84 – Visit & Get Started!
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PART 1 – Visitors from the Empire!
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A huge entourage arrived from the Zenirys Empire, arriving at the entrance to Krugar. A few years ago, Skarla, not liking the difficulty of transportation, accompanied by the excessive expense of creating a path, even with the huge hole she had already dug before, simply destroyed everything.
She leveled the ground, destroying even more of the mountain and forcing the rocks into the ground, creating a firm foundation. Then the builders and Earth Mages came, modified it, and soon one of the largest roads was created, which also became the entrance to Krugar.
Before, certain mechanisms were needed to carry large loads, as the slope of the road was too steep to simply drive forward, so platforms with elevators were created to help with transport.
This was very inefficient, so as Skarla is a Demigoddess, she simply did it, greatly reducing maintenance costs and making it easier to cross. The slope still exists, but the road is long, so you can hardly feel it.
Such is the power of a demigod; problems are solved on a whim. Of course, demigods would hardly bother to do something like this, it is far beneath their station. But Skarla doesn't care about such things, and if she can do it, she will!
Kaleria Zenirys, the Empress. She watches from the top of her vehicle, one that cost a lot of money and was naturally purchased at one of the many auctions in Krugar.
The vehicle in which she, her husband, his concubine, and the concubine's son are traveling looks like a type of tour bus, only larger, more decorated, and luxurious, being a mobile residence.
In this vehicle, Kaleria sits drinking tea, watching the road and the mountains that divide it, where from her vantage point she can see the name given to this place: Palm Way.
She sees signs of an open palm tree crossing the road ahead. She has not been here for a long time, before the road became like this. From the stories, Skarla simply waved her palm and the entire terrain changed, the huge mountains took the shape of her palm and it was possible to feel the pressure.
“A demigod...” Kaleria frowns. All her plans were based on her past life, all her efforts did not involve interacting with demigods, as one is more than enough to obliterate her continent.
Then, for the first time in over 50,000 years, a demigod was born on the Seahorse Continent. It appeared in her era, something that had never happened before, which makes Kaleria certain that Skarla is the same as her. Someone who has returned to the past, a demigoddess from the future who has returned.
There is no way she can be anyone else. Her strange techniques that do not fit in with this world, she had no idea what society was like in other worlds, nothing of the recent events that are shaping the world, the constant presence of Gods and the continuous interference of Demigods. None of this makes sense, unless Skarla has indeed returned, having gained knowledge from one of the many worlds currently connected to them.
Kaleria understood that her interference with the past, present, and even the future resulted in drastic changes. The birth of a demigod, gods taking an interest in the world, other worlds invading...
Kaleria wonders what she did. At the moment, she knows that nothing she did would cause all this, even understanding the butterfly effect, she knows she would not reach such a level. This implies that Skarla is the main cause of all this; she is the biggest variable in her life.
In recent years, Kaleria has been doing her best, but her plans are constantly thwarted, and now... the Black Mages she invested so much in, doing everything to keep them in line, have betrayed her and so easily gone over to Skarla's side.
Kaleria is certain that Skarla knew about them. In the future, something would expose the Black Mages under her control, so she waited until Kaleria made her move in Melamia to absorb the Black Mages and have a weapon against her.
She realized her mistake. She greatly underestimated that her plans for the future, even with all her care, are still susceptible to failure, especially if they involve other people, as the failures may stem from them and not from her.
This made her rethink and restructure several plans, as well as prepare to purge certain people who could greatly harm her. Even though many are loyal and she feels some apprehension about getting rid of them, as they are important people in many ways, they are still individuals who, if their knowledge comes to light, will be equal to or worse than the Black Mages.
If Skarla knows about these individuals and is just waiting for the right moment, she will have even more weapons against her. But because of the importance of these individuals, Kaleria has not yet gotten rid of them, or she will have problems. She must be careful.
“To think that our daughter has come so far,” Lucius said calmly.
“What?” Kaleria, lost in her own world, did not notice that Lucius had been standing next to her for quite some time.
