A day had passed since the battle against Duke Erisia. Leonardo, Velvet, Kouneli, Rajin, Evengarde, and Übel stood in the grand halls of the Etrean Palace, the air thick with an almost tangible authority. The towering pillars reached high into the heavens, adorned with intricate gold and silver engravings that depicted the legacy of Etrea. And at the very end of the chamber, seated atop an elevated throne, was the Lord Regent.
His long blond hair cascaded down his back, a blindfold obscuring his eyes. Yet despite this, his presence was overwhelming, as though he could see everything and everyone within his domain. His royal garments were pristine, embroidered with the sigils of the great nation he ruled. The aura he emitted was suffocating, an oppressive force that demanded reverence.
Evengarde Rest stepped forward, showing the small pouch containing the Forge of Sin. "Hey Geezer, the mission was a success. Duke Erisia has been slain, and the artifact is secured."
The Lord Regent did not move at first, his blindfolded gaze fixed upon the squad. Then, slowly, he descended from his throne, each step resonating through the vast hall. With an outstretched hand, he took the pouch from Evengarde and held it, as if weighing its significance.
"I told you to stop calling me that. That aside, You have done well," he said, his voice smooth yet commanding. "Your efforts have preserved Etrea's stability. This artifact shall remain under my safekeeping."
He turned slightly, his posture relaxed yet unshakably firm. "Evengarde, leave us. I wish to speak to them alone."
Evengarde hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "Fine, I will leave" With that, he exited the palace, leaving the squad standing before the ruler of Etrea.
The Lord Regent regarded them in silence before speaking again. "Your display of power in the recent raid was... impressive. Not many could have accomplished what you did." He turned and began walking down one of the palace's side corridors, gesturing for them to follow.
As they walked, he continued, "Etrea is not an isolated force in this world. We have allies, many of whom have aided us in times of need. That is why we remain one of the four great nations of Lumen."
Velvet perked up. "Four great nations?" they asked, curiosity evident in their voice.
The Lord Regent nodded. "Indeed. Etrea, which you are quite familiar with. The Central Authority, led by Drallus Ehr, who governs the heart of civilization with an iron grip. The Nation of Scholars, Vos'Shan, led by Klein Voren, a man who has devoted his life to unraveling the world's mysteries. And lastly, the Land of Grace, Shenhua, ruled by Emperor Zai Xinyue, a leader whose influence extends far beyond mere borders."
He stopped suddenly and turned to face them, his tone shifting to something more solemn. "One of our greatest allies, the Summer Company, has fallen into crisis. An endless winter has befallen their land, threatening to drive them to ruin. If they fall, so too does a crucial pillar of our strength."
Kouneli furrowed his brows. "Where is the Summer Company located?"
"The Western Luminant," the Lord Regent answered. "A place filled with allies of the great nations, but also dangers unlike any other. Unfortunately, time is not on our side. You will need to take a more... perilous route to reach them swiftly."
Velvet's expression turned serious. "What route?"
"You will cross the Voidsea."
A heavy silence fell upon the group.
"The Voidsea?" Velvet repeated. "What is that?"
The Lord Regent exhaled, as if recalling the horrors that lay beyond. "The world is divided into luminants—territories controlled by the great nations. Etrea rules the Etrean Luminant. The Central Authority governs the Central Luminant. Shenhua commands the Southern Luminant, and Vos'Shan watches over the Northern Luminant. The Eastern Luminant is contested by both Etrea and the Authority, while the Western Luminant houses our allies. These regions are connected by special gates, but the gate leading west is beyond our immediate reach. To reach your destination in time, you must sail through the Voidsea—a realm where time and direction cease to exist, inhabited by creatures that defy reason."
Leo crossed his arms. "And how exactly do we survive that?"
The Lord Regent smirked slightly. "You will have help. One among you has experience with the Voidsea. Kenny will be accompanying you on this journey, as he has his own business in the Western Luminant."
The squad processed this information. It was a dangerous mission, but the urgency in the Lord Regent's voice left little room for debate.
"You will depart at once," the Lord Regent declared. "Kenny awaits you at the shores of Etris."
Without another word, the squad took their leave. As they descended the palace steps and made their way through the city, the weight of their mission settled upon them. The streets of Etris bustled with life, merchants calling out their wares, knights patrolling the avenues, citizens going about their daily lives—completely unaware of the calamities that brewed beyond their borders.
Finally, they reached the harbor, where a lone figure stood beside a sturdy vessel, arms crossed. Kenny grinned as they approached, his presence radiating an eagerness for battle.
"Took you long enough," he said, his grin widening. "Let's get moving. We've got a hell of a journey ahead."