webnovel

Twilight Bridge: Immersion

"Fake realities will create fake humans." - Philip K. Dick. A group of college students get mysteriously trapped in a virtual world being reborn without memories of their previous lives. After regaining his memories as Mado, Jaden Inferno embarks on a grand journey in the massive world of Lacrima. While venturing through the Realm, Jaden discovers new secrets, and unfolds new mysteries as he reunites with his former classmates, and faces new foes along the way. ********DESCLAIMER******** This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental. • New chapter every week. • WARNING: Some scenes contains strong language. ● SABERTOOTH. All Rights Reserved

Sabertooth2000 · Fantasy
Not enough ratings
46 Chs

Prologue I

Is it true that every fairy tale ending is a happily ever after? Does every princess get to encounter that special someone; her prince charming. The one person that fills her life with greater and fonder meaning; true happiness. But what if it never happened? Or worse— what if it didn't last? Those were the questions that were buried within one cautious princess.

● 2nd day of the Third Month, Year 664 - Realm of Light - Deranna: Capital City, Flowershade.

Sun rays were beaming through the enormously wide glass windows, and filled the entire bath with its warm radiance. The bath itself was massive, yet, there were only one person plunged in it. The steam coming from the warm water fogged her silky soft body, but the curves that made her figure can still be caught through the mist.

~Splash!

"Lady Ashe..!" a woman with a wavy blonde hair came into the bathing hall. "Your highness, we've prepared a change of clothes."

"Oh.." said the princess as she was still soaked in water. "Thank you very much, Miss. Iduna."

The princess got out of the steamy water, and hurried to put her clothes on. It wasn't too long before she had already joined her attendants as they helped her with her makeup.

"This complexon suits you!" said one of the younger attendants. "You look lovely!"

"Well, of course! Lady Ashe looks lovely at all times!" another attendant declared.

"Uh, haha.." Ashe's face turned red. "This is rather exaggerating, don't you think?"

She then glanced back at her face in the mirror as the two attendants continued to adjust her hair. Her creamy white face blushed like a cherry, and her golden pupils were dilated. She could have sworn that her heart was stuck in her throat. After all, today was an important day.

Once they had finished, her shoulder-lengthed golden hair was styled in an eligent knot.

"Huff.." Ashe exhaled heavily.

"What is the matter?" Iduna asked as she leaned closer.

"I'm not confident this looks good enough.." Ashe admitted.

"And why is that? I think you look enchanting, My lady." Iduna replied.

"Uhh.. really?"

"No man could look at you and not be moved."

"His majesty, Prince Alvin will fall speechless!" another attendant added.

"Even though our fathers arranged our marriage, I haven't seen much of Lord Alvin since we were children." Ashe said. "Will he be happy to see me..?"

Iduna stepped closer, and gave Ashe a gentle slap on her cheek. "I've always thought of your highness as a little sister," she said. "But you are not a child anymore."

"Iduna..!" Ashe gazed up at her loyal attendant.

"In few days, you will belong to a man from a foreign country." Iduna said.

Ashe smiled softly as she embraced Iduna's hand on her cheek. "That is not true.." she smiled. "I will always be Ashe no matter where I go."

"Hmm, is that so?" Iduna said.

"But it does not seem like the man knows how to be in a married couple." the younger attendant added.

"As long as he treasures Lady Ashe, it should be all right." Iduna replied.

"I wonder if he is a kind person.." another attendant said.

"I heard you get chills if you stare right into his eyes.." added another attendant.

"One time, I heard one girl gazed straight into his eyes, and couldn't sleep for weeks!"

"Awww! She must have been lovestruck! I wish I could see them!" squealed another attendant.

"Hmmm, you made me curious!" Ashe got herself up. "I shall go see for myself!"

"But Lady Ashe—" they tried to stop her.

"It's all right. I'm going to find out if he is all that dreamy." Ashe hastened out of the room.

"Hehe— please do your best, your highness.." Iduna smiled softly.

Ashe's steps widened down the castle's majestic hallway. The sun rays were illuminating the clear ceramic floor that she walked on. She was almost running when she began to hear her parents voices echoing ahead.

"After a hundred year, it's the time for both our families to become one yet again." a man's voice traveled to Ashe's ear. Once she got closer, she was able to see him; it was her father. He was speaking to Lord Alvin's father.

The moment she joined her parents and the guests, Ashe saw him; standing beside his father.

That's Lord Alvin?!, she thought. Such a gallant figure.

Lord Alvin was a calm man—same age as her. He was in a white armor with golden outlines. His short blonde hair was lustring against the sun. And his eyes were like the deep blue sea. Ashe's body became stiff the moment her eyes locked with his.

"Ashe," her father, King Gregorio addressed his guest of honor. "This is Lord Alvin von Eduron. He's the second prince of Eduron—and soon, he will be your husband."

"Ah..Uhh.." Ashe felt completely off guard when she stood face to face with Lord Alvin.

My god, my feet cannot hold me much longer!, she was shivering. Isn't he going to say anything?!

After few silent moments, Lord Alvin's lips moved. "..Father," he said.

"..Uh—"

"I cannot be together with this person." Lord Alvin turned away his face dismissively.

"HUH..?!" Ashe's jaw dropped open.

I cannot believe this!, her blood boiled inside. Ashe took herself and walked away in anger and defeat.

"Wa— wait, Ashe!" King Gregorio uttered.

"Your majesty!" one of the guards shouted, but the princess continued walking regardless.

What the—what an incredibly rude person!, she thought.

Once she went back to her room, there were no one there except Iduna. So, Ashe just threw herself in her arms.

"Miss. Iduba!" she cried out loud.

It took Iduna sometime to stop Ashe's sobbing. She then put her head on her lap as she sat by the window. "There, there. You don't have to be depressed about it." Iduna said.

"But that was—" Ashe muttered.

"Maybe something good will come out of it; so, cheer up already."

"My father must be disappointed by now.."

"Well, as long as you two don't have a good talk together, I don't know whether the ceremony would be canceled." Iduna explained.

"Huh..?" Ashe raised her head.

"But don't worry." Iduna smiled. "Even if it is a political marriage, I will always be on your side; even if it goes bad."

"Thank you, Miss. Iduna.." Ashe's smile went back to her face.

Later that day, not so long before the ball, Ashe was gazing at the crimson red sunset from the majestic balcony of the ceramic hallway. The flow of the great waterfalls captivated her sight. Her mood was not at all lighten up as it usually had been. That confrontation earlier felt like a rejection; a situation she never encountered before.

"The dinner party will start soon, but—" she sighed. "What sort of face I should have.."

"—Your Highness!" a voice called.

"Hm?.." Ashe looked towards whoever that was. And her eyes found none other than Lord Alvin being addressed by one of his knights.

Oh, so it's THAT highness, huh?, she thought as she stealthily peeked at them.

"How is the plan?" Lord Alvin whispered to his knight.

"Everything has been arranged, my Lord." replied the green haired knight. "Tonight, his majesty, King Gregorio will.."

—What..?!, Ashe was confused. What does that mean? What will happen to my father? What are these two talking about?

"I'm counting on you." Lord Alvin said as he departed.

"Just leave it to me." bowed the knight and walked in the opposite direction.

There's definitely something strange going on, Ashe thought. I have to find out what..

Ashe started to follow the green haired knight as he was heading outside. He walked steadily, but cautiously as he kept glimpsing behind his shoulders, making sure he wasn't tailed by anyone. But Ashe remained in the shadows, hiding her presence almost entirely.

The knight reached a small alley near the citidal's rear gate. There was a small door at the end. The knight knocked in a rhythemic way, and the door opened for him. Ashe witnessed a figure in brown cloak welcomed the knight, and he went inside.

This area is under construction. What could a knight of Eudron be doing here?, she questioned. I have to get closer.

Ashe walked from behind the wall, and leaned against the door to listen in on what might be happening inside.

"Thank you for coming today, everyone." a voice echoed. "Truely, Deranna's future is on the road to ruin."

"..what..?!" Ashe whispers in shock. Were these people enemies?!

Then she heard someone said "Allow me to introduce this evening's guest of honor—"

They must be talking about that knight, she thought.

"Sir Wilfred Romien, Lieutenant General of Eudron."

"A faction of the Eudronian military is on the same page as us." said a much older voice. "So, from now onwards, use our allies from Eudron as mediators as much as possible."

"Those circumstances are not yet fixed. However—" that was the knight, Wilfred's voice. Ashe felt it was full of spite.

"—Who are my men this time?" asked Wilfred.

"At tonight's dinner party, you will have the servants, the chefs, and so on—about ten dozens." answered another strange voice. "All are immigrants from Afallan, and are fiercely loyal."

"Well done." said Wilfred. "And this is..?" "This is a popular weapon in Afallan." replied the mysterious person. "Tonight's plan—if we use it, it will give it meaning.."

"Afallanian weapons...Afallanian people.." Ashe retreated from the door completely shocked and confused.

"Now, we have everything we need from the Afallanian Empire." with Wilfred's voice still able to reach her, Ashe's body stiffened. "For the assassination of his majesty, King Gregorio."

"We have all been meticulous for the preparation of this day." announced the mysterious voice. "This kingdom lacks the protection of the kingdom of Rulia. And Gregorio cannot read the flow of events."

"Afallan, Rulia—no matter which one of them get to be chosen by the Axiom, it will all lead to Deranna doom!" yelled another voice. "Forging alliances with small countries like Eudron is sheer folly!"

"And with this act, we shall close the distance his majesty had made with Rulia." said the softer voice. "This political marriage will only weakens our influence as Rulia supporters. And as those against Eudron, this act is—JUSTICE!"

The last words shook Ashe very much that she backed off the door in fear. "Huh?! There are people who think like that in Deranna!" she muttered. "And that knight was with Lord Alvin.."

Lord Alvin must know about this, she thought. No, he must have known. He must be the conspiracy leader—!

~Crack!

The ground beneath her feet cracked, and forced Ashe to trip.

"What?!" the people behind the door heard Ashe's fall. "Is there someone outside?!"

"Ugh!" Ashe's body was vigorousely shaking out of panic.

I have been discovered. I must get away!, she thought. But where to?! What should I do? I can't move!

The door nob span slowly, and then, Wilfred pushed the door open in one gist. His eyes moved in all directions, but the alley was empty.

"Hmm..?" he looked more thoroughly up to the start of the alley-way. "It doesn't seem...like there is anyone there."

"It cannot be!" said the cloaked person as they came out of the room. "Laila, Riff—go and patrol around!"

"Yes, ma'am!" said two cloaked individuals.

Ashe was behind the corner in the shadows. Someone dragged her there at the last second, and covered her mouth to conceal her breath.

"If you find anything; even the slightest bit suspicious, take care of it!" she heard the mysterious cloaked lady order.

"Humm.." Ashe tried to release herself from her rescuer's grip.

"Why were you doing something really stupid?!" said the rescuer. Which Ashe realized was Lord Alvin. "If I weren't here, what would you have done there—?"

Ashe removed his palm from her mouth and pushed Alvin away.

"Silence!" she said angrily. "Wasn't that plot Eudron's intentions all along?!"

"How dare—?!" he tried to object.

"How dare you..!!" Ashe shot back. But the ground cracked even more abruptly this time, and crumbled down.

~CRACK! CRUMBLE!

"Uhh!" Ashe fell down with the collapsing floor.

"ASHE!!" Alvin grabbed her hand, but as the ground collapsed even further, he fell down with her. "UHG..!"

"What was that sound?!" the cloaked person asked.

The rest of the mysterious group gathered around the hole on the ground that swallowed Alvin and Ashe a second ago.

"What's this?" Wilfred asked.

"The construction here is done to replace the decrepit area. Of course, the scaffold is fragile." answered the cloaked lady.

"So it fell?" replied Wilfred.

"Below here is the waterways. It will be best if we ignore it." said the lady.

At the palace, the party had already began. Guests had started to dance with the soothing music. The buffet was filled with all the special cuisines and drinks from all around the country. This was indeed, a memorable evening. But if it wasn't for the absence of the most important couple. The thought were troubling the king as he addressed it to his guest of honor.

"I don't know what to say to you King Gregorio," answered King Francice, king of Eudron. "You went through all this trouble to prepare this banquet, but my son is no where to be found. I am very sorry."

"Not at all. The truth is, I feel strange that Ashilda hasn't shown up as well. It is quite unlikely of her."

These two, King Gregorio thought. If were to meet again, it's going to be nerving. It's truely better to leave them be..

Meanwhile, Ashe opened her eyes in unfamiliar place. Her vision slowly getting clear. But her ears was hearing water flowing near her. Perhaps she had hit her head. So, she direct her hand to check on her skull to make sure there were no injuries.

"..Uhh—this place is.." she started to look around her without moving her head too much.

After recalling that she had fell below the ground, Ashe realized that she was in the old waterways. An underground network of tunnels with water flowing to and from it, is distributed throughout the city. The entire place is surrounded by blue-greenish marble. And there were sidewalks beside the water stream, and stairs to climb to a much higher grounds towards the castle basements.

But at that moment, when she looked downwards, Ashe realized she was on top of someone. Her legs were spaced with that person waist inbetween them.

"Uhh?!" her jaw dropped when she recognized that person. It was Lord Alvin.

"Ugh.."

"Waaa!" Ashe immediately backed away for few meters with her face turning absolute red.

I have never been this close to a man before!, she covered her face. I can never be a bride now.

When Ashe gathered her courage and peeked through her fingers, she saw Alvin struggling to get up. It seemed to her as though he was in pain.

He's definitely wounded?!, she frowned. Did he get it from protecting me?

"No, there's no way that could be!" she turned her face reflexively. "He's an evil man that's plotting something sinister. It's just what her deserves!"

Alvin looked backed at her, with his bright face being a bit pale. "Haha—it seems like you're misunderstanding." he exhaled. "Though, it was because of my mistake that I got this wound. I can't argue with that.."

"Humph." Ashe turned her body away from Alvin completely denying him.

"But I want you to understand one thing." he continued.

"Deranna and Eudron are caught between the empires of Rulia and Afallan, and they have to choose between them. There are no alternatives. And either of those could lead us to ruin. So, no one can make a decision and constantly argue."

Lord Alvin dragged his injured body to rest against a nearby wall. "What you saw earlier was part of the darkness that comes out of this." he said.

Ashe began to understand what was going on, but she still wasn't ready to believe it. "So then, the reason you said you couldn't be together with me was—?"

"Right now, Eudron is——" Alvin continued, his eyes were filled with concern. "Divided.."

"Divided, huh..?" she muttered.

"Yes. There are those who oppose the Rulian rule, and want to strengthen our alliances with Deranna. The anti-Rulian Independence Faction." Alvin explained. "And there're those who think we should enter Rulia's protection to defy Afallan. The Neo-Rulian Faction. I left Eudron to stop the two from falling into civil war. There was a rumor that the Neo-Rulia Faction was plotting something in Deranna. And if I didn't put a distance between us, you would be in danger from assassins."

"I see.." muttered Ashe.

So, he really was thinking of me after all, she thought. I am sorry, Alvin.

~Tear! Strap!

Ashe torn a portion of her dress.

"Huh?" Alvin was surprised, and embarrassed. "What are you doing?! We're royalty, this is explicabley—"

"Your arm is still bleeding!" said Ashe as she held that piece of cloth, and wrapped it around Alvin's wound.

"Oh—okay.." replied Alvin with a blushed cheeks.

As she was treating him, Alvin's blue eyes landed on hers.

"Heh—you seriously haven't changed at all." he said. "You're still strong and quite kind. Just like when we were children."

"But you have changed, Lord Alvin." replied Ashe with a soft tone. "How can I put it?...It's like, you have become an adult."

"Alvin.." he uttered. "It's all right if you just call me Alvin—without the formalities, Lady Ashilda."

"Ah—yes." she said back as her face was blooming red. "Th—then you may also just call me Ashe."

"Uhh?" Alvin felt his other hand was getting soaked wet. "WATER!"

"Huh?!" Ashe noticed something as well. "What's this? The water level is rising!"

"Isn't it always like this?" Alvin stood up.

"The waterways are automated by Sacred-Instrumental Doors that opens and closes each day regularly." said Ashe. "If we don't hurry.. If the doors closes, then dinner had ended long ago."

Ashe pulled Alvin's sword from his waist. "I need to borrow this." she charged forward.

"My—sword, but that's..!"

"Only a few people know this waterways can be used to get into the palace. We will go up from here." she replied.

"Please, wait! It's dangerous to go alone!" Alvin had no other choice but to follow her.

Under the cover of the night, someone was sneaking into the palace. They had successfully secured their entry to the king's chambers while he was apparently asleep.

"Hahaha!" laughed the intruder. "Everything is going well. The wine has done its job."

Once they stepped under the moon-light, It appeared that this intruder was none other the cloaked lady. She opened the window for her companions to get in as well.

"Looks like this too shall be easy." she said. "Please, forgive our intrusion, your majesty.."

One of the cloaked people stepped forward with the Afallanian dagger in hand. He walked up to the edge of the bed, preparing to strike.

"Forgive me, King Gregorio. All of this is—" he thrust down. "—For Deranna's future!"

"STOP RIGHT THERE!" the door slammed open, as Princess Ashe rushed inside. "FATHER!"

The cloaked people immediately drew out their weapons, and round up, surrounding both Ashe and Alvin.

"My, my.." uttered the mysterious cloaked lady. "It's troubling if it's the princess.."

"Huh?" Ashe seemed to recognize the woman. "That voice—could you be..?"

The clocked lady removed the hood from her head. "You're the last person I wanted to see.." the woman face and curly blonde hair was now visible. "But I guess, you can't be fooled, anyway.."

"So, it's you, Lady Iduna!" Ashe said. "But, why are you doing this?"

"I suppose, it's impossible for you to understand. But, the alliance with Eudron has no meaning." Iduna explained. "Deranna should borrow Rulia's power, and use it to fight Afallan. That is the best route."

"And for that—my father.." Ashe's face stiffened.

"Yes, and you will become Queen. Which means I, will become her majesty's most trusted advisor." Iduna replied.

The rest of the armed cloaked people started to close in on the Alvin and Ashe.

"Ashe please, return my sword. I will do something about this." Alvin whispered.

"No..!" she replied while her hands were trembling. "This person is my—"

"Huh?!" Alvin said out loud. "How can you say that when you're shaking so much?!"

"Hahahaha! Of course, that is your first time holding a sword at someone! Are you bluffing?!" Iduna laughed out loud at Ashe. "Such a cute child! There's no need, I will always be your ally!"

Iduna then, rests her gaze on Ashe, like a master asking their pet to obey their command. "Now, come over here. For the sake of Deranna." her tone was full of contempt.

Ashe's heart was pounding in her throat. "I——really loved you like a sister..but—" she stuttered. "DO NOT SAY 'FOR THE SAKE OF DERANNA' ANYMORE! STOP SAYING YOU ARE MY ALLY. YOU ARE NOTHING BUT A TRAITOR!"

"Huh..!" Alvin was taken aback by her words. He then, put his hand on her shoulder to calm her down. "Ashe..keep your composure.."

"To my father, to me, to Deranna. There were all lies.." Ashe tightened her shaking grip on the sword. "I'm not shaking because I am bluffing!"

"Humph!" sneared Iduna. "It appears you are still a child."

"I'm shaking because—I hate you!" Ashe said. "And even when I'm Queen. I will never ally with either empire. Deranna and Eudron will live proudly together!"

"Futile! Pride will never protect a country.." Iduna muttered. "That is the first thing YOU WILL HAVE TO LEARN!"

Iduna motioned to her people to attack. They swang their swords at Ashe and Alvin.

~Slash! Clank!

"Haaa!" Alvin punch one of them. By that, he was able to create a opening for them to flee.

"Don't let them escape!" said one cloaked person.

The remaining enemies closed on Alvin separating him from Ashe. "We got you surrounded, dear prince.." sneered one of them.

"You rotten.." Alvin clenched his teeth.

"Alvin!" Ashe shouted while deflecting enemies' attacks.

~Slash! Miss!

Ashe found an opening, and snatched a sword from one assassin, and threw it to Lord Alvin.

~Grip!

"Thank you, Ashe!" he smirked lightly, and charged. "Now, it's time for you to meet your end!"

With his fast paced swordman skills, Lord Alvin took down five men. Those who were encircling him began to waver. But Alvin fought all the way. Ashe parried every blow coming her way as well. The duo ended up being back to back.

"There's still too many of them." said Ashe.

"Certainly, we are not making much headway.." stressed Alvin.

"Well, now—what's the matter? You better hurry and defeat them with your pride!" said Iduna sarcastically while watching the fight from near the edge of the king's bed. She then, turn towards it with a knife in her hand. "If you don't hurry, you will not be able to protect anything—anything at all!"

Iduna's knife dashed down towards the king's body.

"NO, STOP!!" yelled Ashe.

"YOU'RE TOO LATE TO STOP ME!!" Iduna screamed viciously as her knife was coming down.

~SLICE!

"UGHHH!!" Iduna screamed.

The traitor's knife holding arm got sliced away from her torso. It flew in the air before landing distances away. Iduna had a staggered look on her face when she saw where the counterattack came from. The person under the blankets had just sliced her in a jiff. And he wasn't even King Gregorio.

"What?! But why? WHY?!" she stepped back, all dazed and confused.

She found a well-built man in Deranna soldier armor with a fine thin blonde beard, a slit back blonde hair, and dashing golden eyes. Her blood was still fresh; dripping from the tip of his sword.

"Why are you here?" she shouted in surprise. " Captain Svyen Helsem!"

At that moment, a group of Derannian soldiers infiltrated the room. They dashed inside from every window; as though, they were waiting for some signal.

"THAT'S FAR ENOUGH! ANY WHO RESIST, WILL BE CUT DOWN WITH NO MERCY!" yelled their leader.

"Svyen! Olin!" Ashe exclaimed.

Blood was still dripping from Iduna's massive wound. "H—how could this happen? Everything was going perfectly—" her eyes widened when she saw the last person coming in. "Uhh—it's you!"

Iduna witnessed a green haired Eudron knight standing with the Deranna forces.

"YOU TRICKED US!" she shouted.

"Hahaha! Pardon me." replied Wilfred. "I haven't properly introduced myself. I am genuine article Lieutenat to Lord Alvin."

With complete shock from the realization, Iduna fell down to her knees, and surrendered.

"Your highness, are you all right?" asked one of the soldiers.

"Captain Svyen, explain what has occured here, please?" asked Ashe furiously. "What happened here, and where is my father, and who is that knight?!"

"Everything is secured, Lady Ashilda." bowed the Captain.

"His majesty is resting in a separate room." Olin approached them.

"And that knight is my subordinate." added Alvin. "He was placed there as a spy in case these people ever moved."

"We have also captured all the Neo-Rulia Faction's noblemen that Iduna gathered." said Captain Svyen. "But when Lord Alvin offered to do this, I was a bit surprised."

"Indeed. And to think it worked out so well." replied Olin.

"Not at all." laughed Lord Alvin. "It would not worked well If it weren't for you two acting swiftly."

"....." Ashe was standing there in confusion. "So, I am the only one who did not know about Alvin..?! I was the only one who was suspicious..!"

"My apologies. I really should have told you," replied Alvin. "But to tell you the truth, you caught me off guard."

"Humph, what an excuse.." Ashe averted her gaze in annoyance.

"Haha, you're the type of person who would take things too far, I suppose." Alvin chuckled.

In a cherry red face, Princess Ashe said "PLEASE DON'T LAUGH! IT WAS FOR MY FATHER AND MY COUNTRY, so.."

"Yeah, of course—I know.." he smiled whistfully. "You're strong, kind, and honest, Ashe. Because of that I.."

Alvin stepped closer towards her. He put her hand between his, and looked straight into her eyes. "I definitely love you." he said. "I am glad it's you."

It was these words from Prince Alvin Von Eudron that set the promises of both nations in motion. Princess Ashilda was marrying for the sake of Deranna. She and Alvin were chosen for each other, for their people, and for the peace in their planetoid.

The ceremony was delayed a bit, but ran smoothly. It was filled with joy and hope. The bells of the Capital city in Deranna rang. The people on the streets were clapping and cheering as cherry blossom were falling down at them like snow. In the middle of the parade were Ashe and Alvin. They both looked like they were made of light. Holding hands—the hands that will pull both lands to prosperity. For a full cycle of the moon. Maybe every princess was meant to have her happily ever after in the end. At that point, Ashe was certain. Nothing can tear the bond between her and Alvin asunder.

On the other side of the planetoid, in the Empire of Afallan. A new visitor had arrived to meet with their most ambitious prince.

"So, the Rulian supporting factions were rejected, and Deranna's united once again.." mused the prince.

"But it seems that things aren't the same in Eudron." noted the visitor. "The Neo Rulia Faction was cornered, and took arm to defend itself."

"Humph, in that case—" the prince smirked and called for one of his knights.

"Yes, my lord." bowed the knight.

"Prepare to issue an order. We are dispatching an army to the south." announced the prince. "The fear of Eudron falling into civil war is threatening the peace of Evalise. In that sense, we—the Empire of Afallan, shall act as guardians of Law and Justice."

"At once, my lord." replied the knight.

"In the name of the Axiom—I, Gundolf Eisenhauer, shall personally destroy those who would threaten the established order." said the prince of Afallan as he gazed at his pleased visitor.

"I'll be counting on you, in that case, Lord Gundolf.." she replied.

The rivally of factions in Eudron had sparked a civil war. Taking advantage of the situation, Afallan invaded the crown city, and within days, had it under seige.

• 5th day of the Fourth month, Year 664, Realm of Light.

A month after Princess Ashilda's marriage to Lord Alvin. At one quiet night, the royal crown city of Eudron was engulfed in a gigantic explosion from an unknown source. The Capital City was completely destroyed with no return in a single night.

Throughout the rest of Evalise, people were whispering about what is the cause of the tragedy could have been. Did Eudron destroyed itself? Was it a new Afallanian waepon? A natural disaster, perhaps..?

Or—..