300 B.A. (Before Alexandria)

  In the world of Alexandria, various races of beings lived in peace. This was the world beyond—the hidden realm—and within it, the Ameadan and Ardenian stood as the most powerful of all. Yet among them, it was the Ameadan who held the greater power, gifted with the legendary blue flame, capable of suppressing any known force. The Ardenian, by contrast, wielded the black power—a darker, more feared magic.

  The Ameadan and Ardenian could not have been more different. The Ameadan were seen as guardians of light and peace, revered by the other races for their calm and luminous presence. The Ardenian, however, were feared by all, their powers rooted in shadows and destruction.

  The appearance of the two races reflected their nature:

  The Ameadan, with piercing blue eyes and long, white hair, radiated beauty and serenity. Their true forms, when revealed, inspired awe.

  The Ardenian, despite their cruelty, were also striking in form—pure white hair, jet-black eyes, and a haunting presence that commanded both fear and respect.

  At this time, the Ameadan and Ardenian lived in uneasy unity. But everything changed the day Princess Alexandria Vera was born. Her appearance was unlike any other—crimson eyes, pale as moonlight, and hair as white as snow. Even as an infant, her presence exuded immense, unfathomable power. Though her mind was still undeveloped, her energy was overwhelming.

  Fear spread quickly, especially among the Ardenian, when they remembered the ancient prophecy: the rise of a being of unmatched power, destined to rule all of Alexandria. Many believed Vera was the one foretold. But the royal bloodline of the Ardenian fiercely opposed the idea. Still, amidst the fear and suspicion, Prince Devian, heir to Ardenia, saw something else in her.

  Deep in the forest, Lord Devian and Vera stood surrounded by both Ameadan and Ardenian warriors.

  Lord Devian—striking and strong, with fair skin, a noble face, and long, black hair, his brown eyes hiding his true Ardenian nature—stood across from Vera.

  Vera, now a young woman, kept her true eye color hidden, revealing only her blue eyes to avoid alarming others. With flowing white hair, she was as beautiful as she was brave—wise, fearless, and sharp-witted. Though still a princess, she commanded the army and traveled between kingdoms as the official envoy of her father, the Emperor.

  As the next full moon approached, so did her coronation—a moment when the throne would be passed on to her, and Vera would become the new Empress of Alexandria.

  Suddenly, Lord Devian’s weapon appeared, summoned to his hand by magic. Without hesitation, he lunged at Vera—now fully grown.

  But Vera moved with grace and speed, rising into the air, and with a swift kick to his shoulder, knocked him off balance. Devian nearly fell, but caught himself just in time, stepping back to regain his footing.

  Vera: "It seems you're growing weak in combat, Lord Devian. I've only been in Avisania for a few months as my father's envoy, yet you’ve already forgotten the drills we've practiced. Would you like to take a rest?"

  The warriors around them chuckled, but their laughter was quickly silenced by the dark glare from Lord Devian, who fixed them with a look of such intensity that it sent a shiver through the group.

  Devian: "Don't get too comfortable, Your Highness. I haven't even begun."

  Without warning, Lord Devian charged forward, imbuing his weapon with dark power. He was closing in on Vera when, in a flash, she evaded the attack with stunning speed. In a swift motion, she seized his weapon and pushed him back. Lord Devian was taken by surprise at her sudden agility.

  Then, to his astonishment, Vera's weapon multiplied—transforming into one hundred blades. The warriors around them gasped in awe at this new fighting technique, their eyes wide with shock.

  Devian: "Your Highness, you’re using my weapon—something you shouldn’t be taking from me in a fight."

  Vera: "You know this is one of my favorite weapons, yet you’ve only ever used it for training purposes. It’s not fair to treat it so carelessly."

  Lord Devian fell silent, a hint of amusement creeping onto his face as he watched Vera’s confident smirk. Slowly, the weapons returned to their original form and Vera carefully placed them back in their holder.

  Vera: "Lord Devian, we both know that neither of us will ever truly win in a fight. So, why not join me instead? Let’s go hunt some black rabbits."

  Lord Devian glanced at the warriors around them, and one by one, they scattered to search for the black rabbits. Vera watched them leave before stepping closer to him. He turned to face her, his expression serious as he deliberately avoided meeting her gaze.

  Vera: "Are you upset with me again? We’ve just reunited, and now you’re angry with me. Please forgive me, I couldn’t help myself. I just wanted to talk to you, but I didn’t expect you to bring your warriors along."

  Vera spoke softly, her voice tinged with sadness, and Lord Devian finally met her gaze, his heart shifting as he listened.

  Devian: "I’m glad to see you again, Your Highness. I’ve been waiting for your return. I thought you would stay in Avisania for much longer."

  They shared a smile, their eyes locking in a rare, quiet moment of understanding.

  Vera: "They wanted me to stay longer, but I told them there were still things I needed to do. I had to return as soon as I could. I know you’ve been waiting for me as well. I’m happy to see you again, my friend."

  Lord Devian paused, noticing a mark on Vera's left hand—a wound that had been poorly concealed. His expression darkened, and without hesitation, he reached out and gently took her hand in his.

