A voice rang out through the chaos, cutting through the despair in the room:


    "If that is so, then let me and my kingdom be the ones to accept this sacrifice."


    Everyone froze.


    All eyes turned toward the source of the voice—and to their shock, it was Queen Spirit. She stood tall with unwavering resolve, her expression firm and fearless. Confusion and disbelief spread throughout the hall. Even the King appeared stunned—she was the last person anyone expected to speak those words.


    According to ancient records passed down from his father, her race was the only one that cherished life above all else. They had never participated in the wars of the past, avoiding conflict even when oppressed. They were the first to rise and gather those who believed in peace, and their influence had been a pillar in Utopia''s path to harmony. Because of that, the Spirit Queens were held in high regard by all other races—even the King himself.


    And yet, now… she was the first to offer her people as a sacrifice.


    Before anyone could process what had just happened—before they could wonder if they had misheard—Queen Spirit turned to the King and spoke again, her voice clear and unwavering.


    "If it''s about supplying magical energy to power Abyssal Breaker, then my race is the most suitable. We were born from the pure magical currents flowing through the world. Our bodies are living vessels of mana—it is only natural that we become the source. It feels as though fate itself designed us for this purpose."


    "But possessing strong magical power and sacrificing an entire race are two completely different things," someone objected, voice trembling with concern. "Didn''t you hear what His Majesty said? Supporting the Abyssal Breaker is a death sentence! Even if you''re powerful, it still means certain death. Please… reconsider!"


    "I understand what you mean." She turned toward him with a gentle, almost sorrowful smile. "I truly do. I know this is a suicide mission… but even so, I choose to do it. No matter how many try to stop me."


    "But—"


    "Enough!" she suddenly shouted, her voice booming through the chamber.


    The entire room went silent.


    Gone was the gentle aura she was known for. What radiated from her now was a crushing pressure, the strength of a leader who had made her choice.


    Before anyone could speak again, she continued:


    "I know you''re all wondering why someone like me, who cherishes life, would make such a decision so easily. The answer is simple. What we''re doing is an exchange—the lives of one race, for the survival of all others. Isn''t that a fair price?"


    No one could argue. Her reasoning was painfully sound. And just as she said, it was a tragic but logical exchange.


    "Are you truly certain about this?" the King finally asked, his voice heavy. "This involves your entire kingdom. And I had already assigned your people to develop the core of the Abyssal Breaker. Are you not concerned they''ll be drained before the battle even begins?"


    "You don''t need to worry," she said calmly. "I''ve already communicated with my people through the winds. They''ve all accepted this. Now all that remains is your approval."


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    The King sighed deeply. He scanned the room, silently hoping someone—anyone—would speak up again to stop her. But no one did. The chamber remained quiet.


    Everyone had realized it—her decision wouldn''t change.


    He closed his eyes briefly, preparing to give his final verdict.


    "Alright. If there are no more objections, I hereby dec—"


    A mocking laugh rang through the room, halting his words.


    "How noble. How glorious. Just as I expected from my rival."


    Everyone turned sharply toward the new voice.


    It was King Phantom, Queen Spirit''s eternal nemesis. The one who would do anything to bring her down.


    Queen Spirit frowned. "What are you trying to say?"


    King Phantom stood up with a smug grin. "Ah, forgive me. Perhaps I didn''t speak clearly. I''m simply wondering whether this is truly your will… or just a performance to show everyone how ''righteous'' you are."


    "What nonsense are you spewing now?" she snapped.


    "Oh, come now," he said mockingly. "Tell us—are you really doing this out of duty? Or are you just trying to make yourself look like a saint?"


    "You should watch your tongue!" she growled.


    "Then answer me," he sneered. "Was it truly your choice, oh noble queen?"


    The room fell into tense silence. It was not the first time they had seen the two clash like this.


    Before Queen Spirit could reply, King Phantom turned toward the King.


    "How about this—why don''t I and my people provide the energy for Abyssal Breaker instead?"


    "What?!" Queen Spirit''s eyes widened in shock, echoed by the startled gasps around the room.


    He continued, eyes gleaming with pride. "After all, I, too, was born from the magical forces of the world—not from nature, but from will. That makes me stronger than her, doesn''t it?"


    "Besides, imagine the Abyssal Breaker failing at a crucial moment—just because someone ran out of mana mid-battle," King Phantom added with a smirk, throwing a glance toward Queen Spirit.


    "You arrogant fool!" Queen Spirit snapped. "You may be born of will, but that doesn''t make you superior!"


    Their argument intensified rapidly, voices rising with each exchange.


    Seeing the situation worsen, Queen Mermaid stepped forward hesitantly.


    "Please… both of you, calm down. This isn''t the time to argue—"


    Too late.


    "Silence! Do not interrupt!" both monarchs shouted in unison.


    Queen Mermaid flinched, trembling, then collapsed to her knees in tears.


    Someone quickly rushed to her side to help her back to her seat while the others sighed in frustration, gently comforting her.


    The King watched the scene unfold with weary eyes.


    "So this is what it''s come to… even now, when the end draws near, you two haven''t changed."


    Everyone could only shake their heads. They all knew this was typical of the two—Spirit and Phantom. One believed in love and compassion, the other in strength and domination. Their rivalry had never ceased, and now it threatened to derail even their final hope.


    After a while, people moved to separate them, physically dragging them away from each other—yet they still continued trading insults as they were pulled apart.


    At last, the King made a decision.


    "Very well. I order both of you to undertake this task. Whoever endures the longest will be deemed the victor… and I shall honor the winner before all."


    Everyone turned toward him in shock.


    "But, Your Majesty…!" one person protested. "Even if one of them wins, neither will survive to receive that honor!"


    The King nodded solemnly.


    "Perhaps so. But for the two of them… that recognition is more valuable than life itself. Isn''t that right?"


    Queen Spirit and King Phantom both smiled faintly—and nodded.


    The King closed his eyes for a moment. "Then let this debate end here. We will now continue the meeting."


    Though many were reluctant, they had no choice but to accept his ruling.


    The rest of the session proceeded as the King distributed responsibilities and finalized preparations.


    And when it finally ended, the King rose from his throne, his voice firm and resolute:


    "Begin the campaign. Let us show that creature the strength of our world!"


    The leaders filed out one by one, their hearts a storm of anxiety and determination. This would be their final stand—there was no turning back now.


    Once the room emptied, the King remained alone in silence. He let out a long breath, the weight of their fate bearing down on his shoulders.


    In a voice barely louder than a whisper, he said:


    "May the gods bless us all."


    As he walked out of the chamber, the great doors slowly closed behind him.


    But from within the shadows of the throne room, a figure lingered—unseen.


    "So… it begins. I wonder if you''ll truly live up to my expectations this time."


    And then, the figure vanished into the darkness.


    A chilling silence remained.


    And the future—once so bright—now stood cloaked in uncertainty.