A month had passed since the fall and capture of the capital city of Kalifuto ; and in that time, great changes began to occur on the continent''s geopolitical level. With the victorious uprising of the troops of the Aspirtenian kingdom over the proud people of Lupus, the ruling elite concentrated their efforts on drawing new territorial boundaries on the continental map.


    The year had already changed its season, giving way to cooler weather from warmer weather; just as on Earth, that distant planet also had the distinction of having four very similar seasons.


    With the first rains of the season and the light, cool winds, the walls of the capital''s houses were beginning to feel a little chilly. The same was true of the majestic royal palace, where servants could be seen bustling about, bringing blankets to the guest rooms and carrying firewood for the fireplaces.


    For a week now , prominent nobles from the Kingdom of Melina have been present in the capital of the Kingdom of Antioch at the call of Sovereign Romulos . They viewed the monarch more as a sort of continental emperor than a simple king of a nation bordering the north.


    Even though it was thanks to the courage and strength of Prince Remius that the continent could be considered in a peacetime equilibrium, a large part of the nobility of Melina began to turn their backs on him in the face of the growing support of King Cicero .


    “Father, please review these documents before we enter the meeting hall.” – With thick blond hair reaching the middle of her back, eyes as gray as the steel of a sword, and a slender but toned figure from martial training, a young Aspirten woman walks beside the Minister of Internal Affairs Sergov. Gudolaf .


    - “ Cassy , my little darling. Daddy has already read the reports you wrote so well, and he''s very happy.” Contrary to the stoic and stern demeanor that always characterized him in public, the man couldn''t help but behave like an idiot around his beloved daughter, who looked a lot like his late wife.


    - “ Tch . I really hate it when you behave like this, Father. You’re supposed to be one of the four ministers that make up Melina’s central government. Try not to embarrass yourself or make me look ridiculous in the process.” – With a look of repulsion on her face, Casandra Gudolaf referred to her father in a rude manner because she had already warned him several times to behave properly while they were in Antioca territory .


    - “Oh, what a cruel girl to her daddy. You really are mean to me.” Maintaining his mocking tone as he continued walking with his daughter, Sergov glanced sideways down the hallway to make sure no one was around to hear them.


    - “The moon has been resting on the central horizon lately. Am I correct?”


    "Yes, Minister Sergov , the moon doesn''t seem to change at this time of year. Not at least for the next month." Knowing her father was speaking in code, young Cassandra changed her attitude and put aside her acting to concentrate on the real report.


    - "There haven''t been any significant meteor showers, so the moon is still in full splendor on the horizon. However, astronomers say the moon has attracted a comet along with it, and it appears to be very interesting."


    “ Hmm , a comet? They’re certainly interesting because they’re difficult to see in a lifetime. Astronomers need to focus on the moon and monitor it closely to give it a good record.” Winking at his daughter with his left eye, Minister Sergov was speaking of Prince Remius and his men. Although the Minister of Internal Affairs ostensibly supported King Romulos , his true loyalty lay with the young man who wielded the sword for the glory of the nation of the asps.


    - “Wonderful! I didn’t know you were also so interested in astronomy.” Appearing like a ghost behind the minister’s back, Demetrio placed his hands on the old politician’s shoulders, causing young Cassandra to place her hand on the hilt of his sword.


    “Oh, calm down, Miss Cassandra. I''m not doing anything to your honorable father; I''m just being friendly, like an indirect nephew thanks to the friendship you have with my father.” Smiling, his gaze fixed on the young woman''s eyes, Demetrio removed his hands from Minister Sergov ''s shoulders and took a few steps back to calm the animosity.


    - “It’s good to see you’re in good health, Viscount Demetrius. Oh, that’s true. You’re already a full-fledged Duke, I understand.”


    - “Of course I am a duke in these vast lands of Antioca , my esteemed Count Sergov ; however, I will never leave aside the land that saw me grow up, so at some point my offspring will take my place in the Viscounty of Engracia.” – Leaning his body slightly forward, bringing his face closer to Minister Sergov , Demetrio maintained a threatening air that he had no qualms about hiding from those present.


