prologue 4

As the days passed, Chain paced around his room, his mind in turmoil. He walked miles across the city, his hands clasped behind his back, shaking his head as if trying to argue away the dread that gnawed at him. Eventually, the weight of his thoughts led him to a decision. "I must notify the queen," he thought. "This is the only way I can move forward without angering Amos."

Walking to the outskirts of the castle walls, Chain paused for a moment. A faint, shimmering hue enveloped him, and with a subtle shift in the air, he vanished.

Inside the castle, Sarah Sunheart sat in a plush chair, gently feeding Erie as she shared stories. Their laughter echoed warmly through the chamber as they enjoyed the quiet joy of each other's company. Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted—an unspoken tension filling the room. Sarah noticed it immediately.

Daniel appeared, bowing low before her. "My queen," he said, his tone measured, "Chain seeks your guidance."

Sarah placed a reassuring hand on Erie's shoulder and smiled. "Go to the kitchen, my child," she said softly. "Knight Leviathan will watch over you. These are matters you don't need to hear."

"Yes, Mama," Erie replied, running off without question.

Sarah straightened her posture. "Bring him in," she instructed.

Daniel bowed again. "Yes, Your Majesty." He turned, and moments later, Chain appeared, his head bowed in respect.

"You may rise, Chain," Sarah said warmly. "You are our highest trustee. You need not bow to us."

Chain stood but kept his head lowered. "Your Majesty, I will always show you and His Majesty the utmost respect."

Sarah nodded, gesturing for him to speak. "Very well. What guidance do you seek, Chain?"

Chain hesitated briefly, then began. "My queen… regarding the 20 volunteers, my ability doesn't just require their powers. Even with the God Crystal, the Sage Crystal, and a Soul Catcher crystal, the ritual still demands their lives."

His voice grew quieter as he walked toward a chair and sat down, his head sinking lower. "I don't want to take the lives of our people. And yet… I don't want to upset the king."

Sarah listened intently, nodding as Chain unburdened himself. The aura around her began to glow faintly, flickering in a soothing, radiant white light.

"Chain Hopper," she said after a long pause, "do as the king commands. The burden of their blood will rest on his hands, not yours. But I will speak with my husband and attempt to change his mind." She walked toward Chain, her presence calming yet resolute, and extended a small, shimmering crystal. "This is a Translation Crystal. You will be able to communicate with me no matter where you are as long as the link remains active."

Sarah gently placed her hand on Chain's head. A glowing mark appeared simultaneously on her forehead, Chain's forehead, and the crystal. Her voice resonated telepathically in his mind. "Now go, Chain, and fulfill your duty as Amos's right-hand man. I will handle this matter. If I fail, then let me bear the burden of Amos's choices. But understand this—I have my own plans to put a stop to Amos's reign if it comes to that."

Chain rose from his chair and nodded silently. Without another word, he disappeared, teleporting away in a flash of light.

Sarah exhaled deeply, steeling herself as she looked toward Erie's departing figure. "My child," she called softly, "go to your room. Knight Leviathan will watch over you."

Turning to the guards stationed nearby, she addressed them with authority. "Knight Enoch and Knight Robuk, go to your families. Spend time with them. It's long overdue. I have personal matters to settle with the king."

Both knights bowed in unison. "Yes, Your Majesty."

As the room emptied, Sarah's glowing aura flickered once more. Determination etched itself into her face. "Amos," she whispered, "you've gone unchecked for too long. It's time we speak … as equals." 

Later that evening, Amos stepped out of his throne room, the golden rays of the sun illuminating the kingdom below. He took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping across the bustling city. "Look at this, Joseph," he said with pride. "We've grown leaps and bounds, all thanks to these crystals."

Joseph, his loyal knight and advisor, nodded in agreement. "Yes, we have, my king."

A satisfied smile spread across Amos's face. "Everything here is ours! The flying cars, the teleportation chambers, the four Suns Building, and even our tamed humanoid beasts." He gestured to the city around him, a glimmering testament to his rule.

As they strolled through the streets, Amos spotted a group of children playing Magical Ball, their flames twisting and spiraling through the air in a dazzling display. Amos raised his voice, his tone jovial. "You kids will grow big and strong!"

The children, noticing their king, froze in awe. Their faces lit up with excitement as they pointed and whispered to one another. Suddenly, they sprinted toward Amos, eager to greet him. But before they could reach him, Joseph extended a shimmering light barrier, halting their advance.

Amos chuckled, waving at the children warmly. "That's enough, little ones. Go back to your game." The children laughed and returned to their play, their eyes still occasionally glancing at the king.

Amos continued his walk, his footsteps echoing faintly on the streets that sparkled as if made from diamonds. He passed by various shops: one selling ability-enhancing books, another showcasing crystals of all sizes and colors, and even a bustling job fair assisting Sun Warriors in finding new opportunities. The kingdom hummed with activity, each part a cog in the machine Amos had built.

Eventually, he paused in front of a guild shop, his eyes narrowing as he read the sign above its entrance. "Joseph," Amos said, his voice steady, "how many clans or factions are currently registered in our kingdom?"

Joseph answered without hesitation. "One hundred and thirty-one, my king."

Amos shook his head. "Bring that number down to fifty. Consolidate them."

"Understood, my king," Joseph replied with a bow.

The two continued their walk through the streets, their presence unnoticed by the citizens bustling around them. Amos and Joseph were cloaked in a Lumina Veil, a skill that rendered them invisible to anyone not directly connected to their energy.

After a while, Amos stopped in front of a grand palace, the residence of Chain Hopper. Without a moment's hesitation, he pushed open the heavy front doors, his energy radiating authority.

"Chain Hopper!" Amos called out, his voice booming with excitement.

Chain stood from his seat and bowed deeply. "My king, your presence is unexpected. How may I serve you?"

Amos shook his head with a soft laugh. "Rise, my trusted one. You are not to bow to me—that is an order."

Chain hesitated, his loyalty etched on his face. "But, Your Majesty, it is my duty to show the respect that you rightfully deserve."

Amos smiled, stepping closer to Chain. His gaze locked onto Chain's, alight with enthusiasm and urgency. "I've heard that all entities are prepared and ready for the ritual to commence!"

Chain bowed his head slightly. "Yes, Your Majesty, everything is ready."

Amos clapped his hands together and grinned, his excitement uncontainable. "Excellent, Chain! You've done well. If this ritual succeeds, I will grant you the desire of your heart."

Chain straightened and spoke humbly. "I ask for only one thing, Your Majesty—a God Crystal for myself."

Amos didn't hesitate, placing a hand on Chain's shoulder. "Then it shall be yours. You have my blessing, Chain Hopper. After the ritual, the God Crystal is yours."

The king stepped back, his tone shifting to one of command. "Now, gather the people and meet me in the Room of Parlance. Ensure they are comfortable. We cannot have their fears disrupting the process."

Chain opened his mouth to explain the precautions of the ritual, but Amos, too caught up in his excitement, raised a hand to silence him. "No need to dwell on the details, Chain. Everything will go perfectly. I trust your abilities and your preparation."

Amos turned to Joseph, his knight always by his side. "Let us go. Chain, I will see you in the palace shortly. Be swift—bring the twenty people and the appropriate crystals. The ritual starts tonight."

With those words, Amos and Joseph vanished in a flash of light, leaving Chain standing alone in his palace, the weight of his task pressing heavily on his shoulders.