The sun hung low in the sky, casting golden beams through the high towers of Lumisgrave. The afternoon air was crisp, humming faintly with the echoes of distant wind chimes ringing across the marble corridors of the Mythic Base. Arslan stood in his chamber, tightening the leather straps on his gauntlets. Aswad, his loyal spectral beast, awaited outside with a gentle growl, wings shimmering in the fading light.
Arslan exhaled and opened the door. The time had come.
He climbed onto Aswad's back, gripping the horned saddle, and with a commanding nudge, they soared into the sky, cutting through clouds as the wind howled past. The Royal Capital of Lumisgrave rose like a jewel below, with its high-walled citadel surrounded by cascading terraces and luminescent stone roads. Aswad landed smoothly in the courtyard outside the royal gates, where Royal Guards in golden armor immediately recognized the rider and stood in salute.
"Sir Arslan," one of them said respectfully, bowing slightly. "His Majesty is expecting you. This way."
Arslan nodded and followed them through the vast corridors of the royal palace. Banners fluttered from stone-carved columns, each bearing the sigil of Lumisgrave: a sun breaking through black clouds. As they reached the private royal chamber, the guards halted.
"You may enter."
Inside, King Farhan stood near a tall arched window, his long cloak trailing behind him, hair cascading over his shoulders like silver-black silk.At his side, Julious—the leader of the Guardian Council—leaned against a polished wooden table, his eyes curious.
As Arslan entered, King Farhan turned. "Ah, you've come. Please, take a seat."
Arslan bowed respectfully and sat across from them, his expression resolute.
"I sense something important weighs upon you," King Farhan said, voice calm yet firm.
Before Arslan could speak, a crimson glow shimmered behind him. Kar'Thael emerged from the aura—his horns glowing faintly, red eyes locked on the king.
Julious straightened, slightly surprised but not alarmed. "Kar'Thael."
Kar'Thael smiled faintly. "We wish to speak on a matter of urgency."
The king's brow arched. "Go on."
Arslan leaned forward. "We want to go to Arcana."
The room fell silent for a moment.
King Farhan finally spoke. "Arcana... The world of devils?"
Arslan nodded. "It is the home world of Kar'Thael. A realm outside our sky."
Julious crossed his arms. "And why now? How would you even reach it?"
Kar'Thael answered, his voice low but powerful. "We found a Portal Key. Hidden in the remains of an old research lab—one that belonged to Arslan's father."
King Farhan's gaze sharpened. "Arslan's father? You mean your father was involved in such research?"
Arslan nodded slowly. "Yes, Your Majesty. He once worked on inter-dimensional energy studies. We believe he and Kar'Thael's father are both trapped in the demon world."
The king turned to the window, taking in the golden horizon. "This changes much."
Julious asked, "Why go now? What is the urgency?"
Kar'Thael looked directly at him. "I need to regain my full powers. My true form. Only then will Arslan be free of being my vessel. I never chose to possess him—our bond is forged out of survival. But if I can reclaim my core essence from Arcana, we can separate cleanly."
King Farhan faced them again, measuring their words. "And you think you'll succeed?"
"We must try," Arslan replied. "But I understand this leaves Lumisgrave vulnerable. That is why we came with a proposal."
Kar'Thael added, "From tomorrow, we recommend you organize Collaboration Training among all Echelon Knights—Alphas, Omegas, Mythics, Apex, Zeniths. Build them into a united force. Prepare them for any threat."
Julious stroked his chin. "Unified training among Echelons? It has never been done."
"But it must be done," Arslan insisted. "If anything happens in our absence—if any demon emerges—the city must be defended."
King Farhan remained silent for a moment, then said, "You come not only with a request, but a strategy. I respect that. But... if people ask about your absence, Arslan?"
Arslan said calmly, "Tell them I've been sent on a covert mission to Alberto. No one will question it."
The king finally sighed, the weight of kingdoms behind his breath. Then he walked over to Arslan and placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
"I see the fire in your eyes. The same fire your father carried. I believe in you both. You have my permission."
Julious didn't argue. He simply gave a small nod. "Stay alive. Both of you."
Kar'Thael bowed slightly, which for a devil was a rare gesture of respect. "We will return. And stronger."
King Farhan added, "Take care of each other. Whatever secrets Arcana hides, face them together."
As Arslan rose to leave, the king said one last thing, his voice heavy with unspoken emotion:
"Bring your father home."
Arslan turned, eyes steady. "I will."
As the door closed behind him, the royal chamber returned to silence, but the weight of the moment remained. Farhan looked toward Julious.
"The winds are changing. And he... that boy... he may be the key to everything."
Julious replied, "Or the storm itself."
And far above, in the sky outside the castle, the twilight deepened, clouds swirling with unseen forces yet to awaken.