Prologue: What on earth is this place?

"My head... it hurts..."

Fang Zheng opened his eyes, staring blankly at the starry sky ahead.

Where... is this place?

He turned his head to the sides, but all he saw were broken wooden boards. The sound of creaking wheels and urgent hoofbeats rang in his ears.

"Ugh..."

The sharp pain in his head made Fang Zheng groan. He closed his eyes and tried to recall everything that had happened before. If he wasn't mistaken, he was outside, and then...

"Young Master! Young Master, are you awake?"

As Fang Zheng struggled to piece together his memories, an old man suddenly appeared beside him. He was an elderly man with white hair and beard, dressed in tattered leather armor, with a longsword strapped to his back. His appearance was so peculiar that Fang Zheng couldn't help but be taken aback. But what puzzled him more was that the old man spoke in a language Fang Zheng had never heard before, yet somehow, he understood it perfectly.

Despite this, Fang Zheng's confusion remained.

Who is he? Why is he calling me Young Master? Who... am I?

"Ugh... Argh!!"

Just as Fang Zheng was about to recall his memories, a needle-sharp pain pierced his brain. He clutched his head and cried out in agony. Seeing this, the old man became even more panicked. He hurried over to Fang Zheng and gripped his shoulders firmly.

"Young Master, are you alright?! Don't scare me!"

"I... I..."

Amidst the old man's anxious shouts, Fang Zheng found himself unable to speak. His head felt like it was splitting, and his vision started to distort. Suddenly, a blue radiance unfolded before him, forming a unique and familiar interface. Then, a gentle voice whispered in his ear.

"Interface activation complete... system initializing... detecting soul wavelength... beginning authentication..."

"Ugh... Argh..."

Fang Zheng felt not only his head but his entire body writhing in pain, as if he were being skinned alive. His blood flowed backward, his breaths quickened, and his heart pounded violently, as if it would leap out of his throat. All he could do was clench his fists, grit his teeth, and endure the sudden torment.

"Master Carter! They have caught up with us!"

"Damn it! Take the Young Master and leave! We'll stay behind...!"

"Careful———!!"

"Boom!!"

Fang Zheng could faintly hear the chaotic and shrill sounds outside. Before he could react to what was happening, an explosion rocked the area, sending him flying out of the carriage like a discarded ball, landing heavily on the ground.

"Pff... ah!!"

He felt his back hit the earth hard, the impact momentarily dispelling the burning pain in his body. Regaining some control, he turned his head and looked around.

He saw an open wasteland shrouded in darkness. Nearby, a carriage was engulfed in flames, the pulling horse reduced to charred remains. A short distance away, he could vaguely see figures engaged in combat. They seemed like attendants, fighting against enemies clad in silver armor, resembling knights in a game.

What kind of place is this?

Though the warriors fought valiantly, even Fang Zheng could see they were no match for their opponents. Within moments, the silver-armored knights mercilessly cut them down, turning them into lifeless corpses.

"Young Master! Run! Get out of here!!"

Only the old man remained, swinging his longsword frantically while shouting at Fang Zheng.

I have to escape!

Fang Zheng still didn't understand what he was involved in, but he knew he had to leave this place immediately!

But... his body refused to obey. He felt weak and sore, with no strength left. Just standing up seemed impossible.

"Soul wavelength authentication successful, binding complete. Executor, please activate the Codex."

The voice in his ear remained calm. In the strange interface before him, a complex circle resembling an array appeared. Fang Zheng felt it looked oddly familiar...

"Argh———!!"

A scream caught his attention. He looked up and saw the old man being impaled by a knight in silver armor. The old man turned toward Fang Zheng with despair in his eyes, reaching out.

"Young———!"

Before the old man could finish, a flash of silver severed his head. His body collapsed to the ground. The knights then turned and approached Fang Zheng.

I'm going to die!

Though their helmets hid their faces, Fang Zheng sensed their cold, deadly intent. Just their gazes made him feel like his neck was being sliced. But... he couldn't resist.

This is my only chance.

Gritting his teeth, Fang Zheng extended his hand toward the array.

"Thud!!"

Before he could touch it, an iron boot stomped down on his hand, pinning it painfully.

"Ugh———!!"

The pain was excruciating, but before he could react further, another knight grabbed his hair, lifting his head.

"Is it him?"

The knight's voice was emotionless, like a machine. A shadowy figure in a black robe, standing behind the knight, nodded slightly.

"Yes, he's the one. The Secret Treasure must be on him."

"Good."

The lead knight nodded, then swiftly placed his longsword against Fang Zheng's neck.

"Hand over the Secret Treasure, and I'll give you a quick death."

Secret Treasure? What Secret Treasure?

Fang Zheng stared blankly at the knight, feeling the cold blade against his neck. His mind was chaotic, unable to understand what was happening or his current situation. He only knew they were chasing him for some Secret Treasure... But what Secret Treasure?

How would I know?

I have no choice but to fight!

Biting his lip, Fang Zheng focused on his right hand, crushed under the knight's boot. Sensing his gaze, the knight looked down and instinctively stepped back.

Now!

The moment the knight moved, Fang Zheng quickly withdrew his hand and tapped the circle in the interface. Instantly, it began spinning rapidly. Radiant light gathered, forming a large, ornate Holy Scripture before him.

"What is that?"

The knights recoiled in surprise, unsure of their next move. But the Black Robe was ecstatic, jumping up and shouting.

"It must be the Secret Treasure! Don't let him activate it, kill him!"

Following the Black Robe's order, the lead knight raised his sword and swung at Fang Zheng.

Simultaneously, driven by an unseen force, Fang Zheng placed his hand on the book.

His world shattered like glass in an instant.

"Child, when you were born, the forests of Lordaeron whispered your name..."

An ancient voice echoed in his mind, showing him majestic mountains, beautiful cities, towns, and wilderness...

"Child, I proudly watched you grow day by day, becoming the embodiment of justice..."

Flames consumed a city, leaving behind ruins and relics where laughter once rang. The relentless crimson glow painted the world with destruction and hatred.

"Remember, we have always ruled with wisdom and strength..."

Flower petals turned to cold snowflakes, followers fell one by one. In a dark cave, a longsword radiating azure light awaited its wielder.

"I trust you will use your immense power wisely..."

A blizzard covered everything; trees withered, the land froze, life fled. Only the fallen emerged painfully from fire and darkness. They formed an army, a terrifying force bringing death and bloodshed.

Fang Zheng opened his eyes again.

The visions were gone. Before him, a knight's sword was descending. He could see his reflection in the silver blade.

But the voice still echoed in his mind.

"One day, my life will end, and you will be crowned king."

The cold power exploded within him.