Chapter 113: A New Path
Scene: The South Nation's castle is quiet, the remnants of the recent battle still lingering in the air. Inside, the once-bustling halls are now filled with recovering heroes and knights. In the mountains, Zarek is locked away in the South Nation's high-security prison, his once-burning ambition extinguished. The people are beginning to rebuild, but the shadow of King Alden's death still looms over the nation.
Narrator: The aftermath of the battle weighs heavily on the South Nation. The heroes and knights who fought bravely are recovering from their wounds, but the absence of King Alden leaves a void that cannot be filled. With the new king, Thalanor, taking the throne, the people look toward an uncertain future. But first, there is unfinished business—King Ragnar of the East Nation remains captive, bound by Zarek's mana.
Inside the South Nation prison, located deep in the mountains, Zarek sits in his cell, his hands bound by heavy chains infused with mana. His once-demonic power has been stripped away, leaving him vulnerable and reflective. His mind is troubled by the recent events, the defeat weighing on his soul. Footsteps echo down the stone hallway as King Thalanor approaches Zarek's cell.
Thalanor, now the ruler of the South Nation, stands tall and firm, but the grief of losing King Alden is still etched in his face. He looks at Zarek with a mixture of pity and cold determination.
Thalanor: (calmly) Zarek, I come with a request. Release the mana that binds King Ragnar in the East Nation. You have no reason to hold him any longer.
Zarek lifts his head slowly, his eyes weary. The fire that once burned in his gaze has dimmed. He stares at Thalanor for a moment, his expression unreadable, before nodding slightly.
Zarek: (quietly) Very well. It was never about Ragnar. I only wanted a home for my people.
Zarek closes his eyes, and a faint glow surrounds him as he releases the mana tether that held King Ragnar captive. The chains of magic that once bound Ragnar in the East Nation dissipate into the air, setting him free.
Zarek: (softly) It's done.
Thalanor watches as the last traces of Zarek's mana fade away. He nods to the guards standing nearby.
Thalanor: (firmly) Thank you. You'll remain here under strict guard. Your fate is yet to be decided.
Thalanor turns and leaves the prison, his heart heavy with the burden of leadership. Once outside, he immediately sends three scouts to the East Nation to retrieve King Ragnar. The mission is vital—Ragnar's return will help secure the South Nation's standing among the other nations and rebuild their alliance.
A day passes, and inside the South Nation's infirmary, Commander Elara slowly opens her eyes. Her body aches, but she feels stronger now, her mana reserves replenishing. She sits up, the memories of the battle flashing through her mind. The sight of King Alden falling, the overwhelming power of Zarek—it all comes flooding back.
She looks around the room, seeing the other recovering heroes and knights. But something feels off. She knows the truth, the weight of it pressing down on her heart.
Elara: (whispering) King Alden… he's gone.
Tears well in her eyes, and she feels a deep sadness, a sense of failure gnawing at her. But she knows she must remain strong, for the sake of the South Nation. Elara rises from her bed and dresses, her body still sore but capable. She makes her way to the throne room, where Thalanor now reigns as king.
In the throne room, King Thalanor sits on the throne, his expression resolute but tinged with sadness. He sees Elara approaching, and when she reaches him, she bows deeply, her shoulders trembling as she struggles to keep her emotions in check.
Commander Elara: (choked) Your Majesty… I'm so sorry. I was weak in the battle. I couldn't protect King Alden. Please, forgive me.
Her tears begin to fall as she bows her head in shame, the weight of her guilt overwhelming her. Thalanor watches her silently for a moment, then rises from the throne and approaches her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Thalanor: (gently) Elara, there is nothing to forgive. You fought bravely. We all did. King Alden knew the risks, and he fought until the end for his people. You have no reason to bear the burden of guilt.
Elara looks up at Thalanor, her eyes filled with pain, but his words offer her a small measure of comfort. She wipes her tears away and stands straighter, taking a deep breath to regain her composure.
Thalanor: (firmly) You did well, Commander. But now, I need you for another task. The citizens of the South Nation who were hidden away in the village of Elaria—it's time for them to return to the capital. It's safe now. You must go and inform them of King Alden's passing… and that I now wear the crown.
Elara nods, though the thought of delivering such news fills her with dread. She understands the importance of her mission and salutes the new king.
Commander Elara: (determined) I'll see to it, Your Majesty.
Elara heads out of the castle and makes her way to the village of Elaria, where the citizens of the South Nation were taken to hide during the battle. As she approaches the village, she sees the worry and uncertainty on the faces of the people. They've been kept safe, but they know that something terrible has happened.
Elara stands before the gathered villagers, her voice steady as she addresses them.
Commander Elara: (solemnly) People of the South Nation, it is time to return to your homes. The battle is over, and the capital is safe once more.
A murmur of relief spreads through the crowd, but Elara's face remains serious. She steels herself for the next part of her message.
Commander Elara: (sadly) But I must also bring difficult news. King Alden Navacos III, our beloved ruler, has fallen in battle. He gave his life to protect our nation, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten.
The crowd falls silent, the weight of the news hitting them like a heavy blow. Many weep openly, mourning the loss of their king. Elara allows them a moment to grieve before continuing.
Commander Elara: (resolutely) In his final moments, King Alden appointed Commander Thalanor as his successor. Thalanor is now our king, and we must follow him with the same loyalty and devotion we gave King Alden. Let us honor his memory by standing united.
The people, though heartbroken, nod in agreement. They understand that this is the beginning of a new era, one that they must face together. Elara leads them back to the capital, the weight of her duty heavy on her shoulders but her resolve unshaken.
Meanwhile, the three scouts sent by King Thalanor reach the East Nation. After searching through the city, they manage to locate King Ragnar, who had been held captive by Zarek's mana. Now free, Ragnar is weak but alive. The scouts carefully help him to his feet, explaining everything that has happened—the battle, the fall of King Alden, and the rise of Thalanor.
Scout: (gently) Your Majesty, King Thalanor has requested your return to the South Nation. We must bring you back.
Ragnar nods, his heart heavy with the news of Alden's death. He had fought alongside the South Nation in the past, and the loss of such a powerful ally weighs on him. But now, his priority is to reunite with his allies and help restore stability.
King Ragnar: (softly) Then let us go. We have much to do.
The scouts, along with King Ragnar, make their way back to the South Nation. As they travel, Ragnar remains silent, his mind processing the loss of his old friend. He knows that the world has shifted, and that new challenges lie ahead.
Back at the South Nation's castle, preparations are underway for the announcement of Thalanor as the new king. The knights and heroes have gathered in the grand hall, many of them still recovering from their injuries, but all of them aware of the importance of this moment.
Thalanor, dressed in regal armor, stands at the front of the hall, his expression solemn but resolute. As King Ragnar approaches the castle, Thalanor knows that soon, he will take his place as the ruler of the South Nation, and a new chapter will begin.
Narrator: The battle for the South Nation has ended, but the road ahead remains uncertain. King Thalanor prepares to take the throne, and with the return of King Ragnar, alliances will be rebuilt. The wounds of war are still fresh, but hope flickers once more in the hearts of the people. A new era has begun.
The chapter ends with Thalanor standing in the grand hall, his eyes forward, ready to take on the mantle of leadership. The South Nation, though wounded, is ready to rise again.