A crimson sky looms over the silent battlefield. Noctis lies
motionless, blood pooling beneath him, his breaths ragged. Above him, J stands
frozen, blade trembling—gasping for breath.
"It's… it's over, Noctis. Your reign of destruction is over."
Noctis chuckles, blood trailing from his lips. "Betrayal… oh, sweet
betrayal… how I missed you."
J's eyes glisten with tears as he raises his sword to Noctis's throat. "Betrayal?!
You betrayed me! You promised me my friends safety, you promised me you'd
change your way. Instead…you manipulated me. You made me a killer."
Noctis coughs, his smile lingering. "What's the point of this meaningless
talk? Just end my life already."
With
those final words, Noctis lifts his head—only to be impaled by J's sword. His
life ends, and with it, his reign of protection and destruction. The dragons
may now roam freely. The world may regain its balance.
But
what about his people?
Curious how it began—and how it will end?
Then let's go back three years, beneath a bright Tokyo sky, where four friends
laughed as they walked through crowded streets… blissfully unaware of what
awaited them.
Haruto a boy with red
hair and brown eyes, led the group, each step radiating confidence. To his
right, Nita bounced along the street, her blond side-swept hair swaying as she
sang, her yellow diamond-shaped eyes gleaming with excitement. On the other
side, Star moved with quiet elegance, her long purple hair flowing behind her.
And at the very back, J trailed behind, silver-haired and gray-eyed,
absentmindedly scratching his neck as he took in the beauty of Tokyo.
Suddenly,
Nita spun around, clasping her hands behind her back, a playful grin spreading
across her face as she called out to J.
"Hurry up or we're leaving without you," She teased.
J rolled his eyes. "Whatever, go ahead then. I'll take my time enjoying
the view on my way there."
Haruto chuckled, "Aren't you two the cutest couple. So, when are you getting
married?"
A slight blush formed on Nita's face. "C-couple? Married?! W-what
are you even talking about? Have you lost your mind?"
J waved his hand dismissively. "Nope, not anytime soon."
He says that while avoiding eye contact with Nita.
How convincing, J. How convincing.
Star stopped, placed her hand on her waist. "Guys! Stop playing around. We
will be late— hurry up."
J shoved his hands into his pockets "You
know what? I agree with you, let's get going. We don't want to be late, do we?"
J took the lead as the
others followed close behind.
Their chit-chat faded into the background.
But then, J felt something off beneath his feet.
Suddenly, a bright magic circle formed under them.
Worry flickered over J and Star's faces as Nita curiously examined the
circle.
"A magic circle? It was fun while it lasted goodbye
sweet city of Tokyo." Haruto thought to himself as he
closed his eyes smiling, as a sweat drop forms on his face.
Soon a golden light erupted from the circle in an instant
they found themselves standing in a grand hall.
Sunlight shimmered
through the long windows as a
red carpet with golden sides led to the throne in the middle of the room. A
girl in a white royal gown stood in front of the throne. They looked around, taking
in the unfamiliar surroundings.
"Oh, heroes from another
world, welcome to the Kingdom of Linares. I am Lina Linares, the princess of
Linares." She said gently, placing her hands over her chest.
Nita narrowed her eyes. "Another world? Kingdom of Linares? What do you
mean by that?"
"Umm… didn't you answer our call for help?" Lina asked, furrowing
her eyebrows
"No, of course not!
We were on our way to school," Star shouted, flicking her hand aside in
irritation.
Lina lowered her gaze.
"My deepest apologies. We didn't expect the spell to forcefully bring you
here."
Her voice laced with
regret. "Unfortunately, we cannot return you to your world… not unless you
defeat the demon threatening our world."
Star clenched her fists,
her voice sharp with distaste. "Is this a joke to you? We have our own
lives and goals, you know! You can't just force us into this. And why don't you
deal with that demon yourselves huh?!"
J places his hand on Star's shoulder, his voice low, "Hey,
stop it. I get why you're mad, but look around—we're surrounded. If they want
they can kill us at any time. Let Haruto handle this—he's good at this kind of
thing."
J raises a brow slightly,
meeting Haruto's gaze—a silent signal.
As Haruto steps forward, his
voice calm and respectful. "I
apologize for my friend's outburst, your highness. We'd love to help, but we
aren't warriors—nor do we have the strength or powers to face a demon."
