The sky above Suner was unusually clear, shimmering with stars as if celebrating a long-awaited peace.
In King Meron's palace, torchlight reflected on the walls decorated with ancient inscriptions, while guards moved about in an orderly fashion, thinking this night would pass like any other.
But... in the distance, small fires flickered. Then others. Then others.
In an instant, a tremendous explosion shook the ground, followed by the sound of war drums and cries of alarm.
A commander rushed into the palace:
> Commander: My lordship! The enemy has breached the eastern walls!
King Meron (standing proudly): What enemy are you talking about? Who would dare attack Suner?
Commander: We don't know, Your Majesty... They move in the darkness, faceless, only black armor and eyes glowing the color of fire!
The air in the hall froze, and everyone fell silent.
The king signaled to the guards:
> King: Summon Neros immediately! And bring Lantos, Silver, Petrus, and Ranor!
---
Minutes later, the great door opened loudly, and Neros entered with quick steps, wearing his golden armor and his eyes shining with determination.
> Neros: Father, what is happening?
The King: War, my son... It's time you learned that peace does not last forever.
Master Lantos, an elderly man with a white beard, stepped forward, leaning on a cane engraved with strange markings:
> Lantos: My lord... Is it time?
The King (in a low voice): Yes, there is no escape.
The King approached his son and placed his hand on his shoulder:
> The King: Neros, you have a task before you that only you can fulfill.
Neros: Whatever it is, I will do it.
The King: You will sail towards the deserted continent. There, deep in its ruins, lies the Black Crown.
Everyone exchanged looks of astonishment.
> Silver (in a sharp voice): The Black Crown?! Isn't it just a legend? Lantos: It's not a myth, Silver... It was created by the Ancients to grant power to those who deserve it... or to destroy them if they are not worthy.
Ranor (laughing lightly): It seems we are going to a place from which no one returns...
Petrus (seriously): Silence, Ranor. If this is the king's command, we will carry it out to the end.
The king looked at his son with a heavy gaze and said:
> King: But remember, my son, the crown may grant power... but it tests hearts before it bestows it. Do not let darkness touch you, no matter the temptations.
Nerus nodded, then said confidently:
> Nerus: I swear to return with the crown, father, and I will protect the kingdom no matter what the cost.
---
Outside, the sky was ablaze.
The sounds of explosions rose, soldiers ran in every direction, and smoke covered the tall towers.
Neros advanced toward the port, accompanied by his four companions, the warships waiting for them in the pouring rain.
> Silver (looking toward the city): Will we return and find it the same?
Neros (looking steadily): We will return... but perhaps it won't be the same.
They boarded the ship, the wind whipping the sails.
The captain hoisted the Sota flag, and the ships sounded their whistles, beginning their journey into the unknown.
As they moved away from the coast,