THE FALL OF LIGHT (When Peace Shattered)

Scene 1: The Calm Before

At the heart of the world, where all four regions—North, South, East, and West—converged in delicate balance, stood the magnificent Crestholm Great City, also known as the Central City. This legendary city was more than a marvel of architecture or trade—it was the axis of unity and progress, built over ancient foundations and steeped in forgotten magic.

Protected by towering walls embedded with spell-forged steel and surrounded by a labyrinth of defensive towers, Crestholm thrived under the supreme supervision of the South King, Raiku Arkus. It served not only as the meeting point of cultures but also as the shield against any brewing conflict between the regions.

In the years of peace, Crestholm had become a beacon of harmony—its defense unmatched, its technology unrivaled, and its people prosperous. But peace, as always, is a fragile illusion.

Scene 2: The Breaking News

Inside the radiant halls of the Emberlyis Royal Palace, sunlight poured through crystal windows, casting golden light upon the white-stone floors. King Raiku Arkus sat on his throne, draped in silver-white armor, his expression calm and noble.

A council meeting was in session—an important gathering of generals, mages, city lords, and strategists. The grand chamber buzzed with controlled voices, each giving reports on their respective regions. Then the Chief General, a tall man clad in golden battle robes, stood and saluted with a fist to his chest.

“My King,” he said firmly, “our armies have strengthened across every front. The defensive barriers of Crestholm have been enhanced with celestial runes. If war should ever touch us, we are ready.”

The King nodded with approval. “Good. The South must always protect its people.”

But as the council resumed, a loud cry echoed through the marble halls. A guard burst into the chamber—dust on his armor, sweat on his brow, and fear in his eyes.

“Sire!” he gasped. “The Central City… Crestholm… has been attacked!”

Gasps rippled across the room.

“What madness is this?” one of the council members demanded.

The messenger dropped to his knees. “The North King… Zorak… he and his forces appeared out of nowhere! They’ve breached Crestholm’s defenses with dark magic… it's fallen into chaos!”

The king’s calm turned to fury. His voice thundered. “Summon the full might of the South! Chief General, ready 500,000 soldiers at once!”

The council scattered into action. War drums began to beat. Magic sigils glowed to life across the palace walls.

Suddenly, the Queen—Kaen Arkus, graceful yet fierce—rushed into the chamber.

“You must not go!” she cried, her eyes wide with fear. “You are not just a warrior; you are the heart of this kingdom. The general will handle this—you must stay.”

Even the council murmured agreement.

But Raiku Arkus looked toward the portraits of his ancestors and shook his head.

“I am not just a king behind walls. I swore to protect every soul in the South. I will not watch our people fall from a distance.”

He held his queen’s hand tenderly.

“I promise… I will return.”

Queen Kaen turned away in tears, and the chamber stood silent as the South King rose to his full height.

With grace and command, he led the army into formation. Before leaving, he gave orders: 250,000 soldiers would divert to Crestholm, tasked with rescuing survivors and securing the city, while the remaining 250,000 would continue with him and the Chief General toward the Northern front.

Their march was silent—no songs of war, no drums of pride—only the heavy march of duty and the quiet rage in the South King’s heart.

As they reached the outer ridges of the Ember Plains, the land darkened with thick smoke and shadows.

And there, waiting in the valley of forgotten kings, stood the North King Zorak…

Cloaked in obsidian energy, flanked by an army without end, and beside him—the dark magician Kagutsume no Yurei, whose eyes glowed like the last embers of a dying star.

The world itself seemed to hold its breath.

The war had begun—not with a declaration, but with the shattering of peace.