Dimensional Descent

In a location barely ten miles from the Capital, Elthor sat on the ground, his face swollen with bruises and his lip dripping with a small bit of blood.

It was clear that someone had roughed him up, but not to the point of leaving any lasting injuries. In fact, even though he had a cold look in his eyes at that moment, it didn't seem to be a real rage. Rather, it was more of a dissatisfaction.

Other than his partially swollen face, his clothing was in rags and his arms were chained behind his back. He sat in the dirt, not looking toward any specific direction despite the fact that several individuals were standing above him. It was as though he couldn't hear their rage at all.

Of these people, two were particularly pissed off. Just with a simple look, one could see that they bore some resemblance to Elthor, although they weren't quite as handsome.

By now, their faces had gone red from fury and their throats hurt from yelling. But, it only made it worse that Elthor didn't respond no matter what it was that they said. He simply sat there, unmoving.

He had already succeeded in his goal. The Capital was definitely being attacked right now and whether they won or lost would be in Leonel's hands.

As for the rage of his family… So what? He only did what he thought was right.

At that moment, the ground suddenly split. A silence fell as they moved out of the way one after another, even the two men who bore a resemblance to Elthor fell into silence, moving out of the way. In the presence of this man, they didn't dare to say a word.

Elthor felt a shadow cast over his body. For the first time, he looked up. But, what he saw made his pupils tremble.

The man that stood above him was none other than his own father, the King of the Oryx. Somehow, at that moment, his wrinkles seemed far deeper than they had been, as though he had aged ten years in the span of just a few moments.

He was a man of tall stature, his hair completely wizened with white. His robes were plain, and he didn't wear a crown, but he had a dignified momentum that forced those around him into silence.

He had a forceful, sort of square face. Compared to Elthor, his horns were far larger, branching out almost like the canopies of a large, ancient tree. Even though his eyes were somewhat murky with age, they hid a sharpness that seemed capable of piercing through his son's soul.

long time. He only continued to observe his

didn't see love, adoration or hope. He saw a deep rooted disappointment that made his heart tremble and his eyes water. His father

that moment, for some reason, he felt that burden

"Why?"

It carried a silky quality one could listen to for a lifetime without becoming tired. It was hard to tell if this was simply natural, or if

trembled before he clenched

make it in time. It would be one thing if they were only sending a few people, but to lead such a large army, it would take too much

the rebel army to attack The Capital. Anything

your orders." Elthor finally said as firmly as he

to place all your people at risk instead?" The Oryx King continued calmly. "Do you understand how many will die when this plan of yours fails? Do you believe that this is something

snapped. "I NEVER

came out harsh and hurried. He was tired of hearing the same bullshit day in and day out. This was never something he had wanted, so why were things always being framed like this to make him out to be

flinch at his son's outburst. His breathing remained

still do not understand. Being King is not about what

wanted to yell again, but his father's soothing voice spoke again before he could, making

not about what you

continued to gaze

presses on your shoulders, it bends your back, it weighs on your heart and soul. You do

who chase after it, lusting after it, pleading for

in their hearts, their expressions becoming overcast by hints of shame they couldn't hide despite

himself trembled fiercely, his eyes watering outside