Chapter 863: Light is Right
Chapter 863: Light is Right
The Dawn Plaza, inside the Gold District, was where the emperor addressed his citizens. It was one of the few times the lower districts ignored their socioeconomic status and visited the higher sections.
Of course, the nobles sat high above the citizens even in such events. They all crowded inside their high balconies, built to the buildings close to the plaza. All of them wore masks as if afraid the citizens would see them.
Citizens had filled the plaza when the sun was clear in the sky, and it was an hour past dawn. However, since this was the main square in Helios, it was big enough to accommodate the citizens, despite the overcrowding.
This time, a platform was erected in the middle of the plaza. It was divided into several sections, some higher than others. The highest one had a throne, where the Light Emperor would sit, with several seats for his family on each side.
In front of the emperor were rows of executioners, standing with their heads covered and giant swords strapped to their backs. Their presence scared the citizens, who stared at the scene in awe. The execution platform had a pair of ethereal stairs that rose toward the sky, connecting to the Light Prison.
After every citizen entered the plaza through one of its four gates, they were shut close. The citizens were confused as they stared at the executioners with fear. As soon as the gates were shut, horns were blown to announce the descent of the prisoners.
The prison gates were thrown open, and chains pulled rows of prisoners. Knights surrounded the execution platform, leaving a wide gap between the crowd and the frameworks.
Prisoners were marched down the stairs to take place in front of the executioners, and some of them tried to resist. However, those were quickly pierced by a laser shot from the white-cloaked guards, making all resistance futile.
Under the fearful eyes of the crowd, the prisoners were lined in several rows in front of the executioners. However, the main event wouldn't start without the imperial family.
"All Kneel, for the one true Light Emperor, Joseph Voldor!" shouted the Nobles Commander, Duke Delano. His magnificent aura and white beard made him dignified, forcing the citizens to kneel.
It started slow, but almost a million citizens kneeled for the emperor once it did. The Dawn Plaza was circular, with a diameter of one kilometer. Thus, it was enough to fit one million citizens, but the overcrowding made them unable to breathe.
Arrays were built into the ground, which pushed the air from the ground. Thus, the citizens were both cooled, and no panic ensued from the lack of air.
Whispers appeared here and there, making the Dawn Plaza noisy. Finally, when light appeared in the sky, all citizens closed their mouths and stared at the arriving imperial family.
The emperor descended from the sky alongside his family. All of them sat on the highest platform before Joseph Voldor gestured for the citizens to rise.
"Dear Subjects," he said with the usual greeting and light smile. "We gather on this beautiful day not to instill fear into your hearts but to start a new age of stability for our empire. This is the day that criminals are punished for their sins."
As he finished his words, the prisoners were pushed forward. Each row had a prisoner with well-known fame, ranging from famous merchants to heroes. The citizens were surprised to see some of their families among them.
"These all have plotted against the empire and sought to threaten our safety. All of them believed foolish lies whispered by a cunning devil named Arthur Silvera. However, that era of betrayal shall be no more because all of them are being sent to the One Light."
The emperor paused, and there was silence. Joseph Voldor frowned and glanced at the Nobles Commander. Duke Delano then struck the end of his Warhammer on the platform, creating a loud sound that startled the citizens.
Understanding the assignment, the citizen roared in cheers. The Dawn Plaza shook under their voice, and tension rose. Finally, the light Emperor raised his hand, and the citizens quietened, allowing him to speak again.
"We are not the only ones who seek justice," said the Light Emperor before he gestured toward a platform a bit lower than his. Several gold and silk seats lined the section, and portals started appearing around them. "Our friends from Shon arrived to ensure our mutual collaboration in a stance against evil."
Several known figures appeared from the portals, with bishops and priests sitting on the edges. The last to arrive were three people, comprising two High Cardinals and one young woman.
However, despite wearing nothing but a white dress, the woman caused cheers among the crowd. No one hadn't heard of her powers and beauty as the beloved Saint of Shon. Her white hair was tied into a bun, with several strands covering her blood-red eyes.
The biggest seats on the platform belonged to these three, who sat with the Saint of Shon in the middle. After all, she was the heir to the Father of Shon, and her status was below his.
"We announce our readiness to aid the Ilios Empire in these troubling times," said the Saint of Shon with her hands cupped on her stomach. "My father sends his regards and apologies for not coming over himself."
"We take no offense in that, Saint of Shon," said the Light Emperor with a smile. "I heard that the Father of Shon has been blessed by a son carrying the Great Draconic Scales. It is only natural that he wants to tend to him."
"We thank you for understanding," said the Saint after a pause, with a dangerous glint in her eyes. "My nation is ready to aid the empire against those who have disturbed its peace and are more than happy to help the empire at its weakest."
"I assure the Theocracy that we are not at our weakest, but our strongest," said Joseph the Strategic with the same smile as he gestured for them to sit. "Please, sit down and enjoy the show."
The emperor called the execution a show, and it caused some discomfort among the crowd. Saint of Shon nodded and sat down with the High Cardinals, a man, and a woman. Then, after sparing them one last glance, the emperor turned back toward the people.
"Our trusted allies are here to reinforce the world's stance against evil and terrorism. Unease has struck the people's hearts ever since that man appeared, so do not be led astray. The light is always right!"
"The light is always right!"
"The light is always right!"
"The light is always right!"
Knights started chanting after the emperor, and so did the citizens. Finally, a million people chanted the exact words with unusual zeal, causing frowns on the faces of the crowd.
"Let the sinners step forward!" shouted the emperor as he rose from his seat, and so did the rest of his family. The emperor had several kids, but those closest to him were Erin and Ivory, his eldest.
The prisoners were pushed forward and kicked to kneel before the executioners. Fear spread among the crowd, realizing the gruesome sight to follow. However, even now, no one stepped forward to intervene.
"Raise the blade of justice!" shouted the emperor, making the executioners raise their blades. "Bring it down on the sinners! Open the path for a new world for us!"
As the executioners were about to cut the prisoner's heads, a flute started playing from the sky. It was different than the earlier horns, and it made the executioners freeze in place. The weird flute made the citizens unable to move as if it carried a magic spell in its sound.
The melody it played was sad and eerie, seeping into the hearts of the crowd. However, not everyone was spellbound since the powerful ones broke through the spell with a simple shout.
"Who dares?!" roared Duke Delano toward the figure in the sky, who was sitting atop the staircase leading to the Light Prison. It was a cloaked figure playing the flute, with long silver hair descending her shoulders.
After a few seconds, the flute stopped playing, and the figure jumped to land in front of the executioners. Her hood came off to reveal a woman of unparallel appeal and charm, making every human gulp down.
"Greetings, dear Ilios," said the woman with eyes that made the heart race. "I had to interrupt your little gathering for a few words I wanted to share. Would you care to listen?"
"And who are you?" asked the Light Emperor with a wrathful face.
"She is the woman I fought, father!" said Erin as he rose in anger, but the emperor raised his arm to stop him. "Let me take her head, father!"
"Erin, sit down. As for you, answer me. Who are you, and what did you come here for?"
"My name is Rain, one of the Rebellion's leaders," said the woman with a smile. She raised her long finger to point at the emperor. "I came here for… your head."