Ten days had passed since the tumultuous downfall of the demons, and Edgar was now in the luminous halls of the Kingdom of the Sun. The golden rays of dawn had barely kissed the earth when King Dumytrius, with a solemn expression, summoned Edgar to the opulent throne room. There, amidst the towering columns and shimmering tapestries, the king extended a sealed letter towards Edgar, his eyes betraying a weight of unspoken urgency.

In a voice resonant with deep trust and gravity, King Dumytrius entrusted Edgar with a mission of paramount importance. He impressed upon Edgar the critical nature of the task, emphasizing that among all his knights and counselors, it was Edgar alone who possessed the steadfast reliability and discretion needed for such a delicate undertaking. The letter, bearing the royal seal, was not just a mere parchment but a vessel of vital intelligence that needed to be ferried securely to its intended recipient.

As Edgar clasped the letter, he felt the heavy responsibility settling on his shoulders. The king's unwavering confidence in him was both an honor and a burden. The journey ahead promised to be fraught with unknown dangers and hidden perils, and Edgar knew that every step would have to be measured with caution and foresight. This was no ordinary errand, but a pivotal task that could sway the tides of destiny, and Edgar was determined to see it through to its safe conclusion.

Noticing that the recipient's name was not specified on the envelope, Edgar asked King Dumytrius to whom the letter should be delivered.

"The letter is meant for King Ludrol," said King Dumytrius.

"For King Ludrol?" Edgar asked, surprised by the response.

"Exactly! I'm sorry I can't provide more details at the moment, but this letter could end this war, securing our victory."

Without pressing for more clarity, Edgar swiftly mounted his loyal steed, Lightning, and embarked on his journey to Tuzmad. A whirlwind of thoughts swirled in his mind as he pondered the contents of the letter clasped in his hand. The possibility of King Dumytrius seeking an alliance with Ludrol lingered at the forefront of his thoughts. It puzzled him, given Ludrol's evident reluctance to engage in the war, fearing the toll it would take on his forces.

As he rode out of the Kingdom of the Sun, the urge to break the seal and peruse the letter's contents tugged incessantly at his curiosity. Yet, he resisted, bound by his sense of duty and honor. An unsettling premonition accompanied him, a disquieting sense that the letter held revelations far greater and possibly more ominous than mere political alliances.

The path took him through the scenic landscape towards Diran, a quaint village nestled at the base of the majestic Royal Mountains. As Edgar's eyes drifted across the horizon, they were greeted by the towering trees of the Slumbering Forest. Contrary to the tales of evil spirits that were said to lurk within its depths, Edgar found a unique solace in the forest's tranquility. Its serene ambiance, occasionally punctuated by the melodious chirping of birds, offered him a momentary respite from the heavy thoughts that weighed on his mind.

As he rode closer, the forest loomed large, its ancient trees standing as silent sentinels to the secrets they held within. Edgar couldn't help but feel a connection to these woods, a place that had always been a source of peace and contemplation for him, far removed from the complexities and intrigues of the kingdoms he navigated.

Finally reaching the edge of the Slumbering Forest, Edgar dismounted Lightning, casting a glance towards the Blue Lake. He walked towards the lake to quench Lightning's thirst. Suddenly, something unsettled Edgar. He couldn't explain it, but he felt an odd sensation. Lightning reared up on two legs, neighing in alarm, confirming Edgar's suspicion that something was amiss.

As Edgar approached the Slumbering Forest, an inexplicable pull beckoned him into its enigmatic depths. His lineage, akin to that of Valleria, had begun to manifest in a heightened sense of awareness, an intuition that seemed to guide him through the labyrinth of trees and shadows.

Clasping the hilt of his Phoenix sword, Edgar remained alert, prepared to unsheathe it at the faintest whisper of danger. The forest, usually a sanctuary of peace, now resonated with a subtle undercurrent of unrest. Lightning, his faithful steed, sensed it too, its uneasy neighs breaking the forest's usual calm.

