The Dawn of a New Era

Ayato, Ningning, and Arpi—three respected figures from different districts—lifted the crown together. Ayato's voice, firm yet warm, broke the silence. "Today, we witness the birth of a new leader," he declared, his words echoing through the square. "Not because of the blood that runs through his veins, but because of the hopes we place in him. Hopes for a better future. Hopes to protect Kashgar from those who seek to destroy us."

The crown was slowly placed on Arga's head. The cold touch of the metal felt like a sharp needle pricking his consciousness, awakening every fiber of his being to the unavoidable reality ahead. In that moment, all the doubts in his heart seemed exposed, but there was no turning back. He stood tall, holding his breath as if it might escape him.

"Arga, our new Emperor!" the elder proclaimed loudly, followed by a thunderous cheer that shook the sky. The cheers echoed through Arga's chest, like a tidal wave crashing over him, reminding him that he was no longer just a young man. He was a leader. An Emperor.

Arga stepped forward to the edge of the stage. The faces of the people filling the square were filled with hope—some beaming, others watching with cautious eyes. He stood there, absorbing the emotions of the crowd before him. A gentle breeze rustled the stage's drapes, carrying the scent of flowers that adorned the area. At the corner of the stage, Ningning stood quietly, her presence a steady anchor keeping Arga grounded.

Slowly, Arga raised his hand, signaling that he was about to speak. The rumbling of voices began to subside, replaced by a silence so profound it was almost deafening. In that silence, only the whisper of the wind could be heard, as if the world itself was holding its breath, waiting for the words that would soon leave his lips. He drew a deep breath, and with determination flowing from within, Arga opened his mouth. The voice that would mark the first step in Kashgar 's new history finally echoed.

"Thank you for the trust you have placed in me," he said, his voice calm despite the storm of anxiety raging in his chest. "I never imagined that one day I would stand here, as an emperor leading all of you. Yet, because of the trust and great hope you've placed in me, I promise to fulfill this duty with all my heart."

The crowd remained silent, captivated by every word that escaped his lips. The midday sun shone brightly, its light reflecting off the simple crown that now rested on Arga's head. It wasn't a crown of dazzling gold as in fairy tales but a cold metal that reminded him of the heavy burden he now bore.

Arga paused for a moment, letting his words sink into the hearts of those who listened. His eyes swept over the crowd once more, seeking strength in the gazes of the people who now pinned their hopes on him. At the edge of the stage, Ningning watched with a faint smile, aware of how challenging this moment was for Arga. Yet, she also knew that the young man possessed a strength he might not even realize himself.

"I will protect this city," he continued, his voice firmer now. "I will ensure that every resident, regardless of their origin, experiences the prosperity and happiness they rightfully deserve."

The wind blew again, as if soothing the tension hanging in the air. Arga straightened his posture, ignoring the whispers of doubt that still lingered in his heart. "As you all know," he went on, "I am an outsider, unbound to any of the three districts. Perhaps that is why I was chosen. But today, I declare this: I will stand above all factions. All districts, all tribes, and all nations of our past lives. I am not an emperor for one family, not for one group, but for everyone who calls the city of Kashgar home."

His words hung in the air, followed by a pause that felt sacred. Silence enveloped the crowd, but this time it wasn't due to doubt—it was admiration, slowly building. Soft murmurs began to ripple through them. Some nodded, their eyes glimmering with newfound hope.

"I invite all of you to support one another and trust each other," he called out, his voice now louder, "for the future of our extraordinary new city."

Cheers began to rise, like a stream turning into a mighty wave. The doubts in some eyes slowly faded, replaced by a blazing hope. On the stage, Arga stood tall, staring into the future with a courage born from the promises he had just made. That day, under the bright midday sun, Kashgar witnessed the birth of a new leader.

When Arga finished speaking, silence once again fell over the square. But like a small wave growing into a storm, applause began to echo. Slowly at first, it came from the elders seated at the front of the stage. The clapping then spread, rippling through the entire square, until it turned into a roar of cheers that filled the previously tense air. Faces that had been filled with doubt now began to radiate a glimmer of hope.

Behind the stage, Ningning, Nico, and Sana stood side by side. They exchanged glances, proud smiles etched on their faces. Ningning folded her arms across her chest, her eyes fixed on Arga's figure on the stage. "He did it," she whispered softly, more to herself. Nico nodded, his eyes shining, while Sana simply patted Ningning's shoulder gently, offering her silent support.

However, not every face in the square reflected joy. To the right of the stage, under the shadow of a pillar, Ayato and arpin stood still. Their expressions were hard to read, like an ocean veiled in thick fog. There was dissatisfaction, perhaps a hint of envy, but beneath it, there was something deeper—a reluctant acceptance.

"He is wise," Ayato thought, his eyes following every movement of Arga, who now stood tall on the stage. His gaze hardened as he continued his thoughts, "If I were to force my will, Kashgar would fracture, and we would all become easy prey for Siferia. It's better for us to unite against our common enemy."