The Royal Court – Crimson Throne Hall, Dawnlight
Sunlight filtered through the grand stained-glass windows of the Stoneheart Palace's high council chamber, casting colorful shards of light onto polished obsidian floors. The vaulted ceilings echoed with whispers—each noble's murmur as fragile and sharp as broken glass.
King Edward Stoneheart stood at the center, tall and immovable in his red-and-gold ceremonial armor, his gray-streaked hair flowing behind a silver crown engraved with the mark of Solaris—the flame of unity. Around him, lords and ladies from all noble houses filled the arc of thrones, some fidgeting with jeweled rings, others sharpening their glares.
> King Edward:
"The veil has been pierced. A demon general marched upon Arcane soil—and one among us stood against him."
He turned toward the steps where Rael Ramos waited—cloaked in black, crimson lining flaring at his boots like a flicker of restrained flame. Though still seventeen, he carried the silence of a warrior far older.
> Edward (raising his voice):
"By royal decree, I name him Commander of the Hero's Vanguard—our sword and shield against the rising tide."
Whispers erupted. Some were awed. Others wary.
---
Political Division – Shadows Behind Applause
Lady Alina of House Silverglen stood gracefully, her seafoam robes trailing behind her like waves.
> Alina:
"If we cannot trust the one who felled a demon general, whom can we trust?"
But across the room, the cold voice of Lord Malrik Drosen cut through the warmth like a dagger of ice.
> Malrik (tone clipped):
"Heroism is fleeting. Leadership is legacy."
He eyed Rael with a carefully disguised sneer.
> Malrik:
"Power without pedigree is like wildfire—bright, dangerous, and uncontrollable."
King Edward's response was firm.
> Edward:
"I would rather risk wildfire than let rot fester in our roots."
---
The Formation of the Hero's Vanguard
As ceremonial horns echoed, four young figures entered the hall behind velvet curtains, each flanked by silver-armored guards. They stopped before Rael, who turned to face them.
> King Edward Stoneheart:
"Meet your vanguard, Commander."
---
Bjorn Stonehand – The Shield
First came a broad-shouldered boy with black hair tied back in a rough braid, dark eyes gleaming with mirth. His armor looked worn but reinforced—a mark of practical training over noble flair.
> Bjorn (grinning):
"About time I got to smash skulls with someone famous."
> Background:
Born to a smithing guild in the northern mountain holds, Bjorn grew up forging weapons—and using them. Loyal to a fault, he's known for treating his allies like family.
He clapped Rael's shoulder, making the black-haired teen wince faintly.
> Rael (smiling):
"Try not to break me before the demons do."
---
Seraphina Moonwhisper – The Light
A girl in ivory robes stepped forward next. Her golden hair fell like a curtain of sunlight around wide, amber eyes. She clutched a staff carved with crescent moonstones.
As their eyes met, a blush bloomed across her cheeks.
> Seraphina (softly):
"You saved hundreds. I… I've wanted to meet you since the Arcane Academy reports."
> Background:
A descendant of a long-lost elven-human lineage, Seraphina was raised in a secluded temple. Her healing abilities surfaced early—and now she seeks to prove herself in real battlefields.
Rael offered her a polite nod, his expression unreadable, but something flickered in his eyes.
---
Silas Shadowwalker – The Whisper
Barely making a sound, the next boy appeared. Draped in gray leathers, black hair tousled over his eyes, he stood beside Rael with sharp, observant stillness.
> Silas:
"Watched your duel with General Greed twenty-three times. I memorized your footwork."
> Background:
An orphan trained in the secret tunnels under Virell City, Silas was once a street rat who learned to fight by necessity. Now, he's a ghost in enemy territory—devoted, calculated, and quiet.
Rael tilted his head, intrigued.
> Rael:
"Careful not to become a shadow of me. Cast your own."
Silas cracked a rare smile.
---
Roric Drosen – The Blade
Finally, the fourth boy stepped forward. Blond hair fell across his brow, eyes black as night. His polished silver armor bore the sigil of House Drosen.
He said nothing at first. Just crossed his arms.
> Roric:
"I'll follow orders. But don't expect obedience if you falter."
> Background:
The only son of Malrik Drosen, Roric is a gifted swordsman raised in opulence. Trained by assassins and court duelists alike, he was expected to lead—but finds himself under the command of the very boy his father despises.
Rael met his stare calmly.
> Rael:
"Then don't blink. I won't."
Tension crackled, unspoken but potent.
---
The Demon King's Shadow – A Whispered Threat
Later that evening, in a chamber carved from volcanic obsidian, a demon priest spoke before a mirror that pulsed with faint red light.
> Demon Priest:
"The human boy gathers champions."
> Nameless Voice:
"Let him."
> Priest:
"Shall we act?"
> Voice (amused):
"Heroes shine brightest before they die."
A quiet chuckle echoed through the chamber… and the mirror went still.
---
Arcane Academy – Sunset Farewell
Back under the warm skies of Arcane Academy, Rael stood by the front gate. His silhouette cast a long shadow behind him, sword strapped at his back, a crimson scarf fluttering in the wind.
Eris Vaeloria, clad in her flame-toned cloak, tried to mask her emotion behind a stiff posture.
> Eris:
"So that's it? Off to be a legend again?"
> Rael:
"This time… I'm not just fighting to survive."
Lyra Dreamshade leaned against the gatepost, silver hair swaying, her lazy demeanor gone.
> Lyra (quietly):
"I hate goodbyes."
Eris Vaeloria , clutching her staff, had tear tracks on her cheeks.
> Eris:
"We're strong too… Why can't we go with you?"
Rael looked at each of them, memorizing their faces.
> Rael:
"Because this path is poisoned. And if I fail, someone has to be left to protect what's left."
> Rael (softly):
"I'll come back. When it's over. When the sky is clear again."
Headmistress Lira Moonshade stood a few steps away, her eyes both proud and afraid.
> Lira:
"We'll hold the light here, Rael. You hold it there."
As Rael turned, the golden sun framed him in flame. He stepped forward, Vanguard at his side.
> Rael (thinking):
"This isn't the end. This is where heroes are made… and monsters revealed."
And thus, the boy who lost a world walked toward the edge of another war—leading the spark that might yet ignite salvation.