Arena of the Dead Bonus Chapters

“We are in front of the Zaphlisian grand palace, as you can see behind me, the palace is burning.” The reporter said in a hurry. “Rescue teams and medics are arriving, and the death toll is expected to be high.” She was worried. 

[The channel cuts off]

There was chaos. Everything was burning. That night, people saw hell.

“Five days ago, a suicide bomber attacked the Grand Palace of Zaphlis. According to the reports, 25 civilians and 12 government officials were killed in the attack, with 22 severely injured. The Minister of Defence accused their new neighbour, Arkania, of conducting this attack and claimed credible proof.” The reporter took a breath. “We will now go to the press conference of the Zaphlisian President as he is present on the attack site.”

[Camera switches]

“This is a horrible attack by the Government of Arkania after ten years of peace. They have shown their true colours; we will not let that slide and take revenge. This is beyond negotiations.” The president spoke.

His words and expression spoke the truth. He was lying.

[Camera switches]

“We made peace in the region and stopped the war, but the Arkanians were ungrateful.” The 455th Prime Minister of the Phoenix Empire said.

“This is a horrible attack by Arkania.” Zerathian President spoke.

“Arkania must answer.” Margusian Minister of Foreign Affairs said.

“Zaphlis is our ally; we will help them in this time of chaos.” Said the Velkarian Prime Minister.

Every leader, every enemy, every member of the alliance, wanted justification for lies.

“The International Council of Nations has convened an emergency meeting where every nation, especially the Arkanian delegates, is invited to come and justify their allegations.” The reporter spoke.

“But there is a problem.” Another reporter said. “Malfis, Tartus, and Zaphlis have closed their airspace, and so has Zerathia. The Zerathian Prime Minister said quote, ‘We cannot let terrorists enter our country.’ We are still waiting for the response of Arkanian Supreme Commander Michaela Zarkis.”

[Camera Switches]

“This is a horrendous and totally baseless allegation by Zaphlis. They have credible proof of our direct or indirect involvement. We will not let the lies spread.” Michaela said. “If they are telling the truth, they must let our delegates enter Zerathia and attend the emergency meeting.

“Colonel Yornus, you are the opposition leader. What are your thoughts on this matter?” The reporter ran beside Yornus as he walked swiftly.

“I don’t think this is an appropriate question because this is a national crisis. I don’t have time to worry about internal politics. Right now, I have to perform the duties of a colonel, not of opposition leader.” Colonel Yornus replied.

“But won’t that be a problem for your party?” The reporter asked again.

“No, no. It won’t be.” The colonel replied and then entered the grand palace of Arkania.

[In the hall of the International Council]

“We have been waiting for 6 hours. Where is Arkania?” The Dormisian delegates said.

All the country delegates were present except for Arkania. Everyone knew that the meeting was just a formality. Even without the council, Arkania would have been attacked. The small nations knew the fate of Arkania. The big imagined the spoils they would receive.

“The council has waited for enough time. As the Arkanian delegates are absent, Arkania will be found guilty.” The council chairman said.

The camera flashed, and the reporters and many delegates gasped.

“This is ridiculous. You are not letting them enter the country and attend the meeting. And the council meeting is taking place inside a country of the Hectagon Alliance, do you think they will ever come? This council only knows how to waste our time and money.” The Centrisian ambassador said and left the meeting.

The eight members of the alliance looked at each other with happiness. They had all the reasons, legal and illegal, to attack Arkania.