Chapter 4: Meeting with the Queen

The golden sun cast a warm glow over Valdoria, a realm of breathtaking landscapes, towering mountains, and lush, endless fields. Rivers meandered lazily through the valleys, their crystalline waters reflecting the sky's vibrant hues. Birds soared high, their melodies adding to the serenity of the land. Yet, in this peaceful setting, three figures walked along a stone-paved path, their presence exuding an aura that made even the most seasoned adventurers hesitate to cross their path.

Lucian, the youngest of the trio, a mischievous and energetic youth, turned to his father with excitement gleaming in his sharp eyes.

"Father, can I purchase anything I desire?"

His father, a man whose very existence defied understanding, regarded him with an amused yet firm expression.

"Sure, but remember, there are limits," he replied, his voice deep and commanding yet warm.

Lucian beamed but then turned to his elder brother, Kek, with a playful grin.

"Hey, Kek, how about we play a game while we walk?"

Kek, the eldest, was more composed, his demeanor that of a seasoned warrior who had long grown accustomed to his brother's antics. With an exasperated sigh, he refused.

"No way. You'll only lead us into trouble, and I'd rather avoid that."

Lucian frowned. "Look who's talking! You're the one who always finds himself in predicaments."

Kek smirked. "And who do you think drags me into them?"

Lucian crossed his arms, scowling. "Are you implying that I'm the cause of all your troubles?"

Kek placed a hand on his shoulder, grinning. "Finally, you understand. I'm so proud of you, little brother."

Lucian growled. "Are you mocking me?"

Before their playful squabble could escalate, their father sighed and interjected, his voice calm yet authoritative.

"Enough, both of you. You're drawing too much attention."

They both turned their eyes to him, then at the onlookers who were now whispering among themselves. Realizing their mistake, they straightened up.

Just then, Lucian's gaze fell upon a nearby weapon shop nestled between two grand buildings. The storefront displayed gleaming swords, intricately designed spears, and enchanted artifacts that pulsed with raw energy. His eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Father, look! Let's check that out! I want to buy a weapon!"

His father nodded. "Very well. Let's go."

The trio stepped inside, greeted by the warm scent of polished steel and aged wood. The shop was modest but well-stocked, with weapons of all kinds arranged on wooden racks. At the counter stood an elderly man, his white beard reaching his chest, and his eyes twinkling with wisdom.

"Welcome, young ones! What brings you here today?" he asked with a hearty laugh.

Lucian and Kek immediately dispersed, inspecting the weapons with keen interest. Their father, however, remained at the counter, engaging in casual conversation with the vendor.

"What can I get for your sons?" the old man asked.

His father responded with a gentle smile. "I'm only here for them. I don't require anything for myself."

The vendor studied him carefully. "You look far too young to have children!"

His father chuckled. "Trust me, I'm much older than I appear."

The vendor's curiosity deepened. "And where is their mother?"

At the mention of her, a fleeting shadow crossed their father's face. A memory stirred—her laughter, her touch, her presence. He quickly concealed the emotion and replied simply, "She's at home."

The old man pressed further. "Why are you out here without her?"

"We're enjoying a short vacation," he answered.

Meanwhile, Lucian's excited voice broke the moment.

"Father, look at this sword!"

He held up a magnificent blade, its craftsmanship exquisite. The metal shimmered under the light, and faint runes pulsed along its hilt.

His father examined it and nodded. "It's indeed beautiful."

Kek scoffed. "No way. My spear is way more elegant."

Lucian shot him a glare. "In your dreams!"

Their father sighed. "Both of your weapons are lovely. Now, let's finalize the purchase."

Lucian settled on a sword, its edge fine and deadly, while Kek selected a spear, perfectly balanced and built for precision strikes. Unbeknownst to the shopkeeper, these weapons were crafted and personally customized by their father long ago—yet, to blend in, they made the purchase as if they were ordinary customers.

Just as they were about to exit, a loud voice called from outside.

"Lucian, Kek, and your father! Our queen requests your presence at the palace."

The trio turned toward the entrance, where a woman in shining silver armor stood, flanked by elite knights. Her piercing gaze locked onto them, her posture rigid with authority.

Lucian crossed his arms. "The queen? What does she want with us?"

Their father exhaled slowly, already sensing something greater at play.

"Let's not keep royalty waiting."

Kek, ever the cautious one, narrowed his eyes. "This doesn't feel like an ordinary summons."

The knights moved aside, and the woman gestured toward an opulent carriage awaiting them outside. "Please, follow us to the capital. The queen will explain everything herself."

Lucian grinned. "Well, I suppose this vacation just got more interesting."

As they stepped into the carriage, none of them realized that far above in the celestial domain, a figure observed them closely.

She was the Heavenly Empress, the mightiest being in the upper realm. And she, too, had sensed something… something beyond mortal comprehension.

Little did they know, their arrival in the capital would mark the beginning of a saga that would shake the very foundations of the multiverse itself.