x
As they settled into the ornate throne room of the Kingdom of Serrand, King Theodore and Queen Isolde introduced themselves with a regal yet welcoming demeanor. Levi, ever direct and pragmatic, wasted no time delving into pressing matters.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkvQodpPpe
“How exactly do you know who we are?” Levi asked, his tone edged with a hint of suspicion.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaz2KhgjFg
Queen Isolde answered with a serene smile. “We have long studied the universes beyond the Land of Spade, especially the Areala Universe. It holds particular significance due to its historical ties with our land.”79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQHBX867Uz
King Theodore leaned forward, his expression turning serious. “Let me tell you of a tale that is seldom spoken outside the royal archives,” he began, capturing their undivided attention. “It concerns the origins of the First Jewel War, centered around a figure known as Joker Oginam.”79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulOzzn3wvu
He paused, ensuring he had their full engagement before continuing. “Joker was a man of our land, who rose to wield the power of all nine Jewels. Legend had it that these jewels could bestow the 'Pure Heart,' a state of unmatched power and purity. However, what Joker unlocked was far from pure; it was a heart of corruption that tainted his rule.”79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0bawrzVrE
The King's voice grew somber as he recounted the tragic history. “After securing victory and claiming all the jewels, Joker’s ambition turned towards the Areala Universe. He unleashed a reign of chaos upon the kingdoms there—Queen, King, Jack—each a battlefield for his wrath. His death marked the end of his terror, but the corrupt heart he harbored was lost to time, believed to continue its dark legacy through his descendants.”79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2Cqyy0O3C
“The jewels, once central to the Land of Spade, were taken to the Areala Universe by Joker and have remained there ever since. After his departure, our land fractured into kingdoms, including the one my ancestor founded—Serrand.”79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeA8ibUbwG
Zara listened intently, absorbing every detail. “We were unaware of the real Land of Spade,” she confessed. “In our universe, the term ‘Land of Spade’ referred to the territories among the Joker, King, Queen, and Jack kingdoms, a fabricated history by the High Mage of our time.”
“And this High Mage,” King Theodore inquired, “what was her/his name?”
“Astralith,” Zara replied, her tone tinged with a mixture of respect and caution. “We thought we had defeated her, but she survived, now aligned with Malacar, the leader of the Malevolent Cosmos Universe.”79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBXxLayC8V
At the mention of Astralith, Queen Isolde’s expression shifted, a flicker of recognition crossing her features. “Astralith is well-known to us through our chronicles. She was, in fact, Joker Oginam’s first wife and the recipient of his corrupt heart's power.”
The revelation sent a ripple of surprise through the group. Isolde continued, “Joker entrusted her with this dark legacy before his demise. None of the Jewels were passed to her, as he had hoped to disperse them across planet Spadaria, envisioning that she might one day reunite them to resurrect him.”79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4pvrS4hik
The room fell silent as the gravity of the situation settled in. The historical ties that bound their worlds were more complex and intertwined than they had imagined, casting a shadow over their understanding of the current cosmic conflicts.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckU2IRJ7ai
King Theodore and Queen Isolde proposed an alliance, emphasizing the need to confront the looming threats together. “With your insight into the Areala Universe and our understanding of the historical context, we can forge a strategy to counteract Astralith and Malacar’s plans,” King Theodore suggested.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkvPwmF5MM
Levi, Zara, and Mike exchanged glances, each processing the weight of the history now revealed. Agreeing to the alliance seemed the only prudent path forward, not just to confront their immediate foes but to prevent the resurgence of a calamitous past that once tore through their worlds.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwyb1VrUCs
