Even if You Are Just A Soul

While Lordhair’s ultimate captivity was unfolding, what had happened on the other side of Chaos? ( Because of the use of Phantom, the battle in the valley never happened and everything continued where it left off as if it happened in an instant.)

A deep silence filled the council chamber. The faces of all the rulers bore the weight of the decision that had to be made. From within the shadows, Gareth Silhou spoke with focused calmness:

"I believe we must hold a vote. This matter will either be resolved through diplomacy or end in war. This decision will shape the future of our people."

The vote commenced swiftly. King Cypron and Daeghar firmly chose the path of war. Daeghar's voice echoed through the room:

"Without war, we have no choice but to submit to Jorah Iron. Our people deserve to fight for their freedom."

King Varyn and Lady Aria, on the other hand, expressed their commitment to diplomacy. Varyn’s voice, calm yet resolute, was heard:

"Spilling blood will only bring more suffering. Diplomacy can ease the pain our people endure."

Silhou maintained his neutrality, both physically and intellectually. "I choose to remain neutral," he stated with the composure of a true leader.

Seizing this opportunity, Cypron made a sharp but calculated remark:

"If Gareth is neutral, then we have balance. Let everyone seek their own solution. That would be the fairest way."

Silhou acknowledged this statement with quiet approval. "With this approach, we may avoid further conflict. Perhaps this is for the best."

The council dispersed. As Daeghar and Cypron left together to return to the Fire Realm, Lady Aria and King Varyn set out on a different path in pursuit of diplomacy. Gareth Silhou, however, remained behind, stepping into the solitude of the shadows.

Daeghar turned to Cypron. "Come to the Fire Realm. We can plan more comfortably there." Cypron nodded in agreement.

As Daeghar’s massive dragon ascended into the sky, Gareth Silhou activated his medallion’s concealment feature. Moving through the shadows with unseen force, he kept pace with the dragon’s speed, his connection to the darkness granting him not only velocity but also strategic advantage. His movements on the ground were swift enough to occasionally surpass the dragon’s flight path.

But Gareth was not alone. Nash had activated the Shadow Reflector, rendering himself invisible within the shadows.

With the device active, Nash moved like a silent, unseen force. As he followed Gareth Silhou’s trail, his mind was resolute. To him, tracking Daeghar and Cypron was not just about surveillance—it was an opportunity to uncover the true motives behind their schemes.

"Silhou, you are a master of the shadows. But following your movements isn’t a challenge for me—it’s second nature. Understanding the plans of a leader like you could change the fate of this war." Nash’s thoughts resonated with certainty and power.

"The shadows are not just a place to hide—they are a means to advance. The Shadow Reflector doesn’t just grant me concealment; it sharpens my movements and enhances my speed. I have all the patience required to learn Silhou’s mysterious intentions."

As he observed Silhou’s fluid motion, Nash harbored a quiet inquiry beneath his confidence.

"Every move you make, Gareth, shows how deeply you merge with the shadows. But watching someone like you isn’t a challenge for a warrior like me. The shadows are merely tools for me—my power comes from within."

The dragon soared forward with powerful wingbeats, while Gareth and Nash matched its pace, adapting to the air currents around it. Gareth’s seamless movement through the shadows allowed him to keep up with the beast’s speed, while Nash remained out of sight, maintaining his position undetected.

Upon reaching the Fire Realm, the dragon landed before the kingdom’s grand gates. As Cypron and Daeghar entered, Gareth hesitated within the shadows. Nash checked his device, ensuring his stealth remained intact. Silently, both continued their pursuit of the leaders toward the royal hall.

Inside the royal chamber, blessed with crimson and gold, Daeghar and Cypron sat across from each other. The walls were adorned with dragon motifs, symbols of their power. Yet beyond the grandeur, a palpable tension lingered in the air. The words spoken hinted at an approaching storm.

Daeghar leaned forward thoughtfully. His voice was calm yet determined:

"Jorah alone wouldn’t mean much. But unfortunately, he is not alone. Mask and Lordhair—two cunning sons—and a warrior like Thorn stand by his side. Thorn’s strength is undeniable, but what truly concerns me are the rumors that Lordhair is an even greater warrior. He has yet to fight in any official battle, yet his abilities echo throughout the land."

Cypron interrupted, his voice sharp. "According to our agents, Lordhair has been missing for some time. So, we don’t have to worry about him. But Mask… He is our biggest obstacle. We may consider Thorn as well, but our primary target should be Mask. Without eliminating him, we cannot reach Jorah."

Daeghar listened intently before responding. "Then what if we lure them to us? We should invite Jorah and all the rulers to the Fire Realm—hold a ‘council.’ But in reality, it will be a trap to eliminate Mask. If we remove him, Jorah will fall much more easily."

