UNIFIED W

Chapter 42: Irregular, part 7

The death of the Fire Clan was shocking, but the people's reaction was even more shocking. Their leader had been murdered in cold blood right in front of them. Instead of despair, they celebrated.

A weight seemed to lift from their shoulders as they shouted and praised the new rulers.

The inner circle acted immediately. Their first command was to capture anyone still loyal to the former clan leader and imprison them.

They also announced plans to build small warehouses across the city to store essential resources. All civilians of Von City would contribute a portion of their own supplies so that no one in need would be left without help.

Meanwhile, the inner circle promised to use all their power to find a better, long-term solution.

News of the Fire Clan leader's death spread quickly. It dominated newspapers, television, and conversations for days.

Even the royal family, who controlled nearly all broadcasts, could not hide the story in time. The magnitude of the event left them deeply concerned.

The death of the Fire Clan leader was not just an isolated incident. It had the potential to redraw the world map. Everyone now wondered what would happen to their territory.

***

As the world below was changing, high above the white clouds lies Pall City, a place of breathtaking beauty.

It is home to the Wind Clan and the royal family.

The city floats in the sky, sustained by the power the Mother of All Crystals left behind.

Her energy is stored within crystal cubes scattered throughout the city, all linked to a massive central cube at the heart of the palace.

Pall City was a rare place, reserved for the Wind Clan alone. Even the richest outsiders could enter only with the king's consent, and even then, they were never truly accepted.

The city is the most advanced and beautiful in the world. Towering mountains rise through its streets, while rivers and waterfalls spill freely between levels.

Lush greenery weaves through intricate structures, forming a dreamlike landscape where forests and buildings intertwine.

The city exists as a single floating island, its winding pathways and bridges crossing and overlapping, defying all sense of height and direction.

On clear days, the city glows like a celestial star above the clouds. On misty days, only the massive rocks supporting it pierce the fog.

Despite its beauty, Pall City is not a place for everyone. It is a city of power, closed to all but the Wind Clan. Known and feared across the world, they live freely while others can only look up and envy them.

***

The news of the Fire Clan leader's death reached Pall City quickly. It became the center of all discussion.

King Prime VII sat at a round table in the palace, with his daughter, his son, and other members of the royal family seated beside him. His fingers tapped softly against the table.

Erica noticed immediately. She leaned forward, her voice soft and careful.

"Everything will be alright in time, Father."

The king offered her a faint smile, but it faded the moment Hawk's fist struck the table. The sound echoed through the room, drawing every eye.

"Now is not the time to wait. Decisions must be made."

A low growl rumbled from Hawk, shaking the silence in the room.

Father, now is not the time to think about anything but to act and demonstrate that nothing should be attempted without our approval.

King Prime VII and Hawk locked eyes, and the king felt the rage and hatred in Hawk's deep blue eyes.

Hawk stood up from his chair, walked past his sister, and approached his father.

"Listen, Father. These lowlifes are breaking the law, and more will follow if we don't make an example of them."

The king remained silent, offering no response as Hawk continued.

"First, criminals attacked right under our noses. Now people are killing those you put in charge. What's next, Father?"

"Sit down, Hawk."

Hawk's jaw clenched, but he obeyed and returned to his seat. The king drew a deep breath before speaking.

"Hawk is right. Incidents have happened in a very short time. If this continues, we could be on the brink of another clan war."

The king turned to the guard standing nearby.

"Report on Von City."

"Your Majesty, according to HQ, Von City is calm for now. Some are showing disloyalty to their new leaders, which could spark another incident."

"And Buur and Alba City?"

"The clan leaders there are not involved in any suspicious activity. They remain focused on their people."

"Good."

Suddenly, Hawk cut into the conversation.

"Father, we should strengthen security in Stage One and make it known that any opposition will bring severe consequences. Erica should oversee it herself."

"NO."

Hawk's words landed heavily. The king's expression darkened, and the air in the room felt thick, pressing down on everyone.

"How dare you suggest that I send your sister to Stage One?"

Hawk's shoulders stayed steady, his eyes locked on the king.

"People won't dare act foolishly with a royal present."

The room went quiet. Everyone's eyes were fixed on the king. He let the silence stretch before finally speaking.

"Then you should go. I will not send the next in line for the throne."

Hawk yanked the chair from under him and hurled it across the room. It slammed against the wall, wood splintering. Everybody in the room flinched, some gripping the edges of their seats.

Guards moved forward, but the king raised his hand, stopping them instantly.

He walked slowly to Hawk and placed a hand on his shoulder, but Hawk shrugged it off.

"Why her?"

The room went silent. Chairs creaked as hands clenched. Father and son stared at each other, muscles tight, eyes burning, and even the smallest sound seemed too loud.

King Prime drew in a steady breath, but the words refused to leave his lips.

"I... I..."

The king paused, letting the words die on his tongue.

Hawk turned toward his sister, giving her a cold stare. He stormed toward the large door, breaking it as he left the palace in anger.

Erica's chest tightened as she watched the argument. Her lips trembled, and tears pricked her eyes. Without a word, she turned and slipped out of the room.