“Are you sure about this? What if they attack Cold Hills?” Tristan asked as they rode their horses, the west gate of the kingdom capital rising from their view ahead. It was a half-day journey from Cold Hills after they spotted the blue beam piercing through the skies, coming from the far north. “Don’t worry,” Kael replied. “Our village will be fine. The winterbird from the citadel said that the enemies were only attacking straight towards the capital.” As they reached the western gatehouse, Kael could still see the destroyed portcullis he had caused by the explosion two days ago. He raised his head to the top of the curtain walls and found no knights on watch anymore The fort bell kept on ringing, like repeating thunder amidst the dark clouds; the alarm for evacuation. The skies had already turned dark … wind blowing hard against his face, carrying the scent

 Draphiron’s wings created a powerful gust of wind on the high tower as its claws held on to the pillars, and then lowered its long neck for Arth to climb down. The dragon’s remaining alar, in the form of a blue spirit, had helped him reach Crown Galacer in a short time. “Thanks, Draphiron … thank you, father,” Arth whispered, rubbing the dragon’s neck before he jumped off and landed on the floor. The blue spirit slowly dissolved into strings of alar, flying away from the tower, then they all compressed together and finally exploded in the skies like fireworks.  Arth turned around, studying the situation now. The first thing he saw was the cracked Power Crystal … with tiny fragments scattered on the floor. Nearly destroyed it was … that Divine Knight must’ve stopped the demon before it could shatter the crystal. Kael did his job well enough, holding off the demon befo

 Arth cried and screamed from the pain … as the cold, rough earth was crushing his body in between. He exerted his arms, pushing both sides to prevent the ground from squeezing him, but hopeless it was … as it only made him bleed more, caused by the sharp stones against his skin. “Have no worries, for I shall take good care of your lands and—” Dethnar’s voice stopped as well as the ground, then followed by the demon cursing. “What’s … happening … now …?” Arth’s eyes fell heavier, but he still kept his consciousness. “You’re … a … demon …?! What are you?!” Dethnar spoke again from above, his voice shaking and mad. “You traitor! You are one of us … and yet—” “And you are a fool …” Arth

 It was a grand festive night for the entire kingdom capital to celebrate the crowning of the new king. Arth had never been to a big celebration before, seeing lots and lots of people. He was seated at the dais of the Great Hall with tons of food on his own table. It was too much at least for him, so he just sighed and then sipped on his wine, looking around. The other three kings had already returned to their regions right after the ceremony had ended earlier, as they still had other responsibilities to attend to. Now that more people were present, the air had become warmer, filled with loud chats and laughs from the nobles and lords while they drank their liquor. The live music played by the talented musicians had made the Great Hall much noisier. “So this is what a feast is like,” Arth shook his head, watching a drunk noble dance over the table while his fellows laughed and clapped their hands, “It’s &