    - “Well, Duke Demetrius, tell me, how is your wife, Duchess Berenice? I’ve been told that the poor woman suffered a serious wound in combat while raiding the coastal cities of Sidelia .” Raising her voice slightly to intimidate the haughty Demetrius, Cassandra didn’t seem to be intimidated by the man in front of her, taking a few steps forward, pushing him away with her right hand resting on the duke’s chest.


    - “Miss Cassandra, if I were you, I would remove that hand immediately before you can lose it.”


    - “Oh, right. Something like what happened to your wife.” No sooner had she finished speaking than Cassandra released her Aspirtenian aura , causing spiritual energy to overflow over her body, covering her like armor. Responding to that threat, Demetrius did the same, materializing two energy claws in his hands and leaping back into a fighting stance.


    - “I hope, beautiful young lady, that you have enough strength to bear the weight of your words.”


    "Same here, Duke Demetrius." Just as they were about to engage in a power struggle in the hallway, the monarch of Antioch appeared between them, his arms extended, and he grabbed both combatants by the face.


    With his eyes partially closed and a sick smile that could freeze the blood, King Romulos sternly pressed his hands over his victims'' faces as he lifted them off the ground.


    - “I am overjoyed to see how the young blood of the kingdom of Melina has such drive! There is no doubt that with this vigor, youth will bring golden times to the glory of our nation. Oh yes, oh yes…” – Opening his eyelids to reveal his deep amber eyes, Romulos turned his face towards Cassandra, who felt a chill run through her body as the king threw Demetrius to take her by the waist.


    - “You truly grew up to become a beauty Cassy , without a doubt the gossip in the corridors of the palace does not do justice to the beautiful woman that my eyes see. Who would say that the brat who ran with scraped knees in the courtyards of the palace holding a branch as a sword, would become something almost close to a goddess.” – Pressing the young woman’s body against his, Romulos brought his lips against the young woman’s right ear, caressing her lobe with the viperous tongue that characterized the monarch.


    - “It would certainly be a shame if such a beautiful woman had to die so prematurely. So Cassy , for the memories of the good times the three of us used to play together, I suggest you behave like a virtuous lady in my presence and stop with that tomboyish attitude.” Sinking one of his fangs into the young woman’s ear, King Romulos drank some of the maiden’s virginal blood and was briefly enraptured, squeezing the young woman even tighter to the point that she let out a gasp, almost breathless.


    "Your Majesty, please have mercy on my daughter!" Count Sergov , his face visibly showing his father''s desperation, fell to his knees before the monarch. He freed the young woman, who felt her legs give way as soon as she set foot on the ground.


    - “Stand up, Minister Sergov . It is not very pleasant for my eyes to see a good friend of my father lying on the ground like a beggar.” Changing his expression, Romulos extended his hand to the old minister, who hesitantly nodded at the gesture and stood up before the monarch.


    “Gentlemen, I remind you that we still have a few days ahead of us to plan the division of the conquered territories. It is extremely important that you keep a cool head because the fate of this continent rests in our hands.” Turning around, the purple velvet cape he wore as an ornament waving, King Romulos signaled with his eyes for Demetrius to follow him. He left behind the minister who was helping his daughter up from the ground.


    - “You really are an idiot, Demetrio. Can’t you control your temper?”


    - “My lord, I don’t want to hear that coming from you.” – With a mocking smile, Demetrius placed his hand on the king’s shoulder, who burst out laughing in the hallway at the sarcastic comment from his old childhood friend.


    - “Tell me, Duke Demetrius, how was the raid on the coastal provinces of those savages?”


    - "As you well know, the raid was carried out fairly. We tried to take no prisoners as much as possible to reduce the need to leave surveillance detachments or supplies."