Lucius sighed. “Our daughter, Hackel. I still remember the rebel causing trouble all over the palace, not acting like an imperial princess, fucking all kinds of noble daughters, worrying us about spreading the Imperial Seeds unnecessarily.” He laughed. “Now she's the mother of two incredible children, as well as a Legendary Warrior, who could reach the level of a Demigod in the coming decades...” His tone grew heavy at the end.
Kaleria narrowed her eyes, not looking at her husband, but tilting her head, she vaguely remembered many things, the little child she used to beat and discipline, but who never changed, stubborn and determined, certainly her greatest pride.
“Yes... she's grown a lot.” Kaleria closed her eyes, not noticing Lucius' complex expression.
“Where did we fail?” His expression became calm as he asked, Kaleria gave him an indifferent look. ‘Fail? We succeeded and she achieved all this.’ Kaleria snorted.
“Yes, but everything she achieved was because of Skarla, not us. Our daughter became a Legendary Warrior who, if our ancestor were still alive, would be filled with pride that another powerhouse was born into the Zenirys lineage. But she renounced our proud name, all connection to us, and only kept her blood because it would kill her. So yes, we succeeded in raising an incredible woman who knew how to take advantage of every opportunity, but we failed as parents!”
Kaleria snorted, looking ahead. “We failed, or do you mean I failed?” She smiled coldly. “You're not the sentimental type, Lucius. If you're sorry we lost control of one of our children, just accept it quietly like I am.”
Lucius narrowed his eyes and shrugged. “Let's solve this problem you've caused us.”
With a disdainful snort, Kaleria continued to stare ahead, across the mountains, where huge buildings could already be seen in the distance, vast green lands, an absurd and enviable prosperity.
Lucius just watched Kaleria, a complex gleam in his eyes. Footsteps sounded and a handsome young man with red hair arrived, accompanied by a red-haired beauty.
“We're finally here. Father, is Skarla as amazing as they say?” The prince asked, showing his impetuous personality.
Kaleria showed a look of disdain, but with her back to everyone, they couldn't see it. The concubine looked worried, which made Lucius laugh. “She's even more incredible, but when we meet her, show her the utmost respect and only speak if she allows you to.”
“Of course, I have no plans to anger a demigoddess, that would be the stupidest thing to do!” The prince laughed, Lucius chuckled as he looked at Kaleria's back, which had a dark look on it.
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PART 2 – Welcomes!
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The Imperial Family arrived, and the people in the streets watched, but there were no celebrations or warm welcomes from the people. Of course, when they arrived in the most noble part of the city, they were given the respect they deserved.
But this is a demonstration of how Krugar views the Zenirys Empire. The common people do not need to care if a king, emperor, or demigod is visiting; they only need to concern themselves with their lives or when it is actually a festive season.
For if every time someone minimally important visited, all of Krugar became festive, millions of gold would be spent on useless things, and work would stop unnecessarily.
Krugar literally welcomes important and influential people every month. Demigods visit constantly, requesting many things, since Skarla is the only demigod who can do whatever she wants.
...
“Mom! Dad!“ Hackel said happily, hugging Lucius and then Kaleria.
”Uwo! Little Houston? My goodness, you've grown so much!” Hackel smiled and rubbed his half-brother's head.
Houston, the prince, did not expect this, and Lucius laughs. “I told you your sister is quite eccentric.”
“I'll say.” Kaleria rolls her eyes and smiles slightly, remembering a fight and looking at the concubine's gaze toward Hackel, that look of gratitude, which only irritated Kaleria, who did not show it.
Anyone watching would not believe that this was the Imperial Family of Zenirys. Acting without decorum or restraint. But those who are truly smart and can read facial expressions notice many complications in these looks, the obvious growing tension.
“Come, I'll show you your quarters, and tomorrow I'll take you to the Krugar Academy,” said Hackel, laughing and guiding them.
“Thank you, sister... but... I'm sorry if I'm being rude or disrespectful, but I thought the Demigoddess Skarla would be here.” Houston swallowed hard, hesitant, and his mother gave him an intense look.
