ARCADIA
A kingdom considered quite large, and also a kingdom that never looks down on other races, whether human, elf, beastkin, dragon, dwarf, and many more. They chose to live side by side rather than become enemies and turn others into slaves.
Led by Cain Vale, this kingdom stood as the fifth strongest. With abundant harvests and fertile land, Arcadia became a target for the kingdom of Eidolan to "cooperate" with, though it was merely a disguise to take advantage of them.
Lately, Eidolan had been terrorizing and openly attacking Arcadia, because Cain always rejected the cooperation proposal suggested by Krai. Cain knew very well what Krai truly wanted.
The attacks kept coming, whether through magical bombardments or assaults from knights. Cain was forced to endure them again and again. He knew his kingdom could not fight back against such a powerful enemy, especially with the fact that Eidolan had formed an alliance with demons.
CAIN'S ROOM
Cain sat down, flipping through papers filled with reports of the attacks. He let out a long sigh while scratching his head.
"Damned Eidolan..." he muttered.
A soft knock was heard.
"Come in."
A man entered, walking slowly with a slightly sorrowful expression. Aris Vale, Cain's only son.
"Father, I have bad news... and this might be the reason Eidolan dares to attack us."
Cain raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
"Lucas just sent me this letter. He apologized deeply for Eidolan attacking Arcadia, and he said he couldn't do anything about it."
Cain sighed "It's not his fault. Krai is the one giving the orders. And what about Aven? If something like this is happening, does that mean Aven agreed to lead his troops against us?"
"That's the bad news..."
"Aven... is gone" Aris said quietly.
Cain froze for a moment, the veins on his neck tightening.
"Is that what makes Krai free to control the knights? Aven is gone, so there is no one left to oppose his actions."
Aris nodded "Lucas wrote the same thing. Now only he dares to oppose Krai, but it's useless because most of the knights refuse to listen to him."
"As you should know, Father... Aven died because Krai had planned it from the very beginning."
Cain clicked his tongue in frustration.
"Alright. There is no one left who can stop Krai. We must think of a way to drive their army back."
Aris scratched his head.
"They are incredibly strong, and with the demons' power as well..."
"What about the condition of our knights and mages?"
"Bad. Many knights are injured from desperately holding back Eidolan's brutal assaults."
"Our mages are exhausted too. They've run out of mana just to maintain the barrier around the kingdom and continue launching counterattacks."
BOOM!
The ground trembled, and the palace shook violently from a massive explosion at the front line.
Aris opened the window, squinting as he tried to see what had just happened.
"Damn..." he murmured.
"AN ATTACK!" His voice echoed through the corridors and the palace.
The knights on guard immediately moved. Some rushed to their posts, while others mounted their horses and charged toward the front gate to support the knights already fighting.
"SPREAD OUT!" one of the commanders shouted.
"Evacuate the citizens to the palace courtyard!"
He pointed at ten knights to guide the civilians away, while he and the others rode straight toward the front line.
Aris moved hurriedly.
"Father, I'll help at the front line."
He ran out of the room.
Cain clenched his jaw.
"I must ask Lady Lucia for help..."
MOUNTAINS, RED DRAGON CLAN PALACE
The atmosphere grew tense and heavy as Lucia and Claude sat facing each other in the meeting hall.
Lucia, Tia's mother and the leader of the Red Dragon Clan, sat with her legs crossed, looking at Claude with a gentle gaze.
Claude sat across from her, returning her stare without much reaction. He was simply waiting for Lucia to speak first.
Aven stood behind Claude. His eyes glanced toward Tia, trying to signal her as if asking what was about to happen.
Tia sat beside her mother, noticing Aven's gaze. She shook her head slightly, unsure of what to do.
Lucia smiled, then spoke softly.
"So... Lord Claude, what made you think of forming an alliance and cooperation with our clan?"
"I simply want to gain more allies and build connections with many different races. Seeing how our kind rarely, almost never, interacts with others makes me anxious. It feels like we are being left behind."
