What The Hell is This?

Upon returning from the capital, Nash moved like a true detective. Acting under Silhou's orders, he launched an intense investigation to uncover the identities of the mysterious attackers wearing golden masks. He first returned to the scene of the attack and examined the traces carefully. From the footprints on the ground and the remnants in the area, it was clear that this group operated with a certain discipline.

Nash collected witness statements and tried to identify suspicious individuals who were seen in the area on the day of the attack. However, very few people knew anything about the golden-masked attackers; it was as if they had emerged from the shadows and vanished in a storm of dust and confusion. In an effort to understand their motives, Nash began analyzing the targets of the attack and tried to uncover why Silhou had been the focus.

Nash launched into meticulous work. To find out who was behind the golden-masked assailants, he examined every clue with precision. First, the evidence from the scene was collected: the only remnants of the attackers were the fragments of their shattered golden masks, the designs engraved on them, the style of metalwork in the weapons used, and the organized movements of the attackers. All of these elements resembled the renowned craftsmanship and military discipline of the Iron Kingdom.

Next, Nash investigated the activity and trade routes in the region prior to the attack. It was discovered that some caravans had passed through the Iron Kingdom’s borders shortly before the incident. Moreover, the alloy used in the construction of the masks was found to contain a type of ore that was rare in the capital but commonly found in the Iron Kingdom. Based on these findings, Nash compiled a report that strongly suggested the Iron Kingdom might be behind the attack.

Nash began recording a voice message carefully:

"Your Majesty, today we were attacked by a unit of golden-masked soldiers alongside our troops. Strangely enough, we now hold substantial evidence indicating the Iron Kingdom's involvement. Is there anything you would like to explain, Your Majesty?"

This message was delivered to the royal court, and shortly afterward, a response from Jorah arrived—filled with a fury that shook the palace. For a moment, the silence of the throne room was shattered as Jorah’s loud, angry voice echoed through the hall:

"Utter nonsense!  This is a conspiracy against me."

The crash of a golden vase shattering on the floor followed. Jorah’s anger intensified the tension in the room. Though this explosive reaction left Nash’s questions unanswered, it was clear that the investigation into the Iron Kingdom and the search for the truth behind the conspiracy would continue.

As Nash listened to Jorah’s voice message, something caught his attention—the Blitzkrieg army in golden masks.

Nash began observing every move of this Blitzkrieg-equipped unit with great care. But as he ventured further, he noticed mechanisms that went beyond the limits of known Iron Kingdom technology: energetic patterns reflected off the surfaces of flying vehicles, the complexity of the weapons carried by the armored troops, and the fusion of ancient and advanced technology left Nash completely stunned. Each of these units was equipped with weapons that bore the echoes of the past while peering into a future far beyond imagination.

Remaining invisible, Nash silently advanced. Along the path these units traveled, the majesty of Nekhen-Khet slowly revealed itself. A giant statue of Horus, its eyes glowing with blue energy crystals, caught Nash's attention. Its holographic wings lit up the sky, as if transporting the entire underground scene to another world.

After crossing a massive plaza supported by columns, Nash finally reached the source of the movement. He paused for a moment in awe of what he saw: a colossal gate opening from the underground into the world above, appearing like a void surrounded by waves of light and energy. The golden-masked troops were organizing near this gateway. It was a technological marvel, a bridge connecting the underground realm with the surface. Here, troops equipped with Blitzkrieg technology were being deployed and prepared for an unknown mission.

Nash stood before the massive gate. For a brief moment, he couldn't help but wonder where it led. But without hesitation, and with great composure, he stepped forward. As he entered the gate, waves of light surrounded him, and he felt as though he were falling into an endless abyss. The gate was more than just a passage—it stirred a feeling of emptiness and mystery deep in Nash’s mind.

He gently floated before landing. Beneath his feet was a floor covered in golden mosaics, intricately carved with geometric patterns. Looking around, he could hardly believe his eyes: a vast underground city rose before him. This city combined the grandeur of ancient Egypt with the mind-bending boundaries of advanced technology. Marble columns, golden engravings, and holographic lights pulsed at the heart of Nekhen-Khet.

A massive statue of Horus stood in the center, its eyes glowing with blue energy crystals and its holographic wings spread wide. The crystals powered the lighting systems of the surrounding structures, giving the city a mystical atmosphere. Falcon-shaped vehicles glided silently along magnetic rails, biotechnological plants generated energy, and a subtle scent of lotus emanated from the air-purifying biofilters.

Nash knew that in this magnificent and mysterious city, he was embarking on a new investigation, chasing the unknown. But this city also amplified the mystery surrounding the golden-masked soldiers and hinted at a threat that lay far beyond the borders of the Iron Kingdom.

Still in shock over his discovery in Nekhen-Khet, Nash couldn’t stop thinking about the organized structure of the golden-masked warriors, the overwhelming power of the Iron Kingdom’s technologies, and the gigantic underground gate connecting to the world above. All of it pointed to a larger conspiracy. He immediately decided to send another message to Jorah—his voice firm and probing:

Nash: “Your Majesty, I’ve found something incredible in Nekhen-Khet. The golden-masked soldiers are gathering here, and each is equipped with Blitzkrieg technology from the Iron Kingdom—some even more advanced than we’ve ever seen. What’s more, this underground city contains a massive gate that connects it directly to the surface, and all the troops are organizing around it. Are you still sure there’s nothing you’d like to tell me, Your Majesty?”

