This narrative needs an epic tone in its English translation. Here is the translated passage:

The King’s Reckoning

Xerxes was left to ponder if he truly had been a neglectful father to his sons. Every accusation Pyramia hurled at him he could understand, yet to be branded a weak father and threatened with the loss of his rights to his children—that changed the very temper of the tale. Still, he knew, that one day his sons were destined for their own paths of dominion. King Driother had also reminded him that Maximus was to become the King of Thartherus, for there was no other male heir to succeed the throne.

He sought out his sons in their chamber and spoke to them. “Tell me the truth, what truly happened?”

“Father, we already told you where we went earlier. Why the doubt?”

“Answer me properly, Pyramus. I know something ill occurred,” he said sternly. “What transpired where you went? Do you think I cannot sense the heavy burden on Maximus’s mind?”

“Yes, we did sneak out of the schoolroom and went to the border near Wendlock. But we didn’t cross the boundary, Father.”

“Even so, the mountains are perilous, especially with the current threats from Thallerion against Ossibus. Yet, that is not what I need to hear from you. Tell me, did something happen in that place you visited?”

“Maximus is the one who can answer that,” Pyramus said. “Go on, Maximus.”

“Father, I was terrified in that place… There—There was a monster!!!”

“He claims to have seen a monster, but the truth is I saw him sprawled on the ground, having a nightmare… I even thought a snake had bitten him,” Pyramus replied, chuckling.

“That is no jest, Pyramus… If your brother had come to harm due to your recklessness, you would face my wrath!”

“Father, I know that place well. Why would we go there if I didn’t know the territory?” Pyramus reasoned.

“But Father, the face of that being was truly frightening!”

“You’ve become too engrossed in the tales your Thartherian grandfather told you. Now you imagine things.”

“Do you not believe in the stories inherited from our ancestors? The monsters often reveal themselves to those who seek to connect with the living, to become tools for their dark ambitions.”

“Like Peronica, who is said to possess the blood of the Phoenix. And you, Pyramus, have you experienced any signs that an unusual energy has made itself known to you?” Xerxes asked.

“Father, why should we believe in things born merely of imagination? They are not real!”

“Listen, legend has it that Queen Pyramia’s lineage descends from a bloodline carrying the Phoenix’s essence. That is why you are special to Peronica.”

“Is it the fiery red hair like mine? Or Grandmother Pyramia, who looks youthful even in her advanced age?”

“Yes, that is one trait unique to those with the Phoenix blood. So, my son, the world faces wonders and terrors, and every story of our ancestors is tied to the present. Therefore, never believe that monsters or strange beings do not walk among men. They are called the eyes in the darkness; we do not see them, but they can reveal themselves to us in the manner they choose.”

As the father and sons conversed, a monster suddenly materialized before them—long-tailed and with eyes that glowed fiercely.

“You speak truly,” the creature hissed. “We are the eyes that watch over you. And I believe the time has come to claim what is mine.” The monster’s voice was terrifying, and it shifted to the form of a man: tall, heavily muscled, and bearded. His eyes were red. “This is merely my temporary vessel!” He sneered.

“Hide behind me!” Xerxes commanded.

“Father, is that man not the monster from earlier?!!” Pyramus exclaimed, trembling. “The monsters in the world are real!”

The Monster’s Attack on the King and Princes

In that moment, Xerxes was rendered helpless, yet his resolve was absolute to face the beast. However, he knew the monster wielded a power far greater than that of any mortal man. Thus, he braced himself for a perilous challenge.

“Are you not the boy I saw in my vision?” The monster pointed at Maximus. “You are the one the sacred king of the cosmos spoke of, who revealed the prophecy—the one who will end me?” he growled. “If so, I will not permit that future to come to pass!” His voice thundered.

“Dare to lay a hand on my son!”

“What can you possibly do, King of Thallerion? You are not the Orion!” the creature retorted. “The previous chosen ones I have slain, by means of war. If you are the next Orion, then save your sons from the slaughter I shall now visit upon them.” He vanished in a flash and reappeared holding both of Xerxes’s sons.

“NO!!!!” Xerxes roared. Suddenly, Xerxes felt a strange energy, as if a power deep within his core had awakened. An energy he had never felt before. His mind raced with blinding speed. Every possible tactic to fight the monster flooded his thoughts.

The monster saw Xerxes’s eyes begin to glow. “Is that you, Orion!” He saw a presence seemingly merging with Xerxes. “Ha! Excellent! You finally decided to reveal yourself to me.”

“Release my sons!” Xerxes demanded. He felt an intense, surging strength throughout his entire body.

“Our war across the cosmos will end here, Orion,” the monster declared. “For now, I do not possess the true power to crush you, and I know you wield only a mere fraction of your full ability.” The monster summoned a weapon from the darkness, a dark blade, and imprisoned Xerxes’s two sons within a cage woven of black magic.

“I know nothing of what you speak!” Xerxes cried, drawing the sword from his waist as a shield against the monster’s dark weapon.

“This is my first time experiencing a duel with a mere mortal. If you are not the Orion, then at least grant me a worthy fight!”

“Father, be careful!!” Pyramus shouted.

“Shhh…” the monster silenced him. “It is best you sleep now!!!” The two instantly fell into a deep slumber, courtesy of the monster’s magic.

“Now, it is just the two of us. I admit I lack my true power, but I trust you won’t mind if I use a sword wrought from darkness… If it merely grazes you, even once, it will feel as if you are being consumed whole.”

“Enough talk!” Xerxes retorted. He read in the monster’s eyes that it could not use its teleportation ability again in that moment.

