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The Krown fell upon him like a swarm, raining downheavy lefts and rights, many of which snuck through Ego'scompromised defenses. With a useless left leg, Ego was unable toget to his feet. The remainder of the fight would take place on theground, in The Krown's world. A downward left opened a cut overEgo's right eye, and a sharp elbow, although partially blocked,caused a significant contusion to form on his dark forehead.
With Ego clearly dazed, The Krown got back to hisfeet and launched into the second phase of his attack, firingheavy, booted kicks at his downed opponent's face and head. Haddergrew nauseous as he watched Ego Rounds, a man he hardly knew buthad quickly gained respect for, eat kick after kick, punch afterpunch, from the beastly Krown.
After what felt like an eternity, The Krown steppedaway to admire his work, also providing Hadder with a clear view ofthe downed man. Ego's face looked like a catcher's mitt, swollenbeyond recognition, and he bled from a dozen wounds, leavingcrimson liquid to pool on the rough ground. Ego, showing pureheart, tried to rise but fell back to his elbows, his body refusingeven simple commands.
The Krown laughed deeply, a hateful sound thatserved as the perfect backing track for the dark scene. He yelledto the South Risers. "Is this your king? This tub of a man? Nomore!"
With that, The Krown stood above the prone EgoRounds. "I told you, Ego. Everyone, especially you, must kiss thecrown." A scream of pure heartbreak broke through the Haela, andHadder looked over to see Kamaria burst from the crowd of SouthRisers, three men putting forth full effort to hold her back. TheKrown glared at Kamaria and shot a cruel, sharpened-tooth smile ather, watching gleefully as her tears discolored the dustyground.
"And so, the Riser Wars end," Royal simply stated atHadder's side. Lilly gripped his hand in hers.
The Krown bent low, took Ego's head in his largehands, and ran his central head spike through the man's skull,pressing down until the two Riser legends touched foreheads. TheKrown then kissed Ego Rounds gently on the lips as the life drainedfrom his eyes. He held the pose for a moment, allowing all inobservance to fully take in the scene, before rising and backingaway, pulling the lance from the fallen Ego Rounds.
The Krown rose to his full height, and Ego's bloodran down the spike and fell across his pale face, giving themonstrous man a makeup job that made him even more terrifying.Hadder looked over and saw that Kamaria had stopped fighting, wasnow simply weeping into her leather-gloved hands.
The Krown took center stage, addressing everyone inearshot. "I am The Krown. And I claim victory over Ego Rounds,bested him in fair combat. The Rising, both North and South, nowbelongs to me. South Risers! You have until the end of the nextSolay to report to my encampment, where you will finally join thewinning team and aid our preparations. My army will sweep South atthe turn of Haela to collect resources and establish bases. AnyRiser found below the Lethe will be eliminated. Brutally. Do notdie for nothing! Pledge allegiance to your new king, and togetherwe will escape these walls and make the world pay for their crimesagainst us!"
The Krown's followers exploded into a cacophony ofhoots, hollers, and applause. Much to Hadder's surprise, some ofthe South Risers followed suit, shouting and raising weapons intothe air. The Krown continued. "Go now. Go, my Risers. Celebrate.Rest. Celebrate more. Rest more. For soon, soon, my preciousRisers, we shake free of the shackles of our oppressors. Soon, wewill slay the Caesars, conquer the weak Setters, and exact ourvengeance on the world!"
The Riser jubilation reached a fever pitch, andHadder feared an all-out riot and spontaneous advance across theSkirt. Risers from both sides moved closer to the Skirt, shoutingcurses at the row of Caesars. In return, the Caesars adoptedfighting stances, battle-axes, cudgels, swords, hammers, sickles,and flails readied in the air.
The Krown laughed again but turned to face hisfollowers with upraised hands. "I love the passion, but not yet, mypets. Let us cock the bow back farther before releasing our arrows.Then, we shall penetrate any resistance put up against us."
The Risers, whether from The Krown's words or thefrightening, unified Ceasar front, backed away, slowly bleedinginto the dim Haela before turning and disappearing into thedarkness.
The Krown turned once more to face the Setteraudience, looking through the line of Caesars. His fiery green eyessought out and found Hadder among the residents. His wicked smilewas gone, replaced with a look of what could almost be labeleddisappointment. "Marlin Hadder. I see you looking on. I can feelyour unrest. While you lie next to your woman like an old man, theRage inside you begs for blood, thirsts for pain - two things youknow I could give you. But don't worry, Hadder, this isn't aninvitation. No, you had your chance. The only man to spit in myface and live. Well, rest assured, Hadder, I will rectify thatissue, right that wrong. I called you a dead man before, and still,you are. Do not get comfortable in your small reprieve. Ready yourweak Setter friends. I'm coming for you. Even Albany Rott cannotprotect you forever." Having concluded his business and having saidhis piece, The Krown marched away, head held high and metalElevations reflecting the small Idol Moon's rays.
A small contingent of South Risers remained behind,led by Kamaria. They approached the still body of Ego Rounds, eachplacing their hands on the large man's chest in a show of respect.They attempted to move the giant's corpse, failing three timesbefore two Caesars joined them in their efforts. Eventually, thefallen Riser was successfully raised into the air and carried backtowards his home in South Rising, where he would be given a funeralfitting a king.
Lilly quietly wept on Hadder's shoulder as Royal andGlen stood in respectful silence. Hadder and the other