Death Guns In Another World

''Have you heard it?"

''Heard what?"

''About one of the dungeons getting destroyed?"

''What since when it happened? I thought dungeons are almost indestructible.''

''You said almost, but they can be destroyed if you find the core and destroy it. It's pretty difficult to achieve this but not impossible. The reason why people tend to believe that it's because it's strictly forbidden to destroy a dungeon because dungeons are a valuable source of income for a nation-"

''Enough with the lesson, just tell us what happened.''

''Sigh! Ok, a few hours ago, a little girl destroyed a mid-level dungeon. I saw it with my own eyes. It was the eighth sister, Alexander's sister. It's the truth.''

''It's the truth; I've also seen it.''

''What do you think the emperor will do? After all, Alexander is prince Leon's good friend.''

''Dunno, we will wait and see.''

Here and there, this kind of conversation could be heard all over the capital. It was normal considering what happened, dungeon being destroyed was not something common; it had happened only thrice since the creation of the Lionheart Empire.

One of the past heroes destroyed a dungeon to save the city from an outbreak, and a few years later, Leon's grandfather destroyed another dungeon; he was the second one who did it, and his reason being it was because he wanted to see if he could also do it and finally the third time today, a foreigner destroyed a dungeon.

Not expecting the city to become so lively after what happened and people gossiping wouldn't be normal.

Alex sighed heavily, which made Leon in front of his chuckle.

''Relax, it's not that bad. You have to say Hi to my father and bunch of old men.'' Leon tried to comfort his friend, but he would have succeeded maybe if he was not wearing that Cheshire grin showing he was enjoying his misfortune.

''You are enjoying this, right?" Alex asked him, a little bit annoyed, and Leon admitted.

''Pretty much. Seeing you so tense as if you are about to face a bunch of hyenas left me amused.''

Alex felt compelled to massage his forehead as he said.

''Pardon my bluntness, but they are indeed a bunch of hyenas. I can always imagine what their reactions are going to be. This situation is a god-sent opportunity.''

Leon waved his hand.

''You don't have to be a future ruler. I know what you meant, and if I were in their shoes, I would do the same. Well, let's just quickly get over it, they might be a bunch of hyenas, but I believe my friend has more than one way to deal with them, right?"

Looking at his friend smiling like that as if he was sure that he already had a solution to deal with those hungry hyenas even without seeing them, Alex was amused and couldn't help but shrugs his shoulders. He wouldn't want to admit it, but Leon had a pretty good grasp of him.

''Hahahaha! Whatever, let's go. You can ask for my help if things aren't going your way, but you are going to pay a huge price.'' Leon said while licking his lips. Alex laughed hard.

''What a bad friend.''

''As you friend, I should squeeze you from time to time.''

Alex ignored him as they entered the beautiful golden palace, heading toward the throne hall.

•••••

Great braziers surrounding each of the fourteen soapstone columns light up the lower levels of the throne hall and cover the hall in dancing shadows and a warm radiance. The intricately carved woodwork hanging from the terraced ceiling danced in the flickering light while statuettes looked down upon the mosaic floor of this monumental hall.

A ruby rug splits the entire room in half from the doors to the throne, while forked banners with golden fringes cover parts of the walls. Between each banner hangs a torch; many of them have been lit and, in turn illuminate the paintings of heroes and leaders below them.

Hefty, washed glass windows were neighbored by curtains colored the same ruby as the banners. The curtains have been adorned with gilded linings and burnished corners.

A radiant throne of gold sat beneath an impressively decorated baldachin (canopy) and was adjoined by two rather plain-looking seats for visiting royalty of other nations.

The throne was covered in holy emblems, and fixed on each of the broad feet was a carved lion head. The fluffy pillows were a light gold, and these too have been adorned with dark golden edges.

Those wishing to listen to their royal highness could do so on the countless long and rather bulky brass benches, all of which were perfectly aligned in rows. Those of higher standing can instead take seats in the exuberant balustrades facing the throne.

Currently, the throne hall was filled with people, most of the emperor's aids, and members of the elder's council.

The moment Leon and Alex arrived, all eyes were on them.

''The crown prince has arrived together with his friend Alexander.''

Leon immediately went to his knees.

''Greetings, your majesty, your son has brought his friend Alex as you requested.''

''Hum! Well done, my son, you can rise and sit over there.'' The emperor said while pointing to his left, and Leon did as he was ordered after exchanging a look with Alex, who smiled at him.

Finally, it was Alex's turn; he gave a bow.

''Greetings, your imperial majesty. I hope you have been well since the last time we met.''

''I'm doing well, Alex. We meet again.'' The emperor said as he stood up, and Alex couldn't help but admit that he was tall. You could see that he was tall even when sitting, but his height was impressive when he stood. The emperor had almost reached 3 meters; his physics was impressive full of muscles, each muscle parked with strength.

Alex wondered how much strength his fists would carry; he could not help but inwardly chuckle. If things go according to the plan, he would soon find out, but first, he would have to deal with those geezers looking at him.

While Alex was thinking about how to deal with the geezer, the emperor of the Lionheart Empire, Leo Zaiden Lionheart, had one desire.