《The Eternal War Darkness Rise》 Chapter one: birth of a legend Centuries ago, a cataclysmic explosion of magical energy reshaped the continent, awakening a mysterious and untamed force: magic. This event marked the dawn of a new era, one fraught with conflict and ambition. The four kingdoms¡ªErem, Il¨²vatar, Atlantis, and Shumer¡ªwere locked in an endless war, vying for dominance over the Lands. Amid this chaos, a young and enigmatic wizard known as Arc emerged. His power was unparalleled, and his title, the Dark Lord, struck fear into the hearts of all. With an army of monstrous creatures at his command, Arc set out to conquer the kingdoms and claim the continent as his own. Faced with an existential threat, the four kingdoms were forced to set aside their centuries-old rivalries and unite in a desperate bid to survive. But even the combined might of the Allied Kingdoms was no match for the Dark Lord¡¯s forces. As hope dwindled and despair took root, salvation arrived from an unexpected source. Emerging from the heart of the Magic Forest, a witch named Arya led her great army to the aid of the Allied Kingdoms. Together, they stood against the tide of darkness.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. The conflict that followed would be remembered as the Great War¡ªa battle unlike any the continent had ever seen. Legends were forged, heroes rose and fell, and countless lives were lost. After a series of grueling clashes, Arya confronted Arc in a final, decisive battle. With her unparalleled mastery of magic, she defeated the Dark Lord, shattering his ambitions. Before his disappearance, Arc vowed that his conquest was far from over. He swore to return, even if it took centuries, to fulfill his dark purpose. With his defeat, his monstrous army vanished, leaving no trace of their existence. In the aftermath of the Great War, the continent found a fragile peace. The four kingdoms divided the land among themselves, while Arya opened the gates of the Magic Forest to all. She founded the Magic Academy, a beacon of unity and learning, symbolizing the hope for a harmonious future. Her efforts to bring peace to the war-torn continent did not go unnoticed. In recognition of her bravery and wisdom, the kingdoms crowned Arya as the Queen of the Eternal Continent. Under Arya¡¯s reign, the continent entered an era of recovery and cooperation, but whispers of the Dark Lord¡¯s ominous vow lingered¡ªa reminder that peace, no matter how enduring, is never guaranteed. --- Chapter Two: King Adams Shadow Centuries had passed since the defeat of the Dark Lord. His terrifying reign had become nothing more than ghostly whispers in history books¡ªa nightmare thought to be buried forever. But darkness does not die¡ªit lingers in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to return. Over the years, the Cult of Darkness, the corrupted remnants of the Dark Lord''s will, had risen time and time again, spreading their corruption like a disease across the continent. And yet, the will of Arya¡ªthe First Hero, the savior of the land¡ªremained alive in those who followed her, ensuring that "Ark," the Dark Lord, would never return. Eight years ago, Adam of House Shumeron, King of the Kingdom of Shumer¡ªknown as the Hero of the Continent¡ªled a valiant assault on the stronghold of the Cult of Darkness. He did not fight for glory, but for the future of his people, for his children, and for the peace that his ancestors had sacrificed so much to achieve. On that day, the Cult of Darkness was crushed. On that day, the continent rejoiced. But peace is fragile, and darkness does not fade easily. The Royal Palace¡ªTraining Grounds "Come on! Is that all you''ve got, Alden?" Adam''s voice echoed through the training yard. His sword was steady in his grip, his stance unwavering. Alden groaned, spitting out dirt as he tried to push himself up from the ground. His muscles screamed in protest, but his pride burned stronger. His father¡ªKing Adam¡ªstood before him, his expression silent yet expectant. Alden tightened his grip on his sword stubbornly. This time, his attack wouldn¡¯t be so predictable. He lunged forward, channeling his magical energy into his arms. His sword glowed with raw power, the air around him bending under the force of his strike. But then he saw it¡ªthat fleeting look of disappointment in his father''s eyes. So clear. He realized the truth at the last second and shifted his energy to his feet instead. With a powerful leap, he soared over Adam''s head, twisting mid-air to strike from behind. His sword cut through the air, aimed at his father¡¯s flank¡ª But it hit nothing. "Good move," Adam said calmly, already behind Alden, smiling as if he had predicted everything. Frustration boiled in Alden. "Yeah, but it didn''t work!" "It did," Adam replied, his voice carrying rare warmth. "You just weren''t fast enough. Listen carefully, Alden. Mana is not just power¡ªit¡¯s control. If you master wind, you can boost your speed at the perfect moment. If you combine it with fire, your strikes will hit like meteors. But be careful¡ªpush too far, and you''ll exhaust yourself." Alden''s eyes widened. The thought of moving like the wind, striking with fire¡ªit lit a new determination in his heart. "I want to try it!" Adam chuckled, patting his son''s shoulder. "That¡¯s the spirit! But first, master the basics." A maid approached, bowing. "My lord, dinner is ready." Adam nodded. "Come, Alden. Even warriors need to eat." The Royal Dining Hall Golden chandeliers cast a warm glow over the long dining table, where Adam¡¯s family had gathered. The aroma of roasted meats and spiced wine filled the air, but despite the feast before them, Alden and his sister Kaya were already bickering. "How was training?" Queen Christina asked. "Alden must have lost again," Kaya said smugly, sipping her tea. "You talk like you could do better," Alden shot back. "At least I don''t hide behind books all day." Christina sighed. "Must you two argue at every meal?" "She started it!" "I''m only stating the truth," Kaya said with mock pride. "Enough," Adam said, shaking his head with an amused smile. "For what it''s worth, Alden is improving. One day, he''ll make a great king." Alden¡¯s face darkened. "I don¡¯t want to be king," he muttered. "I want to be an adventurer. I want to travel the continent, fight monsters, explore ruins¡ªnot sit on a throne and attend boring meetings." Adam¡¯s smile faded. "Is that what you think a king does?" His voice was sharper now, his gaze piercing. "A true king does not simply sit and give orders. A king carries the burdens of his people¡ªtheir hopes, their fears, their future. Anyone can sit on a throne, Alden. But not everyone can rule." Silence filled the room. Alden looked away, gripping his fork tightly. "I... don¡¯t know if I can." "You won¡¯t know until you try," Adam said, his tone gentler now. "Responsibility is not a choice, Alden. It¡¯s a burden you must be ready to bear." Christina glanced at Alric, who sat nearby, his eyes distant, lost in thought. "Alric, dear¡­ are you alright?" she asked, concern in her voice. He blinked, as if pulled from a trance. "Oh, yes¡­ just thinking about some lessons from the academy." Adam studied him for a moment before saying, "Good. But don¡¯t neglect your combat training. Tomorrow, you¡¯ll join us in the practice yard." Alric hesitated before replying, "...Alright." But there was no conviction in his voice. Late at Night¡­ Christina stood by the window, gazing at the dark sky, worry etched on her face. Adam entered quietly, observing her before speaking. "You¡¯re still awake?" She sighed but didn¡¯t turn to face him. He approached, wrapping his arms around her from behind, burying his face in her hair in an attempt to comfort her.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. "What¡¯s troubling you?" he murmured. "It¡¯s Alric¡­ ever since he returned from the academy, he¡¯s been¡­ different." "I¡¯ve noticed, too." She clenched the edge of her robe, her fingers intertwined as if trying to hold herself together. "Do you think it has anything to do with¡ª" Adam placed a gentle finger on her lips, silencing her. "Shhh¡­ don¡¯t worry. That matter was settled years ago. I¡¯ll talk to him. Everything will be fine." She didn¡¯t respond, but she closed her eyes and wished he was right. --- In Alric''s Room... Adam knocked on the door twice before hearing a voice from inside: "Come in." He opened the door to find Alric sitting amidst circles of dim light, the air around him charged with an invisible yet palpable magical energy. "It seems you''ve been casting some spells," Adam said as he observed the room. Alric slowly lifted his head. "Oh, yes... How did you know?" Adam smiled slightly as he walked further into the room. "There''s a trace of strong magic in the air. It must be a complex spell¡­ Maybe that''s why you didn''t train with us today? Or are you afraid I''d be too strong of an opponent for you?" A faint smile appeared on Alric¡¯s lips, but it didn¡¯t reach his eyes. "No, it''s not that¡­ it''s just..." Adam chuckled and patted his shoulder. "Don''t worry, I was just teasing you." Then he turned toward the window, where the moon was beginning to rise on the horizon. "How about going for a walk with me? The weather seems nice tonight." Alric hesitated for a moment before replying in a quiet voice: "...Alright." But he wasn''t sure if he could truly set his thoughts aside, even for a moment. --- The Garden "Look at the sky, Alric." Father and son stood in the royal garden, the crisp night air carrying the scent of blooming lilies. Above them stretched an endless sky, filled with countless stars. "It¡¯s so dark." "Yes," Adam said quietly. "But see the stars? They shine even in the darkest nights. No matter how deep the darkness, they never fade." Alric exhaled. "I wonder¡­ does the world see us the same way?" Adam studied his son before smiling. "The way the world sees you is the same way you choose to see yourself." Alric opened his mouth to respond¡ª But then¡ª A rustling sound in the bushes. Adam''s eyes sharpened instantly. His instincts screamed danger. "Who''s there?" His voice cut through the night. A chuckle¡ªcold and mocking¡ªemerged from the shadows. "Ah, the great Adam¡­ just as sharp as ever." Three figures stepped forward. And the moment Adam laid eyes on the one in the center, his blood ran cold. That aura¡­ it¡¯s cursed! "Eight years," the woman whispered. "Did you really think it was over?" A sharp wind howled through the garden. Adam''s heart pounded. "Alric," he said, his voice tight. "Run. Now." --- "What is that sound?!" Alden exclaimed. "It¡¯s coming from the corridor ahead," the guard replied. Kyaaa!! "That voice... it''s Kaya!" Alden sprinted toward the source of the scream. But when he arrived, he froze in place. His heart pounded wildly, his mind refusing to comprehend what he was seeing. Adam lay motionless, his once-mighty body shattered, torn apart, destroyed. His right arm¡ªgone, severed at the elbow. A deep, gaping wound had split open his abdomen, dark blood pooling beneath him. And his eyes... They were crying blood. --- Christina rushed toward her husband, her hands ablaze with golden mana. She did not hesitate for a second. "Adam!" she cried, pressing her hands over his wounds. "Stay with me! Don¡¯t you dare leave me!" She poured her healing magic into him¡ªdesperate, furious, devouring her from the inside. Warm golden light engulfed his body, surging like a raging river, trying to mend the unmendable. But nothing changed. His wounds did not close. His breaths remained shallow. His life was slipping away, draining through her fingers like grains of sand. "No, no, no! Heal him!" Christina screamed, drowning in an ocean of magic, pushing past her limits. But she felt it¡ªthe resistance. The curse clinging to him like an unshakable shadow. The weapon that struck him was no ordinary one. It was cursed. And cursed wounds could not be healed. But she refused to give up. "If you won''t help¡­ then I will!" Christina shouted at the healers, summoning every last drop of mana she had. Her body trembled violently as her magic began to consume her very life force. Her hands glowed brighter¡ªshifting from soft gold to a blinding white. Cracks formed along her fingertips, spreading up her arms like shattered porcelain. Her lips turned pale, her vision blurred. Her once-strong heartbeat became erratic. She was dying. "Your Majesty! Stop!" One of the healers tried to intervene, stepping forward¡ªbut immediately recoiled, his face drained of color. "She¡­ she¡¯s absorbing mana from everything around her!" Christina''s body was demanding more, drawing life force from everything nearby¡ªfrom the air, from the palace, from the people surrounding her. If she didn¡¯t stop, she would die too. "Mother! Stop!" A new voice cut through the chaos. Kaya. She grabbed her mother¡¯s wrists, trying to pull them away. "Mother, please! He¡¯s gone! You have to stop!" she cried, her nails digging into Christina¡¯s skin, trying to shake her from her madness. Christina turned to her daughter, her face twisted with agony, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I can¡¯t¡­ I can¡¯t just let him go," she sobbed. "You must!" Kaya¡¯s voice broke, but she held on tighter. "You must, because if you don¡¯t¡­ we¡¯ll lose you too!" Christina¡¯s breath hitched. Kaya¡¯s fingers trembled as she whispered, "Mother¡­ if you die too¡­ who will be here for us? Who will protect us? Do you think Father would have wanted this?" Christina did not answer. She only stared at Adam¡¯s lifeless face. And the weight of reality crashed into her like a storm. Adam was gone. And nothing could bring him back. Her magic wavered, its golden glow dimming, flickering like a candle in the wind. Then¡ªit vanished completely. Christina collapsed. Kaya caught her, holding her tightly as they both broke down