**Chapter 5: Luci**
Ivar called Cedric to his side, his voice steady and authoritative. "Cedric, I need you to summon all the nobles to the palace tomorrow. It's time for a reckoning."
Cedric nodded, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern. "Of course, my lord. I will ensure everyone is present."
With that settled, Ivar took a moment to collect his thoughts before seeking out Levina. He found her in the garden, tending to the flowers with a gentle touch. Her presence, as always, brought a sense of calm to his turbulent mind.
"Levina," he called softly.
She turned, a warm smile lighting up her face. "Ivar, done with your royal duties for now?"
He chuckled, stepping closer to her. "For the moment. I needed a break, and who better to spend it with than my lovely wife?"
They walked through the garden, chatting about trivial matters, the weight of the kingdom's troubles momentarily lifted. Levina's laughter was a soothing balm to his weary soul. After a while, he excused himself, the fleeting peace giving way to a new purpose.
He remembered the AI companion he had in the game, a dark spirit named Luci. She was a manifestation of his will and a constant presence during his adventures. In the game, she appeared as a small, dark elf-like creature, always ready with advice and support. But in this life, she was conspicuously absent.
Determined to find out more, Ivar headed to the library. He combed through ancient tomes and scrolls, seeking any mention of Kzarka and the mysterious spirit that had been his companion. Hours passed as he pored over dusty pages, the legends and myths blending with the reality he now faced.
One particular legend caught his eye. It spoke of an ancient dark spirit, a sprite that chose its master based on their worthiness. The legend concluded with a haunting line: "In the end of the story, the spirit still by his side, waiting till her chosen one arise."
Ivar's heart raced. The legend confirmed what he had suspected—the spirit was real. As he read on, memories of Kzarka's interactions with Luci flooded his mind. In the game, Luci was more than just an AI; she was a confidante, a source of strength during his darkest hours. Her words had always been a comfort, a reminder that he was not alone.
As he walking down the road he thinks over the kingdoms and empires that lay beyond Themera, his thoughts wandered into realms familiar yet unknown. Themera, with its frigid northern reaches and relentless demon incursions, was a kingdom forged in eternal struggle. Its people, steadfast and resolute, had honed their military prowess to a razor's edge, boasting formidable forces like the Demon Slayers and the legendary Ravien Knights.
Haraketh, shrouded in dense jungles and tropical splendor, stood as a testament to adaptability and guerrilla warfare. Here, warriors known as Jungle Rangers and Herbal Warriors thrived amidst the vibrant flora and fauna, mastering the art of stealth and herbalism.Aldoria, nestled amidst expansive forests and rolling hills, exuded a balanced strength. Renowned for its skilled archers and secretive assassins, Aldoria's prowess extended from its fertile lands to its formidable navy, guarding its shores with unwavering vigilance.
Across the vast deserts of the Xandria Empire, a land akin to the sandy expanses of the Middle East, wealth and trade routes crisscrossed through oases. Here, the Empire boasted formidable cavalry units like the Sand Riders and expert archers known as the Oasis Archers, while Elemental Sorcerers wielded the power of sand and sun.In the icy embrace of the Nirvalis Empire, towering mountains and perpetual snow defined the realm. Hardy and resilient, its armies included the fearsome Ice Berserkers and massive Frost Giants, supported by Snowbound Mages who wielded the chilling power of ice and snow.
As Muraka mulled over these diverse lands, each with its own challenges and strengths, he wondered how closely they mirrored the tales woven in the game's storyline. Were they as formidable as depicted, or had time and circumstance altered their fates? Such questions lingered, urging him to explore beyond the boundaries of Themera and into the uncharted territories of diplomacy and alliance.
He felt a pang of sadness, a longing that he couldn't quite place. Whether it was his own emotions or those of Kzarka, he wasn't sure. But he knew he had to find Luci.
Determined, Ivar made his way to the memorial palace. He stood before the tombstones, the weight of history pressing down on him. "Luci," he called softly, "are you there?"
The silence was deafening. He took a deep breath, his voice firmer this time. "I'll wait here until you answer my call. The wielder of the Ravien sword."
Hours passed as he stood vigil, the light fading from the sky. Even when the embassy from other countries arrived, Ivar remained rooted to the spot, his resolve unwavering.
As night fell, he began to doubt. Perhaps he was chasing shadows, clinging to the past in a world that had moved on. Just as he was about to give up, he heard it—a gentle rustling, like the whisper of the wind. And then, a voice, soft and melodic, echoed through the darkness.
"Hi Muraka... or should I say Kzarka?.... Whatever then."
Ivar spun around, searching for the source of the voice. The air shimmered faintly, and before him materialized a figure—a small, dark elf-like creature with piercing eyes and an ethereal presence. It was Luci, just as he remembered her.
"Luci," he breathed, a mixture of relief and joy in his voice. "You're really here."
Luci hovered before him, her expression unreadable. "I've always been here, waiting for the rightful heir to the throne, the true wielder of the Ravien sword."
Tears welled up in Ivar's eyes, a mixture of Muraka's and Kzarka's emotions overwhelming him. "I... I..."
Luci nodded, her presence calming him. "I am here to serve, just as I always have."
The chapter ends here.
Thanks for your support. And I'm not going to continue my fanfic, im too lazy to make it back in trace