In Stone

"We welcome the Armament Guild to…"

King Adonis began with pleasantries, much of which should have fell on deaf ears considering the death and bloodshed that had already taken place. It gave the entire ceremony an air of chaos to it that thrummed at the hearts of those present, but something told Ryu that this was how it was all purposely designed. 

This was the reality of what the Martial Gods were. They put up a façade of scholarly airs, but they were, at their core, a race of people that spoke with their fists, flesh and bone. 

"… Today, as is the case with every conferment of King, those who were deemed unworthy in the past will have a chance to redeem themselves. However, the World Sea Realm experts of our people are far too valuable to sacrifice in this way. What we will one day face is one unprecedented in our history. So, we will instead give this opportunity to the youths."