AGHNIKAAT EMPIRE : THE LAND OF ETERNAL EMBERS

Under the scorching sun, the people of Aghnikhaat revere fire as their divine source of creation. This vast empire is a land of diverse geography: golden deserts stretch endlessly in the east and central regions, fertile plains flourish in the west, towering mesa plateaus dominate the north, and the mysterious Raraan Forest spreads across the south. The land itself speaks of greatness, but its people proclaim it even louder. Aghnikhaat dominates most of Soland, the Eastern Land, standing as a formidable force in the world.

During the First War of Fall, Aghnikhaat was but a minor kingdom, engaged in relentless battles with the desert tribes. However, during the Second War of Fall, it grew at an unprecedented pace, expanding like a raging storm across Soland. Today, its dominion remains unchallenged, save for the monstrous dangers lurking in the forests beyond the Amilaan River and the powerful kingdom of Amizhvara in the south, the last bastions capable of halting Aghnikhaat's march.

Present Day AghnikhaatSolaren – The Capital of the Empire

Solaren, a magnificent desert city, brims with life and celebration. The people, ever full of spirit and joy, eagerly anticipate the upcoming graduation ceremony of the warrior academies, an event second in grandeur only to the Summer Festival. The empire boasts four prestigious academies:

Solaren Academy – The most ancient and respected institution, producing the mightiest warriors.

Ashes Academy – Founded by the legendary former Imperial Guard Captain, Smorken Kenviss.

Royal Gate Academy – Established by the master of the Web Arts, Mersen Emberlin.

Claron Academy – A proud institution built by the second Emperor of Aghnikhaat, Claron Ignis.

As per tradition, the graduation ceremony of these four academies takes place a week before the Summer Festival, a symbolic display of unity among the empire's people. The highlight of the event is the duels between the top graduates of each academy, a spectacle meant to assure the masses that the future of the empire remains in capable hands. Over time, the ceremony has become an essential part of the festival, one that the people eagerly anticipate.

The Grand Colosseum of Solaren

Ninety thousand spectators fill the colossal arena, their voices merging into a single roar of excitement. The ceremony begins with the traditional Sunflower Dance, an ancient and sacred performance.

A young boy tugs at his mother's sleeve, curiosity sparkling in his eyes.

Boy: "Mom, why do only women perform the Sunflower Dance?"

His mother smiles, her gaze drifting toward the performers.

Mother: "Long ago, our empire was blessed with women who possessed a special constitution—one that allowed them to connect their minds with the Soul Tree. These women, chosen by the Fire Spirit, were called 'Sunflowers.' However, a villain once stole our last Sunflower, and ever since, none have been born. The women of our land continue to perform this dance, praying to the Fire Spirit to bless them once more."

As the performance concludes, the crowd raises their hands, casting a basic fire spell—Scorch—into the sky, a breathtaking display of flickering flames. Together, ninety thousand voices chant in unison:

"We are the flames that light this land. We are the fire that gives birth to life. We are the eternal embers!"

The synchronized chanting and fire spell create a sight of unparalleled majesty, marking the official commencement of the Summer Festival.

The Battle of Geniuses

The announcer steps forward, his voice echoing through the colosseum.

Announcer: "My fellow embers of the empire, are you ready for today's main event—the Battle of Geniuses?!"

The crowd erupts into cheers.

Announcer: "Then let us welcome the warriors of Solaren Academy, Ashes Academy, Claron Academy, and Royal Gate Academy!"

Chatter spreads through the audience as whispers of anticipation ripple through the masses.

Civilian 1: "Is it true that both Imperial Princes have already reached Centurion level?"

Civilian 2: "Yeah! They're unbelievably strong, but they're in different academies, so we might see a legendary match between them!"

Civilian 1: "Only if they get matched against each other! Otherwise, the other two academies don't stand a chance."

Civilian 3: "Hey, don't underestimate the others! Osmian of Claron and Wuxing of Ashes are geniuses in their own right."

Civilian 1: "Still, they're not as strong as the princes."

Civilian 2: "It's not just about the princes! This year's event is hyped because so many extraordinary warriors have emerged in the same batch."

The top students of each academy march into the arena, proudly carrying their respective academy flags.

Announcer: "Let us welcome the heroes of today's event!"

The crowd erupts into deafening cheers.

Girl 1: "Prince Rocyan, you're so handsome!"

Girl 2: "Crown Prince Huorin, look this way!"

A former Ashes Academy graduate calls out.

Ashes Graduate: "Juniors, show them what Ashes is made of!"

Another voice echoes from the stands.

Civilian 2: "Osmian, you're an inspiration to us commoners! Show them that we, too, can reach the heavens!"

Silence falls as the emperor himself, Stromus Ignis, the Raging Inferno, steps into the colosseum.

Announcer: "The light of our empire, the Raging Inferno, Emperor Stromus Ignis enters!"

The crowd rises, chanting in unison.

"Long live the Emperor! Glory to the Eternal Ember!"

