Somewhere in the vast oceans...

  The scattered isles of the Kingdom of Leonithra told a sorrowful tale. Once the pride of the seas, its legendary fleet had ruled with awe and precision. Now, only broken ships remained—manned by weary pirates fighting a mysterious enemy in battles that drained their dwindling supplies and exhausted their few remaining hands.

  Beside them, the great islands—once symbols of Leonithra's naval supremacy—stood silent. Their harbors, once brimming with warships, now held only remnants. Survivors wore the faded uniforms of Leonithra's navy. The last citizens clung to what remained.

  Sydney knelt on the stone floor, spreading maps and documents across it.

  Her golden hair shimmered in the lantern light, her pale skin and deep blue eyes reflecting the ocean's sorrow. She was beautiful—like the sea itself—but her expression was tense, her voice strained.

  "Dear gods... our resources are nearly gone.

  At this rate, we won't reach our goals.

  That cursed Luthor has blocked all direct contact with Valina.

  She must know what's happening here.

  We resist. We intercept what we can.

  But we've been crushed by the strength of these monsters."

  A pirate stepped forward.

  "Captain? Why not blast them with our cannons?"

  Another chimed in.

  "Or launch a full assault?"

  Sydney exhaled sharply, pressing her forehead to the map.

  "You don't understand.

  If we do that... we hand them our heads.

  It's suicide."

  The pirates exchanged glances, some chuckling nervously.

  Sydney's voice hardened.

  "The Black Order succeeded in cutting off supplies from the Luminous Tree villages.

  That's a bad sign.

  It means they've destroyed them.

  And now the burden falls entirely on Kalhena."

  Majd—a young man with chestnut hair, dressed in a clean, well-fitted pirate uniform—stepped forward.

  "Why not reach out to Aurik?

  Or Leona? Linovard?

  Maybe they'll help."

  Sydney shook her head.

  "I sent a ship under cover of night.

  I pray they reach the mainland and bring aid.

  But I doubt anyone wants to help us.

  We're pirates, after all.

  We've stolen. We've killed without cause.

  And now... we need everyone.

  Do you remember our reckless assault on Valia? The King Casser himself comes to banish us forcing us to retreat and declare an oath that if we show up will come To us by himself turning us to ash... If he knows what is going I'm pretty sure he will intervene crashing Louthr and the black orders.. Linovard could help.. We have a better relationships with them than Aurik or Leona..

  We must protect our seas—our home—from invaders."

  Majd leaned over the map.

  "Then why not lift the enchantment?"

  Sydney's eyes darkened.

  "No.

  The spell I cast forces the Black Order to travel by sea—slows them down.

  If I lift it, they'll teleport, strike, invade...

  Just like they did seven months ago.

  We lost Commander Coleman.

  And Jessie—the head of our joint defense council."

  Majd tapped the map.

  "So the spell blocks them... but it blocks us too.

  No magical messages.

  No teleportation.

  We're stuck in the middle."

  Then—cannon fire.

  A distant boom echoed across the waves.

  Sydney stood, eyes blazing.

  "Men! They've returned!"

  A blinding blue flash struck the boy who held the heart.

  He collapsed instantly.

  Blood spilled across the stone.

  I heard a whisper—cold, triumphant.

  "We got him. Everyone, fall back."

  I trembled, unable to breathe.

  I shut my eyes.

  When I opened them again, I saw him.

  The old man.

  The one cloaked in shadow.

  He stood in the chaos, laughing softly, a black aura swirling around him. In his hand, the heart—now changed. Its surface gleamed, clean and unnatural.

  The village was in ruins.

  Someone screamed, calling for the execution of a group.

  Had they been betrayed?

  Or abandoned?

  I couldn't stay.

  I ran.

  Above me, the sky was darker than ever. The green comet flickered—barely visible.

  As if hope itself had been stolen.

  I ran farther.

  They had suffered a crushing defeat. They could fall at any moment.

  I kept moving.

  Then I saw them.

  Members of the Black Order.

  And the same old man.

  He handed the heart to a group of strangers—soldiers bearing the mark of Lenonthira.

  The old man in come tone : Do as we discussed.. bring this heart to her ... we will meat you there ... and bring me her heart ...

  The fallen kingdom.

  Could it be?

  Were there survivors?

  I didn't stop to find out.

  I ran.

  My strength waned.

  I stumbled into a valley—burned trees, shattered huts.

  A place forgotten.

  "What is this place?" I whispered.

  I walked slowly, hunger gnawing at my bones, thirst burning my throat.

  Then—I saw it.

  An oasis.

  Hidden in the desert heart of the Valley of Wonders.

