It was morning. The sun had barely risen over the Royal Kingdom. Bright light filtered through tall windows, casting long shadows across floors.
King Augustus sat in the royal council chamber. The room was massive. The ceiling was high, painted with scenes of past kings and victories. A long table stretched through the center, made of dark oak. Six chairs were positioned along each side.
In those chairs sat the six elders of the Royal Kingdom. Men who had served for decades. Men who gave advice and counsel to the king. Men whose words carried weight and power.Their names were well known throughout the kingdom.
Elder Thaddeus the oldest, with a long white beard and sharp eyes. A master of economics and trade.Elder Cornelius broad shouldered and scarred, a former general. Expert in military strategy.Elder Marcellus thin and pale, dressed in scholar's robes. The kingdom's chief historian and record keeper.Elder Octavius wealthy and well connected. Controlled much of the kingdom's merchant networks.Elder Lucius a priest of the old faith. Adviser on tradition and religious matters.
Elder Cassius the youngest of the six, only in his fifties. Known for his political cunning.
King Augustus leaned back in his chair at the head of the table. His red cape draped over the armrests. His golden earrings caught the morning light. He looked relaxed.
"What seems to be the pressing matter that we have gathered here?" Augustus asked.
Elder Thaddeus stood first. He bowed respectfully. "Your Majesty, thank you for granting us this audience."
He reached into his robes and pulled out a sealed letter. The wax seal bore the mark of a snowflake. "We have received correspondence from the King of Royal Kingdom of Frostholt. The kingdom that rules the ice and frozen regions to the north."
He placed the letter on the table. "They report that monsters of different kinds have started appearing in their territory. Beasts they've never encountered before. Powerful and Aggressive. Their defenses are being overwhelmed."
He paused. "They are seeking military support from us. As you know, we have an alliance with them. A treaty that your father, King Aldus, signed with their king many years ago."
Elder Lucius stood next. He also bowed. "Your Majesty, by tradition, we are honor bound to answer this request. The treaty is sacred. To ignore it would bring shame to our kingdom and risk breaking the alliance."
The other elders murmured in agreement. They nodded. Some spoke quietly among themselves.
Elder Cornelius, the old general, spoke up. "The Frostholt Kingdom has always been a loyal ally. They sent troops when we needed them during the southern border conflicts fifteen years ago. We owe them."
Elder Octavius added, "And maintaining this alliance is economically beneficial. Frostholt controls valuable mining operations. Ice crystals. Rare metals. Breaking the treaty would cost us."
The elders continued to discuss. Weighing options. Considering consequences. Trying to persuade the king to honor the request.
While they spoke, Bechi one of King Augustus's Royal Servants walked quietly down the side of the room. She moved with respect. Head slightly bowed. She approached the king's chair from behind.
She leaned in close to his ear. And whispered something. Her voice was barely audible. A hidden secret meant only for him.
The words she spoke were critical. Urgent. The kind of information that would make most men react. Show emotion. Panic.But King Augustus's face didn't change. He showed no emotion. No surprise. No concern. He kept his cool completely. His expression remained calm.
When Bechi finished speaking, she stepped back. Returned to her position by the door. Silent.Augustus tapped his fingers on the armrest once. Twice. Then he spoke.
"If my father honored that treaty," Augustus said slowly, "then I suppose we must honor it as well."
He paused. "But who would lead this army? Who would command our forces to aid the Frostholt Kingdom?"
Elder Cassius raised his hand. "Your Majesty, we have powerful Gifters here in the Royal Kingdom. Men and women capable of clearing out these monsters. We could assemble a force."
Elder Cornelius stood. His voice was firm and Confident. "You are king, Your Majesty. You have the authority to command anyone you choose."
He paused for effect. "Your brother has returned from only the gods know where, Prince Solomon. He led armies before. He commanded the First World War campaign and never lost a single battle. He is the most qualified person for this task."
The room went quiet. All eyes turned to Augustus.
Augustus smiled. It was a slow smile. Calculated. "That's a bright idea, Elder Cornelius."
He stood from his chair. "I will make preparations for our army to depart and support our alliance. My brother will lead them."