    - “Oh, yes. That’s what I’ve always liked about you, my dear friend. You’re too practical when it comes to keeping costs down.” He turned his face toward the west corridor where Queen Andrea was walking with her entourage, giving instructions on how to distribute the palace supplies.


    - “And tell me Demetrius, is your wife already expecting your heir?”


    - “Your Majesty, for the moment my wife and I have no plans to conceive children until we can properly settle down. Also …”


    - “Yes, I know. I learned from the messengers that your wife suffered severe damage from an explosion at the docks while they were preventing the rebels from leaving the coast.” Watching his friend’s facial expression out of the corner of his eye, King Romulos searched for any clue that might reveal something out of place.


    - "Indeed, some rebels took us by surprise, and although it''s hard for me to admit it, if it weren''t for Berenice, my physical integrity would be compromised. But thanks to Lucretius appearing at the right moment, we were able to overcome that situation." - Without showing any change in the color of his face, trembling in his eyes, or changes in his breathing, for Demetrio, lying became a weapon that had allowed him to survive the constant attacks from the nobility and the army.


    - “I’m really glad nothing happened to you. Of all the people I’ve met, of all the two-faced nobles in our kingdom, you’re the one I can truly consider a friend.” Taking Demetrio by the shoulders, Romulos ’s gaze looked very different from other times; far from having that cold and threatening expression, at that moment it had a warmth that lent sincerity to the words he spoke.


    "The weight of the crown is something no one is prepared to bear, my lord. However, you have proven yourself worthy of wearing it, unlike that half-breed."


    - “ Tch , there was no need for you to mention that bastard Remius . Who, by the way, has already been in Kalifuto for almost a full month with no clear intentions of leaving. I''ve already sent a letter to my father to summon Melina.” – Reaching the door of his office, Romulos opened it and invited Demetrio to enter. Who was looking askance at the stone silhouettes of the maidens placed at the ends of the room as mere decoration.


    - “I see that your tastes are still so particular, my lord.”


    - “It may be my dear Demetrius, but as you well know, I am a man who loves beauty in all its forms.” – Passing the back of his hand over the silhouette of the face of one of the stone figures, Romulos made a light mark with his claw at the level of one of the statue’s eyes.


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    “Damn, it’s ruined.” Without the slightest hesitation, the monarch slammed his fist down hard on the statue’s head, shattering it into a thousand pieces. The rest of the body instantly crumbled to dust. The subtle scent left in the air by the statue’s debris was far from that of ordinary rock. On the contrary, the essence was more like the aroma of cremated flesh and bones in a funeral ritual.


    Since King Romulo ''s power worked on the principle of atomic bonds in matter, the statues themselves were not simply lifeless objects. Rather, they were creatures in a state of suspension, preserved as living fossils. While they could remain dormant in the face of minimal damage, under critical conditions they ceased to be viable and transformed into ash.


    - “It’s a pity, that maiden’s face reminded me a bit of Lucretius. If only she were a woman, I might have considered taking her as a concubine.” Hearing those biting words from the monarch’s lips, Demetrius restrained his eagerness to deliver a blunt blow to Romulos ’s face . While it was true that the king and the duke had been friends since childhood, for Demetrius the bond between Lucretius and him carried more weight than he could consider with respect to the monarch.


    - “By the way, where is Lucretius right now?”


    - “Before coming to your call, my lord, I arranged for Commander Lucrecio to guide a support contingent to the city of Kalifuto .”


    - “Wonderful! It’s not for nothing that I consider you such a close friend, Demetrius. You think very similarly to me! With Lucretius at the head of that capital, there’s no doubt that we’ll take control of those mangy dogs as soon as my despicable little brother leaves the place.” – Sitting comfortably in his chair in front of the desk, Romulos leaned his head back, leaving his gaze fixed on the ceiling of the room, extending his right arm upwards as if trying to reach something.


    - “Everything is going according to plan, everything as it should be” – Smiling maliciously, Romulos exhaled a little while his vassal stood in front of him with his arms crossed behind his back.


