On a quiet, far-off world called Korven, hidden in the shadow of the galaxy's grand schemes, the Ilyron Dominion had sent its best—Kaelith, Velric, Rhazien, and Thaeon, the four princes of Neyru. Their mission: to find a young soul who fit the prophecy of "the one scorned by all." They had watched this small, humble world for over a decade, tracking the lives of its most gifted, waiting for the right moment to intervene.
Korven was a simple world. It had two main continents, Ishira and Tornath, each one covered in vast forests and rivers that cut through rolling hills. Small kingdoms dotted the land, each with its own intrigue and court politics. Few knew of the warlords and monarchs from other worlds that watched from the stars.
The world had produced many talents—some born to noble bloodlines, others from humble beginnings. But it was Jest, a boy born from an affair between a king and a servant, who caught their attention. Though he was rejected by his people and cast out after his awakening, something extraordinary stirred within him—he had awakened a fragmented concept.
Six months ago, Kaelith descended from the skies, his royal attire gleaming beneath the sun as he approached the river where Jest washed his face.
"Ahem," Kaelith's voice broke the quiet air.
Jest turned quickly, instinctively reaching for a weapon that wasn't there. The boy's eyes narrowed as he scanned the imposing figure. His face was wary, muscles taut.
"W-who are you?" Jest demanded, his voice tense, ready for a fight.
Kaelith didn't flinch. He studied the boy for a moment, his gaze piercing.
"I'm Kaelith. Don't worry. I'm not your enemy," Kaelith said, his voice smooth but authoritative. He sat down cross-legged by the river, snapping his fingers. A fire sparked into existence, crackling as the smell of roasted meat wafted through the air.
Jest hesitated for a moment, but his hunger won over his caution. He slowly approached and sat down at Kaelith's side, though his eyes never stopped scanning the surroundings.
"I know who you are," Kaelith said, biting into his food. "I've been watching this continent for a while. You're the one who was exiled for poor results. But that's not the whole story, is it?"
Jest's eyes widened.
"How do you—?" He began, but Kaelith cut him off.
"It's because I've been watching, and I know what you awakened," Kaelith said. "It's no ordinary ability. You have a fractured concept, something that shouldn't be possible for someone of your background."
Jest's mouth went dry. His body tensed, but there was something in Kaelith's demeanor that told him the stranger meant no harm. Still, the boy's distrust lingered.
"Why are you telling me this?" Jest asked.
Kaelith leaned back, his voice dropping a bit lower, almost conversational.
"I'm not from this world, Jest. I come from a place called Neyru—a world that rules over many like yours. I've come to recruit someone talented, someone who can change the future."
Jest stood up, his back stiff, eyes flashing.
"You're lying! Cultivators can't survive in space!"
Kaelith smiled slightly, unfazed.
"That's only true for the weak. The strong can withstand more than you think. Look, I'm not here to make you stay. You have the choice to join me. Come with me to Neyru. I'll give you the resources and training you need to never be overlooked again."
Jest hesitated for a long time, the weight of Kaelith's offer pressing down on him. His body still screamed in exhaustion from his exile, from the days spent wandering the wilderness. But here, before him, was a chance to change his fate, to claim power he never thought possible.
"What's your real reason for helping me?" Jest asked, voice shaking but determined.
Kaelith's expression softened just slightly.
"It's not about you alone, Jest. It's about the future. We are all part of something much bigger than we understand. Come with me, and you'll learn more than you could ever imagine."
Jest, finally, nodded, his eyes filled with resolve.
"Alright. I'll go. I have nothing left here."
With Jest in tow, Kaelith returned to the others. The four princes now had the fifth they sought. The trip home to Neyru would take several years, but the first step was complete.
---
Meanwhile, in the war room of the Ilyron Dominion, high-ranking officials gathered to discuss their next move. The Ilyron Dominion had long been a rival of the Neyru Empire, and now, with their alliance with the Devils of the Abyss, their plans were set into motion.
A middle-aged man, Lord Graff, stood before the assembly, his eyes narrowing as he spoke.
"The Devils have accepted our deal. Their strike will come in a year. But we won't engage immediately. We'll let the Devils tire them out, then we'll strike. Our goal is to retrieve the Transcendent Artifact Vaerion acquired long ago."
A woman sitting at the table, Lady Nessa, sipped her tea as she spoke.
"I can't believe Vaerion hasn't used it on that crown prince yet. That artifact is rumored to increase a cultivator's talent by two full ranks…"
The room fell into thoughtful silence as the gravity of her words settled.
"Yes, and if the artifact really exists, it could even raise someone's talent beyond the Transcendent rank." Another voice echoed in agreement, and the rest nodded. "With the Era of Monarchs approaching, anything is possible. We need to act quickly."
---
In the Abyss, thousands of warships assembled in the blackened skies, invisible against the backdrop of the endless night. Standing before them was Varn, the towering commander of the Devil forces, his red eyes burning with excitement.
"Finally!" Varn bellowed, his voice echoing across the fleet. "We get to unleash true carnage again!"
The devils around him roared in approval.
"We will march on Neyru. Prepare yourselves! The journey will take a year, but make sure everything is ready. Once we arrive, there will be no stopping us!"
The warships rumbled to life as the fleet began to move, cutting through the abyss with deadly precision.