WHEN TWO SWORDS MEETEpisode 1: The Emperor's BetrayalMany years ago, in the sixteenth century, there lived a man whose name inspired both fear and admiration throughout the empire.
His name was Ashgard, the Fourth Commander of the Imperial Army.
He was known as the Emperor's Wildcard—a warrior sent on missions from which few ever returned. There was no secret within the palace that escaped his knowledge, and for that very reason, the Emperor began to see him as less of an ally and more of a threat.
Unbeknownst to the empire, the journey he was about to undertake would become a journey of no return.
His death would one day plunge the kingdom into chaos...
...because his daughter, Lucia, would seek revenge.
The sounds of celebration echoed throughout the palace.
"Victory! Victory for Commander Ashgard!"
Soldiers raised their swords while nobles applauded his latest conquest.
The Emperor sat upon his golden throne with a smile that hid darker intentions.
"My faithful servant," the Emperor said warmly. "You have returned victorious once again. You truly are the empire's greatest warrior."
Ashgard knelt respectfully.
"You honor me, Your Majesty."
"There is one final task I wish to entrust to you."
The Emperor leaned forward.
"I want you to lead an expedition against the Backdishans."
The throne room fell silent.
Ashgard lowered his head, but inside, his thoughts raced.
Backdisha...
No army has ever returned from there.
He knows that.
He's sending me to die.
He called it a request... but this is an execution disguised as an order.
His mind drifted to his wife, Ellis, and his young daughter.
If I do not return... Ellis will have to raise Lucia alone.
Taking a slow breath, Ashgard looked back at his ruler.
"As the Fourth Commander of the Imperial Army," he said calmly, "it is my duty to carry out Your Majesty's command."
A satisfied smile appeared on the Emperor's face.
One Week LaterThe battlefield was covered in smoke.
"My lord!" a soldier shouted. "We've been ambushed by the Backdishans!"
Ashgard drew his sword.
"So... he truly intended to get rid of me."
He looked across the valley as thousands of enemy soldiers appeared from the hills.
"How many?"
"Ten thousand, my lord."
"And our forces?"
"Eight thousand."
The young soldier hesitated.
"...Can we win?"
Ashgard raised his sword toward the sky.
"Failure is not an option!"
His voice echoed across the battlefield.
"We are soldiers! We fight so our children may live in peace and freedom. Even if today is our last day, we shall never surrender!"
The soldiers roared in agreement.
"Yes, Commander!"
Meanwhile...Inside the Imperial Palace...
A messenger hurried into the throne room before dropping to one knee.
"Your Majesty... Rising Sun of the Empire."
"You may speak."
"Commander Ashgard has been ambushed by the Backdishans. They are heavily outnumbered. Without reinforcements, defeat is inevitable."
The messenger lowered his head.
"What orders shall I relay to the Commander?"
The Emperor smiled.
"There will be no reinforcements."
The messenger froze.
"Y-Your Majesty?"
"You have brought me wonderful news."
The Emperor stood.
"As a reward..."
He walked toward the trembling messenger.
"...you will keep your mouth shut."
The messenger's face turned pale.
"S-Shall I... remain silent until the day I die?"
"Exactly."
"I understand, Your Majesty."
The messenger hurried out of the throne room, barely able to breathe.
From the shadows, a cloaked figure stepped forward.
"Should we kill him?"
The Emperor chuckled.
"No."
"He knows better than to reveal this."
The mysterious figure folded his arms.
"You've sacrificed your strongest commander."
"I know."
The Emperor sighed.
"Ashgard was loyal..."
"...but not loyal enough."
"He began questioning the way I ruled this kingdom."
"He was the only man in this empire capable of overthrowing me."
The Emperor looked toward the throne.
"As long as I live..."
"...this throne belongs to me."
The figure smiled.
"A wise decision."
Five Years LaterThe palace gates burst open.
A royal guard rushed inside, breathing heavily.
"Your Majesty!"
The Emperor looked up.
"What is it?"
"She has returned."
The Emperor's smile disappeared.
"...Who?"
The guard swallowed nervously.
"Lucia."
Silence spread throughout the royal court.
Some ministers exchanged frightened glances.
"We dealt with the father..."
"...now the daughter has returned."
The Emperor slowly leaned back against his throne.
"Interesting."
"Bring her in."
Minister Luxé stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, according to tradition, she deserves a reward for her victory."
The Emperor smiled faintly.
"Oh..."
"I have a reward prepared."
"A reward for her arrogance."
Luxé frowned.
"If you reveal the location of Ashgard's grave, Your Majesty..."
"...you will never be able to control her again."
The Emperor's expression hardened.
"Enough."
"I make the decisions in this kingdom."
Luxé immediately bowed.
"My apologies, Your Majesty."
The massive palace doors opened.
Lucia entered.
Her long black hair shimmered with a faint scarlet tint beneath the sunlight, flowing like dark silk touched by fire.
Her hazel-green eyes were cold and sharp—eyes that seemed capable of cutting through lies without the need for a blade.
Years of relentless training had shaped her into a warrior. A faint scar traced across her collarbone, not diminishing her beauty but adding to it.
She possessed the elegance of a noblewoman...
...and the presence of someone who had survived countless battles.
To look at Lucia was to feel two things:
Admiration...
...and the instinct to step back before getting burned.
She knelt before the throne.
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
The Emperor had a smirk on his face.