Lina's voice is soft and reassuring. "Please don't worry
about it, the magic circle that we used should've given you, abilities or magic
to aid your quest."
Nita's eyes widened, and
her voice trembled with excitement. "Wait—MAGIC?! What kind? How do we use it?!"
J pulled Nita's hair. "Ugh… try to be serious for once, would you?
Princess may I ask, how we know for sure that we have some sort of powers?"
"Of course, please follow me." Lina smiled brightly.
They follow Lina through a royal hallway, sunlight simmered through the
glass-stained windows. Lina stopped in front of a wooden door swiping it open. The
room was filled with countless bookshelves and there
is a majestic crystal in
the middle, a man with golden-yellow hair standing by it.
"About time you came,
I've been expecting you. I am Darko." His voice radiated confidence as he
folded his arms. "May I have the pleasure of knowing your names?"
Haruto tapped his chest
with a confident smirk. "I'll go first. Haruto Kenzo, a high school student,
actually that goes for all of us."
"I'm next! Nita
Amil," she said eagerly, eyes sparkling. "Wait—you're a mage, aren't you?" Nita asked as she scanned Darko.
"Yes, I am the head mage
and lead researcher of Linares," Darko replied, a confident smile on his face.
"I…am up next, I guess. My name is Star Nova," Star said cautiously, observing her surroundings.
J rested a hand
on Star's shoulder, his voice soft. "Hey, relax. We'll find a way out. Just
take a breath, alright?"
Star let out a small sigh,
smiling. "Thanks, I really needed that."
"But did, we really have
to say our full names? It's kinda annoying don't you think?" J sighs, "Well, whatever, I am J
Nova. This worrywart's little brother."
"What does that supposed to mean?! And
may I remind you—I'm still keeping your secret." Star shot back, crossing her arms.
Nita tilted her head, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. "Oooooh, what secret?"
J's face turned red. "I—it's nothing… nothing you should know." J
pressed his hands together, pleading. "Star, please don't tell her. I'm sorry
for what I said, alright?"
Star chuckled, clearly
enjoying his distress. "Oh? Now you're sorry?" She
smirked before waving a hand dismissively. "Relax, I won't say
anything."
Nita narrowed her eyes at Star. "Star… Can't you share it with me? Aren't we
friends? You can tell me, right?"
Star made an exaggerated X sign with her hands. "Nope, my lips are sealed."
Nita's eyes sparkled with a pleading look. "Pretty please."
Star shakes her head, "Nope, not a chance. If you're that curious, ask
Haruto."
Nita turned her attention to Haruto,
who visibly gulped.
"Haruto, you too?! Why am I the only one out of the loop?" Nita crosses
her hands and pouts
Haruto scratched his head and
sighed. "Maybe some other time, but not now. We have more important things
on hand."
Nita placed her hand on her waist. "But I
want to know about it now."
A sudden cough interrupted their
exchange.
Darko stepped forward, his voice
cutting through the playful argument. "Now
that introductions are out of the way, please come forward and place your hand
on the crystal. It will reveal your powers."
Nita huffed, turning away
dramatically. "Since no one wants to tell me the secret, I'll just
go first." She stomped toward the crystal, determined but still
pouting."
Haruto gave a calm smile. "Yeah, go ahead, the stage is all yours."
J exhales in relief as
Nita steps before the crystal, her hand trembling with excitement. The moment
her fingers touched its surface, a golden light erupted, flooding the room with
brilliance. A warm fuzzy feeling coursing through her body.
Darko claps his hands as he speaks in amusement, "It's marvelous, just
marvelous. With this, we may have a high chance against the demon."
Nita puts her finger near her chin." So, what does it mean?
Darko crosses his arms as he looks at Nita's curious eyes. He exhales,
then unfolding his arms, stepping forward as he speaks, "You can control
light—bending it, shaping it, at will. You can also turn it into weapons."
Nita's eyes sparkled as she pressed her hands against each other. "Does it mean that I can be a warrior and a
mage?"
Darko stood silent before speaking with a hint of doubt, "In theory that
is possible, but I advice focusing on one thing at a time."
Nita's spirit as optimistic as ever as she said "Well, it's still
possible, yes. Then nothing can stop me, can it?"
