In the royal palace, Prince Asser sat in silence.
Laika sat beside him.
Kasra's chair remained empty.
Asser's gaze lingered on it.
Across the table, Dais smiled—strangely.
"Now then...
I wished to discuss support for Leona.
It's a dangerous move.
Our kingdom is still recovering.
Our forces remain fragile."
Asser didn't blink.
His eyes were hollow.
Laika leaned forward.
"What are you suggesting?"
"Prince Asser approved a full unit—soldiers and mages—to support Leona if needed.
But I believe we should revisit that decision."
"Leona hasn't requested anything yet," Laika replied.
"It's wise to be prepared.
Nothing more."
"Prepared?
These are royal decisions, Commander of the Mage Guild.
They must be clear.
Precise."
Outside, night fell.
Snow drifted through the air.
—
Near the abandoned fortress, Jabir walked alone.
"I just need to confirm the child is here.
All signs point to this place..."
Five figures appeared behind him.
"Lost your way?"
Jabir turned.
"Oh dear...
I must've drawn too much attention.
Are you friends of Dais?"
"Silence!"
They attacked.
Black auras flared around them.
Jabir leapt, weapon drawn.
His body ignited with blue energy.
He struck—fast, precise.
One enemy was torn apart, vanishing.
The remaining four regrouped.
One raised a staff, chanting.
A black serpent erupted from the ground, coiling around Jabir's leg.
He fell—then rose.
"A serpent?"
He blasted it apart.
"You want fury?
I'll show you the wrath of a merchant."
His eyes burned.
A strange blue aura enveloped him.
From behind—
"Sila!"
A blast struck one of the attackers.
Jabir turned.
"Jamah?"
Jamah joined the fight.
Their blades clashed with the enemy's—heavy, fast.
Jabir fired again.
The enemy deflected, then unleashed a black wave from his sword.
Jabir dodged.
"Damn..."
"Is that all you've got, merchant?" Jamah shouted.
"You thrive under pressure.
I don't."
They collided back-to-back.
"You came to verify my intel, didn't you?"
"You know I had to."
Jamah surged forward.
"SILA!"
Jabir unleashed a massive blue projectile—obliterating the last attacker.
He turned to Jamah.
"Thank you."
Jamah sheathed his sword.
"You have your proof.
They're guarding the fortress."
Jabir nodded and headed back toward the palace.
Jamah followed.
—
Minutes earlier, Varon watched from above.
Patlos stood beside him.
"Should we intervene?"
"No.
Let them fight."
"Why?"
"Focus on the child.
If anything happens...
I'll be here."
—
In the council chamber, a guard burst in.
"Your Highness!"
"How dare you interrupt?" Dais snapped.
The guard didn't flinch.
Asser stared silently.
"Speak," Laika said.
"A messenger from Leona has arrived.
The illness is spreading.
Prince Lucas is outside his kingdom —awaiting aid.
If not..."
"Exactly what I wanted to discuss," Dais said.
Laika narrowed her eyes.
"So you knew."
"Intuition.
Naturally—I'm the High Chancellor of the Royal Court."
"Today was supposed to be your last day."
Dais smirked.
"I suggest we refuse Leona's request.
Aurik cannot afford foreign entanglements.
We risk civil unrest."
"I wanted to delay this conversation.
But with Leona's plea..."
Asser spoke.
"We'll send Sylvance.
With a unit."
"Your Highness...
But she's guarding—"
"It's a sound choice," Dais interrupted.
"Though I opposed it."
"Send the support.
Led by the general."
"And I wish to discuss the red-cloaked strangers," Dais added.
"What do you mean?" Asser asked.
"Their attire resembles the Mage Guild.
I suspect they're behind the circus.
Perhaps the Guildmaster seeks profit...
Without informing us."
Laika : You—"
A voice cut through the chamber.
The door opened.
"Nice try."
Dais turned—his face changed.
Jabir entered, cloak dusty.
"The Mage Guild?
You want us to laugh?"
He sat—facing Dais directly.
The Seal Shatters - When the Night Burns
In the abandoned fortress, Dais stepped through a towering gate.
Before him, the child lay asleep—bound by a glowing magical seal.
Dais smiled.
"Good..."
He turned to Patlos and Varon.
"Any updates?"
Patlos opened his mouth, but Varon interrupted.
"No, Commander.
