Kayden hovered above his city, gazing down at it—an impressive achievement he had built over the centuries. The kingdom’s capital was a formidable city, where red and black structures stood out against the clear sky. The streets were wide and paved with gleaming stones, reflecting the sunlight and creating a vibrant, joyful atmosphere. Flower-filled squares and dancing fountains adorned the public spaces, where citizens gathered to enjoy bustling fairs selling magical items and delicious delicacies. The buildings, with their tall spires and ornate details, housed academies of magic and temples dedicated to legendary techniques accessible to all, reinforcing the idea that strength was available to anyone seeking greatness.
The imposing palaces of power, adorned with tapestries and flags, were the heart of the city’s governing organizations. In their lush gardens, public events were held, where magical demonstrations and skill competitions took place in friendly contests. The air was filled with laughter and music; at night, colorful festivals illuminated the city, celebrating its strength and unity.
What truly made his people joyful was the opportunity available to all. Many government positions were filled through rigorous exams, ensuring that only the best were chosen. Additionally, officials were replaced every decade, meaning anyone who worked hard enough could attain power and status that their family had never known before. The laws were relatively just; in the early centuries, there had been an eagerness for those in power to oppress at any cost. While this hadn’t entirely changed, the rotation of power had significantly reduced violence and aggression. Furthermore, Kayden had forbidden the killing or violation of anyone under fifty years old without reason, which contributed to the rise of so many elites in his kingdom. Oppressing a genius was considered a crime, punishable by death.
Kayden hovered in the air alongside Athena.
"You know why. I don’t want any of them in this world," Athena responded coldly to his question.
"You killed a false god of the ninth realm. How will you compensate me? I only accept numbers, Athena," Kayden showed no concern for the lives of his subjects.
Athena had killed Reyna in an impressive display of power. The woman had reached the seventh realm and become an unshakable entity, but even then, she shouldn’t have been able to make such a leap in power. Clearly, dark methods had been employed. The repercussions of her actions were hushed by Kayden, who simply decreed that Reyna had died during one of her training sessions. While the news wouldn’t easily stick, Yan was supporting him, and at that moment, his word was practically sacred.
"I’ll give you a false god with nine lightning bolts," Athena said with a pout.
"I want two of them," Kayden wasn’t willing to accept anything less.
"Or else what?" Athena challenged him, her stance defiant.
"I’ll leave your life," Kayden spoke these words with perfect control over his expression and soul, but in truth, he was nearly spitting them out.
"You know you can’t," Athena’s heart raced wildly. She couldn’t imagine such a thing happening, but the expression and soul of Kayden made it clear he was serious.
"I’m capable of anything, Miss Athena," Kayden replied without emotion, despite experiencing one of the most emotional moments of his life.
"Fine, but how long will you deny this?" Athena glared at him.
"As long as it takes."
While they argued, a massive funeral was taking place below. It had taken hours to begin, but enormous wooden pyres were lit across the city. An odd stillness filled the air as the majority of the kingdom’s citizens gathered to witness the event. Reyna had been known for her good deeds, while Kayden was known for his darker actions. While he was a tyrant king without prayer, Reyna was a motherly figure who extended a helping hand to all. It was one of the most somber and chilling events Kayden had ever witnessed. Reyna had been such a good person that an entire kingdom had come to see her off.
Not only adults but the elderly, children, teenagers, men, and women had gathered to say their last goodbye to their queen. Thousands of miles of bonfires were lit, and the sorrow was so palpable that natural laws in the area began to change.
"I could say many words here. Reyna stood by my side from the early days, but I believe that wouldn’t truly reflect who she was. No matter how long it takes, I invite every mage of the fifth realm and above to speak in her name."
Kayden was merely avoiding his responsibilities at this moment, but this decision resulted in one of the longest funerals in history, lasting nearly five years. Thousands of people spoke, many eventually returning to their homes, but the majority remained. Kayden took in every possible detail, conducting thousands of soul excursions into billions of people.
Everyone’s soul was ripe for his influence, and he took advantage of the moment to ensure most would choose to stay. Not only did he ensure this, but he also used the occasion to bind everyone’s loyalty to his kingdom. He imprinted loyalty directly into the souls of all present. A five-year funeral wasn’t something normal mortals could withstand, but through his efforts in altering their souls, Kayden made it possible. He didn’t breathe for a second during those five years, ignoring all meetings he could. His decision proved right when, a few years later, the average power of the kingdom saw a slight increase.