Emperor's Reckoning



The Citadel of Celestia, an ancient fortress of immense grandeur, stood as a relic of a bygone era. Its weathered stone walls, worn and cracked with the passage of time, bore the weight of countless years and whispered stories of forgotten battles and lost glory. Though the fortress had long ceased to be maintained, its towering structure remained resolute, defying the ravages of age and neglect.

Once, the Citadel had been a beacon of power and might, its formidable walls protecting the realm it served. But now, vines and ivy crept along its exterior, intertwining with the cracks and crevices, reclaiming the fortress as nature's own domain. Moss clung to the ancient stones, infusing them with a weathered green hue that blended seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

Inside, the halls and chambers echoed with the memories of a bygone era. Dust-covered tapestries, once vibrant with colors and intricate designs, hung in tattered remnants from the walls. Time had dimmed the once-glorious murals that adorned the ceilings, leaving only faint traces of their former splendor. Sunlight filtered through stained glass windows, casting fragmented patterns of color upon the worn floors.

Yet, despite the signs of decay and abandonment, there was an undeniable aura of majesty that clung to the Citadel. Its architecture spoke of craftsmanship and artistry that transcended the passage of time. The grand archways, embellished with intricate carvings, hinted at the architectural prowess of those who had built it centuries ago. The towering watchtowers, though weathered and worn, still commanded an imposing presence against the sky.

Hooves of horses were heard on the cobblestones through the grand arch, breaking the stillness that had settled upon the ancient grounds. The stallions raised their hind legs as the regal carriage stopped.

"Oh, I guess I'm the first one," Dressed in regal attire, King Aldric of Evlund stepped down from his carriage, his presence commanding and dignified. His tall figure was clad in a royal blue cloak, embroidered with symbols of his kingdom. A jeweled crown rested upon his head, reflecting the faint sunlight that managed to pierce through the thick clouds overhead.

"Glory to Evlund!" said the Evlun's guards the moment they saw the one who sat on their throne step out.

With measured steps, King Aldric crossed the threshold into the main hall of the Citadel alone. The grandeur of the chamber, though faded and worn, did not escape his discerning eyes. He marveled at the remnants of opulent decorations that adorned the walls, once the pride of the Citadel. 

Shortly after, the hooves of another horse had come through the same grand arch. The guards of Evlund naturally glanced over before their brows furrowed seeing other guards of another kingdom giving them a sharp gaze. 

King Valerius of Avol, renowned for his charismatic nature and powerful cultivation of arts, made his grand entrance. His regal attire, embellished with intricate gold embroidery, mirrored the opulence and grandeur of his kingdom. With an air of confidence and an enigmatic smile, King Valerius exuded an aura of power and authority.

"Glory to Avol!" the guards chanted.

Valerius made his way inside the fortress alone before he entered the grand assembly hall of Celestia. There a round table was set right in the middle with the only source of light was the sun itself as there were no roofs left for shade. He quickly noticed a fellow king had already taken a seat.

"Aldric," Valerius smirked as he approached his seat.

"Valerius," Aldric nodded as he watched him took a seat.

"Things have taken to a wild turn, huh, hahaha!" Valerius laughed and echoed throughout the corridor of the fortress.

"Second Heaven will not last if you keep on laughing at things," said Aldric.

Valerius's laugh abruptly stopped as his gaze slowly turned into a serious glare, "Are you insulting me?"

"Insult or not, that will depend on what will transpire over this table," said Aldric before both of them heard yet another set of horses galloping over the cobblestones of the fortress.

"Glory to Solarien!"

King Corvin of Solarien, a resolute and charismatic ruler, made his grand entrance to the Citadel of Celestia. Adorned in regal attire, with a golden crown atop his head and a radiant sun emblem emblazoned on his garments, King Corvin exuded an air of nobility and warmth.