Everything is proceeding as planned."
Dais's eyes drifted to Varon's wrists—two bracelets glinting in the torchlight.
"Your task is complete.
You may remove those."
Varon nodded.
Dais walked toward the gate.
"Tomorrow is the promised day.
Do not fail me."
Patlos bowed.
Varon followed.
—
In the dead of night—
A clash echoed outside the fortress.
Patlos stood alert.
"That sound..."
"Azalor and Ryz summoned all knights to Leonithra.
We're down to a skeleton force," Varon said.
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
"A compliment.
They know Patlos the Great is enough to guard this foolish child."
"Heavy words—like your weight."
"Silence!"
"Go check the source.
I'll stay with the child.
Could be a trap."
Patlos hesitated.
"Why me?"
"What?
Don't tell me Patlos the Great is afraid?"
"Afraid?
Don't make me laugh."
Patlos marched off.
Varon watched him go.
Then—he lifted the child and ran.
Silent. Swift.
—
Outside, Patlos found no one.
Until—
A figure in a crimson cloak stepped forward.
"You!
The wretch I met in the desert!"
"Hello again," Julia said.
"Your memory serves you well."
She drew her blade and advanced.
"Why are you here?
You know this place could kill you.
I'll give you one chance to flee."
Julia lunged.
Patlos unleashed a torrent of fire.
She dodged.
"You're drawing too much attention..."
"Spring Bloom!"
Pink winds swirled around her as she charged.
"Patlos's Great Storm!"
A massive explosion erupted.
—
Varon hurled the child forward.
His blade struck—cutting the boy's skin.
The child's eyes opened—glowing like a clear sky.
The seal dissolved.
Varon vanished, watching the blast.
"Patlos, you fool..."
He returned swiftly.
—
Prince Asser stood at the balcony.
He saw the fireball in the distance.
He turned, donning his armor.
Laika heard the explosion.
She rushed forward—finding Dais waiting.
"Care for a light discussion?" he asked.
Laika's face hardened.
She raised her hands.
—
Far away, Sylvance led soldiers and mages toward Leona.
She saw the explosion light up the night.
"Men!
We're turning back!"
—
In Aurik, panic spread.
Mercenaries mobilized under Jalmoud.
"Guard the passages!
Assist the royal guard!"
Assassins poured from the tunnels.
Karras followed—then paused.
Some assassins didn't move.
He clenched his jaw.
"So...
You're the traitors.
You hide when danger comes."
He raised his hand.
The forces split—some diving into the tunnels to purge the traitors, others joining the guards.
—
In the palace, Jabir stood.
"Damn it!
I didn't even get to explain the plan!
What's happening?!"
—
At the Emerald Inn, Jawaher covered her head.
Mulham stared—unblinking.
Klen and Rose rushed forward.
Mulham stepped outside.
"Rose!
Go to the palace. Now!"
"What?!"
"Go!"
Rose ran.
Klen followed.
Two others joined them.
"You two?
What are you doing here?"
"You think we'd leave you?" said Samhar.
"We're here to help."
Rose blinked—then smiled.
"We're with you!" said Lamis.
"You need help.
You're missing a dumb hunter."
"You—!" Samhar snapped.
"And a charming duelist," Lamis added.
They ran—toward the palace.
The March of Fire - When the Crown Moves
Prince Asser donned his armor, sword in hand.
Behind him, the royal guard followed.
"Your Highness!" Jabir called.
"Where are you going?"
"To the site of the explosion.
There may be a direct link to Kasra...
Or perhaps she's there."
"Wait!"
But Asser pressed forward.
Mages and guards flanked him as he exited the palace.
The people of Aurik gathered, watching.
Asser raised his voice.
"People of Aurik!
I ask for your calm.
I will go myself to ensure your safety!"
The crowd erupted.
"Long live the prince!
Long live Aurik!"
Jalmoud stepped forward, clad in massive armor.
"Your Highness!
Leave the guard to us."
Asser nodded—but continued walking.
Assassins and mercenaries joined the march.
News spread quickly:
The Prince of Aurik was leading an army toward the blast.
—
Jabir ran through the corridors, searching.
"Jamah!
The prince has left!
Emotion drives him—he believes Kasra is there!"
"Then let's move."
Jabir and Jamah sprinted to catch up.
—
In the palace, Dais turned to Laika.