  Devian: "Who did this to you, Your Highness?"

  Vera: "In my rush to get here, I didn’t notice a few branches along the way, so I ended up with these scratches. But don’t worry about it."

  Lord Devian gently traced the mark on Vera’s hand, and as his fingers brushed over it, the wound healed instantly. He then took out his own handkerchief and carefully wiped her hand, his touch tender and deliberate.

  Devian: "Your birthday is soon, and you’ll be seated on the throne as the Empress of Alexandria. You need to be more careful with your actions. There are things you can no longer do, like hunting in the forest."

  Vera fell silent at his words. She gazed into the depths of the forest, her expression distant. Lord Devian, sensing her shift in mood, noticed her quiet contemplation.

  Devian: "Your Highness? Did I say something that upset you?"

  Vera turned to face him, and in that moment, her eyes flashed with a crimson hue. Lord Devian froze, momentarily caught by the intensity of her gaze.

  Vera: "Would you come with me to the stream?"

  By the stream, they watched as the sun’s rays filtered through the trees, casting shimmering beams on the water and creating a magical glow among the surrounding flowers. The area was enveloped by towering trees, and there were black rabbits scattered about. Lord Devian froze at the sight of them. But as Vera reached out and gently took his hand, the tension in him began to ease.

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  Vera: "Don’t be afraid. They won’t come near you while you’re with me."

  Her voice was calm, a soothing reassurance that helped Devian calm himself.

  Devian: "The black rabbit is poisonous to any creature, except for your people, the Ameadan. It’s also one of your favorite foods. The scent of the black rabbit, its body, even its fur, can kill anyone. That’s why it’s feared by all."

  Vera: "Even if they’re poisonous, they still have a right to exist in this world. Every creature deserves the right to live peacefully here in Alexandria. If I were to ask you, could you give that right to anyone, to any creature?"

  Lord Devian fell silent at Vera’s question. They locked eyes for a moment, a quiet understanding passing between them.

  Devian: "Your Highness, I know you already understand what will happen, which is why you’re asking me this, but please listen to what I have to say."

  Vera: "Lord Devian, since I was a child, you’ve always been by my side because everyone else feared me. Even my parents, they fear what I might do because they say I’m different. So, I’ve always preferred to be with you, and you’re the only one I trust. I can also feel that our powers are almost equal, don’t you think? We’re not so different, both feared, both unique in this world."

  Devian: "It is an honor to serve you, Your Highness. I would give my life for you, if necessary."

  Suddenly, a red staff materialized before them—a Red Eye Staff, a weapon of immense power, one only the most powerful Ameadan could wield. Lord Devian stood stunned, unable to believe his eyes as Vera took hold of it.

  Devian: "You hold the Red Eye Staff, Your Highness."

  With a snap of her fingers, a black staff appeared before Lord Devian, catching him completely off guard. This was the Black Eye Staff, forged by the powerful Ardenian to counter the Ameadan. Yet, it was no match for the power contained in the Red Eye Staff.

  Vera: "You hold the Black Eye Staff, the one weapon only you can wield."

  Lord Devian was struck silent by Vera’s words, and he faced her, a mixture of surprise and hesitation on his face.

  Vera: "I know why you and your warriors are here, and what the royal Ardenians are planning. Tell me, do I still have your loyalty, my friend?"

  Devian: "Your Highness..."

  Vera: "Talk to me as a friend, not as someone more powerful than me."

  Lord Devian went quiet, unable to respond at first. He looked at Vera, his eyes filled with emotion.

  Devian: "I can’t hurt you, Vera."

  Tears welled up in his eyes as he spoke those words, his voice trembling with the weight of his feelings.

  Vera: "I know you can’t hurt me, but many people are counting on you to be the new Emperor of Alexandria, not me."

  Lord Devian froze, the weight of Vera’s words about the future settling heavily on him.

  Devian: "The whole of Alexandria knows that you are the one with greater power between us. Since the moment you were born, the prophecy has been fulfilled—that the powerful being destined for the throne of Alexandria would arrive, possessing a unique power. You are the only one who can rule the entire world, and not me."

  Vera fell silent at Lord Devian’s words, the weight of the truth sinking in.

  Devian: "From the moment I first saw you, I made a promise to myself—to protect you and become one of your loyal followers because I felt that you were the one I was meant to serve. I never dreamed of being equal to your power. All I ever wanted was to stay by your side and serve you until the end of my life."

  His words were spoken with deep sincerity, directly from his heart.

  Vera: "Even then, I knew your loyalty has always been mine, and you could never turn your back on me. But now, my kind’s time has come to an end. It is time for the Ardenians to rule this world. This is what Amea has shown me would happen in the future."

  Devian: "I cannot abandon you. Even if I have to turn my own kind to ash, I will do it for you, to prevent what is destined to happen in the future."

  Vera: "If you do this, the dark power will consume your spirit and heart. Your dark power will awaken, and many will suffer. Prince Devian will be lost to Alexandria, and a new Dark Lord will be born."

  Tears welled up in Vera’s eyes as she spoke, and Lord Devian’s own tears began to fall. He moved closer to her.