"And recently, as you know, the kingdom of Eidolan has begun cooperating with demons in order to expand and seize even more benefits from every kingdom they conquer."
"I wish to cooperate, and at the same time offer our strength and troops, in case they ever set their eyes on our territory as well."
Lucia smiled "I truly respect that statement, Lord Claude. I would gladly cooperate with you, but if Eidolan ever looks at us... I doubt they would dare disturb your territory."
Claude cleared his throat.
"It is still possible. With demons supporting them, they might be able to defeat me."
Lucia waved her hand playfully.
"As if. They wouldn't dare. Even the Demon King himself fears you, you know."
"How could that be?"
Lucia sighed "Your power is terrifying."
Aven tilted his head "Lord Claude's power is terrifying? How?" he asked spontaneously.
Claude shook his head.
"It's fine. Don't think too much about it."
Lucia chuckled "And look at this, Aven. You're on the vampires' side now?"
Aven scratched his head.
"I'm simply repaying a debt. Think of it that way."
"Oh really? That's good then."
"Lord Claude, I, Lucia, as the leader of the Red Dragon Clan, gladly accept this alliance and cooperation."
She extended her hand to confirm it.
Claude smiled and shook her hand.
"I, Claude Scarlet, leader of the vampire race, also agree to this cooperation."
Lucia clapped her hands "You can help me a little later too, managing this territory."
Claude nodded "If you need help, you can tell me directly, or pass the message through Aven or my daughters."
"Besides, managing this land alone is difficult, you know. I also cooperate with a human kingdom called Arcadia, led by Lord Cain."
"He occasionally helps me manage things here. It doesn't have a huge impact, since humans and dragons live very differently, but it still helps."
"And also... I'm a widow, so... I'm tired of handling everything alone without a companion by my side."
Claude nodded "If you need help, just tell me. Don't hesitate."
"Thank you, Lord Claude."
Tia let out a breath of relief, glad everything went smoothly. She hesitated before asking.
"Uhm... Lord Claude? Does that mean I can visit Lilith, Cecilia, and Mika more often?"
Claude smiled "Come anytime. Don't be shy or hesitant. It's good for you all to become close friends."
Aven closed his eyes, gratitude flowing through his heart "Yes... I can finally have some freedom from those three women" he thought.
Knock... knock...
A knock echoed through the hall.
Lucia turned her head.
"Come in."
One of the dragon clan soldiers entered, saluting Lucia and Claude.
"My Lady, apologies for disturbing you, but I received a message from Lord Cain. Arcadia is being brutally attacked by Eidolan's forces."
"Lord Cain is requesting that we send some of our troops to assist him."
Lucia's eyes widened "Deploy the troops! Why are you still waiting?"
The soldier nodded "Yes, My Lady."
He rushed out of the room.
Lucia bit her nails "This is bad..."
Tia held her mother's arm.
"Mother, should I go help? I can fly quickly."
"Tia, dear, stay calm. Let our soldiers move first. If things become worse, then you and I will step in ourselves."
Claude crossed his arms.
"Arcadia... they are being attacked, yes? Perhaps I can help."
Lucia hesitated slightly.
"Are you sure, Lord Claude?"
"You are allied with Arcadia, aren't you? That means they are also my allies now."
Claude glanced at Aven.
"You can go ahead first, Aven. I will follow."
Aven nodded.
"Okay, Lord."
He vanished instantly, teleporting straight to Arcadia.
Claude slowly stood up.
"I will follow him."
Lucia frowned.
"I'm coming too."
"Tia, you stay here. I will go."
"W-Wait... Mother? Are you sure?" Tia asked anxiously.
"It's fine. Lord Claude is with me."
Claude nodded.
"Don't worry, Tia. I will protect your mother."
He walked onto the balcony, spreading the wings on his back.
Claude leaped and flew toward Arcadia.
"I'll go first, dear" Lucia said, transforming into a dragon and chasing after Claude.
"Be careful..." Tia murmured.
Behind them, several dragon troops took flight as well, though they were much slower compared to Claude and Lucia.