As he delved deeper, the forest seemed to react to his presence. Birds took flight in a flurry of panic, their wings beating a frantic tempo that echoed through the canopy. The crunch of branches underfoot seemed louder, more pronounced, as if the very earth was responding to his steps. This heightened awareness, a gift of his bloodline, enveloped him in an almost tangible aura of expectancy, as if the forest itself was holding its breath, waiting for what was to come.

The deeper Edgar ventured, the more palpable the tension became. The air felt thicker, charged with an energy that was both exhilarating and ominous. He pressed forward, driven by a mixture of curiosity and a newfound sense of destiny, his every sense attuned to the ancient whispers of the forest that seemed to both welcome and warn him.

A cold shiver ran through his body, confirming that something was about to happen, and the fact that he didn't know what terrified him immensely. It felt as if the heavy breath of an enemy was on his neck, and his sense of unease was stronger than ever. Was he losing his mind?

"You're not planning to deliver the letter, are you?" a familiar voice sounded from behind him.

Turning around, Edgar saw a figure leaning against a tree, their face hidden behind branches.

"Who are you?" Edgar asked.

"I am... you."

Edgar was astonished to see himself. His own alter ego, about whom he had heard so much, had decided it was time for a face-to-face meeting. However, Edgar's astonishment quickly turned to fury, and in the next moment, he drew his sword and lunged at his counterpart.

"Murderer!"

Edgar had not expected to face such a formidable opponent, least of all one mirroring his own image. His doppelganger's reflexes and technique were astonishing, matching his own in a deadly dance of steel. The strikes that Edgar launched were parried with an expertise that was both eerie and impressive, as if his alter ego anticipated every move.

In a breathtaking display of agility and prowess, his other self executed a maneuver so swift it seemed to blur the air itself, catching Edgar off-guard. He found himself suddenly thrown to the cold, hard ground, the tip of his opponent's sword pressing threateningly against his throat. A chill ran down his spine as he lay there, immobilized by the surprising strength and skill of his adversary. It was a sobering realization – the person he struggled against was not only his equal but had managed to best him with disconcerting ease.

Lying there, defeated and at the mercy of this mirror image, Edgar grappled with the reality of his situation. This confrontation was not just a physical battle but a test of his own limits and capabilities. The realization that he could be so effortlessly overpowered by a reflection of himself was both a humbling and an awakening moment, offering a stark insight into his own strengths and vulnerabilities.

"Fate has made me stronger. I've been defeated too many times and faced too many trials to be considered weak anymore. Now listen to me, as I won't repeat myself." "

I'm not interested in anything a murderer has to say," Edgar retorted. "One way or another, I will end your life."

"Ha, ha, ha! I must admit you're quite bold for someone whose neck could be sliced in an instant. Yes, you're right! I killed your parents. I tried to kill you. However, you should be aware that there was a time when I was under the influence of the Emperor's powers. I never kill innocents, and the reason why the Emperor no longer wanted them alive remains a mystery even to me."

"How convenient! You justify your actions by shifting the blame..."

"I don't care whether you believe me or not. I'm not here to confess, hoping for forgiveness. I'm here to ensure that the Emperor never lays his hands on the Diamonds of the Sun. In his possession, his powers would become much greater, and I have no intention of becoming his puppet again."

"I only possess one diamond... I have no idea where the other two might be."

"You are mistaken. The second diamond is hidden in the hilt of your sword, Phoenix. Or rather, your father's sword, in whose hilt I concealed the diamond shortly after his body was laid in the crypt."

His alter ego helped Edgar to his feet, handing him back the sword that had fallen among the fallen leaves.

"Why are you helping me?" Edgar asked.

"I'm helping myself first and foremost. We share a common enemy, and I'm not sure if I can face him alone. Believe me, sometimes the one you considered your enemy can become your greatest ally. I took the liberty of visiting King Lockdar's crypt to spare you the journey and to obtain the third diamond."

He tossed the third diamond to Edgar, smiling triumphantly. He knew that in the hands of an heir, these stones would become the ultimate weapon against the Emperor, against the demons, and against any other threat.

"Now I possess all three diamonds... I have no idea what to do with them."

"Firstly, you must not let them fall into the Emperor's hands. Secondly, visit Marcus. He holds all the necessary information regarding these diamonds. One more piece of advice. Do not give Ludrol that letter. King Dumytrius seeks an alliance with Ludrol, but not to fight against the demons, rather to conquer Trian. The madman wishes to expand his territory on the brink of this terrible war."

