Light found himself at the edge of a battlefield unlike any he'd seen before. The land below was oddly flat, like a natural arena carved out by time, ringed by dense forest on all sides. It looked too perfect to be accidental—like nature itself wanted war to be watched.
He found the best vantage point atop a tree, where he could see the entire battle clearly. Two armies clashed below. On one side were soldiers clad in full-body steel armor like knights, their shoulders marked with a dragon sigil wrapped in blue, while the same sigil appeared in gold on their fluttering banners.
Opposing them were rebels in rugged gear—some resembling bike riders from Earth with mismatched armor, no helmets, and torn tunics.
Between them, blood-soaked dirt and broken bodies. Light's eyes sharpened. Even without knowing the cause, he understood—this wasn't chaos. This was strategy. There were rules.
Light noticed hidden figures, like himself, watching from a distance. He activated his Focus skill and crept closer, making sure no one could detect him. From behind a thicket, he listened.
A group of eight rebels were quietly watching the war unfold.
> "How long do we wait?" one of them muttered.
> The leader, cloaked in tattered black, whispered back, "Until the signal. When our leader gives the sign, we strike. Be patient."
As the sun began to dip, a horn echoed across the plains. Instantly, both sides pulled back. Wounded were lifted, dead collected. No stragglers remained on the field.
> "We could've finished it today if we didn't follow that stupid rule," one rebel grumbled.
> The leader turned sharply. "You know the code. Everyone follows it—even them. Don't question it."
He then divided the watch duties: two men would stay behind, the rest would rest in rotation.
Light listened as the two guards chatted about home, families, and hopes that the war would end soon. Gradually, more secrets were revealed.
He learned that the full-armored soldiers were Imperial troops, sent by the Emperor himself. The rebels? Part of a widespread insurrection. More surprisingly, the Emperor had five children:
1. Vitas – Eldest son, born from the first wife. Tall, bulky, with immense strength.
2. Siko – Daughter from the first wife, rarely seen, whispered to be incredibly beautiful.
3. Uji – Son from the second wife. Handsome, skilled in swordsmanship, favored to become Emperor.
4. Nit – Son from the third wife. Intelligent and cleanest reputation among siblings.
5. Riko – Daughter born from an illicit relationship. Called "the beautiful bastard."
Three of the Emperor's sons—Vitas, Uji, and Nit—were currently stationed at the frontlines. Their presence was part battle, part politics. Each hoped to defeat the rebels and gain support to claim the throne.
The rebel side? Led by a mysterious Rebellion King, feared across all kingdoms, yet seen as a savior by the commoners. He was said to be a mix of outlaw, saint, and ghost—hated by rulers, loved by the poor. None who served him ever betrayed him. Those who did… were never heard from again.
Later, Light crept toward the Imperial camp but stopped short—an unbroken wall of armored knights encircled it, too disciplined to slip past. He retreated.
Back in his cave, Light wrote down all he'd learned, Details of factions. He listed the nine kingdoms:
1. Azelia (Central kingdom – ruled by the Emperor)
2. Tharenvale
3. Khalgroth
4. Vensir
5. Durlan
6. Osthyr
7. Zarndor
8. Ellowyn
9. Mytril
Of these, Azelia controlled the others. Each kingdom had its own ruler called "King," but only Azelia's monarch was titled "Emperor."
Later that night, something woke Light—a presence.
He activated Focus. Shapes moved above. He checked his watch—1:00 AM. He'd set it upon arriving, following tips from his survival guide.
Light quickly geared up, slipped on his black mask, and silently climbed back to the ridge.
Above, he saw three armored figures. The one in the center—without a helmet—was reading a letter handed by two rebels. Light recognized the rebels from the group of eight.
Spies.
He listened. They discussed the Emperor's sons and something more—
> "The Rebellion King will come in person."
The letter said it. The central figure choked on the words. His guard gasped, "He's actually coming here…?"
> "Silence," the leader ordered. Then, they vanished back into the Imperial side.
Light
> "So the Rebellion King himself will fight… This war just got real."
As he walked through the brush, satisfied, a kick slammed into his back.
His balance faltered, but Cool Mind and Focus saved him.
He spun—and locked eyes with a shadowy figure.
To be continued…