Chapter 2 : The Sixteenth Celebration

The next morning, the grand hall of Ravenguard Castle was filled with fiery excitement. That day marked the sixteenth birthday of Prince Kael, and the kingdom spared no expense in throwing a massive celebration.

Red and gold banners fluttered in the wind. The banquet tables were overflowing with roasted pork, exotic fruits, and warm bread fresh from the oven. Laughter echoed throughout the castle courtyard as nobles, knights, and commoners gathered to honor the young prince.

Kael sat quietly beside the throne of his father, King Helion. Even dressed in majestic royal garments, he looked uneasy under the gaze of so many people. A shy smile curled on his lips, but his eyes were cast downward.

Suddenly, a familiar and warm voice rang out loudly.

"Come on, young Prince!" the voice called cheerfully. "Why is the star of the party sitting there like a statue?"

It was Commander Arden, head of the Ravenguard knights, the most trusted knight in the kingdom, and the king's right hand. He was tall and broad-shouldered, his armor gleaming. Without hesitation, Arden threw his arm around Kael's shoulder.

"You'll never become a true Ravenguard man if you keep hiding behind your father's throne!" he teased.

Gently, he pulled Kael into the center of the hall. The crowd welcomed them with thunderous applause.

Arden raised his tankard high. "To our Prince—Kael of House Ravenguard—on his sixteenth birthday! May his blade stay sharp, his heart stay brave, and his future shine bright!"

The hall erupted in cheers. Cups clinked in toasts, laughter exploded like fireworks, and music roared through the air. Dancers spun across the polished stone floor, while musicians played songs of triumph and hope for the days to come.

But far above the noise and the lights, in the tallest tower of the castle, King Helion stood alone.

A dim lantern lit an old painting. In it, a woman with ruby-red hair gazed out with eyes full of warmth. Her beauty was timeless, her expression soft and kind.

Helion's voice broke the silence, heavy with memories.

"My love… our son has grown so fast. Sixteen years have passed, and I see so much of you in him. His kindness. His unyielding spirit. I talk about you to him often, but it never feels like enough. He only knows you through this painting… and my stories."

He stepped toward the window, the western sea breeze rushing in. The crashing waves of the Western Bay whispered calm to his restless heart.

But peace never lasts.

---

A knight came running across the castle courtyard, his armor clanking with every panicked step. Sweat streamed down his face, and his breathing was ragged.

"Stop!" barked the gate guard as the knight approached. "Weren't you stationed at the East Gate?! What are you doing here?!"

"I-I need… to see the King… right now…" the knight gasped, clutching his chest.

"You can't! The prince's birthday celebration is in full swing!"

But the knight shoved past him, slamming into the guard's shoulder and sprinting down the castle corridor. Shouts rang out as several knights chased after him.

The party was still going when he burst into the throne room, collapsing to the floor before being seized by the guards. The room instantly fell silent.

Commander Arden stepped forward, his voice stern. "Explain yourself before you're thrown in the dungeon. What madness brought you here like this?!"

The knight struggled to rise, falling to one knee, his breath still shallow. "C-C… Commander… East Gate…"

"Speak clearly, damn it!" Arden snapped. "What's going on at the East Gate?!"

The knight took a deep breath and then shouted, "Knights of the Imperial Order from the Empire… they've appeared at the border!"

His voice echoed through the hall. Cups were lowered. The music stopped. Faces turned grim.

---

Upon hearing the news, Kael immediately rushed to the top of the castle.

He took the spiral stairs two at a time, heart pounding. The message burned through his thoughts like wildfire.

He burst through the upper room's door and found his father already donning his battle armor.

"Father! The Imperial forces are at the East Gate!" Kael cried, alarmed.

Helion turned. His normally stern face softened at the sight of his anxious son. He knelt and placed a gauntleted hand on Kael's head.

"It's alright, Kael. I've been expecting this. But before anything else, I want you to listen to me. I want you to stay by Arden's side. Don't leave his side, no matter what happens."

"But—"

"No buts, Kael."

Kael nodded, still confused. "Yes, Father…"

Though he remained calm on the outside, Helion carried deep concern inside. He looked toward the west and muttered under his breath.

"Those bastards… what are they doing coming all this way… and bringing the Imperial Knights that should never leave the Empire?"

---

The Empire was ruled by the Eight Grand Emperors, worshiped like gods. Knight of the Imperial Order was their elite personal army, rarely seen outside the Imperial Capital. When they did appear, it was only for two reasons:

To crush a rebellion.

Or to hunt down a Demoniac.

In the world of Astra, the Demoniacs are humans who are hated and considered traitors to humanity because they sold their souls to the Great Demon King in exchange for power. Demoniacs can be recognized by the Demonic energy that emanates from their bodies. However, high-level Demoniacs are capable of concealing their Demonic energy so well that even master swordsmen or Archmages cannot sense it. Nevertheless, the Emperors, who possess holy power, are able to reveal this hidden Demonic energy, and the Imperial Order of knights can do the same, as they are blessed by the Emperors.