The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne

Boom!

A massive explosion erupted in the distance, and the shockwave sent Ragan, King Serothia, King Maldrin, Prime Minister Mikazura, and the four dukes flying in all directions.

Fortunately, King Maldrin immediately activated his power domain, pressing himself and the others to the ground to absorb the force of the blast.

After a few tense moments, the shockwave gradually subsided and finally vanished.

Ragan rose to his feet, his gaze fixed angrily on the black smoke rising into the sky.

”What happened? Who dares attack the imperial palace?” he demanded, his voice trembling with fury.

Orion gasped, then reported, ”Your Majesty, the mages have detected unusual fluctuations. A gate, about two meters wide, has appeared in the artificial forest behind the palace.”

”A gate?” Ragan’s eyes widened. ”Who would dare do such a thing?”

Orion fell silent for a moment. His face drained of color as he stammered, ”It... it’s the Underworld Gate.”

The moment the name was spoken, shock rippled through Ragan, Mikazura, Maldrin, and the others.

”The Underworld Gate? How dare that heretical cult do this! Are they responsible for the chaos in the hall earlier?” King Maldrin’s eyes narrowed, murderous intent radiating from him.

The heretical cult, the Underworld Gate, had once brought ruin to the kingdom he ruled.

Back then, they had destroyed the city of Fenrir, sacrificing its inhabitants to summon a monstrous creature from the underworld.

The city of Fenrir had been immense, home to over a million people.

One could only imagine the chaos when a million souls were sacrificed to summon a monster from the underworld.

To make matters worse, after the creature appeared, it went on a rampage, destroying another city and claiming the lives of roughly five hundred thousand more.

Although the monster was eventually slain by his sword, the incident left a permanent scar on his mind.

From that moment, the people began to harbor resentment toward him.

Their trust in the royal family plummeted, making his position as king precarious.

Thus, his hatred for the Underworld Gate was not trivial—it was so immense that even imagining the death of his people weighed heavily on him.

Mikazura glanced at King Maldrin, his eyes flashing with meaning.

”Your Majesty, you should activate the city’s defense mechanisms. At the very least, the people of the capital will remain safe. Otherwise, both you and the palace could be in grave danger,” Mikazura advised.

Although the Eastern Empire of Izanagi and the Great Velmora Empire had no formal diplomatic ties, that did not mean he could ignore this threat.

Moreover, this empire was the home of ”that person,” and he did not want to bring them sorrow or despair.

”Thank you for your advice, Prime Minister Mikazura,” Ragan said. Then he turned to Orion. ”Activate the defense mechanisms immediately. Seal off the capital from the outside world, and ensure the public is informed so that no false rumors or speculation spread that could trigger mass panic. Understood?”

In the city center, people were celebrating the festival, enjoying themselves.

He could not allow that joyful atmosphere to turn into fear.

”Leave it to me, Your Majesty,” Orion replied respectfully with a slight bow.

Without waiting for a response, he vanished from his position.

Ragan turned to the four dukes and commanded, ”Head to the evacuation hall immediately and instruct those inside to remain calm. As for the casualties...”

He paused, his voice heavy. ”I will explain later.”

The four nodded and hurried toward the evacuation hall at the back.

”King Maldrin, King Serothia, Prime Minister Mikazura—return to the evacuation hall. Leave everything to me and the imperial palace,” Ragan said respectfully.

A wave of shame washed over him. The event, meant to celebrate the empire’s anniversary and strengthen his children’s relations with guests from afar, had descended into chaos.

”No. I will not leave. Emperor Ragan, allow me to join this battle,” King Maldrin said firmly.

Ragan opened his mouth to protest, but King Maldrin cut him off.

”You must have heard about the loss of millions of my people, haven’t you? Since that day, I have never slept in peace. I dream of the moment I can slaughter the members of the Underworld Gate. And now, they have finally appeared. I will not let this opportunity slip away.”

The hatred on his face was unmistakable, tightening the air around him.

Ragan let out a long sigh. ”Very well, I understand. But make sure you do not lose control. Otherwise, I would not know how to explain it to your kingdom.”

”Rest assured, Emperor Ragan. I will control myself,” King Maldrin replied firmly.

Ragan did not truly believe him, but there was nothing else he could do.

”Then let us go.”

***

The capital thronged with thousands of people moving through the streets.

Even as midnight approached, the atmosphere remained lively, showing no signs of slowing.

Suddenly, a burst of red light shot from the imperial palace. Bright and piercing, it drew the attention of everyone nearby.

”What is that? What kind of light is that?” someone asked.

”I don’t know... Could the palace be setting off fireworks?” another guessed.

”That’s impossible. If it were fireworks, there would have been an announcement beforehand.”

A murmur of speculation spread through the crowd as people debated the origin and meaning of the light.

Suddenly, it exploded, scattering glowing particles in every direction.

In an instant, a massive, dome-like shield materialized, bathing the capital in a brilliant glow.

”It’s... a magic shield!” a man shouted.

”A magic shield? Why? What’s going on?” A woman cried, panic lacing her voice.

Magic shields were only deployed in the gravest emergencies, such as when the capital faced a direct attack. Its activation signaled one thing: danger.

Fear spread like wildfire. People scrambled toward their homes, desperate to protect themselves and their families.

Amid the chaos, soldiers of the imperial palace moved through the streets, striving to maintain order and calm the frightened citizens.

***

At the rear of the imperial palace lay an artificial forest, used for various purposes.

But now, deep within its heart, stood a black gate.

The gate was etched with strange patterns and radiated a terrifying, mysterious aura.

”Be on guard! The Underworld Gate is activating, and they’re about to teleport—take your positions at once!” Luke’s deep voice cut through the tension.

The soldiers behind him drew their swords in unison, holding them firmly before their bodies.

Their faces were tense, a mixture of fear and eager anticipation.

Seconds stretched on, each one heavier than the last, until finally, the gate began to open on its own.

Then, a playful voice echoed from within.

”Oh? You’ve noticed us, huh? As expected of the Great Velmora Empire—you truly are impressive.”