Chapter 67: What Lies Beneath
A week had passed since the Earth Domain shook under the weight of a royal duel, a battle that ended with the death of the First Prince, Mankhaura.
At that time, the Earth Clan did what it always did best—controlled the narrative.
All footage of Mankhaura’s breakdown and collapse had been locked away within hours of the battle’s end. The official announcement came two days later: Prince Mankhaura had perished in a glorious duel for succession against the Heir, Thutmose.
The tone was sharp. Purposeful.
"In the face of the Heir’s overwhelming strength and mastery of the Second Stage of his Domain," the clan’s representatives said, "the First Prince fought bravely, but fell in honorable combat. Such is the fate of those who reach for power unprepared."
The underlying message was clear—weakness will not inherit the Earth.
Rumors about Thutmose’s true strength were intentionally spread. The clan fed the fire, encouraging whispers of his rare Domain control, pushing an image of undisputed power. It was not just political maneuvering—it was calculated myth-making.
The people, both inside and beyond Geb Fortress, were meant to feel it:
Fear him. Respect him. Follow him.
As for Mankhaura’s death, the less said, the better.
The truth—his desperate use of a forbidden pill, his chaotic collapse, the moment his body gave out before Thutmose even made a final move—was buried deeper than the sacred tombs.