The news of Lucius's annihilation of the Vladovian Dynasty reverberated across the realms. Tales of Lucius's monstrous acts echoed through the ears of every villager, every noble, every child, and elder. The world had known fear, but this... this was terror in its purest form.
The marching orders from the Eternal Empire were as clear as they were ominous. 1.5 million soldiers, their bodies encased in the menacing dark ore armors, each adorned with a glowing red arcane crystal and the emblematic Phoenix, advanced unrelentingly. These armors, the very symbol of doom, struck terror into the hearts of all who saw them.
Flanking them were the thirteen Army Generals, exuding an aura of raw power, each rivaling late-stage Mages. Yet, their attire was in stark contrast - elegantly tailored uniforms, emphasizing their rank and stature, with the Imperial insignia prominently displayed. Black banners, with the red Phoenix poised in its center, loomed wherever they set foot.
From the coastlines, the Imperial Navy fleet began their maritime sieges, their very presence on the horizon causing coastal cities to quake in dread.
But as the darkness of Lucius's reign spread, so did the flames of resistance. Half of the continent's kingdoms, empires, and influential organizations, including the Church of Light and the Merchants Guild, rallied against the encroaching abyss.
In the central heartland of the continent, within the Kingdom of Lyria, the renowned Magic Academy stood. Its pillars were not just built from stone but from its unwavering principle of egalitarianism. The few survivors from the Mage Covenant of Lysandria found sanctuary in its hallowed halls, among them, Professor Cedric, whose once mighty order was decimated by Lucius.
Under Cedric's tutelage, Harry, a prodigious young mage, blossomed. His rapid rise to the prowess of a late-stage Adept, especially at his tender age, was nothing short of miraculous.
Upon hearing of Lucius's recent atrocities, Cedric felt a storm of emotions: anger, sorrow, desperation. He beckoned Harry into his chambers, the weight of their world heavy on his shoulders.
The professor gazed deep into Harry's eyes. "Harry," his voice quivered, laden with emotion, "our journey together as teacher and pupil is nearing its climax. I've imparted all I could. You are the embodiment of hope in our darkest hour."
Swallowing hard, Harry's voice trembled, "Professor, your teachings, Grandmaster Alden's sacrifice, they fuel my resolve. I won't let the darkness prevail."
With tears threatening to spill, Cedric stepped forward, placing a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder. "Your heart and spirit give me hope. Prepare yourself. We'll join the coalition forces. The frontlines will test you, but it will also forge you."
As their conversation concluded, the heavy atmosphere in the room was replaced with an unspoken vow. Despite the looming darkness, they would light the path ahead, one step at a time.