Secrets in the Desert

Eldia had become a second home to Kayah, now known as Kane, over the past three years. His reputation as a prosperous merchant had reached as far as the capital, making him one of the least suspected spies in the Bright Empire. Under the relentless sun and amidst the shifting sands, the Nawab Fathun grew increasingly close to Kane, often sharing secrets over lavish dinners and expensive wine.

The Nawab, a portly man with a love for indulgence, had a loose tongue, especially when inebriated. On one such scorching afternoon, Fathun leaned close to Kane, his breath heavy with the scent of alcohol.

"You know, Kane," he slurred, "the Bright Empire... it's fostering a Red Giant... will soon reach Eclipse."

Kane's heart skipped a beat. The Solar Realm's power systems were named after the forms of the sun, with the Red Giant being the strongest known form. The Eclipse, a state of power achievable by both realms, was a blend of the Sun and the Moon's forces, and it was said to be a level of strength that surpassed even the Red Giant.

Kane feigned interest without appearing too eager, and asked, "A Red Giant? Can you tell me more about it, Nawab?"

Fathun laughed, a deep, drunken chuckle. "Yes, yes... The Emperor wants to form an intelligence squad... caught a man of the Lunar Realm, a Mukhbir, lurking in our estate. The Emperor tasked me with procuring Lunar Stones. We need them to navigate in the dark. Those dark bastards can see at night, but we cannot. The stones are crucial."

The Nawab's head lolled back, and he started to snore softly, the conversation abruptly ending as he drifted into a drunken sleep. Kane signaled to the Nawab's guards, "The Nawab is asleep. Please take him back to his quarters."

As the guards carried the slumbering Nawab away, Kane's mind raced. He needed to act quickly. He stepped out into the blinding sun, the bustling sounds of Eldia dimming as he moved toward the shadows where a beggar sat. Kane whispered something to the beggar, who nodded and quickly disappeared into the labyrinthine alleys.

Suddenly, the familiar screen appeared before Kane's eyes:

New Quest Found

Stop The Solar Realm from Forming an Intelligence Squad in the Lunar Area

Reward: Heavenly Navigations

Kane pondered the new quest, his mind whirling. "Heavenly Navigations? What could that be?" he murmured to himself. Whatever it was, he knew he had to complete this mission.

"Chandra," he called softly.

From the shadows, a dragon no larger than a butterfly, black with silver eyes, flew gracefully and landed on his shoulder. Kane had named his dragon Chandra, after the moon.

The streets of Eldia were bustling with activity, the markets alive with the chatter of merchants and the clinking of coins. Though situated in the Bright Empire, the city held an eerie beauty under the relentless sun, with tents and awnings providing some semblance of shade. Kane's thoughts were focused on the task ahead. He had to stop the Solar Realm from forming an intelligence squad in the Lunar area, a mission fraught with danger and uncertainty.

Chandra, perched on Kane's shoulder, gazed at him with intelligent eyes, sensing the urgency in his master's demeanour. "We have much to do, Chandra," Kane whispered. "Let's see what these Heavenly Navigations are and how they can aid us."

With determination burning in his silver eyes, Kane strode purposefully through the sunlit streets, ready to face the challenges ahead. The fate of the Dark Empire might very well rest on his shoulders, and he was prepared to navigate through the shadows of Eldia to ensure its survival.

Three days had passed since Kayah, under the guise of Kane, had completed his mission in Eldia. Now, the scene shifted to the volatile boundary between the Sun and Moon realms. Ten individuals, equipped with lunar stones, were crossing into the Lunar realm. On the other side, the border patrol, pre-notified and on high alert, stood ready. Leading the patrol was Red Moon Recilius, accompanied by five Full Moons and four Half-Moons.

The newly formed Solar Intelligence System (SIS) was unaware of the vigilant patrol awaiting them. However, the SIS had an advantage in their advanced technology and strategic prowess. One of their scouts detected the Lunar patrol using an inter-tactical scout device, a cutting-edge piece of technology. Despite their lack of raw strength and intelligence compared to the Lunar side, the technological advancements made the Solar Empire formidable adversaries.

The SIS team quickly evaluated the power levels of the opposition. They set up a barrier around the outpost using Light Level Pads, creating a deceptive circle that generated numerous illusions, drawing Dviles in droves. The Dviles attacked the outpost, causing chaos. The Light Level Pads ensured that no one could escape from the inside, though anyone could enter the barrier.

The Lunar warriors were forced to fight off the attacking Dviles. Amidst the chaos, the SIS agents attempted to slip away unnoticed. However, their escape was thwarted by the sudden arrival of Chandra, Kayah's dragon. Chandra's imposing presence disrupted their plans. Kayah landed gracefully beside the SIS agents.

"Who are you?" one of the SIS agents demanded, trying to mask his fear.

"Why don't you find out for yourself?" Kayah replied with calm confidence. He instructed Chandra to assist the Lunar warriors, who were struggling against the Dviles.

Kayah then drew his Heavenly Lunar Sword, and a palpable tension filled the air. The SIS agents felt an overwhelming force pressing down on them, forcing them to their knees and then to the ground. The mere presence of the unsheathed sword rendered them powerless.

"This is the Heavenly Lunar Blade," Kayah announced, his voice resonating with authority. "Feel the force as you die."

With a swift motion, he sheathed his sword, and the heads of nine SIS agents were severed cleanly. One was left alive, trembling with fear and disbelief.

"How is this possible?" the surviving agent gasped. "They were all Blazing Sun Level... Who are you?"

At that moment, the Lunar warriors arrived, kneeling in respect. "We pay our respects to the Flower Moon," they chanted in unison.

The SIS agent's heart skipped a beat. "The Flower Moon... You're the prince of the Lunar Empire!"

Kayah looked down at the terrified agent. "I'll be taking him with me for interrogation," he declared. "Search his body and the others as well. Take all their artifacts to the Moon Research Centre. Cover his eyes and ears."

As the Lunar warriors obeyed his commands, the SIS agent thought to himself, "This is the prince of the Lunar Empire. At this rate, our plans with 'Him' are useless. He's even a dragon master! I need to get this intel to the IIS (Inner Intelligence Station)."

The agent's thoughts were cut short as a bag was placed over his head, plunging him into darkness. Kayah mounted Chandra and took flight, heading towards the Safe House in Eldia with his captive.