King Brutus

Among human beings, a very specific category of people has stood out in recent centuries. These people, affectionately nicknamed "Pigs" by humanity, were individuals who willingly sold their allegiance to other races, going against the interests of their own species. To a large extent, it is these individuals who provide information about rebellious behavior to the other races.

These "Pigs" act as spokesmen of chaos, people of corrupted character who do not hesitate to betray their fellow humans in exchange for riches and to strengthen their ties with the dominant race. Some of them hide in the shadows, secretly communicating with the other races, while others settle in human territory, pretending to be kings when they are in fact mere obedient dogs.

A man stepped onto the stage, a makeshift structure placed precariously in the center of the town's main square. Everyone stopped in their tracks and looked at him. From the expressions of the people, it was evident that the man was not popular there.

"Yesterday, we humans carried out a cowardly act! I know that many here feel envious of the Cliffhands' greatness, but the act committed yesterday simply cannot be forgiven!" the man said.

Peter, camouflaged among the crowd, knew exactly what the man was talking about. What surprised him was that they had discovered that the death of that prince was caused by a human. In theory, humans should not be strong enough to defeat a Cultivator.

A woman stood a few meters behind the man. Her beauty was almost unfair, and the reddish dress she had chosen for the occasion emphasized her generous curves.

Under other circumstances, Peter would have been happy to appreciate the woman's physical attributes, but at that moment his attention was fully focused on the crystal box she held. Although it looked like a simple object, there was something about it that caused Peter a slight sense of urgency.

*DING

[A tracking device is trying to contact the energy in the Host's body! Blocking access!]

*DING

[The level of the Host too low! If measures are not taken, the device will detect your energy as a cultivator in just 30 seconds!]

Peter had been too naive. Although the system was extremely powerful, it was not omnipotent and could not save him from every dangerous situation he encountered along the way.

The Cliffhands' strategy of setting up a public address was extremely clever. If Peter remained in the crowd, the device would detect his energy and reveal his presence. Should he try to escape, it was likely that a Cultivator would intercept him in no time.

It was a dangerous situation. He was still completely unaccustomed to his own power and could not claim that he would be able to escape a truly powerful Cultivator with his current abilities.

"Shit..."

[15 seconds!]

Peter made an internal decision. If his identity was exposed at that moment, he would do everything in his power to escape. Although it was a critical situation, he was not someone who would give up his life easily.

Gathering strength in his legs, Peter prepared to run as fast as he could. Those few seconds would decide his life and death; mistakes would not be allowed in his escape.

BOOM!

An explosion echoed through the town square.

Instantly, chaos took over. The humans gathered there, perhaps driven by the trauma of the previous days, scattered in all directions like ants.

At first, Peter was confused. That explosion seemed strangely convenient to get him out of that situation. It was obvious that someone had deliberately tried to help him escape. What worried him was to know the true motivations of this mysterious benefactor. Had he helped Peter out of mere sympathy or was there something more behind it?

An ancient castle rose majestically among modern-looking buildings and constructions. The landscape created a bizarre contrast, as if an illustration of a medieval castle was superimposed on a painting depicting a high-tech city, a strange meeting of the ancient and the modern.

Sitting majestically on a throne studded with precious stones, a fierce-looking man emanated an aura of natural leadership. His firm and refined posture gave the feeling that his existence was above others. The most striking feature of his appearance was undoubtedly the layers of rocky skin on his face, a distinguishing characteristic of his race.

Beside him were two angelic looking women. One of them displayed a captivating softness, with snow-white hair and ruby skin. Although her clothes were discreet, they could not hide her sensual figure.

The second woman radiated a fierce aura, with hair as red as fire and tanned skin. Generously, she displayed a large cleavage in her dress, highlighting her full breasts.

"What do you mean by.... failed?" the man asked the servant before him coldly. "Are you telling me that the human who stole the Axe of Doom has not yet been identified?"

"Yes, an explosion occurred as we were about to capture him," replied the servant.

The man was silent, pondering the situation. His concentration was interrupted by the angelic voice of the white-haired woman.

"My king... I believe Misty bears great guilt in this situation. How dare she give birth to such a defective child?"

"Don't try to incite me to do anything," the man replied, looking coldly at his wife.

"Exactly!" the red-haired woman exclaimed fiercely. "How dare you involve the King in your petty squabbles!"

"Silence, both of you!" ordered the man, "I have already taken care of that matter. Misty is no longer alive."

The two women exchanged a defiant glance. There was a clear rivalry between the king's wives, and neither would hesitate to take the life of the other if it meant achieving a higher position in the hierarchy. Becoming second or first wife would mean that the king really valued the two women in question. Their voices would be heard at important meetings, and only the king would be above them in authority.

While the king was still pondering the matter, an advisor abruptly interrupted him.

"I apologize for the intrusion, King Brutus. Prince Mark and Princess Miriam request an audience."

"Send them in," nodded the king.

A short time later, two young adults came through the gates and walked down the red carpet to stand before the king. Prince Mark had an ordinary appearance, but even though he stared into his father's cold gaze, his expression remained serene.

Princess Miriam, on the other hand, had beautiful features. Her short brown hair was tied in two ponytails at the sides, her eyes were blue, and her skin was clear as snow.

"What do you, my children, wish?" asked the king.

Miriam stepped forward.

"My king, I require a few more humans to complete my research."

"I grant you permission. Pass the details to one of my advisors," replied the king.

Mark also stepped forward.

"My king, I have come here today to continue our previous discussion."

Instantly, the atmosphere changed. A huge pressure washed over everyone in the room, some servants only lasted a few seconds before passing out from the shock.

"There is nothing more to be discussed! You dare to desecrate the throne hall again with such heresy?" interrupted the king in a voice laden with anger.

"I know the truth about humans, father. If we had their help, perhaps this war would not need..."

Brutus stood up abruptly. His facial features and his voice were coated with pure hatred. The pressure increased even more as he stood up, and even some soldiers began to crack in the face of this overwhelming force.

"The truth about humans? The truth about these vermin is only one. They are pigs who live only because I allow them to!"