Chapter 21: The Weight of the Ruler

  Scene 1: The Beginning of the Debate

  The planet Baltimore vibrated with the bustle of millions of spectators. Creatures of all races gathered in the great natural coliseum, with dry vegetation and sand dunes scattered on the horizon. Although the atmosphere seemed calm, everyone knew that what would happen today would define the future of the biuniverse.

  Juan, Elizabeth and Scarlett advanced through the crowd. The screams and murmurs barely allowed them to hear each other. Above, the multiversal cameras floated, broadcasting live to every corner of existence.

  The great advisor Azarath presented himself in the center of the stable, his voice amplified like thunder.

  Azarath: "Today it will be decided who will be the next ruler of the biuniverse. But to guarantee justice, both candidates must seal their powers during the debate.”

  A figure dressed in a white robe advanced towards Juan with an artifact similar to a metal plate with arcane symbols. Juan raised his arms and let the artifact be placed on his back. Instantly he felt as if something was completely draining his energy... but Juan knew that it didn't matter. His power did not come from magical skills, but from his training, his mind and his will.

  Zael received the same badge, but unlike Juan, he did depend on his powers. A slight discomfort was noticed on his face.

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  Scene 2: The Debate

  The debate began with key questions.

  Councilor Azarath: "How would you treat a crisis of inequality?"

  Zael: (haughty) "If someone doesn't have what they need, let them work twice as hard. There is no excuse not to excel if they try hard enough. If they don't manage to move forward... that they stay behind."

  Some people applauded, but others murmured restlessly.

  Juan: (calmed down) "The real problem is that not everyone starts from the same place. You can't ask someone who has no resources to survive just like someone who has everything. Therefore, it is better to create shelters, a space where people can get up again. It's not about forgiving the crime, but about understanding the root of the problem.”

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  The crowd began to lean on Juan's side. His calm voice conveyed hope.

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  Scene 3: The Decisive Question

  Counselor Azarath: "What would they do if someone steals to feed their family?"

  Zael: (with arrogance) "Crime is crime. If someone steals, that he is punished with prison or, if gravity deserves it... immediate execution. A ruler who forgives crime is a weak ruler."

  The audience was silent. Zael's cold look had generated discomfort.

  Juan stepped forward, unmoved.

  Juan: "Justice is necessary... but sometimes there is more than just seeing crime. If someone steals because he is hungry, the right thing is not only to punish him... but to find the reason behind it. Maybe that person was left homeless, without work, or without support. Instead of destroying it, it's better to give it a chance to get up again."

  The murmurs turned into applause.

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  Scene 4: The Sky Darkens

  Suddenly, the coliseum fell silent.

  The sky began to darken and a colossal shadow covered the horizon.

  Scarlett (terrified): "Why... why is it getting dark like this?"

  Elizabeth: (in a low voice) "No... it can't be..."

  They looked up... and they saw him.

  A colossal asteroid, the size of a solar system, slowly descended from the sky. The rock was so huge that its presence seemed to crush the air itself.

  The crowd panicked, screams and cries filled the air.

  Zael, pale with fear, ran away without looking back.

  Juan: (screaming) "Scarlett, Elizabeth! Help evacuate everyone you can!”

  Scarlett spread her hair until she reached miles away, trapping people and putting them to safety.

  Elizabeth carried wounded people, moving agility through the crowd.

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  Scene 5: The Sacrifice

  Juan, without any power, watched the asteroid approach. His mind worked at full speed, looking for a solution.

  Juan (in a low voice): "What do I do...? I have no powers..."

  Then he saw a child, barely a baby, lying on the floor, unable to move. The asteroid descended just above him.

  Juan ran with all his strength. His muscles burned, his body ached, but he didn't care. The boy opened his eyes just when Juan came to him.

  The asteroid descended.

  Juan raised his arms... and held him.

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  Scene 6: The Agony

  The weight was indescribable. Every bone in his body creashed, every muscle was torn, but Juan kept the asteroid suspended.

  Elizabeth and Scarlett, horrified, looked from afar.

  Scarlett (in shock): "It's... she's... stopping him..."

  Elizabeth (shouting): "Juan!"

  The camera focused on Juan.

  His face was red, blood gushed through his nose and mouth. His legs trembled, and his arms seemed to tear with each passing second.

  And still, Juan smiled.

  Juan (with a weak voice): "Let... be... whatever it has to be..."

  The final scene showed his face... bloody, trembling... but with the smile of a true hero