“Oh, Skarla? She couldn't come, she had to settle a civil war on another continent. The demigod of the Imperial Family of that place came begging for her intervention. Do you see that golden pyramid over there?” Hackel pointed to the peak of a mountain, and now that they looked, they could indeed see an intense golden glow. “It's a Magic Gold artifact. I'm not sure what it does, but they say it can fire a kind of energy beam that can destroy mountains. They gave it to her as payment, but she has to resolve the situation and be back by tomorrow, then I'll introduce you all.” Hackel smiled unconcerned.
“Is it normal for demigods, known as the strongest and most arrogant in the world... to come to Lady Skarla for help?” Houston was shocked.
Hackel rolled his eyes. “Unfortunately. At first they constantly tried to threaten her to stop interfering. Apparently there's a group of these useless old men who think they rule the world. Skarla destroyed them with the help of the Elves, and since then, instead of threatening her, they've been running around with their tails between their legs, begging for help.” Hackel laughed loudly, and Houston's eyes sparkled.
“Are you talking about the Sky Organization? I thought those were just rumors.” Lucius was astonished, and even Kaleria, who had only heard rumors, paid attention.
“I think that's what they called themselves. They mainly rule to the northwest of us, but they're at least six continents away. We're not under their jurisdiction, so it's normal to think it's just rumors. But honestly, they're a bunch of useless people who do nothing.” Hackel scoffed.
“Is it okay to talk about such powerful beings with such disdain? Aren't demigods sensitive to comments about them, even the most lighthearted ones?“ Kaleria narrowed her eyes.
”Oh, yes, they can hear and feel when someone talks about them, even without mentioning their names. Just the act of thinking and talking about them makes them aware.” Hackel laughed. “They're probably listening to me right now, and what can they do? Skarla has already killed some of them and put the others on a leash. They can only swallow their pride, because they're weak!” Hackel mocked.
“You're playing with danger,” Lucius said.
Hackel shrugged. “Father, I'm going to become a Demigod soon. The closest ones are Letiphia and Shunam, so soon, even if they're not as strong as Skarla, we'll have two other Demigods wandering around. In ten years, I'll become one, so why should I care?”
“You're that close?“ Lucius was shocked, and so were those listening. ‘It hasn't been many years since you became a Legend, but you're already so close to becoming a Demigoddess. Is being Skarla's wife really that beneficial?’
”More than you can imagine,” Hackel laughed. “I still have a long way to go, but in 10 years I should be able to reach that level. I could have achieved it sooner, but complications arose and... look, we're here!"
Hackel laughed and took them to the guest mansion, showing them the rooms, the facilities, and much more. Soon Kamilla and Magnus arrived, happy to see their grandparents.
Houston played with his niece and nephew, but felt inferior; they were both very strong, especially Kamilla, who was only 14. She is provocative and unscrupulous, showing that if Houston falters around her, she will leave some good marks on his backside.
Magnus was the opposite of his sister, more respectful, proud, and confident. Houston managed to interact well with him, but in front of his nephew, he realized how inferior he was, especially when he saw him interact with Kaleria. Houston was quickly ignored.
Kamilla has a Special Ability, and knowing this still shocks Houston, who can't remember the last time someone from the Zenirys Imperial Family had such power.
......
Night fell, Kaleria put Houston to bed, watching the beautiful young man sleep. “I have failed so much with my children and grandchildren, but you are not a failure. I cannot fail you!” Kaleria's gaze was intense.
She got up and left, finding herself alone in the hallway. She walked, looking for a way out, wanting to walk in the garden and focus her thoughts. She has many goals for being here, one of which is to resolve matters with the Black Mages.
Aah~
A moan reached her ears, and she looked over to see that it was coming from Kamilla's room. At first she thought that, just like Hackel fucked his brothers, Kamilla was now fucking her uncle, but it wasn't his moans, because she had just seen him enter one of the nearby rooms.
Kaleria sighed and just kept walking, knowing that it was probably one of Kamilla's bodyguards, or one of the many beautiful maids in this mansion.
She soon looked at the room she was supposed to stay in, listening to the sound coming from inside. Lucius was already wasting his time with his concubine. She ignored it and soon spotted a servant, ordering him to guide her to the garden.
