Ch-134 A Meeting of Kings

The throne room of the Human Kingdom of Arctalis was a grand display of wealth and authority. Golden chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, casting warm light on polished marble floors. Ornate banners depicting the royal crest adorned the walls, while rows of advisors and nobles lined the sides, whispering among themselves.

At the center of it all, on an elevated dais, sat King Lain of Arctalis. A man of striking presence, his golden armor gleamed under the lights, and his piercing blue eyes seemed to look right through anyone who stood before him. Yet, as Raghav Ye King stepped into the room, silence fell like a shroud.

Raghav's calm steps echoed loudly in the quiet chamber, his presence undeniable. Though he had suppressed his power, his sheer aura was enough to command attention. His crimson-and-black suit stood out starkly against the royal decor, and his gaze was unflinching as he approached the throne.

King Lain rose from his seat, his expression a mixture of curiosity and caution. "Raghav Ye King," he said, his deep voice filling the room. "You walk into my court like you own it. I assume you have a reason for this... boldness?"

Raghav stopped a few steps from the throne, his posture relaxed but commanding. "Boldness comes naturally to those who have nothing to fear, Your Majesty," he replied smoothly. "But I am not here to play games. I come with an offer... and perhaps, a warning."

The nobles exchanged nervous glances, but King Lain held up a hand to silence them. "An offer, you say? And a warning? Speak plainly."

Raghav nodded, his voice steady and clear. "Your kingdom has potential, but it is shackled by this planet's limitations. Your people, your resources, even your ambitions—they are confined by the borders of this world. I propose we look beyond."

King Lain's eyes narrowed. "Beyond? Are you suggesting we abandon our home?"

"Not abandon," Raghav clarified. "Evolve. Your people are capable of much more than this stagnant existence. I can help you break free from these chains. There are other worlds—worlds ripe with opportunities, resources, and power beyond your imagination. But to reach them, you will need me."

A murmur spread through the room, but King Lain's gaze remained fixed on Raghav. "And what would you gain from this? Surely, a man of your... stature does not offer aid without expecting something in return."

Raghav allowed a small smirk to touch his lips. "You are perceptive, Your Majesty. Yes, I do expect something in return. Loyalty. Cooperation. And one individual."

The tension in the room rose as King Lain leaned forward. "Who?"

"Marin," Raghav said simply. "She holds a power that cannot be contained within this world. She does not belong here, and her potential will be wasted if she stays. I intend to take her with me when the time comes."

King Lain's expression darkened. "Marin is my daughter, Raghav. My biological daughter. She is not just a subject of this kingdom—she is its future. Do you honestly think I would hand her over to you so easily?"

Raghav's tone grew colder. "You misunderstand me, King Lain. I am not asking for your permission. Marin's destiny lies beyond this world, and whether you agree or not, I will ensure she fulfills it. However, I would prefer to have your support, rather than your resistance."

The room fell deathly silent. The weight of Raghav's words hung heavily in the air, and even the most skeptical nobles seemed to feel the gravity of the situation.

After a long pause, King Lain sighed, sinking back into his throne. "You speak with confidence, Raghav Ye King, and I can see you are not a man to be trifled with. But Marin is my blood, my legacy. If I am to trust you with her, I will need more than your words. Prove to me that your intentions are true."

Raghav inclined his head slightly, a gesture of acknowledgment. "Fair enough. You will see soon enough that my actions speak louder than my words. But let me make one thing clear, King Lain—whether you stand with me or against me, the future I speak of is inevitable. The question is, will your kingdom rise with it... or be left behind?"

King Lain studied Raghav for a moment, then gave a small, reluctant nod. "Very well. I will consider your words. But know this—I will not allow my daughter, nor my kingdom, to come to harm. If you betray this trust, you will face the full might of Arctalis."

Raghav's smirk returned, colder this time. "You have my word, Your Majesty. But I assure you, there is no force in this world—or any other—that can stop me if I decide otherwise."

With that, Raghav turned and began to walk away, his steps measured and deliberate. The throne room remained silent as the doors closed behind him, leaving King Lain and his court to ponder the implications of the encounter.

As Raghav stepped back into the bustling streets of Arctalis, he allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. The seeds had been planted, and the future was beginning to take shape.

And for Raghav Ye King, the future was his to command.