The Last Dawn of Stellaris
The light of dawn illuminated the highest tower of Stellaris Palace, casting a golden glow upon the white marble walls that had stood firm for five centuries. Arthur Stellaris stood on his palace balcony, gazing at the vast expanse of the kingdom sprawling below him. Small towns were neatly arrayed like scattered jewels, with thin wisps of smoke curling from chimneys as homes began their morning activities.
In his arms, a tiny infant slept peacefully. The heir to the throne, born just three days ago, still tiny and completely bald. Arthur felt a subtle mana tremor flowing within the small body—a sign that his child also possessed extraordinary magical potential.
"Your Majesty," Councillor Theron's voice, a five-hundred-year-old Elf, broke the morning silence. His usually serene expression now appeared troubled. "Reports from the border guards have arrived."
Arthur did not turn. As a Sage a rank attainable only by those chosen each century—he had already sensed a disturbance in the flow of mana around the kingdom for weeks. Like a storm gathering on the horizon, the threat was drawing closer.
"How many kingdoms have joined their alliance?" Arthur asked in a flat voice.
"Four major kingdoms, Sire. The Drakmoor Kingdom with its vampire legions, the Fenris Kingdom with its werewolf clans, the Ironhold Kingdom with its dwarf armies, and the Aethermoor Kingdom with their elven mages." Theron paused for a moment. "They have also united various smaller tribes and peoples. Their total troop count is estimated at one hundred thousand."
Arthur finally turned, his sapphire-blue eyes radiating a calm yet profound light. "And they all come for one person."
"For you, Your Majesty. They fear the power you possess."
A bitter smile touched Arthur's face. A cruel irony—he who had always dreamed of forging peace between all races, now became the very reason for their unity in war. The power that destiny bestowed upon him once every century, which allowed him to reach the rank of Sage at such a young age, had now become a curse upon his kingdom.
"How much time do we have?" Arthur asked, stroking his still-sleeping child's cheek.
"Three days, perhaps four if bad weather slows them down."
Arthur closed his eyes, sensing the flow of cosmic mana coursing within his body. A power capable of levelling mountains, controlling weather, even influencing the minds of thousands at once. Yet, despite being a Sage, he was a single human facing the combined might of four great kingdoms.
"Theron," he called softly. "Send word to all the people of Stellaris. Those who wish to leave may abandon the kingdom tonight. Take with them all the possessions they can carry."
"Your Majesty, you wouldn't—"
"I will not surrender," Arthur cut in firmly. "But neither will I allow innocent people to die because of my destiny." He looked at his child, still sleeping peacefully. "This child... he will inherit a world far different from the one I now lead."
The morning breeze blew gently, carrying the scent of cherry blossoms from the palace gardens. In the distance, birds still chirped cheerfully, unaware that this might be the last dawn for the great Stellaris Kingdom.
Arthur Stellaris, the king born with a miraculous gift once every century, held his child close. In three days, fate would determine whether his extraordinary power would be salvation or destruction for those he loved.
Meanwhile, from the four cardinal directions, vast armies had already begun to move. War banners unfurled in the morning air, carrying with them vengeance, fear, and ambitions that had festered for years.
The golden age of Stellaris was about to end, and from the ashes of its destruction, a new legend would be born.