"What? Dumytrius wants Trian? King Bardolph and Dumytrius are allies. What makes you think this?"

"I know the future. I'm a traveler who has seen much and wishes to change certain things that will bring no good to this world. Open the letter and see for yourself!"

Edgar believed him and unfolded the letter, reading it aloud: "Dear Ludrol, I have reasons to believe that Bardolph suspects our secret alliance. The gold mine, iron ore, and lands rich in grains are necessary to increase our army and become a considerable force in these lands. I'm tired of trading and receiving crumbs. Now is the time to strike, as his forces have been considerably weakened."

"By all the gods! They have completely lost their minds. In an apocalyptic war, they wish to conquer their allies," Edgar muttered through clenched teeth. "I don't know what to say... Thank you?"

"The fact that I informed you doesn't change anything, but in a corrupt and malevolent world, a single person can make a difference. Catch this magic stone; it will take you straight to Marcus's hideout, saving you a lot of time. Marcus will tell you everything you need to do."

After finishing his words, he retreated behind the trunk of a tree, becoming invisible. Edgar felt psychologically overwhelmed. Many of those he trusted had betrayed him, and those he considered mortal enemies had become allies. It seemed that nothing was what it seemed to be.

Holding the letter, Edgar couldn't help but let out an ironic chuckle. Here he was, on the cusp of becoming an unwitting tool in the schemes of a monarch whose worthiness of the throne was questionable at best. The absurdity of the situation wasn't lost on him, nor was the pressing need for wise counsel. Resolved, he decided to seek out Marcus, his old mentor, whose wisdom had always guided him through turbulent times.

Utilizing the enchanted stone in his possession, Edgar initiated the process of teleportation. A surge of magical energy enveloped him, and in an instant, he found himself in a new location. He was now within the concealed sanctuary of Marcus, a cave skillfully hidden amidst the formidable expanse of the Ice Mountains.

As Edgar ventured deeper into the cave, the dimly lit corridors gave way to a grand hall. It was a cavernous space, the walls etched with ancient runes that seemed to dance in the flickering light of the torches that adorned them. The atmosphere in the hall was both majestic and mysterious, a fitting abode for a sorcerer of Marcus's caliber. Here, amidst the shadows and the ancient echoes of the mountain, Edgar felt a strange mix of apprehension and comfort, knowing he was about to confront truths that could alter the course of his destiny.

"Edgar? How did you get here?" a familiar voice echoed from behind him.

"If I told you who guided me to your hideout, you would probably think I'm mad."

Edgar recounted everything to Marcus – his encounter with his other self, the three diamonds now in his possession, and Dumytrius' plan.

Marcus and Edgar delved into the depths of the vast library, a treasure trove of ancient wisdom. Shelves laden with dusty tomes and age-old scrolls stretched out before them, their contents holding secrets from forgotten eras. They were searching for one particular book, a rare volume that held detailed knowledge about the mystical Sun Diamonds, artifacts of immense power and mystery. Each book they perused whispered tales of ancient magic and long-lost civilizations, but the elusive tome about the Sun Diamonds remained hidden among the countless spines.

Meanwhile, Valleria found herself ensnared in the grips of a harrowing vision that repeated itself with disturbing regularity. In her mind's eye, she saw a scene of dire foreboding - Edgar, caught unaware, brutally ambushed. Her heart raced as she watched him fall to the ground in her vision, defenseless and vulnerable. The unseen assailant then retrieved Edgar's fallen sword, its blade gleaming ominously as it was raised to deliver a fatal blow. Despite the clarity and intensity of her vision, the killer's identity remained shrouded in shadow, an enigma that heightened her sense of dread. Valleria felt an overwhelming urge to warn Edgar, to somehow alter the course of this impending tragedy, but the elusive nature of her premonitions left her feeling helpless and fraught with anxiety.

Valleria hadn't heard from Edgar for several days, and this absence was driving her to despair. The two brothers, Turalon and Tenzim, tried to boost her spirits and encourage her, saying that a stubborn person like Edgar could get out of any trouble.

