The afternoon enveloped the Solaris Palace in a golden light that permeated the Solaris kingdom. Ardyn walked slowly down the hallway to the armory.
Upon arrival, he saw swords, spears, and shields neatly arranged on the walls, while several soldiers were busy checking the equipment to be brought the next day.
"My Lord Ardyn," a guard greeted with a bow. "We have prepared spare weapons and supplies according to Commander Darius's list."
Ardyn nodded curtly. His hand traced the hilt of a longsword hanging on the wall and picked it up. The dusk light reflected off the blade. He lifted the sword briefly, assessing its weight.
"Good," he murmured softly. "This sword will accompany us on our journey."
On a long table near the door, several leather sacks were arranged, filled with dry bread, smoked meat, and small bottles of refreshing potions from the healers. There were also additional map scrolls and blank sheets of paper for recording routes or strategies.
Ardyn examined each one. His hand stopped on a small wooden box filled with a faintly glowing gemstone—a Solaris energy crystal. He stared at it for a long moment, realizing how valuable it was to their continued journey.
As he was busy examining it, Elric entered slowly, his wooden staff clicking against the floor. "I see you're still as meticulous as ever, Ardyn."
Ardyn turned his head. "I don't want to miss anything. Once we step outside Solaris, we won't be able to return easily."
Elric smiled faintly. "That's right. Because out there the obstacles are much greater."
Ardyn took a deep breath, gazing far ahead.
"Yes… even though the obstacles are much greater, as long as our faith remains unshaken, there's always a way to overcome them."
Elric simply smiled, then patted Ardyn lightly on the shoulder before walking out.
As evening approached, the palace courtyard began to fill with soldiers preparing their horses, tightening their saddles, and packing their equipment. Torches began to be lit one by one, casting a flickering orange light through the shadows.
Ardyn stood on his balcony, gazing at the sun slowly setting behind the horizon. The night breeze carried a chill, but also a whisper of the journey that lay ahead.
In that silence, he promised himself: Whatever happens tomorrow, I must ensure Solaris remains standing. If sacrifices are necessary, let me bear them.
Heavy footsteps sounded in the courtyard. It was Darius giving final instructions to the soldiers. Ardyn watched from afar, then turned to his room. There, he placed his new sword by the bed, hung up his traveling cloak, and prepared a light suit of armor to enhance his mobility.
Night had fallen completely, engulfing the palace in silence. From a distance, the faint sound of a young soldier singing could be heard, a simple song to ward off fear. Ardyn sat on the edge of the bed, letting his thoughts drift for a moment before closing his eyes.
The next day, their journey began.
Dawn had just broken when the Solaris palace bells tolled softly. The sky was still shrouded in a thin mist, and the chill air prickled at the skin. In the main courtyard, the soldiers had already assembled with their horses. The sound of hooves mixed with the creaking of saddles and the metallic clank of armor being adjusted.
Ardyn stepped out of his room with steady strides. His black traveling cloak fluttered in the morning breeze, his new sword strapped tightly to his waist. He looked around—every soldier's face was filled with excitement and anxiety.
Commander Darius stood at the head of the line, his voice booming loudly.
"Listen, soldiers of Solaris! From this day forward, we carry not only the name of the kingdom, but also the hopes of our people. Take care of yourselves, guard your brothers on the battlefield, for we do not know when trials will come."
A small cheer rang out, dispelling the tense silence.
Not far away, Elric rode his horse calmly. His wooden staff tucked into his saddle, and his eyes fixed straight ahead. He looked different that morning—as if ready to face whatever awaited outside the walls of Solaris.
Ardyn mounted his horse, a jet-black warhorse named Noctis. The beast neighed softly, responding to its master's gentle touch. From Noctis's back, Ardyn could see the entire line. About fifty hand-picked soldiers stood with them—enough to guard the journey, but not enough to draw attention from the other kingdoms.
The great gates of Solaris slowly opened, the heavy wood creaking under the pull of the iron chains. Through the gap, a long road stretched out, surrounded by a thin forest still shrouded in mist. The morning sun slowly penetrated, painting the sky with a golden hue.
"Move," Ardyn said calmly, yet with authority.
The entourage moved. The horses' hooves echoed in unison, leaving the palace grounds slowly shrinking behind them. The soldiers lined up in order, carrying the Solaris flag that fluttered in the breeze.
The journey was calm at first. Birds began to chirp, and the young sunlight broke through the thin mist that enveloped the road. But the atmosphere within the group remained solemn. They knew this journey was not merely a diplomatic mission, but the first step in determining the fate of the entire world.
Beside Ardyn, Elric commented quietly, "Strange. I usually enjoy peaceful mornings like this. But for some reason, this time it feels like something is off."
Ardyn glanced over briefly, then nodded slightly. "I feel it too. But let's not let doubts overwhelm us."
Behind them, Darius organized the formation, ensuring a tight line. His commanding voice was clear, bolstering the young soldiers' discipline.
As midday approached, they crossed a large stone bridge spanning a clear river. The flowing water glistened in the sunlight, bringing a slight sense of calm to their journey. Some of the soldiers smiled with relief, as if the sight soothed their hearts.
However, on the edge of the forest they were passing through, shadows moved swiftly, almost imperceptibly. Only Elric glanced sharply in that direction, his eyes narrowed as if reading for signs. He said nothing, merely gripping his staff tighter.
Ardyn, without turning around, asked softly, "Did you see them too?"
"Yes," Elric replied simply. "They haven't shown themselves yet. Who knows who… or what's waiting for them."
Ardyn took a deep breath, then made a subtle gesture with his hand. Darius understood immediately, moving some of the soldiers to the side to guard.
Although there was no attack, the atmosphere grew tense. The wind carried strange whispers from the forest, and some of the horses appeared restless. But the group continued on, slowly making their way out of Solaris territory toward the border path that would lead them to the first kingdom on their way.
As the sun began to rise, the group paused in an open plain. The soldiers unloaded supplies, watered the horses, and took a short rest.
Ardyn stood on the edge of a small hill, gazing far north. Beyond the horizon, he knew Ardelia awaited—a land of steel they would have to approach with caution.
"Elric," he said softly, "this is just the beginning. And I have a feeling… the further we go, the heavier our burdens will become."
Elric stared at him deeply, then nodded. "Yes, but this is for the sake of all humanity and the kingdom of Solaris."
Ardyn stared up at the blue sky, which was starting to be dotted with white clouds, his heart pounding. Solaris' journey had just begun, and each step brought them closer to an uncertain destiny.