Reflections of War

The sky over the Imperial Capital was no longer calm.

Dark clouds coiled unnaturally over the palace spires, shaped like spirals of mirrored glass. The people whispered of omens, gods, and demons. But those who understood power… knew this was no mere weather change.

It was the Mirrorborn Prince—Kael Arcanis Imperius.

For the first time in centuries, the Empire had two unstoppable forces alive at the same time:

One cloaked in holy lies.

The other cloaked in villainous truth.

And the world was being pulled between them.

Scene: Loyal Dog Headquarters

Priyanshu stood before a massive magical display — a real-time projection of the capital.

He watched as Kael took his first public step into the palace courtyard.

The crowd of nobles parted instinctively, some kneeling in fear, others trembling in awe.

"He doesn't emit killing intent," Asha noted, "but everything around him bends — like even reality's scared to displease him."

[System Alert: Mirrorborn Effect Detected – Reality Calibration: 15% Instability][Warning: All illusions, false identities, and hidden traits are at risk of exposure within Kael's range.]

"So," Priyanshu mused, "he reflects truth… to the point that lies collapse on sight."

He sat down, fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest of his throne.

"But what happens," he whispered, "when even truth is too much to bear?"

Scene: Inner Court, Imperial Palace

Kael's return had triggered more than awe — it had triggered fear. The Empress called an emergency gathering of top generals, bishops, and sect heads.

He stood before them all, expression blank.

"Tell me," He said softly, "which of you was it… that ordered the killing of the Abyss Saints?"

A bishop flinched. A general looked away.

"You claim to serve light," Kael continued, "but your hands… are darker than those you condemn."

The room fell to its knees.

Then he said something none expected:

"I will not serve this Empire."

The Empress stepped forward, a flicker of panic flashing in her golden eyes. "Kael—"

"I will serve justice," he interrupted coldly. "Not thrones. Not gods. Not you."

[System Notification: Kael Arcanis is now Neutral-Autonomous — No Faction Affiliation Detected]

And then he turned around… and vanished.

Scene: Streets of the Capital

Kael walked like a ghost through the lower districts, his presence unnoticed. Children didn't see him. Merchants forgot he passed.

But from a rooftop, Priyanshu watched him.

"He's not on their side," Asha whispered. "He might not be on ours, either."

"That's the best kind of piece," Priyanshu said, smirking. "The kind that thinks it plays for itself."

A flash of golden light burst through the sky as a divine knight landed before Kael. It was Inquisitor Varros, sent by the Church to test his loyalty.

"You will kneel before the will of the Divine Law!" Varros shouted.

Kael's voice was soft.

"No."

He raised one finger — and the knight exploded into mirrored dust, his scream silenced instantly.

Priyanshu grinned.

[System Update: Mirrorborn Prince — Confirmed Capable of Reality Erasure at Sub-Conceptual Level]

"Now the world knows," he whispered.

"There is no hero.No god.No savior.

Only a choice…"

He looked to the darkening horizon.

"…Between the villain they fear… and the truth they can't survive."