The top graduates bow in respect before him.

Announcer: "Let us begin today's first duel! Crown Prince Huorin Ignis of Solaren Academy versus Second Prince Rocyan Ignis of Royal Gate Academy!"

The crowd gasps.

Civilian 1: "They're starting with the biggest match right away?!"

Civilian 2: "Prince Rocyan, bring victory to our Royal Gate Academy!"

Civilian 1: "Are you a Royal Gate graduate?"

Civilian 3: "If you're a warrior, why aren't you at the border?"

Civilian 2: "I used my emergency leave for this once-in-a-lifetime match!"

Huorin steps forward, a smirk on his face.

Huorin: "Hey, brother, been a long time, huh?"

Rocyan glares at him.

Rocyan: "Fuck you."

Huorin blinks in surprise.

Huorin: "What the—why?!"

Rocyan: "You talk too much."

Huorin: "Just because you've been on your own for four years doesn't mean you can insult your big—"

Rocyan: "Shut up. You're annoying."

Huorin: "You brat, I'm gonna spank your butt until it's red!"

Rocyan: "Brat?! You're only two days older than me! You're the one getting your ass kicked!"

Announcer: "BEGIN!"

Huorin dashes forward with astonishing speed. Rocyan draws his chain dagger, enveloping it in crimson flames. As the brothers clash, a shockwave of fire bursts through the arena.

The crowd erupts.

CROWD: "CHEERS!"

The moment the announcer's voice echoed across the grand colosseum, Huorin Ignis surged forward like an unleashed inferno. His speed was nothing short of extraordinary, his feet igniting small bursts of flame with every step as he closed the distance in an instant. The rings of fire on his forearms crackled to life, radiating blistering heat that distorted the air around him. His long sword gleamed under the sun, its blade pulsating with embers, a clear manifestation of his Imperial Flame technique.

Rocyan Ignis, in stark contrast, stood his ground with a smirk. His fingers flicked, sending his chain dagger whipping through the air in a serpentine motion. The blade glowed ominously, crimson runes etched upon its surface beginning to pulse with energy. He was in no rush; he knew his brother's temperament well. Huorin was a force of nature—powerful, relentless—but Rocyan thrived in the art of strategy. He was a technician, a master of manipulation, and his long-range chain dagger gave him the advantage of keeping distance.

As Huorin lunged with a fire-empowered punch, Rocyan flicked his wrist, sending the dagger coiling like a viper around his brother's outstretched arm. The explosion rune activated—BOOM! A controlled detonation sent Huorin skidding backward, his boots digging deep trenches into the stone floor. But he barely winced. The moment he regained footing, he twisted his body and propelled himself forward, using a burst of flame from his legs to launch into a mid-air somersault over Rocyan.

"Nice trick," Huorin smirked, twisting mid-air to deliver a downward slash.

Rocyan yanked his chain dagger, but this time, Huorin anticipated it. The prince twisted his blade, catching the chain and yanking hard. Rocyan was pulled forward, stumbling slightly. Huorin took advantage, flames surging from his fists as he drove a blazing punch toward Rocyan's chest.

Rocyan's smirk remained. At the last moment, his chain dagger retracted, wrapping around his wrist, and he raised his free hand. A secondary rune on his dagger activated—

BOOM!

A controlled explosion erupted from his feet, launching him backward in a spinning arc, just out of Huorin's reach. The moment he landed, he pivoted and sent his dagger snaking forward once more. This time, Huorin didn't try to dodge—he welcomed the attack.

As the dagger neared, his rings of fire flared even brighter. With a flick of his wrist, he swung his sword in a rising arc, Imperial Flame Sword: First Form—Surging Sun Slash!

A blinding crescent of fire erupted from his blade, hurtling towards Rocyan at an astonishing speed. The sheer force sent shockwaves rippling across the colosseum. The crowd gasped.

Rocyan's eyes narrowed—there was no dodging this. Instead, he countered with a move of his own. With a fierce tug, his chain dagger snapped back to his hand. He spun once, gathering momentum, and hurled it forward with all his might. The explosion rune at its tip burned brighter—

BOOM!

The two forces collided mid-air, fire and raw force exploding in a chaotic dance of embers. The impact sent shockwaves blasting outward, nearly knocking the nearest audience members off their feet. Smoke billowed into the sky, obscuring the two combatants for a moment.

Then, from within the haze, Huorin's silhouette emerged, his sword still ablaze.

"So, you countered my Surging Sun Slash…" he muttered, rolling his shoulders. "Not bad."

Rocyan stood opposite him, twirling his dagger lazily. "You always come at me head-on, big bro. You should know by now—I don't play by your rules."

Huorin grinned. "Then let's end this, once and for all."

Both fighters dug in, ready for the next exchange. The battle was far from over, and the colosseum trembled in anticipation of the legendary duel that was about to unfold.

NEXT CHAPTER-------> GREATEST OF NEW GENERATION