Chapter 19: Chapter 19: The Ascension
As the afternoon sun cast its golden rays, the grand square in front of the City Lord's palace was awash with life. Thousands upon thousands of Clavis' residents gathered, forming a sea of curious faces. Dark-armored city guards stood poised at the entrance, swords by their waists, their identities hidden behind sturdy helmets. They stood as silent sentinels, their eyes scanning the crowd.
Amongst the residents, whispers filled the air. "Why were we summoned? What could be so urgent?" murmured Elara, a fruit vendor, to her neighbor.
Jareth, a young scholar, whispered, "Perhaps it's about the meteoric rise in our city's fortune? The food markets have never been this abundant, and the sick rarely visit the healers nowadays."
Before anyone could speculate further, the massive palace gates creaked open. From the darkened archway emerged three figures: Commander Veron, City Lord Erastin, and an enchanting stranger. The unknown man's rich attire, raven-black hair, deep black eyes, and an air of otherworldly charisma made him stand out. He appeared not just regal, but god-like. The bustling square hushed instantly, the sheer aura of this mysterious figure commanding attention.
Erastin, looking somewhat diminished next to the enigmatic figure, cleared his throat. "Citizens of Clavis," he began, his voice echoing across the vast expanse, "In recent times, our city has undergone unparalleled growth. Magic, once a luxury, is now at the fingertips of many. Our wealth has increased, and prosperity touches every corner. All these wonders, these blessings, come from one source: Lord Lucius." As Erastin bowed deeply to Lucius, the weight of his words settled over the crowd.
Continuing, Erastin declared, "I stand before you, humbled and honored, to announce a monumental decision. From this day, I shall abdicate my position, passing the mantle of leadership to Lord Lucius. His vision, his might, surpasses all. The empire of Lysandria, our past affiliations, pale in significance to the grandeur that Lord Lucius brings."
The square held its breath. Then, as Erastin and Veron knelt before Lucius, the guards followed suit, their armors clinking in unison. The wave of reverence rippled outwards, and soon every single commoner was on their knees.
Lucius, an ancient being with wisdom and experiences spanning trillions of years, stepped forward. His voice, deep and hypnotic, washed over the crowd. "My people," he began, every word dripping with false sincerity, "Your trust honors me. Under my rule, the sun will shine brighter, your crops will yield more, and the winds of fortune will favor you. Together, we shall usher in an era of unparalleled prosperity. My vision for Clavis, for each one of you, will be realized. Trust in me, and together, we will rewrite destiny."
With his promises hanging in the air, the trio retreated to the palace, their departure as dramatic as their entrance. The crowd remained motionless, waiting respectfully until they were out of sight.
Inside the ornate halls of the palace, Lucius's demeanor subtly shifted. His eyes, cold and indifferent, reflected deep machinations. Clavis was but the first step. With the city's accelerated advancements in magic, technology, and economy, the Lysandria Empire, neighboring countries, and even the rebels would soon be probing, investigating his sudden ascent.
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