Chapter 1: Volkaris Vanguard: The Trails for Kael
Act 1
[Scene 1]
Narration:
In the land of Volkaris, where Elementors wield the primal forces of nature and creatures like the swift Kitnas and the molten Pyroclasts roam, peace is as fragile as it is fleeting. This vast land is home to many races and factions, each dying for dominance. But the greatest threat did not rise from the land itself, it emerged from the darkness of a forgotten realm.
Long ago, there was a man, a mere Fire Elementor, one of the weakest among his kind. Consumed by jealousy and resentment, he was always overshadowed by stronger Elementors. Driven by a desperate hunger for power, he ventured into the dangerous and forbidden Oblivion Vale, where only the most daring tread. There, in the ruins of a forgotten era, he uncovered a cursed tome, a book filled with dark magic from the Nether, an ancient realm of chaos sealed long ago.
Using the forbidden knowledge within, the Elementor, reckless in his ambition, spoke the words that should never have been uttered. He tore open a portal to the Nether, a realm of infinite darkness and chaos. Upon crossing into the Nether, his flames, once ordinary and bright, were consumed by the shadows, becoming something more sinister. His fire grew stronger, but darker, a flame that devoured light itself. He became the first necromancer, wielding the heat of darkness.
The Elementor, now calling himself Malakar the Dreadflame, returned to Volkaris not as a mere fire-wielder but as a master of necromancy. With his newfound powers, he raised an army of the dead souls from the depths of the Nether, to exact revenge on all those who had ever scorned him. Malakar unleashed this horde upon the world, declaring war on Volkaris.
The humans were the first to fall, their kingdoms devastated by the relentless tide of undead. Half of their population was wiped out in the early days of the war. Only three kingdoms remained: Velanor, Draedis, and Eldros. The Kitnas, fierce warriors of the Felithrian jungles, fought valiantly but were slowly overwhelmed. Though agile and skilled, they could not stand against the endless waves of Malakar's undead. The Pyroclasts, creatures born from volcanoes with bodies of stone and lava, stood their ground with unmatched strength, but their numbers were too few to turn the tide.
Desperation swept across the land as humans, Kitnas, and Pyroclasts alike banded together to fight this dark force. Yet their combined might was not enough. Even the Elementors, masters of elemental powers, could not come to their aid, for they too were under siege by the undead. The clans of Elementia, divided and battling amongst themselves, could not unite to face the growing threat.
But then, in the darkest hour, a hero emerged.
From the heart of Elementia came Kaelios the Radiant, an Elementor blessed with the rare power of the white flame, a fire so pure and powerful it could burn away even the darkest of magic. Kaelios, with his radiant flame, united the fractured races of Volkaris. Under his leadership, the Kitnas, Pyroclasts, humans, and Elementors set aside their differences and rallied together to face Malakar and his Nether horde.
In the final battle, Kaelios sought out Malakar and challenged him to a duel. The clash between them was legendary. Malakar's dark flame, fueled by the Nether, was powerful, but Kaelios' white flame burned with a purity that could not be extinguished. After a fierce battle, Kaelios emerged victorious. Malakar, defeated, let out a final curse as his body was consumed by the very darkness he had once wielded.
But before his death, Kaelios took his legendary sword, imbued with the power of the white flame, and hid it in an unknown realm, beyond the reach of mortals. He knew that while Malakar had fallen, the forces of darkness might rise again. The sword, a beacon of hope and a key to the future, was left waiting for the one worthy to wield it.
With his final breath, Kaelios left behind a prophecy: that one day, a new hero would rise, one with flames not white, but blue. This hero would unite the Elementors and others against a common enemy when the time of great darkness returned. Though the blue flame is stronger than regular fire, Kaelios knew that it was not strength alone that would be needed in the future, but unity and purpose.
And so, peace returned to Volkaris, for a time.
Peace spread across the lands of Volkaris. The Nether realm was sealed once more, and the cursed, forbidden books that once gave birth to the first necromancer were locked away in places unknown, far from the reach of mortal hands. The great kingdoms of humans, Elementors, Kitnas, and Pyroclasts celebrated their hard-won victory. For the first time in centuries, Volkaris stood united under a fragile peace.
