The King’s Judgment

The Throne Room of Solmara – A Test Begins

The grand hall of King Aldric was a sight to behold. Towering pillars of black stone stretched toward the heavens, adorned with banners of crimson and gold. Rows of armored knights lined the sides, their weapons gleaming under the dim torchlight. At the far end of the chamber, upon an elevated throne, sat King Aldric the Unyielding.

His presence was suffocating.

Aldric was a man built for war—broad shoulders, a scarred face, and piercing golden eyes that seemed to strip a person down to their very soul. His black and gold armor was heavier than most men could even lift, yet he sat as if it were weightless.

Ethan Cross, standing at the center of this imposing room, tried not to roll his eyes.

"Here we go again. Another medieval ruler who thinks he's the ultimate badass."

To his left, Kael stood silently, his posture rigid, expression unreadable. But Ethan could sense the tension.