in sobs, their tears falling onto Adam¡¯s cold, lifeless body. --- Alden stood frozen, his breaths shallow, his body refusing to move. His father¡ªAdam the Invincible of House Shomeron, the Hero of the Continent¡ªwas dead. A cold wind swept through the shattered palace walls. The night stretched above them, silent. The stars shone steadily, indifferent, as if the world had not just lost its greatest light. Through the broken walls, the battle outside still raged. The clash of swords and the distant cries of soldiers filled the air. But to Alden, it all felt¡­ far away. Like a dream. A nightmare from which he would never wake. The healers stood nearby, powerless, their heads bowed. "His mana¡­ it''s completely gone," one of them murmured in resignation. "There¡¯s nothing left." There was nothing left. Alden clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. His chest burned, his vision blurred with unshed tears. How? How could this happen? Adam was supposed to be undefeated. A hero. A king. A father. And now, he was just¡­ a corpse. A scream built in Alden¡¯s throat, but he could not release it. His mother wept in his sister¡¯s arms. His father¡¯s body grew colder and colder. And for the first time in his life¡ªAlden felt truly alone. The Hero of the Continent had fallen. And the darkness¡­ was only beginning. --- Chapter Three: Crown Thorns Kingdom of Elovatar: The Royal Palace Knock... Knock... "Come in," said Arwen, his voice calm yet commanding. The grand doors of the chamber creaked open, revealing Ardil, the kingdom¡¯s trusted messenger and one of Arwen¡¯s most loyal aides. He stepped inside, his expression tense. "My Lord," Ardil greeted with a deep bow, his eyes betraying a sense of urgency. "Another monster attack?" Arwen asked, his sharp eyes scanning Ardil''s troubled face. "No, my Lord," Ardil replied, reaching into his leather satchel. "It¡¯s a red telegram from the Kingdom of Shomer." Arwen¡¯s brow furrowed. A red telegram meant an urgent and critical message¡ªoften a warning of war, disaster, or death. His fingers trembled slightly as he took the parchment and swiftly unsealed it. His eyes darted across the words, his usual composed demeanor shattering into visible shock. "My Lord?!! What''s wrong?!!" Ardil took a step forward, concern creeping into his voice. Arwen tightened his grip on the paper, his knuckles turning white. "Oh, Ardil, a disaster has befallen the continent. King Adam has been killed!!" Ardil staggered backward as if struck by an invisible force. "Impossible?!! But... how?!!" "The message doesn¡¯t clarify the details," Arwen said, his mind racing. "But I fear it has something to do with the monster attack yesterday." He turned toward the towering window of his chamber, staring out at the vast lands of Elovatar, his thoughts clouded with worry. "Inform King Rolls and the council members that I am calling for an emergency meeting." "Yes, my Lord," Ardil bowed before swiftly leaving. Alone in his chamber, Arwen exhaled deeply. "Oh, Adam," he murmured, his voice heavy with sorrow. "I can''t believe a warrior like you could be killed. Could they be involved in this?" --- The Next Day ¨C Kingdom of Shomer: Capital City of Koshin The streets of Koshin, usually bustling with merchants, children, and street performers, now carried an air of unease. Rumors spread like wildfire through the crowded alleys and marketplaces, weaving a web of fear and uncertainty. "Could the rumor be true?!" "Impossible!!" "I can''t believe it!! King Adam!!" "Who could have killed him?!!" "Who will be the ruler now?" "The monsters are attacking the villages, and no one can stop them." "I wonder what caused their sudden aggression?" "All the important figures are meeting today. I wonder if it has to do with the emergency announcement?!!" A murmur of excitement rippled through the crowd as they noticed an approaching royal carriage, its banners bearing the sigil of Elovatar. "Look! It¡¯s the royal carriage from the Kingdom of Elovatar!!" "It seems the kingdom is in a state of tension," Urim observed. "Of course," Arwen replied. "They¡¯ve just lost their king, and their cities are under attack by magical beasts. They are scared." "The loss of their king means the loss of their protector too. If the Shomer family can''t control the situation, this could be the end of their reign," Urim said gravely. "That¡¯s what worries me," another voice joined in¡ªElina, Queen of Elovatar. "I¡¯m afraid that Chris and the kids won¡¯t be able to handle this pressure." "They have to," Arwen said firmly. "Especially Alden, since he¡¯s the rightful heir to the throne." --- Royal Palace of Shomer Inside the grand hall of the palace, the scent of burning incense mixed with the heavy air of sorrow. Nobles, council members, and foreign dignitaries sat in solemn silence. The golden chandeliers cast a dim glow over their grim faces. "Announce the arrival!" a doorman shouted. "Rolls from the Denaes House! King of Elovatar!" Christina, now draped in black mourning robes, stood at the entrance of the hall. Though she carried herself with dignity, her eyes betrayed the grief within. "Queen Christina," Rolls said, stepping forward with a respectful bow. "On behalf of myself and the Kingdom of Elovatar, I offer my heartfelt condolences." "King Rolls, it is an honor to have you here today," Christina replied, her voice steady despite the weight of her sorrow. "It means a lot to our family and to the kingdom as well." Arwen stepped forward and bowed. "Queen Christina, the continent has not only lost a king but also one of its great heroes." "Thank you, Lord Arwen," Christina said. She gestured toward the grand seating area. "Please, everyone, have a seat. Mr. Zerv, please escort King Rolls and his family to their seats." "At your service, Your Majesty," Zerv said with a bow. "Excuse me, but could you please go ahead?" Elina asked gently. "Sure," Rolls replied. As the other royals took their seats, Elina approached Christina and took her hands in her own. "Chris," Elina said softly, "I know what you¡¯re feeling right now. If you need anything, I am here for you and for all of you." "Thank you, Queen Elina," Kaya spoke up, her voice filled with gratitude. Elina smiled warmly. "My dear Kaya, no need for formalities between us. You know that your mother and I are like sisters." "I¡¯m sorry, Aunt Elina," Kaya said, shifting nervously. "I just feel a little anxious about what¡¯s coming next." "Yes," Elina sighed. "You will have to deal with the people, reassure them, and gain their trust. It won¡¯t be an easy task." "That¡¯s not my biggest worry," Christina said, her gaze shifting toward Alden, who sat in silence, his face pale and his eyes distant. Since the day his father died, he had been plagued by visions¡ªhorrifying, unrelenting. He could see Adam¡¯s lifeless body following him, speaking to him in a distorted voice, laughing mockingly. "So¡­ do you think you are worthy of this position? Protecting this kingdom and its people?" Alden clenched his fists. "You didn''t even have the strength to protect your mother when she was about to kill herself. You''re not even worthy of being my son... Alden." "Alden?" a voice called. He jolted upright, realizing Queen Elina was speaking to him. "Oh?! Queen... Elina!" "Why do you keep calling me like that?" Elina said with frustration. "Anyway, Alden, how are you?" "Y... Yes, I¡¯m fine." "Good," Elina said, her tone turning gentle. "So¡­ what about your mental state?" "What?!" "I know you''ve isolated yourself from everyone after the incident," Elina said, placing her hands on his shoulders. "I know exactly how you feel, Alden. But this isn¡¯t the right way to deal with these feelings. Maybe if¡ª" Alden gently grabbed Elina¡¯s hands and pulled them away. "Thank you, Queen Elina," he said stiffly. "But I¡¯m fine, so there¡¯s no need to worry. Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me, I need to greet the guests." He bowed and left without another word. "I¡¯ll take care of him," Alrik said, bowing before following after his brother. Christina sighed. "He always avoids us¡­" Elina watched him go, her heart heavy with concern. Alden¡¯s breath quickened. The nightmare would not end. "Hmph, it seems that everyone knows your weakness, so they try to ease your burden," said the distorted voice of Adam''s corpse. "But there''s no point in comforting a weak and cowardly person like you, is there, Prince Alden?" "Prince Alden," said Frank. "Huh?! Oh! Sorry, I didn''t notice you," Alden replied. Frank bowed. "No problem, my Lord. Allow me to express my heartfelt condolences, Prince Alden." "Thank you, Sir...?". Frank bowed again. "Frank from the Glider House." "Glider?! Are you related to Advisor Steven?" Alrik asked. "Please, I''m having a conversation with His Highness!" Frank said. When Frank lifted his head, he was stunned by who had asked the question. Frank bowed again. "Prince Alrik!! Please forgive my rudeness, I didn''t know it was you!!" "What do you want?" Alden asked. "What? Can''t I just check on my brother?" Alrik replied. "How disgraceful, they''ve sent someone to keep an eye on you. They don''t trust you that much," said the distorted voice of Adam''s corpse. "I don''t need anyone to watch me," Alden said angrily. "Don''t follow me." "Hmph, idiot," said Alrik. "I''m sorry... My Lord," said Frank, still bowing. "Oh? You''re still here. Go ahead, you may stand," said Alrik and walked away. "Th... Thank you, Your Highness," Frank said, thinking, "[What exactly happened? It doesn''t seem like Prince Alden is doing well. If he shows weakness, he may not be crowned king. Should I exploit this? No, no... that could end with me in prison. But if it works... maybe I could...]" Frank bumped into someone, interrupting his thoughts. "Oh?! Sorry," Frank said. "No problem... Sir Frank," said Woo-Kilan. "Huh!! Mr. Advisor!! I''m sorry, I didn''t know it was you," Frank immediately bowed. "I''ve told you before, no problem. Also, why do you seem so tense? Are you alright?" "Yes, everything''s fine. But since you''re here, Mr. Advisor, may I ask you a question, if you allow me?" "If I have the answer, I will gladly share it. Go ahead, ask." "It''s about Prince Alden. As you can see, the prince is still young, so I wonder how he will handle the responsibility of an entire kingdom? He couldn''t even recover from his father''s death. Maybe it would be better for him and the kingdom if..." Woo-Kilan interrupted Frank''s words by striking his staff forcefully on the ground, causing everyone in the hall to focus on him. "Listen well, boy. Out of respect for your father, I won''t have you thrown into prison, but..." Woo-Kilan''s tone turned threatening. "If you think about something like this again, I swear that you will..." "Mr. Woo-Kilan... is everything alright?" asked Steven. "Mr. Steven, yes... everything is fine. Just having a simple conversation with Mr. Frank. Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me, I must leave." "[Hmph... senile old fool. I swear I will...]" Frank thought, but was interrupted by his father placing a hand on his shoulder. "Frank," Steven said in a cold tone. "Y... Yes... Father." "I don''t know what you said to Woo-Kilan to make him so furious, but... knowing you, I think I understand the reason." "W... Wait, Dad, let me explain..." Steven squeezed Frank''s shoulder hard. "Ugh..." "I''ve always been embarrassed by you, trying to get close to nobles and high-ranking individuals. But I tolerated it. I know you want to be important, seeking positions and titles, and perhaps even... rulership." He tightened his grip on Frank''s shoulder. "F... F... Father." "Let me finish. I''m not as kind as Mr. Woo-Kilan, but since you didn''t say this in front of me, I''ll settle for stripping you of your titles. But next time you think of something like this... I will kill you with my own hands. Is that clear?" "Y... Yes, my Lord." "Good." Steven left, leaving Frank trembling with fear. "Your Majesty," Zerv bowed. "The arrangements for the speech are ready." "Good, open the gate and let the people in," Christina said. --- The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. In the front courtyard of the palace, the people of the Kingdom of Shumer gathered. The council members and nobles stood at the front, while fifteen steps behind them stood the common folk, separated by a line of royal guards. On the palace''s front balcony stood the members of the royal families, each accompanied by four of their personal guards. Christina stepped forward, with Kaya and Alric behind her, surrounded by their personal guards. Speaking through a magical amplifier, she addressed the crowd: "I am Christina of House Shumeron! Queen of the Kingdom of Shumer! I thank our esteemed guests¡ªChief Heimdall, King Leons, King Rolls, and King Kaldor¡ªfor attending today. I also thank the citizens of Shumer for gathering here today for the coronation of the new king and the memorial of our late king, Adam of House Shumeron! I know you all have many questions, and the new king will clarify everything for you. I present to you Alden of House Shumeron! Prince of the Kingdom of Shumer! The rightful heir to the throne!" Alden entered, followed by Woo-Kailan. Christina stepped aside to let Alden take the front, now facing the people. "What a sight! This is how the whole kingdom will witness your failure," the disfigured corpse of Adam began to laugh. Alden took a deep breath in, then exhaled. "I am Alden of House Shumeron! Prince of the Kingdom of Shumer! The rightful heir¡­ to the throne! I regret to inform you that my father, King Adam, has been¡­ murdered! Two nights ago, the palace was infiltrated by unknown enemies. King Adam and the royal guards confronted them¡­" Among the crowd, murmurs began to spread. "He''s lying." "There were only three intruders." "Did you know that monster attacks started the same