  Palm trees. Vines. A pool of water.

  Birds circled overhead.

  I staggered forward.

  Collapsed.

  Crawled across the sand.

  My lips cracked. The night was cold. The wind struck like knives. The sky loomed above—black and endless. The comet glowed faintly, like a dying ember.

  I reached the water.

  Drank.

  It was clean.

  Pure.

  I drank until I could breathe again.

  Then I lay back on the grass.

  Beside the pool.

  Staring at the black sky.

  And the fading comet.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  The Gate of Shadows

  I awoke to a strange glow.

  The green comet blazed above me—violent, radiant, pulsing with unnatural light.

  I stood, stretching after the deepest sleep I'd had in days.

  It was... beautiful.

  I kept staring at the sky, mesmerized by the comet's flickering dance.

  Then I noticed a small tree nearby.

  Its branches bore fruit.

  I was starving.

  I ate.

  And for the first time in days, I felt full.

  I turned toward the oasis.

  Closed my eyes.

  And bowed in gratitude.

  Father once told me the world hated us. That all we had were blizzards, frost, and storms.

  But here, in the heart of the Valley of Wonders—surrounded by invaders—I had found something I could call home. A place to sleep in peace.

  I continued walking.

  Passed towering dunes.

  The midday air was cold—unnaturally so.

  I glanced back at the oasis, now distant.

  I didn't want to leave.

  I just wanted rest.

  But I kept going.

  Night fell.

  The comet stopped flickering, but its glow remained—pulsing faintly.

  Then—

  A black gate opened in the sand.

  I hid behind the dunes.

  Two figures stood waiting.

  One was grotesquely overweight, his voice grating.

  "Why are we waiting? Let's go to Aurik and crush them already!"

  The other sighed. "Patience, fool."

  Then—

  A third figure emerged from the gate.

  He was different.

  Strange.

  He carried a weapon unlike any I'd seen.

  The two bowed.

  He spoke.

  "So... Dais and Azalor destroyed the Luminous Tree. And they failed to contain the child? Amateurs. I dismantled the Elpha procession alone. I expected everything to be ready."

  The fat one stammered, "We apologize..."

  "No need," the stranger said. "Just follow orders. Until we reach our goal."

  "Of course, Lord Makverden," said the fat one—his name was Batalos.

  Makverden turned to them. "I want you to find a child. One radiating strange energy. It's tied to the green comet. If you capture him... I'll be very pleased, Varon."

  Varon nodded. "We'll see what we can do."

  Makverden stepped back. "I must go. I'll be nearby."

  "Safe travels," Varon said.

  Makverden vanished into the gate.

  It closed.

  Batalos muttered, "Makverden himself... this planet is finished."

  Varon replied, "He's here because the locals resist. They're slowing us down."

  Batalos grinned. "I'll burn them all."

  Varon smirked. "That's comforting."

  Then—

  Varon turned.

  Looked directly at me.

  I lowered my head, heart pounding.

  When I looked again, Varon was gone.

  Batalos stood alone.

  Then—

  A voice behind me.

  Cold.

  Sharp.

  "What are you doing here?"

  I turned.

  Varon.

  His sword pressed against my back.

  In the dead of night, three ships sank beneath the waves. Their crews were slaughtered—some clung to driftwood, swimming desperately toward the island. Above the water, gray flames floated like cursed lanterns, burning not just the sea's surface, but its very soul.

  A small boat scraped against the shore.

  A figure stepped out—cloaked in black, moving slowly. His sword burned with gray fire, and a swirling aura of ash and flame coiled around his body like a storm.

  Sydney's eyes snapped open. She raised her weapon.

  "You! You crept ashore under cover of darkness!"

  Pirates surrounded her, weapons drawn.

  The stranger spoke, voice calm and venomous.

  "Please... filthy pirates.

  Lift this foolish enchantment...

  And I'll let you die quietly."

  Sydney's voice was steel.

  "You think we'll surrender that easily?"

  The pirates unleashed their weapons—gem-encrusted rifles and enchanted blades—firing bursts of magic toward him.

  The stranger deflected every strike with his sword, moving with terrifying speed. He walked forward, unbothered.

  "Fall back!" Sydney shouted.

  The stranger whispered.

  "You've gone too far.

  You dared to strike me.

  And that...

  That awakens Lucifer's wrath."

  He leapt into the air.

  A gray inferno erupted around him—his aura expanding like wings of flame. He descended like a meteor, crashing toward Sydney and her crew.

  The island ignited.

  Gray fire spread across the sand and trees, casting a hellish glow over the ocean. The waves twisted unnaturally, responding to something ancient and furious.

