"THIS IS A DECREE FROM THE KING AND QUEEN OF THE PRISMERIAN KINGDOM, SO EVERYONE, PAY CLOSE ATTENTION!" A royal guard, clad in superior-quality armour that set him apart from the patrolling guards, took a commanding position at the heart of the street. His thunderous proclamation echoed through the area, while several guards encircled him.
"BECAUSE OF THE AUDACOUIS ATTACK BY THE DESCENDANTS OF THE FORGOTTEN CLANS, WHO SOUGHT TO AMBUSH AND ASSASSINATE THE ROYAL FAMILY, ANY INDIVIDUAL FOUND TO BE A DESCENDANT OF THESE FORGOTTEN CLANS, FOLLOWING A THOROUGH INVESTIGATION, WILL FACE PUBLIC EXECUTION. ANYONE DISCOVERED ASSOCIATING WITH THEM WILL MEET THE SAME FATE OR BE INCARCERATED IN THE DUNGEONS FOR LIFE."
"THEREFORE, IF YOU POSSESS ANY INFORMATION ABOUT THE DESCENDANTS OF THE FORGOTTEN CLANS, KINDLY SHARE IT WITH THE ROYAL GUARDS TO AVOID IMPLICATION WHEN THEY ARE APPREHENDED. THE ROYAL FAMILY IS COMMITTED TO PURGING THEM FROM THE PRISMERIAN KINGDOM THROUGH ANY MEANS NECESSARY."
"ALSO, IN LIGHT OF THE GEMHEART CLAN'S ATTEMPT TO SEIZE SUCH AN OPPORTUNITY TO ASSASSINATE THE ROYAL FAMILY, THEY HAVE BEEN DECLARED TRAITORS. THIS MEANS THEY HAVE NO PLACE WITHIN THE PRISMERIAN KINGDOM ANY LONGER. THEREFORE, THE CRYSTALFORGE CLAN AND THE ROYAL FAMILY DECLARE WAR ON THE GEMHEART CLAN AND ALL THOSE WHO ALIGN WITH THEM."
"CITIZENS OF THE PRISMERIAN KINGDOM, I IMPLORE YOU TO DEMONSTRATE YOUR UNWAVERING SUPPORT FOR OUR KINGDOM TODAY. WE MUST UNITE TO PREVENT SUCH ATROCITIES FROM OCCURRING AGAIN. IF, BY ANY UNIMAGINABLE CHANCE, THEY HAD SUCCEEDED IN COMMITTING SUCH A HEINOUS ACT, WHO KNOWS WHAT CALAMITY WOULD HAVE BEFALLEN OUR KINGDOM?"
"FOR THE SAKE OF THE ROYAL FAMILY, FOR THE SAKE OF THE PRISMERIAN KINGDOM, FOR THE SAKE OF OUR LIVES AND SAFETY, LET US STAND TOGETHER AND USE OUR FULL STRENGTH TO BRING THE DESCENDANTS OF THE FORGOTTEN CLANS AND THE GEMHEART CLAN TO JUSTICE!"
As the royal guard's thunderous proclamation echoed through the air, it jolted every passerby present. The collective roar of the crowd snapped them out of their daze, and with extraordinary fervour, they rallied behind the cause.
There was a shared resolution to purge the Gemheart Clan and rid the kingdom of the descendants of the forgotten clans once and for all.
…..................
Garden
Orion, accompanied by Madam Seraphina, gazed in astonishment at the vast crowd that had gathered for the event.
Hadn't the Queen mentioned that the number of participants for the trial would be limited? If that were the case, then why was the turnout so massive that they had effectively encircled the entire lake?
Madam Seraphina, perceiving Orion's confusion, offered an explanation. "Considering the limited activities available within this mountain, the Crystalforge Clan saw this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the event where one of the select participants would complete the trial and gain the power necessary to challenge the White Flame."
"They extended an invitation to anyone from the Crystalforge clan who wished to witness this memorable occasion firsthand, which is why we see such a large crowd here today," Madam Seraphina explained, her gaze sweeping across the spectators. "In fact, the turnout is even smaller than our expectations, likely due to the coming war; not everyone could attend given the circumstances."
Orion nodded in understanding. He already knew that the Crystalforge Clan was reserving this event primarily for themselves, so the absence of the other clans didn't come as a surprise.
Gazing at the Divine Lake Essence before him, Orion furrowed his brow and asked, "Do you happen to know where the trial is going to take place?" He had meant to pose this question to Princess Crystalia the previous day, but it had slipped his mind as he focused on making sure she was comfortable and no longer feeling aroused.
However, now, with the crowd gathered around the expansive lake, Orion's scepticism began to grow.
"For safety reasons, the location of the trial is kept a secret. However, I was instructed by the Queen to bring you near the lake," Madam Seraphina explained.
She sighed, clearly defeated by the mystery surrounding the event. Then she added, "But considering that everyone is here, it's not far-fetched to assume the trial has something to do with the Divine Lake."
Orion nodded, contemplating the same idea. Saria's words had been on his mind, making him wonder if her suspicion was somehow connected to the trial. Choosing not to dwell on it, as it was impossible to verify his thoughts, Orion pushed the notion aside and turned his attention to the figures approaching behind him, drawing the attention of the crowd.
Seeing that it was the royal family not only Orion, but everyone's attention was also drawn towards them.
The royal family also spotted him, and Madam Seraphina gave them a nod before they were ushered to a designated spot, encircled by a group of white-robed elders.
As the crowd started to part, all eyes were fixed on a particular figure that had made her entrance.
Recognizing her as the Princess of the Garden, Orion observed her briefly. She acknowledged him with a nod before shifting her attention to the vast assembly of onlookers.
"Welcome, everyone, to this special gathering," the Princess of the Garden spoke.
While her tone remained composed, her voice carried throughout the area, ensuring everyone could hear her clearly. "Though there are many things I would like to share with you today, to save time, I will be brief."
Realizing that the Princess of the Garden was about to disclose important details about the upcoming trial, the attendees perked up, their ears attuned to her words.
Simultaneously, those who were seeing the Princess of the Garden for the first time were captivated by her beauty, momentarily distracted by her impending message.
She continued, "I would first like to inform you all that the trial will be held within the divine lake. If you have reason to believe that you cannot withstand the immense magical pressure within the lake, I strongly recommend you reconsider your participation for your own safety."
As soon as the Princess of the Garden announced that the trial would be conducted within the lake, the entire crowd erupted into a frenzied buzz.