night King Adam died?" "They¡¯re hiding the truth." At the front¡­ "Sir," a guard saluted. "What is it?" William asked. "In the back, among the crowd¡­ there seems to be some unrest." "Unrest? What do you mean?" The murmurs grew louder. "Don''t you know who was behind the attack? It was the Cult of Darkness!" "Impossible!" "They¡¯ve been lying to us all these years!" "The cult still exists!" "They¡¯re targeting kings!" "Our lives are in danger!" "Do you think Prince Alden has the ability to protect us?!" "He''s just a child! We need another ruler!" "Hmm?!" Leons sensed something. "What''s wrong, Father?" Kor asked. "King Leons¡­ did you feel it too?" Heimdall inquired. "Yes! A powerful type of magic! A kind of dark magic!" Alden continued, "So¡­ I vow to protect the kingdom and its people from¡ª" but he was cut off by the sudden outcry of the people. "Lies!!" "You are not fit for this position!!" "We want the truth!!" The disfigured corpse of Adam laughed again. "It seems the people have finally risen!" A manic laugh echoed across the courtyard¡ªit belonged to a woman. "Apologies, I couldn¡¯t hold back any longer. Just the sight of the little prince fills me with nostalgia." "Who is that?!" "What is this voice?!" "Guards!! Find the source of the voice!!" William commanded. "What¡­ is happening?!!" Alden asked. "I mean, he has the same terrified expression his father had," the strange woman said. Her voice was sharp and piercing, sending chills through the air. "Impossible!!" Christina gasped. "It¡¯s¡­ her!!" Alric said fearfully. "No way!! You mean?!!" Kaya added. "Yes!! It¡¯s me!! I am the reason you are all gathered here today!! I am the cause of all this chaos!! I am¡­" The woman¡¯s voice grew quieter yet sharper. "The one who killed King Adam!! And I have come to finish my work, which is¡­" An arrow was fired from the top of the palace. "To eliminate¡­" The arrow sped toward¡­ "Prince¡­ Alden!!" Toward Prince Alden¡­ Only a meter remained between Alden¡¯s head and the arrow¡­ Someone caught it!! It was King Leons!! Alden collapsed to the ground!! Everyone was stunned by the attempt on Alden¡¯s life. "Ohh!! It looks like it¡¯s your turn now," the disfigured corpse of Adam mocked. The woman''s laugh spread across the courtyard. All the royal guards readied their weapons and surrounded their lords. "Guards!" William shouted. "To the top of the palace!! Now!!" "Your Highness, we must return inside the palace!" a guard called. "Your Highness!" "Alden!!" Kaya cried as she held him. "Wake up!!" "K-Kaya?!!" "Hmph," the disfigured corpse scoffed. "Pathetic. Just like that day." "It seems you will live another day, prince. Or should I say¡­ king?" The woman laughed as her voice gradually faded away. The people erupted into an uproar, demanding Alden be removed from the throne. "Damn it!! How did things turn out this way?!!" Steven said, his voice filled with regret. At the back of the palace¡­ "You there!! Stop immediately!!" William shouted. Five individuals, dressed in black cloaks, were attempting to flee. One of them, wielding a magic staff, cast a spell, summoning a massive fire golem. "Prepare for battle!!" William commanded his soldiers. Back at the front of the palace¡­ "Boy¡­ you need to do something before you lose your kingdom," Leons said. "Hmph¡­ as if he could fail any harder," the disfigured corpse of Adam scoffed. "Alden?!" Christina called gently. "King Leons is right. You need to stand up now and face the people. But if you can¡¯t¡­ it¡¯s okay." She gave Alden a warm smile. "How unfortunate¡­ You¡¯ll only disappoint her," the corpse sneered. "But no matter, no one expected much from you anyway." Alden stood still, staring at the ground, overwhelmed with despair. Kaya placed her hand on his shoulder and smiled at him. "It¡¯s okay¡­ I¡¯m with you," she said and stepped forward to face the furious crowd. She recalled a conversation she had with her father years ago. "Dad¡­ how did you become so loved by the people?" Kaya had asked. "Hmm? Isn¡¯t it obvious?! Because of how amazing I am, of course!" Adam replied with a proud grin. Kaya sighed. "I want to be like you. I want to earn the people''s love and trust, but I don¡¯t know how." "You know, I wasn¡¯t always loved by the people. In fact, I didn¡¯t even care about it at first. All I wanted was to live a life of adventure and excitement, free of responsibilities. But when your grandfather, King Solomon, died, I had to grow up and take responsibility. Ruling was tough, and the people doubted whether I was fit to be king. I started losing confidence in myself, but your mother and the current council members stood by me. They helped me regain my confidence. "I began proving myself to the people¡ªI made my voice heard and showed them my strength. I made them know who I was and what I was capable of. That¡¯s how I earned their trust. And when the time came to fulfill my promises, I didn¡¯t hesitate or show any fear¡ªI stood as their hero." "That¡¯s why they call you Adam the Hero instead of King." "Yes¡­ In times of despair, people will seek any means of survival. But when they know there¡¯s someone they can rely on¡­ only then will they have a hero they trust, no matter what." Now, in the present¡­ "Thank you, Father¡­ Because of you, I know what to do now," Kaya thought. "I am Kaya of House Shomron! Princess of the Kingdom of Shomer! My dear people, I know what you are feeling right now... Fear, anger, sorrow, and despair¡ªall these emotions stem from the loss of your king, your protector, and your hero..." The crowd gradually quieted down, listening to Kaya. "And now, with the emergence of a new enemy, whose identity remains unknown, you feel your lives are threatened... So, you seek refuge in someone you can trust... Someone who can ensure the safety of this kingdom and its people. Someone like... my father. But he is gone, and that has left a wound in all our hearts, especially... Alden. Despite his young age, he carries a great burden, as everyone expects him to be like my father. But that is impossible..." ''Oooh! The painful truth,'' said Adam¡¯s distorted corpse. "No one can be like my father, and no one can be like anyone else... That is what makes us unique. What makes Alden special is that, despite this immense burden, he did not want to disappoint you... He did not want to disappoint us... He did not want to disappoint my father. So, he bottled up his emotions and carried all this pressure alone... for the sake of this kingdom. But instead of offering him our support and assistance, we doubted his abilities. Yet, I am certain that if we stand by him and trust him, he will become¡ªjust as my father said¡ªa great king and hero in the future..." Lyonis and Heimdall widened their eyes in astonishment at what they witnessed. Kor noticed his father¡¯s shock and asked what was wrong. "It¡¯s the magic that influenced the atmosphere! It was the cause of all this! And now... it has been lifted!" Lyonis said as he watched the dark aura dissipating from the people. "So, I ask you to trust him, just as our former king and hero... King Adam, trusted him." A deep silence filled the square for a few moments before someone started chanting. "Long live Prince Alden! Long live Prince Alden!" Another voice joined in. "Long live Prince Alden! Long live Prince Alden!" Until the entire crowd was chanting in unison: "Long live Prince Alden!! Long live Prince Alden!! Long liv Kingdom of Elovatar: The Royal Palace Knock... Knock... "Come in," said Arwen, his voice calm yet commanding. The grand doors of the chamber creaked open, revealing Ardil, the kingdom¡¯s trusted messenger and one of Arwen¡¯s most loyal aides. He stepped inside, his expression tense. "My Lord," Ardil greeted with a deep bow, his eyes betraying a sense of urgency. "Another monster attack?" Arwen asked, his sharp eyes scanning Ardil''s troubled face. "No, my Lord," Ardil replied, reaching into his leather satchel. "It¡¯s a red telegram from the Kingdom of Shomer." Arwen¡¯s brow furrowed. A red telegram meant an urgent and critical message¡ªoften a warning of war, disaster, or death. His fingers trembled slightly as he took the parchment and swiftly unsealed it. His eyes darted across the words, his usual composed demeanor shattering into visible shock. "My Lord?!! What''s wrong?!!" Ardil took a step forward, concern creeping into his voice. Arwen tightened his grip on the paper, his knuckles turning white. "Oh, Ardil, a disaster has befallen the continent. King Adam has been killed!!" Ardil staggered backward as if struck by an invisible force. "Impossible?!! But... how?!!" "The message doesn¡¯t clarify the details," Arwen said, his mind racing. "But I fear it has something to do with the monster attack yesterday." He turned toward the towering window of his chamber, staring out at the vast lands of Elovatar, his thoughts clouded with worry. "Inform King Rolls and the council members that I am calling for an emergency meeting." "Yes, my Lord," Ardil bowed before swiftly leaving. Alone in his chamber, Arwen exhaled deeply. "Oh, Adam," he murmured, his voice heavy with sorrow. "I can''t believe a warrior like you could be killed. Could they be involved in this?" --- The Next Day ¨C Kingdom of Shomer: Capital City of Koshin The streets of Koshin, usually bustling with merchants, children, and street performers, now carried an air of unease. Rumors spread like wildfire through the crowded alleys and marketplaces, weaving a web of fear and uncertainty. "Could the rumor be true?!" "Impossible!!" "I can''t believe it!! King Adam!!" "Who could have killed him?!!" "Who will be the ruler now?" "The monsters are attacking the villages, and no one can stop them." "I wonder what caused their sudden aggression?" "All the important figures are meeting today. I wonder if it has to do with the emergency announcement?!!" A murmur of excitement rippled through the crowd as they noticed an approaching royal carriage, its banners bearing the sigil of Elovatar. "Look! It¡¯s the royal carriage from the Kingdom of Elovatar!!" "It seems the kingdom is in a state of tension," Urim observed. "Of course," Arwen replied. "They¡¯ve just lost their king, and their cities are under attack by magical beasts. They are scared." "The loss of their king means the loss of their protector too. If the Shomer family can''t control the situation, this could be the end of their reign," Urim said gravely. "That¡¯s what worries me," another voice joined in¡ªElina, Queen of Elovatar. "I¡¯m afraid that Chris and the kids won¡¯t be able to handle this pressure." "They have to," Arwen said firmly. "Especially Alden, since he¡¯s the rightful heir to the throne." --- Royal Palace of Shomer Inside the grand hall of the palace, the scent of burning incense mixed with the heavy air of sorrow. Nobles, council members, and foreign dignitaries sat in solemn silence. The golden chandeliers cast a dim glow over their grim faces. "Announce the arrival!" a doorman shouted. "Rolls from the Denaes House! King of Elovatar!" Christina, now draped in black mourning robes, stood at the entrance of the hall. Though she carried herself with dignity, her eyes betrayed the grief within. "Queen Christina," Rolls said, stepping forward with a respectful bow. "On behalf of myself and the Kingdom of Elovatar, I offer my heartfelt condolences." "King Rolls, it is an honor to have you here today," Christina replied, her voice steady despite the weight of her sorrow. "It means a lot to our family and to the kingdom as well." Arwen stepped forward and bowed. "Queen Christina, the continent has not only lost a king but also one of its great heroes." "Thank you, Lord Arwen," Christina said. She gestured toward the grand seating area. "Please, everyone, have a seat. Mr. Zerv, please escort King Rolls and his family to their seats." "At your service, Your Majesty," Zerv said with a bow. "Excuse me, but could you please go ahead?" Elina asked gently. "Sure," Rolls replied. As the other royals took their seats, Elina approached Christina and took her hands in her own. "Chris," Elina said softly, "I know what you¡¯re feeling right now. If you need anything, I am here for you and for all of you." "Thank you, Queen Elina," Kaya spoke up, her voice filled with gratitude. Elina smiled warmly. "My dear Kaya, no need for formalities between us. You know that your mother and I are like sisters." "I¡¯m sorry, Aunt Elina," Kaya said, shifting nervously. "I just feel a little anxious about what¡¯s coming next." "Yes," Elina sighed. "You will have to deal with the people, reassure them, and gain their trust. It won¡¯t be an easy task." "That¡¯s not my biggest worry," Christina said, her gaze shifting toward Alden, who sat in silence, his face pale and his eyes distant. Since the day his father died, he had been plagued by visions¡ªhorrifying, unrelenting. He could see Adam¡¯s lifeless body following him, speaking to him in a distorted voice, laughing mockingly. "So¡­ do you think you are worthy of this position? Protecting this kingdom and its people?" Alden clenched his fists. "You didn''t even have the strength to protect your mother when she was about to kill herself. You''re not even worthy of being my son... Alden." "Alden?" a voice called. He jolted upright, realizing Queen Elina was speaking to him. "Oh?! Queen... Elina!" "Why do you keep calling me like that?" Elina said with frustration. "Anyway, Alden, how are you?" "Y... Yes, I¡¯m fine." "Good," Elina said, her tone turning gentle. "So¡­ what about your mental state?" "What?!" "I know you''ve isolated yourself from everyone after the incident," Elina said, placing her hands on his shoulders. "I know exactly how you feel, Alden. But this isn¡¯t the right way to deal with these feelings. Maybe if¡ª" Alden gently grabbed Elina¡¯s hands and pulled them away. "Thank you, Queen Elina," he said stiffly. "But I¡¯m fine, so there¡¯s no need to worry. Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me, I need to greet the guests." He bowed and left without another word. "I¡¯ll take care of him," Alrik said, bowing before following after his brother. Christina sighed. "He always avoids us¡­" Elina watched him go, her heart heavy with concern. Alden¡¯s breath quickened. The nightmare would not end. "Hmph, it seems that everyone knows your weakness, so they try to ease your burden," said the distorted voice of Adam''s corpse. "But there''s no point in comforting a weak and cowardly person like you, is there, Prince Alden?" "Prince Alden," said Frank. "Huh?! Oh! Sorry, I didn''t notice you," Alden replied. Frank bowed. "No problem, my Lord. Allow me to express my heartfelt condolences, Prince Alden." "Thank you, Sir...?". Frank bowed again. "Frank from the Glider House." "Glider?! Are you related to Advisor Steven?" Alrik asked. "Please, I''m having a conversation with His Highness!" Frank said. When Frank lifted his head, he was stunned by who had asked the question. Frank bowed again. "Prince Alrik!! Please forgive my rudeness, I didn''t know it was you!!" "What do you want?" Alden asked. "What? Can''t I just check on my brother?" Alrik replied. "How disgraceful, they''ve sent someone to keep an eye on you. They don''t trust you that much," said the distorted voice of Adam''s corpse. "I don''t need anyone to watch me," Alden said angrily. "Don''t follow me." "Hmph, idiot," said Alrik. "I''m sorry... My Lord," said Frank, still bowing. "Oh? You''re still here. Go ahead, you may stand," said Alrik and walked away. "Th... Thank you, Your Highness," Frank said, thinking, "[What exactly happened? It doesn''t seem like Prince Alden is doing well. If he shows weakness, he may not be crowned king. Should I exploit this? No, no... that could end with me in prison. But if it works... maybe I could...]" Frank bumped into someone, interrupting his thoughts. "Oh?! Sorry," Frank said. "No problem... Sir Frank," said Woo-Kilan. "Huh!! Mr. Advisor!! I''m sorry, I didn''t know it was you," Frank immediately bowed. "I''ve told you before, no problem. Also, why do you seem so tense? Are you alright?" "Yes, everything''s fine. But since you''re here, Mr. Advisor, may I ask you a question, if you allow me?" "If I have the answer, I will gladly share it. Go ahead, ask." "It''s about Prince Alden. As you can see, the prince is still young, so I wonder how he will handle the responsibility of an entire kingdom? He couldn''t even recover from his father''s death. Maybe it would be better for him and the kingdom if..." Woo-Kilan interrupted Frank''s words by striking his staff forcefully on the ground, causing everyone in the hall to focus on him. "Listen well, boy. Out of respect for your father, I won''t have you thrown into prison, but..." Woo-Kilan''s tone turned threatening. "If you think about something like this again, I swear that you will..." "Mr. Woo-Kilan... is everything alright?" asked Steven. "Mr. Steven, yes... everything is fine. Just having a simple conversation with Mr. Frank. Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me, I must leave." "[Hmph... senile old fool. I swear I will...]" Frank thought, but was interrupted by his father placing a hand on his shoulder. "Frank," Steven said in a cold tone. "Y... Yes... Father." "I don''t know what you said to Woo-Kilan to make him so furious, but... knowing you, I think I understand the reason." "W... Wait, Dad, let me explain..." Steven squeezed Frank''s shoulder hard. "Ugh..." "I''ve always been embarrassed by you, trying to get close to nobles and high-ranking individuals. But I tolerated it. I know you want to be important, seeking positions and titles, and perhaps even... rulership." He tightened his grip on Frank''s shoulder. "F... F... Father." "Let me finish. I''m not as kind as Mr. Woo-Kilan, but since you didn''t say this in front of me, I''ll settle for stripping you of your titles. But next time you think of something like this... I will kill you with my own hands. Is that clear?" "Y... Yes, my Lord." "Good." Steven left, leaving Frank trembling with fear. "Your Majesty," Zerv bowed. "The arrangements for the speech are ready." "Good, open the gate and let the people in," Christina said. --- In the front courtyard of the palace, the people of the Kingdom of Shumer gathered. The council members and nobles stood at the front, while fifteen steps behind them stood the common folk, separated by a line of royal guards. On the palace''s front balcony stood the members of the royal families, each accompanied by four of their personal guards. Christina stepped forward, with Kaya and Alric behind her, surrounded by their personal guards. Speaking through a magical amplifier, she addressed the crowd: "I am Christina of House Shumeron! Queen of the Kingdom of Shumer! I thank our esteemed guests¡ªChief Heimdall, King Leons, King Rolls, and King Kaldor¡ªfor attending today. I also thank the citizens of Shumer for gathering here today for the coronation of the new king and the memorial of our late king, Adam of House Shumeron! I know you all have many questions, and the new king will clarify everything for you. I present to you Alden of House Shumeron! Prince of the Kingdom of Shumer! The rightful heir to the throne!" Alden entered, followed by Woo-Kailan. Christina stepped aside to let Alden take the front, now facing the people. "What a sight! This is how the whole kingdom will witness your failure," the disfigured corpse of Adam began to laugh. Alden took a deep breath in, then exhaled. "I am Alden of House Shumeron! Prince of the Kingdom of Shumer! The rightful heir¡­ to the throne! I regret to inform you that my father, King Adam, has been¡­ murdered! Two nights ago, the palace was infiltrated by unknown enemies. King Adam and the royal guards confronted them¡­" Among the crowd, murmurs began to spread. "He''s lying.""There were only three intruders.""Did you know that monster attacks started the same night King Adam died?""They¡¯re hiding the truth." At the front¡­ "Sir," a guard saluted."What is it?" William asked."In the back, among the crowd¡­ there seems to be some unrest.""Unrest? What do you mean?" The murmurs grew louder. "Don''t you know who was behind the attack? It was the Cult of Darkness!""Impossible!""They¡¯ve been lying to us all these years!""The cult still exists!""They¡¯re targeting kings!""Our lives are in danger!""Do you think Prince Alden has the ability to protect us?!""He''s just a child! We need another ruler!" "Hmm?!" Leons sensed something. "What''s wrong, Father?" Kor asked. "King Leons¡­ did you feel it too?" Heimdall inquired. "Yes! A powerful type of magic! A kind of dark magic!" Alden continued, "So¡­ I vow to protect the kingdom and its people from¡ª" but he was cut off by the sudden outcry of the people. "Lies!!""You are not fit for this position!!""We want the truth!!" The disfigured corpse of Adam laughed again. "It seems the people have finally risen!" A manic laugh echoed across the courtyard¡ªit belonged to a woman. "Apologies, I couldn¡¯t hold back any longer. Just the sight of the little prince fills me with nostalgia." "Who is that?!""What is this voice?!""Guards!! Find the source of the voice!!" William commanded. "What¡­ is happening?!!" Alden asked. "I mean, he has the same terrified expression his father had," the strange woman said. Her voice was sharp and piercing, sending chills through the air. "Impossible!!" Christina gasped. "It¡¯s¡­ her!!" Alric said fearfully. "No way!! You mean?!!" Kaya added. "Yes!! It¡¯s me!! I am the reason you are all gathered here today!! I am the cause of all this chaos!! I am¡­" The woman¡¯s voice grew quieter yet sharper. "The one who killed King Adam!! And I have come to finish my work, which is¡­" An arrow was fired from the top of the palace. "To eliminate¡­" The arrow sped toward¡­ "Prince¡­ Alden!!" Toward Prince Alden¡­ Only a meter remained between Alden¡¯s head and the arrow¡­ Someone caught it!! It was King Leons!! Alden collapsed to the ground!! Everyone was stunned by the attempt on Alden¡¯s life. "Ohh!! It looks like it¡¯s your turn now," the disfigured corpse of Adam mocked. The woman''s laugh spread across the courtyard. All the royal guards readied their weapons and surrounded their lords. "Guards!" William shouted. "To the top of the palace!! Now!!" "Your Highness, we must return inside the palace!" a guard called. "Your Highness!" "Alden!!" Kaya cried as she held him. "Wake up!!" "K-Kaya?!!" "Hmph," the disfigured corpse scoffed. "Pathetic. Just like that day." "It seems you will live another day, prince. Or should I say¡­ king?" The woman laughed as her voice gradually faded away. The people erupted into an uproar, demanding Alden be removed from the throne. "Damn it!! How did things turn out this way?!!" Steven said, his voice filled with regret. At the back of the palace¡­ "You there!! Stop immediately!!" William shouted. Five individuals, dressed in black cloaks, were attempting to flee. One of them, wielding a magic staff, cast a spell, summoning a massive fire golem. "Prepare for battle!!" William commanded his soldiers. Back at the front of the palace¡­ "Boy¡­ you need to do something before you lose your kingdom," Leons said. "Hmph¡­ as if he could fail any harder," the disfigured corpse of Adam scoffed. "Alden?!" Christina called gently. "King Leons is right. You need to stand up now and face the people. But if you can¡¯t¡­ it¡¯s okay." She gave Alden a warm smile. "How unfortunate¡­ You¡¯ll only disappoint her," the corpse sneered. "But no matter, no one expected much from you anyway." Alden stood still, staring at the ground, overwhelmed with despair. Kaya placed her hand on his shoulder and smiled at him. "It¡¯s okay¡­ I¡¯m with you," she said and stepped forward to face the furious crowd. She recalled a conversation she had with her father years ago. "Dad¡­ how did you become so loved by the people?" Kaya had asked. "Hmm? Isn¡¯t it obvious?! Because of how amazing I am, of course!" Adam replied with a proud grin. Kaya sighed. "I want to be like you. I want to earn the people''s love and trust, but I don¡¯t know how." "You know, I wasn¡¯t always loved by the people. In fact, I didn¡¯t even care about it at first. All I wanted was to live a life of adventure and excitement, free of responsibilities. But when your grandfather, King Solomon, died, I had to grow up and take responsibility. Ruling was tough, and the people doubted whether I was fit to be king. I started losing confidence in myself, but your mother and the current council members stood by me. They helped me regain my confidence. "I began proving myself to the people¡ªI made my voice heard and showed them my strength. I made them know who I was and what I was capable of. That¡¯s how I earned their trust. And when the time came to fulfill my promises, I didn¡¯t hesitate or show any fear¡ªI stood as their hero." "That¡¯s why they call you Adam the Hero instead of King." "Yes¡­ In times of despair, people will seek any means of survival. But when they know there¡¯s someone they can rely on¡­ only then will they have a hero they trust, no matter what." Now, in the present¡­ "Thank you, Father¡­ Because of you, I know what to do now," Kaya thought. "I am Kaya of House Shomron! Princess of the Kingdom of Shomer! My dear people, I know what you are feeling right now... Fear, anger, sorrow, and despair¡ªall these emotions stem from the loss of your king, your protector, and your hero..." The crowd gradually quieted down, listening to Kaya. "And now, with the emergence of a new enemy, whose identity remains unknown, you feel your lives are threatened... So, you seek refuge in someone you can trust... Someone who can ensure the safety of this kingdom and its people. Someone like... my father. But he is gone, and that has left a wound in all our hearts, especially... Alden. Despite his young age, he carries a great burden, as everyone expects him to be like my father. But that is impossible..." ''Oooh! The painful truth,'' said Adam¡¯s distorted corpse. "No one can be like my father, and no one can be like anyone else... That is what makes us unique. What makes Alden special is that, despite this immense burden, he did not want to disappoint you... He did not want to disappoint us... He did not want to disappoint my father. So, he bottled up his emotions and carried all this pressure alone... for the sake of this kingdom. But instead of offering him our support and assistance, we doubted his abilities. Yet, I am certain that if we stand by him and trust him, he will become¡ªjust as my father said¡ªa great king and hero in the future..." Lyonis and Heimdall widened their eyes in astonishment at what they witnessed. Kor noticed his father¡¯s shock and asked what was wrong. "It¡¯s the magic that influenced the atmosphere! It was the cause of all this! And now... it has been lifted!" Lyonis said as he watched the dark aura dissipating from the people. "So, I ask you to trust him, just as our former king and hero... King Adam, trusted him." A deep silence filled the square for a few moments before someone started chanting. "Long live Prince Alden! Long live Prince Alden!" Another voice joined in. "Long live Prince Alden! Long live Prince Alden!" Until the entire crowd was chanting in unison: "Long live Prince Alden!! Long live Prince Alden!! Long live Prince Alden!! Long live Prince Alden!!" As everyone cheered for him, Alden noticed something in Kaya¡ªhe saw his father¡¯s reflection in her. --- Later that evening... "Let the memorial ceremony begin!" shouted Wu-Kilan. Everyone wrote words describing King Adam on lanterns, lit them, and released them into the sky, illuminating the night. Among the words written on the lanterns were "King," "Protector," "Friend," "Husband," "Father," and... "Killer." --- Chapter Four: In he Shadow of Swords