In The Midst Of Silence

In the hushed stillness, once a harbinger of impending doom, a profound transformation has occurred since the arrival of my dear Reigne. Silence now holds a comforting embrace, which allowed us to cherish each other's presence without the need for words. The simplicity of sharing mundane moments together has become a priceless treasure, for in those quiet exchanges, a profound connection thrived. I am grateful to have cast aside my fear of solitude, finding solace in the gentle quietude that once haunted me. Yet, it also serves as a poignant reminder of the precious memories I shared with my dear Reigne.

Now, as I stand on the precipice of one final battle, my trusted confidant Theodore by my side, and our loyal allies, I feel a sense of determination burn within me. "Let us depart," I declare to Theodore, who stands before the sturdy wooden door, his unwavering gaze meeting mine.

"As you command," he replies.

The resounding clang of armor hitting the ground reverberates through the hallway of the tavern that has become our temporary sanctuary. Theodore leads the way, striding purposefully towards the dimly lit lounge, where our destiny awaits.

With every step we take, the flickering candlelights cast shifting shadows that dance along the walls, creating an ethereal ambiance. The hushed murmurs of our allies and the anguished whispers of families whose lives have been shattered by the senseless war waged by those who seek to play as gods fill the air in the tavern's lounge. Their voices intertwine, forming a symphony of apprehension, anxiety, and unwavering determination.

As we reach the end of the hallway and the lounge now in our sight, they move their heads upward as their gazes shift towards us, their eyes reflecting a myriad of emotions. The weight of their silence speaks volumes, their mouths held shut by the weight of their sorrows and the enormity of the task that lies ahead.

With this, I take a long deep breath as I must further strengthen their resolves.

"Citizens of Evergreen," I remark, "and those who have been abandoned by their countries, I must ask you once more." I stop, gazing at everyone's eyes filled with resolute.

"WILL YOU FIGHT TO THE DEATH?!" I yell, thumping on the sill of the rail in front of me.

As my words resound through the room, a surge of energy courses through the air. The silence that once enveloped the tavern is shattered by the resounding echo of my question. Tension remains as every eye remains fixed upon me, their expressions a mix of determination, fear, and unwavering loyalty.

I pause, allowing the weight of my words to sink in, my gaze sweeping across the faces of those gathered before me. Each person carries their own story, their own pain and suffering, and now, they stand united in this pivotal moment.

"Will you fight to the death?" I repeat, my voice resonating with conviction. The question hangs in the air, pregnant with the significance of the choice before them.

In response, a wave of fervor surges through the room. A melody of strong voices rises, filled with unwavering determination and unwavering resolve. "Yes! We will fight!" they cry out in unison, their voices a thunderous symphony of defiance and hope.

A renewed fire ignites within my heart as I witness their unwavering commitment. I feel the weight of their trust and the responsibility that rests upon my shoulders. I clench my fist, channeling the collective spirit of our united cause.

"Then let our actions speak louder than our words," I declare, my voice steady and resolute. "Today, we head into battle together, united as one. We shall face the fake Gods, and we shall emerge victorious!"

The room erupts in a chorus of cheers, the air charged with the energy of a united front. We stand as a beacon of hope amidst the chaos, ready to confront the forces that seek to eradicate what is left of 'humanity'.

Together, we move forward, hearts ablaze with purpose, knowing that the road ahead will be arduous and fraught with danger. But in this moment, we are bound by a shared determination, a fierce resolve to protect what we hold dear.

For those who cannot fight, they made me a brilliant sword that shall slice through my adversaries and shield that shall protect me and my comrades. Now, they have finished it.

A small man blocks my path as Theodore and I step into the lounge, handing me a sword and shield while kneeling down.

"Your Majesty, Kai, this is what we are able to make in two light weeks."

Grasping the sword with my hand, I take time to appreciate its intricate golden design resembling that of a fiery flame. Its handle rough against my hands.

As I unsheath the sword, a resonant metallic sound fills the air, piercing through the silence of the room. As the flickering candlelight casts an ethereal glow upon the unsheathed blade, its brilliance matches the intensity in my eyes. The room is engulfed in a moment of silent reflection, acknowledging the weight of this symbol in a world where its significance has shifted.

The color of my eyes, once a mark of royal lineage and authority, has now been perceived as a symbol of the devil, far from what it truly is.

I gaze upon the blade, the intricate design showing the will and determination of those who made it. The golden accents reflect the light of the candle, casting dancing shadows that seem to mirror the tumultuous journey we are about to embark upon.

In this moment, the unsheathed sword serves as a reminder of the sacrifices that have been made and the risks that lie ahead. It is a proclamation to the world that we will not let this land be taken until we die.

I put the sword back to its scabbard, placing it beside my waist.

"It is excellent. Thank you," I say proudly.

But before I could finish my sentence, the door of the tavern suddenly bursts open.

A sudden gust of wind surges through the room, extinguishing the fragile candlelights that fought valiantly to stay ablaze.