However, with every moment of peace, there seems to be an impending threat looming on the horizon.
The bad news came like a whisper, first in the corners of darkened halls, then spreading like wildfire through the lands. While Malakar had fallen, necromancy had not. In the shadows, there were whispers of necromancers rising again, this time using the power of the Wither Skull, a terrifying and powerful skull from the depths of the Nether realm. Those who obtained the skull of a Wither could summon its power and control the dead. While the weaker necromancers could only summon lesser undead with regular Wither Skull, the truly dangerous ones, those with greater knowledge sought the Wither storm, a far more powerful and ancient being, said to command the legions of the Nether itself.
And then, there were rumors of something or someone else. In the dead of night, survivors spoke of a figure moving in the shadows, one with glowing white eyes and unimaginable power. His name, unspoken but feared, was never mentioned in full. Some say he was a mere myth, others a ghostly figure of the past. But those who had seen him knew the truth, he was there, watching, waiting. His dark presence hinted that the true battle for Volkaris was far from over.
Though the sword of Kaelios lay hidden in another realm, Volkaris braced itself. For the rise of necromancers, and the shadow of that figure signaled one thing: the darkness would come again. And this time, the hero foretold in the prophecy would be the only one capable of stopping it.
[Scene 2]
[The narrator was Kael Ignis, son of Theron Ignis, the grandmaster of flames and master of blue flames, examines a wall of history.]
Kael: "This wall tells so many stories, tales of power, betrayal, and unity. Twenty-four masters of the blue flame, each one more powerful than the last, but none of them could unite Volkaris. Why? Was it just strength they lacked? Or something deeper...?"
[He steps closer to the inscriptions, tracing the ancient symbols with his fingers.]
Kael: "And then there's this figure, this shadow with glowing white eyes. They won't say his name, like it's a curse. His presence is all over our history, but no one speaks of him openly. Who is he? Why does he haunt the past? Is he the true danger we've been ignoring?"
[Kael steps back, his eyes narrowing in thought.]
Kael: "So many unanswered questions. Questions that even the masters of blue flame couldn't solve. And I'm not even one of them. Just an ordinary fire-wielder, like my father was before he ascended. But maybe... maybe that's exactly why I'm the one who needs to find the truth. About the necromancers... and him."
[He continuously gazes at the wall of history, absorbing the compelling tale of Kaelios Flaros and his remarkable journey following his heroic endeavors in the fierce Great Volkaris War.]
Kael: "After Kaelios had valiantly fought in the legendary battle and concealed his twin blades in an unknown realm, he dedicated many years to aiding and supporting his people. However, just as peace seemed to have settled, an unexpected threa-..."
[Kaelios Flaros story ended there, no one knows when he died or what happened after that new threat emerged, Kael is very curious of what happened to Kaelios Flaros, but the piece of wall of history is destroyed and missing]
Kael: "the wall was destroyed, what happened to Kaelios?"
[He clenches his fist, his flames burning hotter with determination.]
Kael: "I may not have blue flames, but I have something more important: the will to act. I won't let the past repeat itself."
[Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps echoes through the tunnel. A knight of Velanor bursts into view, his armor glinting in the faint light, his face etched with urgency.]
Knight: "Kael! We need you-now! The village-it's under attack!"
[Kael whirls to face the knight, his eyes narrowing.]
Kael: "By who? What did you see?"
Knight: "A necromancer. He was wielding... a Wither skull. An ordinary one."
[Kael's flames flicker for a brief moment, his expression darkening as he processes the news.]
Kael: "A Wither skull... That means he's trying to summon something far worse."
[He steps forward, his flames growing brighter, more intense.]
Kael: "Alright. If it's an ordinary skull, this should be over quickly. Lead the way-I'll make sure this necromancer regrets ever setting foot in Volkaris."
[The knight nods, urgency still in his voice.]
Knight: "Thank you, Kael. We need you more than ever."