She went to the garden. The air was cool and calm, and she walked and contemplated her life, adjusting her thoughts and the information she had gathered in the last few hours.
Skarla would return tomorrow night. She needed to make Hackel promise to take care of the Black Mages' affairs. If she could get her daughter's promise, she knew it would work, for Hackel was a woman who honored her promises.
“Demigoddess... I should have put more effort into forcing her to marry into the family.” Kaleria sighed, remembering the time when Skarla came into her life.
At first, she thought she was an unknown legendary figure who had just ended up on the continent by chance and would leave after doing a few things. But no. She was an inhabitant of the Krugar Mountains.
Kaleria didn't even consider Skarla in her plans, she didn't know of her existence and as a result, she missed many opportunities. If she had forced the two to marry in the name of the Zenirys, today Krugar would be a principality at the very least, and the entire Seahorse Continent would have succumbed to the Zenirys Empire by now. Even if it hadn't succumbed, the moment Hackel reached the Demigod Level, it would have happened.
Things got out of control, Kaleria knows that conquering the continent as it is now is useless, so all she can do is entrust her dreams to one person, Magnus!
If she manages to make Magnus the next Emperor, it is obvious that Skarla will stop devouring Zenirys. She will be able to keep Zenirys standing, then she will remain in the shadows, ruling alongside her grandson, watching him become a Demigod.
If Skarla's wives reach such a level with ease, it is obvious that their children will be no different.
“What is she planning?” Kaleria narrowed her eyes, thinking of her daughter.
She taught Hackel many things, one of which was to hide her cards. To openly reveal that Letiphia and Shunam are about to become Demigods, that in 10 years, she and perhaps other wives may achieve the same, is not wise.
Her daughter is not impulsive, even if she appears to be. Hackel does not do things without thinking; she is her daughter. So if Hackel said such things openly in front of not only her family but also servants who could easily spread such news, Hackel has something in mind, and Kaleria is trying to find out what it is.
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PART 3 – Civil War!
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The day before the visit of the Imperial Family of Zenirys!
Skarla was reading documents when an unexpected visitor arrived. A tall, handsome man with a somber look, long black hair, and white eyes.
His name is Lartos Voncred, a demigod from the Voncred Continent. He conquered and unified the entire continent and then gave it his surname. He was an extremely arrogant man, overly confident, and many other adjectives that together made him the worst kind of person to interact with.
“I don't remember putting up a sign in the sky saying, ‘Demigods, visit me anytime!’” Skarla didn't even look at the man, his tone full of disdain as he continued reading.
Lartos stood up straight and bared his teeth, his face obviously annoyed, but lowering his head, he said. “I apologize for coming without warning, but unfortunately, I have no other options and need this matter to be dealt with immediately!”
Skarla rolled her eyes. “Lartos, I already told you that your daughter is a whore with no functioning brain cells, I can't cure her!” Skarla sneered.
“Can you at least look me in the face when you talk to me or insult my family?” Lartos growled.
Skarla closed the book and stood up, facing him. “I'm not going to interact with your whore of a daughter. She's the dumbest person I've ever met in my life, having the lineage of a demigod and simply betraying one of the strongest and kindest people, madly in love with her, and then starting a damn civil war!”
“I will not interfere in this useless headache. You should withdraw your support, or simply exile and isolate that retarded bitch. It's been over 5,000 years since you let your descendants rule that throne, you who were foolish and wanted a direct descendant of yours to return to power.” Skarla rolled his eyes, turning his back on the man and going to get a drink.
Lartos is about 6,000 years old. He conquered and unified his continent and left one of his grandsons in charge. His lineage has ruled ever since, but over time, his lineage became so thin that he couldn't even feel any familiarity with the generations before the current one.
He then interfered, impregnating an influential woman who died in childbirth. She was strong, a powerful warrior, but conceiving children of demigods is not something easy that can happen just because you want it to; it takes preparation, and Lartos was foolish enough not to make such preparations.
The child who was born was a beautiful, extremely powerful, and influential woman. She was automatically placed on the throne, and Lartos made sure to find a Legendary Noble to be her husband.
When they met, the Legendary Noble fell madly in love with her, reminiscent of Aaron and Leslye.
