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A long, dark night fell upon humanity, pushing it to the brink of extinction. After years of chaos and despair, the dawn of a new era finally emerged, heralded by the legend of a man named Ram, who saved what remained of the human race.

Three centuries have since unfurled their tapestries upon the world, painting a landscape where humanity's existence found solace only within the confines of Cyrene's borders.

This last bastion of hope, known as Cyrene, was divided among five powerful families: Ram, Iris, Fang, Kylian, and andora, to whom people pledged their loyalty.

While the Ram family enjoyed a life of comfort and wealth, the other four families teetered on the brink of collapse, plagued by poverty and corruption.

Fifteen years ago, these four families united with a desperate plan: to annihilate the Ram family, seize their wealth, and save themselves from the impending doom of extinction.

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In the quaint streets of Serta town, Lucy and her daughter Lil wandered, their footsteps tracing the contours of history etched in stone and whispered in the wind. Lil's gaze alighted upon a monument, a testament to the indomitable spirit of a man carrying a sun-like orb upon his shoulders. Intrigued, she ventured closer, drawn by the allure of a puppeteer's tale.

"Which tale shall grace our stage next?" inquired Jeff, his voice tinged with a hint of ennui as he manipulated the strings of his wooden actors.

"The story of Ram... the hero..." pleaded a voice from the throng of eager spectators.

And so, Jeff's hands wove the fabric of legend, breathing life into the ancient saga of a world shrouded in perpetual twilight, and a lone figure named Ram who dared to defy fate. As the tale unfolded, Lil's eyes widened in wonder, captivated by the audacity of one man's journey to reclaim the lost sun.

"He's so brave," murmured a young voice from the audience, eyes aglow with admiration.

"But can we ever be like him?" queried another, the weight of impossibility heavy upon his shoulders.

Jeff's reply was swift, tinged with a hint of scorn veiled beneath a veneer of wisdom. "Ram is no ordinary man," he declared, gesturing towards the statue that stood sentinel over their gathering. "He is special."

Perplexed, Lil turned to her mother, seeking solace in her embrace. "What does 'special' mean, Mom?" she whispered, the word hanging in the air like a delicate wisp of smoke.

But before Lucy could respond, Jeff's brusque interruption shattered the moment, his words a sharp rebuke to Lil's innocent inquiry. Yet, even as they departed, the question lingered, a seed planted in the fertile soil of curiosity.

For in the heart of every tale lies a kernel of truth, waiting to be unearthed by those brave enough to seek it. And as Lucy, Lil, and their companions dispersed into the night, Jeff's musings on the enigma of Ram's ascent echoed in the chambers of his mind, a riddle waiting to be solved.

Knights rode their horses toward the town of Serta, their armor glinting in the fading sunlight. As they entered the castle yard, the sound of hooves echoed off the stone walls. At the forefront of the group, Yuba, the squad leader _ A young warrior with short white hair, a long sword and a shield with the Ram symbol on it_ reined in his steed and dismounted with urgency.

"Stay here," he commanded his men. "I have a report for Father."

The guardian at the gate, a burly man with a warm smile, stepped forward. "Yuba, is that you? It's been a long time," he said, his eyes crinkling with genuine happiness.

Yuba offered a tight, quick nod. "Yes, it has been too long," he replied, his voice strained with frustration. "But I need to see Father immediately. It's urgent."

The guardian's smile faded as he noted the gravity in Yuba's eyes. "Let him pass," he ordered, stepping aside to allow Yuba through the heavy iron gates.

Inside the Castle

Yuba strode into the dimly lit hall, his heart pounding. He found his father, Gaia _ the head of the Ram family, called father by all his subjects_ seated at the head of a long wooden table, surrounded by maps and scrolls.

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Cyrene is divided into five major families: Ram in the north, Eris in the south, Kilian in the southeast, Fang in the southwest, and Andora in the east.

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"Father, I bring bad news from the southern borders," Yuba announced, his voice echoing in the vast chamber.

Gaia looked up, his eyes sharp. "Is it the Eris army?"

"Indeed," Yuba confirmed, confusion marring his features. "Are you already aware?"

Gaia nodded solemnly. "Yes, messengers just arrived with the same report."

Regan, the chancellor, stepped forward, his face etched with worry. "I'm afraid it's a coalition army... Kylian, Eris, Andora, Fang all of them are advancing here."

Gaia turned to Regan, searching his face for hope. "Can we...?" he began, but the hopeless look in Regan's eyes finished the question for him. Gaia sighed heavily. "I see."

In that moment, Yuba felt a crushing sense of helplessness.

"Summon Zino," Gaia commanded, his voice heavy. "Entrust him with my surrender message for the four families."

