The soft light of dawn filtered through the infirmary window. A thin mist still hung in the air, and the faint sound of morning birds could be heard from the palace courtyard.
Kael stood in the center of the room, his body still wrapped in bandages, but his eyes were still sharp. He had just donned his thin armor, hiding his pain behind unwavering determination.
A guard beside him asked,
"My Lord Kael… You have just recovered from a serious wound. Are you sure you want to leave now?"
Kael tightened his belt and turned his head. "Ardyn and the troops have left. Solaris cannot rely on them alone. This wound will not stop me."
He walked slowly to the door and looked at the two guards there.
"I only need one thing… my sword. Where did Ardyn keep it?"
The soldiers looked at each other, confused. Before any of them could answer, hurried footsteps could be heard from the hallway. A young soldier appeared, carrying a long bundle wrapped in black cloth.
He knelt deeply before Kael.
"My Lord Kael, Commander Ardyn entrusted this to me. He said… 'Hand over the sword Astralis only when Kael is truly ready to continue his journey.'"
Kael stared at the package with trembling eyes, then grabbed it with both hands. Slowly, he unwrapped the cloth, revealing a bluish-silver blade that radiated a warm glow.
Astralis.
As soon as his fingers grasped the sword's hilt, it was as if a surge of power had penetrated his body. The pain from his wounds was still there, but the fire of his passion was far stronger.
"Ardyn…" he murmured softly, "you trust me. And I will not disappoint you."
The young soldier bowed again, then said, "We can prepare a horse for you, my Lord. If you leave this morning, there is still a chance to catch up with the group on the northern route."
Kael sheathed Astralis at his waist, then looked out the window where the sunlight was just beginning to warm the entire kingdom of Solaris. His gaze was full of determination.
"Prepare my horse. I won't let them fight alone."
With determined steps, even though his body was still not fully recovered, Kael left the treatment room. Beneath his unhealed wounds, the fire within him reignited—stronger than ever.
The sound of horse hooves echoed through the palace courtyard. The guards turned as Kael emerged from the Solaris kingdom, now in thin armor and his Astralis sword strapped to his waist. The wounds on his body still ached, but his eyes were resolute, as if challenging the weakness that still held him.
A silvery-white warhorse, named Aurelius, had been prepared for him. The horse neighed softly as Kael approached, as if welcoming its new owner. Kael gently stroked Aurelius's neck, then climbed into the saddle with some difficulty, enduring the sharp pain in his ribs.
"My Lord Kael!" exclaimed one of the soldiers. "Is it true that you will follow Commander Ardyn without additional guards? The road north is not entirely safe."
Kael stared at him for a moment, then smiled faintly. "It is precisely because the road is dangerous that I must depart now. I do not need additional guards."
He pulled on the reins of his horse. Aurelius stamped his hooves, making a crunching sound on the cobblestones. Several young soldiers spontaneously saluted, both amazed and anxious at Kael's courage, who, despite his injuries, still chose to set out alone.
The gates of Solaris slowly opened, their heavy wood creaking, letting the morning sunlight stream in. Through the gap, a long road stretched north, the same path Ardyn and his entourage had taken just hours earlier.
Kael stared in that direction. The sunlight reflected off the blade of Astralis, as if blessing his steps.
"Ardelia…" he murmured softly, "a land of steel guarded by the strongest warriors in the world. If this path indeed leads me there, then let this sword bear witness to my resolve."
With a slight tug on the reins, Aurelius dashed out of the gate. His horse's hooves echoed loudly, cutting through the chill morning air. Kael rode through the thin mist, leaving Solaris slowly disappearing from sight.
The journey was quiet at first. The rocky road wound between low hills, with thin forests on either side. The morning breeze caressed his face, bringing tranquility to him and the freshly dew-swept leaves. Occasionally, birds would fly low, as if accompanying his footsteps.
But Kael didn't let his guard down. His ears were sharp, listening to every movement in the forest, his hand always close to the hilt of Astralis. He knew Ardyn must have noticed something following their group. And now, alone, Kael was more vulnerable than anyone else.
After several hours of walking, Kael paused in a small meadow. Aurelius was given a drink from a clear stream, while Kael sat on a large rock, gazing at his reflection in the water. His wounds still hurt, but there was a different light in his eyes.
"Ardyn, Elric, Darius…" he said softly. "Wait for me. I'll catch up with you. Whatever happens, I won't let Solaris face this alone."
He then stood back up, readying Aurelius. Before leaving, Kael gazed north, where distant mountains began to faintly appear behind the mist. Beyond lay Ardelia, the land of steel warriors renowned for their unmatched strength.
With a push of his heels, Aurelius resumed his advance. This time faster, following the long road that brought Kael ever closer to his destined meeting.
In the distance, the faint traces of cart wheels and horse hooves could be seen—a sign that Ardyn's entourage had indeed passed this way. Kael gripped the reins tightly, his eyes filled with determination.
Aurelius's footsteps came to an abrupt halt. From behind the trees at the side of the road, dozens of shadows appeared, blocking the path he was following. They were fully armed: spears, bows, and light armor that reflected the morning light. On their chests was engraved the emblem of a winged lion—the symbol of the Kingdom of Valoria.
Kael pulled on the reins, stopping Aurelius. His hand instinctively touched the hilt of the Astralis, but he didn't pull it out. His eyes narrowed.
The Valorian army… What are they doing here?
One of the soldiers took a step forward, brandishing his spear.
"Stop right there! In the name of the King of Valoria, surrender!"
Kael didn't answer. He stared at them coldly, realizing they were too many. Fighting now would only make matters worse.
"Dismount your horse," the soldier commanded again.
Kael slowly complied, enduring the pain of his wound. As his feet hit the ground, the heavy sound of armor rang out from behind the ranks. A female knight stepped forward, her helmet gleaming in the dawn light. She removed her visor—revealing a face that made Kael stop in his tracks.
"Elina…?" Kael's voice trembled.
The woman stared at him with calm, yet doubtful eyes. Her lips trembled before finally saying his name.
"Kael… so you're really still alive."
Kael's heart pounded. His memories returned to Eldoria—his village destroyed by monsters, the fire that devoured the houses, the screams of the villagers, and the figures he thought were gone. Elina was one of them. His childhood friend. Someone he had long thought had died along with his village.
"Elina… how is this possible…?" Kael tried to suppress the tremor in his voice.
Elina smiled faintly, though there was deep hurt behind her gaze.
"There are many things you don't know, Kael. Eldoria may have been destroyed, but not all of us perished. I was saved… and brought to Valoria."
The Valorian troops bowed respectfully to her, clearly indicating that Elina was no ordinary soldier. She stood tall, now a knight of Valoria—high-ranking, with a dignity that made the surrounding troops bow.
Kael clenched his fists. A mixture of relief, shock, and anger raged within his chest.
"Elina… how is it possible that you're still alive?"
Elina lowered her face for a moment, then sighed.
"It's a long story, Kael. But right now… I have an order for you. In the name of Valoria, you must come with me to the palace. There's something you need to hear—and perhaps only you can understand it."
Kael fell silent. His eyes stared directly into Elina's, trying to read whether this was a trap or a sincere request. But the gaze was the same as ever—honest, though shrouded in a heavy burden.
In his heart, Kael knew: the journey to Ardyn would not be as easy as he had imagined.