    - “Please mederi , eat a little please!” – Confined to a room within the palace’s medical wing, Corporal Stuart sat on the side of a bed holding a bowl of warm, nutty-scented porridge.


    The soldier''s youthful face revealed a pair of dark circles under his brown eyes, his skin looked a little dry, and his hair was somewhat brittle, as if he had been under a severe amount of stress for several days.


    - “ Ugh , I beg you please, Mrs. Aurora. You must eat or my superior will scold me again for this. Please understand me.” – Lowering his face at the woman’s refusal, Stuart clicked his tongue and in a fit of rage took the plate and forced Aurora’s mouth open in order to force her to eat.


    - “If I were you, I wouldn’t do that!” – Entering through the door of the room, the healer in charge of the treatment room approached Corporal Stuart to stop him in the act.


    - “Young man, I can understand that you feel tired. I know it’s difficult dealing with a patient like this, but please understand that they’re not doing these things because they want to. They’re just victims of circumstance.” – Due to the time Aurora’s brain went without an adequate supply of oxygenated blood, the young woman had experienced severe brain damage that was almost verging on having left her in a vegetative state.


    Unable to care for herself, Prince Remius appointed a guardian to look after her well-being while a suitable treatment could be found to restore her independence.


    - “Excuse me, healer. You''re absolutely right. I know I shouldn''t have acted the way I did a moment ago, so please…”


    - “Don’t worry, kid, I won’t tell Commander Gideon. Don’t worry.”


    - “Thank you, that’s really a relief. By the way, do you know what happened to Mrs. Aurora’s babies?”


    “The first baby you brought with you presents no problems. She is completely healthy and robust. She is a wonderful baby girl. However, the second baby, despite accepting the wet nurse, I cannot perceive the typical behavior as in the case of the other baby. I suppose it is due to her mixed-race origins.” Sitting on a chair by the door of the room, the healer looked toward the hallway that led to the courtyard where the wet nurses were feeding the babies, his expression somewhat gloomy.


    - “I am not a man very versed in what concerns other races, but I am sure that Mrs. Aurora and that baby are half- Lichen . That grayish skin is not common in that race, but according to ancient writings, some members of that species tend to manifest peculiarities of that nature due to the crossing of bloodline with Manekis .” – Raising his shoulders slightly and tilting his head in confusion, the healer could not give a clear enough answer to the young soldier.


    Elsewhere, a procession headed by a man with delicate features was making its way through the halls of the palace, passing through the main gate.


    - “ Wow , who would have thought. I never imagined I could walk freely around this place and here I am, without a doubt it is amazing” – Extending his arms, turning around as he walked with his ecstatic gaze, the abundant black hair that contrasted with his pale skin made him look extremely beautiful to the eye. Dressed in a fresh purple linen tunic, Lucretius gave the impression of being a maiden to the eyes of anyone who saw him for the first time.


    "Make way! Don''t you know whose presence you''re in?" The men escorting Lucretius appeared threatening to the breastfeeding women, who, sensing danger, knelt and bowed their heads in reverence.


    - “Enough! I haven’t given you the order to do as you please. Step back.” – With a stern tone, Lucretius extended his right arm towards his subordinates, throwing them backward with the force of a gust of air.


    "Ma''am, please stand up." Approaching the nurse holding the grayish-skinned baby, Lucretius''s eyes couldn''t leave the little girl who had caught his attention for even a second. Those unusual features captured his attention, and as if guided by a primitive impulse, he took the baby in his arms and held her to his chest.


    - "What the hell are you? You look so fragile, you could break at the slightest touch." – While still holding the baby in his arms, a pair of whitish snakes inadvertently wrapped around Baron Santorino , subduing him as Gideon snatched the girl from his grasp.


    - “Wow, I didn’t expect this kind of reception.”


    - "And we weren''t expecting you, Baron Lucretius. Tell us what your business is immediately."


