In the enormous space a hundred meters beneath Sabak City, the massive Pyramid royal palace still stood out, but the stone corridors that had once bustled with people were now nearly empty.
Only pairs of Slave Guards could be seen patrolling back and forth, whips hanging from their waists and battle axes in hand, inspecting the many Cells on either side filled with slaves.
Though this place was underground, it was not dark. Countless electric lamps provided ample illumination, creating something like the feeling of late afternoon.
"Hey, how do you think the battle up there is going? I've got a bad feeling about this."
"What nonsense are you thinking? You know His Majesty's strength. I heard the Navy only sent two rear admirals this time. What could possibly go wrong?"
"But His Majesty has been up there for so long, and there hasn't been any news at all. I thought he'd come back quickly and lead us in withdrawing."
"Instead, they've been sending batches of slaves to the battlefields in every direction."
After hearing his companion, the other Slave Guard, who had still been confident in their side, began to hesitate as well. He no longer paid attention to the slaves in the Cells.
"This..."
Suddenly, a sharp whistling sound tore through the air beside them. The two instinctively became alert, but before they could even turn their eyes, pain struck the backs of their necks. Then, with a wet squelch, fingers pierced through their throats.
"Urgh!"
With two dull thuds, they collapsed to the floor. Driven by their instinct to survive, both clutched the bloody holes in their necks, but they still could not stop the warm blood from slipping through their fingers.
Behind them stood a barehanded Navy Major wearing a Coat of Justice, the fingers on