“Then taste this!!!!” The monster’s attack was swift and fierce, enough to push Xerxes to his limit. But Xerxes’s vast experience in warfare had honed him to parry the enemy’s onslaught.

“I will not allow you to take my sons!” he shouted.

“That is only if I grant you that chance,” the monster answered confidently. “I find no thrill in your attacks,” the monster said. “You are clearly not the Orion!” He mocked, laughing.

“Why don’t you simply return to the planet you came from… instead of meddling in the lives of others!!!”

“Do you truly believe I am the only one here for the sole purpose of achieving —the return of power!”

“Fools! This planet is for mortals only!”

“There you are mistaken. Prophecy foretold that this world is a fitting dwelling for powerful Constellars like myself.”

“If you are merely a soul, how did you acquire a physical body?”

“This?” He grinned with a sinister aura.

“A ritual granted me the power to have a physical form. A priest gave me this body by offering a human life.”

“Are you speaking of the nation of Cypriox!!?”

“Does a nation that calls itself holy create monsters?”

“Who is the priest you speak of?”

“Why don’t you ask my sword instead!” Xerxes was struck, causing him to weaken instantly. “This is your end.”

But from within the cage, a light like fire suddenly flared and engulfed the entire room. The cage was destroyed, and all of them were momentarily blinded by the intense brilliance. Fearing the light, the monster fled without his captives.

The two sons remained asleep, with only the monster able to wake them. Yet, the monster’s temporary body was also severely damaged. Xerxes looked upon the chaotic room, the devastation surrounding them. The walls looked as if they had been blasted apart. Xerxes sat, weakened by his wound. It was the first time Xerxes had ever seen, and fought, a true monster.

The world is truly in danger, for these creatures are spreading to sow terror, Xerxes thought to himself. When a blinding light was seen from the palace roof, the people scattered in fear, but Commander Matheros immediately raced to the source of the light. He knew that area was near the chamber of the King and the princes.

“My King! Xerxes!!!” Matheros called out. They searched for Xerxes and upon finding him, they were shocked to see him weakened. “My King, why are you in this state?” Phallion gasped. They saw Xerxes pale and visibly weak.

“Summon the healers of Thallerion immediately, and tell them to hurry!” Matheros ordered.

“At once, sir,” the guard replied.

“Xerxes, what truly happened here? Why is everything in chaos?” Matheros looked around and saw the princes. “

“Commander, the princes are unconscious!” Catana cried.

“My sons,” Xerxes answered faintly. With that, Xerxes collapsed.

“Xerxes, wake up!!” Matheros inspected Xerxes’s wound, which looked as if it were poisoned. “Where are the healers!!!?” Matheros roared, greatly alarmed.

“They are too slow!” Phallion said.

They immediately treated Xerxes, and fortunately, the spread of the poison was halted in time. They stayed by Xerxes’s side, waiting for him to awaken. However, after the event, the entire military launched a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the commotion. Yet, only Xerxes could answer the questions that plagued their minds.

When Xerxes regained consciousness, he was immediately greeted by familiar faces. They anxiously inquired about his condition. But instead of answering their questions, he immediately searched for his sons. “Where are my sons?”

“Xerxes, your sons are stable. But they have not yet awakened.”

“Tell them to place additional guards to watch over them.” Xerxes commanded.

“I have already doubled the guard.” Matheros replied.

“My King, tell us what truly happened,” Phallion said. “Did an enemy attempt to take your lives?”

“Yes,” Xerxes answered. Xerxes was about to speak of the monster, but he thought more deeply about it.

“If so, who was that person?” Matheros asked.

“I do not know that man, but you must travel to Cypriox to inquire about the priest who performs forbidden rituals!”

“Cypriox, known as a holy and sacred nation, is now employing forbidden rituals?” Phallion questioned.

“You misunderstand. A single priest from Cypriox is secretly using forbidden rituals.”

“What connection does that priest have to the man who attacked you, Xerxes?” Matheros wondered.

“Will you believe me if I tell you that man resurrected a monster that can assume human form?”

“A monster?” Matheros was close to disbelief.

“That monster took on a man’s appearance,” Xerxes replied. “He might belong to the serpent or dragon lineage.”

“Perhaps that is what the elders refer to as a Hydra or a Draco. Yet, I suspect it is a Cetus, the sea monster that can assume human form. That is what the elders’ stories tell. However, the ocean is far from Thallerion, but the long Cirtax river may be connected to the appearance of the monster you speak of.” Matheros suggested.

“That man embodies the inverted presence of the Crux.”

“The Triangulum is said to have the power to summon monsters!” Matheros exclaimed. “I now understand why we need the aid of Cypriox; they alone possess the power to counter the darkness.”

“That was only the monster’s temporary body, so he may weaken at any moment,” Xerxes said.

“If you faced the monster, how did you fight the enemy? Mortals are no match for them. And that light, where did it come from?” Phallion asked, mystified.

Xerxes could not speak, but he knew the light originated from his sons. “I do not know the reason for that light. As for our battle, his power was limited, just enough for me to match his strength. However, he used a magical sword.”

“It is fortunate he did not land a solid blow on you,” Matheros said.

“I believe an angel helped us escape,” Xerxes said, though it was merely a deception on his part.

Catana arrived, rushing in.

“My King, your sons appear to be suffering even in their sleep!” Catana said, her face etched with pity.

“I am certain it is the monster’s curse!” Phallion declared.

“Impossible!” Xerxes stood, but he became dizzy and nearly fell, thankfully catching himself on Matheros.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep