A week had passed since the Earth Domain shook under the weight of a royal duel, a battle that ended with the death of the First Prince, Mankhaura.
At that time, the Earth Clan did what it always did best—controlled the narrative.
All footage of Mankhaura's breakdown and collapse had been locked away within hours of the battle's end. The official announcement came two days later: Prince Mankhaura had perished in a glorious duel for succession against the Heir, Thutmose.
The tone was sharp. Purposeful.
"In the face of the Heir's overwhelming strength and mastery of the Second Stage of his Domain," the clan's representatives said, "the First Prince fought bravely, but fell in honorable combat. Such is the fate of those who reach for power unprepared."
The underlying message was clear—weakness will not inherit the Earth.
