Ambush

The day began with the lively hum of bustling markets and the animated chatter of townsfolk. Merchants haggled, carts creaked over cobblestone streets, and whispers spread like wildfire about the Child of Light—a child said to be destined to reshape the empire's fate.

"What? You're still talking about some noble baby while I'm still shaken by what happened in Wyrm City? Nearly two hundred people dead, and this is what people are gossiping about?"

A man in ragged brown clothes muttered as he dragged a cart of goods through the crowd, his companion walking beside him.

"Brother, this isn't just gossip"

His companion replied, gesturing emphatically.

"The Oracle herself spoke of this child. What if he really can change things for people like us? Imagine it—hope for the common folk."

The men halted suddenly, their path blocked by a crowd gathered in the middle of the street. Setting their carts aside, they craned their necks to see the commotion.

To their surprise, it was the Dragon Guards—majestic as always—riding through the town on their mechanical steeds. The horses, crafted with intricate gears and plating, glinted in the sunlight as they marched in perfect unison.

The guards themselves looked almost inhuman, their golden armor gleaming, their dragon-shaped helmets concealing their faces. They carried spears emblazoned with the sigil of the Drakon family, exuding an aura of power and pride that made the onlookers feel small and insignificant.

"Look at them"

The first man muttered bitterly.

"Being born a regular human in this world really is a curse. If I'd been born a Ranker, even a useless one, I could've served in a noble house. Instead, I'm stuck hauling junk for greedy shopkeepers."

His companion offered a sympathetic glance, but the feeling was shared by everyone around them—commoners who knew their place in the hierarchy of this world was as low as dust beneath the boots of the powerful.

The crowd quickly dispersed as the guards approached, their mecha-horses clanking ominously with each step. Leading the group was a knight in a distinctive blue cape, contrasting with the red capes of the others.

"Northern General"

One of the knights called from the rear, his voice carrying over the metallic clatter of hooves.

"You still haven't told us why we're being sent to the Regent. What's happening?"

The General turned his head slightly, in a grim tone, he answered.

"Three days ago, word came from the Holy Church ...something odd is happening at the borders and its dangerous. A Calamity level Scavenger was spotted in the Ruins of Eldorin. And worse—it has reached maturity-stage. The Regent's assistance...no the Flame Saint's help is not just requested—it's required. If we don't act, the Empire is doomed."

The declaration left the knights stunned, their initial pride crumbling under the weight of those words. Horror etched itself into their expressions as the reality of the situation sank in.

One knight, desperate to cling to hope, straightened in his saddle.

"I heard the Regent has ascended to Imperium Rank, and the Lightning Apostle is at the peak of Elite Rank. Together with the other masters of the Empire, surely we stand a chance, right, General?"

A smirk tugged at the corners of the General's lips, but he offered no words of reassurance. Instead, he raised a gloved hand, giving a thumbs-up to his men as they pressed onward, their path leading them deeper into the ash-strewn lands of the Drakon territories.

Far above the turmoil, within the towering spires of Drakon Keep, the air was thick with tension. Servants moved quietly through the halls, knights sparred in the courtyard, and nobles exchanged pleasantries laced with veiled insults.

In the sunlit yard below, Kaedryn's children laughed as they sparred with one another. Alexander and Amara, the twins, were locked in a friendly duel against their siblings—Veylan, Aelric, and Seraphina—all of whom bore the Von Drakon name.

From a window above, three women watched the scene unfold. Their smiles seemed warm, but the atmosphere between them was anything but cordial.

"I can't believe Kaedryn hasn't shown his face since that woman gave birth"

Said Lady Draviana De Drakon, the third wife of Kaedryn. She stood adorned in a dark green gown, her snow-white curls framing a face that was both striking and cold. Her irritation was palpable.

Lady Elira De Drakon, the fourth and youngest wife, sneered in response.

"That's hardly the issue, Draviana. Didn't you hear the rumors? Elyssia's son is destined to be someone great. We're the ones who'll have to deal with that nonsense now."

Their sharp words, however, faltered in the presence of the third figure. Lady Cecilia De Drakon, Kaedryn's first wife, stood with an air of authority that silenced the others. Draped in a black gown adorned with golden jewelry, her serpent-like gaze and fierce presence commanded the room.

Her lips curled into a sinister smile.

"Kaedryn always forgets, doesn't he? He has other children to father. But no—his obsession with that commoner has blinded him to the rest of us."

Her sharp black nails dug into her palm as jealousy burned in her eyes. Blood dripped down her fingers, unnoticed as she whispered venomously.

"A boy, prophesied to change the world? The bastard son of a commoner? Absurd. My children saw the light of day long before him, and I'll be damned if that whelp overshadows them."

Her voice carried like a curse on the wind, sending a chill down the spines of the other two women. Draviana and Elira exchanged uneasy glances, each silently vowing to remain in Cecilia's good graces.

"Elyssia won't have her triumph"

Cecilia murmured, her voice barely audible yet dripping with malice.