Days passed like hours, and hours like seconds, without Valleria hearing anything about Edgar. Turalon and Tenzim made efforts to find Laryus for news, but in vain. It was as if Laryus, too, had been swallowed by the earth.

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Meanwhile, in The Kingdom of the Sun, Dumytrius was going mad with worry because he hadn't received any news from Ludrol. The thought that Edgar had read the letter was increasingly preoccupying his mind, prompting him to send another messenger to Tuzmad.

Three days later, Dumytrius' messenger reached Tuzmad, only to be assassinated by a mysterious knight in black armor. The knight picked up the letter, read it with a satisfied smile, and then tore it up. As the clock in the tower of Tuzmad Castle struck midnight, the mysterious knight headed towards the castle entrance, where he was stopped by two lancers, telling him that no one enters the castle at such a late hour, especially strangers.

A soft sound of a sword leaving its sheath was heard, followed by two groans of pain, and finally, two lifeless bodies collapsed to the ground in a pool of blood.

A quiet hum and a dark aura enveloped King Ludrol's castle. The king, sleeping in his silk bed adorned with golden souvenirs, was troubled by a disturbing dream where death reigned over his lands, waking him as if burned. He regained his composure after a few moments when he realized he was in his room, in his bed, and the images he saw were just a nightmare. Suddenly, the king was seized by a cold shiver, giving him the impression that death was approaching, and there was nothing he could do to prevent it.

Was he losing his mind? He glanced at the door of his room, half-expecting someone to burst in at any moment. This thought quickly faded, as he remembered that four well-trained swordsmen were at the entrance.

A powerful hum suddenly filled the air, and the windows of his room burst open, causing Ludrol to leap out of his bed as if scorched. There was no one there. It was the wind that had opened the windows, and the cold air that entered hit him squarely, helping him regain his senses.

All the candles in his room were extinguished by the wind. Ludrol recovered from his fright and finally mustered the courage to close the window, slamming it shut as if to take revenge for the scare he had experienced. He looked out the window. A full moon illuminated his gloomy face. A ghostly shadow passed through his room, magically lighting all the candles at once.

Ludrol felt a heavy breath on the back of his neck. He turned around and froze. His heart began to beat fiercely, as if it would burst out of his chest. His face turned as white as chalk, and his body started to tremble uncontrollably. Was what was happening just another nightmare? No, although he wished it were, but sometimes reality can be crueller than any horrific nightmare.

The figure standing before Ludrol appeared to be a knight no older than thirty-five. His eyes, black as char, sized Ludrol up from head to toe. He furrowed his brows and smiled wickedly. A knight blending with the darkness, thanks to his black armor and cloak.

"What will become of these lands if the dead no longer stay in their graves?" asked Ludrol with a trembling voice, trying to maintain his composure and not show fear.

"Let's just say I'm allergic to crypts and marble coffins," said the mysterious knight. "You didn't expect the last heir of Adunoss to just cross his arms and lie in a tomb while you all have all the fun, did you?"

"But... It's impossible! I saw you, you were dead. It can't be you. You are dead, you wretch!"

"I'm alive, Ludrol. A living dead. You see me now, you saw me at the last tournament of the ten knights and at the tournament thirty years ago, which I easily won."

"It seems true. You are now one of the Bringers of Death, specifically the most powerful of them, the Soul Devourer."

"You flatter me, Ludrol. Yes, I am one of the cursed ones. I lost everything, Ludrol. My family, friends, life. Now, all that matters is the grand plan of Adunoss. The one to create a new generation of humans, superior to you, and I am willing to help, even if it is achieved through fire and sword."

"Do you hear yourself talking? The hero I knew would never speak like that. Your weak mind is under the control of the Emperor," said Ludrol.

As King Ludrol engaged in a clandestine conversation with the enigmatic knight, a profound and mystical energy began to stir within Marcus, Laryus, and Edgar. This surge of power, emanating from the legendary Sun Diamonds, was unmistakable, coursing through their veins like a torrent of celestial fire. The moment was critical; to unlock the third and final diamond's immense potential, the handle of Edgar's sword needed to be dismantled, a task fraught with uncertainty and risk.

