Erika's Moment of Regret
After Ralf left, a sense of emptiness lingered in the air. Erika stood silently, her heart heavy with regret. A few silent tears escaped her eyes as she gazed up at the sky, the pale clouds reflecting the turmoil within her.
"Father... your daughter failed again," she whispered softly, her voice breaking. "Please forgive me..."
She closed her eyes, allowing herself a moment of weakness. The crushing weight of her decisions, her failures, and her inability to avenge her father all seemed too much to bear. Erika had never imagined how difficult this journey would be, and yet, here she was—lost, uncertain, and haunted by her own doubts.
Suddenly, a disturbance in the underbrush caught her attention. The sound of paws pressing softly against the earth. Erika froze, her body tensing. Something was approaching.
From the forest emerged a massive tiger—its fur dark and eyes gleaming with predatory intent. It was cautious, its steps calculated and measured, stalking its prey with expert precision. Erika's heart raced as the beast crept closer, its massive form almost blending into the shadows of the trees.
Closer... closer...
The tiger lunged. With a deafening roar, it leapt at Erika, claws extended and fangs bared.
Without hesitation, Erika spun around, drawing her sword in one swift motion. Without a glance, she thrust it forward with deadly precision. The blade buried itself into the tiger's forehead. The creature's roar was cut short as it collapsed, lifeless, at her feet.
Erika stood over the fallen beast, her eyes cold and indifferent. She didn't look at the tiger with fear, only a strange, sorrowful pity.
"A tiger, huh?" she murmured, her voice tinged with irritation rather than relief. "So bad. Poor kitten... Looks like you were out of luck attacking me in my frustration."
She smirked bitterly.
"The tiger's luck ended here."
The Royal Capital of Narzan – Kranel
Meanwhile, far away in the bustling heart of Narzan, the Royal Capital of Kranel, life continued in its usual frenetic rhythm. People swarmed the streets, their voices blending in a cacophony of life. The air was filled with the chirps of birds, the laughter of children, and the occasional clink of shopkeepers arranging their wares.
On the side of a cracked and overgrown fountain stood a group of merchants chatting. The fountain had long been out of use, yet locals still regarded it as a cursed relic. According to legend, the city was originally home to demons—beings who left behind strange, inexplicable mechanisms that humans could not understand. The belief persisted that the fountain, with its broken and dilapidated state, was the demon's curse, a warning to all who dared to linger too long.
In the distance, the towering silhouette of the royal castle loomed. Flags bearing the emblem of Narzan fluttered proudly from its parapets. This was the heart of the empire, the Royal Palace where the Emperor and his family lived, and next to it, the Royal Court, where the fate of the nation was discussed by the heads of noble families.
Inside the Royal Court, the room buzzed with the chatter of the empire's elite. The nobles, each with their own vested interests, gathered as rumors swirled about the fate of the missing Supreme Commander, Roy.
The Royal Court: A Changing Tide
Roan Kran, the head of the Kran family, leaned in toward Sanil Sapher, another lesser noble whose family had little influence but still mattered in the court. The two men, always on the lookout for gossip, were engaged in a heated discussion.
"Hey, did you hear? That shitty commoner really died this time," Roan said, a smirk curling on his lips.
Sanil, who had been sipping wine, looked up with a mix of disbelief and curiosity. "Yeah, I heard, but I don't believe it. That brat always found a way to escape before. You know how it is."
Roan chuckled darkly. "This time is different. The one who sent the assassins was none other than Riku Sugen, the leader of the Sugen family."
Sanil's eyes widened in shock. "What?! The Sugen family? Aren't they the most powerful family in Kranel? Why would Riku do this now? Always these young ones exceeding expectations..."
Roan's smile grew wider. "Not just the most powerful in Kranel—they might be the biggest in all of Narzan. And yes, it seems that cocky bastard really is gone."
The two men laughed, their voices echoing across the room as they reveled in what they believed was Roy's death. They were unaware that Roy was not dead, and neither realized the storm that was about to descend upon the Empire. They were only concerned with their own ambitions.
As they spoke, the discussion turned to the upcoming appointment of the new Supreme Commander. It was widely expected that Riku Sugen would take over, as his military acumen had earned him that spot. Riku, though ambitious, was one of the few men with the skills to lead the Empire's forces effectively. Yet, it was well-known that Roy, for all his cunning and ability, had been standing in Riku's way.
And with Roy now presumed dead, the path was clear.
The Emperor's Announcement
The doors to the Royal Court creaked open, signaling the arrival of the Emperor. The room immediately fell silent. All eyes turned toward the grand entrance.
Emperor Avantis Astaral, an old man wearing golden armor and a crown, entered, his left eye hidden behind a black patch. He moved slowly but with purpose, his presence commanding respect. His family followed closely behind him, and the nobles bowed deeply, the weight of their submission palpable in the room.
Avantis walked to his throne, sitting with deliberate grace. "You are all permitted to look up now," he said, his voice grave.
As the nobles lifted their heads, the Emperor wasted no time in speaking.
"Greetings," he began, his voice echoing through the hall. "I am Avantis Astaral, the 32nd Emperor of Narzan. Today, I have called this meeting for one reason. Most of you are already aware of it."
A murmur rippled through the nobles. "I speak of the disappearance of our Supreme Commander, Roy. It has been two weeks since he went missing. Our search parties found fragments of his armor and his broken sword this morning near the Eternal Forest of Darkness. There is no doubt it belongs to him. However, we have yet to find his body."
Avantis's eyes darkened as he continued. "I do not believe he is alive. Therefore, I am announcing the new Supreme Commander. It is a tragic loss for Narzan, but we must move forward. We shall rise with a new commander."
As expected, Riku Sugen, who had long been waiting for this moment, was poised to claim the position.
"But, my Emperor," said Crown Prince Nolan, his voice full of concern. "Isn't it too soon to make this decision? Shouldn't we wait a few more days? Roy's body hasn't been found."
Riku, ever eager to seize power, interrupted. "Forgive my insolence, Your Majesty, but we cannot afford to wait. If another empire strikes now, without a commander, we will fall."
Before Avantis could respond, a messenger rushed in, breathing heavily. "Urgent news, Your Majesty!"
The room fell into tense silence.
"Speak," Avantis commanded.
"Lord Roy," the messenger gasped, "he is alive! He has entered the Royal Capital just moments ago, though gravely wounded."
The Emperor's eyes widened in shock, his voice low and filled with disbelief. "What did you say? He is alive?"