  Sydney rolled backward, barely avoiding the blast. Pirates scrambled behind her—some wounded, others dead.

  She stared at the sea, eyes wide.

  "You bastard!" she hissed.

  Then, under her breath:

  "Valina... if she's provoked like this...

  We may all drown tonight."

  The stranger chuckled softly.

  "I warned you.

  End the enchantment...

  And I'll let you die in peace.

  Just once.

  Though I doubt peace is something you'll ever find."

  The pirates and Sydney aimed their weapons at him, trembling.

  He continued, voice cold.

  "Pirates? Scum.

  Still scum.

  Seeking peace?

  Don't make me laugh.

  Hell is your home."

  Sydney's eyes burned with fury.

  "You murdered Captain Coleman.

  You slaughtered Jessie when they cornered you.

  The pirates forced you to bring your own men!"

  The stranger glanced at his sword, its flames dancing.

  "You mean...

  We used your own kingdom's soldiers against you?

  That was my favorite part.

  You're all fools.

  The villages of the Luminous Tree...

  They now serve us.

  They are our army."

  Sydney steadied her weapon, her hand trembling.

  Riz sneered, gray fire curling around his boots, licking the sand.

  "Don't think the mainland is faring any better than you.

  I saw the ship you sent.

  I treated them... with kindness."

  Sydney's eyes narrowed.

  "You bastard.

  What did you do to them?"

  The flames around Riz surged, casting long shadows across the beach.

  "Hmm...

  Let's just say...

  I helped them retire."

  The pirates growled, weapons trembling in their hands.

  "Hold your ground!" Sydney barked.

  "Don't let him provoke you!"

  She gripped her weapon tighter, her hands shaking.

  "Linovard won't let you walk the mainland so easily.

  Leona. Aurik.

  They'll stand against you—even if we fall."

  King Caesar wipes out all of you years ago! And he and we shall do you it again! We will be the first sparks if that!

  Riz's smile twisted into something monstrous.

  "King Caesar?

  You don't know, do you?

  The fools of Aurik call it the Crimson Catastrophe."

  He laughed.

  "Leona? Don't make me laugh.

  Linovard? Wiped from the map.

  You're a pitiful band of rats clinging to a dead tide."

  He raised his hand.

  "Look at the sky."

  The sky of Silva was black—starless, suffocating. The Luminous Tree was gone, and with it, the light that once bathed the sea.

  Sydney's face fell. Her weapon lowered.

  Riz smiled.

  Then—

  "No!"

  Majd's voice rang out from behind.

  Riz's expression shifted.

  Majd stepped forward, defiant.

  "I've heard whispers.

  Maybe they're true.

  The Kingdom of Aurik still resists—led by Prince Asser, the Emberborn."

  "The villages of the Luminous Tree fight back too.

  And that Green Comet—"

  He pointed his weapon skyward.

  "—they say it's not a sign.

  It's a person.

  A warrior defying the Black Order."

  He turned to Sydney.

  "Just like you, Captain."

  Sydney's eyes shimmered.

  "Majd..."

  She looked up.

  "And the Blue Dark Star... Eklat.

  It's responding to us.

  It's lighting the sea again."

  Riz's face twisted.

  He lunged—gray fire erupting from his body, his expression warped with fury.

  Majd raised his weapon.

  Sydney's body surged with a dark blue aura. She stepped forward, eyes glowing, and unleashed a barrage of energy bolts from her weapon.

  Riz twisted midair, dodging the blasts, then retaliated with a wave of gray fire.

  Sydney closed her eyes, voice rising like a tide.

  "Wrath of the Seas!"

  The Blue Dark Star flared—its light cutting through the darkness like a blade.

  The sky ignited.

  The sea roared.

  And Riz... paused, eyes wide with something he hadn't felt in years.

  Doubt.

  The Trial of Fire and the Whisper of Shadows

  Tears streamed down my face.

  Varon narrowed his eyes. "You? Why are you crying? What are you doing here? Spying, when you're this weak?"

  Batalos arrived, his body steaming with heat. "You found her? Let me burn her! Reduce her to ash!"

  Varon sighed. "Calm down, you bloated fool."

  "I'm just lost," I whispered. "That's all..."

  "Lost?" Varon echoed. "Then dig a hole and escape. Otherwise, this fireball will roast you alive."

  Batalos growled. "Foolish enough to mock Batalos the Great? I'll show you!"

  His body ignited. He raised his hands, and the air around him shimmered with heat.

  He chanted in a strange tongue: "Jithim wahid, joni 'ashara!"

  Flames erupted from his palms. His body began to levitate.

