The morning scene was extremely disturbing— and frightening in a way that revealed the true colors of the real world.
In the competition arena of the Chintamani Empire's palace, thousands of slaves stood bound in chains— kept there only as spectators. Their screams and cries were so intense that the horror was clearly visible. Cruel soldiers wearing black and red armor were mercilessly whipping them, raining down brutal punishment.
Seeing this, Snehwal's mind cried out like a maddened beast. For a moment, he lost control of himself. Among the prisoners and slaves were elderly people, women, and weak cultivators— treated as nothing more than crude vessels or low-grade, worthless objects. They were tortured freely, without restraint.
Just then, a man stepped forward near the main throne and shouted loudly—
"Silence!"
The slaves' screams stopped instantly. Fear seized them as if they had seen a ghost.
Standing at a distance, Snehwal recognized him at once and muttered, "This is the same man who came to Kankal City with the message…"
Lily, standing beside him, spoke softly, "Look— this is the truth of this world. Here, prisoners are made to watch the spectacle instead of spectators. They are enslaved, tortured, and a few years before death, their legs are broken and they are abandoned— so they die in agony."
In a very low voice, Snehwal asked, "What is going to happen now?"
"I don't know," Lily replied. "Why we were summoned— The King himself will explain."
There was fear in Lily's voice— But also respect, which Snehwal clearly understood.
At that moment, a man dressed entirely in black appeared upon the central throne. His eyes had no pupils— only a terrifying, pale, empty vastness that spread fear.
Immediately, the messenger standing nearby dropped to his knees and bowed deeply. Lily did the same. All the prisoners began begging for mercy.
Seeing this, Snehwal felt shaken mentally.
But Liora, Jins, and Snehwal did not move. They did not bow. They did not flinch.
Seeing this, the King smiled.
"Good."
Then, with just a slight gesture of his finger, he forced Snehwal's body to bend and said in an arrogant voice— "You are my servant. Why do you not bow?" "Every Yakshini and her host is nothing more than an object to me." "I have complete ownership over them."
The words were filled with pride and contempt. Hearing them, silent anger began to burn deep inside Snehwal. The pain was also a factor. Because due to pressure, the knees also rubbed on the ground for a moment.
Then— a heavy vibration rippled through the atmosphere. The very next moment, Humbha Yakshini appeared. Beside her stood her host, Mascar.
The two walked straight up to the King and bowed formally. Then Humbha rose, took the King's hand— and kissed it.
A faint, mysterious smile curved her lips. "How long have you been waiting for this moment," Humbha said in a low yet meaningful voice, "for the day when this competition would finally be held?"
Hearing this— Snehwal was startled.
"Competition…?!"
A sharp jolt ran through his mind. Lily, standing nearby, merely gave a faint smile.
Seeing that smile— Snehwal's unease deepened even further. At that very moment— Mascar's eyes met Snehwal's.
For an instant— it felt as though invisible lightning had collided. The air itself tightened with tension. But in the very next moment— that clash vanished. Humbha and Mascar went and took their seats on the chairs beside the King.
And then— Three more presences appeared.
Jury Yakshini, Shon Yakshini, and Lith Yakshini. All three Yakshinis stepped forward together. The sight was truly striking.
Lily shuddered faintly. Liora's body tensed— as if she had mentally prepared for battle, her blood surging hot through her veins. Master Jins smiled lightly, yet his gaze remained serious.
It had now become clear— These three Yakshinis were part of a single organization.
And that fact alone… was a serious problem.
Grinding her teeth, Lith whispered,
"Lily— if I don't tear your host into pieces, I won't find peace."
But in the very next moment— the situation shifted. Shon, Jury, and Lith— all three dropped to one knee and bowed to the King. Then they moved to the three chairs placed on the opposite side and sat down. The atmosphere changed completely. Every gaze carried intent. Every silence concealed a scheme.
Meanwhile— Liora, Lily, Snehwal, and Master Jins went and seated themselves on the chairs placed at a short distance.
And then— The King stood up.
His presence alone made the entire hall feel heavy. He swept his gaze across everyone and said— "There is a very important reason… for which you have been summoned here in this manner."
With those words— it became clear that this was no ordinary gathering. This was the beginning of a game of fate.