Sebastion had laid his cards on the table. His life was of no cost to him and he only wished for the advancement of his people. He, just like Zain felt like the humans were pulling a fast one over them and with their advanced technology they could easily raid them whenever they were through with playing nice. Terra simply had too much power over them and had to be brought back down to size.

What they were giving away was a part of their people. A gift left by their Ancient or perhaps even a curse as she felt bitter towards her people the last time anyone saw her. Chumana… the creator of the Basilisks. Even now her immense magic was being used against them.

CLANG, BANG, CLANG! The sound of blades clashing together was heard at the front of the castle. Bram was off to a rowdy start as he swung each strike with a fiery passion. Not only was his people up for grabs, but his family, and his life. Most importantly the dream he had worked so hard to achieve.

Unlike Sebastion, he truly believed that everyone could get along together no matter where they came from. They could fight the evil nature in their hearts and reach out for something more. It’d take time and effort, but that was what he was willing to sacrifice to make this dream come true.

Sparks flew as their blades collided with one another. Bram’s passion guiding his strikes and giving them a tad bit more power and ferocity. His opponent was easily overwhelmed, but there was a reason why he was considered Bram’s rival. Even when it looked like he’d be defeated he was always able to pick himself off and rise to the occasion.

Fierce grunts and hisses left their mouths as their armor softened the blow from their swords. If it wasn’t for this protective gear they would have torn each other to shreds right about now. This was a back and forth battle, their swords clashing against one another, them being locked in a stalemate before backing off and trying again from a different angle.

“You know this has to be done, Bram. Deep down you know our people could never be trusted. We are well known for stabbing others in the back. You think anyone would let down their guard and accept us?”

“We don’t have to act like how we are perceived to be. We don’t have to be snakes. My family is proof of that. The bonds I have forged with them will be a great example of the bonds we will forge with the other regions.”

“Hahaha! Don’t make me laugh! Bram, you do realize that one of your so-called family sold you out, right?”

Hearing this angered Bram as he forced the male back before barking at him. “Don’t try to use your mind games with me, it won’t work!”

“Ha! I’m not playing any games with you. He approached me with the idea. He said this would be the perfect opportunity. That you guys wouldn’t expect it. Your boy feels the same as me, ironic isn’t it?”

“No… Zain wouldn’t plot against me. You’re trying to trick me.”

“Funny, I never said Zain was the one who conspired with me!” He leaped into the air, using his added weight as he brought his blade down. It clashed against Bram’s, bright sparks flowing between the two.

“Gaaah! Enough… I will silence your lies… and your tricks!” Bram roared as he forced the man back. He then started to enchant his blade in a purple-colored Mana before charging in.

Seeing this Sebastion imbued his blade with Mana before yelling as he rose to clash against Bram’s blade, but the man was able to shatter his blade with one smooth stroke. Smashed to pieces… the bits of his blade fell onto the sand. Before he could react he gasped.

Bram’s blade was now embedded through his armor, ripping through it like butter and piercing through him. His warm crimson liquid started to leak out from his wound. His breaths became shallow and his eyes widened as Bram twisted the sword into him.

His opponent was soon forced on his knees staring up at Bram and his determination. The King didn’t utter a word as he simply ripped the blade out from his foe’s body. There was no sympathy for someone who threatened him and his family. Blood drops of varying sizes stained the sands and soon his body fell over to the side.

With Bram standing tall everyone looked confused. They stared at him unsure of what to do now. Their King had won, but they still didn’t respect the man. They couldn’t follow his ideals that forged a path to his ideal world.

“Listen… we don’t have to be like the stories that are told about us. Our existence doesn’t have to be feared and despised. We’ve made some mistakes in the past, but I know we can form a better tomorrow. You don’t have to give me your loyalty. I just need your cooperation.”

Everyone remained silent even at his words. The King’s words were absolute, they would indeed cooperate, but they wouldn’t like it. Breaking through that silence was a stream of green Mana that spiraled through the air. Bram didn’t notice it at first, but when he did it was already too late. It shattered the side of his armor and struck the side of his stomach. It wasn’t fatal, but it would be enough to slow him down.

“It can’t be… that attack…” He mumbled as he took a knee, holding the area that was struck.

“Don’t you understand by now, father? A great King should embrace what his people desire. If that is destruction and chaos then let it be.” Zain’s voice was heard as he walked amongst the crowd of people.

“He was right… this is your doing!” Bram coughed, struggling to stand.

“You refuse to give me what is rightfully mine, so now I’ll take it!” Zain walked up to his father, delivering a quick boot to his face to knock him onto the ground. Seeing his father weak and helpless was enough to cause him to smirk and then laugh.

“After everything I’ve done for you... This is how you… repay me…?”

“Everything you’ve done…? You wanna know what you did? You brought me in to an already established family. A family that didn’t have any room for an outsider. Don’t worry as King I’ll make sure you all stay together… six feet underground!”

“Ahhhh! Zain! You ungrateful mongrel! You will not get away with this!” Bram yelled as he fought through his injuries to try and stand. “To become King one must step down or be bested in combat! I’m still standing!”

“For now you are, old man. I was going to let you witness my glory to show you the error of your ways, but I’ll grant you a quicker entrance to the grave!”