Scene: The Royal Council and the Road to Lunaris Empire
At the Royal Council Chambers
While Imperial and Ari had already departed the town, Kai arrives at the Royal Council.
As Kai enters the hall, he notices a familiar face.
Zeran: "Hey Kai!"
Kai: "Hello, buddy."
Zeran glances at the paper in Kai's hand.
Zeran: "What's that? A letter? Is that the same invitation Imperial got?"
Kai (nodding): "Yeah, it's the same one."
Zeran: "So... why isn't he here submitting it himself?"
Kai (sighs): "Actually... he's not joining the Royal Army."
Zeran (surprised): "What?!"
Kai then explains everything about Imperial's decision and his journey.
Zeran: "Ah, so that's what's going on…"
Kai: "Yeah, that's the situation."
Zeran (suddenly remembering): "Oh! I almost forgot. Did you hear about the meeting of the Five Emperors?"
Kai: "No, but I heard people talking about it. What's the news?"
Zeran: "They've formed a new organization called the Elite Five—each empire picked one of their strongest fighters to represent them."
Kai: "Elite Five?"
Zeran: "Yeah. One warrior from each empire. They'll serve as a symbol of unity and can intervene in major matters across all empires. They have matching uniforms and can access almost any situation… though the emperors still hold the authority to restrict them if needed. Still, it's a pretty prestigious post."
Kai: "So, who's our representative?"
Zeran: "The Killing Machine—Erika Rowan."
Kai (nodding): "That's not surprising. If anyone deserves it, it's her. Solid choice."
Zeran: "Yeah, I was kinda hoping that since the emperor watched our match, maybe one of us would get picked."
Kai (chuckling): "Even if he watched, we never stood a chance. Erika's in a completely different league."
Zeran (grinning): "True… but hey, now we've got more motivation. If we ever want to stand beside her, we'll have to get way stronger."
Kai: "Right. Anyway, I need to submit this. See you later, Zeran."
________________________________________
Meanwhile, On the Road to the Empire Border
Imperial and Ari travel in a horse-drawn cart toward the border. Along the way, Imperial spots someone in the distance.
Imperial: "Wait—stop the cart!"
The driver halts, and Imperial jumps off, sprinting toward the figure.
Imperial: "Hey, Magna!"
Magna turns, surprised to see him.
Imperial: "Where are you heading?"
Magna: "To the Royal Council. Gotta submit my invitation letter."
Imperial: "Nice! I'm glad you got one too."
Magna: "What about you? Already submitted yours?"
Imperial (pausing): "Actually... I'm not joining."
Magna: "What? Why? You're one of the strongest!"
Imperial: "Yeah, but I've got something else I need to do—something that matters more to me right now. I'm going on a journey."
Magna (nodding after a pause): "Alright. Then I wish you the best on your journey. Stay safe."
Imperial: "Same to you, Magna."
They shake hands and part ways.
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Later That Evening
The sun begins to set, casting an orange glow over the horizon. The sky is dim, and night approaches.
Cart Driver: "Young master, it's getting late. It might be dangerous to continue now. We can stay in the cart for the night and move in the morning."
Imperial: "You're right, sir... but it's not too dark yet. I'd like to cover some ground past the border. It's the perfect time—cool, and we're not too tired yet."
He pauses, then adds, "Also… please tell my mother we stayed in the cart overnight and crossed the border at sunrise. She'll worry otherwise."
Cart Driver: "As you wish, young master."
Imperial turns to Ari.
Imperial: "Are you okay with moving on?"
Ari: "Of course. Let's go."
They arrive at the border gate, where Royal Guards stand watch. The guards recognize Imperial but still follow protocol.
Guard: "Name?"
Imperial: "Imperial Alden."
Guard: "And the lady?"
Ari: "Ari."
The guard nods and makes a note before opening the gate.
Imperial and Ari pick up their bags and step across the threshold. As Imperial's foot touches the ground of the new empire, a rush of emotion surges through him—excitement, uncertainty, and the thrilling scent of adventure.
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Elsewhere — A Dark Room, Unknown Location
Several shadowed figures sit around a table. One of them receives a call.
Agent on Phone: "Sir, I'm sorry to interrupt, but it's urgent. Imperial Alden just crossed the border… into the Lunaris Empire."
Leader: "What? Are you serious? Why would he go there?"
Agent: "I don't know, sir. He's with a girl named Ari."
The call ends.
One man at the far end of the table, seated alone in shadow, speaks up.
Shadowed Figure: "What was that about?"
Another: "Imperial Alden has entered your empire—Lunaris."
Shadowed Figure (gritting his teeth): "Alden, huh…"
Another voice: "Wait—wasn't it his brother we were tracking?"
Agent: "Yes. Kai Alden. He defeated our operative, even in a weakened state. He's quite the prodigy... but we haven't seen signs of ancient power from him—yet."
Main Figure: "One of my trusted informants says otherwise. That attack he used—it wasn't ordinary."
He stands slowly.
Main Figure: "Keep your eyes on Kai Alden... and now on Imperial as well. I want to know why he's in Lunaris—and what he's planning."
To be continued…