God of Restitution : Zero to Sovereign

Chapter 10: The Banquet Hall Trembles

Julian Vance smiled widely, his eyes full of pure victory. He stood with his arms crossed, waiting for Commander Marcus to swing the heavy weapon and smash Leo into the concrete. Chloe Taylor giggled, raising her hand to cover her mouth as she prepared to watch Leo get dragged away like a stray dog.

“Shut your mouth,” Commander Marcus barked, his voice exploding like a sudden clap of thunder.

Julian’s smile grew even bigger. He nodded quickly. “Yes, Commander. Tell this trash boy to shut his mouth.”

“I was talking to you, Julian Vance,” Commander Marcus roared, turning his fierce gaze directly onto the wealthy real estate heir.

Julian froze. His eyes blinked in total confusion. “Commander? What do you mean? I am the VIP guest here. My family paid ten million dollars. This boy is just a delivery driver.”

Commander Marcus did not care about Julian’s words. He stepped forward, his massive body forcing Julian and Chloe to take three quick steps back. The sharp black baton in the commander’s hand gleamed dangerously under the golden lights.

“Step back right now, both of you,” Commander Marcus commanded, his voice cold and heavy. “If you take one more step toward this gentleman, or if you say one more disrespectful word, I will personally lock you in a military cell for the next ten years.”

Chloe’s heart skipped a beat. Her face turned completely white. She looked at the commander, then looked at Julian, her hands shaking. Gentleman? Did the head of security just call Leo a gentleman?

Julian’s brain went completely numb. He stammered, his face twisting in deep confusion. “But, Commander. He does not even have an entry ticket. He is trying to sneak in. Check his pockets. He is poor.”

“He does not need a ticket to enter this palace,” Commander Marcus said in a deep, absolute tone. “He can walk anywhere he wants in this city.”

The commander turned away from the shocked couple. He faced Leo, his fierce body bending forward as he gave Leo a deep, incredibly respectful ninety degree bow. The other ten armed guards behind him immediately slammed their boots together and bowed low in perfect unison.

“Please go inside, sir,” Commander Marcus said, his voice full of deep reverence.

Leo did not say a single word. He did not look at Chloe’s jaw which was hanging open in pure horror. He did not look at Julian who looked like he had just swallowed a fly. Leo simply kept his hands in his pockets and walked past the golden security gates, his steps smooth and royal.

The elite guards remained bowed until Leo's figure completely disappeared into the grand entrance of the palace.

Julian clutched his own chest, gasping for breath. “What just happened? Chloe, did you see that? Why did they bow to him? Is that security guard crazy?”

Chloe was shivering in her gold dress. She could not find her voice. Her mind was a complete mess. Leo was the same boy who used to save his lunch money just to buy her a cheap lipstick. Why did the most feared military guards in the province treat him like a king?

“Maybe,” Julian said, trying to convince himself, “maybe Leo found a fake uniform or tricked the guard. Yes, that must be it. He is a sneaky liar. Let us go inside, Chloe. My father is waiting. We need to focus on the business deal. The Vanguard officers inside will definitely throw Leo into a dark dungeon when they catch him.”

Chloe nodded quickly, swallowing her fear. “Yes, honey. You are right. Leo is just a lucky loser. He cannot survive inside the real hall of power.”

They walked through the grand doors, their hearts pounding fast.

Inside, the grand banquet hall was a world of absolute luxury. The ceiling was thirty feet high, covered in massive crystal chandeliers that showered the room in dazzling light. Hundreds of tables were covered in white silk, topped with the finest gold plates and diamond glasses.

The most powerful people in the country were mingling, drinking wine, and talking about multi-billion dollar trades.

In the center of the room, Julian’s father, Thomas Vance, was sweating profusely. He was trying to talk to some low-ranking Vanguard managers, but they were ignoring him completely, treating him like hot garbage.

“Father,” Julian called out, rushing over with Chloe.

Thomas turned around, his face full of stress. “Julian, thank goodness you are here. The situation is terrible. None of the top leaders will talk to me. They keep saying we have offended someone at the absolute top. Our entire life savings will vanish if we do not get this construction contract tonight.”

“Do not worry, Father,” Julian said, trying to look brave. “When the main event starts, we will present our proposal. No other company can match our size.”

Suddenly, the beautiful classical music playing in the hall stopped completely. The giant golden curtains on the main stage began to open slowly.

A senior announcer dressed in a formal military uniform with shiny gold medals stepped up to the microphone. The entire room went dead silent instantly. Every billionaire and political leader stopped talking, turning their eyes toward the stage with deep respect.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” the announcer's voice echoed powerfully through the massive speakers. “Tonight is a historic night for our province. As you all know, our local economy and our security are fully controlled by the great Dragon Vanguard.”

Thomas Vance clutched his hands together, praying silently. Chloe held her breath, her eyes fixed on the stage, dreaming of the wealth she was about to enjoy.

“For the past five years, our supreme leader has been away on a secret, top-secret mission,” the announcer continued, his voice growing more excited and proud. “Tonight, his mission is fully complete. He has returned to take absolute control of his empire. The fate of every business, every project, and every family in this room rests entirely in his hands.”

The crowd began to whisper in extreme excitement. The mysterious Sovereign was finally appearing in public.

Julian leaned closer to Chloe, a greedy smile returning to his face. “Watch closely, Chloe. This is the man who will sign our contract and make us kings.”

The announcer raised his hand, pointing toward the center of the dark VIP section.

“Let us welcome the absolute ruler of the Dragon Vanguard, the Supreme Sovereign!” the announcer shouted.

The main lights in the giant hall suddenly went completely dark. A single, massive golden spotlight cut through the darkness from the ceiling.

The spotlight shifts across the dark room, locking directly onto Leo Sterling.