The sun was beginning its descent over the grand city of Lumisgrave, casting long shadows across the stone streets and golden towers. The Royal Capital gleamed like a jewel under the twilight sky. Enchanted flags fluttered from the spires of the Central Palace, proudly displaying the sigil of King Farhan — a crowned lion beneath a star.
In the vast inner courtyard, the Royal Guards, clad in silver armor etched with blue sigils, stood vigilant. They whispered among themselves as the rumble of hooves echoed from the horizon.
A rider approached — cloaked in a mantle of celestial white with the insignia of Obreth on his chest. His aura shimmered faintly with Zenith-level presence, commanding reverence even before his face was visible.
One of the guards straightened. "State your name and purpose!"
The rider pulled back his hood.
Kaelen of Obreth, Zenith-ranked Echelon Knight, noble of discipline and judgment, dismounted with poise.
"I am Kaelen of Obreth. I seek audience with His Majesty, King Farhan."
One guard replied "Sorry sir ... I have not recognized you.... Just wait plz... We need permission from King"...
The guards exchanged glances. One quickly entered the palace.
A moment later, he returned. "His Majesty will see you."
The large oak doors opened with a creak of enchanted hinges.
👑 Inside the Throne Hall
The hall was immense — its ceiling lost in shadows, hung with banners of ancient wars. Along the red-carpeted floor, crystal chandeliers flickered with magical light, casting dancing patterns on the polished obsidian floor. King Farhan sat atop his throne, regal as ever, robes flowing like a midnight river, crown resting gently on his white-black hair.
As Kaelen approached, he paused a few paces away and bowed low.
"Your Majesty."
"Rise, Kaelen," Farhan said, his voice deep, warm, and slightly tired.
Kaelen straightened. "Thank you for granting audience."
Farhan nodded. "You are always welcome, knight of Obreth."
There was a brief silence.
Kaelen's expression darkened slightly.
"I come not on command, but out of concern," he said quietly. "In the tides of war, the demon threats, the infernal Gates, and council matters… we've all overlooked one presence."
King Farhan's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Speak freely."
Kaelen folded his arms behind his back. "Kar'Thæl."
The name settled into the hall like thunder.
Farhan straightened. "What of him?"
Kaelen stepped closer, voice firm. "We've not seen him. Not in any battle. Not near the Gates. Not in the skies nor below. Not even a whisper of him since the day the messengers warned us."
Farhan sighed, eyes shifting to the tall windows that overlooked Lumisgrave.
"True. But we have… many enemies to contend with. I don't wish to invite more."
Kaelen tilted his head. "Your Majesty… that's precisely why I ask. Why has no one seen Kar'Thæl?"
Farhan paused.
He could feel Kar'Thæl's influence pulsing somewhere deeper in the city. He could imagine Arslan, walking the Base halls, training quietly, bearing the burden of that ancient force within. He could not want to speak about Arslan as a vessel of Kar'Thael.
"Because he doesn't wish to be seen," the King replied simply.
Kaelen frowned. "We mustn't ignore what we don't understand. We cannot allow something that powerful to move in silence."
Farhan leaned forward, clasping his hands.
"You think I've forgotten about him.... "
Kaelen's voice softened. "And yet Arslan… once said… 'Maybe he will be our ally, not our enemy.'"
Farhan's expression became unreadable.
"Maybe," he said quietly. "But we don't know about his vessel."
Kaelen's eyes flickered with curiosity. "Then… we must find the vessel."
Farhan stood. "And we will."
A silence passed. Then Kaelen gave a small nod.
"My apologies, Majesty. I didn't mean to pry. But I trust your guidance. If there is a danger, or a hope, we must know."
Farhan met his gaze. "There is both. And when the time is right, you will know."
Kaelen bowed once more.
"Then I shall return to Base and prepare. If Kar'Thæl appears — in light or darkness — I will be ready."
The King nodded. "May God guide your path."
As Kaelen turned and departed, the heavy throne doors closed behind him.
Farhan stood still.
"Kar'Thæl… Arslan…" he whispered to himself.
"I hope you both choose the light."