"Captain Elindra, approach the throne!" A sturdy man knelt down, bowing his head.
"Rise, my chancellor. What brings you here so early in the morning?" said a voice from a dragon-patterned chair. His tone was soft yet authoritative as he gazed at Captain Elindra with questioning eyes. He was Edward Flamesoul, the king of Solheim, a kingdom in the Realm of Solaris.
"Forgive me, Your Majesty, but there is an urgent matter I must report," Elindra remained in his bowed position.
King Edward began to look restless, as if he could sense the news about to be delivered by his captain.
"Is this about the The Order of Hades's threat to make Solheim submit to them? Haven't I already made it clear that Edward Flamesoul will bow to no one, not even The Order of Hades?" Edward slammed his hand on the table, anger visible on his face.
Elindra's weathered face betrayed no emotion, but his words carried the gravity of imminent catastrophe. "The Order of Hades moves against us, Your Majesty. They bring the Soulreaver."
A profound silence descended upon the chamber. The Soulreaver—the obsidian scythe of Hades, second of the ten Divine Weapons, a artifact capable of harvesting spiritual energy itself. More than a weapon, it was a symbol of the underworld deity's most terrifying power.
Elindra continued, his voice low and precise. "Their forces are vast. The divine weapon is no mere legend. The Soulreaver has toppled kingdoms before—it is wielded by those who command the darkest martial mysteries of the underworld."
The realm of Solaris was a delicate tapestry of power, woven by ten Supreme Orders, each dedicated to a different deity. The Order of Hades stood apart—masters of shadow arts and death magic, practitioners of techniques that bordered on forbidden knowledge.
"Captain," he spoke softly and with concern, "I didn't expect them to act so quickly. If your intelligence is accurate, how long until they reach Solheim?"
"Based on our estimates, they will arrive at the palace gates in two days, Your Majesty," Elindra replied cautiously, well aware of the king's mounting anger. "I await your command."
Edward closed his eyes, unable to imagine the fate of the Solheim kingdom moving forward. Every decision he made today would impact all of his people, so he needed to plan his next steps carefully.
"Very well, prepare all palace troops. I will meet them at the palace gates. If the land of Solheim requires my life, I will gladly give it for my homeland," Edward's voice rose, catching Elindra by surprise.
"But Your Majesty—" Elindra began to interject, but was cut off immediately.
"Enough, Captain. I know what you're going to say, but my decision is final. I am the king of Solheim, and I will not allow my ancestral lands to be invaded or stolen. I know you're concerned for my safety," Edward looked at his captain, who stood motionless with a pale face.
"I can protect myself," Edward's body began to emit a black aura.
Sweat formed on Elindra's forehead from the pressure of Edward's aura. He understood that his king was exceptionally powerful, and his skills were among the most respected in the Realm of Solaris. However, this time the enemy was different.
But Elindra dared not answer further. He simply took a deep breath, silently thinking to himself, "I will follow Your Majesty, even into the depths of death."