Deliberately Destroyed

Destruction had overtaken every corner of Amanécer. Flames roared across the western and northern wings of the palace, merging into a blazing inferno that consumed what had once symbolized majesty and strength. The towering spires, once magnificent, now lay in ruins, crumbling under the weight of chaos and fire. It took a week to tame the wild flames, which had raged with the ferocity of an untamed beast.

Swiftly, the imperial army eradicated the demons that had dared breach the palace grounds. Amidst the devastation, Rudolf stood paralyzed by the weight of his unspoken crime. Before him stood Helios and a small assembly of the emperor's closest ministers. Stunned and guilty, Rudolf held his silence, while the royal family had been evacuated to the fortified recuperation villa, a safe haven for times of crisis. Aurora, Tiberius, and a trusted group of aides had accompanied the princesses to provide comfort and protection.

Both Aria and Melody had been gravely injured in the destruction caused by the demonic creatures, requiring immediate care. Most palace servants perished in the flames, while some, attempting escape, became prey to the demonic beasts that fed on pure energy. Helios remained behind, struggling to control the twisted catastrophe that had struck as if an invisible wave had stolen his strength.

In the emperor's absence, Lucerne took command over palace security. By Helios's decree, he was tasked with purging the demons that now lurked within Aphros, the capital.

"Leave us," Helios commanded, dismissing the gathered ministers in the palace's conference room. But they stood firm, insistent.

One minister, his face lined with worry, protested. "Sire, please reconsider. We must deploy troops across the kingdom and enforce emergency protocols. War is upon us. If we hesitate, these vile creatures will exploit our delay and seize control of even more territories."

Another added, "They've already devastated Nymphus, and the towns around Aphros swarm with demons. They've made our lands into their lairs."

A hurried knock at the door interrupted them. A guard opened the door, revealing a man in military attire whose expression was grave.

"General Julius has arrived, holy light of Amanécer," announced the guard.

"I apologize for the intrusion, Your Majesty," Julius said with a bow.

"Speak," Helios permitted.

Julius hesitated, his voice faltering. "The barriers in the east, south, and north have been breached. The… cities…" He swallowed, his face contorted by the terror of witnessing the monstrous fifth-category demons, colossal creatures towering over the trees as they tore through sacred lands.

The ministers sat motionless, faces filled with shared dread. Helios pressed his lips together, his gaze darkening.

"What of the citizens?" he asked, his words heavy with dread.

"Dead… all of them." Julius's voice broke, leaving a silence thick with despair. There was not a single survivor found in towns and cities that had been invaded.

A collective murmur of horror filled the room. Burdened by guilt, Rudolf broke the silence.

"Your Majesty! Allow me to go to the borders," he said urgently.

Helios looked at him, surprised. "Rudolf, you?"

"I bear the blessing of the sacred flames," Rudolf said, his voice edged with determination. "These creatures are no match for me. Allow me to take a small army from the holy temple." It was his desperate bid to atone for a crime that felt like a death sentence.

The ministers nodded in agreement. "Your Majesty, we must act quickly!" they urged, pressing him for a decision.

Helios, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on him, finally yielded. "Deploy the troops to the borders. Send word to the Alchemist Tower. The barriers must be reinforced immediately. Evacuate the citizens to the safe zones. Their safety is our priority."

A minister hesitated, then spoke. "Your Majesty, we've already reached out to the Alchemists. The Grandmaster is missing, and his heir has assumed command. How should we proceed?"

"Let the young heir manage," Helios replied. "He understands the workings of the Tower and can organize the alchemists effectively."

The ministers nodded in unison. "As you command!"

As the conference ended, Helios remained seated, his heart heavy with grief. The loss of his people felt like an open wound. Staring out the window at the ruined horizon, he was haunted by a bitter question: Had he failed as their protector?

His thoughts drifted to his beloved empress, Aphrodite, a woman of wisdom and determination. She had been a guiding force, challenging him and reminding him of his duties. He could almost hear her voice, gently chiding him for neglecting his responsibilities. Praying for his daughters' safety, he felt his resolve harden with a grim realization: Armageddon had begun.

The peace he once knew was gone, replaced by the relentless demands of war, reminiscent of his youth. As he wrestled with these memories, his faithful butler, Horos, entered quietly.

"Your Majesty, the heir of the Alchemist Tower requests an audience," Horos announced, breaking Helios's reverie.

The emperor straightened, regaining his composure. "Send him in," he commanded, bracing himself for yet another pressing matter.

Horos escorted Canute into the room, leaving him with Helios, who now sat back in his chair.

"What brings the young heir here?" Helios asked, direct and focused.

"Your Majesty," Canute replied, "I request permission for the Alchemist Tower to conduct a search on palace grounds."

Helios regarded him for a long moment, then asked, "Your reasons?"

"Firstly, to search for the Grandmaster. Secondly, to uncover the source of the demonic surge," Canute explained. "The barrier has a failsafe that severs links after an hour. I have deployed soldiers in that part of the forest to eliminate any demons."

"That's only effective if the proper key was activated," Canute pressed, defying assumptions.

Helios frowned. "Explain."

Canute's hand tensed, his hesitation evident. "Your Majesty… the portal in the imperial forest was ruptured. This can only happen when binding keys weaken… or…" he paused, swallowing nervously, "when they're deliberately destroyed."

Helios stood abruptly, alarmed. "Who could dare enter a place forbidden to all, save for me?"

"I would not presume to make accusations, my Light. But only by investigating can we find the answer."

Canute's proposal was tempting, but Helios feared the risks. An ill-considered move could endanger the entire realm.