Yet, within this vortex of power and prophecy, a singular truth became undeniably clear: the Sun Diamonds' true might and purpose were destined to manifest only through Edgar, the rightful heir of the great wizard Nagus. It was as if the diamonds themselves recognized their master, ready to unveil their hidden forces in his grasp. This realization ignited a newfound hope in their hearts, a beacon of light in the overwhelming darkness of war. The promise of the Sun Diamonds, now so palpably close to being fulfilled, bolstered their spirits, imbuing them with a determination that this dire conflict might indeed find its resolution through the hands of Edgar, the bearer of a legacy steeped in ancient magic and power.

In a distant era, set against the backdrop of a magnificent and sprawling palace, the Emperor, a figure of regal solitude, dedicated himself to the meticulous care of his exotic and resplendent garden. Each flower, a vibrant specimen from diverse corners of the world and moments in history, stood as a living symbol of his deep-seated love for the marvels of the botanical world. His serene routine, however, was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of a knight whose presence commanded attention.

This knight, with a piercing gaze and hair cascading like a river of time, was none other than Edgar, an unexpected visitor in the Emperor's secluded sanctuary. The Emperor, taken aback by this sudden intrusion, chose to avert his eyes from Edgar, feigning indifference. He continued to tend to his beloved flowers, the pride of his empire, each bloom a story of conquest and beauty. Yet, beneath his veneer of disinterest, a storm of emotions stirred, sparked by Edgar's unforeseen appearance within the walls of his grand palace. The Emperor, known for boasting about the unrivaled beauty of his floral collection – a treasure trove of nature's finest from various epochs and realms – found himself at a rare loss, confronting a presence that challenged the tranquility of his carefully curated world.

"I kill them, and they come back to life. I'm starting to believe my mission here is in vain, and it would be best to return to my own affairs," said Edgar.

"Patience, my dear Edgar. The Devourer of Souls poses no threat to us. Despite losing control over the Bringers of Death, they will probably prove useful in the future. Otherwise, we annihilate them."

"Patience? My counterpart in this time grows stronger by the day, and your foolish plan to leave the diamonds in his possession makes me wonder if you've lost your mind. Moreover, my victims are coming back to life and establishing formidable cultures with terrifying names that could cause us significant trouble. What if he breaks free from Cuer'Ilf's spell? What if he allies with Edgar? The heirs of Adunoss and Nagus..."

"You will kill Edgar, but only after he uses the power of the Sun Diamonds. Not before. Until then, be his friend. You manage to deceive people well. I want to see the power of these diamonds, to know if what is said about them is true, or just empty words. However, the most important thing is that I want to see how they are activated."

It seemed that Edgar's other self had deceived him. He was in cahoots with the Emperor, and their goal was to study the Sun Diamonds. They were aware that without someone like Marcus and Laryus, they would never uncover their secrets, which is why they decided to use them.

The Kingdom of Tuzmad was enveloped in a somber mood the following day, as news of King Ludrol's unexpected demise the previous evening had spread rapidly. The king was found deceased without a single mark of injury, leading many to speculate that his end came from natural causes.

Two days after this unforeseen event, a solemn procession took place. The king's lifeless form was gently placed upon a ceremonial boat, which was then set to drift along the Dul'Zare River. This spectacle drew thousands of mourners, including prominent figures like Tenzim, Turalon, Valleria, and the wise Laryus. As part of the ritual, skilled archers launched arrows, set ablaze, soaring into the sky before arcing downwards towards the boat carrying the king. This act symbolized his final journey, in accordance with the ancient traditions of water and fire, as King Ludrol had desired for his own departure.

Everyone watched the king's boat until it sank. From that day on, Sormain was to be the new king of Tuzmad.

Laryus, with his age and wisdom, stood amidst the mourners, his thoughts consumed by perplexity. The mysterious demise of someone younger than himself, without any apparent ailment, piqued his curiosity and concern. His musings were soon to be addressed, albeit in an unexpected manner, as a figure approached and halted beside him.

