Chapter 1 Commander is Back

The sky, choked by ashes, witnessed the lone survivor stand amidst the smoldering corpses of Acronians. Blood caked his body. Rain fell, amplifying his sorrow and the pain of failing to save his people. A flashback ignited by a rolling sound revealed a little girl offering him a flower, her voice echoing, "You are my hero." He crashed to the ground, realizing the sound was her skull.

Gathering his strength, he rose, wiping tears. Gazing skyward, he roared, "I don't care if you exist, nor do I need your judgment! I defy your will! I will carve my own path, righting the wrongs that plague my world!" He raised his sword, his voice filled with determination. "I, the wielder of this blade, sacrifice every last drop of my blood and magic!"

The sword pulsed red as his blood flowed into it, his body draining of color with each passing moment. Soon, the blade was crimson, adorned with the inscription "Recreate Restriction." Before he could react, a blinding lightning strike engulfed him.

"I must go, no time to waste," he muttered, his voice firm as he donned his armor and gripped his sword.

Nearly a year had passed. Acroniya once again descended into chaos. People stampeded through the streets, cries for help mingling with the stench of blood. The Elders grappled with the situation while the citizens panicked.

"We have no choice," Mirkan declared, his voice laced with anxiety.

"Do you even comprehend the consequences?" Ruzar bellowed, cutting him off. "Remember what happened last time!"

Endioer's voice was heavy with sorrow. "We all remember. It's etched in our memories. But we've lost everything. There's no turning back. I agree, but inaction guarantees utter devastation."

"Enough!" A deep voice boomed. "I understand your concerns." Before the Elder could finish, hands instinctively reached for weapons as footsteps echoed through the chamber, escalating their heartbeats. The door creaked open, revealing a sweat-drenched, humanoid creature with a deer's head. "The Commander has returned!" he rasped, collapsing from exhaustion.

"Take him to the infirmary immediately!" Elder Ruzar barked at the guards. Relief washed over them. "We are safe now," they murmured amongst themselves. Elder Hao, his voice barely a whisper, added, "You are our last hope, Neil."

News of his arrival quelled the Elders' anxieties. However, the oblivious crowd continued their desperate escape. In front of the royal castle, a man tripped and fell, ignored by the fleeing throng. He screamed in agony, his cries swallowed by the cacophony of terror. Injured and bloodied, he attempted to crawl away, but his strength failed him.

Something stirred in the shadows. A beast, its black fur matted with blood, roared, its saber-like teeth dripping with remnants of its recent prey. Its crimson eyes locked onto the fallen man. Fear paralyzed him as the beast charged, each monstrous step a harbinger of death.

He remained frozen for a moment, then a surge of adrenaline propelled him forward. He scrambled back, his desperate cries lost in the chaos. The beast roared, its attack fueled by sadistic amusement. He closed his eyes, accepting his fate.

A deafening thud preceded a searing flash of light. A flaming blade cleaved the "Death Ray" in half, its residual energy engulfing the beast in flames. Within seconds, it was reduced to ash.

The man, unable to see clearly through the smoke, squinted towards his savior. A figure clad in golden armor, adorned with long silver hair and sapphire blue eyes, stood before him, a silver sword with intricate gold patterns gleaming in his hand. He extended a hand and inquired, "What is your name?"

Overcome with gratitude, tears streaming down his face, the wounded man stammered, "My... my name is Reindur Kegter. Thank you... thank you so much, thank you."

"You're safe now," the figure responded calmly. "Acroniya army, assist the citizens and ensure their safety! Treat the injured!" He then escorted Reindur to the infirmary, where chemists tended to his wounds using specialized remedies.

Alone, Reindur stared at his hand, overwhelmed with hope. "Finally," he whispered, a single tear tracing down his cheek. "You are back, Sapphire." The silver sword shimmered faintly, its inscription pulsing faintly, mirroring the newfound spark in Reindur's eyes. He knew the fight was far from over, but with Sapphire at his side, he was ready to face anything, his heart brimming with a renewed sense of purpose and unwavering determination.