"Kasra is gone.
And now... Princess Sara."
Laika's eyes flared.
"You wretch!"
She stepped forward.
Dais blocked her path, summoning a black aura.
He raised his hand.
Laika responded—flames and molten fury erupted from her palms.
"You'll pay for this..."
"Will I?"
—
Rose and Klen entered the palace, flanked by Samhar and Lamis.
Guards turned.
"We've come to support the palace," Klen said.
"Let us through, comrades."
"Red Knight!
You may enter."
Rose blinked.
"You?"
"I trained at the academy.
They're my brothers."
They advanced.
"Mulham told me to head to Princess Sara's chamber," Rose said.
"She's the target."
Then—an explosion rocked the palace.
Fire and shadow clashed.
"It's the Guild Commander!
She's fighting!"
"Should we help?" Klen asked.
"No.
If Laika were in our place...
She'd protect the princess."
They reached Sara's door.
The Siege of Aurik - When the Shadows Rise
Rose knocked and opened the door.
Inside—Princess Sara lay unconscious.
"Klen, Lamis—stay outside.
Samhar, you're with me."
"Understood," Klen said.
—
In the city, chaos erupted.
Karras's voice echoed through the tunnels.
"The Black Order has revealed themselves!
We're fighting them—forcing them back!"
Above, Jalmoud roared:
"I've surrounded the royal palace!
They're attacking from every direction!"
Guards clashed with cloaked invaders.
Mages behind them unleashed blazing spells.
Massive gates opened—
Members of the Black Order surged forward, colliding with guards, mages, assassins, and mercenaries.
"Men!" Jalmoud shouted.
"Fight for the burning towers!
They light our nights and warm our bones!
They want to extinguish our kingdom!"
Jabir turned.
"They're attacking!"
"Of course," Jamah said.
"The prince left to find his sister.
This is their moment."
"Laika is inside.
She'll handle it."
"Let's hope so."
The battle intensified.
The enemy broke through the front lines.
"We need backup!" a guard cried.
Mages advanced—casting radiant fire.
"We'll cover your flanks!" one shouted.
Assassins struck from behind.
Mercenaries tore through the enemy ranks.
Then—from a colossal gate—
A Black Knight emerged, surrounded by a dark aura.
Guards formed ranks.
Mages prepared spells.
"Leave him!" Jalmoud bellowed.
"He's mine!"
He raised his massive warhammer.
The knight's breath was heavy—his armor wreathed in gray flame.
"Come forward!"
The knight charged—his blow shattered the ground and crushed a nearby house.
"You wretch!"
Jalmoud struck his helm, then kicked him back.
The knight staggered.
—
Below, Karras descended into the tunnels.
He saw assassins locked in combat with the Black Order.
"All this time...
They were among us."
He clenched his fists.
A memory surfaced.
"Karras!" Delyn's voice echoed.
"You're the one.
I believe in you.
Even if you're a fool."
"Shut up..."
Karras opened his eyes.
He drew his blade.
"Men!
They're stalling us!
Forward!"
Assassins roared.
Some fell.
Others were wounded.
But many struck true—cutting down their foes.
Blades clashed.
Dust bombs exploded.
Daggers flew.
—
Above, Varon reached Patlos.
Julia gripped Patlos's throat.
He gasped for air.
"Patlos!"
Julia turned.
"You?
You came back?
Here to save him again?"
Varon lunged.
Julia stepped back.
The Fall of Silence - When the Kingdom Bleeds
Varon soared into the air.
"Requiem of Death!"
A violent black aura erupted from his body.
He descended like a shadow, blade pulsing with dark energy.
Julia stood still.
"Winter's Bloom."
Their clash unleashed a shockwave—winds howled, the earth trembled.
Patlos gasped for breath, running toward the blast.
His body ignited with flame.
"Sui Trin, you wretched girl!"
Varon and Julia exchanged rapid strikes.
Julia landed a blow—Varon staggered.
She stared at him.
"The child...
He's not here.
What did you do?"
Varon didn't blink.
Julia vanished—like petals in the wind.
Patlos halted his incantation.
"Wait... the child?
He's inside?
What do you mean?"
Varon dissolved into mist.
"You—where did you go?!"
—
Prince Asser arrived with his forces—mages, assassins, mercenaries.
He raised his sword, pointing at Patlos.
"You.
What are you doing here?