and Crowns On a quiet morning, as the first rays of sunlight crept through the windows, the place was filled with whispers and farewells. "So... Your Majesty. We meet at the academy, then?" Kor said, looking at Alden with eyes full of curiosity. "Unfortunately, Alden will not be returning to the academy," Alrik replied quietly. "Huh?! What do you mean by that?!" Kor wondered, surprised by the sudden news. "After his coronation, he will have to leave the academy. There will be greater responsibilities awaiting him in his kingdom. As for his education, he will receive the best training from the sorcerers of the continent," Keith added. "Oh..." Kor looked saddened, fully aware of the changes that would soon affect Alden''s life. "But that doesn''t mean we won''t see you again. Even after you become king, you''ll still be our friend," Luna said with a comforting smile. "Of course! Besides, royal meetings happen at the academy. I''ll sneak in and greet you then!" Alden replied, lightening the mood with his playful words. "Korr!" Lioness called, "It''s time to leave!" "Right!" Kor replied loudly, turning to his companions, "Well, guys, I must go now." "Me too," Keith said. "So, Alden, good luck with your reign!" Luna said, offering a smile full of good wishes. "Thank you again for coming, and I wish you all a safe journey," Christina said, bidding them farewell with eyes full of emotion. "So... can I go now? I haven''t gotten enough sleep," Kaya said, yawning and closing her eyes. "Yes, me too. Well, see you later," Alden said, just as Kaya turned to leave. But before they could depart, Christina stopped them and shouted: "Not so fast!" Christina grabbed Kaya and Alden by their hands firmly, "Today is the coronation, you lazy ones!" "And what about me? Alden is the one being crowned!" Kaya said, trying to act indifferent. "Why the rush? Let''s postpone it to tomorrow," Alden said with a relaxed tone. But Christina wasn''t going to allow that. She pinched Kaya and Alden''s ears, causing them to shout in surprise. "Did you say something?" Christina asked with an angry tone, her eyes flashing with slight fury. "Ahhh! I said I''m going to get ready!" Kaya quickly said, bowing in embarrassment. "Ahhh! Me too! Me too!" Alden said, raising his hands, pretending to repent. Christina stopped pinching and looked at them sternly. "Oh... I can''t believe this! I''m your only daughter, be nice to me!" Kaya said, taking a deep breath, trying to hide her smile. "I... I''m sorry," Alden said, looking at the ground, moved. "Good... now go and get ready," Christina said, smiling. "I... I''m sorry," Alden said again, his voice full of regret and seriousness. Everyone looked at Alden in surprise. It seemed as though a heavy burden had been lifted from his heart. "I acted foolishly. I was harsh with you while you were trying to help me... I..." Alden began, his eyes filled with tears. Suddenly, Christina embraced him, smiling kindly and saying: "It''s okay, Alden. I know you''ve been through a lot, and all these suppressed emotions were hurting you. But remember, you were never alone, and we are always with you. Don''t carry this burden alone. Share it with us, and we''ll get through everything together, as we always have." Kaya and Alrik joined the embrace, and even Alden''s tears began to fall. "I miss him," Alden whispered softly, overcome with emotion. "We all do," Christina replied, her eyes filled with sadness and tenderness. Alden''s Room: After moments of heavy silence, the distorted voice of Adam came, laden with bitterness and confession: "I admit it... I didn''t expect things to go this far! But all of this is thanks to Kaya, without her, You might have ended up thrown against the palace walls, worthless." Knock... knock... "Come in," Alden said, raising his hand as a gesture to allow entrance, though his tone carried a hint of caution. "Your Majesty," Alrik said, bowing respectfully, then raising his head with a focused look. Alden looked at him, his eyes wandering as if he were trying to retrieve thoughts lost in the noise of recent days. "Alrik... do you think I''m fit for this position?" "Huh?!" Alrik paused, then looked at Alden and realized the seriousness of the question wasn¡¯t a casual inquiry. "Actually... no!" he answered honestly, causing Adam''s distorted voice to sneer maliciously. "Hmph... Finally, someone sensible!" Adam said, sighing in frustration, as if feeling that a truth had been spoken. Alrik took a step forward, his eyes filled with confidence in Alden: "I''m sure you''ll become a strong warrior in the future, perhaps even a hero. But a king... that''s a whole different matter. If Kaya hadn''t intervened in yesterday''s speech, things could have ended very badly." Alden closed his eyes for a moment, reflecting on Alrik''s words. He realized the burden he carried was far greater than he''d anticipated. "Hmm... Seems he''s smarter than you. Maybe you should abdicate the throne to him," Adam said mockingly, as if trying to stir more doubt in Alden¡¯s heart. Alden took a deep breath, then said in a firm and resolute voice: "Thank you, Alrik. I now know what must be done." Later... "Alright, Your Majesty. All areas have been secured," William said, raising his head respectfully. "Good... we don¡¯t want yesterday¡¯s incident to repeat. Woo-Kilan, is everything ready?" Christina asked, her eyes carefully following everyone''s movements. "Yes, Your Majesty." "Alright, let''s go!" Christina stepped forward, raising her hand to announce the coronation, her words carrying strength and attention. "People of the Kingdom of Shomer... Yesterday, we gathered to say goodbye to a king, and today we gather to welcome a new king! Therefore, with the authority vested in me, I, Christina of House Shomron, Queen of the Kingdom of Shomer, present to you the successor of King Adam, Alden of House Shomron!! Prince of the Kingdom of Shomer!!" The people began to cheer enthusiastically: "Long live Prince Alden!! Long live Prince Alden!! Long live Prince Alden!!" Alden stepped forward, his eyes turning toward Christina, then stopping in front of her. The head butler, Zerv, stepped forward, holding a cushion with a sword and crown, standing beside Christina. Alden knelt on his left knee and lowered his head in respect. "Introduce yourself!" Christina commanded, her tone firm. "I am Alden of House Shomron! Prince of the Kingdom of Shomer! Successor of King Adam!" Christina raised the sword, pointing it at Alden, asking: "Prince Alden! Do you swear your complete loyalty to the Kingdom of Shomer?" "I swear!" "Do you swear to protect the people of the Kingdom of Shomer?" "I swear!" "Do you swear to place the interests of the Kingdom of Shomer above your personal ones?" "I swear!" "Then... I, Christina of House Shomron, Queen of the Kingdom of Shomer, hereby declare you... Alden of House Shomron!! King of the Kingdom of Shomer!!" The people cheered loudly: "Long live King Alden!! Long live King Alden!! Long live King Alden!!" Alden raised his hands high, his eyes shining with excitement, before Christina placed the sword in his hands. Then she took the crown and placed it on his head. "You may rise now! King Alden!!" Christina shouted, her voice filling the air. Alden stood, bowing his head to Christina, and she mirrored the gesture. Alden stepped forward, raising the sword high, causing the crowd to cheer for him once more. When he lowered the sword, the cheering stopped, and silence filled the air as everyone awaited what Alden would say. "People of the Kingdom of Shomer! I am Alden of House Shomron!! King of the Kingdom of Shomer!! I hereby announce my abdication of the throne!! To Kaya of House Shomron!! Princess of the Kingdom of Shomer!!" "Haaah!!!" The crowd gasped in astonishment. "Wait, Alden?!! What are you doing?!!" Alrik shouted, clearly stunned by the sudden decision. "I made the right choice." Alden replied, then turned to address the people. "I know what you''re thinking now, but the truth is... Kaya has proven herself more worthy of this position than I have. In fact, she was the one who aspired to this position, unlike me. I showed no responsibility for it, and without Kaya, we might have lost our mother too, and I would have remained outside the palace walls... Known as the failed heir. And I¡¯m confident that all of you noticed this yesterday, how she faced the pressures and solved things, and how she supported me and our mother. She demonstrated the qualities of a king, the qualities... I saw in my father." "Alden!" Kaya whispered, trying to hold back her tears. "She showed wisdom, courage, strength, responsibility, and, of course, ambition for this position... So I see no one more fit than Kaya to be my father¡¯s successor. And I think all of you agree with me." "W... wait, Alden!! What do you..." But the cheers from the people interrupted Kaya¡¯s words, growing louder: "Long live Princess Kaya!! Long live Princess Kaya!! Long live Princess Kaya!!" "Did you see that? The people have chosen you!" Alden said with a calm smile, looking at Kaya. "B... but... my mother? "Alright... The king has spoken, and it would not be proper to refuse his request." Christina said with a slight smile on her face, just as Alden smiled. Alden then pointed his sword at Kaya and said: "Introduce yourself!" "I am Kaya from House Shomron!! Princess of the Kingdom of Shomr!!" A grand celebration was held at the palace to celebrate the coronation of Queen Kaya, Queen of the Kingdom of Shomr. The hall was adorned with royal banners and bright lamps, and the atmosphere was filled with joy and celebration. The five council members advanced one by one, kneeling on their left knees, pledging their allegiance to the new queen. "I am Wu-Kilan of House Chin! The King''s advisor! I swear my complete loyalty to you! Queen Kaya!" Wu-Kilan declared firmly, a man with a thick beard and sharp eyes, expressing his deep devotion. "I am William of House Boldberg! The army''s commander! I swear my complete loyalty to you! Queen Kaya!" William said, wearing an extravagant military uniform, his eyes gleaming with strength and respect. "I am Khalid of House Sam! Ruler of Grenou! I swear my complete loyalty to you! Queen Kaya!" Khalid announced with a serious voice, his sharp features showing years of leadership experience. "I am Izogi of House Nawe! Ruler of Liberia! I swear my complete loyalty to you! Queen Kaya!" Izogi said with elegant presence and unwavering confidence, making some feel her powerful will. "I am Stephen of House Glider! Ruler of Fortemberg! I swear my complete loyalty to you! Queen Kaya!" Stephen declared, admiring Kaya, his nobility and loyalty apparent. The rest of the attendees in the hall, from all corners of the kingdom, stood up and showed deep emotion. They echoed in unison, "We are the people of the Kingdom of Shomr! We swear our complete loyalty to you! Queen Kaya!" Kaya rose from the throne, advancing forward with confidence and calm, as though carrying the weight of the kingdom on her shoulders. She looked at the council members and the attendees, then spoke in a calm voice but full of strength: Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. "Rise, gentlemen! You have served my father for many years, showing him nothing but loyalty and devotion. It is an honor for me to work with you to preserve what my father built, and what the kings before him built. And what the founder Shomron built! Rise, all of you, and let the celebration begin!!" The crowd began to clap enthusiastically, expressing their joy at Kaya taking the throne. However, deep within them was another feeling, a sense that the kingdom was at a crucial crossroads, and that Kaya would be capable of leading Shomr through this difficult phase. The sun set, but the celebration continued at the palace and throughout the kingdom. Singing and dancing, happiness and play, it was one of the kingdom''s finest nights. "Your Majesty," William and the young man with him bowed respectfully. "Allow me to introduce my son, Byron¡­" "Byron!" Kaya completed with enthusiasm, smiling as she looked at the young man. "Your Majesty," Byron said, standing humbly. "Rise, please!" Kaya said, moving toward them with a smile. "Byron, it''s been so long!" "Yes... since the academy days," Byron replied, smiling. "Since Byron finished the academy, I enrolled him in the army training, and he has developed greatly. He aims to become one of your personal guards." "What an honor! In fact, since the academy days, he acted like he was my personal guard," Kaya said, reminiscing about those days, causing Byron to smile shyly. Byron rubbed the back of his neck with an embarrassed smile. William laughed and said: "So that''s why he insisted on being your personal guard, even though I asked him to join me at the front. Well, from now on, your training will be tougher." "Wait! Isn''t it tough enough?!" Byron responded, laughing to hide his nervousness. "She looks so happy, don''t she?" Christina said to Alden, who was watching Kaya talk and laugh with William and Byron. "Yes... I just wish my father were here today," Alden said, smiling with a touch of sadness. "Oh, please, you''re going to make me cry," Christina teased, noticing his sad expression. "I feel the same..." Christina replied, then added after a brief silence, "By the way, Alden... do you feel anything strange in your body?" "Hmm?!" Alden responded, confused. "In fact, Chief Heimdal and King Leons told me that during yesterday''s speech, when the people revolted, they saw a kind of dark aura surrounding them. But it disappeared after Kaya''s speech." "Is that why they suddenly erupted? But no one noticed anything," Alden said, puzzled. "Yes, that''s what we believe. Also, the dwarves have a strong connection to mana, so they might have noticed something. While King Leons has the ability to distinguish mana particles in the air." "Amazing!!" Alden