The first assassin moved like water, flowing around Marcus's guard. The second came from above, jumping impossibly high. The third targeted Aria with poisoned daggers.Marcus barely blocked the water-like assassin's strike. The blade scraped against his sword, seeking an opening. This fighter was different from anyone he'd faced. No wasted movement. Pure efficiency."They're Sky King level!" Aria shouted, struggling against her opponent. "We can't beat them!"She was right. Marcus could feel the massive gap in strength. These weren't ordinary fighters. They were legends.The second assassin dropped from above, blade aimed at Marcus's head. He rolled away, but the attack was a feint. The real strike came from the side, a kick that caught his ribs.Marcus flew backward, crashing into the arena wall. Pain exploded through his chest. At least two ribs were broken.The crowd screamed in horror. The Divine Prince was losing.Aria fought desperately but her opponent was toying with her. The

That evening, Lord Titus hosted a victory celebration at his mansion. Nobles from across the capital attended, drawn by Marcus's incredible tournament win. The message was clear: the Divine Prince had support.Marcus wore formal clothes that felt strange after days in armor. He stood beside Titus, greeting guests who came to pay respects."Lord Aurelius," a wealthy merchant bowed. "Your victory today was magnificent. My trading company would be honored to support your future endeavors.""Thank you," Marcus replied carefully. He was learning that every conversation here was politics.More nobles approached with similar offers. Some genuine, others clearly opportunistic. They smelled power shifting and wanted to be on the winning side.Lady Cornelia watched the gathering with satisfaction. "Look at them. Yesterday they were Cassian's loyal servants. Today they whisper about supporting you. That's how power works.""But their loyalty is shallow," Marcus observed. "If Cassian looks strong

Morning came too quickly. Marcus barely slept, his mind racing with everything that happened. When he entered the dining hall, his parents were already there with the nobles and his friends.Everyone looked uncomfortable. Helena's eyes were red from crying. Alexander sat with perfect composure, but Marcus could sense tension beneath."We need to discuss strategy," Lord Titus said, breaking the awkward silence. "Cassian's army moves in two days. We must act.""There's no need for complex strategy," Alexander said calmly. "I'll simply go to the palace and remove Cassian. Problem solved.""You can't just murder the king," Lady Cornelia protested. "Even with your power, that would cause chaos. The nobles who support Cassian would rebel.""Let them. I'll remove them too."Marcus slammed his cup down. "No. That's not how this works."Alexander raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?""You don't get to show up and solve everything with power. These people supported me before you came. They risked the

Cassian moved like nothing human. His sword swung wildly, smashing the arena floor. Each strike created craters. The power was insane, but completely uncontrolled.Marcus dodged a blow that would have split him in half. The berserker pill had made Cassian stronger, but also stupid. He attacked without strategy, just rage."This is your great king?" Marcus shouted to the crowd. "A man so desperate he destroys his own mind to win?"Some nobles looked disturbed. This wasn't honorable combat. This was madness.Cassian roared, the sound barely human. He charged again, faster than before. Marcus barely rolled away as the sword carved through stone where he'd stood."The pill's effects won't last long," Octavius called down. "But it might kill him when it wears off! His body can't handle that much power!"So Marcus just needed to survive until Cassian burned out. Easier said than done.A wild slash caught Marcus's side. Pain exploded through him. The cut was deep. He pressed his hand against

The council chamber was filled with nobles, military officers, and advisors. They all stood when Marcus entered, then sat when he took his seat at the head of the table."Your Majesty," Lord Titus began formally. "We have urgent matters to discuss. The kingdom faces several crises after three years of Cassian's rule.""How bad is it?" Marcus asked.A thin man in accounting robes spoke up. "The treasury is nearly empty, Sire. Cassian spent lavishly on personal luxuries and bribing officials. We have maybe three months of funds left.""The army is demoralized," General Brutus added. "Half the soldiers don't know if they should still follow orders. Some fled when Cassian fell. We need to reorganize completely."Lady Cornelia cleared her throat. "The nobles are divided. Some support you, many are uncertain, and a few actively oppose your rule. There's talk of rebellion in the eastern provinces."Marcus felt overwhelmed. He'd expected problems, but not this many at once."One thing at a ti