Hard Choice

[IN THE ROYAL CASTLE]

Within the majestic Royal Castle of the Akatsuki clan, King Aiden had just returned from his divine communion with the gods. As he entered the royal boardroom, he summoned all the royal board members, gathering all six of them, making it seven in total, including the King himself. They assembled, taking their seats, eagerly awaiting the King's announcement.

"My loyal subjects, I have journeyed to the shrine of the gods and received guidance on how to save our kingdom. The gods have spoken, and they require a sacrifice from our kingdom," King Aiden declared.

Lady Fit voiced her concern, "A sacrifice?"

Lord Bane, ever the pragmatist, worried about the potential consequences, stated, "My Lord, we cannot afford to sacrifice more lives in our kingdom. The people will flee, our kingdom will crumble, and we will be weakened, vulnerable to our enemies. We can't withstand such an attack."

The King acknowledged their concerns, "Of course, I am aware of that."

Likon implored the King, "Please reconsider your tactics."

King Aiden raised an eyebrow, "Are you suggesting we must disobey the gods?"

Bingo tried to mediate, "Please forgive us, Your Majesty. Sometimes it's challenging to process such heavy duties. We hope we can come to a common ground. After all, we are your council, my Lord."

The King, with a stern expression, reminded them of their positions, "I hope you all know your place in this kingdom."

Jade, the newest member of the council, who had been quietly observing, sought to ask a critical question. The King had his reservations, wondering why he had allowed her to join this council. But he permitted her to speak, "You may speak."

Jade asked the question everyone was thinking but afraid to voice, "What kind of sacrifice did the gods demand from us?"

A heavy silence filled the council room as all eyes, including those of Lady Fit, Lord Bane, Lord Bingo, Lord Likon, Lady Jade, and Queen Olivia, fixed on King Aiden.

The King finally revealed the gods' decree, "The gods have ordered the destruction of the forest village, along with everyone in it."

Outraged, Queen Olivia protested, "You can't, Aiden! There are innocent lives in that village."

King Aiden reminded her of her place, "Be careful how you address your King, Olivia. Besides, the village is outside the city, and we will remain as strong as we are now, even with them wiped out."

Queen Olivia continued to worry about the consequences, "What about the other kingdoms? What will they say if they find out that we have sacrificed our people for power?"

Lord Bane interjected, "And who will tell them? What is discussed in this council room stays in this council room."

Jade tried to reason, "But you can't... Lady Fit, please say something."

In this delicate situation, Lady Jade realized that the council had to vote collectively, and she suggested, "In this case, it is safe to say that the council must vote for what it favors."

All council members agreed to vote as a unified body.

Lady Jade for a show of hands, saying, "All in favor of the gods raise your hands."

The majority, including Bingo, Bane, Likon, Aiden, and Fit, raised their hands, leaving Queen Olivia and Lady Jade in the minority.

Queen Olivia, in disbelief, sought an explanation. "But, why?"

King Aiden, cold and resolute, reminded them, "Should I remind you of what happened to the eighth Kingdom? In case you have forgotten."

Intense silence enveloped the council room as they all remembered the horrors that had befallen the eighth Kingdom.

"Now that is out of the way, how exactly are we going to get rid of the village?" Lord Likon inquired.

King Aiden reassured them, "Leave that to me. Oh, and one more thing, remember, what is said in this council room stays in this council room."

All six council members agreed, "As you wish, my Lord."

The council members departed the room, leaving only Queen Olivia and King Aiden behind. Concerned about her son, "Did you forget that our son lives in that village?"

The King, unmoved, expressed his disdain, "How dare you remind me of that shameful son of yours? What good will he bring to us without stigmata?"

Queen Olivia, heartbroken, pleaded, "He is your son, for God's sake."

"You will not speak to me of him ever again, do you hear me, Olivia?"

Tears welled in Queen Olivia's eyes as she looked at her husband in disbelief and disappointment. She couldn't believe she had once loved him. Her voice quivered as she spoke, "You continue to break my heart again and again."

The King, full of remorse, tried to explain, "Forgive me, Olivia. But someone has to make these choices. Unfortunately, in this matter, that person is me, and for that, I am deeply sorry."

Queen Olivia remained puzzled, "I don't understand."

"Someday you will, I'll make my plans so you can see your son, be grateful with that he won't die as long as he is there, so stop worrying"

"Then keep your promise because I would never forgive you for everything you put me through and all the suffering "

"Speak for yourself woman, I'll be gone for a while where I am going time moves different, let the kids know I won't be there for a while"

"Do as you wish, you didn't have to tell me about it,' Queen Olivia stood up from the chair, so is King Aiden, "Woman such tiring load to deal with"

The King departed and proceeded to the teleportation room, where four of his knights awaited him, ready to embark on a mission to the Circle Dimension, the world of man-beasts.

"Welcome, my Lord. We are ready to set course," Fang, the knight, announced.

The King, deep in thought, warned his knights, "Is that so? I hope you are prepared for what we are going to face."

[REALM OF MAN BEAST]

In the Man Beast world above Earth, a portal opened, and five figures emerged.

"So!... This is the Man Beast world," Fang exclaimed.

"Yes, be on your guard. We are trespassing here, in the land of the enemy, and I don't want to have to protect you, knights," the king cautioned.

"Yes, my Lord!" the knights replied in unison.

"Now, Temi, lead us to their master," the king commanded.

"As you wish, Your Majesty," Temi replied. He guided the King and his fellow knights along a path to the Man Beast castle.

As they walked through the desolate landscape of the Man Beast world, they could see the red desert that had turned crimson due to the battles that had raged here long ago, the ground soaked with the blood of the fallen during those wars.

And as they continued on their path, "So during the night on Earth, it is daytime in the Man Beast world." Said one of knights.