Cypron nodded slightly. "That might work, but for such a grand scheme, we need to refine the details. We must decide exactly how to target Mask and weaken Jorah."

Daeghar locked eyes with Cypron. "We will let time do its work. During the council, we will set a trap and eliminate Mask. That will leave only Jorah and possibly Thorn. Jorah is already one step behind his enemies. How long can he endure in his father’s shadow?"

At that moment, the shadows in the corner of the room stirred. Gareth Silhou, who had remained hidden until then, emerged from the darkness. Standing amidst the crimson and golden light, he took a step forward and spoke in a composed yet commanding voice:

"I agree with this proposal. I am on your side."

Daeghar and Cypron exchanged brief looks of surprise. "You followed us?" Gareth’s support added a new layer to their plan. Yet, unseen by them, another figure hidden in the shadows had also witnessed the truth behind their scheme. Nash, cloaked by the Shadow Reflector, had listened carefully, unraveling the depth of this conspiracy.

Nash’s mind remained cool as he analyzed the unfolding plans.

"These two are setting a trap for Jorah and Mask, but Silhou’s true intentions are still a mystery. One thing is certain—everyone here is playing their own game."

Cypron leaned over a metallic map and began:

"Mask is Jorah’s greatest strength. Not only is he intelligent, but he is always one step ahead strategically. But this is just a game. We must force him to make a mistake."

Daeghar nodded in agreement. "A direct confrontation with someone like him won’t work. We need a sequence of steps. During the council, we can divert the other rulers’ attention, isolating Mask. If we create a complex enough distraction to bypass security protocols, it will be easier to take him down."

As Silhou remained deep in thought, Cypron continued, “Our plan must be simple yet effective. We can orchestrate a sabotage targeting Mask, perhaps by exploiting weaknesses in the security systems. We could even lure him to a predetermined location. Creating a staged conflict among the other leaders might work.”

Daeghar spoke up, “Perhaps we could fabricate an emergency at the end of the meeting, separating Mask from the others. But we’ll need distractions. Jorah must be kept completely preoccupied elsewhere.”

Silhou lifted his head after listening to the discussion and spoke calmly, “In addition to that, we must appear completely loyal to the council’s order, leaving them in a false sense of security. Isolating Mask can only be achieved through careful manipulation. If everyone is focused on Jorah, we can create an opportunity to eliminate Mask. I support this plan. I am with you.”

With that decision, the plan became clear. Mask would be eliminated through a council trap involving the other leaders. With Silhou’s support, the trap had become even stronger and more effective.

After discussing these plans, Nash used the Shadow Reflector to leave the Flame Realm undetected. Moving silently, he reached a dark cave where he would remain unnoticed. Checking his device’s energy levels, he prepared his covert communication system.

Activating the device, Nash established a connection with Mask and Jorah. His voice was firm and resolute:

"Jorah, Mask. This is not the voice of an enemy but of an ally revealing the truth within the shadows. Daeghar and Cypron have agreed on a plan targeting both you and Mask. They intend to use the council in the Flame Realm to isolate Mask and then eliminate him. They will employ every possible method to distract the other leaders and compromise your security."

He paused for a moment, glancing at the device’s screen before continuing:
"You must tread carefully to disrupt their plan. Mask, you will be attacked. Only you can stop it. Jorah, reinforce your security. This trap is only the beginning. You must see how they are closing in, step by step."

After delivering his message, Nash shut off the device and took a deep breath. His words had now reached Jorah and Mask. The conspiracy in the Flame Realm was no longer a secret. Quietly, Nash continued on his own path, awaiting the rewriting of the game.

The Royal Capital

When Mask and Thorn arrived at the capital upon their father Jorah’s summons, the atmosphere in the royal palace was tense and serious. As Mask walked calmly and focused, Thorn stepped forward energetically, eager to hear the reason for their call.

Jorah sat upon his throne, facing his sons Mask and Thorn. Their determination and abilities carried great hope for the future of the kingdom. Speaking with the authority of a leader, Jorah addressed them:

"Mask, your intelligence and strategic thinking are among this kingdom’s greatest assets. I am appointing you as the chief strategist. Thorn, with your strength and warrior spirit, you will lead the kingdom’s defense as the chief knight. I have complete faith in both of you."

Mask listened to his father’s words with pride, slightly bowing his head in formal acknowledgment. "I accept this honor, Father. I will fulfill my duty with diligence."
Thorn, more energetic, responded, "We are always ready to fight for the kingdom, Father."

