Subchapter 1: The March of Shadows
The wind howled through the narrow mountain passes as Eris and Liora pressed forward, following the trail that led to the Valley of Lost Crowns — a place said to be haunted by the remnants of fallen kings. The land itself bore scars of forgotten wars; cracked stone towers jutted from the earth like bones of ancient beasts, their crowns of gold now rusted into dust.
Eris walked with his hood drawn low. Since awakening the runes, his senses had sharpened — every heartbeat, every whisper in the wind felt alive, heavy with hidden meaning. Shadows seemed to watch him as he moved, bending slightly, as if bowing.
Liora, walking behind him, broke the silence. "You feel it too, don't you? The valley recognizes you."
He nodded slowly. "It feels like… they're waiting for something."
"They are," she said. "The Valley of Lost Crowns holds the spirits of those who challenged the gods. They failed — but they still dream of their thrones."
Eris glanced at her. "And you know this because?"
Her expression darkened. "Because my mother was one of them. A queen who tried to defy fate… and lost her crown here."
Eris stopped walking. "Your mother?"
Liora's eyes glimmered with pain and pride. "Queen Myra of the Crimson Empire. She led armies against Asmodeus himself. When she fell, her soul was bound here. That's why I came — not just to help you, but to set her free."
A silence hung between them. The wind carried the faint sound of chimes — the ghostly echo of royal armor.
Suddenly, the ground trembled. From the mist, massive shapes began to rise — spectral warriors clad in corroded crowns and armor, their eyes burning like molten gold. They surrounded Eris and Liora, forming a circle.
"Who dares enter the Valley unbidden?" a deep voice rumbled, echoing across the stone walls.
Eris stepped forward, his shadow rippling with seven faint outlines. "I am Eris… last descendant of the Clan of Seven."
At those words, the spirits paused. Their golden eyes widened. The leader, an enormous phantom crowned with obsidian thorns, lowered his blade. "Descendant… of the Seven?"
"Yes," Eris said firmly. "I seek the truth of what lies beyond — the throne of the Sovereign."
A slow, thunderous laugh echoed from the ghosts. "The Sovereign's path runs through blood and betrayal. Do you think your mortal frame can bear it?"
Eris's hand tightened around his sword. "If the gods can bleed, then I can too."
The air crackled — runes flaring along his arms. The phantom nodded approvingly. "Then prove your claim, Child of the Seven."
With a roar, the specters charged, weapons blazing with celestial fire.
Liora drew her twin blades, her eyes flashing crimson. "You better survive this, Eris!"
Eris smirked. "You too, princess."
Then steel met spirit, and the valley erupted in chaos.