This figure was a knight, distinguished by his height and the flowing black hair that framed his face, encased in gleaming black armor. His demeanor exuded an unmistakable air of arrogance, and the smirk playing upon his lips carried an ironic tinge. Laryus felt an involuntary shiver course through him at the sight of this man, a reaction born of a deep-seated recognition. This was no ordinary knight; he was the very individual responsible for King Ludrol's sudden and fatal heart attack. The realization struck Laryus with a mix of apprehension and a growing urge to unravel the truths lurking beneath this enigmatic presence.

"I hope your heart won't fail you too, old Laryus."

"I have no reason to be afraid. Marcus and I have long been aware of your presence in this world," said Laryus confidently.

"So, you're also aware that I will kill you if you stand in my way," the mysterious knight retorted.

"Laryus? Old Laryus?" came sudden voices from behind them.

Valleria, Turalon, and Tenzim, who had just spotted the old mage, approached him. Stopping in front of them, the two brothers scrutinized the enigmatic knight from head to toe, unable to recognize who he might be. One thing was certain: the knight reminded them of someone.

Upon seeing him, the beautiful Valleria began to feel a strange sensation, but couldn't pinpoint why.

"You should feel safe now," the knight said with a malicious smile.

"What makes me feel safe is the fact that Edgar is trained in using the Sun Diamonds. You've heard of Edgar, haven't you?" Laryus replied with a hint of challenge in his voice.

"Master Laryus, who is this man?" Turalon asked, sensing the tension between the two and furrowing his brow as he menacingly placed his hand on the hilt of his sword.

"I advise you to keep your sword sheathed, young man! I don't think you realize whom you're dealing with," the knight replied, smiling.

"Don't overestimate yourself!" Tenzim said through clenched teeth, also placing his hand on his sword.

The situation was on the brink of escalating further, but everyone's attention swiftly shifted to the beautiful Valleria, who suddenly felt ill and collapsed. She was experiencing a powerful vision. She found herself in a familiar room with a round table in the middle, adorned with a vase of sweet-smelling flowers. In one corner of the room, there was a crib where a beautiful child, angelic in appearance, slept peacefully.

The room was softly illuminated by a lantern burning slowly next to the vase of flowers. A young woman, around Valleria's age, entered the room. Her emerald-like eyes sparkled in the lantern's light, and her long, brunette hair made her look like a fairy. The young mother gently covered the child with a blanket and tenderly kissed him. The child's father, a tall, strong man with coal-black hair and eyes, also entered the room.

Valleria stood beside them like a phantom. The man lovingly embraced the young mother and gazed at his child with immense tenderness. Looking more closely at the child's father, Valleria realized it was the same knight standing beside Laryus. Observing the surroundings more carefully, she recognized that she was in Edgar's house in Dornaran. The couple were Edgar's parents, and the little boy in the crib was the father of the child she was carrying.

Suddenly, a loud noise echoed through the room as the door was violently flung open by three knights in black armor, their faces covered. The images gradually blurred until nothing was visible, only the sounds of agony echoing in the princess's mind. Valleria regained consciousness, finding herself surrounded by the two brothers and Laryus.

"My child, sometimes the past should not be disturbed."

"Where did Damyen disappear to?" asked Valleria, noticing that he was no longer in sight.

"So that's the name of the conceited one," Tenzim muttered under his breath. "Does he also have a last name?"

"Yes. Argyle."

Tenzim and Turalon were on the brink of shock. They couldn't believe that the man was Edgar's father.

"How is this possible?" asked Tenzim. "Does Edgar know?"

"Everything is possible, absolutely everything. No, Edgar does not know."

It was said that when a soul cannot find rest due to a gruesome death, it cannot enter the realm of eternity until justice is served for its demise. Stuck between the two worlds, Damyen made a pact with the Demon of Death to return to the living world. Unfortunately, the demon betrayed him, as his mind was lost upon returning to life, forgetting the purpose of his return and thus becoming the leader of the very order he sought to annihilate.

"Wait a minute," Turalon interrupted when he learned that Damyen is the leader of the Death Bringers. "I thought there were only three..."

"No, this order has dozens of members, but only the best are chosen to hold a rank like Damyen's. What is certain is that they change completely. They can no longer think clearly, dominated by hatred and fury."

