The council chamber of the Blazing Sun Kingdom was a vast hall of polished marble, its ceilings arched high above, adorned with banners depicting the golden sun blazing over the kingdom's crest. Morning light poured through the enormous windows, illuminating the polished floors and the rows of council seats, each occupied by advisors whose eyes flickered with keen intelligence and quiet authority.
Sol entered behind his siblings, his posture carefully measured. Though he kept the Heaven Splitting Dragon Blade hidden beneath his cloak, he could feel its quiet hum, resonating against his body. 'The sword is mine,' he thought, 'and yet it's a burden I must learn to bear quietly. Not everyone is ready for what it can do.'
At the head of the hall sat King Aranthor Ventifuris, his presence commanding even without words. His broad shoulders and straight posture carried the weight of years spent ruling a kingdom, and his deep blue eyes seemed to pierce into the hearts of those before him. Every movement was precise, deliberate—nothing wasted, everything calculated. Sol had known this man as a distant father in his previous life, but now, in this body, he could sense the layers beneath the public figure: the strategist, the ruler, and the man who carried the kingdom's burdens alone.
Besides Sol and his siblings, two other figures drew his attention. First was Chancellor Vaelen, a man whose reputation for wisdom and cunning preceded him. His words often held layers of subtle meaning, and his gaze rarely betrayed emotion, yet Sol could feel the weight of his thoughts brushing against his own awareness. Second was General Kaeris, a seasoned veteran with years of battlefield experience. Though older than Sol by decades, her sharp green eyes and taut expression suggested she had seen more than most would in three lifetimes. She was a figure of authority, respected even by those who questioned the council's decisions.
The meeting began customarily, the King addressing the assembled members with a measured voice that carried across the chamber. "Today, we must discuss the state of our borders and the increasing unrest in neighboring lands. Reports indicate a shift in trade agreements, and rumors of instability in the Eboncrest Kingdom demand attention."
Sol listened attentively, absorbing both the content and the cadence of the King's words. 'Eboncrest,' he thought. 'A neighbor with mountains to the north, forests to the west, and a river that forms a natural boundary between us. Their people are known for their cunning merchants and unpredictable politics. This is no small task.'
Chancellor Vaelen spoke next. "Your Majesty, intelligence from the northern territories suggests that Eboncrest's current ruler is consolidating power. While no overt threats have been made, there is concern over their willingness to impose unfavorable trade conditions and disrupt regional stability."
Sol nodded subtly, imagining the flow of trade along the rivers and through the mountain passes. The trade routes were veins of both wealth and diplomacy, and controlling them required more than military might. It required tact, observation, and subtle influence. 'I will need to understand this kingdom in every nuance,' he thought, 'its people, its politics, its culture. Every detail can be used—or ignored at the risk of failure.'
General Kaeris added her assessment with a voice sharp and efficient. "If an envoy is to be sent, I recommend someone with both political awareness and practical combat skills. The envoy must be able to respond to threats while upholding the dignity of the Blazing Sun Kingdom."
The King's gaze shifted to Sol, and though his expression remained unreadable, Sol felt the weight of scrutiny. 'So it begins,' he thought. 'The first test in the real world. Not a battle in the mind, not a dragon, but the currents of diplomacy, observation, and strategy. I will not fail.'
"You have in mind someone particular, General Kaeris?" the King asked, voice even.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Kaeris replied. "Prince Sol possesses both the capability and the discretion required for such an undertaking."
The chamber fell silent for a moment. Sol's heart thumped quietly, though his face remained composed. 'Discretion… perfect. They do not know about the sword, and they must not. I will carry my old self, my former personality, through this mission. That alone will keep the balance.'
The King leaned back slightly, placing his hands on the armrests of his throne. "Very well. Sol Di Ventifuris, you are hereby appointed as envoy of the Blazing Sun Kingdom. Your task is to travel to Eboncrest, engage with their council and representatives, and ensure that our interests are secured. You will report directly to me upon your return. Fail to do so, and the consequences will be severe."
