Chapter 1: Peaceful City

  Year 1699, Raventhorn, the capital city of the Crimson Empire.

  Vikram entered the enormous court hall, the crimson stone and gold murals instantly familiar, yet subtly warped. The golden figure representing the founders, once vibrant, now had a blackish-gold hue, as if it were corroding or fading into shadow. Next to the Emperor’s throne, a new, majestic throne for the Empress had been installed, a silent statement of shifting power. Most unsettling of all, beneath the thrones, the mural of the original golden figure and several other silhouettes had been rubbed away, dissolving into the dull stone floor.

  Vikram executed a deep, formal bow. He... faded, the thought echoed in his mind, referencing the erased mural.

  "Welcome back, Vikram. How was your stay in Twin Peak? How is my brother doing?" the Emperor asked, his voice shaking Vikram out of his dark contemplation.

  "He is doing well, my Emperor," Vikram replied, rising. "The first year was a struggle, but they soon found a hollow inside Twin Peak, which they expertly converted into the City of Oasis. A forgemaster, a formation master, an Artisan, and an inscriptor—they have built an extremely interesting city, complete with a formation that has automated their food supply. And his son…" Vikram paused, allowing a controlled flicker of anger to cross his face. "His son seems extraordinary, sire."

  Vikram then carefully narrated the events, detailing Azuma’s brilliant tactics without minimizing the danger. He concluded with a grim assessment. "Sire, maintaining any relationship with those demons is a grave mistake that will only lead to further trouble."

  "Why?" the Emperor asked simply.

  The Empress, Armada, snorted, answering for her husband. "A stable and peaceful life breeds innovation. A safe environment will allow that child to grow into a powerful Challenger. Both outcomes are detrimental to the Empire."

  Seeing her husband’s passive expression, Empress Armada continued, her voice low and cutting. "Do not worry, I will not cause further direct harm to your beloved brother and his son. But I owe no such mercy to the others. The betrayal of those traitors, abandoning us when we needed them, cost us dearly. Fortunately, we sent Vikram with them, or we would already be dealing with a mass migration to that new city once this news gets out"

  Vikram seized the opening. "If I may, my lady. The demons and Anya are currently meeting. They plan to establish a teleportation formation at the demon's residence to ease their commute. Anya and the demons are scheduled to depart for the Cursed Lands in two days. If we intercept them, we can eliminate Anya, who is the prince’s constant protector, and perhaps kill one of the demons. This would successfully create an irreparable enmity between Azuma and the demons."

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  "That is a brilliant idea," Empress Armada purred.

  Vikram's face turned grim. "But, Ma'am, I cannot execute this alone. The demons are powerful beings. I require the assistance of at least five elite Royal Guards."

  The Empress readily agreed. "Take your pick of the newly appointed eighteen guards. They are all trained to Knight level, skilled as both mages and warriors."

  Vikram bowed and left, only to be redirected. He was soon ushered into the Empress's private chamber.

  "Greetings and good health, my Lady Empress Armada," Vikram said, dropping to his knees.

  The Empress looked at him sharply. "What happened, Vikram? After your last mission, I thought you were dead. Or worse," she added, her eyes narrowing with suspicion.

  "I am sorry, my lady. I failed the task," he admitted, guilt etched across his features. "I severely underestimated King Valerian's formation, which led to the complete defeat of the Death Singers. I was injured and aroused suspicion, forcing me to lay low to preserve my position. I waited until I could bring you good news. That is why it has taken me two years."

  Clever, the Empress thought, masking her true intent with a slight smile. If Vikram had reported his failure privately, she would have dismissed him immediately. But by ensuring her husband was present for his proposal, Vikram had made himself necessary. If I kill him now, I’ll have to explain why to Duri, and we have no other eyes inside the Cursed Land.

  "Alright then," she said, her voice turning cold. "Show me your worth. If you repeat this failure, I will ensure you do not get the chance to fail again."

  "Yes, my lady." Vikram bowed once more and retreated.

  Alone, Empress Armada tapped the arm of her chair near a glittering trinket. "Heh... no matter where you are, you always shine bright, Valerian. heee.. too bad the only way I can grow is with your shadow beneath my boot."

  Five Years from exile

  Valerian reviewed the city's accounts, a satisfied smile stretching across his face. Azuma's formation had increased the meat supply tenfold, providing not only sustenance but a surplus of Heart Stones. They had started bartering with a shrewd but reliable trader named Boris, who saw the future value of the Twin Peak location. Though most profits were reinvested into high-quality gear and weapons, the city was thriving: every stomach was full, every house was secure, and life had fundamentally improved.

  All of it was thanks to his son, Azuma.

  Valerian’s gaze drifted to the training yard. Azuma, now five years old, was in the middle of a rigorous sparring match, fighting Shizu and three guards on equal terms. Valerian felt a deep mix of happiness and melancholy. Azuma was a prodigy, having already mastered forge mastering, formation mastering and the art of fighting. He is yet to learn Rune smith —skills Valerian himself specialized in, and he was also eyeing to learn Sou’s and mike's profession.

  Valerian sighed. Once Azuma mastered everything they had to teach, he wouldn't stay in Oasis. He remembered Shizu's strange warning and his son's single-minded focus on the outside world.

  Azuma finished a swift, complex move that disarmed one of the guards, then walked toward his father, wiping sweat from his brow.

  "Where is Vikram?" Azuma asked, scanning the training yard. "I don’t see him."

  "He went to meet Boris in the Crimson Empire," Valerian replied easily.

  "Oh, okay. Father, I am going out now to say goodbye to Shizu and Goar. They're leaving to set up the new teleportation site."

  "Okay, sure, but tell your mother first," Valerian insisted, his voice regaining its kingly firmness.

  Azuma looked at him, gave a dramatic sigh, and smirked. "Alright, I will tell your boss."

  "Hey!" Valerian shouted at his son’s retreating, a laugh escaping him despite his stern tone. "She is your boss too, don’t forget that!"