1 CH 1: Prologue to a decisive battle of history and arrival from the North (Part 1)

"Leave now, while pity still restrains my magic, Kain."

"So, it has finally come to this, Conrad. Still being a pathetic puppet of the Empire I see."

Two mages stood tall and unyielding, staring against one another in an inevitable face-off that would mark every history book known to humanity.

Each one of them bore remarkable features that would distinguish themselves from your typical magic-user.

Both of these individuals have achieved many great and incomparable feats that have shaken the magical world of Kalas to its very core.

For simplicity's sake, the two of them are known by the people as the two Titans of Kalas for their mastery and supremacy of magic.

Conrad Augustus, the "Blight Wizard", eyed his adversary with unwavering spirit. Said mage has blonde hair, with blue eyes that's as astonishing as the color of the clear sky. He has outfitted in his signature white robes, with golden-colored runes engraved on the clothing's fabric.

His opponent, Kain Pethros, also known as the "Crimson Magister", met Conrad with the same look of determination. The imposing man has black messy hair, with blood-red eyes that intimidated many foes who had the displeasure of facing him in battle. He wore his usual black robes, with red demonic markings glowing menacingly in the dark atmosphere of the night that they are in.

"Why are you doing this, Kain? Can't you fathom at the consequences of your actions? You desire to doom us all with your selfishness?!" Conrad eyed the opposing mage with questioning but saddened look. After all, the man in front of him was his brother-at-arms and dear friend, both inseparable since childhood.

"You know exactly why, Conrad," Kain uttered with pure contempt. "The Empire that we served is already long deep within the roots of corruption. Only by destroying it can we usher in a new era of peace and prosperity!!"

"There are many ways in combating such issues!!" Conrad attempted to reason with his old friend. "I was named a Count recently and with my political powers and influence, I can change the government from the inside. There's no need for this!!"

"Yes, I heard of your accomplishments. Going up the world by licking the Emperor's boots? That's so beneath, even for you." Kain shook his head with mocking amusement. "But it does not change the fact many of your fellow nobles have performed atrocious deeds unimaginable for the sake of power and pleasure. Executing them for their wickedness is the more solid solution, not dabbling yourself in complicated politics."

"Violence is not the answer to everything!!" The Blight Wizard remained resolute in his stance. "If we resort to such barbaric actions, then we are no better than them!! I beseech you Kain to see the bigger picture!! I don't want history to remember you like this!!"

Kain snickered at Conrad's response and shrugged his shoulders. He was somewhat entertained by the naiveness of his old friend. For as long as he can remember, he and Conrad had dreams of reforming the Empire when they were still children. Kain may not admit it directly but Conrad's naivety is certainly one of his charms, something that he was drawn to back in the good old days.

But alas, such naivety will serve no progress in the true path to peace. You have to be harsh and uncompromising if you want to strongly convey your point to others.

"You think I care about what the historians are going to write about me? Of what the skalds and bards are going to sing of my treachery? Tsk, you are even more deluded than I thought you would be. Even if the world will see me as her enemy, I will not waver. Humanity may curse my name for generations to come, but if that is the price to pay, then so be it."

Conrad's expression turned more sorrowful at Kain's resolute statement. It appeared that there is no more changing of views any longer. Persuasion was long gone even before this fateful encounter of theirs has occurred.

"Then I'm afraid I have to stop you, old friend." Conrad declared with force resolve. "I don't want the Empire to fall to more ruins than necessary. Your goals no matter how noble they seem maybe will no doubt bring calamity to this land, the land that I am sworn to defend."

"Well, then what are we waiting for?" Kain taunted with a challenging grin. "Let this battle decide the fate of dearest motherland."

With their hearts now focused in the midst of battle, the two Titans began their destined clash, one that would dictate the course of the future of the Empire to come.