Sol inclined his head, feeling the thrill of responsibility tempered by the weight of expectation. "I understand, Father. I will carry out this mission to the best of my ability."
Aralyn's gaze flicked to him, her lips pressed in a line of concern. "This will not be easy, Sol," she said. "Eboncrest is not our ally. Their politics are layered, their intentions often hidden. One misstep could escalate tensions."
Sol nodded, inwardly acknowledging her warning. 'I remember the old me's caution,' he thought. 'Impulsiveness is a weakness I can no longer afford. Every move must be calculated.' "I am aware, Aralyn. I will proceed with care."
Chancellor Vaelen's voice broke the brief pause. "Consider this an opportunity as much as a challenge. A successful envoy can establish not only stability but alliances that last decades. Observe, listen, and act only when necessary. Remember, diplomacy is its own battlefield."
Sol's mind raced. He envisioned the journey: crossing the northern passes, encountering Eboncrest's river settlements, negotiating with merchants and nobles, and understanding the intricate politics of the kingdom. Each encounter would require both subtlety and strength. The sword would remain hidden, a tool only for emergencies or matters beyond mortal comprehension. 'Patience will be my greatest weapon,' he reminded himself. 'And observation will be my guide.'
The King spoke again, his tone formal but edged with authority. "You will depart at first light three days from now. Prepare for travel, gather whatever intelligence you can, and understand the terrain. The journey will be long, and discretion is paramount. The Eboncrest Kingdom has eyes and ears beyond its borders; fail to maintain our dignity, and it will be perceived as weakness."
Sol inclined his head once more. "I will be ready, Father."
Kaeris stepped forward briefly. "We will provide you with a guide for the first leg of your journey. Captain Jareth will accompany you, a capable man with experience in both diplomacy and survival in the northern territories. Beyond that, you must rely on your wits and judgment."
Sol's golden eyes sharpened. 'Captain Jareth… good. Someone to bridge the gap between courtly guidance and field experience. Useful, but I cannot rely solely on him.' He committed the name to memory, already forming mental strategies for travel, observation, and negotiation.
Aralyn stepped closer, placing a hand lightly on Sol's shoulder. "Remember, little brother… the family's reputation rests on your shoulders during this mission. Do not be reckless, and do not underestimate the intricacies of Eboncrest's politics."
"I will not," Sol replied firmly. 'I can keep my composure, my personality, my old self intact. And the sword… I'll keep it concealed until it is truly needed. This is a test of skill beyond combat, and I will master it.'
The council meeting concluded shortly after, the members dispersing to attend to other matters of state. Sol remained in the chamber a moment longer, observing the maps and territorial charts displayed along the walls. Rivers carved through mountains, trade routes crisscrossed the northern valleys, and strategic fortresses dotted the borders. Each element was a piece of the larger puzzle, one that Sol would need to understand to succeed.
'The journey begins here,' he thought, tracing the flow of trade and terrain with his gaze. 'Eight stages, eight opportunities to test myself, my judgment, and my abilities. This will not be easy—but it will be necessary.'
Later that evening, Sol prepared for the journey. He packed lightly, selecting only essential items and disguising the sword beneath layers of fabric. The palace was quiet now, the corridors illuminated by lanterns that cast long shadows across the walls.
He paused at the balcony one last time before departure, the moonlight reflecting off the polished marble. 'The world beyond the palace is vast and unpredictable,' he thought, 'but I am ready. Every lesson, every memory of my old life, every spark of this new existence—it all leads to what I am meant to do.'
As the sun dipped below the horizon and the first stars began to appear, Sol sheathed the Heaven Splitting Dragon Blade beneath his cloak, its hum barely perceptible. Tomorrow, he would begin the journey. Tomorrow, the world will see the first true steps of Sol Di Ventifuris as envoy, prince, and wielder of the Heaven Splitting Dragon Blade.
The Blazing Sun Kingdom slept, unaware of the currents of power moving quietly through one of its own. Sol exhaled slowly, eyes fixed on the distant mountains where Eboncrest awaited, and let anticipation and resolve settle into his bones.
The journey had begun.