Darko folds his hands. "I like your optimism."
"Thank you." Nita said smiling before turning back. "Let's see you
dumbos get something better." She said, sticking out her tongue.
It seems like she is still mad about being the only one left out of J's
secret.
Haruto playfully bows his head. "I shall not disappoint you."
Haruto stood in front of the crystal. He looked over his shoulder. "I
want to go next, do you guys wanna go instead?"
Star with a smirk, saying "No, go ahead, I want to see what kind of
stupid power you get. Because either way my power will be better than yours
anyway."
A sly smile formed on Haruto's face. "We'll see about that soon enough.
How about you J, do you have any objections?"
J puts a hand in his pocket and shaking the other "Nah, I am good. I want
to go last."
"Very well then," Haruto said as he hovered his hand over the crystal.
The shining white crystal shimmered in crimson like the fire emperor of
strength and limitless growth. His body felt like it's scorching in a warm flames.
Haruto looked at Darko, his eyes burning with expectation and eagerness.
A smile formed on Darko's face. "The crimson color belonged to a brave
warrior who fought the demon. He had limitless potential but alas he met his
end at the demon's hands, because of his carelessness. As for what it does is
simple as it is powerful. It grants immense physical power and a body that grow
infinitely."
Star poked Haruto's back, as she spoke teasingly, "Oi, Haruto, did you
hear that? The last guy had your power died. So, don't die kay? You don't want
your brother to mourn for your sorry ass, do you?"
Haruto shook his shoulder "I'm no push over like the last guy. So, keep
dreaming, Mrs. Blueberry."
"D-don't call me that, you st-upid idiot I…I will make you regret
calling me that." Star said angrily.
"Calling him stupid and idiot at the same time was unwanted don't you
think? Also he isn't wrong you do look like a blueberry and it's suits you
too." J says in a teasing tone.
Star Pouts. "Whos side are you on,
J?"
"Haruto's," J replies without hesitation.
"Guysss stop it. And Star you went too far wishing Haruto's death." Nita
said placing her hand on her waist.
Haruto laughed, "WOW star, even your best friend is against you. How
does it feel?"
"Harutooo! You too why did you call her blueberry when you know she
doesn't like it? And also I am not against Star." Nita said raising her voice.
"Whatever." Star said, rolling her eyes.
Star pushed Haruto aside slowly walking towards the crystal. She placed
her hand over it's smooth surface as it started to glow in a purple hue. A
deep violet aura wrapped around her fingers, then her arms, swirling like a
living storm. The air buzzed with raw mana.
"Hey Darko, what does this mean?" Star demanded, her eyes sharp.
"The purple hue is the rarest among all the power types— even among the
mages. It appears once every century; the ability to create spells and control
mana itself. With proper training from me, you can undoubtedly become the
greatest mage in history." Darko said, eagerly.
Star gave a nervous laugh. "You're kidding right?"
Darko shook his head. "Now, why'd I do that?"
"If you're telling the truth, then this power of mine is really something,
huh?" Star said as she examined her hand, then turned toward Haruto with a
smirk. "Hey, meathead, I told you, didn't I? My power's better than yours."
Haruto cracked his knuckles, a smile on his face. "We'll see about that.
Let's see who becomes the strongest among us."
Nita raised her hand, her voice soft. "Hey, don't leave me out! And what
about you, J? Do you wanna join in too?"
J shook his head. "No thanks. More importantly, we should worry about
getting back to our world and defeating the demon. As far as I know, we might
even die trying."
Haruto's gaze sharpened. "You may be right— that our lives are at risk. But
if we keep stressing about it, we'll burn ourselves out. So try to loosen up
while we're here, would you?"
Star punched J on the head. "Way to go, party pooper—you ruined everyone's
mood. Even Nita's."
J scratched his head. "I know, but we have to focus on the job at hand.
Anyway… Princess Lina, can I ask you something?"
Lina met J's gaze, her voice soft but firm. "Please, ask away. It would be
my pleasure to help you."
J sighed. "Why do you want us to defeat the demon? I know you said he's
dangerous, but without a solid reason, it doesn't feel right to kill anyone.
What is he planning? What's he like? What are his powers? I want to know as
much about him as possible."