thought to himself. "They also noticed the same aura on you... even stronger. So I want to know, do you feel anything strange?" "Hmm? She''s right. Maybe you should tell her I''m talking to my father''s disfigured corpse... I''m not sure how she''d react, even though I''m her husband, but I''m sure it''s worth trying," said Adam''s disfigured corpse. "In fact... I..." Alden stopped speaking suddenly. He saw a strange woman wearing a black hood and carrying a magical staff, which made him feel something strange in his heart. "Al... Ald... Alden!" Christina said in shock, sensing a sudden change in Alden''s behavior. "Huh?!!" Alden said, snapping back to reality, smiling at Christina. "What''s wrong with you all of a sudden? You really feel something! I''ll take you to..." Christina started to say, but was interrupted immediately. "I''m fine! I just think I saw Alrik! I''ll call him to join us," Alden said, walking away quickly. "What?! Wait, Alden!" Christina said, but Alden had already started chasing the strange woman. "Do you think it''s appropriate to leave your mother like this? For a strange woman?! I didn''t raise you properly after all!" mocked the corpse. "Be quiet! You''re not my father!" Alden shouted in anger. "Oh! Finally, you''re talking to me! It''s been a long time. I was afraid I wouldn''t see you again," the corpse replied sarcastically. "I told you to be quiet!" Alden said angrily, quickening his pace. Alden suddenly collided with someone. "Ah! Sorry, I didn''t mean to..." Alden started, but stopped when he saw the person he had bumped into. "Prince Alden!" Stephen said in shock. "Excuse me, Your Highness," he added, bowing respectfully. "No... Sir Stephen, it''s me who should apologize, I was in a hurry," Alden said, trying to correct the situation quickly. "If I may ask, why? Are you looking for someone?" Stephen asked curiously. "Yes... a mysterious woman, wearing a black hood, and carrying a magical staff. It''s hard not to notice her, unless you''re as crazy as my son here," said the corpse, attempting to downplay the situation. "I told you to be quiet!" Alden whispered angrily. "Sorry... Your Highness?!" Stephen said in surprise, but seemed more concerned about Alden''s condition. "No! Nothing! Sir Stephen. I''m just looking for Alrik. Now, excuse me," Alden said quickly. "Uh... alright," Stephen said, bowing again. Alden, still feeling a strange tension, began searching for the mysterious woman he felt was near. He noticed that she had left the hall through a side entrance. "I found you!" Alden said, quickly following her. Alden chased the strange woman quickly, and when he crossed through the entrance, he saw her turn at the end of the hallway. He ran after her quickly. She was fast, and he saw her turn at the end of the hallway again. He continued running behind her through the palace. "Huh?!! Isn''t that the prince?!!" one of the guards said in surprise. "Yes?! It is! Let''s go!" the other guard responded quickly. "Damn!!" Alden cursed angrily, "Could it be her? That damn woman?!!" Alden thought to himself. The strange woman turned again, making Alden even angrier. "Damn it!! Stop!!" Alden shouted as he ran quickly, then was stunned when he turned behind the woman again. "!!!" Alden''s eyes widened in shock, and his whole body began to sweat and tremble. "N...No!! The back courtyard!!" Alden shouted angrily, "Are you mocking me?!! Where are you?!! Show yourself, you damn woman!!" "Y...Your Highness?!?!" came the voice from behind him. It was the guard who had seen Alden running around the palace. "What?!!" Alden responded angrily, turning to them. "Ex...excuse us, sir!!" the two guards said in unison, bowing respectfully. Alden noticed they were just guards, and he felt guilty for shouting at them. He took a deep breath to calm himself, then said: "It''s alright, rest... I just thought I saw someone." Alden started looking around the courtyard for the woman. The two guards approached him cautiously. "Hmm?!! But Your Highness, we''ve been through every part of the palace and haven''t seen anyone else!" one guard said, puzzled. "Y...yes. Perhaps if you described the person, we might be able to help," the other guard added. "They didn¡¯t see anyone but me!" Alden exclaimed, whispering to himself, "Maybe my mother was right, and I''m starting to hallucinate. Damn it!" He turned back to the guards, saying, "Never mind, maybe I was..." "Your Highness, watch out!!" one of the guards suddenly shouted. Alden quickly looked behind him and saw an axe swinging toward his head. He avoided the blow with a swift backflip. "Wait!! What does this mean?!!" Alden shouted angrily, jumping backward. "Oops... I missed." said one of the guards standing behind Alden, a malicious grin on his face. "Damn it! Where did this bastard come from?!!" said the other guard in surprise. "Your Highness!! Run!" one of the guards warned, but didn¡¯t finish his sentence, as he was sliced in half by the claw of a giant bear. "You two... Aren¡¯t you supposed to be guarding the corridor for us?!!" the guard holding a sword said angrily. "Oh... my apologies! I don''t know where this guard came from." responded the guard with a magical staff, stepping from the corridor''s entrance. "It seems he... was... in the square." the bear-like man said, blood dripping from his claws and mouth. "Yes... because this beast sliced any guard who appeared in the corridor." said the guard with the staff coldly. In the corridor, there were over twenty guards¡¯ bodies lying on the floor, mutilated brutally. "You..." Alden said angrily, breathing heavily. "Who are you?! And is that crazy woman with you?!!" "Hmm?!" responded the guard holding a sword coldly, "As we told you before, Your Highness. We didn¡¯t see anyone but you passing through the corridors, and as for who we are... we are..." He grinned maniacally, "Members of the Dark Sect! And we were sent to kill you!" Alden took a few steps back, still on alert. "Actually, we didn¡¯t expect the mission to be this easy. I mean, how are we going to kill the prince?!! Right in the middle of people at the celebration?!! Isn¡¯t that a difficult task?" said the staff-wielder, laughing. "Hmph... But after seeing you running alone through the corridors!" said the axe-wielder in a deep voice. "How lucky are we!" said the axe-wielder with a mocking smile. "An easy... prey." said the bear-like human. The four of them moved toward Alden, and with every step they took, Alden cautiously backed away. "Hmph! Four professional killers coming after one boy?!" Alden mocked, preparing for battle, "I thought you Dark Sect members were more imposing than this." "Hmm?!! He¡¯s right. We don¡¯t need you to kill the little prince." said the axe-wielder with an evil grin. "Let me handle him!" "Fine." said the swordsman. "He might not let you defeat him." "Hmph... As if he has a chance." said the bear-like human, letting out a soft growl. The axe-wielder moved forward, his massive build evident, wielding a double-edged axe. He looked incredibly strong, as his axe was huge and heavy. "Alright... then it¡¯s you!" Alden said, breathing heavily, "He must be enhanced. Fighting him will be tough." The axe-wielder charged toward Alden quickly, raising his axe high and ready to strike. "[Damn!! He¡¯s faster than I expected!!]" Alden thought quickly. Alden focused mana into his feet to increase his speed, and jumped to the side at the last moment. Boom! The ground shattered from the force of the axe-wielder''s strike. "Hmph... I can''t believe you dodged that!" the staff-wielder sneered. "Sl...ow!" said the bear-like human, looking at Alden with cold eyes. Alden was breathing heavily, his entire body sweating, "[I... can¡¯t believe it!! If I had been a second late...]" Alden couldn¡¯t finish his thoughts, as the axe-wielder suddenly appeared in front of him, falling from above, ready to deliver a stronger blow. "[Damn!!]" Alden remembered something. "Damn!!" Alden said, rising from the ground, feeling a sharp pain throughout his body. "Too slow." said Adam, his voice calm but full of wisdom. "If this were a real battlefield, you would be dead by now." "But father... you¡¯re so fast. I can¡¯t even see your attacks." Alden sighed, trying to gather his strength. "Of course, you can''t keep up with your current vision. Just as you focus mana in your body to enhance your speed and power, focus it in your eyes as well. This way, you¡¯ll be able to match your opponent¡¯s speed. And the higher your level, the sharper your vision will become." In the present... Alden dodged the strike again at the last moment. His eyes were sparkling due to the mana focus on them. "[Damn!! I can''t look away from him... or this will be the end!]" Alden thought with determination, keeping his focus on his opponent. "Stop playing and finish him off!" the swordsman said sharply. "The rest of the guards may be gathering now." The axe-wielder smiled maliciously and turned his eyes toward Alden. "How unfortunate... I was starting to really enjoy this." "[I need to keep dodging until...!!]" Alden thought, continuing to avoid the strikes. But suddenly, the bear-like human appeared behind Alden! "[Damn! I don¡¯t have time to...]" The hybrid beast delivered a powerful punch from the side, sending Alden flying toward a massive tree. The tree shattered from the impact, and the sound of breaking branches filled the air. "Heh! You monster! Who allowed you to interfere?!" the axe-wielder shouted angrily. "We don¡¯t... have... time... for... playing... with... prey." the bear-like human said in a heavy tone, his face expressionless. "He¡¯s right." said the swordsman coldly, watching Alden, "Come on, just make sure if he¡¯s dead or not." "Hmph... you idiots!!" the axe-wielder muttered impatiently, raising his axe challengingly. "Hah!! I can¡¯t believe it!! He survived that beast¡¯s attack!!" Alden managed to block the beast¡¯s attack at the last moment with his right hand, but his hand shattered under the force of the blow, and blood started pouring from his mouth. His body was nearly broken, as if every part of him was suffering from the impact. "You¡¯re not bad, boy!! But unfortunately... this is your end!!" said the axe-wielder, raising his axe high, ready to deliver the finishing blow. Then a deafening, monstrous scream echoed, filled with the scent of death and danger. "Alrik!" Christina called, searching the hall. "There you are! But... isn¡¯t Alden with you?" "No... actually, I haven¡¯t seen him since the start of the celebration." Alrik responded with a confused expression. "This is strange! He said he saw you and went to call you." Christina said, her worry evident. "Queen Mother, Your Highness." Stephen bowed politely. "Sir Stephen... have you seen Alden?" Christina asked quickly, concern visible on her face. "Yes, my lady. He seemed a bit confused. When I asked him about it, he said he was looking for Your Highness, Alrik." "What is this? Is he using me as an excuse to avoid responsibility?!" Alrik said sharply. "Mother... Allow me to introduce..." Kaya suddenly stopped speaking, turning to her mother. "Kaya, have you seen your brother?!" Christina asked. "Which one? The one standing behind you? Or the other one?" Kaya replied sarcastically. "Kaya!" Christina said loudly, trying to control herself. "Okay... okay. I¡¯m sorry. Just calm down, Mom." Kaya said quickly, adding, "Wasn¡¯t Alden with you? What¡¯s going on?" "It seems mom is worried about Alden because he couldn¡¯t find me." Alrik said calmly, watching his mother¡¯s face. "No! Something is wrong! I can feel it!" Christina responded, her eyes filled with deep worry. "Okay, mom. Just calm down. Of course, he¡¯s somewhere here, probably flirting with one of the girls." Kaya said, trying to ease the situation. Suddenly, a soldier rushed toward them, panting. "Sir!" the soldier said, approaching quickly. "Wait, soldier! Don¡¯t you see the Queen is here?!" William said angrily. "Apologies, sir, but... Prince Alden..." the soldier began to pant again, looking anxious. Everyone rushed toward the back square. On their way, they passed the corridor filled with the dismembered bodies of guards. They all stopped suddenly, shocked by the gruesome sight before them. Bodies torn apart in a savage way, scattered everywhere, with blood splattered on the ceiling. "Alden!!" Christina cried, her face covered with concern. "He¡¯s not here, my lady. But in the square." one of the guards replied. At the mention of the square, everyone remembered King Adam. Christina and Kaya remembered how his injuries had been. They feared they would find Alden in the same condition. Christina''s body was shaking with fear, while Kaya and Alrik held her hand and walked together toward the square¡¯s entrance. When they arrived, they were shocked by the scene before them. The bodies of the four Dark Sect guards were dismembered in the same way as the bodies in the corridor. One of the guards pointed to the tree Alden had been thrown into. They were trying to approach, but something was stopping them. When Christina and the others got closer, the guards stepped aside to let them through, and then the surprise. "Impossible!!" Stephen shouted. "Is... that really... a dragon?!" William said in a trembling voice. The creature before them was a small dragon, with red scales and dark brown stripes. Its claws seemed stronger than steel, and its sharp, gleaming teeth. Its wings were large enough to carry a bear. But its body wasn¡¯t as massive as the dragons they knew; he was at least six feet tall. "Alden!!" Christina cried, tears filling her eyes. Suddenly, the dragon moved as if it had been sleeping. The guards stepped back, for this was the dragon they hadn¡¯t seen in centuries. The dragon went into a defensive stance, but didn¡¯t attack. It stepped back one more step as if... "Wait!! Is it... protecting Prince Alden?!" said