Approaching the Queen
Two guards walked ahead, their armor shining in the sun, with Nux behind them. The atmosphere was strained but peaceful, weighing heavily with power and unspoken peril.
Pallas walked behind them with deliberate strides, the reluctant Silver Armored Spiritual Monarch in tow.
Uncle, you are the Platinum Bishop. Even if this kid has a history, there's nothing to be afraid of," the Silver Armored Spiritual Monarch growled, his tone filled with resentment and a hint of nervousness as he trailed Nux's confident walk.
Pallas frowned, his fingers long as they pressed thoughtfully against his forehead. "Are you daft? Patience, nephew. Wouldn't it be so much more fun to find out the boy's real history and have him dance until he drops? What if… he's just an iron clad?"
The monarch's lips set. "Ah, so that's your strategy. This child… he's odd. He overpowered me without a fight. I have no idea what kind of odd technique he used."
Pallas' emerald eyes flashed, contracting with wary calculation. "Right. He didn't strike. That is what I fear most."
The monarch's face went pale. Could it be. that this revenge would not be avenged?
He clenched his teeth, speaking low but cuttingly: "Uncle… this whippersnapper just defamed the Queen! He openly stated she's his wife!"
Pallas' lids twitched almost spasmodically, a shiver racing down the hairs on his arms. "Is it true… or are you speaking rubbish?"
"This shit is what the whippersnapper said. Everyone heard him," insisted the monarch, anger simmering in his tone.
Pallas took a deep breath, rolling his eyes, a low laugh bubbling out of his chest.
"Your revenge… will be avenged. Anybody who insults the Queen, no matter if their origins reach to the heavens, will die today."
The monarch hesitated. "But… if he is a disciple of one of the Upper Three Sects, he might live.
Pallas' lips curled into a perilous smile. "Foolish nephew. You do not know. The Queen has been intensely repulsive to men in recent years. Even the elders, if called, must stay a hundred meters away, bow deeply, and not look at her. Otherwise, death or serious injury is certain. This. is a sacred taboo."
His tone became colder, more articulate, with the weight of destiny.
No matter where this brat originates, if he has the guts to disrespect the innocence of the Queen publicly, even if I were the King of Heaven, I couldn't possibly protect him. And yet… at that moment, I myself would pour oil onto the fire. Educate him on the cost of arrogance…"
"Uncle… you are really cruel," the Silver Armored Spiritual Monarch said with wide eyes full of awe and terror.
"Boy, study well. You are much too wild now." Pallas' chin rose, his age-old face etched with cruel pleasure.
They exchanged a look, and in the other's eyes, they saw ferocity, delight, and the exhilaration of imminent reckoning. A mutual, malevolent grin spread over their faces.
…
The great gates of the Queen's Palace towered before them.
Pallas cupped his hands in respectful deference. "My friend, wait here. I will precede you and tell Her Majesty the Queen that you have arrived."
"You don't have to," Nux waved his hand dismissively.
Pallas' eyes examined him intently. "If my reasoning is right. this lad calling at the Soulforge Citadel must have a strong sect supporting him or else he would not approach with such assurance.
"But you forget," said Pallas, his voice softening as a menacing glint ran through his eyes, "Her Majesty's crown is detestably repellent to men. In going to the Queen, one must drop the gaze, bow with care… it were best that I precede you to prepare her, to guard your little friend."
Nux stood his ground, lips curving into a thin, confident smile.
"Then… thank you for your courtesy."
"And what am I to say to her?" Pallas demanded, voice calm.
"You must simply say… Nux has called," replied Nux flatly.
Pallas strode swiftly to the Queen's Palace, suppressing a sour laugh. When this young fellow arrives, I suspect that he will not even get out a word before the Queen's fury falls upon him. He will be ripped apart, and I shall have no way to step in.".
Next to him, the Silver Armored Spiritual Monarch chuckled softly. This moron has no idea he's being framed. Wait for my uncle to "speak well" of him… hahahaha.
Nux shot a look up at the palace, allowing a glimmer of excitement to pass over his face. The opulence of the hall enticed him, and in his mind, he pictured the Queen—formerly unrivaled in loveliness—now more beautiful, more captivating than ever.
A quick glance at the system panel in his head and a cunning smile crept onto his face.
[Wife Taking System: Capture Empress Rose. Reward: True · World's No. 1 Beast War Soul!]
[Current Task Progress: 0%]
Tsk, tsk… How much martial spirit should I expect as a reward?
Celestial Dragon Emperors? Saint Dragons? Blue Thunder T-Rex?
All… so common. Never mind. Blue Thunder T-Rex could be something, but the mission has to be done anyway.
A sly, confident smile pulled on Nux's lips. Already, he was planning, looking forward to the booty and mapping out the course of the next mission.
And as for the ancient mind of the Platinum Bishop and the Silver Armored Spiritual Monarch… even if they schemed in secret, Nux's divine flesh, unbeatable and keen as ever, would cut through every deception with ease.