What happened?
Are you behind this explosion?"
Patlos bowed, trembling.
"Your Highness... I..."
"You were sent to develop a cure for Leona.
What are you doing here?"
Patlos tried to speak.
Asser brushed past him, entering the fortress.
"Search everything!"
Soldiers and mages spread out.
But the fortress was empty.
Nothing remained.
Asser struck the ground with his blade.
"Damn it!
Where are you, Kasra..."
Then—a massive black gate materialized.
From it emerged the Black Order.
Towering knights in obsidian armor, cloaked in dark auras.
"We're under attack!" a guard shouted.
"Your Highness—take cover!"
Asser stood his ground.
They were surrounded.
Patlos fled.
"Men!
Destroy them!" Asser roared.
The royal guard, mages, assassins, and mercenaries clashed with the invaders.
Asser charged, unleashing a fiery strike—burning through the enemy ranks.
A massive knight swung his blade—Asser dodged.
A mage hurled a fireball, forcing the knight back.
More dark knights emerged from the gates, forming ranks.
They charged.
Asser slammed his blade into the ground—crimson flames erupted, engulfing the enemy.
Another knight struck with his shield—Asser staggered, blood dripping from his mouth.
He opened his eyes.
The royal guard surrounded him.
Mages cast spell after spell.
They formed a blazing shield around the prince.
Assassins and mercenaries fought fiercely.
—
In Aurik, the battle raged.
Guards fell.
Mages were slain.
Assassins shattered.
Mercenaries dropped one by one.
Jalmoud bled.
"Forward, men!"
He pressed on, dueling the massive knight—each blow heavier than the last.
Jalmoud struck.
The knight reeled.
Then retaliated—Jalmoud staggered.
—
Across the city, the Black Order spread.
In a narrow alley, they seized civilians.
One struck a woman.
Children screamed.
Then—the royal guard arrived.
"You monsters!"
They clashed.
Assassins swept in—rescuing children, shielding the wounded.
The Crimson Path - When the Prince Returns
A child wept in the alley, watching the royal guard fall one by one.
Mages bled from nose and mouth, drained and trembling.
"Asser... where are you?"
Then—
A massive explosion rocked the royal palace.
Flames erupted into the night sky.
Jabir and Jamah turned.
"Damn it!" Jabir shouted.
"What just happened?"
"We need to move—now!" Jamah growled.
"This farce must end.
His plan is working.
Look—he's cornering the prince and his men.
He wants Asser to watch his palace burn...
To break his will.
To shatter the spine of our army."
"I won't let that happen."
Jabir surged into the fray, firing rapid blasts—cutting down Black Order soldiers.
He clashed with a dark knight, blades ringing.
A wounded guard gasped.
"It's Jabir!
He's here!"
—
Prince Asser stood, watching his palace burn.
His breath was ragged.
Blood dripped from his lips.
"Jabir...
We must advance.
We must return.
My people are waiting.
I won't let harm come to them."
Jabir turned, eyes on the prince's wounds.
He smiled.
"So... you're not afraid of pain.
Reckless as ever, cousin.
Just like your father."
—
From afar, Jamah stared at his blade.
He whispered:
"They're trying to forge another Crimson Catastrophe..."
"Kasser... Delyn...
Look at me now.
I was helpless when it all began.
But now—
I'm strong enough."
"Kasser...
Watch me protect what you once vowed to shield."
The snow stopped.
Clouds parted.
A green comet and a blue star shimmered above—silent, eternal.
Jamah leapt into the heart of battle.
"SILA!!"
A colossal wave of force erupted—hurling dozens of Black Order soldiers into the air.
—
·
Prince Asser advanced.
The royal guard surrounded him.
Assassins cleared the path.
Mages flanked the rear.
Jabir and Jamah fought at the front.
The way to the palace was open.
Asser's eyes ignited.
His blade burned with crimson fire.
The soldiers paused.
A strange warmth filled them.
They turned—
And saw the prince, wreathed in a glowing red aura.
Asser looked ahead—
And saw her.
His mother.
Smiling.
Then—
A hand pushed him forward.
He turned.
His eyes widened.
"Father...?"
"Go.
They need you."
Tears welled in Asser's eyes.
He blinked—
And the vision was gone.
Jamah stood behind him.
"Go!" he said.
Hope you enjoy this chapter’s song!
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