Deep within the dense Victorian forest, where towering trees whispered secrets of the past, a young prince named Liam wandered, lost and alone. The night was cold, and the only light came from the silver moon peeking through the branches. As he stumbled through the undergrowth, his sharp eyes caught sight of a small wooden cottage surrounded by dark blue roses, their petals shimmering under the moonlight.
From the shadows of the cottage, an old man emerged, his eyes wise yet unreadable. He gestured for Liam to follow him inside. Without hesitation, the young prince stepped forward, curiosity outweighing his caution.
Inside, the air was thick with the scent of herbs and old parchment. On a wooden table in the center of the dimly lit room, a small vial gleamed—a potion with a deep blue glow, swirling as if alive.
Old Man: "Drink this, young prince. It holds a great power within."
Liam stared at the potion in his hands, feeling its warmth seep through the glass.
Liam: "What is this?"
Old Man: "Magic… unlike anything you've ever known."
Just as Liam was about to lift the vial to his lips, a sudden voice echoed through the night.
??? "Liam!"
Turning sharply, Liam saw Alexander, his loyal friend and personal guard, standing at the doorway. His presence was imposing, his expression cold and serious as his sharp gaze locked onto the old man.
Alexander: "What are you doing?"
Before Liam could respond, Alexander strode forward, grabbing him firmly by the arm.
Alexander: "You shouldn't be here. Why didn't you tell me you were leaving?"
His tone was filled with disappointment and frustration, but beneath it was something else—worry. Without waiting for an explanation, Alexander pulled Liam away from the cottage, his grip unyielding.
Back at the palace, Liam sat alone in his chamber, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows on the walls. He reached into his pocket and felt the cool glass of the vial.
The potion was still with him.
Curiosity gnawed at him. Ignoring the warnings in his mind, he uncorked the bottle and took a small sip.
A sudden rush of energy surged through his body. His vision blurred, his breath caught in his throat. His once small frame expanded, his muscles tensed, and his right hand glowed—a dark blue light pulsing from within.
His reflection in the mirror was no longer that of a boy.
Liam had become a man.
Liam stared at his reflection, his breath unsteady. His once youthful face had transformed into that of a grown man—strong, defined, unfamiliar. His right hand continued to glow with an eerie dark blue light, pulsing like a heartbeat.
His mind raced. What have I done?
A sudden knock on his door made him jump. He quickly pulled on a cloak to hide his altered form before cautiously opening it.
Standing outside was none other than the old man from the forest.
Old Man: "It has begun."
Liam stiffened.
Liam: "What do you mean? What is happening to me?"
The old man stepped forward, his voice low and serious.
Old Man: "You have awakened the power of the Dark Blue Light. But without guidance, it will consume you. There is only one man who can teach you to control it—Emperor Lucas."
Liam frowned.
Liam: "Lucas? But... he vanished long ago. He's nothing more than a legend now."
The old man shook his head.
Old Man: "He is real. And you must find him before it is too late."
A chill ran down Liam's spine. He had no choice—if he wanted answers, he had to go to the abandoned palace where Lucas was last seen.
---
The Journey to the Abandoned Palace
The next evening, under the cover of darkness, Liam set out toward the forgotten ruins. The journey was long, the road treacherous, but his newfound strength carried him forward.
After hours of traveling through the eerie silence of the wilderness, he finally stood before the ruins—a massive palace, its once-glorious gates now shattered and rusting. Vines crept up the stone walls, and the wind howled through the broken windows.
Steeling himself, Liam stepped inside.
The air was heavy, filled with the scent of dust and time itself. As he ventured deeper into the palace, his glowing hand cast an ethereal light on the walls, revealing ancient symbols carved into the stone.
Then, a deep, gravelly voice echoed through the empty hall.
??? "Who dares disturb this place?"
Liam froze. He turned, his heart pounding.
There, standing in the shadows, was a tall figure with piercing blue eyes—the same color as the light flowing through Liam's hand.
Liam (whispering): "Lucas..."
The man raised an eyebrow, stepping forward.
Lucas: "So, you know my name. And yet, you hesitate to speak."
Liam swallowed hard and lifted his right hand, letting the glow intensify.
Liam: "You are Lucas, aren't you? The Emperor who vanished?"
For a brief moment, Lucas's eyes widened, but then his expression hardened.
Lucas: "I am. And you... you are the new wielder of the Dark Blue Light."
He studied Liam carefully before speaking again.
Lucas: "Tell me, boy. Why have you come?"
Liam straightened his posture, determination replacing his uncertainty.
Liam: "The old man said you would teach me how to control this power. And I intend to learn. Right now."
Lucas smirked, his voice a mix of amusement and challenge.
Lucas: "Then prove to me that you're worthy of it."
And with that, he lunged forward, his hand glowing with the same energy, ready to test Liam in a battle that would change everything.