Shortly afterward, a reply came from Jorah. His voice carried a tremble—one of unease, even fury…

Jorah: "You must leave there immediately! If you confront them, things will only get worse. They are the Templars. They broke my pen—that’s why conspiracies are being spun against us."

Nash was left even more bewildered by Jorah’s words. Templars? A broken pen? What were these conspiracies about? As questions raced through his mind, he called out to Jorah again:

Nash: "Templars? A pen? Who’s conspiring?"

But Jorah’s response only angered Nash further. He was clearly avoiding giving a straight answer:

Jorah: "All you need to know for now is that you mustn’t get involved. Knowing more will only put you in greater danger."

Despite Jorah’s evasive reply, Nash did not waver. Taking a deep breath, he responded calmly yet firmly:

Nash: "I’m sorry, Your Majesty, but this time, I won’t follow your orders."

As he ended the transmission, one thought echoed in Nash’s mind: to uncover the truth behind Nekhen-Khet and the golden-masked figures. He was ready to step onto this perilous path.

As Nash carefully surveyed his surroundings within the striking atmosphere of Nekhen, he witnessed the crystal sky cracking open. From the rift of energy that tore through the silence, two mighty figures descended: the magnificent presence of Horus and, beside him, the formidable form of God. The two made a grand landing atop the colossal structure in the shape of “Horus,” which rose in the heart of Nekhen. This glowing monument, a fusion of ancient Egyptian aesthetics and advanced technology, seemed to defy the surrounding darkness.

Maintaining his invisibility, Nash silently slipped through the masked soldiers and moved toward the powerful entities. As he approached, he listened in on the conversation between Horus and God. What he heard revealed a conspiracy that stretched far beyond this dimension—one that threatened all worlds.

God: "How goes the management of this dimension?"

Horus: "Aside from a few complications, things are proceeding well, my Lord. However, the Iron Kingdom resists some of our commands."

God’s voice echoed with a dark judgment, each word ringing in Nash’s mind like a threat:

God: "Then discredit them, weaken them, and destroy them! We must establish absolute dominion over Veyrhan’s world. Command the authorized angels and take the necessary steps, Horus. Or you will share Erlik’s fate."

Horus bowed to God’s absolute orders and answered respectfully:

Horus: "As you command, my God."

Nash could barely breathe as he absorbed the weight of their words. God’s plans to discredit and annihilate the Iron Kingdom made Nekhen’s secrets even more complex. Horus’s submissive obedience revealed just how deep this conspiracy ran.

As Nash moved closer to the peak of the Horus-shaped structure, he looked down upon the people of Nekhen’s underground. These people lived in a world where the enchantment of technology blended seamlessly with ancient aesthetics. Energy-generating systems, biotechnological plants, and gold-embellished buildings spread the city’s mesmerizing chaos in every corner. Yet sensing the schemes hidden behind this calm life made Nash all the more cautious—and curious.

While observing the underground people from the peak, Nash suddenly sensed something shift. The energy in the air changed, turning into a trembling pressure that filled the atmosphere.

God had sensed Nash’s presence—and was now focusing all His wrath upon him.

He felt the divine force reach toward him, establishing dominance over the city’s entire energy network. Nash’s body was gripped by an invisible weight; his breath shortened as the pressure intensified around him.

At that moment, another presence stirred within Nash’s mind: Eclipse. The unshakable presence of this being echoed within him, whispering like a faint voice.

Eclipse: "You must leave now, Nash. God has noticed you. This pressure could destroy you. Move—now!"

Eclipse, committed to protecting his owner, fused with Nash and, in doing so, unlocked new abilities.

Eclipse’s presence stirred Nash’s instincts into action. The pressure from God could be felt deep in his bones, threatening to pin him in place. But Eclipse’s guidance urged him to seek an escape. Nash began to slowly retreat, silently slipping past the masked guards while remaining invisible.

God’s oppressive power intensified, resonating through every structure in Nekhen. Relying on his intuition and the psychic connection with Eclipse, Nash cautiously stepped back until he reached the grand gate of the city—the massive energy field that served as a passage between dimensions now stood before him once again.

This time, Eclipse’s warning rang louder in his mind:

Eclipse: "Go now, Nash. You may not get another chance!"

In truth, Eclipse said nothing out loud—he simply guided Nash through signals within his mind.

Taking a deep breath, Nash stepped toward the gate. A wave of force surged behind him, as if God were trying to pull him back. But trusting his instincts, Nash resisted. The moment he passed through the gate, his body felt lighter and the overwhelming pressure vanished. It was as if he were drifting into an endless abyss—until his feet touched solid ground once more. He had returned to the world outside Nekhen.

Uncovering the mystery behind Nekhen and God was no longer just a mission—it had become a matter of survival. Nash now needed to prepare for what lay ahead. He had to devise a plan to oppose the forces of God and Horus.

But for a moment, he paused to think: how could he possibly face such immense power? Even for him, this was an impossible task. For the first time, he deeply and fully felt his own weakness—and accepted it. But that would never stop him from pressing forward. After all, he was the son of a knight and a general.

Having seen what he had seen, Nash immediately set out for Silhou—toward the “Palace of Shadows.” Alongside him marched a vast army of golden-masked warriors.