"He's simply under the manipulation of the Demon of Death," said Valleria. "This demon needed a champion to carry out his plans in our world."

"Wasn't he the Emperor's puppet?" asked Tenzim, confused.

"He was. It's said that the Emperor's powers have significantly weakened, losing control over the demons," said Laryus. "Unfortunately, we don’t know for sure if this will be permanent. Who knows, maybe in the future, he will become as powerful as his father..."

"Damn it! Are we now going to find out that the Emperor is Adunoss's son?" asked Tenzim in disgust.

"By all the gods!" exclaimed Turalon. "How can we fight against someone who might attain the status of a god?"

"The Emperor has been stopped before, which means it can be done again. For this to become possible, the Order of the Sun Circle must rise once more," said Laryus.

The two brothers were startled. They hadn't heard anything about the Sun Circle for eleven years, since they were just children. Back then, spurred on by Edgar, they had eavesdropped on a secret meeting of King Ludrol. To keep them silent, they were tricked into believing they had become part of the order.

Not being well-informed about this order, Laryus told them that the Order of the Death Bringers had formed as opposition to the Sun Circle, the most feared order among those with less than noble intentions. Humanity needed heroes, and the Sun Circle never failed them whenever things turned for the worse. Former members of the order began to fall prey to greed and the desire for more power, thus giving birth to the Death Bringers, who in their quest for power started studying occult forces, ending up as puppets of demonic forces.

One thing was clear. Laryus wanted to bring the Sun Circle back into the light. The last members of this order were he and Marcus, the most powerful mages of these lands. Yet, were they strong enough to initiate new members?

For initiation, a ceremony was required to decide whether the new recruits would be accepted or not.

While they discussed the Sun Circle with great enthusiasm, Marcus and Edgar were studying some old parchments, which appeared to be the predictions of seers.

"In the open space, in a dizzying race of time, the time that has passed is set to become our future, and we are to become masters of a better world."

Edgar didn't understand any of it, suspecting it referred to time travel, something that wasn't particularly helpful at the moment. Bored, he continued to read:

"A time will come when all that has been built is to be demolished. A time when chaos will spread across the earth like the leaves of a tree. Chaos that will last a prolonged period, until the sun shines again."

Marcus was acutely aware of the gravity of the situation. The three Sun Diamonds, each a beacon of immense power, had to be kept together at all costs. He understood the peril that even a single diamond could pose if it fell into the wrong hands. In the grasp of a mage with malevolent ambitions and sufficient skill, just one of these radiant gems could wreak untold havoc. The potential for destruction and chaos was too great to ignore. Marcus, with the weight of this knowledge on his shoulders, was determined to ensure their unity. The safeguarding of these diamonds was not just a matter of preserving ancient relics; it was a crucial step in preventing a cataclysm that could tip the scales of magic and power, potentially plunging the world into an era of darkness and turmoil at the hands of a corrupt sorcerer. The responsibility to protect them, to keep them from being scattered or misused, was a task Marcus accepted with solemn resolve.

In the dim light of the ancient library, the old dwarf meticulously scoured the shelves. His eyes, sharp despite his age, scanned each spine until they settled on the volume he sought. With reverent hands, he extracted a thick tome, its cover worn but the gold lettering still shining: "The Craft of Swords." This book was no ordinary compilation; it was a comprehensive encyclopedia detailing the myriad swords that had been imbued with magic by the world's most formidable mages throughout the ages.

As Marcus thumbed through the heavy, parchment pages, a sense of urgency was palpable in his movements. The information contained within these pages was crucial, holding the potential to sway the tide of the ongoing war. Each page turned was a step closer to an audacious plan he had in mind, a strategy that could either bring about a pivotal victory or plunge them into deeper despair.

He understood the gravity of what he was about to undertake. The enchantments and secrets locked within these ancient pages could forge a weapon of unparalleled might or unleash a catastrophe if mishandled. The fate of entire kingdoms hinged on the success of his plan. Failure was not an option, yet the risk of it loomed large. With each page, Marcus was not just seeking knowledge; he was forging hope, a slender thread in the looming shadow of war.