For ten years, Silus had been a prisoner of his own safety, confined behind the high white walls of the palace in Primux. His "dream" was never for more power or more gold; he simply wanted to see the world as a commoner, away from the watchful eyes of the Rulers.
A few weeks after his birthday, King Alaric finally granted his wish. Under the disguise of a simple traveler, Silus was allowed to visit the Grand Capital of Primux with Queen Luminara acting as his secret bodyguard.
As they walked through the bustling markets, Silus was in awe. He saw elves trading enchanted silks, dwarves forging glowing tools, and humans living in harmony. "This is it," Silus whispered, his eyes bright. "This is the peace my father fought for. It's a dream come true just to walk among them."
But the dream took a mysterious turn when they reached the Temple of Ancient Origins. A statue of the first Goddess stood there, and as Silus approached, the Thousand Blood War Sword on his back began to hum with a low, rhythmic vibration.
Ignoring Luminara's warning, Silus placed his hand on the ancient stone. Suddenly, the world around him dissolved. He wasn't in the market anymore; he was standing in a void of endless stars. Before him stood a reflection of himself—not as a ten-year-old, but as a man clad in armor made of pure light and shadow.
"You seek to protect this dream," the reflection spoke, its voice echoing like thunder. "But to protect the light, you must master the darkness that birthed you. The sword you carry is not a weapon—it is a key."
In that vision, Silus saw his future. He saw himself leading an army against a tide of darkness, with Princess Elena standing on a high tower, looking down at him with an expression he couldn't quite read. Was it love... or was it betrayal?
Before he could ask, the vision snapped shut. Silus was back in the temple, gasping for air. Luminara was over him, her scythe already drawn, looking for a threat.
"What did you see?" she demanded, her voice trembling.
Silus stood up, his grip tightening on the hilt of his dark-gold sword. He realized that the "Dream Come True" of a peaceful life was over. To keep the world happy, he would have to become the monster the demons feared.
"I saw the end," Silus replied quietly. "And I saw what I have to do to stop it."
That night, as he returned to the palace, he looked at Elena's balcony. He remembered the note from the birthday feast. For the first time, he didn't just feel like a boy—he felt like a King preparing for war.