"How are you, Alfred?" Nicolo's voice broke the silence like a stone tossed into still water.
Alfred's wandering thoughts vanished. What mattered now was speaking-finally letting the words spill. He leaned forward slightly, eyes tired yet earnest.
"It's about that woman," Alfred began. "The truth-it's not what she told you. Everything she said was a lie. You have to believe me. I'm your real brother. That's the truth."
Nicolo raised a hand, stopping him mid-sentence. His voice was calm but firm.
"I know, Alfred. I trust you. That woman did nothing but lie. We grew up together. I know you better than anyone on this planet."
Relief washed over Alfred like a wave. He reached out and pulled Nicolo into a tight embrace.
"Thank God, Nicolo," he whispered. "Thank you for trusting me, brother."

---
"The rumors about Gao's son spread like wildfire the moment you gave the order, my lord," Paul reported, his voice laced with a dark satisfaction. "This is the beginning of a new war-one that will shake the entire world. And when the dust settles, you, my lord, will rise as the true God of Destruction."
The King of the Cave said nothing in return. He simply smiled-cold, cruel, and hidden in the shadows like a devil waiting in the dark.
---
The moment had arrived.
Alfred and Nicolo stood on trembling legs before the King of the Kingdom of Novels. Their hearts pounded in unison, palms damp with sweat. They had never even been allowed near the capital's center-yet now, they stood face-to-face with the king himself. The weight of the moment dried their throats, and the grandeur of the throne room only deepened their unease.
The King's voice sliced through the silence, low and commanding.
"Boy, did you know that girl?"
Alfred swallowed hard, forcing down the knot in his throat.
"No, my lord," he said, his voice heavy with anxiety.
The King studied him in silence, then nodded slowly.
"Very well. I trust you-but trust must be proven. You will have to show me you are no traitor."
Alfred took a step forward, steadier this time.
"Yes, my lord. What would you have us do?"
The King's gaze darkened.
"A meeting is to be held tomorrow-between all the kingdoms. The rumors about you have stirred unrest. You will attend. But understand this: no matter what happens there, no matter what truths or lies are spoken, you are to stand by only one side-your country, the Kingdom of Novels. Do you agree?"
Alfred bowed his head.
"Yes, my lord."
The King leaned back on his throne, fingers interlaced, a glint of something deeper in his eyes.
"Good. Now that you've agreed to my terms, it's time I reveal the real reason for this meeting."
Alfred and Nicolo exchanged a glance. The room seemed to grow colder.
"What the girl told me that day," the King continued, "was not entirely false. The part about the seven swords-that was true. They exist. Each kingdom possesses one. Passed down through generations, each sword holds immense power and a specific role in maintaining balance... or chaos."
Alfred's eyes widened. Nicolo stepped forward, stunned.
"But there are only six kingdoms," he said, confusion spreading across his face. "What happened to the seventh sword?"
The King chuckled softly, clearly impressed.
"Nicolo, isn't it?"
"Yes, my lord," Nicolo replied.
"You have a sharp mind. Use it well." The King's voice lowered, serious now.
"Yes, there are six kingdoms. But the seventh sword was not lost-it was entrusted. Given to a neutral land known as the Seven Warrior Kingdom. They possess not one, but two swords."
Alfred's breath caught.
"Two?"
The King nodded.
"Yes. The names of their blades are Flarefang, the Sword of Fire and Light... and Shadowrend, the Sword of Darkness."
Alfred and Nicolo stood frozen, overwhelmed by the revelation.
Seven swords. Seven powers. And a war already brewing in silence.