Lina lowered her gaze, fidgeting with her hands. "He's described as a being
of pure destruction—someone who wipes out everything in his path. Recently, he
started conquering kingdoms, and according to our sources, Linares is next. As
for his powers, he's a dark magic user who commands five powerful commanders
and a massive army."
Lina looked up at J, holding his hands, her eyes filled with tears. "Please…
save us from that demon. Because of him, the people of our land are suffering."
J's eyes widened. "Princess, what are you doing? You don't have to beg us to
defeat him. We'll do our best to help you and this kingdom—that's a promise
from all of us."
Nita, seeing J and Lina so close, pouted and put her hand on her waist.
"Hey, J! You've talked with her enough already. Now come here and put your hand
over the crystal, would you?"
"Oh… yeah. Will do that," J said, avoiding eye contact with Nita.
J gently releases Lina's hand and moves toward the crystal, his fingers
hovering over it.
All of a sudden an ominous aura bursts from the crystal wrapping around
his arms, slowly flowing down his legs and then it engulfs his entire body.
The air becomes unbearably heavy— breathing itself turns into a struggle.
It's as if massive boulders are crushing them, forcing them to their knees.
After a torturous five seconds the aura vanishes reverting the room to
its original state. Lina collapses to the ground barely holding on to
consciousness, as everyone struggle to stand up properly. Their body still
shaking from the experience.
Haruto pulls himself together, slapping J on the back with a nervous
smile. "J chill out, would you?"
But J doesn't respond, he is more silent than a rock.
Nita and Star stood up fixing their clothes, as Darko rushes to Lina's
side.
Nita, with a shaky voice, "J?! Are you okay?"
Star grabs her head, her voice cranky. "Hey, idiot why aren't you
talking, did the cat got your tongue?"
But J stays silent, his eyes blank as a canvas. No matter what the
others say or do, he doesn't respond. Finally, fed up, Star
shakes him by the shoulders— J collapses
to the ground with a heavy thud.
Haruto's face littered with worry. "Hey bro are you alright? Oi, answer
me!"
Nita falls to her knees, shaking J, her voice trembling. "J—J! Wake….
up, please."
Star grabs Darko by the collar, her voice filled with rage. "Hey Bastard,
tell me what happened to J NOW?!"
Darko raises his hand. "Please, Mrs. Star. Let me go, and
I'll explain everything."
Star releases Darko, eyeing him and Lina with suspicion. "Ok, now tell
me what happened."
"He may have collapsed because of mana overload. It's quite common among
strong mages to experience this kind of problems, a good rest should be enough."
Darko said, while fixing his robe.
Star questioned Darko further about J's condition with a hint of
suspicion. But she was stopped by Haruto and Nita, mentioning that they need to
take J to a room to rest, and that they can figure things out later.
Then in a shaky voice, Lina said, "W-wait, I will call my servants, and
they can take him to a room. They will look after him until… he wakes up and
they'll show you your rooms as well."
Lina
clapped her hands and immediately a few servants entered and carried J to a
grand room, the room had windows with golden frame draped by white curtains,
the room warm and comfy perfect for a king. The servants laid J on a soft bed
standing outside leaving Nita, Star, and Haruto besides him.
Meanwhile,
a shadowy figure moved through the trees unnoticed, opening a portal, emerging
into a throne room. The room is dimly lit by a chandelier and simmers of
sunlights streaming through tall windows. A small table besides it, the air is
thick and heavy, as for the walls they're cold yet welcoming.
The
figure stepped towards the throne, sunlight revealing her to be an elf girl
with dark skin, emerald eyes, and silver hair. She knelt immediately, her head
bowed low.
From
the throne, a dark yet oddly sweet voice resonated. It belonged to a man with
black hair, crimson-red eyes, pale skin, and a peculiar smile—one that seemed
forced, almost as if it were for show. The one feared in every corner of the
world: the Demon of the Night—Noctis.
"Lillian, welcome
back. What have you got for me today?" Noctis said with a smile that never
leaves him.
Lillian nods eagerly, a bright smile on her face.
"The
ones you've been waiting for? The heroes? They're here. And yes, the summoning
worked."
Noctis's expression softened. "Have they now? So, what have you learned about them?"
Lillian
slowly describes Haruto, Nita and Star. Explaining how they look act and about
their powers. Her bubbly personality seems to bring warmth to the otherwise
cold and lifeless castle.