    - “I wish I could listen to you, but as you can see, you have me tied up.” – Like two lightning bolts, Lucretius’s escorts surrounded Commander Gideon and placed the tips of their swords on his neck to force him to remove his restraint on his master.


    Prince Remius , accompanied by Princess Suthi , was walking down the stairs wearing a white robe characteristic of the Sidelian nobility . The robes were typical of succession protocols within the royal family; however, the white color on his shoulders indicated that his accession to the throne was through a marriage contract.


    - “Greetings Your Royal Highness, Prince Remius . This humble servant greets you in the most respectful manner possible.” – Leaning half his body forward in a sign of reverence, Lucretius placed his right hand against his chest and with his left hand extended part of the fold of his tunic as a noble woman would do in reverence.


    - “Are you trying to make fun of the prince?”


    - “Of course I wouldn’t dare make fun of your highness, I’m being perfectly polite right now.”


    - “Bastard!”


    - “Gideon, that is enough!” – Raising his voice firmly, Prince Remius reprimanded his subordinate whom he had assigned to escort Princess Suthi , who until a few moments ago had been discussing the details pertaining to the transition of the throne of Sidelia .


    - “ Remius ”


    - “Calm down Suthi , I must take care of something first and then I will come with you. Gideon is one of my best men and he will protect you without hesitation.” Nodding her head silently, the princess obeyed young Remius , who led Baron Lucretius to one of the palace’s meeting rooms.


    - “I appreciate your willingness, Your Highness. It is a great honor for me that…”


    "You can stop using that cheap talk with me, Lucretius. You and I both know very well that you don''t like me, and the feeling is mutual. Tell me what your problem is, and let''s get this over with."


    - “Even though you don’t like me, there are parts of you that I do like, Remius . And one of those is that you are as blunt as you are now. You are right, my visit here is not at all friendly; rather, I have brought you an edict, and I suppose you already have an idea of what this letter says.” Handing the parchment into Remius ’s hands , the young prince broke the seal and began to read the contents line by line until his face was disgusted by everything written on it.


    "Is this mockery real? Am I a clown to all of you?" Suddenly rising from his chair, the prince threw the edict to the floor and threateningly faced Lucretius. He barely saw His Highness''s reaction and a cruel smile spread across his face.


    - “My lord, do not blame the messenger. These are orders from Cicero Astarothe himself . They are not the empty words of just anyone, but the very words of our king. And even though you are a candidate for succession to the crown, you are still a subject who must abide by the ordinances of our supreme sovereign.” Picking up the parchment from the floor, Lucretius approached Remius so that they were separated by only a few centimeters.


    - “How long do I have to get back?”


    "Since I gave you this letter, my lord, you have one week. During that time, you must settle all your outstanding matters in this nation, appoint an interim governor, and return to the royal capital of Melina."


    - "Appoint an interim? Bah, we know exactly what you mean by that, you damn bastard. Both my father and Romulos have already given you the go-ahead to sit on the throne."


    - “Certainly, my dear sir. If it were not so, do you think I would take the trouble to act as a simple messenger to bring this letter to you?” – Lightly crushing the parchment against Remius ’s chest , Lucretius brushed his fingertips against the sovereign’s chest, who, feeling disgust towards him, immediately withdrew his hand violently.


    - “The time will come when that smile will be erased from your face, Lucretius, so don''t feel so comfortable on the throne when you are not worthy of it.”


    - “Worthy or not, my lord, the fact is that I will be the one to take control of this place. Even if you don’t like it.” Turning around, Lucretius left the meeting room, leaving Remius there, completely absorbed in anger, clenching his fists until the tips of his fingers began to bleed.


    - “Prince Maximilian, everything is ready. As soon as the signal is given, the magicians will infuse mana into the stone tablet’s circuit.” – After exploring the inhospitable island miles from Ephesus for over a month , the prince’s men had discovered the ruins of a primeval civilization known only through religious tales.