He walked slowly around the table. His boots clicked against the floor. "This is a perfect opportunity for us. To see if he's truly my brother. As you said, he has never lost a battle in his life. Let's see if that record holds."
He stopped. Turned to face them all. "Meanwhile, I will be adding Liam of the Great Cross Family to the campaign as support. His abilities will be valuable."
Augustus raised his voice slightly. "All in favor, say aye."
The elders responded immediately. "Aye."
"Those against, indicate now."
No one dared oppose the king.
Augustus smiled again. "Then it is decided. Prepare the army. I will Inform my brother of his new assignment."
Meanwhile, at the Makaveli Family district, on the opposite side of the Royal Kingdom, the atmosphere was different. Quieter. More focused.
Lucian Makaveli, the Royal Head and the kingdom's greatest scientist, walked through a long hallway. His white coat flowed behind him. His expression was calm. Thoughtful.
Beside him walked Kai. The boy with bandaged eyes. Silent as always. His posture was relaxed, but his senses were sharp. Always aware of his surroundings.
They navigated through the hallway together. Servants moved about their duties. Cleaning. Carrying supplies. Whispering among themselves.
Two servants stood near a window. They didn't notice Lucian and Kai approaching yet. They were too absorbed in conversation.
"I've kept a close eye on the training that Lord Lucian has put that newcomer through," one servant said quietly. He was older, with graying hair. "And he's so excellent. He's passed all the trial stages. Every single one."
The second servant, a younger man who had just started working in the Makaveli quarters, looked confused. "What do you think Lord Lucian is preparing him for?"
"The World Crown Tournament," the first servant said confidently.
The younger man blinked. "What's that?"
The older servant leaned in. "It's a competition. A massive one. All the kingdoms across the continent bring their best fighters to battle against each other. The prize is incredible. Glory. Wealth. Power. Recognition."
"Hmm, that's interesting," the younger servant said. "Has the Makaveli Family ever won?"
The older servant shook his head. "No. Since the history of the Makaveli Family, they've never won it. Not once."
"Then who has?"
"The only three families known for dominating the tournament are the Great Cross Family and the Great Heart Family and the Aurelius family ," the older servant explained. "Liam Cross is terrifying in combat. And Silas Heartveil? Some say he rivals those who are Priest ranked."
The younger servant's eyes widened. "Priest-ranked? That's amazing!"
The older servant nodded seriously. "They say Silas houses more than one Library ability. Multiple libraries in one person. He's literally a god in flesh."
He paused. Lowered his voice even more. "But Lord Lucian? He's different. Brilliant. Strategic. But also… a psychopath. He experiments on things he shouldn't, but who cares the royal court always approve whatever he wants, he Tests limits. Pushes boundaries most wouldn't dare touch."
But by this time, Kai and Lucian had already passed them. Neither had reacted to the conversation. Neither had acknowledged the servants at all.
Lucian had been training Kai secretly. Intensely. Only those within the Makaveli Family district could sense it. Could see the changes. The growth.
Something dangerous was being prepared. And soon, the world would see what Kai had become.
Back at the royal palace, in Solomon's quarters, Aldrich had just woken up. The morning light streamed through the windows. He sat up in the massive bed. His body ached slightly. Last night had been long. Stressful.
A knock came at the door.
Aldrich rubbed his face. "Give me a minute. I'll be with you soon."
He stood. Walked to the door. Opened it.
One of the royal guards stood outside. He bowed respectfully. "Prince Solomon, the king is requesting your presence. He asks that you come to the throne room at your earliest convenience."
The guard stepped back. Turned. And walked away down the hall.
Aldrich closed the door slowly. He leaned against it. Let out a long breath.
"Hmm," he muttered to himself. "I am yet to find out why one of Solomon's wives tried to kill me. And now the king wants me?"
He looked up at the ceiling. His voice was tired. Sarcastic. "Can this new life get any better?"
Inside his mind, Solomon's voice stirred. "Careful, Aldrich. Augustus doesn't summon people without a reason. Whatever he wants, it won't be good for us."
Aldrich sighed. "Yeah. I figured that much."
He walked toward the wardrobe. Time to get dressed. Time to face whatever trap his brother had prepared this time.