Noctis lightly
pressed his hand forward seemingly remembering something. "So, they have a
warrior, a mage, and someone like that poor girl huh. I hope it doesn't turn
out like the past. So, Lillian tell me who is the fourth, is he an archer?"
Lillian stomped the
ground, pouting. "Noctisss! Would you let me finish? If you do that again I
won't ever get any new information for you."
"She is as childish
as ever." Noctis thinks to himself, as he leans back saying, "I will… keep that
in mind."
Lillian took a deep breath. "Thanks, anyway as
I was saying the fourth one is a boy with white hair up to his neck and has
grey eyes. And he… he sends shivers down my body."
A sly smile formed across Noctis's face "So, the successor has appeared
huh? Nonetheless Lillian I have prepared the sweets you asked for."
Lillian's face lit up and her emerald eyes sparkled. "Noctis you know something, I
love you— moreee than my life."
Lillian took the sweets
from the nearby table and took a bite. It felt as if the sweets were melting in
her mouth. "These sweets are my favorite—thank you very much!"
For a moment, Noctis's smile turned genuine. "You're welcome. So, what is that you desire from
me?"
Lillian thought for a while, her cheeks reddening as she spoke through bites
of the sweets. "Mmm… I want your armor—the one you wore when you saved me from that
hellhole. I want it so that even on missions, it feels like you're with me."
Noctis's chuckles echoed through the room. "Really? That old scrap? You could've asked for
jewels, clothes, weapons, or even new armor—but fine. I'll grant your wish, but
I would need time to modify it so that it fits you perfectly."
Lillian smiled. "Yayyy! Then I shall take my leave and await for
that armor, okay."
After Lillian left,
Noctis slowly walked up to the window gripping it tightly.
His voice is somber
yet his smile remained. "June… how long has it been? I… I can't do this anymore.
This long life span of mine have taken everything from me. I-I just want to die,
but this world isn't ready yet, is it now? So, I guess I will walk this path a
little longer."
"And I am sorry to
you for not being able to protect you… I am sorry, my beloved kingdom for what
I did. If… if only I knew sooner I may have been able to stop it." His voice
was regretful yet his smile doesn't fade as if it's a curse.
After some time, he
goes back to his stoic self. He calls out to a girl, his voice commanding with
a sense of familiarity. "Okita, are you there?"
Okita, a human girl
picked up by Noctis she has golden hair and golden eyes, a true beauty.
Okita spoke, her
voice little rough but sweet. "You rusty old man, can't you see that I'm here
already?"
Noctis faced
towards her giving a warm smile "Who do you think you are talking too? Nonetheless
please proceed with your report."
Okita pulls out a
knife trying stab Noctis as she says "it seems like some elves want to enter
Aurora Vale. They are saying that their village was destroyed by…"
While dodging her
relentless attacks, Noctis cuts her off mid-sentence, finishing it for her. "Humans,
right? How predictable, after all I have done, they still don't understand. So
which nation's noble did it this time?"
Okita stops trying
to stab Noctis as her grip get tighter on the knife "Noctis!!! Would you stop
cutting my sentence off?"
Noctis's gives a
sly smile. "Your reactions are too endearing not to. You've grown stronger but
not enough."
Okita shook her
shoulder. "Forget it, but as you said it was done by humans a noble from the
kingdom of Iris. So what do you want me to do? The usual of taking revenge or
taking over that area? And what about the elves?"
"Those elves are
more than welcome here, and as for the noble, we'll be taking their land but
make sure no innocent life is taken." Noctis said with conviction.
Okita nodded, slowly
turning away to leave. As her golden hair flowed in the air.
Noctis stops her.
"Okita, have you forgotten about your reward for gathering information?"
Okita shouted, her
tears welding in her eyes. "What's the point you aren't going to give it to me?
For the last three years my wish and your answers were the same."
After saying that Okita
left the room, her footstep echoing through the dark hallway.
Okita leaned on the
wall, tears streaming down her face. "How long do I have to continue killing? Why
can't I leave his side? Is…is it because he saved me and made me stronger or is
it because I owe him my life."
At this point, Okita had
grown weary of the killing. All she longed for now was peace and solitude—but
she dared not voice it in front of Noctis. After all, this path was one she had
chosen for herself.