With a steady stride and a warm smile, King Corvin traversed the ancient halls of the Citadel, his presence commanding attention and respect. The tales of Solarien's rich culture, flourishing arts, and benevolent rule had spread throughout the land, making him a beloved figure among his people, however, the matter at hand was more than just his people. 

After none of them could see him, his face turned cold. The summit this time was a challenge to the balance of Second Heaven, his warm smile won't cut it.

"Corvin," Valerius smiled as he waved his hand. "Haha, you never show that side of yours to your people."

"The people only need to know that everything will be fine," said Corvin as he took his seat before nodding at Aldric.

"What makes you sure that everything will be fine?" asked Aldric.

Corvin smirked with a snort.

"You've been on the attack this whole time, Aldric, is something wrong with your wife?" asked Valerius before he laughed yet again.

"With what's at stake, you are also taking it too lightly, Valerius," said Aldric.

"You worry too much," said Valerius before he glance over the two empty seats left. "Well, since Cae is dead, I don't think we need an extra chair," said Valerius as he stood up.

"I just got here, and you already want to break something?" Corvin sat with his eyes closed.

The melodic chime of bells echoed through the assembly hall, piercing through the air with an otherworldly resonance. Its ethereal sound also reached the ears of the guards stationed throughout the Citadel of Celestia. Startled, they exchanged glances, their brows furrowing with a mix of curiosity and unease.

"Keep the chair," said a familiar voice before a figure revealed himself from the shadow as the bells resonated with the chime. Once the shimmering sun gave grace toward the figure, all kings turned vigilant as they saw one of the key individuals arrive at the summit. He wore no crown but his presence was kinglike.

Drogan smirked as he leisurely took the vacant seat and level himself amongst the kings of Second Heaven. 

"What does the legend say again," said Valerius with furrowed brows. "As the bell of citadel chimes, it brought the agent of change."

"I don't really believe in legends," said Corvin. "It's baseless."

"The base is belief, that's why it's called a legend," said Aldric as he locked his gaze at Drogan. "However, the history of this place did indeed have one piece of knowledge that is very peculiar. The bells of Celestia cannot be rung no matter how heavy the hammer was, however, once it detected the presence of a rightful owner, the bells will welcome them themselves."

"GLORY TO ELYRIANTH!"

The three kings, Aldric of Evlund, Valerius of Avol, and Corvin of Solarien, exchanged wide-eyed glances, their attention instantly captured by the resounding declaration. Drogan furrowed his brows with his eyes sharp as daggers looking to the arch that led to this assembly hall.

Nyi made his grand entrance as he stood in awe. He was sunk in the beauty and elegance of the resonance as if the ancient fortress was welcoming his arrival.

The other guards from other kingdoms watched Nyi in slight awe before Rew approached his king with excitement, "Y-Your Majesty! The legend! You're the legend, your majesty!"

"Holy crap, the legends are alive!" said Noah as he looked around at the courtyard.

"Woah, we are witnessing something incredible here," said Reinhard as he gulped.

Nyi was in awe at the majestic welcome before he heard the soft creak of the door of the carriage being opened. He glanced over before he gulped, ( No... that can't be right, is it him? ).

Selena was the first one to come out. She immediately stepped away and took a deep breath at the wonderful scenery beneath the chimes. Then, he revealed himself.

As Lyon stepped out of the carriage, a gentle breeze swept through the courtyard of the Citadel of Celestia, caressing his face and rustling his hair. It felt as though the very air itself had come alive, embracing him in a warm, welcoming embrace.

The surrounding landscape, with its rolling hills and lush greenery, provided a picturesque backdrop to the ancient fortress. The vibrant colors of nature seemed to come alive in the presence of Lyon as if nature itself rejoiced at his arrival.

( So familiar, yet distant ) thought Lyon as he opened and revealed his sharp eyes.

The guards of the other kingdoms were clutching against their awareness of danger. The man that just got out of the luxurious carriage was none other than the man that made the summit happen in the first place.