Bab 25: Gratitude and Greed
In the grand hall of the castle, surrounded by the murmurs and watchful eyes of everyone present, I posed my question. "So tell me, my radiant Eliana," I began, searching her deep-set eyes amidst the shadows and beams of sunlight. "Why was I chosen to be the king?" The slanting rays of sunlight streaming through the arched windows bathed Eliana in a golden hue, maksing her face glow with an ethereal light.
Eliana took a deep breath, her eyes shimmering with the weight of history and tradition. "Isolade has always been a kingdom anchored in age-old customs. It has revered the strength of its men, never permitting a woman to ascend the throne. Though I've tried, the ancient systems rebuffed me. A male lineage has always been its backbone."
I furrowed my brow, processing her words. "So, why choose me?"
"In times of peril, a kingdom cannot remain kingless, not even for a day," she explained, her voice laced with a mixture of sorrow and determination. "Given our bond, it seemed only fitting for my husband to assume the role. And should you ever leave this island, I can retain my position as its queen."
The weight of her words settled heavily on my chest. "But why was I chosen to be your husband?"
Her gaze locked onto mine, filled with a conviction I'd seldom seen. "Your strength surpasses any man within these castle walls. My sister Adelia and I recognized that. We saw in you a potential leader. While you might yearn for your sanctuary, know that I'll manage this kingdom on your behalf. I will be the first wife, and Adelia, my sister, will be your second wife."
I could see Adelia looking at me shyly.
Drawing a deep breath, memories of my ambitions swirled in my mind. There were times when my insatiable greed propelled me to conquer every challenge. Yet, all I reaped was a pitiable existence. And now, during a phase when all I sought was tranquility, destiny had crowned me king. Reality, at times, is stranger and more bewildering than any tale.
Would my old ambitions, if rekindled, strip me of my newfound peace?
🕊️ [In life, if you let greed be your compass, you'll end up with empty hands. But if gratitude guides your path, abundance will be your constant companion.] 🕊️
Interrupting my contemplation, Eliana's voice softly broke through. "My king, the traditional ceremony is complete, and the crown now recognizes you. It's time for you to address our people, to forge that first sacred bond."
I blinked, slightly overwhelmed. "How do I do that?"
With a graceful gesture, Eliana held up the ornate crown. "Through this. Each time it's passed on, the new king is granted two chances to address the citizenry: once upon ascending to the throne and again when preparing to pass it on. All of Isolade people will hear your voice."
In the grand hall, bathed in the soft ambient glow from above, I turned to Eliana, uncertainty shadowing my features. "What do I need to do?" I asked, the echoes of my voice reminding me of the gravity of the moment.
She gently held my gaze, her eyes revealing a depth of knowledge and tradition. "Simply proclaim yourself as Jaime, King of Isolade the 666th. Announce your intention to address your people for the first time through the royal status."
Drawing a deep breath, I echoed her words, and instantly, a holographic interface materialized before me. The shimmering display read:
[As the King of Isolade, you possess the unique ability to connect with each and every one of your subjects, understanding their collective well-being.
Status: King of Isolade
Population: 1,856
Note: Merely days ago, a thriving community of 42,546 souls called this island home. Today, only 1,856 remain. Without guidance and hope, they face potential extinction.
Mass Announcement to all beings on Isolade Island? 2 of 2.]
Feeling the weight of responsibility, I glanced toward my trusted AI, Dea. "Dea, can you craft a speech that might rekindle hope in their hearts?"
Her voice, always poised and steady, responded, "I will draft it, Master. You simply need to voice it."
With a firm nod, I signaled my readiness. "Begin the broadcast to everyone on Isolade Island."
A momentary silence hung in the air before I began.
"Citizens of Isolade,
As I stand amidst the echoing grandeur of this hall, the weight of our shared grief, intertwined with the delicate tendrils of hope, lies heavy on my shoulders. This crown upon my head doesn't elevate me above you; rather, it binds me closer to each one of you. I am Jaime, once a mere wanderer, now chosen by destiny to be your beacon through these trying times.
The shadows cast by the undead have not only consumed our streets and homes but have also tried to choke the very spirit that defines us. Yet, here we are, a testament to the indomitable heart of Isolade.
I have seen mothers, with tears in their eyes, whispering tales of bravery to their children. I have witnessed fathers, their hands stained and weary, holding their families close, shielding them from the terror outside. I have seen the young and old come together, not in despair, but in fierce defiance against the night.
Our history, our tales, they speak of resilience. Of times when darkness threatened to engulf our world, only to be repelled by the blazing spirit of Isolade. This is not just another tale, my friends; this is our story.
Can you hear it? The quiet heartbeat of hope that pulses within these walls? That heartbeat is not mine alone, nor is it yours alone. It belongs to all of Isolade. And it whispers a promise - that after the blackest night, there shall be dawn.
The path ahead is uncertain, strewn with trials we could never have imagined. But remember this, when you feel alone, look around. See the faces of those beside you, the faces of those who refuse to give up, who still dare to dream.
Together, we are the soul of Isolade. And souls, my dear people, do not break easily.
As your king, I vow to stand by you. To bleed with you. To hope with you. And when the dawn finally breaks, as it surely will, we will bask in its warmth, our scars a testament to our journey, our spirit unbroken.