"No, Father," Yuba interrupted, his voice bold and determined. "We must fight. If you surrender, what will happen to us? To Serta? To everyone?"

"There is no need for bloodshed, my son," Gaia replied, his tone resolute yet gentle. "As long as we can avoid it, we, the descendants of Ram, must live up to our legacy with pride. We won't tarnish our name."

"But Father," Yuba protested, "if we surrender, then our name will be..."

"Watch your words, soldier," Regan interjected firmly. "It's true our family could perish from these lands, but the name of Ram will remain forever."

Gaia placed a comforting hand on Yuba's shoulder. "Don't worry, son. Everything will be okay. We took the right path and did not focus on violence or war. We cherished knowledge and provided a good life for our family. Perhaps I could have done better," he admitted, his hands clenching tightly in grief.

"Don't say that, Father," Yuba responded, his voice choked with emotion. "We couldn't ask for a better leader."

"Exactly," Regan agreed. "We are lucky to have you, sir."

"Father, please allow me to stay with you till the end," Yuba pleaded.

"Do as you please," Gaia said softly.

"Shall we inform the people about this, sir?" Regan inquired.

"Actually," Gaia decided, "we'll head to Jurako town to negotiate with the invaders. I don't want my people to find out. All I want is for them to have a peaceful life."

Regan nodded. "Very well, sir. I'll get everything ready."

At Ram's Southern lands, crossing the borders on horseback, the Eris army advances. At their head rode Axel, a Dominator, the highest-ranking officer in their forces _ a handsome young man with silver long hair, a blue eyes, A face that conveys dignity_ flanked by his two Predators, Isma and Dokin. Their destination: Jurako town.

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The title of Dominator is the highest rank among the warrior ranks, and every family has one Dominator except the Fang Family, which has two.

Each Dominator has two deputy predators, and each predator has four hunters as his deputies.

Here is the ranking: Dominator, Predator, Hunter, Warrior, and Soldier.

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Isma, scanning the terrain ahead, broke the silence. "No resistance yet. I wonder why?"

Axel glanced at him, a slight smirk on his lips. "Well, what do you think?"

"Perhaps they aren't prepared, or it's just a trap... maybe," Isma speculated.

"I care not, resistance or not," Dokin interjected, his voice indifferent.

Axel's gaze hardened. "I can't accept that as an answer, can I?"

Dokin straightened. "Forgive me, sir."

"Anyway," Axel continued, "the reason there's no resistance is simple. The Ram family lacks the power to fight back against one family, let alone four at once." He smiled, a hint of malice in his eyes.

Isma frowned. "Why is that? Aren't they the richest family in these lands?"

"Exactly," Axel replied. "Our families are suffering while the Rams live in prosperity. People have even tried to escape to their lands illegally. Can you believe it?"

"I've heard rumors," Isma admitted.

"Yes, but because of that good life, they've forgotten how to protect it," Axel said. "They're too weak to defend themselves."

"So, their only option is surrender?" Isma asked, perplexed.

Axel's smile widened. "You see, there are two ways to obtain something: create it yourself or take it from those who already have it."

"Father and the others chose the second option," Isma noted.

"We may be down now," Axel said, "but we'll come back stronger and take everything this land has to offer to revive our family."

"I doubt they will just give us what we ask," Dokin remarked skeptically.

"Their only option is surrender," Isma repeated.

Axel laughed, a cold, hollow sound. "What fool predators I have. Who said anything about surrender? Anyone who bears the name of Ram shall die tonight."

His words hung in the air, heavy with foreboding. Then he straightened in his saddle. "Enough talking. We shall meet at Jurako. Now go."

"Understood," Isma and Dokin chorused, their eyes glinting with shared resolve.

Meanwhile, in a small palace perched on the borders of the Eris and Fang families' territories, the leaders of the four allied forces gathered around a grand table. The room buzzed with tension and anticipation as they prepared to execute their plan.

As they waited, a messenger hurried into the room, bowing deeply. "My lords, I have a report. The Dominator of Eris has just split the forces to close the circle as planned."

Edmond, the head of the Eris family, leaned back in his chair, visibly relieved. "Splendid work," he said, his voice brimming with confidence.

Vector, the head of the Kylan family, leaned forward, his eyes sharp. "What about the forces from the east? Any news yet?"

"Not yet, sir," the messenger replied. "But we have confirmed they crossed the borders."

Shylia, the head of the Fang family, smirked. "Better not screw this up for us, Vector," she said, her tone dripping with condescension.

Vector shot her a frown, the room thickening with a palpable air of caution.

Edmond cleared his throat. "What about the Ram forces? Any movement?"

"No resistance reported yet, sir," the messenger informed them.

