Chapter 330
At once, the entire colosseum, packed with apelings, dropped to one knee. The air buzzed with reverence as the imposing figure of Ikem stepped out. Dressed in resplendent royal attire, Ikem walked with regal grace, his hand holding a golden cup brimming with wine. A bright smile adorned his face as he took his seat upon the throne, surveying his people.
Once Ikem was seated, the flamboyant announcer spoke again, his voice dripping with playful mischief. "And following beside our great king, the one whose beauty makes even the most elegant harpies jealous—your majesty, the golden maiden, the burning guardian of flames, first daughter of the sun god, Ursula!"
At the mention of Ursula, the crowd raised their brows in shock before erupting into loud cheers. The entire colosseum seemed to grow warmer—not uncomfortably so, but with a soothing, welcoming heat. The air buzzed with excitement as the golden light descended.
Like a radiant angel, Ursula descended from the sky, her magnificent golden wings spread wide. The sunlight reflected off her feathers, casting shimmering patterns across the colosseum. Ikem stood, offering his hand to her as she landed gracefully beside him. With a soft smile, she took his hand, and a golden throne materialized next to his. Guiding her to her seat, Ikem returned to his own, their regal presence dominating the arena.
The crowd’s excitement reached a fever pitch, but the flamboyant announcer, even the showman, placed a hand on his ear, as if listening for something. With a playful smirk, he whispered into the microphone, "It’s time. Open the gates!"
Far from the colosseum, in a remote territory guarded by the apelings, stood an ancient gate—massive, dragon-built, and now guarded with the utmost vigilance. Apeling soldiers in shining armor stood at attention, their eyes sharp and watchful. At the center of the gate, a single apeling mage, draped in ceremonial robes, approached. Placing his hand on the gate’s surface, he began to channel mana into it.
The gate responded immediately, glowing brightly as it shifted and adjusted its position, pointing toward the sky. Moments later, a brilliant pillar of light shot upward, piercing the heavens before vanishing. The mage stepped back and nodded to his fellow guardians. "That’s the first batch."
Back at the colosseum, after the awe-inspiring entrance of Ursula, who now sat chatting comfortably with Ikem, the flamboyant announcer turned back to the crowd. With an exaggerated gesture, he called for their attention.
"Apelings! All eyes to the sky!"