[Without another word, Kael follows the knight, his flames lighting the path ahead as they disappear into the darkness, ready to face whatever awaits.]
Act 2
[Scene 1]
[Kael Ignis and the knight of Velanor run toward the village, the sound of battle growing louder with every step.]
Knight: (breathing heavily) "Kael, we're almost there. The village is just ahead!"
[As they enter the village, chaos unfolds before them. Villagers scream in terror as undead creatures swarm the streets. The few knights present are desperately trying to hold them off but are clearly overwhelmed.]
Kael: (fists clenching, eyes narrowing) "There's the necromancer."
[He spots the necromancer standing at the center of the village, surrounded by undead minions. A skull in his hand glows with dark magic, fueling the horde.]
[Scene 2]
Kael strides forward, flames sparking at his fingertips. He locks eyes with the necromancer, who watches him with a smug smile.
Kael: (sternly) "So, you're a rookie necromancer. This isn't who you were meant to be. But now, you've chosen this path-betraying your own kind. No magic, just you and me. Let's make this a fair fight."
[Kael cracks his knuckles, his fists igniting with normal fire, but he doesn't unleash his full power. He's giving the necromancer a chance.]
Necromancer: (smirking) "I've heard of you, Kael Ignis. The son of Theron. The fire-wielder who's always trying to play the hero."
Kael: (scowling) "How do you know my name? You know what-let's just get this over with."
[Kael charges forward, aiming a powerful punch at the necromancer. But suddenly, a stone erupts from the ground, slamming into Kael's side and sending him flying back.]
Kael: (groaning as he stands) "You're an Earth mage?! An Elementor who betrayed your own kind?!"
Necromancer: (smiling darkly) "Yes, and now I control more than just the earth. Let's fight."
[Scene 3]
[The battle between Kael and the necromancer begins, intense and furious. The necromancer summons rocks and debris from the earth, while Kael counters with fire, burning through the necromancer's attacks. Though Kael has no blue flames, his mastery of fire is still formidable.]
Kael: (fiercely) "Take this!"
[He unleashes a wave of fire, catching the necromancer off guard. The flames scorch the ground, and with one final blow, Kael knocks the necromancer to the ground, disarming him. The necromancer groans in defeat, his earth magic no match for Kael's fiery resolve.]
[Scene 4]
[The knights begin rounding up the remaining undead as Kael stands over the defeated necromancer.]
Knight: (gratefully) "Thank you, Kael. You saved us. Here's 200 gold for your efforts. We'll take him to the prison."
Kael: (shaking his head) "No need. I'll take him back to his own people-the Elementors. They'll deal with him properly. And as for that skull, you will hide it far from anyone who might misuse its power."
Knight: (nodding) "Understood. Thank you again for protecting the village of Velanor."
Villager: (rushing forward, tears of relief in her eyes) "Kael, you saved our lives-thank you for protecting the village and my family."
Kael: (modestly) "You're welcome. I'll make sure this necromancer answers for what he's done."
[With the village safe and the necromancer defeated, Kael turns to leave, determined to ensure the skull is hidden far away, beyond the reach of anyone with ill intent.]
Act 3
[Scene 1]
[Kael Ignis drags Zyros, the Earth Elementor turned necromancer, through the rocky corridors of Terrafon. They finally reach the council chamber, where Terrexion Valdros, the imposing Grandmaster of the Earth Elementors and Keeper of the Earthstone, stands waiting. The atmosphere is tense, as Kael confronts Terrexion with the traitor in tow.]
Kael: One of your own has turned to necromancy. I stopped him before he could summon more undead.
Terrexion: (stern, voice echoing through the chamber) Show me.
[Kael roughly pulls back the hood from Zyros' face, revealing his pale and corrupted features. Terrexion's eyes narrow in recognition, his expression a mix of fury and disappointment.]
Terrexion: Zyros... (heavily) One of the disgraced. (he steps forward, looming over Zyros) How could you betray your people like this? Who is behind this? Who are you working for?
Zyros: (defiantly, eyes cold) I have nothing to say.