  Varon exhaled. "If you survive this... I'll let you live."

  "What?" I gasped. "My life isn't a game!"

  Varon's voice was cold. "It is."

  Batalos laughed, hurling fire toward me.

  Varon dodged midair, unimpressed. "Why all this spectacle? She's just a girl. One flame would've done it."

  Batalos cackled. "You're boring, Varon! My magic is a tale! A performance! Not your dull little sparks!"

  Varon glanced around. "Great. You've just told the entire planet where we are."

  "Silence!" Batalos roared.

  He launched a massive fire blast.

  I raised my hands, green aura swirling around them, and slammed them into the ground.

  Varon, still airborne, raised an eyebrow. "Batalos, be careful. She's a sorceress too."

  Batalos laughed. "Doesn't matter. First strike wins!"

  Green smoke erupted from the earth, colliding with the fire in a violent explosion.

  I was thrown back—wounded, but alive.

  Varon stared. "Poison?"

  Batalos grinned. "Interesting..."

  He summoned another blast.

  Varon groaned. "Enough. Let me finish her. Your magic is too flashy."

  "She's a sorceress. I'm a sorcerer. Stay out of it!"

  Rose stood, clothes torn, breath ragged.

  Batalos laughed. "Rolas! Fadar!"

  A fiery cyclone surged toward me.

  Varon scoffed. "All this... for one fragile girl?"

  Batalos bellowed, "Of course! She's a mouse—I test my spells on mice! You told me not to underestimate enemies. So I'll honor her... my way!"

  "That's not what I meant, idiot."

  "Shut up and watch the brilliance of Batalos!"

  I raised my hands.

  "Trojan Shield!"

  Green smoke and liquid burst from my palms, striking the earth.

  A toxic mud wall rose, absorbing the cyclone.

  Varon smirked. "She blocked it."

  Batalos blinked. "What?!"

  I gasped, barely standing.

  Batalos snarled. "You'll pay for that!"

  He launched a flaming whip.

  I whispered, "You said... if I blocked the attack... I could go. I blocked three."

  Batalos sneered. "Who cares, you fool?"

  I closed my eyes.

  The whip neared.

  But nothing hit me.

  I opened my eyes.

  Varon stood before me, sword raised, deflecting the flame.

  Batalos roared. "What are you doing, you idiot?!"

  "She passed the test," Varon said. "You lost. Let her go."

  Batalos fumed. "You're insane!"

  Varon turned to me. "You passed... but you failed too."

  I collapsed, breath shallow, vision fading.

  "You closed your eyes," Varon said. "You could've escaped. You gave up. That's disappointing."

  "What?" I whispered.

  Varon sheathed his sword and walked toward Batalos.

  Batalos grumbled. "Now what? Dais said head to Aurik. Makverden wants the comet child dead. What's next?"

  A black portal opened.

  Azalor and Dais stepped through, their faces grim.

  Dais: "So... he came to Silva?"

  Varon nodded. "Yes."

  Azalor: "He wants the Heart of Silva for himself. After destroying Elpha..."

  Batalos: "He ordered us to find and kill—or deliver—the comet child."

  Azalor raised an eyebrow.

  Dais: "He commands our men like they're his. He's challenging us."

  Azalor: "We're all trying to kill this world. That's fine. But he wants the glory. The power."

  Dais: "I know. But I have a plan. Continue your orders, Varon. Batalos."

  Varon: "Understood."

  Batalos: "As you wish."

  Azalor: "Leave the comet child to me. I'm close to unlocking his secret."

  Dais: "Good."

  Azalor: "Riz is in Lenonthira with Luthor. They're executing the control plan."

  Dais: "Let's hope it ends quickly."

  Azalor: "Riz knows what he's doing."

  Dais smiled.

  Azalor: "But be careful. Others will come. Makverden... and worse. The longer we delay, the more hands interfere."

  Dais: "We'll accelerate."

  Azalor: "Good. Update me. And Batalos—stop setting fires randomly. You're exposing us."

  Dais glared at Batalos.

  Batalos bowed. "I'll take it seriously."

  Azalor nodded and vanished into the portal.

  Dais followed.

  The gate closed.

  I stood.

  Batalos stared, flames dancing on his hand.

  Varon didn't move.

  I ran.

  Far.

  Until I found a ruined fortress.

  I slipped inside.

  It was... clean.

  Too clean.

  A graveyard lay behind it.

  I needed rest.

  There were beds.

  I collapsed into one.

  Then—

  Clashing steel.

  I rose.

  Peered through a cracked window.

  Outside, in the distance—

  They were back.

  Batalos and Varon.

  But they were fighting...

  someone else.