Lioyd, the head of the Indora family, raised an eyebrow. "Our prediction was right," he said, surprised. "Hard to believe it."

Vector laughed loudly. "That fool really respects the name of Ram that much."

"Indeed," Shylia remarked, a sweet smile playing on her lips. "Lucky us."

Edmond turned to the messenger. "Address all our allied forces. We expect a total clean out. No soul shall remain to speak of what happened."

The leaders exchanged knowing smiles, their agreement unspoken but clear.

"Understood," the messenger responded before exiting the room.

Shylia's eyes gleamed with a greedy light. "Now, gentlemen, why don't we leave the war to the boys and discuss the real matter at hand?" she suggested, clearly referring to the division of spoils.

Edmond nodded. "I agree. It's time."

"For once, I must agree with you," Vector said, excitement coloring his voice. "Bring us a map of Ram lands."

A soldier promptly stepped forward. "Yes, sir."

In the small village of Canarya, nestled near the nest mountain along the outskirts of Serta town, Anna, heavily pregnant, stood by the stream, washing clothes. The morning sun cast a warm glow over the scene, and the air was filled with the scent of wildflowers.

An old woman named Lola approached, her steps slow but steady. "Morning, Anna. Doing well?" she called out.

Anna looked up with a smile. "Yeah, feeling a bit heavier though," she said, laughing lightly but with a hint of embarrassment.

Lola laughed heartily. "That baby must be eating too much... little monster," she joked.

Anna's smile faded slightly. "That's not true," she replied, a bit upset.

Lola waved a dismissive hand. "Don't worry. He will be fine. No curse has appeared in newborns for six years now."

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Curses, born as a punishment for past misdeeds, haunt the bloodlines, afflicting innocent children whose parents bear the burden of their forebears' sins, paying the price with their lives, before they reach the age of seven.

So they are usually killed as soon as the curse appears in them.

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"I'm not worried about my baby being normal," Anna said softly. "All I want is for him to be healthy like his father."

Lola's eyebrows shot up. "Him? Is he a boy?"

"No... no," Anna stammered, shaking her head. "I don't know. I just said that."

"Mother's intuition, perhaps," Lola suggested with a knowing smile.

"Could be," Anna said, a look of relief spreading across her face.

Lola slapped her forehead. "Aah, I forgot. I heard that your husband is in town. Maybe he'll visit today."

Anna's eyes widened in surprise. "He's coming back? Oh, it's been so long... I wonder why..."

"Don't worry about him," Lola chided gently. "Worry about yourself for a change, damn it."

"Sure... thanks, Granny. I'll prepare a good meal for him," Anna said, a determined look replacing her earlier uncertainty.

"See you, then," Lola said, waving as she turned to leave.

The leader of the Ram family, Gaia, sat inside a chariot with his chancellor Regan and a few soldiers escorting them to Jurako town. The journey was somber, the air thick with unspoken fears and hopes.

Regan glanced at Gaia, noticing the worry etched on his face. "Is everything alright, sir? We can take a break if you want."

Gaia shook his head, his gaze fixed on the passing landscape. "Nothing's wrong. I just want a final look at our lands... it's so beautiful," he said, his voice filled with admiration.

"Thanks to you and our ancestors," Regan replied, trying to offer some comfort.

Gaia sighed deeply. "This feels different. Maybe because it's the last time. It's nostalgic."

"We are in this together, sir," Regan reassured him.

Gaia turned to Regan, gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you, Regan." Then, he called out, "Hey, Yuba, can I ask you a favor?"

Yuba, riding alongside the chariot, leaned in. "Anything, my father."

Gaia's voice dropped to a whisper. "Listen closely..."

After a brief, intense conversation, Yuba wiped away tears and turned his horse in a different direction, leaving the escorting chariot behind.

At Jurako Town

The Eris army had arrived at the gates of Jurako town, casting a dark shadow over its inhabitants. The people were gripped by a mix of heartbreak and fear, unsure of what was to come.

A knight, riding swiftly from the direction of Serta, burst into the town square, his horse's hooves thundering on the cobblestones. Drawing rein, he raised his voice to the anxious crowd.

"People of Jurako, I am here by our father's orders to deliver a message to you," he announced, his voice ringing clear. "You must not engage the invaders. Return to your homes and lock your doors. No one shall leave their house, no matter what happens."

Confusion rippled through the crowd. "Why?" they cried, their fear mingling with bewilderment. "We have to do something, at least!"

Voices rose in anger. "Yeah, don't expect us just to hide like rats!"

The knight held up his hand for silence. "These are Father's orders. Obey them, and have faith in him. He is about to arrive and deal with the invaders. Go home for now."

