RAIWAN AGAINST THE DIVINE

Chapter 4: Shadow of War

The city of San Raza stood as a gleaming jewel amidst the sprawling landscape, its towering spires piercing the sky like the fingers of giants. From a distance, San Raza seemed almost ethereal, a mirage of shimmering stone and magic.

As one approached, the grandeur of San Raza became more evident. The city's walls, built from enchanted stones that shimmered in the sunlight, stood tall and impenetrable—a testament to its resilience and strength. Intricate runes and carvings adorned the walls, chronicling tales of heroism, legendary rulers, and the city's storied past.

Inside, the streets of San Raza were a bustling hive of activity. Cobblestone pathways wound through the city like veins, leading to grand plazas and marketplaces alive with vibrant sounds. Merchants hawked their wares, children laughed, and street performers captivated audiences with feats of magic and acrobatics. The air was thick with the scent of exotic spices, freshly baked bread, and blooming flowers, all mingling into an intoxicating aroma that was unique to San Raza.

Every corner of San Raza was imbued with magic. Enchanted lanterns lined the streets, casting a warm glow that never dimmed, even in the darkest nights. Gardens bloomed with flowers of every imaginable color, some said to possess healing properties or bring good fortune. Fountains, filled with crystal-clear water, sparkled under the sun, their gentle murmurs providing a soothing soundtrack to the city's vibrant life.

The heart of the city was dominated by the majestic palace, its domes and turrets soaring above the skyline. Constructed from the finest marble and inlaid with precious gems, the palace was a marvel of architecture. There, the royal family resided, ruling over San Raza with wisdom and fairness, their decrees shaping the destiny of the city and its people.

Inside this palace, a meeting was taking place between the king, the crown prince, the royal advisors, the chief general, and other high-profile individuals. They were deep in discussion when a courtier entered.

He kowtowed and announced, "My king, the King's watchman seeks an audience."

Murmurs rippled through the room, mingled with sounds of struggle, as a figure appeared. Almost eight guards attempted to restrain him, but their efforts were futile. He moved past them as though they were mere obstacles, insignificant against his force.

With a raised hand, the king signaled for the guards to step aside. "Let him approach."

The King's watchman moved to the center of the room and bowed deeply, his forehead and palms touching the floor.

A shiver of fear swept through the room. The presence of the King's watchman always brought a chill to those who saw him, for he was a harbinger of bad news. His appearance rarely signaled anything less than catastrophe.

The King's watchman was one of the few men in San Raza to have attained the rank of Grandmaster—a rank that made him a figure of great influence. His formidable ability to foresee danger had earned him the title King of Watchmen. With him at the borders, the kingdom enjoyed a significant advantage. No beast horde or ill-intentioned individual could enter without being detected. His unparalleled foresight had bestowed upon the kingdom the name The Evil Exposed, as no threat could evade him.

His sword skills were even more fearsome, and yet, here he was—visibly shaken.

"Speak," the king ordered, barely masking his unease.

The watchman took a deep breath. "My king... We have at our borders five hundred Lord-rank divinants from Naif-al'azal. They are waiting for us to prepare to be slaughtered."

The room fell into stunned silence.

"Elaborate," the chief general demanded. "I believe no one here understands what you're saying."

The watchman slouched, taking another deep breath. "Even I am unsure if I fully comprehend it." he admitted before recounting the events.

"I was sparring with Mary when I saw them—five hundred of them, all clad in battle armor. At first, I thought my eyes deceived me. Why would Naif send such an army against us? And not just any army—all five hundred of them are at the Lord rank."

"What happened?" the king asked.

"I sent three of my men to fly out and determine their intentions..." His voice faltered, his fists clenching untill veins bulged across his forearms. The air around him seemed to ripple with the strain. "They beheaded them. They sent one back with their heads... and a message: Today, San Raza shall go extinct."

The weight of the words hung in the air, suffocating the room. No one spoke for what felt like an eternity.

Eventually, the king was the first to break the silence. He turned to his special advisor. "What do you think?"

The advisor exhaled slowly, his face drawn with confusion. "I don't know what to think, my lord." He reached for a glass of wine, downing it in one go.

The king sighed in frustration. "Why would Naif send five hundred Lord-ranked fighters to a small place like San Raza where the strongest we have is only a single Paragon? One Lord would be enough to dominate the entire city, so why send five hundred?"

"Perhaps their true target is someone hiding within our city. " the general suggested.

The advisor chuckled. "How many enemies could they possibly have? Five hundred? A hundred? Ten? I wager fewer than that." His voice dripped with sarcasm. "One would have to possess an unparalleled ability for stupidity to become their enemy."

A round of uneasy laughter filled the room, but it died quickly as the king slammed his fist on the table, splintering it. "Why us? This isn't a show of power—it's madness! We have five hundred Lords at our doorstep!"

His voice echoed through the hall, laced with desperation.

"I asked a simple question, and you responded with nonsense." His tone sharpened, cutting through the tension. "Send the heralds. Everyone must prepare for war. We will not sit idle, waiting to be butchered like sheep. We will show the world that San Raza will not fall without a fight."

Not long after, the city echoed with a sudden proclamation.

"Royal Decree! Royal Decree! Royal Decree!" A voice echoed through the city, amplified by magic.

The vibrant streets of San Raza fell silent. Every citizen paused, listening.

"All citizens of San Raza are ordered by His Highness, King Kaixin the Mighty, to gather at the east gate, clad in their battle suits and ready for war!"

Males and females alike, save for children, the elderly, and the sick, will be escorted to the safe hall until after the war!"

A collective gasp rose from the people. The king had spoken. San Raza was going to war.