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The scene opened with Seraphina walking into a bustling, sprawling city, Elder Aeliana's cage hovering steadily behind her. She paused, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings, confusion flickering across her face. The location she had received from Gravonix was supposed to lead her to the main base of The Eclipse Sovereignty, not this thriving metropolis.
Vendors lined the streets, calling out their wares, while passersby engaged in lively conversations. The brick-paved streets echoed with the clamor of life, and Seraphina couldn't help but feel out of place in the chaos. A man bumped into her, continuing to eat his ham as if nothing had happened. She glanced back at him briefly before refocusing her thoughts.
Her gaze landed on a towering castle at the end of a sloping, brick walkway. Its grandeur stood in stark contrast to the lively streets below. Seraphina’s instincts told her this was the place to start.
She made her way up the pathway toward the castle gates, her boots clicking against the cobblestones. Upon arriving, she was met by two heavily armed guards stationed at the entrance. One of them stepped forward and barked, “State your business!”
Seraphina raised her hand and pointed to the sky. “Do you see that?” she asked innocently.
The guards turned their heads in unison, their expressions twisting into terror as they laid eyes on a colossal spider, its fangs glistening with venom as it loomed overhead. Without hesitation, they dropped their weapons and fled, their panicked cries echoing through the streets.
Seraphina smirked, walking past the dropped weapons. Her illusion—part of her True Illusion Genesis—had worked perfectly. With this ability, Seraphina could create illusions that not only deceived the mind but also manifested as physical constructs, convincing even the most steadfast individuals of their reality.
Arriving at the massive wooden doors of the castle, Seraphina pushed against them. They were locked tight. With a sigh, she bent her knees and leapt effortlessly over the gates, landing softly on the other side.
The castle halls were grand yet eerily silent, the only sound her footsteps reverberating off the stone walls. At the end of a long corridor stood ornate double doors, carved with intricate designs. As she reached them, a deep voice called from within, “Enter.”
Pushing open the doors, Seraphina stepped inside to find a massive throne room. At its center sat a towering figure, his presence commanding the space. Saber, Ruler of the Sound Kingdom, leaned forward, his piercing eyes locking onto her.
“Welcome,” he said, his voice resonant and steady.
Seraphina inclined her head. “Thanks.”
“What brings you here?” Saber asked, his tone calm but curious.
“I was told this was the location of The Eclipse Sovereignty’s main base,” Seraphina replied, her brow furrowed. “But it seems I’ve been misled.”
Saber leaned back, a small smile playing on his lips. “The Eclipse Sovereignty, huh?”
“You know of them?” Seraphina asked.
Saber nodded. “It’s been a while since I heard that name. Pretty much since The Judge fought Malakar.”
“The Judge?” Seraphina repeated, confused. “Who’s that?”
Saber chuckled. “You really don’t know? You must not be from here.”
Seraphina frowned. “I’m the former ruler of the Azure Universe, if that answers your question.”
“That explains it,” Saber said, leaning forward with interest. “The Land of Spade—the original one, not the one you’re probably familiar with—is ruled by The Judge, the head of the Six Kingdoms.”
“Ruler of the Land of Spade? Six Kingdoms?” Seraphina echoed, her surprise evident.
Saber gave her a long, considering look. “The history of the Land of Spade runs deeper than you might know. What you experienced was likely… not the real Land of Spade.”
Seraphina’s confusion deepened. “Not the real Land of Spade? What do you mean?”
Saber gestured for her to take a seat, his voice growing serious. “About 900 years ago, The Judge and his council foresaw that a great calamity would destroy the Six Kingdoms. It wasn’t malicious intent—this calamity would come from the clash between a group called the High Mages and The Eclipse Sovereignty. To save our world, the greatest scientist of the Land of Spade developed a one-time-use device to teleport the entire Land of Spade into another dimension.”
He continued, his tone unwavering. “In its place, a new civilization was fabricated to avoid suspicion. For 850 years, we lived in somewhat peace. But fifty years ago, during what your people call the Great Revival, Kaipo brought the original Land of Spade back, along with the Six Kingdoms.”
Seraphina sat in stunned silence, trying to process the enormity of the revelation. “So… the Land of Spade that Lord Kaipo and the High Mages fought in—it wasn’t the real one?”
Saber nodded. “Correct. What Kaipo brought back is the original Land of Spade, now restored to its state from 900 years ago. It’s divided into six regions, each with its own Capital Kingdom and ruler. You’re currently in Region Four: The Sound Kingdom, my domain.”
“What about the other regions?” Seraphina asked.
Saber listed them off. “The Magic Kingdom in Region Three, ruled by Nano. The Light Kingdom in Region Five, ruled by Mirano. The Thorne Kingdom in Region One, ruled by Thornoe. The Animal Kingdom in Region Six, ruled by Ragnarok. And finally, The Technology Kingdom in Region Two, ruled by Nogia.”
Seraphina took a deep breath, absorbing the information before speaking again. “I’m here because of Elder Aeliana. She was placed in some kind of magical state by The Eclipse Sovereignty, and now I’m trying to find a way to free her.”
Saber stroked his chin thoughtfully. “The Judge and his council might be able to help, but that depends on his mood. You’ll likely have to face his judgment first.”
Seraphina’s eyes narrowed. “His judgment? Is he really that powerful?”
Saber’s laugh was low and knowing. “The Judge’s strength isn’t in question. The Six Kingdoms and The Eclipse Sovereignty have clashed countless times, and I’ve had my fair share of battles with them. But there’s one story you should hear. About 400 years ago, The Judge and Malakar faced off alone in a battle of unimaginable proportions. When The Judge returned, he was completely unharmed, but he hasn’t spoken a word since that fight. Malakar, on the other hand, hasn’t been seen since.”
Seraphina’s expression hardened with determination. “Take me to him. If he can help, I need to see him.”
Saber sighed, rising from his throne. “Alright. But I make no guarantees he’ll help you. Let’s head to the main district, where The Judge and his council reside.”
With that, the two set off toward the heart of the Land of Spade, the weight of Seraphina’s mission—and the secrets of the Six Kingdoms—looming large.
The chapter ended with their departure, the journey to face The Judge just beginning.27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk21f60ahpi