A murmur ran through the crowd. "If Father is coming, then he can stop this, yes?"

"Hell yes, he can!" another shouted. "We believe in Father. He is a wise man."

"Let's go home, everyone. Father has got this."

Slowly, reluctantly, the people began to disperse, returning to their homes and locking their doors, placing their trust in Gaia to protect them from the encroaching threat.

Eris Army at Jurako's Doors

The Eris army stood poised at the gates of Jurako, ready to strike. A soldier approached Axel, their Dominator, with an urgent report.

"Sir, your two Predators and their units have arrived from the east and west as planned," the soldier reported.

"Excellent," Axel responded, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Anything else?"

"Reports tell that Jurako's people are hiding in their homes," the soldier continued.

"Unfortunately for them, fortunately for us," Axel said, a devilish smile spreading across his face.

"One more thing, sir," the soldier added hesitantly.

Axel raised an eyebrow. "Is it about Gaia coming here to negotiate?"

"Yes, sir."

Axel chuckled darkly. "What a fool. We will honor his request. After all, I want to see his face before he dies."

"We will make the necessary preparations," the soldier said, bowing slightly before leaving.

Axel watched him go, his smile widening in anticipation of the events to come.

The arrival of Gaia, patriarch of the Ram family, in Jurako town marked a pivotal moment in the delicate dance of power and diplomacy. Accompanied by his retinue of soldiers, he was ushered to the negotiation table where Axel, the leader of the Eris army, awaited with a sardonic smile.

"Ah, look who graces us with his presence," Axel quipped, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "I'm truly honored."

Gaia, unfazed by the barb, responded with a measured politeness. "Pardon me, I didn't realize I had much of a choice in the matter."

"Who knows," Axel smirked, "perhaps you did. But let's not dwell on formalities. Shall we begin?"

"Yes, but first, indulge me," Gaia interjected. "What is the ultimate goal you seek to achieve here?"

Axel's reply was nonchalant. "As you see, I'm merely a messenger of orders. Politics are not my forte."

"I see," Gaia nodded, though a hint of skepticism lingered in his eyes.

"And what do you propose?" Axel inquired, leaning forward with interest. "After all, you were the one who sought to negotiate."

"All I desire is the safety of my people," Gaia stated firmly. "Nothing more."

"A noble sentiment," Axel mused, raising an eyebrow. "But are you not concerned for your own safety?"

"I am beyond saving," Gaia replied with a solemn resignation. "But as long as my people remain unharmed, I am content."

"Death holds no fear for you, then?" Axel pressed, his curiosity piqued.

"Death is but a part of life," Gaia asserted. "As a father, my duty is to protect my children. If my sacrifice ensures their safety, then so be it."

Axel nodded, impressed by Gaia's resolve. "Very well. And what do you offer in return for this safety?"

Gaia's response was swift and comprehensive. "Gold, silver, grain, seeds, books, palaces, and agricultural lands on our border with each of your territories. A sum worth at least 10 billion G in total."

Regan, Axel's companion, voiced her astonishment. "The largest offer in humankind's history."

Axel's admiration was evident. "Truly remarkable. The Ram family's wealth knows no bounds."

"But," Gaia added, his tone firm, "no harm must come to my people. My head, if you must, is a mere bonus. Consider it a gesture of goodwill from a family of esteemed stature."

Axel pondered the offer for a moment before responding. "To be honest, if the decision were mine alone, I would accept. But alas, it is not."

"Then send word to your superiors," Gaia suggested calmly. "Let them consider the offer."

Axel nodded, a flicker of hesitation crossing his features. "I have already sent word. And I have their answer."

Gaia's interest was piqued. "And what might that be?"

Axel hesitated, his expression growing inscrutable. "Their answer is...no matter what they offer, kill them all."

Silence descended upon the room, heavy with the weight of impending consequence.

Gaia, Regan and his soldiers were shocked by his answer, and in a single blow from his sword, Axel took the head of Gaia, and his men attacked Regan and the rest of the soldiers… in a few seconds…unable to resist…All of them were dead.

As Axel meticulously polished his sword, his voice cut through the air like a clarion call to arms. "Gather 'round, men," he proclaimed, his tone resolute. "Tonight, we will have a party, a once in a lifetime party ."

A surge of jubilation swept through his assembled army, their cheers echoing through the streets of Jurako town like a thunderous cascade. The raucous clamor reached the ears of every townsfolk, a harbinger of the impending storm about to descend upon them.

Little did they know, amidst the revelry and merriment, their darkest hour loomed ominously on the horizon.

________________________________________ If you made it here, then I shall apologize to you for the length of the chapter as I needed these events to be connected.

Sorry...

✓Thanks for reading 

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