After congratulating his sons, Jorah brought up a critical matter. "You both know that Lordhair has been missing for a long time. We must find him. He is one of the brightest minds in this kingdom and is crucial to us."

Mask paused for a moment before speaking thoughtfully, "We may need to trace our enemies’ movements to uncover the truth behind his disappearance. If we find Lordhair, the balance of the kingdom could shift."

Thorn, more direct, added, "Without Lordhair, our defense is weak. We must try every possible way."

Emphasizing the importance of this mission, Jorah then revealed another concern. "We are aware that Daeghar and Cypron are plotting to set a trap for us at the council. However, this ambush could become an opportunity for us. We need a strategy."

Mask immediately analyzed his father’s words and proposed, "If one of the leaders gets distracted during the ambush, it will give us room to maneuver. Since I will be the target, we can establish a protective shield around me while redirecting the attack elsewhere."

Jorah nodded slightly as he listened. "That is a good start. But we need more to turn their plan against them."

Thorn, following his warrior instincts, suggested, "We can secretly position our warriors in key strategic points before the ambush. If the enemies attack, we can turn their own trap against them."

Mask supported the idea, "Yes, moving carefully and in coordination during the ambush will allow us to eliminate our enemies."

Combining his sons’ suggestions, Jorah formulated a clear strategy. "During the council, we will ensure Mask is under protection. We will introduce elements of discord to divert the leaders’ attention. Thorn, you will secretly position your troops. If the enemies launch an attack, we will respond with overwhelming force. This plan will provide us both defense and offense."

Mask and Thorn had absolute confidence in their father’s strategy. They vowed to use all their strength to succeed in this mission.

Mask: "Can we gain any allies? Lady Aria or King Varyn could greatly strengthen our hand."

Jorah: "Lady Aria, perhaps. But I have known Varyn for years—he would never enter an alliance that directly makes him a target."

Mask: "I will send an envoy to Lady Aria. She may prove useful in this war."

Jorah: "Good."

Jorah then brought up another alarming issue. "There is one more thing. A man I do not know infiltrated the Laboratory. First, he destroyed one of Lordhair’s inventions, then slaughtered my soldiers. When I arrived, he tested me for a while and then vanished without reason."

Mask: "Could it be one of Cypron’s agents?"

Jorah: "Even though I have aged, it is laughable to think Cypron has an agent who could

 challenge me—Cypron himself could not even stand against me."

Mask: "I will immediately increase security."

Jorah: "Good. Now, assume your new roles."

Mask and Thorn left the palace and proceeded toward their respective stations.

The Realm of the Gods

Once again, during a time of punishment, Lordhair was battling within the room specially designed for him. As he struggled against the hallucinations echoing in his mind, the dark atmosphere of the room suddenly shifted. His gaze fixated on the vast emptiness filled with stars. With every breath he took, the images in his mind intensified, blurring the line between reality and illusion. At that moment, a voice echoed. A powerful, cold, and mocking voice:

"Are you enjoying yourself, Lordhair?"

Lordhair pulled at his chains, standing up with determination. His eyes burned with resolve. "Such pain only brings me pleasure," he said, his voice unwavering in defiance.

The god’s voice returned, this time harsher and more menacing: "Then let me make sure you enjoy it even more."

Suddenly, the room’s atmosphere changed again. The star-filled void turned blood-red. Lordhair felt something hot and sticky cover his face. Bringing his hands up, he realized—it was blood. His eyes widened, his breath quickened. Before him, the scene of his mother’s death unfolded.

His mother fought against Mythos and Marc, while Lordhair watched helplessly from a corner. Her sword deflected her enemies’ strikes, each movement filled with sacrifice. But with every clash, the enemies’ attacks grew fiercer, and she weakened further. Lordhair kept thinking, "Maybe this time she will survive." But every time, he watched her fall, the light in her eyes fading.

"No! No, this isn’t real!" Lordhair screamed, yanking at his chains to break free. But the visions continued—his mother’s screams, the laughter of her enemies, everything echoed in his mind.

"Mother! No! Please, survive this time!" he cried. But the outcome was always the same.

The god’s voice rang out once more, now laced with mockery: "That’s enough for today. Tomorrow, I’ll make sure you have even more fun."

The visions disappeared instantly. The room returned to darkness. Lordhair collapsed to his knees, gasping for breath...

While Lordhair was trying to ease his pain, a sudden burst of light emanated from his pocket, and Chronos appeared.

Chronos: "I will give you a piece of advice. I have had dozens of users before you, and each of them clung to different things—some to their sword, some to their throne, some to their wealth. What will you hold on to? If you don’t find a purpose, you will fade away."

Lordhair: "I know... but what can I do? I am just a human."

