Emperor's Reckoning



Karina held the bow in her hand, her fingers gently caressing the smooth wood. It was a weapon she had never used before, but as her gaze fixed upon it, an inexplicable sense of familiarity washed over her. It was as if some ancestral connection had been awakened within her, guiding her in this unfamiliar moment.

She raised the bow, her movements fluid and confident, as though she had wielded it countless times before. The tension of the string beneath her fingers felt like second nature. It was a sensation that resonated deep within her as if the spirits of her ancestors whispered their wisdom and guidance.

As she stood there, bow in hand, her connection to this ancient weapon became undeniable. The uncertainty she initially felt gave way to a profound assurance. It was as though the spirits of her lineage had chosen this moment to lend their strength and knowledge, guiding her in this unfamiliar endeavor.

Kesya examined the bow in her hand with a hint of skepticism. "Not really my style," she mused aloud, "but I do have some elf blood in me."

As she held the bow, a subtle transformation began. Her half-raven-black hair gradually shifted to a vibrant shade of blond, and she even grew a bit taller. It was as though the ancient wisdom of a royal elf was briefly channeled through her, enhancing her connection to the bow and arrow.

However, this newfound confidence quickly wavered when Kesya sensed an intense glare coming from the audience. It was a gaze that she recognized all too well, one that sent a shiver down her spine. With a wry smile, she swiftly canceled her transformation.

"I don't want to be on her bad side," Kesya muttered, referring to someone in the crowd whose disapproval she wished to avoid.

The king's voice resonated throughout the grand arena, commanding the attention of both contestants and spectators. He stood with an air of authority, his words carrying the weight of experience and wisdom. His address was not just a mere formality but a reminder of the kingdom's values and the qualities they upheld.

"All bows pointed down," the king commanded, his tone unwavering. "We never know where an enemy might come, and they will always try to surprise us when they can. And when that time comes, accuracy, speed, and power come into play. All that is encased under the word, reflex."

His words hung in the air, echoing through the arena as if engraving themselves into the minds of all present. It was a lesson in vigilance, a reminder that even in the midst of festivities, the kingdom's defenses should never be forgotten.

The king's proclamation set the tone for the archery round, emphasizing the importance of reflexes, readiness, and the ability to defend the realm at a moment's notice.

The king's command rang out, "Fire!"

Sylas, with a confident grin, released a resounding clap, and the target catapulted into the air, soaring high above the contestants. The archery competition was about to begin in earnest.

The contestants and the spectators alike stared up in utter disbelief as they beheld the astonishing sight unfolding before them. The atmosphere had turned electric, and a collective hush fell over the crowd as they witnessed the unprecedented.

High above, the target dangled, seemingly impossible to reach. Doubt filled the eyes of those watching, and a shadow of despair loomed. Even the captains of the knights, including Sylas, couldn't hide their apprehension.

"You're kidding, right?" Sylas muttered, his voice laced with disbelief.

"I knew he would pull something like this," said Cecile before she sighed, "But... I do want the crowd to shut up." 

Meanwhile, Selena was lovestruck as she set her gaze on him.

In a display that was absolute, Lyon, the sole human among the contestants, was soaring through the air with poise, his bow at the ready. A grin adorned his face as he ascended, and his eyes gleamed with the wisdom of a seasoned hunter. This was a skill honed and refined through countless repetitions, passed down by the very best. A skill that could rival even the most revered archer among the elves.

"Even after death, I still got it, mother."

With a release as smooth as the wind, Lyon's arrow sailed through the air. It struck the target with pinpoint accuracy, piercing an arrowhead that had already been embedded from a previous shot.

Another arrow was loosed from below, hitting dead center from a different angle. Kesya pointed her bow downward and watched as her master landed gracefully on both feet, leaving the entire kingdom in a state of shock and awe.

Alaric couldn't help but murmur "Incredible" under his breath as he witnessed Lyon's unmatched marksmanship. Despite his earlier doubts, it was becoming increasingly clear that Lyon was no ordinary human. His skills were beyond impressive, and Alaric couldn't wait to see how Lyon would fare in the next round of the tournament.

Karina, inspired by Lyon's incredible display, decided to follow suit. With determination, she leaped into the air and drew her bow with her teeth. Her arrow shot forward, slicing through the atmosphere, but it missed the center of the target by a slight margin. "Tch," she clicked her tongue.

Lyon's confident performance had ignited a competitive spirit among the other contestants. With determined expressions, they took to the air one by one, each attempting to replicate Lyon's astonishing shot. While some came close, none managed to match his precision. 

Lyon, on the other hand, nonchalantly approached the three captains. With a confident smile, he handed the bow over to Sylas. He seemed to be in a cheerful mood despite his exceptional performance.

Lyon then playfully teased Sylas, reminding him of the bet he had made earlier. "Looks like you owe the beautiful lady two dinners," he quipped, sharing a laugh with just himself. He winked at Lienna before he returned to his place in line, leaving the lioness with her mouth slightly gaping.

Lyon crossed his arms and raised his chin as he murmured, "Alright, next one should be the final round."