"We'll see who truly holds the power in this family."

In the Elysium Quarters, the faint golden glow of light energy from Zal's birth lingered in the air, casting a subtle warmth over the chamber.

Kaedryn sat by the hearth, cradling the infant in his arms, his golden eyes lost in the flicker of the flames. Though the fire radiated heat, an uneasy chill gnawed at the edges of his thoughts.

Elyssia reclined against a pile of silken cushions, her pale face marked by exhaustion, yet glowing with maternal pride. Wrapped in soft robes, she watched her husband and son with unwavering devotion.

"He has your eyes"

She murmured, her voice breaking the heavy silence.

Kaedryn looked down at the boy in his arms. Zal's golden dragon-like eyes blinked sleepily, mirroring the firelight in their radiant depths. A faint smile tugged at Kaedryn's lips, though it quickly faded.

"What's troubling you, Kaedryn?"

Elyssia asked gently, her voice calm but probing.

He sighed deeply, brushing a stray strand of silver hair from his face.

"The Oracle's words"

He admitted.

"She spoke of greatness, but also of danger. A god among men, she said... Such a destiny won't go unnoticed. It will draw admiration, yes, but it will also invite enemies."

Elyssia reached for his hand, her touch steadying him.

"Let him be our son first, Kaedryn. The world can wait. For now, he's just a child. Let us shield him while we still can."

Kaedryn's jaw tightened.

"The world won't wait, Elyssia. Prophecies like his never allow time for peace."

Before she could respond, a sharp knock echoed through the chamber doors. The sound broke their reverie, and Kaedryn's head snapped toward the entrance. Moments later, the Northern General stepped in, his face pale with urgency.

"Forgive the intrusion, my lord"

The man said, bowing deeply.

"Orders from the Holy Church...Urgent news concerning the Empires northern borders. There's... movement near the ruins of Eldorin."

Kaedryn frowned.

"Scavengers?"

The General nodded grimly.

"Yes, my lord. Scouts report large figures—ancient ones. It may be the emergence of an Matured-stage Calamity Scavenger ."

Kaedryn's gaze sharpened. Handing Zal to Elyssia, he stood, his presence commanding.

"Send word to my captains, inform Lancelot in the Pen Dragon House and the six noble houses. We cannot afford to delay."

Elyssia clutched their son tighter, her face clouded with concern.

"Be careful, Kaedryn. Zal needs his father. Don't let him lose you so soon."

Kaedryn bent down and placed a gentle kiss on Elyssia's forehead.

"I'll return. I promise. It may take a week or two, so please, take care of yourselves."

With those parting words, the Regent prepared to leave with his knights. As a two-star Imperium Ranker, flight was his fastest option to reach the borders.

Unleashing his spectral wings—fiery and dragon-shaped—they radiated power as he took to the skies, resembling a true dragon soaring through the air.

"I'll head to the border first. Ensure the houses receive the message,"

He commanded.

The knights saluted in unison, their fist pounding against the polished chest plates in reverence at the sight of a Spectral Wing. In a blur, Kaedryn disappeared into the skies, the only thing that was seen was his aura that trailed after him like a falling comet.

Several hours later after all the patriarchs and knights of the noble houses took their leave to the Ruins of Eldorin, night approached.

The silver moonlight bathed Avalon Empire as myths roamed under the eerie night sky. Back at the Elysium Quarters, the guards stiffened as a solitary figure approached.

Clad in a flowing crimson dress that matched her piercing gaze, Lady Cecilia De Drakon—the First Lady—strode toward the gates. The guards saluted but exchanged wary glances, uneasy about her sudden arrival.

"My lady"

The eldest guard said, stepping forward.

"Forgive me, but we cannot permit entry. The Lord has ordered that none disturb the Elysium Quarters tonight."

Cecilia's lips curled into a cold smile.

"Do you know who I am?"

She asked icily.

"I am not 'none '. I only wish to see my junior sister. She has given birth, and I have not yet had the chance to congratulate her. What kind of sister would I be if I acted so cold?"

The guard hesitated, his instincts screaming that her intentions were far from innocent.

"With respect, my lady, you had all day to visit. It's too late now. Please, return tomorrow."

Cecilia's expression darkened.

"Just a bunch of Daimond star peak rankers...how stubborn. I didn't realize the Drakon guards had grown so bold."

She snapped her fingers, and a figure emerged from the shadows—a cloaked assassin whose presence oozed menace.

The elder guard's face fell.

"A five-star Elite Ranker... This is bad"

He muttered under his breath. Summoning his courage, he barked orders to his men.

"Fortify the gates! Do not let her through!"

Inside the quarters, Elyssia heard the commotion. Placing Zal gently into his cradle, she hurried to the window.

Her blood ran cold.

Outside, the elder guard was sprinting toward the quarters when a dagger flashed through the air. It struck true, slicing his throat. His final words came in a desperate, gasping whisper:

"My...lady...run."