In the land of Babylonia, the name Alexander Roschild was spoken with both respect and a hint of fear. He was a commanding figure, known for his strong presence and sharp gaze that seemed to see right through you. While he was a powerful leader with great strength and authority, inside his home, he transformed into a tender father and devoted husband. He was the quiet support of his family, working tirelessly to ensure they had everything they needed.
Alexander was not just the head of his clan; he was known as the "Flame Giant." His remarkable ability to control fire made him one of the most feared knights in the city. This extraordinary talent helped him become the leader of the Roschild family nearly thirty years ago. Under his rule, the clan not only survived in the fierce world of Babylonia's powerful families but thrived, climbing to the peak of power. For the past fifteen years, they reigned supreme over the Western region of the city.
However, this dominance was hard-won. The West of Babylonia was a ruthless place, teeming with clans that constantly battled for power. The Roschilds' main rivals were the Ashfall clan, who commanded lightning, a natural counter to fire. The struggle between fire and lightning had lasted generations. Yet, under Alexander's leadership, the Roschilds triumphed over their enemies with unyielding determination and fiery might, establishing themselves as the undisputed rulers of the West.
Being a regional leader was about more than just prestige; it involved substantial power. The Federation of Gaïa was a vast empire formed by uniting many influential clans under one government, with Babylonia as its heart. This enormous city was like a world unto itself, home to millions, and divided into five main regions: North, South, East, West, and the Central district, where the government was based.
To govern one of these regions was to hold sway over incredibly valuable resources, such as mana stones, dungeon explorations, trade routes, and immense wealth. This is why the clans fought so fiercely; winning meant survival and prosperity. For Alexander Roschild, it solidified his family's unchallenged authority.
For fifteen long years, the West belonged to the Flame Giant. But tragedy struck unexpectedly, shaking the very foundation of this power. The Roschild clan experienced a devastating loss, suffering the deaths of two of their most crucial leaders at the same time.
Alexander Roschild, the fierce patriarch and Flame Giant whose power had safeguarded the clan, was dead. He was a Grandmaster, feared throughout Babylonia, yet his demise left everyone in shock and disbelief. Compounding the tragedy, they also lost Leonis Roschild, the clan's brightest hope, who possessed a rare and extraordinary talent. Not yet twenty, Leonis was almost as powerful as the best knights. He was seen as the future of the clan, meant to lead them to even greater heights than Alexander. Losing him was akin to losing their very future.
This was a devastating blow—a heart-wrenching loss for the Roschild family. A storm of danger was approaching. Their enemies, especially the Ashfall clan, would sense the Roschilds' vulnerability like sharks smelling blood in the water. The once invincible rulers of the West were now precariously close to collapse.
Inside the Roschild estate, the atmosphere was thick with sorrow, making it hard to breathe. The grand hallways, usually bustling with activity and laughter, were silent. Even the proud family members walked with heads bowed low, their faces shadowed by grief. The weight of their loss seemed to press down on every stone and room, enveloping the estate in a collective mourning.
Rina rushed to Leo and hugged him tightly, her body shaking with sobs as tears streamed down her face. Despite her puffy, red eyes, she couldn't stop crying. Her pain was understandable. She had lost loved ones too. Alexander had been like a second father to her, always welcoming her with kindness. And Leonis? He had been like a real older brother—playful yet supportive, encouraging her to persevere and not give up on his "idiot little brother," Leo.
"Hu-huhu… Leo," she cried, her voice breaking as she held him tightly. "No matter what happens, I'll be right here with you. I'll stay strong for you, so please… please don't lose hope!"
She clung to him with all her strength, as if her embrace could shield him from all the pain in the world. Her heartfelt words pierced through the heavy darkness that had settled in Leo's mind.
For the first time since he received the devastating news, a small spark of feeling began to flicker in his usually empty eyes.
Slowly, his trembling arms reached out, wrapping around her and holding her just as tightly. In that moment, her warmth was the only thing preventing him from sinking into a deep sea of sadness. Finally, he raised his gaze. Tears filled his red, puffy eyes as he looked at his older sister. His voice quivered, full of pain, when he finally managed to speak.
"Big sis…," he whispered, his words shaking with emotion. "Please… tell me exactly what happened?"