Subchapter 2: The Queen Without a Crown
The battle ripped through the mist like a storm unleashed.
Spectral blades clashed against steel, each strike shaking the ground as echoes of ancient kings fought to test the strength of the last descendant. Eris moved like lightning, each motion guided by the dormant memories of the Clan of Seven pulsing beneath his skin. Every strike he made felt like someone else was guiding his hand — seven someones.
Liora fought at his side, her twin blades carving arcs of crimson light through the specters. She was fast, relentless, her movements filled with a desperation that had nothing to do with Eris and everything to do with the soul she sought in this cursed valley.
A massive phantom swung a golden halberd downward. Eris caught the blow with both hands, metal screeching against ethereal force. The impact drove him to one knee, but as the runes on his arms flared brighter, he pushed back with a shout—
The halberd shattered into pure light.
The phantom staggered, breaking apart into mist.
Liora glanced at him. "You're getting stronger."
He didn't answer. He felt it — a heat in his chest, the crystal resonating, drawing strength from the presence of fallen kings. But he also felt something else:
A gaze.
A familiar presence.
Watching him from the center of the valley.
A sudden, chilling wind swept outward, extinguishing the last of the battle cries. The spectral warriors halted their attacks, raising their weapons and stepping aside. The mist parted slowly, revealing a single figure walking toward them.
Her steps were silent.
Her presence was overwhelming.
A woman formed from pale silver light, wearing a shattered crown and armor marked by ancient wounds. Her hair flowed like smoke, her eyes glowing faintly red — the same shade as Liora's.
Liora froze.
Her blades slipped from her hands.
"…Mother?"
The spectral queen stopped before her daughter. The wind softened. The valley fell utterly silent. Even the crowned spirits bowed their heads as she appeared.
Queen Myra of the Crimson Empire — the woman who had once challenged Asmodeus himself.
Her gaze lingered on Liora's trembling form before shifting to Eris.
When her eyes met his, every rune on his body burned with sudden fire. The queen raised her hand, and with a single gesture, the remaining specters dissolved into drifting dust.
Eris swallowed. "…Queen Myra."
Her voice echoed softly, layered with the weight of a thousand years.
"Child of the Clan… You have awakened the Seal."
Eris nodded. "I need answers."
The queen stepped closer. "You seek the throne of the Sovereign. Do you understand what you walk toward?"
"No," Eris admitted. "But I will."
Myra's expression softened just enough to show the ghost of a smile. "Honesty. A rare trait in one chosen by the Seven."
Liora stepped forward cautiously. "Mother… why are you still bound here? Let me help you."
The queen looked at her daughter — and the sorrow in her spectral eyes trembled. "You cannot free me, my child. I remain because I made a choice long ago."
"What choice?"
Myra turned to Eris.
"To wait."
Eris stiffened. "For me?"
"For the descendant who carries the life-seed of the Seven." Her voice deepened. "For the one who will either save the realms… or end them."
Liora's breath caught. "Mother, he's not—"
But Queen Myra raised a hand and silenced her.
"There is a path," she said, addressing Eris alone. "The Sovereign's path. If you walk it, you will gain power beyond gods — but the price will be paid in those who stand beside you."
Her gaze flicked to Liora.
Then back to Eris.
He clenched his jaw. "I won't sacrifice anyone."
Her expression turned colder. "Power cares little for your intentions."
Eris stepped forward, determination blazing in his eyes. "Then I'll change the rules."
For the first time, Queen Myra truly looked at him — not as a spirit judging a descendant, but as a monarch seeing the spark of something dangerous and extraordinary.
A long silence passed.
"…Very well," she whispered. "Then your trial begins now."
She raised her hand, and the ground beneath them split open — revealing a staircase descending into darkness.
"The Tomb of Crowns awaits. Survive it, and I will show you the truth of the Seven."
Wind swirled violently, the valley trembling.
Eris tightened his grip on his sword.
Liora stepped beside him, wiping her eyes. "I'm going with you."
Queen Myra nodded once. "Then descend together."
Eris looked into the darkness below.
Whatever was waiting for him — whatever truth the Clan had left behind — tonight, he would face it.
Together with Liora.
And the path to the Sovereign would truly begin.