In the golden warmth of the hall, shadows dancing as torches flickered, I began my address, my voice resolute:
"Citizens of Isolade, in these dire times, grip one another's hands. Let the shared strength of our unity pierce through the gloom, acting as the beacon guiding us to safety. Remember, our true salvation lies in our unity, love, and relentless determination.
To all who hear the cadence of my voice, make your way to our castle or seek refuge in the sanctuary on the ex-merchant headquarters.
As many of you are aware, I am an Apostle of the GOD of Infinite Light and Everlasting Love, the True Source. To align with us and our purpose, to stand beside us as a follower, recite the pledge. It is the sole gateway to our sanctuary.
For those who embrace our teachings and devoutly pray, some with untainted hearts may discover the 'Purify' ability. This divine gift can immobilize zombies, cleansing the darkness that animates them, offering you a crucial edge in our shared battle against them.
🕊️ [To pledge allegiance to the True Source, GOD of Infinite Light and Everlasting Love, proclaim:
'There is but one GOD, the TRUE SOURCE. None rival the supremacy of the True Source, the GOD of Infinite Light and Everlasting Love. We atone for our past deviations, acknowledging our misguided worship. Dear True Source, we beg Your forgiveness, seeking clemency for our previous misjudgments, our wavering faith, and every moment our gaze strayed from You. Oh, True Source, grant us mercy and guide us to Your embrace.'] 🕊️
Transitioning to the True Source brings no harm or retribution. Any deities previously revered by you shall hold no power to inflict retribution or unleash any malevolent intent upon you.
May Isolade thrive, and may the indomitable spirit of its denizens endure forever!"
With my declaration concluded, I scanned the gathered crowd. A celestial glow enveloped many, indicating their newfound allegiance to the True Source.
Lady Adelia's voice broke the serene moment, a tinge of excitement evident, "I've acquired the 'Purify' skill! Do you think it can truly immobilize those dreadful zombies?"
My voice resonated, "You could try. When the purify spell strikes a zombie, they either slow considerably or become immobile, akin to sitting ducks."
"Fantastic!" Eliana exclaimed.
Turning to Eliana, I said, "I believe you can handle the kingdom. I need to return to our Sanctuary. May I borrow your vehicle? I'll return by evening."
"As you wish, my king."
Mounting the MotoCycle, I rode out from the castle gate. The magic cube protection already lit up, covering the entire castle.
"I will become the best king of Isolade! I have unleashed my greed. World, beware of my greatness."
On the road to the Sanctuary, I asked Dea for support, she was flying around the MotoCycle. "I am going to clear out the zombies, slowly but surely. Please monitor the surroundings and update me with any information."
"Understood, Master," Dea transformed into a radiant orb and floated around ten meters above the MotoCycle.
Suddenly, Dea's voice took on an urgent tone, "Master, be cautious of the approaching..."
Before her warning fully registered, a swift projectile struck me. Darkness consumed my vision.
***
Stirring from unconsciousness, I found myself in a tent, the atmosphere heavy with antiseptic and pain. All around me, wounded individuals were receiving medical attention, reminiscent of a warzone's makeshift infirmary.
Groggily, I asked, "Where am I?"
A voice responded, "Master, you're in Eldoria, a city renowned for its magical prowess and intricate dungeons."
Confused, I furrowed my brow, "How the hell did I end up here?"
"Master," the voice, tinged with a soft digital cadence, continued, "I will relay some vital images to your consciousness. But you should know, I'm not the complete Dea you're familiar with; I am just a fragment, a 'Little Dea'."
Baffled, I pressed, "What do you mean?"
Little Dea clarified, "The primary Dea remains in Rouge Haven. She couldn't keep up with the blinding speed of the kidnappers. Let me recount the events for you."
As the memories flowed back, a realization dawned on me, and I whispered, "That's what they say: humans shouldn't be too greedy, or they might lose everything."
***
2 days earlier
Two female vampires, with speed beyond any I had previously encountered, attacked me. The world around blurred as they whisked me away.
"Are you certain this boy has slain our kin? He appears too weak," one remarked.
"He bears the mark," the other retorted.
"He's too inexperienced to be a threat. There must be something secretive about him. I'll transport him to Eldoria. Continue your duties here and report to the Demon King."
"Admit it, you're taking him because of his looks," teased the first.
"Enough chatter. Our camp on Eldoria's under siege; our camp's in danger," the second shot back.
As LittleDea fast-forwarded through the events, I saw a vast ocean crossed in what felt like a day. Upon reaching a shore, The sky roared and blazed with firestorms, their flames dancing menacingly, juxtaposed by the chilling fury of icy tempests that threatened to freeze one's very soul. Magic crackled in the air, ethereal and potent, manifesting in brilliant, unpredictable spells that painted both horror and beauty in the battlefield.
Amid this chaotic of destruction, vampires, like shadows with wings, darted and swirled, their feral eyes reflecting the chaos below. And amidst this overwhelming maelstrom, the vampire lady put me on the ground and went to help her kind, I lay motionless, oblivious and unconscious to the world's unraveling around me.
When the dust settled, when the final cries of battle faded into the winds of history, the vampires, sensing the tide's turn, chose flight over fight. It was then that the magical alliance, the defenders of the arcane, found my inert form. With gentle care amidst the backdrop of devastation, they transported me to a tent, a sanctuary, where they began the work of mending what was broken.
"My heart is broken; greed caused me to lose my kingdom."
Hadiah
-- Hadiah diterima Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone