Chapter 19 : Arondale.

Four months had passed since Ray's departure, and him moving on in his life, making difficult decisions and coming with terms that, he was....alone until Zen happened.

Currently he was in his own world absorbing every knowledge, he would eventually learn in academy as well as things he can't... He wanted to explore the world, fight strong opponents. Sadly though...

But in Central continent right after few weeks of Eldric's death, turmoil brewed in the heart of the Kingdom of Arondale.

In the grand, candle-lit throne room of the royal palace, three figures stood amidst the echoes of whispers and unspoken truths.

On the golden throne, King Lucian Arondale, a sword saint revered as the closest to reaching the Dragon Sword realm, sat with an imposing presence. His blond hair glistened like molten gold under the flickering torchlight, and his crimson eyes gleamed with an intense, almost otherworldly dominance. Few could meet his gaze without feeling an overwhelming urge to kneel.

To the king's right stood Commander Alex Valen, the leader of the royal army. His red hair framed a face marked by the calm intensity of a seasoned warrior. Green eyes, softened by wisdom, remained respectfully lowered as he listened, exuding an aura of unyielding discipline.

In front of them, Archmage Seraphine stood tall, her Purple hair cascading over her robes as she recounted the mission that had left two of their strongest in critical condition. Her voice was steady, detached, as she explained the events that had led to Eldric's death.

"Your Majesty, Eldric's dead," Seraphine said, each word deliberate and sharp.

"But it was treachery, not chance, that led to his end."

King Lucian's expression remained stoic, masking the torment within. Memories of Eldric flooded him: the shared battles, the disagreements, the betrayal that had resulted in Eldric's banishment. Though Lucian had decreed the exile to spare Eldric's life, it had broken something inside him.

No one knew the truth of the incident except, The kingdom's Minister of State, he had manipulated events from the shadows, branding Eldric a traitor. The truth twisted, condemning him to live in disgrace beyond the borders.

Seraphine's recounting paused, a moment heavy with expectation. Lucian's face showed no grief, only the cold mask of power. But even stone masks had cracks.

"Thank you, Seraphine," Lucian finally said, his voice a deep rumble.

"You may go. You too, Alaric."

"Eldric was honest and brave till the end...Lucian." seraphine disappeared using a spell after telling this.

Alaric bowed with the poise of a warrior, He departed, his steps echoing through the chamber.

When the doors closed, silence engulfed the room. The king's hand tightened on the armrest, veins standing out against pale skin. Regret and guilt coiled within him, shadows that not even the throne's grandeur could banish.

Suddenly, a presence shifted in the room. The shadows near the far wall rippled, and a figure clad in a dark cloak materialized from the dimness. Its eyes, black as the void, fixed on Lucian.

---

In the Kingdom of Arondale, power was not held solely by the crown. Five influential families commanded respect and fear, helping maintain balance in the kingdom, each shaping its politics and future.

Foremost among them was the Dragonborne Family, led by Dravis Dragonborne. Their lineage is traced back to the legendary hero Nathan van Dragonborne, who was said to have wielded a power akin to that of the dragons themselves. Dravis, the head of the house, was known to be nearly as strong as King Lucian, blood carrying the blessings of the Dragon God which had become thin over time. This family's special constitution grants them enhanced strength and resilience.

The Silvus Family holds the kingdom's magical prowess and controls all the magic towers. Unlike most noble houses, the Silvus family adhered to a matriarchal hierarchy. Grande Silvus, Seraphine's elder sister, was the current head and one of the strongest mages, rivaled only by the headmaster of Van Academy. The Silvus family's unique constitution allowed them to channel and control mana with extraordinary ease, making them unmatched in magical combat. They have had a rivalry with dragonborne's since the time both the families were formed.

The third powerhouse was the Krios Family, renowned for their unparalleled spear artistry. Sen Krios, the spear saint and leader of the house, was a warrior whose skill was whispered about in hushed tones. His uncle, Alaric Krios, shared that same level of mastery, and together they upheld the family's fearsome reputation.

The Borris Family specialized in stealth and precision, excelling in archery and dagger arts. Lokal Borris, a master of daggers, led the family with a keen eye for strategy. His brother, a bow saint, was known for his unmatched precision. Together, they nurtured an elite force of assassins known only to certain entities, as the Shadow Army, a secret known to few.

Lastly, the Roberts Family, often called the Merchant Kings, held dominion over Arondale's finances. Unlike the noble houses, they maintained their power through wealth and influence. Tatus Roberts, the cunning and shrewd head of the family, controlled mercenary networks that stretched across the central continent, making his family indispensable and untouchable.

These families formed the backbone of Arondale's power structure, weaving a complex web of alliances and rivalries. Whispers of betrayal, ambition, and alliances fluttered through the courts, a storm waiting to break. 

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Academy in Bolivia, a floating city that, no one has authority over. It was built after the time of the Great Demon War, by the Allied forces to nurture promising seeds. Now is administered by Headmaster Sullivan, a commoner, who is said to be the strongest mage known. 

After a year and a half, this place is going to be a center of topic every nation will observe....not much time left.