Kael: (glancing at Terrexion) So... should I leave?
Terrexion: Yes, Kael Ignis, you've done your part. Leave us.
[Kael nods and strides out, his fiery presence diminishing as he exits the grand chamber. Terrexion turns to his guardians.]
Terrexion: Take him to the dungeons. We'll deal with him there.
[Scene 2]
[Deep in the dungeons of Terrafon, Zyros is chained to the wall. A guardian with fists encased in stone gauntlets stands over him, frustration mounting as he delivers punishing blows. Zyros barely flinches, his defiance unbroken.]
Guardian: (growling) Speak! Who are you dealing with? Who turned you into this abomination?
Zyros: (smirking, blood on his lips) You'll get nothing from me. If you want answers, challenge me. Let's see if you're strong enough.
Guardian: (furious, ready to strike again) You're testing my patience!
[At that moment, Terrexion strides into the dungeon, his presence commanding immediate respect. The Guardian steps back, bowing his head.]
Terrexion: Enough. If he won't talk, let him fight. [The Guardian looks up in shock.]
Guardian: But Grandmaster, he's dangerous!
Terrexion: (calm but firm) No excuses. If he wishes to fight, then let him have his duel. But first, I will speak to him.
[Terrexion steps closer to Zyros, his voice lowering, almost as if speaking to an old friend.]
Terrexion: (voice low, almost a whisper, as he leans closer, his eyes dark with knowing) Do you know the history of the Great War of Volkaris, 420 years ago? Malakar, the first necromancer, was once an Elementor, just like us. His soul was consumed by dark magic, and in the end, he became a puppet to that darkness.
[He pauses, as if reflecting, his gaze distant.]
Terrexion: Kaelios, the hero of Volkaris, fought Malakar with everything he had. But even Kaelios couldn't stop the curse that consumed him. Malakar was no longer alive... his body was simply a vessel, a hollow shell, controlled by the dark forces that twisted him.
[Terrexion's voice lowers, a chill in his tone as he leans in closer to Zyros.]
Terrexion: The truth is, Kaelios wasn't fighting a man anymore. He was fighting a corpse - a body that fought with the instinct of the living, but with none of its soul. The body of Malakar was driven by an ancient darkness, the same that you now serve, Zyros.
[He stands upright again, his eyes piercing.]
Terrexion: If you continue down this path, you will meet the same fate. You will lose yourself, Zyros. Your body will fight, but your mind will be long gone. The darkness will consume you as it consumed Malakar. And when that happens, there will be no turning back.
[His gaze hardens, as he looks directly at Zyros.]
Terrexion: So I ask you again: who is your master? Tell us now, or we will have no choice but to end this before you become a puppet to the very curse you now wield. (He glances briefly at Kaelios, as if acknowledging the burden he carries from the past.)
Zyros: (eyes darkening) I'd rather die than betray my master.
Terrexion: (sad but resolute) Then you will die. Prepare for your duel.
[Scene 3]
[Zyros is released from his chains and brought into a large, open chamber. His opponent, the Guardian who had been interrogating him, stands ready. The duel begins, both fighting with the raw, primal power of Earth. They clash violently, rock against rock, but Zyros fights with a savage intensity. He defeats the Guardian, leaving him wounded and crumpled on the ground.]
Zyros: (breathing heavily, glaring at Terrexion) Is this the best you can muster, Grandmaster? Is there no one left in Terrafon who can challenge me?
Terrexion: (calmly stepping forward) You've proven your strength, Zyros. But now, you face me.
[The duel that follows is swift and decisive. Terrexion's mastery over the Earth Element is unmatched. He moves with precision, each strike calculated. Zyros tries to fight back, but he is no match for the Grandmaster. Within minutes, Terrexion delivers a final, crushing blow, and Zyros falls to the ground, lifeless.]
Terrexion: (softly, almost regretfully) Your fate was sealed the moment you chose the path of darkness. Let this be a warning to those who would follow.
[The scene ends with Terrexion standing over Zyros' body, his expression grim as he contemplates the dark path his people are being lured into.]