The doors of the war room opened. A large map of both Averi and Hyram was placed on the marble table located at the center, pinned with the vital areas of the two regions. Surrounded by the courtiers, the new King, residing on the honor seat, is in a discussion about whether to attack Averi. Apparently, those cowardly old men do not even dare to be determined for once, as per usual. Yelling to stay back and negotiate peace?... such a bad joke. Eventually, they split into two sides, arguing furiously about the question of mankind. Peace or war?... Though the answer is quite clear. Demian tapped his fingers on the table repeatvely, watching the shows they performed for him.

No wonder Averi can still live to this day... the emerald eyes filled with boredom. Arioch, pleasantly enjoying the red wine in his hand, finally said something, “Gentlemen, what’s your duty in this court?” A simple question that soon shut those mouths. Confused, they said, “to serve Hyram.” Contrary to what they expected, the King’s emerald eye looked upon them with a piercing cold that was ready to slice open their throats anytime. “Let me remind you one thing.” Arioch smile at them, “You are here to serve my father and the name of our family.” Walking around the room, through the seats, his smiling expression not even flinching, “ Serve the King is serving the kingdom, don’t you think? Beside… you won’t like what I will do to those who disobey.”

“So why don’t all of you use that little intelligence of yours to prove how useful you are?”

In the game of power, only violence can survive. Peace was never an option. The Senior King’s cowardice may hide behind this noble ideal, but this Demian Sylvester is something else. “But your Highness, about your coronation...” Certainly, the coronation, the day history wrote his name on the golden list of rulers. But being the King of Hyram is not enough. His ambition, his goal... is to be the lord of both regions, and he will achieve it at any cost. “I will only hold the coronation after I have Averi." Averi filled his sight. Its land, its rivers, and mountains... Its crown will soon belong to him. With a blinding light, the silver sword stabbed at the heart of Averi determinedly.

“Brace yourself, the war is coming.”

The courtiers ran out of the room like rats, trying to fulfill their tasks, praying they could keep their heads intact.

“What do you think, Joseph.” Emerging from the shadow comes a man. Hide behind the silver hair of time, lies stern navy eyes. However, there was nothing but a gray gloominess of ocean rest in those eyes. He is Joshep, the Grand Duke, and now the King’s consultant, the mastermind behind the victorious battles of Sylvester’s family. Carefully and assertively, his advice is worth countless grains of gold. As far as Arioch can understand, Joseph has always been by his father's side, accompanying him in every battle. And for all those years, never in his sight, that man shredded even the tiniest change in his bleak expression or a light smile, as if emotions had been killed. He was never fond of that man. Although he was able to secure their men, he wasted too much time executing that plan. Eventually, killing them all gave him even greater power. They will grow, after all, so why grieve for their death? “I’m not questioning your will. The sooner we attack Averi, the closer we get to your goal.” It could be days of rushing to come back has exhausted him, as his voice hints at tiredness. “My trip to Averi paid some valuable information.” His finger pointed out some positions on the map. “If we are able to take all these places, then the victory will be in our sight.”

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Nothing seems to be abnormal, as Arioch predicted from the start. After all, his father is not the only one sending his men to investigate the vital areas. Yet, there is one certain area that catches his attention. Surrounded by the forest, on the outskirts of Windensburg town, an area to the north of the capital. He knows that place… No, he knows too well. Though the disappearance of Axl causes some trouble, his patience never fails him. One day, a lovely bird whispered to him... the secret of his dear brother, Alderic. Day by day, fueling that plan with hatred, the time has finally come... To destroy him for good.

“Father, during the plan, I found an obstacle we have to demolish before invading Averi.” Demian looks up, showing a hint of interest. “In the depths of Averi lies a doctor. Though in the name of medical, he was the one who owned a mine of information, the protector of Averi’s last hope.” A sleeping lion. “Capturing him would be equal to cutting the High Priest's right hand." Arioch let out an amusing smile, bringing out the ace card. “Named Theodore, I’m fully confident he was also the culprit behind the slow progress of Alderic.” The name of the doctor in the faraway South stirred a strange feeling in Joseph as the ocean fluctuated in those eyes. That name... he hasn’t heard of that name for so long. Just like him. Closing his eyes, Joseph tries to comfort his mind.

No, they can’t be the same person. For him… Has died.

"Alderic, that brat," Demian said, clenching his fist.. The sound of doors disrupts the conversation. A figure of a tall, dominant man walks in. Wearing a black military uniform, the sword at his side echoing in every step. The black hair, messily from the trip, fell down to his blank eyes. “My pleasure to present myself before you, Your Highness.” He bows at Demian, the King…his father. Unlike Arioch, he never called Demian his father, only a title. This must be the fate of an unloved son, despite being the oldest... Despite the victorious reputation he has gained through blood and tears. But none of that mattered, he was never asked for his love. He is here for one thing. “Your Highness, I’m-” Demain raises his hand, stopping his words, “Is this because of that doctor?”

Astonishment filled the emerald eyes. How can he knows… He has hidden it too well. There is only one person who could possibly be aware. From the corner of his eyes, Arioch quietly enjoyed the show. With his teeth clenched, Alderic wished he could simply snap Arioch's neck. That demon. “ Your Highness, I come back to ask for assistance in capturing that doctor.” He displayed nothing but tenacity as he clung to a tenuous thread of hope. But once the chains of suspicion have run their course, there will be no return. “Guards, imprison him in his room." The King continues, “Don’t let him out without my order." Two guards quickly held him down. Utter surprise is still there on his face. Why…

“Don’t underestimate me, Alderic." Demian throws him a cold-blooded gaze. As two complete strangers, there is not even a thin blood connection between them. “Arioch, you will lead a regiment on my behalf. I’m expecting good news.”, An austere command.

“Capture that doctor, and for the rest... kill them all.”

Bowing at the King’s departure, Arioch smiled kindly at Alderic. His hand caresses the black strands, “You will never know how long I have dreamt of this day.” The flame of enmity ignites incandescently inside, “If you dare to touch them... I will kill you.” Arioch laughed out loud, a burst of merciless laughter. His bottomless emerald eyes, soon enveloped in eternal night, are only left with the wickedness of a monster, who now looks down at him with arrogance.

Arioch whispered, leaning on Alderic's ears while grinning menacingly, "Checkmate, dear brother."

I won’t let you down.