Chronos: "Just follow the traces of your soul. You already know the answer. Now, I must go again. You only need to call me." With those words, Chronos vanished in a brilliant burst of light.

Lordhair stood still for a while, deep in thought. Suddenly, he found everything that had been overwhelming his mind to be utterly foolish.

"This damn prison has been enough for today," he muttered and took the Alter into his hand.

Focusing his mind, he thought of the Northern Kingdom. He imagined the place where Solve was, her face, the environment around her. As the Alter’s light grew and shimmered, Lordhair’s soul slowly separated from his body. The star-filled prison chamber dissolved into nothingness, replaced by the snow-covered mountains of the Northern Kingdom.

Solve sat in a palace at the northernmost reaches of the kingdom, watching the snowfall.

She sat by the window, lost in thought. When the air in the room shifted, she immediately sensed the change. Activating her soul magic, she moved to embrace Lordhair’s spirit, which had manifested before her. The distance between them meant nothing; this reunion was a moment that expressed their love and connection.

Solve used her soul magic to form a protective barrier strong enough to hold him. The two merged, as if they could truly feel each other’s warmth. With a gentle smile, Solve whispered, "I was waiting for you, Lordhair. We were dying of curiosity."

Lordhair felt his heart tighten at her sincere words. Looking into her eyes, the weight in his chest lightened a little, though his pain was still deep. Slowly, he began to speak, telling her everything—the cold prison, the hallucinations of his mother, the helplessness he had felt… Solve listened attentively to every word. She saw the cracks in his voice, the heaviness in his eyes, and understood how much he had been fighting.

Gently, Solve placed her hand on his face. "I am here to be with you, to share your pain," she said. "No matter what happens, I will stay by your side. Love is strong enough to overcome any hardship."

Lordhair: "Is that so? My body isn’t even really here..."

Solve looked at him with warmth and smiled softly. "You are not just a wandering spirit between worlds, Lordhair. You are my soul. No matter what, this love will transcend everything."

Lordhair: "I hope you're right… because right now, what I need most is pure love."

Solve gazed into Lordhair’s eyes and said, "I don’t know what they did to you there, but no matter what you go through, you can always come to me. I will talk to you, hold you, show you around. I will do whatever you want."

Lordhair found courage in Solve’s words. A small sense of peace appeared in his eyes. Solve spoke of memories from the past—their pains, how deeply they had been loved, the beautiful times they had spent together. Feeling the warmth of her love, Lordhair knew the value of this moment.

Solve: "You once told me that we would have plenty of time to hold each other after everything was over. But it seems everything is only just beginning. None of us know what the future holds."

Lordhair: "The more I think about the past and the future, the more blurred they become. Maybe this is where I need to hold onto my will."

Solve: "We are in the present now. The only thing you need to focus on is how you will respond to my next move."

Lordhair: "What are you talking about?"

Solve touched Lordhair’s soul and looked at him with a gentle smile, her eyes filled with warmth and love. Taking his hand, she softly said, "I am going to take you somewhere special."

Though slightly surprised by her words, Lordhair nodded and followed her lead. Using her magic, Solve transported them to another part of the palace. Within moments, they found themselves in a grand and magnificent ballroom. The chandeliers shimmered, casting reflections across the gilded walls and elegant decorations, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere.

Solve glanced around before raising her hands slightly. A gentle energy spread toward the puppet musicians standing in the corner of the room. One by one, the lifeless figures came to life, their instruments stirring as they began to play a graceful, emotional melody. With a subtle smile, Solve turned to Lordhair and asked in a soft voice, "Would you like to dance?"

Hearing her kind invitation, a faint smile formed on Lordhair’s lips. Even though he was only present as a spirit, he could feel the magic of the moment in his heart. Bowing slightly, he replied gently, "It would be my honor."

The two came together at the center of the ballroom. Solve used her magic to make Lordhair’s spirit more tangible, allowing him to experience the movement of the dance. Gracefully, they drew closer to one another, moving in harmony with the music.

As Solve and Lordhair glided in sync with the melody, it felt as if time had stopped just for them. For minutes, they existed in a world of their own, lost in the enchanting atmosphere of the ballroom. Solve gazed into Lordhair’s eyes and smiled tenderly. Lordhair, in turn, felt a happiness he hadn’t experienced in a long time. With every turn, every step, their bond deepened.

As the puppet musicians’ melody gradually faded, Solve and Lordhair brought their dance to a close. Solve gently held Lordhair’s hands and whispered, "No matter what happens, I will never forget this moment."

Lordhair simply smiled in response, feeling a deep sense of peace within him. In the midst of all the chaos, this night had become an unforgettable and pure moment of happiness for both of them.

Solve: I have to tell you something