That was about 100 years ago. Now, Lartos' daughter, a stupid woman who has everything, simply became curious about a Centaur slave and took a liking to him. She was stupid enough not to hide it properly, and a servant saw them, who spread the news, which spread like wildfire, without contingency.
As a result, Lartos' daughter and her husband argued, it proved to be true, and they fought, two Legends fighting fiercely. Lartos interfered and tried everything to mediate the conflict, only for a Magic DNA test to be performed.
Before, it was possible to interfere, Lartos could. But Skarla created accurate and perfect tests, even doing them personally if paid, and she would never lie. So she did the test, ignoring Lartos' pleas, and it was proven that none of the children were his.
As a result, a civil war broke out in Voncred, because the slutty daughter of a demigod wanted to fuck a horse!
...
“You already interfered! If you had kept quiet about the paternity of my grandchildren, none of this would have happened!“ Lartos growled.
”If you had taught your daughter not to fuck horses, or any slave, knight, or servant who was even remotely handsome, you could walk with your head held high and proudly say that you raised the most perfect and beautiful couple in the world. But no, you spoiled your youngest daughter like an idiot, now she's trampling on your name and lineage, mixing your blood with all kinds of nameless people.” Skarla sneered. ”So yes, it's my fault for telling the truth!”
Weak, Lartos fell onto the sofa, and Skarla threw a bottle at him, which he took strong gulps of and grunted. “I don't know what to do. I can't interfere, the world won't allow me to stand by my idiot daughter, that stupid bitch!” Lartos trembled with rage.
"Do what most demigods do, ignore her and walk away! Even if she's your only living daughter, it's obvious that your idiotic interference caused all this, excessive arrogance, reaching the Legendary rank too early while having the lineage of a Demigod. It's a recipe for disaster and you know it. If you don't control yourself, the damn curse of the Divine Descendants will occur.” Skarla rolled his eyes.
“You brought this misfortune upon yourself, Lartos. You only focused on the present and didn't think. Spending millennia meditating and gathering EXP must have corroded your brain. So if you want to fix this, I'll only say it once. Take away all your support from your daughter, all her protection, and let her bear the consequences. She'll probably die, but at least your grandchildren will live.” Skarla snorted.
“Is there any way to give her refuge?“ Lartos asked. ‘Go, get her, and then isolate her somewhere on your land.’
”No!” Skarla shook her head. ‘I'm not bringing a time bomb into my house, near my family! I don't want to sleep on the couch for the rest of the year because of such a stupid decision.’ She sneered.
“If you want, I can intervene for a high price. If you want your daughter to live, we'll have to kill her in front of everyone, your son-in-law will have to agree, but I think I can get him to agree. The problem will be your grandchildren.” Skarla sneered.
“I don't care about that trash, neither does that idiot. I can get a place in another world, I've been interacting with demigods, I can get something. Help me kill and remove that idiot, I'll take care of the rest!” Lartos said weakly.
Skarla nodded. ”I want the payment now, and I know you have it with you. You're not that stupid, Lartos.”
Lartos pointed over his shoulder. “I already put it on one of the mountain peaks. It's the Tip of Kotara's Pyramid, an artifact older than me, you seemed interested.”
Skarla's eyes sparkled. “Okay, I'm going to take care of it!”
......
At the Voncred Palace!
Attila Voncred is alone on his throne. He is a tall, handsome, and elegant man. With short blond hair and a youthful appearance, he is not muscular, but rather thin and slightly athletic.
“Hi, Attila.” A calm voice rang out, and lost in his thoughts, he startled, drawing a huge spear and pointing it at the giant woman.
“Lady Skarla... to what do I owe your visit? Have you come to kill me at his request?“ Attila growled.
”I would never agree to that, and Lartos knows it. I have come to resolve this issue, and we both know you would never take that bitch back.“
”NOT EVEN IF YOU OFFERED ME THE WHOLE WORLD TO RULE!” Attila roared fiercely, and the entire palace shook.
“I understand, I would do the same,” Skarla smiled. “But the bitch is the daughter of a demigod, and he would not allow his lineage to die so easily.”
