The Monarch

The disrespect Kayden showed was insane, but even so, no one on the council made any move—simply because this was a place reserved for the highest ranks of their organization. It would have been a disgrace to take violent action in such an environment.

A strange silence permeated the air as Kayden said nothing, and the council tried to determine their next course of action. Everything about this situation felt off. It was clear to everyone present that Kayden feared none of them. But...

"Do you understand the weight of your actions? They will now be listed for clarification," the voice said as it began to enumerate several infractions.

"Violence in a public setting, execution of gods without authorization, use of force in a public space, harm to mortals without proper clearance, disrespect toward the Ody family…"

The list continued for several seconds, and Kayden didn't even flinch.

"Do you have anything to say?"

"He acted in defense after being disrespected," Lucius intervened directly, shocking his entire family. It was highly unusual for someone to step in on behalf of a stranger. "But his actions may have gone beyond what was expected."

"The first punishment for all these combined crimes is immediate execution or the right to an honorable suicide," the voice stated, completely ignoring Lucius's words. Meanwhile, Kayden continued drinking his tea.

"I ask that you be lenient with him. I'm willing to take part in the sentence myself," Lucius went even further in his support for Kayden. It made no sense to the mages watching from outside—why would he go to such lengths for a foreigner?

"The lightest sentence is ten billion years of service to the Ody family."

That duration was insane—an enormous portion of a god's life, especially in Atherion, where even gods did not live forever.

This punishment would stall Kayden's growth indefinitely. He would have to work virtually around the clock on tasks chosen by the Ody family, leaving him no time at all to train or grow stronger. Still, it was better than death.

"Can we exchange part of the sentence for paid labor? His power would be of great use to the family," Lucius tried everything in his power to negotiate.

His connections were pulling strings behind the scenes to make his proposal more viable. Some mages openly intervened in Lucius's favor, a clear demonstration of his influence within the Ody family.

"This god's strength would be of great value to the family."

"His service would be worth forgiveness for his crimes."

"My family would be willing to pay for his power."

It became clear to everyone that Lucius was orchestrating a movement. There were almost no voices of opposition—simply because Kayden had no enemies here. Opposing him now would mean opposing Lucius himself, with no immediate or future gain.

"The arguments are valid," the voice continued. "The council will vote."

Minutes passed in silence as everyone waited. Kayden continued drinking his tea, utterly unbothered.

After some time, two types of lights appeared around Kayden—four green lights and just one red. That meant the proposal on Kayden's behalf had been accepted by the council.

"Kayden, the council has accepted the request," the voice resumed.

"Do you accept to submit and work for the family in exchange for pardon for your crimes on our territory?"

Everyone's expectations in that moment were the same: Kayden would say yes.

The deal Lucius had secured for him was unbelievable. Few criminals had ever received such light punishments within the family.

But what no one expected was that…

Kayden laughed and placed his cup back on the table.

"Power rules many places in Atherion, and this place is no different."

Kayden crossed his legs and rested his hands calmly.

"And right now, this family doesn't have enough power to move even a single finger of mine."

Kayden smiled.

Once again, his actions shocked everyone present.

Not even in his wildest dreams had Lucius expected something like this.

But Kayden had said something similar before—and to see him declare it before the full council of his family was terrifying.

A new respect began to grow in Lucius. In truth, it was a kind of admiration.

The council represented the ultimate authority.

There wasn't a single mage in the family capable of defying them.

Every major decision had to go through a vote by these five, and even if their decisions went against the wishes of the entire family, they were respected. In the end, they were the true leaders of the Ody family.

"Your words are heavy, coming from a mere second-level god," the voice replied.

"What organization do you represent that allows you to speak like this?"

Kayden merely smiled and served himself another cup of tea.

"The council has decided to take your life in the next few seconds."

The decision was immediate and unanimously agreed upon by the five mages present.

"What is your organization? This is your last chance."

The council was taking its time, trying not to attack someone who might secretly belong to a powerful organization—it wouldn't be wise to risk war for nothing. But they had been disrespected, and they could not let that go unpunished. Better to invite war to their doorstep than allow disgrace to tarnish the name they had spent generations building.

Outside, the mages watched in absolute silence, as if the air itself had frozen.

Never before had anyone dared laugh in the face of the council—much less reject a salvation offer.

It was like witnessing a legend being born in the eye of the storm—a defiance so bold, it felt unreal.

Lucius sat there in disbelief.

He couldn't comprehend the turn of events, nor how Kayden could place himself above his family.

They were, after all, a family with a fourth-level mage. This was beyond madness.

"I bow to no being," Kayden said as he stood.

"Come on!" he shouted. "Between heaven and hell, I am untouchable."

A simple phrase—but insane.

"Kill me." Kayden smiled and waited, his hands behind his back.

Silence.

His words made no sense in this context.

"The council hereby declares the end of existence for—"

The voice was cut off.

"Do not touch him."

The ancestral did not appear, but the message was heard clearly by all.