章 2: Ocean of Blood

In powerful realms, warriors, aside from select few, were the most powerful and respected individuals, making the path of the warrior the most sought-after occupation for both males and females.

On the Amaya realm, one had to pass the warrior examination to be considered a great warrior of the realm. Their abilities were then further evaluated through life and death battles against opposing realms to secure a commanding position in the mighty Amayan army.

The higher the commanding position, the greater the status of the individual resulting in those experts opinions holding greater weight in court.

Presently in the Ocean of Blood, on the border between the Amaya realm and Ahankar realm, a new batch of warriors that passed the warrior examinations from the two realms were engaged in a fierce bloody battle to the death.

However, with one glance, it was obvious to any observer that the battle was completely one-sided.

Shrill cries and the neighing of blood-soaked Myifs filled the chilling night air as spears pierced through the vital organs of the warriors. With a tug of the weapon, blood spurted like a fountain, deepening the blood ocean below even darker.

Amidst the macabre, stood a lone figure on top of a black Myif shrouded in darkness. His waist-length silky black hair swaying in the night breeze, the young man's complexion was extremely tranquil, with no trace of emotions in his deep dark eyes. The metallic scent of blood from his body with crimson stains on his snow-white face and minced meats clinging onto his black long gown, gave his sharp facial features the aura of a sovereign of death from the immortal realms in legend.

The grim force radiating from him gave him the appearance of a death god, making both friends and foes fluster in his presence.

He was the leader of this new batch of warriors from the Amaya realm. He was also the crown prince of the Amaya realm, Crown Prince Lail.

What should have been a battle of life and death, was a game of dice for him as he dictated the warriors under him to counter the attacks of their enemy in an almost prophetic fashion, resulting in an inconceivable record victory of ten days warrior baptism in the Amayan history.

"It is finally over…" Sighing, Crown Prince Lail tiredly swept his gaze around the area.

He ignored the fervent eyes of the warriors around him as he located his cousin, Prince Noore, among a crowd of men in the official robes of the Amayan court.

His ash-blonde hair, characteristic of the Amayan natives, glowed delicately in the warm summer sun. With his captivating sky-blue eyes, it was never difficult for him to be the center of attention. Even the important ministers of the imperial court seemed to only be decorative vases created for the sole purpose of enhancing his charms.

As Crown Prince Lail drew near the group, he overheard the Minister of State informing Prince Noore of the appearance of the Jinn Ambassadors in the Amayan Border.

"The Jinn Ambassadors? Do you mean the kingdom that proposed marriage to our Empire using their national treasure as dowry a year ago? They are here already?" Prince Noore's eyes widened in surprise.

"Yes, Your Highness. They did get here earlier than anticipated. Fortunately, thanks to the Crown Prince, the warrior baptism this year ended a lot faster than any years prior."

"With this, not only do we have enough time to get back to the Imperial Capital for the welcome feast, but the result of this year's baptism will also serve as a warning to the surrounding realms, preventing any form of skirmishes near the Amayan and Ahankar border in the near future." The minister of state complacently replied, his smug expression making one misunderstand him as the one to achieve such feat.

Due to the impending nuptials of the two princes of the Empire to the foreign princesses, the court ministers have been overly tense and cautious lately. One could say it was that period of time where a single mistake on their end could result in the failure of the formation of the alliance.

After all with the surrounding realms eyeing the Empire with eyes akin to starving wolves, failing to secure the "golden bird" rumored to bring prosperity and wealth to the possessor would be a clear reflection of their incompetence.

With what face would they hold their positions in the imperial court then?

"The Jinn Ambassadors have already crossed the Galactic Mountains hence why His Majesty, the Regent Prince decreed for the princes to return. The Ambassadors should reach the Imperial Capital within the next three months. We have to be back in the Imperial City in time before their arrival." Declared the Minister of Rites.

"Then what's the wait? Prince Noore, get the commanders to clean up and start packing for our return back to the Imperial City. There is nothing much left here to waste time on anyway." Crown Prince Lail commanded arrogantly without glancing at the bowing ministers, before making his way towards his own tent with his Myif.

Crown Prince Lail himself did not have much of an opinion on the political marriage agreed upon by his Royal Uncle. After his parents' death when he was eight, he rarely came in contact with the opposite gender as he was either training with the soldiers at the border, learning military strategies, leading troops, or traveling the Empire with his Father's best friend to learn the ways of the world.

As such he had neither expectations nor felt any distress about marrying a girl whom he had never met before.

Jumping off the Myif, Crown Prince Lail called for a servant boy for bath water as he entered his tent. After washing up and changing into cleaner black robes, he tied the front portion of his hair in a ponytail leaving the rest open to fall freely on his back and shoulders.

Grabbing his sword, he strode out of the tent ordering the servants stationed at the entrance to take them down and get packed before getting on his Myif.

"Prince Noore and all the court ministers shall set off with me for the Imperial Capital at once. All other high ranking military officials will follow as soon as they complete transferring the chain of command! Is that Understood?"

"Understood!" The military officials and soldiers replied in unison.

"Alright! Now get moving!" Ordered Crown Prince Lail before directing his Myif forward with Prince Noore, the military commanders and generals, and the court ministers on their own Myifs flowing behind.