Chapter Fifty-Six

Mikail rides from the Rose Palace to the beach at the Strait of Teeth with Sora, Aeri, Tiyung, and Royo to intercept marching king’s guard. On arrival, Mikail casts Governor Yong’s severed head into the sea, vowing retribution. As soldiers approach from the east, a nearer torchlit crowd proves to be Gayan civilians—rebels from Keen Hill—led by the groundskeeper Fremo with Teo and Calier. Their allegiance exhilarates Mikail, who promises divine favor and reward.

When the king’s guard arrive, their captain and aide demand surrender in King Seok’s name. Mikail asserts his identity as Adoros Miat and offers the soldiers one chance to yield. The captain refuses and brings archers forward to strike the assembled rebels, raising immediate stakes for the civilians gathered behind Mikail.

Mikail rides to the surf and channels the Water Scepter, shaping a towering wave that he holds poised over the captain, aide, and archers. After a final call to surrender is rejected, he drops the wave, sweeping them into the strait and seals their escape with another surge. He then drives a riptide to carry the drowning men into deeper waters, inviting the predatory iku.

Confronting the remaining soldiers, Mikail repeats his ultimatum. Terrified, they cast down their weapons and surrender. Choosing restraint to honor his word and Tiyung’s likely objections, Mikail orders them to flee to Yusan and announce Gaya’s independence. He returns to the rebels, proclaims “En Gaya,” and grants them the abandoned swords, cementing his authority through decisive power and measured mercy.