Beron, amazed. Christina took a step forward, but the dragon puffed smoke from its nostrils, threatening her. Alrik quickly grabbed Christina''s hand. "Wait, Mom!! This thing might attack you!!" Alrik said, worried. "Alrik is right. But... Alden is there... he seems injured!" Kaya said, trying to stay calm. "If it really is protecting Alden, it will let me pass." Christina said confidently. "Then let me go ahead..." Kaya said, but Christina interrupted. "No! I don¡¯t want to scare it. Maybe if we go together, it¡¯ll feel threatened... so I should go." Christina said firmly. Alrik looked at Kaya and nodded in agreement. He released Christina''s hand and took a step back while she moved forward. "Captain William... you have permission to intervene if you sense danger. Get my mother away and attack the dragon immediately." Kaya said. "As you wish, Your Highness." William replied seriously. Christina advanced slowly toward Alden. The dragon watched her with sharp eyes. When she got closer, it stood in her path, blocking any movement. William stood ready and signaled his soldiers to prepare. The dragon began sniffing her, as if studying her. When the dragon stepped back one step, it allowed Christina to pass. William stopped the spell he was about to cast and signaled his soldiers to retreat. Christina carefully examined Alden¡¯s body but found no injuries. He was covered in blood and dirt, unconscious. She immediately hugged him, her tears flowing freely, overwhelmed with both happiness and worry. Chapter Five: The Vow of Darkness Last night "But unfortunately... this is your end," the axe-wielder shouted in a gruff voice. A sudden, brutal scream followed. "What is this?!" the cane-wielder yelled, horrified. A massive monster attacked the sword-wielder, charging with all its strength. "Arrrghhh!" The sword-wielder howled in pain from the deep wound. "You bastard!" the cane-wielder shouted, his eyes widening with rage, preparing a spell. But the hybrid monster, despite its strength, attacked the other monster, though it was less experienced. The large beast turned around, sinking its claws deeply into its back. "Arrrrgh!" the hybrid beast screamed in terror and pain. Without hesitation, the large beast bit down on the hybrid''s neck and ripped it away from its body, as if it were a prey caught effortlessly. "Bastard!!" The cane-wielder screamed in anger, launching a fire spell at the beast, which failed to dodge the attack. Boom! A deep explosion filled the place. "Damn!! Did I burn?!" the axe-wielder asked, worried. "I... I think so," the cane-wielder replied hesitantly, watching the fire. Suddenly, a glowing fireball shot out from the smoke and flames, striking the cane-wielder''s body, igniting him in flames. "Ahhh!!!" The cane-wielder screamed, burning, the fire shimmering around his body. "What... what is this?!" the axe-wielder screamed, terrified. "What do you want from us?!" The axe-wielder rushed at the beast with all his might, trying to defeat it, but in an instant, a red point shot from the ground, like a spear, piercing the axe-wielder''s body in half, drowning him in blood. The mysterious woman Alden had been searching for appeared. She stepped confidently toward Alden, accompanied by the heavy-breathing beast. She knelt gracefully, then spoke softly and calmly, "It seems you¡¯ve sustained serious injuries." There was tenderness in her voice. "Don''t worry, you''ll be fine." She extended her palm toward Alden and murmured a hidden spell. "Now... do you feel better?" "It seems luck is on your side today... boy," the mangled corpse of Adam said, its voice hoarse. "Now, let¡¯s get rid of this annoying curse." "Hmm?! What are you talking about?! Do you mean me?!" the corpse asked, confused. "Yes... you," the woman answered calmly. "Wait! Can you see me?!" the corpse asked, his confusion evident on his face. The woman pulled out a necklace with a crimson crystal, gleaming under the firelight. "Yes... but not anymore." She placed the necklace around Alden''s neck, and at that moment, Adam''s mangled corpse screamed in pain. Black smoke began rising from its body in a terrifying scene. "I know this is painful to see... but it''s not your father," the woman said in a soothing tone. The corpse suddenly exploded, as if it had evaporated into nothingness, leaving behind only a trace of smoke. The woman gracefully stood up, dusted off her clothes, then the beast approached Alden, sniffing him warily, then gently licked him, as if bidding him farewell. "Alright... it¡¯s time to leave. But don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll meet again," the woman said with a mysterious smile, before adding, "Don''t take off this necklace, it will help you a lot... and also, keep the dragon. It''s a gift for you." The woman smiled enigmatically, making Alden feel a sense of nostalgia for the past, though he couldn¡¯t understand why. She opened a magical portal before her and slowly passed through it. As she entered, the portal disappeared suddenly, as if it had never been there. The next day "[What is this?! Something... is licking my face?!]" Alden awoke to find a brown striped cat licking his face. "What? Where did you come from?!" The cat began rubbing its head against Alden''s chest. "What''s wrong? Do you want me to pet you? Alright... alright," Alden began petting the cat, seemingly enjoying it. One of the servants entered to clean the room, and when she saw that Alden was awake, she dropped the bucket. Alden was surprised, as he hadn''t noticed her entrance. The cat immediately jumped to the ground, and a strong light emitted from it. When the light cleared, a majestic dragon appeared, in an attack-ready stance. "M...monster?!" Alden suddenly screamed. "Dragon!!!" The dragon looked at Alden, who was stunned, so it transformed back into the form of the cat and jumped into his lap. "What... is going on?!!" Alden whispered in fear. "Alden!!" Christina called out. The cat jumped again, transforming into the dragon, ready for an attack stance. "Mom!!" Alden shouted. "There''s a dragon in my room!!" "Sit," Christina ordered the dragon. It obeyed her command. "What... is going on?!!" Alden whispered in fear. Christina ran to Alden and hugged him. He was astonished, still trying to process the events. "I was so worried about you," tears welled in Christina''s eyes. Alden hugged her back. "I''m still trying to piece things together... but I¡¯m sorry for making you worry again." Kaya and Alrik entered, and the dragon growled at them. "Ah... Mom, could you ask him to let us in?" Kaya said. Christina wiped her tears. "This is strange?! He didn¡¯t growl at you just now, Kaya. What¡¯s wrong with him all of a sudden?!" "I think he''s growling at me then," Alrik said. "Well... that''s enough!" Christina shouted at the dragon. The dragon snorted smoke as if angry, then went to a corner of the room. "Doesn¡¯t anyone intend to explain this to me?!" Alden yelled. "How is there a dragon in my room?!!" Christina pinched Alden''s ear. "Don¡¯t shout like that!" "Ouch! Weren¡¯t you just worried about me a moment ago?!" The dragon turned and saw Alden in pain. It growled angrily, but when Christina looked at it with her angry eyes, it pretended not to notice and went back to sleep. "I don¡¯t know which is more terrifying?! My mom? Or the dragon?" kaya said. "Isn¡¯t the answer obvious?" Alrik said. "So Alden, how do you feel now?" "Fine... just no one has answered me about why there''s a dragon in my room!" "We should be asking you that question!" Kaya said. Christina said, "Yes... you disappeared at the party last night. When we found you, there were bodies around you, and that dragon was protecting you." "Wait! The party last night?! Was I unconscious since last night?!!" "Yes... my son, are you sure you''re okay? As I told you yesterday, Chief Heimdall and King Lyones said there was a dark aura around you..." "It¡¯s a curse," Alden whispered. "What?!" "It¡¯s a curse! That''s what the strange woman said. And she gave me this necklace." Alden held the crimson crystal. "Wait!! Don¡¯t touch it?!" Kaya looked confused. "Hmm?! Why not?!" "This is strange?!" Alrik said. "What¡¯s wrong with you two?!" "Alden... don¡¯t you feel a burning in your hand?!" Christina asked. "No. Why do you ask?" "When you were unconscious, I called in an expert healer to check on you, to confirm the dark aura. There was something wrong indeed, as he found traces of it in your body, but it was removed. When he saw the necklace, he said it had a massive amount of energy. Apparently, it was the reason the dark aura vanished, but when he tried to touch it, a spark shot out from the necklace and burned his hand. It wasn¡¯t a severe burn, but when he tried again using magic, his entire hand burned!" "The woman told me not to take off the necklace, because it would help me a lot. And apparently, she got rid of that dark aura." "Who exactly is this woman?! And did she kill all those guards?!" "Actually, I don¡¯t know who she is. She appeared suddenly at the party... and no one else noticed her presence except me. As for the guards in the hallway, it wasn¡¯t her, but the Dark Cult." "Dark Cult?!" Alrik repeated. "Impossible!!" Kaya said. "But how did they get into the palace?! Did they escape or what?!" "No, actually, she killed them... or at least one of them. The dragon killed the other three." "Are you talking about the four guard corpses in the yard?!" Christina asked. "Yes! Apparently, they disguised themselves as one of the guards. They said their mission was to kill me. I managed to dodge their first attack thanks to one of the guards, but... he died. I was able to provoke one of them to fight me alone, but of course, I wasn¡¯t a match for him, so... I just dodged his attacks. But then the hybrid struck me from behind. I didn¡¯t have a chance to dodge the attack, so I just blocked it, but it was a powerful strike that broke my hand, maybe other bones too. But the woman healed me, it was a strong spell because I felt all the pain vanish immediately." "Seems like she¡¯s a high-level healer!" Alrik said. "I¡¯m not sure about that! She also performed an offensive spell." "The red spike?!" Kaya asked. "Yes... then she opened a strange portal. As soon as she passed through it, she disappeared instantly." Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. "And... did she leave you the dragon?!" "Oh! Yes! She said it was a gift." "Of course! Why wouldn''t I give the boy I saved a dragon as a gift?" Alrik mocked. "There must be a reason. Even the dragon was protecting you when you were unconscious. It wouldn''t let me approach you until it smelled my scent. As if it was making sure I wasn''t a threat to you." "In fact... there''s something strange about the woman and the dragon. I feel like I''ve known them for a long time." "Are you referring to when you were a baby? Or when you were in mother''s womb?" Kaya teased. "I know this sounds weird. But... Gofel!" The dragon immediately turned. It approached Alden as if it had responded to his call. "What did you just say?!" "I think that''s its name. Isn''t it, boy?" The next day... Magical Forest: The Academy of Magic In the heart of the Magical Forest, where ancient trees intertwine to form a natural canopy that blocks the sunlight, the Academy of Magic stood tall amidst an ethereal mist, giving it an aura of mystery and majesty. The hall that hosted the meeting of the kings was spacious, with a high ceiling adorned with intricate carvings sparkling with ancient magic, telling tales of long-gone eras. In the center stood a round table carved from black alder wood, its surface etched with the Academy''s emblem, glowing with a mysterious blue light every now and then. Around the table were five seats, each decorated with the symbol of the kingdom it represented. On the walls, flags of the five kingdoms¡ªShumer, Elovatar, Erum, Atlantis, and the Kingdom of Dwarves¡ªfluttered, each reflecting the identity and grandeur of its kingdom. The first to arrive at the hall was the Dwarf Chief, Heimdall, a short man but with an imposing presence beyond his size. A thick brown beard with hints of yellow hung down to his chest, and narrow eyes sparkled with wisdom and cunning. He was followed by King Leonus, with his regal and majestic appearance, his long orange hair sharpening his strong features. Next came King Kaldor, a tall man with sharp eyes and a slight smile that hinted at intelligence and cunning. After him entered King Rolz, walking with confident strides and eyes full of a mix of anticipation and suspicion. Finally, Queen Kaya entered, wearing her deep red royal cloak, her brown hair flowing over her shoulders, her eyes showing a blend of determination and youthful vigor. Accompanying each king were their advisors and personal guards. Each took a seat beside the flag of their kingdom, while the advisors and guards stood behind them with grim expressions, their serious silence underscoring the importance of the meeting. "I wanted to hold this meeting back when we were in the Kingdom of Shumer, but the Queen Mother insisted that we wait until Prince Alden''s coronation. But who could have predicted this change in leadership?!" said King Rolz, placing his hand on the table, his voice tinged with slight disdain. "Hmm! Yes, please allow me, Your Royal Majesty Kaya, to be the first to congratulate you on your new position," said Chief Heimdall in his hoarse voice, smiling as he raised a cup made of stone. The other kings followed suit in offering their congratulations. "Thank you, gentlemen," Kaya replied with a slight nod, her tone measured but with an underlying firmness. "And now, noble kings... let''s begin our meeting!" said Heimdall enthusiastically, placing his hand on the table as if ready to unveil an ancient mystery. "Then... where shall we start?" asked Rolz, reclining slightly. "From where all these events began," said