The Athanasios Empire was a sprawling titan of power and ambition. Its borders encompassed what could only be described as an entire continent, its vast seas acting as both shield and prison. Yet for all its grandeur, even the empire's influence thinned in the distant east, where the Holy Lands of Luminos lay cloaked in myth.
And here I was, clutching a crumbling map aboard a swaying ship, heading straight for it.
The map had been a parting "gift" from Lilos, who had handed it to me with his usual cryptic flair. "You'll figure it out," he'd said, as if deciphering its faded ink and crooked markings was a test of character rather than a logistical nightmare.
Squinting at the parchment, I traced the route for the umpteenth time.
"Luminos, eh?"
The voice was rough, with a sharpness that grated against my already frayed patience. I turned to find the source: a man who looked like he'd crawled out of the ship's bilge. His beard was a scraggly mess, his clothes threadbare, and his smile… unsettling.
"You some kind of pilgrim?" he asked, leaning closer. The stench of salt, sweat, and cheap ale wafted off him. "Which god ya worship, huh?"
I folded the map and shoved it into my bag. "Just looking for someone."
"Right." He grinned, showing teeth that were in desperate need of divine intervention. "Best start prayin'. You're headed for the gods' playground, after all."
Before I could tell him off, a shout rang out from the crow's nest.
"Raiders! The ship is under attack!"
Chaos erupted. Passengers clung to their belongings, the crowd surging in every direction. I slipped into the shadows, lowering my head and tightening my grip on my bag. Running wasn't an option. Neither was swimming—unless I wanted to see just how fast pirates could row.
The ship's captain, a wiry man with an unsteady gait, stepped forward, raising his hands in a feeble attempt at diplomacy. "Now, now, we can settle this peacefully," he stammered.
"Heh, sure," sneered a pirate, his scarred face splitting into a grotesque grin. "Men! Empty the coffers!"
Passengers hesitated, clutching their purses and cargo.
TSCHAK!
A blade pierced the chest of a merchant who had dared to protest. His body crumpled, blood pooling beneath him as a gasp rippled through the crowd.I felt my stomach lurch.
The pirate captain sneered. "What's wrong? Gold more important than your lives?"
"T-the empire won't let this go!" someone stammered.
The captain laughed, a guttural sound that chilled the air. "We're far from Athanasios' reach, fool. Out here, it's our law."
Before the tension could snap, the ship shuddered with a thunderous CRASH.
The deck lurched beneath my feet, and then silence. A single thud echoed, followed by the unmistakable roll of a pirate's severed head hitting the planks.
Thud. Thud. Thud.
The sound of heavy footsteps followed, each one radiating power and authority. A commanding voice sliced through the chaos.
A voice followed, calm yet commanding. "Bring me their leader."
I looked up and froze.
The man descending onto the deck wore the pristine uniform of the imperial army, the crest of Athanasios gleaming on his shoulder. His eyes were sharp, cold, and calculating, scanning the scene like a general appraising a battlefield.
"Master Kian!" I blurted, my voice a mix of shock and relief.
He turned at the sound, one brow arching. "Baby bro's servant?"
That was Yen's other curse—his two older brothers. Despite Yen's reputation for stoicism, they had an uncanny ability to tease the cracks open in his composed exterior. Kian, with his booming laugh, would relentlessly push Yen into sparring matches, always making it a point to land exaggerated "mistakes" just to frustrate him. Elluah, the first born, had an arsenal of wild stories he'd recount loudly at family dinners, exaggerating Yen's involvement until he couldn't help but smile in exasperation.
It was always a subtle thing—never loud or obvious—but the brothers cherished those rare moments when Yen's usual mask gave way to something more genuine. To me, those fleeting smiles seemed like a treasure that even the mighty Von Sumidra siblings held close.
Right. Kian Von Sumidra, and the empire's renowned general. Known as Michaelus, his Soulbound spirit, an archangel, had propelled him to legendary status. Unlike Yen's reserved demeanor, Kian exuded a fiery charisma that made everyone want to follow—or fear—him.
In one swift motion, he grabbed the pirate captain by the throat, lifting him like a sack of grain. "I'll handle this one," he said to his knights, who quickly subdued the rest of the raiders.
Turning back to me, Kian's lips quirked into a faint smirk. "Looking for Yen?"
I straightened. "Yes."
"You won't find him," he said bluntly.
"I will," I shot back, determination lacing my tone.
His gaze lingered on me, appraising. Then, with a shrug, he turned to the passengers.
"Citizens of Athanasios," he began, his voice steady and resonant. "Traveling these waters has become increasingly dangerous. Routes have been adjusted for safer passage, but evil factions have grown bold. Rest assured, the empire will act. Updates will be published in the Daily Whispers. Stay vigilant."
The crowd murmured their thanks, bowing their heads.
I wasn't done.
"Master Kian!" I called, running to catch up. His knights moved to block me, but he waved them off.
"I need help reaching Luminos," I said, bowing deeply. "Please. I'll do whatever it takes."
He regarded me in silence before nodding to one of his knights. A tall woman stepped forward, her expression unreadable.
"I am Lous," she said simply. "I'll escort you on a superspeed boat."
"Superspeed?" I repeated skeptically. "That's the actual name?"
Kian chuckled, a low rumble that vibrated through the air. "If you ever find him, tell him Elluah cried like an idiot for an entire day because he didn't bother saying goodbye."
He clapped me on the shoulder—a casual gesture for him, a near-death experience for me.
"I will," I promised, clutching my bag tightly as he walked away.
-----
The boat lived up to its name. Wind lashed my face, the sea sprayed over me, and my insides churned with every bump. By the time we reached Luminos, I was drenched, dizzy, and questioning every life choice that had led me here.
But I didn't stop.