  Devian: "I am willing to sacrifice myself and my entire kind for you, Your Highness."

  Vera was momentarily stunned by his words, and as she processed them, tears flowed down her face as well.

  Vera: "I beg of you, don’t drag so many lives into this because of me. Have mercy on them. I am willing to give up the power and the throne of Alexandria to you. Please, don’t do this."

  Lord Devian approached Vera, gently wiping the tears from her face.

  Devian: "All I want is to sit by your side and follow you. You understand me, and with you, my soul finds peace. You are the one I am equal to in all things. I listen to you, and I believe in you. I never dreamed of being powerful or sitting on the throne of Alexandria. So, forgive me if I cannot follow you on this matter."

  In that moment, Lord Devian’s eyes turned black, and his long hair turned white, the transformation marking his decision. Tears continued to fall from Vera’s eyes, and she was enveloped in an embrace from him.

  Devian: "I will not allow anyone to harm you, Your Highness."

  Vera stood still, momentarily lost in the emotion of his words. She was left in deep thought.

  Then came the day of the uprising—the Ardenians, joined by other races, waged war against the Ameadan. Vera did not fight when she faced the Ardenian warriors, for she knew this was what must happen. She was brought to the center of the palace, chains placed on her hands and feet. The royal Ardenians faced her, with Lord Devian standing among them, holding his Black Staff.

  Minister 1: "Lord Devian, end the Ameadan now."

  Minister 2: "This is the end of the Ameadan race, and you will be crowned the new Emperor of Alexandria!"

  Lord Devian's gaze remained fixed on Vera, who showed no reaction to the Ardenians’ actions toward the Ameadans. Vera, however, noticed the bodies of her parents lying before the throne. Lord Devian approached Vera, noticing the wounds on her hands.

  Devian: "I promised you no one would harm you, Your Highness."

  Vera immediately grasped Lord Devian's hand, stopping him from what he was about to do. He gently caressed her cheek as they looked into each other's eyes.

  Devian: "Forgive me if I've hurt you, Vera."

  Without warning, Lord Devian embraced Vera tightly. The Red Staff appeared, and the Black Staff floated beside them. Their true forms revealed themselves, enveloped in dark fire, and everyone around them was left in shock.

  With a flick of his power, Lord Devian unleashed his full force. The entire Ardenian race, along with the bodies of the Ameadan, was turned to ash. Alexandria itself was destroyed by their immense power—no plants, no creatures, no life remained in the surrounding area.

  Devian: "Did you not like my offering to you, Your Highness?"

  Vera turned her gaze to Lord Devian, whose eyes were now pitch black, a twisted smile forming on his face. The dark power had completely consumed his heart, turning him into a malevolent being now known as the Dark Lord. He laughed as he looked at the destruction around them, dark power leaking from his body.

  Vera: "I am not worthy of the throne of Alexandria, for I cannot live with the power I hold. I am the one who should perish, not your entire kind."

  Devian: "They deserve to perish, for no one shall harm you. Death is the punishment for anyone who dares to hurt you, Your Highness."

  Suddenly, blue flames appeared around Vera's hand as she grabbed the Red Staff. She wielded its power and took the souls of the Ardenians and the Ameadans. Immediately, she placed them within Lord Devian's body. He froze, overwhelmed by the tremendous power coursing through him. He knelt, struggling to control the force within him, his eyes now glowing blue. His power grew even stronger, the Dark Fire surging within him, second only to the blue flames of the Ameadans.

  Vera: "I cannot harm you, but I have no other choice but to do this to you. From now on, you will carry the curse of the blue flames. I will imprison your dark nature, and the thorns of the blue flames will bind your heart until your spirit weakens. Because of this curse, you will lose all feeling, and your heart will forget how to love."

  Vera stepped closer to Lord Devian, who began vomiting black blood.

  Vera: "I know you are only doing this to protect me, but this is not what should have happened. It is a grave mistake. My friend, forgive me, for I must leave you at this moment. I know you will be saddened when you wake and feel the loss of my power. I hope, when we meet again in another life, you will see me as a friend and not as one above you. I have never seen you as my subordinate, because you are the one truly meant to stand by my side."

  Lord Devian, weakened and unconscious, fell to the ground. Vera’s tears fell as she gently caressed his face. She shone brightly in the darkened remains of Alexandria as she cried, standing before him.

  Vera: "I am Empress Vera of Alexandria. I hereby appoint Lord Devian as the new Emperor of Alexandria and the Dark Lord, who rightfully belongs by my side. This is my reward for his unwavering loyalty to me. You shall give him your allegiance as your new Emperor and protector of Alexandria."

  The whole of Alexandria heard Vera’s words.

  Vera: "Until we meet again, my friend."

  Then came the Centaurion warriors, half-horse, half-human, who witnessed the ashes of Vera lying before the unconscious Lord Devian. General Drazhan, the trusted commander of the Centaurion, could hardly believe what he was seeing.

  Drazhan: "Your Highness!"

  The wind swept away Vera's ashes, which glimmered as Lord Devian’s tears fell. He remained unconscious, completely lost in the aftermath of everything.

  #EndofChapter1