The Sovereign Who Refuses Fate
The battlefield outside Solmira Citadel becomes a war between light and abyss. Aren's Sovereign Sanctuary shields his companions, but Kael's corrupted soldiers hammer against it with relentless force. Each impact drains Aren's mana—and dangerously strains the Resonance between Lyra, Seraphine, and Mira.
Arcelia steps forward, eyes blazing.
"Stand aside, Aren. Mercy will only get you killed."
But Aren refuses the path of ruthless conquest she embraces. Instead, he activates a new System command, one that manifests only for a ruler who chooses protection over domination:
[New Skill Acquired: Monarch's Resolve]
[Effect: Converts wielder's fear into energy for allies]
A golden surge erupts outward, empowering his party. Seraphine's blade ignites with phoenix fire, Lyra's healing blooms like a forest awakening, and Mira dances through the shadows with impossible speed.
For the first time, Kael falters.
Yet Aren senses something deeper beneath Kael's attacks—a grief as vast as the abyss. When the two clash directly, Aren glimpses a fragment of Kael's memory through the Residual Aura: a world consumed in darkness… and a lone child crowned by necessity, not choice.
Before Aren can speak, the Shattered Crown fragments pulse violently.
[System Alert: Fragment Synchronization Imminent]
[Warning: Forced Convergence Event Approaching]
The sky cracks open as riftstorms spiral into a vortex above them. Solmira's foundations tremble.
Arcelia steps beside Aren, her voice calm for once.
"Heir of Light, Heir of Ruin, and Heir of Balance. We're being summoned."
Kael rises into the air, abyss swirling behind him.
"The throne is calling us… all three."
The Convergence of Crowns has begun.