Attila growled. “What do you suggest? I doubt I can go against what has been decided between you.”
“The name Voncred is now a joke, luckily you don't have that blood in your veins.” Skarla smiled. ”I will assassinate her in public, you must confirm that she is dead, then I will take her away and you will never see or hear from her again. After that... do you want to change the name of the continent? Change your last name? Do whatever you want, Lartos only wants to preserve what dignity he has left, while preventing his daughter from dying because he failed as a father."
Attila clenched his fists, but listened. ‘What about the bastard children?’ He bit his lip, remembering them calling him father, treating him as such.
“You know that bitch doesn't care about those children, nor does Lartos, especially since they are all children of what he and you consider inferior. If you kill them, exile them, or whatever, so be it. Lartos only wants Isobel."
Sitting on the throne, rubbing his temple, Attila weakly waved his hand. ”Do what must be done. I'll do the same!"
Skarla smiled in gratitude and quickly disappeared. In a few hours, he arrived at another palace, where he found Lartos trembling with rage.
Isobel Voncred, his only living daughter, in the midst of a civil war she caused, is in an orgy with Centaurs!
That's not all. One of the Centaurs has a crown... he is the Centaur King!
“Is it just me... or is your daughter selling her own body to gain allies?” Skarla asked Lartos, who suddenly smiled with a cold look.
“Skarla, just kill that bitch. Kill everyone, I don't care! JUST KILL THEM!” Lartos roared and left.
Skarla shrugged and as the sun rose, a colossal palm descended from the skies, falling on the palace, slaughtering everything and changing the entire landscape.
But Skarla is not a brutal killer. She killed those she had to and ensured the lives of the servants, visitors, etc., but the rest died. Skarla received a lot of EXP for taking the lives of some Legends, but she just yawned and left, passing by Attila's palace and telling him that she had truly died.
In this way, Skarla ended a civil war and was later glorified as a kind of saint who put an end to the promiscuous acts of a crazy woman who only wanted to fuck, who humiliated her name and blood to satisfy her own carnal desires, not caring how many would die.
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PART 4 – Hackel Verona!
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The next day!
Hackel, acting as a guide, ignored his parents' requests for private meetings. He took Houston, his half-brother, to the Krugar Academy, naturally taking his mother along, and then his parents to visit.
Kaleria and Lucius had visited many years ago, but today, the Krugar Academy, which had once been imposing and colossal, was even larger.
The Krugar Academy had been built on a mountain, but now it encompassed several mountains, connected by massive bridges and platforms, with valleys between the mountains where entire buildings had been installed, creating a truly magnificent scene.
Separate buildings between several mountains, educational institutions, each building for a specific modality. Buildings that teach magic, aura, etc., related to combat in general, have their training areas inside the mountain. Places that can withstand the power of attacks from a Legendary figure.
There are countless secondary courses available to learn. There are teleportation arrays scattered around, flying vehicles, and much more.
There are dormitories as well, all students must share dormitories with up to 3 other people. The dormitories have 4 bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, and balcony, along with bathrooms, of course.
The whole place is comfortable and no matter who you are, there are no privileges, with a few exceptions.
“What kind of exceptions?” Houston narrowed his eyes.
“The best students!” Hackel smiles.
“The best students, like me, for example, are sent to exclusive classes with limited places, and we receive all kinds of privileges. From a larger subsidy to support what we want to do or study, to an exclusive dormitory, and better and unique natural resources,“ Kamilla said with a smile.
”I joined this year, but I already got one of the places,” Kamilla laughed.
“Do all of Skarla’s children become special students?” Houston asked.
“Not all of them.” Kamilla nodded. “Even though I just started, I spent a few months sharing my dorm before I had time to prove myself in combat. But to be honest, I’m only going to study for a year or two at most before leaving to start leveling up. I wanted to fight with Brother Lohan, but he already left the Academy.” Kamilla sighed. ”Oh, I think my older sister Theya was the only one who didn't become a special student. She actually was at first, but I heard she did something really bad and was banned by our mother.”
