chuli Doom, and the twelve trap masters. He is a danger to the realm and must be punished severely."

A deafening silence followed as the Palace Chief stepped down from the Table of Truth.

The crowd sat frozen, processing the weight of the accusations. Slowly, a low murmur began to ripple through the audience, whispers of disbelief, suspicion, and excitement.

The women from No Man's Island were excited, clutching their weapons and talismans, eager for blood. Meanwhile, the Stick and Frost family members exchanged glances, their faces tight with protest.

But amid the rising commotion, Emperor Ryon stood, silencing the court with a single commanding gesture. His presence alone was enough to calm the chaos.

"How dare an outsider come to my kingdom and kill one of my kings!" Emperor Ryon's voice was filled with righteous fury, amplified to a booming crescendo by the magical yanthras. "In the history of my family's rule, not a single king has ever been murdered by an outsider! And yet, you..." he pointed at Kent, his face contorted with cold disdain, "you dared to kill King Doom and his daughter. You should have thought of the consequences before laying a finger on them!"

The crowd held its breath, awaiting his judgment.

"But it's too late for regrets now," the Emperor continued. "I, Emperor Ryon Lionheart, Patriarch of the Mighty Quinn Family, Killer of the Divine Beast, sentence you, Kent, to death by hanging. You will be executed at the center of the Royal Capital, and your body shall remain there, left to rot, as a warning to anyone who dares challenge the authority of this realm. For decades to come, your skeleton will stand as a testament to your crime, a reminder to all of what happens to those who defy the Royal Family!"

A stunned silence fell over the Arena as the Emperor's proclamation echoed through the massive court. Millions of eyes turned toward Kent, waiting for his reaction, expecting him to beg for mercy, to plead his case. But instead, something unexpected happened.

Kent laughed.

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TQ ;-)