    Almost entirely consumed by the island''s abundant vegetation, the building structures had yielded over time, eroding to the point that only rubble and a few standing walls remained on the surface.


    However, after thoroughly examining every element on the surface, the research team managed to access an underground passageway that led to a secret chamber. With the walls moldy from the area''s harsh humidity, the air was so stale that it was difficult to breathe during the first few days of the archaeological work.


    - "Vargas, are you absolutely sure you''ve been able to read the hieroglyphics correctly? Honestly, I find everything you''ve told me so far incredible, and I''m skeptical about it."


    "Have no doubt, my lord, during my time at the academy, I was deeply interested in the history of the continent''s ancient civilizations and their dead languages. I was the best student of my generation, so rest assured, I''m putting my honor on the line for this."


    "Very well, Vargas, I will trust you completely. When I give you the signal, give the order to the mages on the surface to launch all their mana into the control tablet." In front of Prince Maximilian was a kind of stone portal. According to the hieroglyphics encoded on the walls of the chamber, it indicated that it was a gateway to the domain of the gods.


    Such a bold statement was too strange for the suspicious Maximilian, who remembered all the times Aurora had scolded him for not taking caution when it came to trusting someone.


    - “It’s time Vargas, give the order now” – Using a wind spell, Sub-Captain Vargas’ voice traveled along the walls of the underground corridor, reaching the ears of the subordinates on the surface.


    The moment the mana began to be supplied, the hieroglyphics on the walls of the chamber began to glow brightly as the arch of the portal fluctuated violently with energy that shook the air inside the vault.


    - “Vargas, this doesn’t look good at all! Tell the mages to stop imbuing energy immediately.”


    - “My lord, I’ve already told them and they tell me they’re not supplying more mana to the circuit! We have no idea how it continues to operate without power to back it up.” As he finished saying those words, the walls of the chamber shook, releasing dust and a bit of debris.


    - "Give the evacuation order! Everyone must go directly to the coast. Walk!" Before he had even had time to cross the vault entrance, the dimensional portal unleashed a violent surge of energy that reached Maximiliano''s body. He slowly watched in horror as every part of his being disintegrated into thin air.


    - “My lord!” – Trying in vain to take the prince’s hand, Vargas could only watch his lord’s face vanish completely into thin air until the energy of the portal ceased its activity.


    - “THIS CAN’T BE HAPPENING! DAMN IT!” – Frantically beating his fists against the ground, Vargas kept shouting, enraged at being so incompetent in protecting his master’s physical integrity.


    - “ Beep , Beep , Beeep ” – Surrounded by a whitish light as intense as the sun’s rays, Maximiliano tried to move blindly, raising his hands in front of him while he felt gusts of wind running through his body, followed by incessant annoying sounds that were unfamiliar to him.


    - "Is this the underworld? Or have I entered the domain of the gods?" - After taking a few steps, the prince felt something bulky made of metal hit him completely, sending him flying through the air.


    Lichen genetics , the attack hadn''t caused any more damage than a punch in a street fight. However, as he lay on what appeared to be grass, his eyes adjusted to the ambient light, and he could finally see where he was.


    Supporting himself with his hands to get up from the ground, Maximiliano began to walk with clumsy steps, feeling disoriented by the scene before him.


    Countless metallic structures resembling carriages moved at high speed over surfaces that appeared to be stone. Giant images rose into the sky, bearing photographs of people and writing in characters unrecognizable to him.


    - “Hey, friend, are you okay?” – A slightly obese man got off a trailer and approached Maximiliano to see if he had any major injuries after seeing him fly through the air when a truck hit him.


    - “Excuse me?” – Unable to understand the language used by the man in front of him, Maximiliano brought his right hand to his head as if a sudden pain had begun to drill into his brain.


    - “Oh, damn it! Let me call an ambulance, just stay there, I’ll be right back.” – Lying on the wet grass, the prince screamed in agony as he felt as if his ears were going to explode from an immense sea of voices surrounding him to the point of making him faint.