The throne hall of the Salmara Empire was silent. Once a place of power and glory, it now
felt like a graveyard. The banners were torn, the pillars cracked, and the stench of smoke
from the ruined city still clung to the air.
At the center stood a young man in chains. His lips curled into a faint smile, even as the
empire glared at him with hatred.
Ryo Asskar. The youngest prince of Salmara. The forgotten son.
"Ryo Asskar!" thundered Minister Julite, her voice trembling with anger. "Do you confess?
You were the one who performed the Echoes of the Abyss ritual. It was you who
unleashed that demon. Because of you, ninety percent of our empire has been destroyed!"
Before Ryo could speak, the doors burst open. Prince Navkar, the empire's pride and heir,
strode in, his sword dripping with rainwater. His boots echoed like war drums against the
stone floor.
Without a word, he pressed his blade to Ryo's throat. "Why, Ryo? Why would you do this
to your own people?"
Ryo lowered his head… then laughed. At first, soft. Then louder, until his laughter filled the
ruined hall.
"You ask me why? Because you all treated me like an animal."
His voice was hoarse, but every word cut like glass.
"Despite being a prince, I was never treated as one. Not in the palace, not in the academy,
not anywhere in this cursed empire. Everyone mocked me. Everyone spat on me. They
called me a disgrace to Salmara."
His eyes gleamed with madness and sorrow.
"My own father said I was his greatest mistake. Why? Because I was neither a swordsman
nor a mage. Because my mana was so weak that using it nearly killed me each time. You
all laughed at me. You called me the Curse Dog."
The sword at his throat drew a thin line of blood, but Ryo only leaned into it. "I only took my
revenge. This is what you deserve, Navkar."
Navkar's jaw tightened, his rage burning. "The Salmara Empire doesn't need a weakling like you. You are nothing but a disgrace. Get out of my sight.
That night, lightning split the skies above the broken empire. The smell of rain and ashes
filled the air.
"Strange," whispered Julite beside Navkar as they walked the palace ruins. "The lightning
shines as though the heavens themselves are angry."
Navkar did not answer. His thoughts were consumed by the image of Ryo's mocking
laughter.
But Julite froze. Her face drained of color. "Prince Navkar… you killed Prince Ryo yourself.
Then… who is standing there?"
Navkar spun. "What are you talking about? There's no one—"
"Prince, please…" Julite's voice cracked with fear. "Help me… please save my life…"
"Julite? What's wrong with you?" Navkar raised his blade. "Show yourself!"
A voice as cold as death answered.
"Have you forgotten me so soon, elder brother?"
Navkar's breath caught. His sword nearly slipped from his hand. "…No. This is impossible.
I cut off your head with my own hands."
From the shadows, a figure stepped forward. His smile was twisted, his eyes glowing with
abyssal light.
It was Ryo.
"You thought you killed me, brother? You're a fool. You only freed me."
Navkar's heart pounded. He raised his blade, though his hands trembled. "Then I'll kill you
again! This time, for good!"
"You couldn't kill me before. And you won't kill me now."
Navkar's sword clattered to the ground. His knees gave way. "Forgive me, Ryo. Please…
don't take my life. I don't want to die."
Ryo's grin widened. "I won't kill you, Navkar."
"…Really?" His eyes lit with desperate hope.
"I said I won't kill you. But you… will take your own life."
"What…?"
"Look into my eyes, Navkar. My order is your law. Slit your throat.
Navkar's eyes glazed over. His trembling hands obeyed. "As you command… my lord."
A crimson spray painted the earth. Navkar's body fell, lifeless.
Ryo threw back his head and laughed. "You tried to kill me, brother. And now you've killed
yourself. Yes… yes! No one can stop me now!"
The night roared with thunder as the abyss claimed the empire.
At dawn, a boy gasped awake. Sweat drenched his body. The vision of blood faded into
the morning sunlight.
"Master Ryo, wake up. It's morning," a gentle voice called.
He blinked, dazed. "…Who?"
"Master Ryo, wake up now," the voice repeated.
"Karen… is that you?"
"Yes," she said softly.
He sat up, clutching his chest. His heart still raced. "Was it… a dream? Or am I truly… Ryo Asskar ?".