Kaldor seriously, "The death of King Adam!!" A moment of silence followed before Heimdall spoke, his tone now more serious: "Yes, so please, Your Royal Majesty Kaya, would you kindly provide us with the details?" Kaya sighed quietly, then spoke in a steady voice: "Of course. All we know is that three individuals broke into the palace, revealing themselves to my father and Alrik when they were in the back courtyard. Apparently, my father sensed their strength from the very first moment, because he asked Alrik to flee immediately. Alrik managed to alert the guards, who rushed to support my father, while the remaining guards escorted my mother, Alden, and me to a safe room, where Alrik was later brought. But on my way, I encountered my mother, and while we were talking..." Kaya paused for a moment as though the memory struck her hard before continuing in a low but clear voice: "... something pierced the wall... and it was my father''s body." A heavy silence fell in the hall, with everyone''s eyes on her, some in shock, others in restrained anger. "It¡¯s alright, Queen Kaya. If you don''t want to continue," said Leonus quietly, but he knew she wouldn''t stop. "Thank you, King Leonus. But I must continue." Kaya took a deep breath before continuing: "His body was covered in wounds, as though... he had been tortured by a demon. Unfortunately, his injuries were beyond healing; the healer said he was struck by a cursed weapon. There was no way to save him. As for the back courtyard, it was filled with the bodies of the guards, and none of those who confronted the intruders survived." Heimdall growled with agitation, his fist clenched on the table: "I still can''t believe it! I mean, how did they manage to inflict all this damage on King Adam?! Even if there were three enemies, he was still elite level!" "Hmph, isn¡¯t it obvious?" said Leonus angrily, looking at everyone. "He must have been betrayed! And whoever did this used a cursed weapon to weaken him!" Kaldor nodded slowly, his expression grim: "Yes, King Leonus'' analysis makes sense. But if we say he was betrayed, it must have been by someone... from inside the palace!" Kaya''s eyes gleamed with deep thought before she said firmly: "That¡¯s possible. There must have been someone who helped them get into the palace. This supports how they disguised themselves as guards, but we haven''t reached that point yet. So... let''s continue this discussion first." Heimdall smiled strangely, as though enjoying the complexity of the situation: "Hmm?! Looks like this meeting is going to take a long time, noble kings!" "I think that¡¯s everything regarding King Adam''s incident. Unless there''s something else?" said Rolz, looking at the others. No one replied, so he continued: "Well then, let''s talk about the sudden rampage of magical beasts." A moment of silence passed before Leonus broke it with a deep voice filled with a mix of concern and certainty: "As for this point... I think I know the cause." "Please, King Leonus," said Kaldor, focusing his eyes on the King of lions, knowing that what he would say would be important. Leonus exchanged a look with Heimdall before speaking: "What happened to the magical beasts is exactly like what happened to the people of the Kingdom of Shumer during the speech. They were affected by black magic!" Rolz didn¡¯t hide his surprise, tapping his fingers on the table: "That explains a lot... but it also raises even darker questions. I''ve never seen black magic of this scale!" He then turned to Heimdall, who nodded and said: "Hmm... I agree with you, King Leonus. I too saw that dark aura... it wasn¡¯t natural at all." Rolz looked at him suspiciously: "Wait, are you saying that all this chaos was caused by one single spell?! And if that¡¯s the case, how was its effect removed from the people of Shumer?!" Before anyone could answer, Heimdall interrupted with a loud slap on the table, making the cups tremble: "Ayp! Ayp! Ayp! One thing at a time, noble kings! We don¡¯t want to be hopping around like rabbits from hole to hole!" A moment of silence followed, then everyone exchanged confused glances, while Kaldor muttered quietly: "What do rabbits have to do with this?" Leonus sighed and then explained: "What Chief Heimdall means is that we need to focus on one point before moving to another." Heimdall nodded eagerly, saying proudly: "Hmm?! Isn¡¯t that what I said?!" "Of course, my friend." Leonus smiled lightly, then looked at Kaya: "I think we¡¯ve gotten the answer about the dark aura¡¯s effect... but can we confirm how it was removed?" Kaya hesitated for a moment before answering: "If you¡¯re referring to my speech... I didn¡¯t know it had such an effect." Leonus smiled confidently: "If the black magic was weak, it can be broken easily. And apparently, the spell cast on the people of Shumer wasn¡¯t strong enough; it was just an attempt to plant negative emotions in their hearts... but your speech was strong enough to completely destroy it." Heimdall laughed as he slapped the table with his fist: "Ha! I was about to cry then! It was definitely a moving speech!" Kaya merely nodded lightly, but her eyes held a hidden spark of pride before she quickly regained her composure. At that point, Kaldor raised an eyebrow and asked curiously: "By the way, Queen Kaya, didn¡¯t you find any trace of the intruders?" "Yes." Kaya replied firmly, "Captain William followed them and cornered them in the back courtyard. There were ten intruders, and the captain managed to capture three of them alive." Heimdall sat up excitedly, his eyes glowing with interest: "Oh! Did you bring them with you?" A cold smile appeared on Kaya¡¯s lips as she replied in a calm voice, "Of course. I handed them over to the Adventurer''s Guild under strict supervision. They will be at your disposal from today, Chief Heimdall." Heimdall''s smile widened as he eagerly slammed his fist on the table, "Oh, yes! It seems like I¡¯m in for some fun today!" Rolls looked at him with a stern expression before muttering, "Damn you, I swear I pity whoever falls into your hands." "What about the woman who was speaking?!" Anger flashed across Queen Kaya''s face as she clenched her fist, replying sharply, "Unfortunately... we found no trace of her." King Rolls sighed and shook his head, "This is what I feared... But did she speak the truth? Is she really the one who... killed King Adam?!" "Yes!" Kaya said firmly, before adding, "Alrik confirmed to us that her voice matches the one of the woman who appeared that day in the back courtyard." A tense silence hung in the air before Caldor spoke softly, as if weighing his words carefully, "So, what she said is true... she killed King Adam. But why did they target Prince Alden as well?" The kings exchanged glances before Rolls replied thoughtfully, "She said to finish her work... Could their real target have been Prince Alden?!" Lioness nodded slowly, "Perhaps... maybe they thought Prince Alrik was Prince Alden, but when they noticed the mistake, they didn¡¯t target him." Heimdall added, slamming his fist on the table, "Or maybe they were targeting both the virtuous King Adam... and the virtuous Prince Alden together!" Kaya sighed slowly and said, "Unfortunately, we won''t know if my father was a target as well... But when it comes to Alden, they really want him dead. I don''t know why, but it seems there''s something special about him, which is why they are trying to eliminate him." Lioness looked at her seriously and spoke quietly, "Of course, there¡¯s something special about him... I noticed it, and so did Chief Heimdall." Heimdall raised an eyebrow and added quietly, "Yes... there was a dark aura surrounding the virtuous Prince Alden! And it was much stronger than the one surrounding the people during the speech!" Caldor furrowed his brow and said, "That could be the reason they targeted him..." Then he turned to Kaya and asked curiously, "But Your Majesty, you seem very certain that Prince Alden was their target... why?" "Because they tried to assassinate him during the banquet!" Rolls slammed his fist on the table, saying, "Such persistence! Did you figure out the reason?" Kaya answered deliberately, "At first, Alden was with my mother, but he said he saw a woman wearing a black hood and holding a magical staff. He felt a strange attraction toward her..." Heimdall chuckled and teased, "Hmm? Maybe the virtuous prince has grown up? Isn''t it normal for him to be attracted to women? Perhaps he likes women who¡ª" "Chief Heimdall," Lioness interrupted sharply, before smirking at him and saying, "My friend, maybe you should stop hopping around like rabbits from hole to hole?" Heimdall laughed lightly and said, "Hmm, you''re right! I was like that! Those damn rabbits!" He gestured for Kaya to continue. Kaya sighed and continued, "Anyway... Alden chased after her, and apparently, he was the only one able to see her. Because when he asked the guards if they had seen her, they denied it completely! It was as if she had never existed..." Caldor muttered with concern, "That''s suspicious..." Kaya continued, "Alden kept chasing her around the palace until he reached the back courtyard... but she suddenly disappeared. Then, some guards appeared to ask him what was happening, but he discovered they were just disguises! They were there to kill him!" The expressions of the kings changed at this point, and Kaya continued in a tense tone, "Unfortunately, Alden was no match for them, as they were so strong that just two of them killed seventeen guards! And when they were about to kill him... a strange monster appeared." Rolls raised an eyebrow and asked, "A monster?! What do you mean?" Kaya nodded and added, "It killed them all effortlessly. After that, the woman Alden had been chasing appeared... and she healed his injuries immediately, without any effort. She also gave him a magical pendant, asking him never to remove it, saying it would be useful to him." Lioness glanced at Heimdall before speaking sharply, "Does this pendant have special powers?" "Yes!" Kaya replied. "When we brought an expert healer to examine Alden¡¯s condition and the dark aura, he said Alden was perfectly fine... but the strange thing was that when he touched the pendant, his fingers burned immediately! And when he tried to touch it again using magic, his whole hand was burned! But the amazing thing... it didn¡¯t harm Alden at all!" Everyone fell silent for a moment, before Heimdall whispered with a faint smile, "It seems like a protective spell for the virtuous prince..." Rolls then asked seriously, "What about the sorceress? And the strange monster?" Kaya replied, "Regarding the sorceress, she displayed strange magic... At first, we thought she used a red nail, but it wasn¡¯t that... it wasn¡¯t even something that could be touched. We tried to keep a sample of it, but it evaporated instantly!" Caldor furrowed his brow and said, "Magic no one has seen before? That''s concerning." Kaya nodded slowly. "Not only that, but she also used a magical portal to disappear, but before leaving, she told Alden they would meet again. And the strangest thing, Alden said he felt a strange connection with her!" Heimdall laughed and slapped the table with his hand, shouting, "Ha! I knew it!" Lioness raised his hand with a frustrated expression, saying, "No... not as you think!" Heimdall laughed and said innocently, "How do you know, my friend? Do you have special insight on these matters?" Lioness closed his eyes and sighed, "Let¡¯s focus on the main topic, please!" As for the monster..." Kaya paused for a moment, as if trying to process the matter again before speaking the following words, "The sorceress told Alden it... was a gift for you." Lioness'' eyebrows knitted together, and he said sharply, "A gift? What do you mean by¡ª" Kaya continued, looking seriously at everyone, "As for its faction..." Everyone in the room held their breath, and the hall seemed to freeze for a moment, everyone waiting for the next word. Kaya looked directly at Lioness and said firmly, "It¡¯s... a dragon." A deadly silence followed. Then, suddenly... "What?!" Lioness jumped from his seat, his eyes wide with shock. Even his hand, which had been resting on the table, caused the cup in front of him to fall and crash to the ground, but he didn¡¯t seem to notice. "A dragon?!" Heimdall yelled, before bursting into laughter, slamming his fist on the table. "The virtuous prince has a dragon! This is a huge deal!" Rolls raised his eyebrows, whispering in shock, "Unbelievable... dragons have been extinct for centuries." Caldor, who rarely showed strong emotions, exhaled slowly and said in a deep voice, "This changes everything." Even Kaya, who was the one revealing the truth, felt a strange awe as she saw everyone¡¯s reactions. As for Lioness, he returned to his seat but couldn¡¯t hide the astonishment on his face. He placed his hand on his chin and began thinking aloud, "A dragon... why would the sorceress give a dragon to Prince Alden?" At that moment, no one in the hall could deny the truth... What began as a hidden conspiracy had now turned into something beyond expectations. Prince Alden, King Adam''s heir, was now the owner of a dragon! --- The winds of destiny never rest. The world believed its battles had been fought, its demons silenced, its heroes crowned. But history does not end with the swing of a sword or the rise of a new ruler. In the spaces between stories, fate lingers, waiting for the next name to be written in its book. Beyond the veil of mortal sight, beneath the ever-watchful stars, something stirs¡ªneither light nor shadow, neither salvation nor ruin. She is a whisper carried by the wind, a secret etched in silver. Unknown, unseen¡­ but not for long. For soon, the moon shall call her name. And when it does, the night itself will bow. Stay tuned for the next chapter in the saga¡­ The Eternal War ¨C The Princess of the Moon.