Adventures Beyond The Void [Season 1]

Chapter 44: The Dark Legion

3RD POV

A few minutes earlier...

   King Asher: - I'm glad to see you both again.

The teenagers looked around the chamber in awe. The throne room stretched high above them, its ceiling lost in a forest of marble pillars that shimmered faintly in the shafts of light streaming through stained-glass windows. The windows depicted ancient battles, their colors spilling across the polished floor in vivid pools. At the far end, the throne itself sat upon a dais of black stone veined with silver, its seat carved from a single massive crystal that glowed faintly with inner light. Zana dipped into a respectful bow, prompting Nicholas and Hunter to follow. Nicholas's eyes wandered back to the king, lingering on the thick bandages wrapped around his left arm and chest.

The captains were there. Behind each of them stood subordinates of their squads, lined in orderly ranks. Some wore gleaming armor; others carried weapons Nicholas didn't even recognize. They whispered quietly among themselves, sneaking curious glances at the newcomers who stood in the presence of the king. Leigong's squad members stood in a disciplined row, their yellow-colored shoulder plates glowing softly. Sirius's men looked louder even in silence; broad-shouldered, smirks plastered on their faces, restless as if itching to spar right there in the marble hall. Caius's followers lounged casually, a few with arms crossed, others tapping their feet in rhythm, as though always keeping time to some invisible beat. Aalto's subordinates, by contrast, stood stiffly upright, mirroring their captain's sternness. All of them watched, whispering behind gloved hands about the two youngsters who had been brought here. Deren stood at Asher's side, with the elite guards lining each flank of the throne.

   King Asher: - I see you've grown stronger since the last time we met. I would expect nothing less since Selin was in charge.

The woman in question shrugged nonchalantly.

   Selin: - They've still got a long way to go.

A vein throbbed on Hunter's forehead.

   Hunter: - EXCUSE ME?! DID YOU FORGET HOW HARD I FOUGHT!?

   Selin: - I didn't. Nor did I forget how I had to save your soft behinds, both times.

   Hunter: - SHUT UP!!

The rest of the captains were taken aback. Their subordinates nearly lost their composure from the blatant disrespect in front of his Majesty.

   Aalto: - This behavior of yours is unacceptable, young mage!! You must respect your superiors!

Hunter turned his glare on him.

   Hunter: - Can it, Four-eyes!!

Sharp intakes were heard.

   Aalto: - F-Four-eyes?!

   Hunter: - And don't preach me about respect, when you treat her like garbage!! Damn hypocrite!! If you're gonna insult someone, you better own up to it!

Aalto stood there, baffled. Selin smirked and the king tried, but failed, to hide his grin.

   Leigong: - You've got a nerve brat, nerve!!

Lightning coiled around his arm.

   Hunter: - What are you going to do about it, Scarface?! Did you forget about last time?!

Hunter grabbed his scepter. The air thickened significantly, with many members of Leigong's squad preparing to attack.

   Sirius: - DON'T BE SO HARSH, LEIGONG!! THIS YOUNG MAGE IS QUITE SPIRITED, LIKE YOU!!