As daylight broke, the twin stars bathed the world in a soft, golden light, filling the sky with warm, pastel hues. The morning mist slowly lifted, revealing the kingdom's bustling streets where merchants opened their stalls and children played. The scent of freshly baked bread filled the air, marking the start of another day for the common folk.
But inside the grand palace of King Julius III, the morning was anything but peaceful. The palace, a majestic fortress of stone and marble, was alive with frantic activity. Servants and guards hurried through the opulent halls, their footsteps echoing off the polished floors. Tapestries depicting the kingdom's history adorned the walls, but even their grandeur couldn't calm the unrest that simmered within the palace.
The cause of the commotion was the young prince, who was about to leave for the Holy Empire's academy. The king's decision had sparked a whirlwind of gossip throughout the palace. Whispers spread like wildfire, each person adding their own twist to the story.
"They say the king is sending the prince to make amends," one maid whispered to another, her voice tinged with intrigue.
"For failing in his mission," the other replied, eyes wide with the scandal of it all.
Even the instructors and guards speculated in hushed tones, while the concubines, draped in silks, shared their thoughts as they lounged in the sunlit courtyards.
King Julius III, though a powerful and perceptive ruler, was well aware of the gossip. Yet, he chose to ignore it, maintaining a stoic silence. His expression, hardened by years of leadership, gave no hint of any inner turmoil. He was resolute in his decision, but the rumors continued to swirl, their effects beginning to weigh on the prince.
The prince, once indifferent to the palace chatter, now found it impossible to ignore. Every whispered conversation seemed louder, every glance more judgmental. The thought of leaving the kingdom not as a hero, but as a diplomat trying to fix a failure, gnawed at him.
As preparations for his departure continued, the palace buzzed with activity. Servants packed his belongings, polished his armor, and readied the royal horses. The palace gates, normally symbols of strength, now seemed to mark the edge of an uncertain future.
Despite the blooming roses in the palace gardens, the air was thick with tension. As the prince mounted his horse, ready to leave the only home he had ever known, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was heading into a far more dangerous journey than anyone realized.
Elsewhere, far removed from the palace's turmoil, a lone figure stirred awake as the first light of dawn crept into the cavern where he had spent the night. The dim glow revealed a rugged man, his face shadowed by the hood of a musty old cloak. The cavern was cold and damp, its walls rough with age and moss, but it had provided shelter from the night's chill.
Recognizing the break of day, the man quickly rose to his feet. He moved with purpose, gathering the clothes he had spread around the cavern to dry. Each piece was worn and threadbare, telling tales of long travels and harsh conditions. His movements were swift and practiced, as if this routine was a familiar one, repeated countless times in different places.
Once he had collected his belongings, the man retrieved his cloak from where he had used it as bedding. The fabric was frayed, its edges tattered, but he put it on without hesitation. The cloak, much like its owner, had clearly seen better days, yet it still served its purpose.
With a final glance around the cavern, ensuring he left nothing behind, the man set out. The morning air was crisp and cool, the world still quiet with the remnants of night. He walked with a steady pace, his destination unknown to all but himself. The road ahead was long and uncertain, but his resolve was unwavering. Whatever quest he was on, it was one he had chosen, and he would see it through to the end.
Since Tobi's departure to the Holy Academy of Intrisha, Naiara had also left their hidden sanctuary. She, along with some of the strongest monsters in their group, embarked on an adventure of their own. Naiara, ever the mentor, would frequently challenge them, pushing them to train and grow stronger. This journey was not just about survival; it was about honing their skills.