At the edge of the world, there existed a land known as **Eldoria**.

There, the people lived in peace and harmony under the rule of a wise and just king Ashes, the sole heir of the **Gerold bloodline**, which originated from the kingdom of **Aether**.

The Gerold bloodline was known for its exceptional ability to govern. Unfortunately, in the past, they were all betrayed and wiped out by the very person they trusted the most someone they had considered family. This became a dark chapter in the history of the Gerold clan, leaving Ashes as the only survivor to inherit the throne.

This tragic event unfolded during a grand Thanksgiving feast, where the entire Gerold clan had gathered at the Aether Kingdom to celebrate together. But fate was cruel. **Alph**, the most trusted servant of Ashes father, had secretly devised a wicked planto poison them all.

He poured a lethal toxin into the water that was meant for the entire Gerold family.

Minutes after consuming the poisoned drink, the effects began to take hold each member of the Gerold clan felt an unbearable heat burning through their throats. One by one, they collapsed. Alph stood silently, watching with excitement as the poison slowly claimed their lives.

But Alphs mistake was failing to confirm whether they were truly dead and forgetting that one heir still remained Ashes.

Ashes was not present at the feast. He had been in his workshop, fixing war machines, indulging in his passion and expertise.

After completing his work, Ashes walked casually through the palace, unaware of the **horrors** that had just taken place. Upon reaching his room, he took his time to clean up before heading to the **dining hall**, where his family was supposed to be celebrating. But as he approached the grand entrance, an **uneasy feeling** washed over him.

The palace was **too quiet**.

The usual guards were nowhere to be seen.

*"Why do I feel like something is wrong? Its never this silent, especially during a big feast. Aunt Donnas laughter usually echoes through the halls," Ashes thought to himself.

With his heart pounding, he hurried upstairs.

And then he **froze**.

His breath caught in his throat.

The sight before him was **unimaginable**.

His entire **family lay lifeless**.

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His vision blurred with tears as he fell to his knees, gazing at the lifeless bodies of his parents on the ground.

"Mother!! Why- Why is this happening?" Ashes cried, cradling his mothers cold face.

Grief threatened to consume him, but then he remembered.

Before the feast, his father had left him with a warning, an omen of what was to come

*"If disaster ever befalls our family or those you love, do not waste your tears. Tears do nothing but weaken your mind. Instead, rise—because that is the only way to honor them."*

The weight of his fathers words anchored him back to reality.

With great difficulty, Ashes steadied himself. Gently, he laid his mothers head back onto the ground and began searching for clues about what had happened.

As he examined the dining table, a sudden, sharp **pain** exploded at the back of his head.

*A vase had struck him.*

"Troublesome fool. No talent whatsoever. A royal, yet only good at fixing machines? Utterly useless."

The mocking voice belonged to Alph.

Ashes*heart dropped*.

This was the voice that had once encouraged him, praised him and now, it was filled with nothing but **disdain**.

*"W-why, Alph? Why would you do this? We never treated you poorly. We saw you as family! Even though you were just a servant to my father!"* Ashes stammered, his head throbbing from the blow.

Alph **laughed** without an ounce of remorse.

"HAHAHA! You really dont get it, do you? Your father was already searching for an adopted heir. Do you know why? Because YOU are weak, Ashes!"

With slow, deliberate steps, Alph approached Ashes, drawing a dagger from his belt.

"Dont run, Ash. You owe me for serving your family for 25 years," Alph sneered.

As Alph raised the dagger to strike

**CRASH!**

A plate smashed against Alph face, sending him staggering backward.

Blood dripped from a fresh wound on his forehead. Furious, he turned towards the source”

It was Ashes father.

Half-conscious and barely alive, he had thrown the plate with all the strength he had left.

Rage boiled inside Alph. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small glass bottle filled with deadly acid substance so lethal that even a single drop could kill an elephant.

Without hesitation, Alph hurled the bottle at Ashes father.

The glass shattered upon impact, and the acid burned through his skin.

A guttural scream of agony filled the hall.

But Alph had let his guard down.

Seizing the opportunity, Ashes grabbed the very dagger Alph had intended to kill him with”

And plunged it into Alph throat.

Alph staggered, choking on his own blood. His eyes widened in shock before he collapsed, lifeless, in the very hall where he had committed his betrayal.

Ashes rushed to his father side.

"A-Ashes"

His father voice was barely a whisper.

But before he could say anything more”

His breath faded.

He died in his only son arms.

---

The people of Eldoria mourned for their king and sympathized with Ashes, who was now alone in the world. With no other heir left, the citizens united in one voice, urging Ashes to take the throne.

"Ashes! Ashes! Ashes!"

They chanted his name, giving him the strength to move forward.

Even though Ashes had never studied royal duties, he had no choice but to accept his destiny. He was the last of the Gerold bloodline.

Through dedication and perseverance, Ashes learned the ways of a true ruler.

And in time, he became the leader his people had always dreamed of.

Under his reign, Eldoria flourished. There were no wars or conflicts only peace and prosperity.

Until one fateful day.

A violent storm swept across the land. The bright blue skies darkened, and thunder roared relentlessly.

Then—silence.

Everyone thought the storm had passed.

But fate had other plans.

A  deafening explosion shook the kingdom.

From the sky, meteors rained down not just one, but many.

To their relief, the falling meteors did not strike their villages.

Instead, they landed upon the mountains and hills beyond the kingdom.

Yet, deep in his heart, Ashes felt an ominous presence.

Without wasting time, he rushed into the palace and began writing an urgent decree a summons for an emergency meeting

Tying the letter to a royal m

essenger pigeon, he released it into the sky.

What had just fallen from the heavens?

And what new danger did it bring?

To be continued.....