I turned away from the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city I had built with my own hands over the past decade. A quiet pride stirred within me — not for the wealth or splendour of Luminosity, but for what it represented. As long as no child has to endure what I did, I thought, then perhaps this world is not beyond saving.
My gaze fell upon my ever-loyal butler, Diablo, still kneeling, his expression a mix of awe and reverence.
"Rise, Diablo," I commanded.
He stood gracefully, dusting his immaculate suit. "Your Excellency," he began, "if I may — what is our plan regarding that little king and his kingdom? The dungeon is far too valuable, resource-wise, to let slip through our grasp."
I nodded slowly, standing tall with the poise that had become second nature over the years. Those etiquette lessons at the academy did their job well, I mused. Hard to believe a street rat like me became the image of nobility. A faint smirk tugged at my lips before vanishing almost instantly.
Of course, Diablo noticed.What is my master scheming now? his curious eyes seemed to ask.
Meeting his gaze, I spoke evenly. "I already have a plan to deal with that king — and to secure the dungeon's resources for Luminosity. There's no need for concern. Everything is under control."
With that, I turned and began walking toward the grand double doors. Diablo fell into step behind me, his movements perfectly synchronized with mine. When we reached the doors, he stepped forward and swung them open.
Beyond lay a long corridor lined with magnificent paintings — vast canvases depicting ancient battles, glorious victories, and the rise of legendary mages. As I strode past them, my steps slow and deliberate, I couldn't help but feel the same spark I had the first time I saw them.
These images still drive me, I thought. They remind me of what it means to pursue greatness — to seize it, no matter the cost.
Even as a child — an orphan scavenging through the alleys of Estoria — I had known I was meant for more. When my awakening revealed my rare affinity for Light, I swore I would rise above them all. I still remember seeing these same paintings in the academy halls and thinking, One day, I will stand among them. No — I will surpass them.
And when that day came, I took them for myself, trophies of my triumph — proof that I had conquered what others merely dreamed of. Some would call such ambition arrogance. To me, it was survival. It was destiny.
We reached the end of the corridor and continued toward the teleportation gates deep within my palace. As we passed through the halls, maids and attendants halted their tasks, dropping to one knee in reverence. I walked on without acknowledgment. Respect was expected — worship was inevitable.
At the gate, the elderly controller awaited — a wiry old mage, competent though unremarkable. Diablo stepped forward and gave the command to open the portal.
Moments later, a small contingent of my elite guard arrived — all Lord Mages, their captain a King Mage. They wore gold-embroidered robes layered with alloy-plated armour, the emblem of my house — a blazing golden sun — emblazoned across their chests.
As the shimmering gate flared to life before us, its light reflecting in my eyes, I spoke quietly, more to myself than to them."Let us see what awaits in Telfordia."
And then, together, we stepped through the portal.