15th July, Space Era 100 — The Capital City of Bistach.
Before the dawn of the coup, the capital of the New Hope Republic—a metropolis of soldiers and civilians numbering in the millions—resounded with a single cry:
"Heil Aelyzabeth Thors!"—the mother of the boy.
In the great square before Parliament, the drums of the Imperial Guard thundered thrice,signaling the beginning of the Flag Ceremony.
Amidst the ranks of thousands standing in perfect formation, their arms raised in the Thorsian Salute,a boy of merely eight years emerged from the shadow of the national banner.
Aerys Vilozyver —Cadet Lieutenant, firstborn of Lieutenant General Vito Vilozyver and Lord Aelyzabeth Thors.
He wore a jet-black uniform of the SS division, tailored small to his frame,yet every step he took carried the weight and discipline of a seasoned veteran.In his hands, the imperial flag unfurled like a living flame.
From the balcony nearby, his younger siblings watched in silence:Saeraess Vilozyver, age seven years old; Aelaena Vilozyver, age six years old; Marya Vilozyver, age five years old; Aeron Vilozyver, age four years old; and Maximilius von Thors, age three years old.
Their eyes shone with pride—yet beneath the reflection of that light lurked something else: fear.
The youngest three remained at the Thors estate, far from the city's clamor—Aedryen von Thors, two years old; Victoria von Thors, one years old;and Lucaeryus von Thors, only four months old.
Then, before the sea of soldiers and dignitaries, the boy raised his voice—clear, unwavering, far too composed for his age:
"I, Cadet Lieutenant Aerys Vilozyver,son of Lord Aelyzabeth Thors and Lieutenant General Vito Vilozyver,hereby pledge my allegiance to the nation,and swear before every star in the heavens—that I shall guard this flag, even at the cost of my own blood."
A sacred silence fell over the plaza.Even the wind seemed to halt, as though the world itself were listening.
Aelyzabeth Thors stepped forward, passing before her son.Their eyes met for the briefest heartbeat—and in hers gleamed both pride… and an unfathomable sorrow.
For she knew well—that Operation Indominus Intenus, now set in motion,would take something from her firstborn son… forever.
That very night, when the operation ended,Aerys returned to the Thors manor without a word.
His siblings were silent, unable to meet his gaze.
"Young Master… your eyes are bleeding again,"whispered a maid, offering him a handkerchief.
Aerys said nothing.He wiped the blood from beneath his eyes with a steady hand, then reached for a book upon the shelf.
Beneath the faint glow of the lamp, the boy read as though nothing had happened— like one who had long accepted a cruel fate before ever learning the meaning of life.
And that night—the skies above Berlyn burned crimson, as if proclaiming the dawn of a new war— a war whose heart would beat within the boy who bore the flag.
Thus ends Chapter A-I.