Chapter 1
The throne hall was silent except for the hum of the Aether lines that ran like veins of light through the walls.
Prince Claudio stood tall before his parents — King Augustus and Queen Amilia of Terrae Promissionis. His white hair caught the glow from the conduits above, and his royal cloak brushed against the marble floor. At his side hung a straight sword — a gift from the Queen, blessed in the name of the kingdom's spirits.
Behind him waited his two closest friends: Amadeus, sharp-eyed and confident, and Magnus, calm and steady as stone. Both wore their formal guard uniforms, though they looked more like brothers-in-arms than servants.
King Augustus rose from his throne.
"Prince Claudio," he said, voice steady but heavy with expectation. "The time has come. Set forth upon your pilgrimage, and bring honor to the kingdom of Terrae Promissionis."
Claudio stepped forward and knelt. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Queen Amilia came down the steps beside her husband. "Magnus. Amadeus," she said. "I do not ask you to guide my son — only to remain loyal to him. That is all I wish."
Both men bowed deeply.
Magnus was first to answer. "You can count on us, Your Highness."
Amadeus gave a small grin. "The route to the Platinum Tower is clear. We'll see the Prince to the ceremony if it's the last thing we do."
Claudio smirked faintly. "If we're done here, I'd like to make my way to the airship. I'm sure Cid has the motor running."
Queen Amilia's smile was gentle, but her eyes lingered on her son as if memorizing him.
"May the spirits of Terrae Promissionis guide you three."
The men bowed once more, turned, and left the hall.
The tall chamber doors closed behind them with a deep echo.
The Airship Docks
The docks were alive with noise the clatter of gears, the hiss of steam, the hum of engines. Mechanics ran from post to post shouting orders.
The royal airship Aeternum rested at the far end of the platform, its silver hull gleaming in the sunlight. A lifetime of wear marked its frame, yet it looked ready for another adventure.
"Ayyyy, you three youngins!"
The shout came from behind a stack of crates.
Out stepped Cid, sleeves rolled up, goggles perched on his head. Grease stained his gloves and shirt, and his grin looked like it had survived a hundred crashes.
"Come help with this cargo! Royalty my ass — get over here and lift something!"
Claudio laughed. "Been a long time since our last road trip, huh, Cid? You've got the privilege of flying with the future king this time."
Cid snorted, tightening a bolt with his wrench. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. Future king or not, you still owe me for the last engine you blew out. Magnus! Make sure to punch this one every now and then during the pilgrimage — keep him humble."
Magnus grinned. "Way ahead of you, Cid."
Amadeus folded his arms, shaking his head. "You two act like this is just another joyride."
Cid chuckled. "That's the secret, kid — every great journey starts like one. Now get aboard before I change my mind and leave your royal hides here."
The ramp rattled as they climbed aboard.
Inside, the ship buzzed with life. Aether lines pulsed along the walls, feeding into the main engine room below. Cid shouted orders to his crew while flipping switches on the console.
"Strap in!" he barked. "We're taking off in three!"
The engines roared to life.
Steam vented through the side thrusters as the Aeternum lifted from the dock. The city of Solaria stretched below — shining towers, marble bridges, and the palace fading in the clouds behind them.
Claudio stood by the window, watching it disappear.
"Feels strange," he said quietly. "Leaving everything behind."
Magnus joined him, resting a hand on the railing. "It's not goodbye. Just the start of something bigger."
Amadeus leaned back against a bulkhead, grinning. "Bigger and probably more dangerous."
Cid shouted from the cockpit. "You boys talking or working? Get up here, we're heading west!"
The ship angled toward the horizon.
Sunlight glinted across the hull, painting streaks of gold over the clouds.
Ahead lay the open skies and somewhere beyond them, the Platinum Tower awaits.