Hackel nodded. “The reason Skarla's children became special students is not because of nepotism, favoritism, or anything like that. Everyone starts out equal, but our children stand out, even if they don't want to. And daughter, did you forget that Lohan wasn't a special student either? He only became one in his last year.” Hackel gently stroked Kamilla, who remembered.
“How do you become a special student?“ Houston was excited.
”Stand out among the top 20 in your class or course of your choice. I warn you, it's not easy. Naturally, I came first in the warrior class, but there are many descendants of demigods and legends at the Academy, and the competition for the top positions is fierce, because at the end of each year, my mother personally instructs some of the best students, and if she doesn't have the ability, she invites demigods who are qualified to do so.” Kamilla smiled.
“Wait! Is it true that demigods teach here?! Not just Lady Skarla?“ Houston blinked.
”Yes, did you think it was just rumors? I guess the advertising isn't going very well, Mom. Even Uncle thought it was rumors.” Kamilla laughed.
“I'll take a look later, but I think I know who's interfering.” Hackel smiles and glances indifferently at Kaleria.
......
Late afternoon!
Hackel calmly returned to her quarters. ‘How was the situation in Voncred?’ She yawned as she hugged the large figure waiting for her.
“Nothing much. A huge potential headache was avoided without me having to say anything. Sometimes it's funny how stupid someone in power can be.” Skarla laughed, leaned over, and kissed Hackel.
Hackel laughed, quickly looking for drinks.
Skarla sat down smiling, watching Hackel, then said. “I think it's time you told me what's going on. What are you hiding? Why all the sudden hatred towards Kaleria? I'm on your side and I wouldn't ask questions, I trust you, but... you're suddenly harboring immense hatred towards your mother. What has she done in the time I haven't been around that I haven't seen?”
Hackel froze, turning away with the drinks. “Was it that obvious?”
Skarla held his waist, then kissed his exposed belly button. “Hackel, I'm a paranoid lunatic who constantly probes the souls of our children because I'm afraid something like me will happen to them. I do the same with all my wives.”
“I realized that seven years ago, you started having strange outbursts, only calming down when you were around Kamilla or Magnus. You suddenly became closer to me, and your desire to destroy your mother only grew. You even had the look of someone crazy and on the edge. All I did was support and help you, but to be honest, I sent Shunam and Viper to investigate. I wanted to know what Kaleria did to nurture so much hatred, but nothing I did mattered, I found nothing!” Skarla hugged her. ”You can talk to me, no matter what it is, I'll be by your side.”
Hackel looked at Skarla and hugged her. “You know I love you, right?”
“I have no doubt about that!” Skarla smiled.
“So... trust me just a little longer. Let's put a collar on her, then I'll tell you everything, I'll let out everything I've been keeping inside. You'll understand my hatred, she'll understand what she did to me, how she destroyed my life, and you... you saved her.” Hackel leaned in and kissed her. ”She has to pay, Skarla. She has to pay for everything she did!”
Skarla hugged Hackel, she began to cry in his arms, anger rose in Skarla's eyes, because apart from the birth of Kamilla and Magnus, this was the first time Skarla had seen Hackel cry.
Whatever Kaleria had done seven years ago, whatever had bred so much hatred overnight, it was something brutal. Something that destroyed Hackel, something related to his children... it made Skarla think of one thing.
“Did Kaleria kill her child?” Hackel only had two children, Kamilla and Magnus, but she is a functional futanari, so maybe when she was younger she got someone pregnant and Kaleria may have had control over the child.
If Hackel hid something like that and it is revealed, Skarla will punish her for hiding something so important. Even if it's not her child, it's the child of the woman she loves, she will adopt him if possible, help him with all her strength and wouldn't care if he's her blood or not, she would even name him Verona without batting an eye.
And if Kaleria did something to him, Skarla will have reason to hate the empress.
But little does Skarla know that the hatred Hackel carries is deeper than anyone can imagine.
......
The next morning!
Skarla met the extremely respectful young Houston, who was already getting to know his other sons and daughters.
She spoke briefly with Lucius and Kaleria, then arranged a private conversation for that evening. She even mocked Kaleria by calling a certain smiling and “kind” Black Mage, whom Kaleria recognized.
The plans were set in motion!