99. Magical Beasts Attack Part 1

The Solious High Priest, draped in ceremonial robes embroidered with golden suns and celestial motifs, raised his hands and began the sacred rites.

"Today, we are gathered here in the presence of the Goddess Solious," his voice echoed through the vast hall, amplified by the Jasmine Flowers of the grand chamber. His gaze fell upon the groom, Baron Gray Josep, who stood tall in a finely tailored black suit, its silver embroidery catching the rays of sunlight pouring in from the cathedral’s open ceiling. The light framed him like a celestial spotlight, adding to his distinguished presence.

"To commemorate the union of Baron Gray Josep, son of the late Baron Philip Josep, and a descendant of the divine lineage of Goddess Solious—the beloved princess, Serena Solarius, daughter of Emperor Andrew Solarius."

The high priest turned slightly, his gaze lifting to the massive statue of the Goddess Solious, towering behind the altar. Her stone-carved form held her hands outstretched toward the heavens, as if offering a silent blessing upon the ceremony.

At the mention of Princess Serena's name, a grand fanfare of trumpets erupted. The colossal cathedral doors swung open, revealing the princess herself, walking gracefully arm-in-arm with her father, Emperor Andrew Solarius.

The emperor wore a luxurious imperial overcoat, its rich navy fabric lined with gold trim, radiating the power and prestige befitting the ruler of Ancrona Empire. But all eyes were drawn to Serena, whose radiant white wedding gown shimmered under the cascading sunlight. The dress was a masterpiece, embroidered with golden threads that formed the symbol of the sun rising from the hands of the goddess, a mark of her divine lineage.

Each step she took was measured and graceful, her regal poise never faltering as she walked the long aisle toward the altar. The imperial musicians played their instruments in perfect harmony—trumpets, drums, and lutes—filling the air with a melody so grand it felt as though the heavens themselves rejoiced.

Area Scanned: 250 km Radius

Reputation Points Deducted: 1,250

Remaining Reputation Points: 40,455

Ravenna, seated among the high-ranking nobles, discreetly checked her Reputation System interface. Another scan revealed the movements of the magical beasts beneath the capital, confirming that they have begun to move.

Her fingers drummed lightly against the armrest of her chair before she turned to Duke Morgen, seated beside her. Their eyes met, and with a barely perceptible nod, she gave the signal.

Duke Morgen, understanding the unspoken command, subtly gestured to his knight captain, who, along with his elite knights, silently excused themselves from the cathedral hall. At the same time, John, took all of her personal knights and exited as well.

Marie, seated close to Ravenna, tightened her grip on her dress, her pulse quickening. She had been bracing herself for what was about to unfold, but now that the moment had arrived, she couldn’t help but feel a surge of nervous anticipation.

"So… it’s beginning," she thought to herself, forcing her gaze back to the ceremony.

At last, Serena and Emperor Andrew reached the altar, where Gray Josep stood waiting.

The High Priest raised his voice once more. "By the grace of the Goddess Solious, I ask you, Emperor Andrew Solarius, do you willingly entrust your daughter into the care of this noble young man?"

A heavy silence settled over the audience.

Emperor Andrew let out a soft chuckle before glancing at his daughter with a fond expression. "If I had my way, I’d say no," he admitted, earning a few chuckles from the nobles. His eyes, filled with paternal warmth, returned to Gray as he continued, "But my dear Serena loves him. And no matter how hard I try, I doubt I could ever find someone else who matches that trait."

With a firm yet gentle grip, he took his daughter’s hand and placed it in Gray’s. "Take good care of her," he said, his voice carrying both a warning and a blessing.

The High Priest nodded approvingly.

Turning to the groom, he solemnly intoned, "Baron Gray Josep, do you accept Serena Solarius as your wife? Do you vow to stand by her side as an eternal partner, walking the steps of Celestia’s Palace and beyond?"

Without hesitation, Gray reached for a delicate silver necklace, its transparent gemstone catching the sunlight and reflecting it in a dazzling array of colors. With reverence, he placed it around Serena’s neck.

"I do."

The High Priest turned to Serena, "Princess Serena Solarius, do you accept Baron Gray Josep as your husband? Do you vow to stand by his side as an eternal partner, walking the steps of Celestia’s Palace and beyond?"

Serena’s hands did not tremble as she picked up the matching silver necklace, the gemstone mirroring Gray’s own. She carefully fastened it around his neck before meeting his gaze with unwavering resolve.

"I do."

The cathedral erupted into applause and cheers, the sound reverberating off the high stone walls. The joyous occasion was in full motion, nobles and high-ranking officials smiling and whispering amongst themselves about the significance of this union.

But then—

A piercing scream echoed through the vast chamber.

The festive atmosphere shattered in an instant. The crowd fell into stunned silence, heads whipping toward the source of the noise. The once harmonious wedding hall was now filled with the murmurs of confused and anxious guests.

"What... What was that?" someone whispered, their voice trembling.

Before an answer could be given, a low, guttural growl rumbled from behind the Statue of Solious, echoing through the grand cathedral like a ghostly omen. The sound sent shivers down the spines of everyone present.

Then—

A beast lunged from the shadows.

It was a massive wolf, its matted fur drenched in fresh blood, glistening ominously under the golden light. Its jaws dripped with saliva, its sharp fangs bared, and its glowing red eyes locked onto the stage—onto Serena, Gray, and Emperor Andrew.

A noble in the audience screamed.

"T-That’s a magical beast!"

Panic surged through the crowd like wildfire. The once-orderly hall fell into chaos, people scrambling to their feet, knocking over chairs and goblets in their desperate attempt to move away from the beast.

The wolf leapt, its monstrous form soaring through the air—its deadly fangs inches from Serena’s throat.

But before it could reach her—

A silver blur flashed.

With a single elegant swing of his sword, Emperor Andrew cleaved through the wolf’s skull, his blade piercing it cleanly before it could land on his daughter. The beast let out a horrific, gurgling yelp, its body convulsing for a moment before going completely limp. Blood sprayed across the pristine white marble floors as the lifeless carcass collapsed at their feet.

For a brief moment, silence returned.

Then—

A deafening chorus of screams erupted as all four exits of the cathedral burst open simultaneously.

From every doorway, hundreds of magical beasts flooded into the hall, their twisted forms a nightmare of claws, fangs, and glowing eyes. Wolves, goblins, serpentine creatures, Orges and grotesque hybrids that defied nature itself—all surged into the sacred space, their roars and snarls consuming the cathedral in chaos and terror.

The nobles and guests shrieked, scrambling away from their seats, some falling over one another in their desperate bid to flee.

Emperor Andrew barely had a second to react before he turned toward his Imperial Knights, his voice booming through the chaos.

"Imperial Knights—!"

But before he could even finish his command, the horrifying sounds of tearing flesh and shattering bones filled the air.

The massacre had begun.

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