“The rain did not fall to extinguish the flames…
It fell to mourn a world that had already died.” Morning arrived.
Yet the sun never appeared.
Dark clouds swallowed the heavens as cold rain poured upon the burning world of Warzo.
Every raindrop that touched the raging flames vanished into steam, leaving behind only smoke, ash, and the scent of blood.
The empire…
The place the twins had called home…
…was dying.
Shadow and KING stood frozen.
Their eyes slowly wandered across the once-beautiful capital.
The magnificent buildings had collapsed.
The streets were cracked apart.
The banners of the empire burned as they fluttered in the wind.
Bodies covered every road.
Children.
Mothers.
Elders.
Soldiers.
None had escaped.
The rain washed over countless lifeless bodies, yet no amount of water could erase the crimson blood staining the earth.
For several long seconds…
Neither twin moved.
Neither spoke.
“A kingdom is not destroyed when its walls collapse…
…it is destroyed when its people can no longer call it home.” “SNAP OUT OF IT!” Uncle Ren’s voice echoed through the burning streets.
His once-pristine armor was shattered.
Blood dripped from dozens of wounds.
One of his arms trembled, barely able to hold his sword.
Yet his eyes still carried the determination of the empire’s greatest warrior.
“We don’t have time!” “We have to move!” The twins remained silent.
Words had abandoned them.
Without saying anything, they followed Uncle Ren through the ruined streets.
Every step carried them deeper into hell.
As they ran, explosions erupted behind them.
BOOM!!
Another building collapsed.
BOOM!!
The ground shook violently beneath their feet.
Chunks of burning stone rained from the sky.
“Run!” Uncle Ren shouted.
“Faster!” Still…
Neither KING nor Shadow answered.
They simply ran.
“Sometimes silence screams louder than rage.” After several desperate minutes…
The three finally reached the hidden underground chamber beneath the Imperial Palace.
Standing there…
As if he had been waiting for them all along…
…was the Emperor.
His royal robes were stained with blood.
His breathing was heavy.
Yet he still stood proudly.
KING immediately stepped forward.
“Father!” “What is happening?!” “Who attacked us?!” Before he could finish— “We don’t have time!” The Emperor’s voice thundered through the chamber.
“You both must leave this world immediately.” KING froze.
“But—” “No!” The Emperor raised his hand.
“There is no time to explain.” Without another word, he hurried toward the enormous ancient gate hidden inside the basement.
The gate was covered with mysterious symbols that neither twin had ever seen before.
As the Emperor placed his hand upon it…
The ancient door slowly opened.
Rumble…
Beyond it…
There was nothing.
Only an empty chamber.
At its center rested a single black box.
The Emperor hurried toward it.
Shadow finally spoke.
“Father…” “What is inside that box?” The Emperor stopped for only a moment.
His back remained turned.
“I made a promise.” “A promise to someone long ago.” “And today…” “I must fulfill it.” He opened the box.
Inside rested four objects.
Two rings.
Two necklaces.
The rings shimmered with an ancient silver light.
The necklaces emitted a mysterious glow unlike anything the twins had ever seen.
The Emperor picked them up.
“Take them.” “One ring.” “One necklace.” “For each of you.” KING clenched his fists.
“We don’t care about rings!” “We’re not leaving you!” The Emperor’s expression finally broke.
For the first time…
The strongest man in the empire cried.
He walked toward his sons…
…and embraced them tightly.
His hands trembled.
His shoulders shook.
“I’m sorry…” “My sons…” “I couldn’t protect your home.” “I wish things had been different.” “But if you stay…” “You’ll die.” Tears silently rolled down his face.
Behind them…
Uncle Ren slowly closed his eyes.
“I’m sorry…” “Young Masters.” “I have no choice.” THUD!
He struck both twins on the neck.
Their vision blurred.
The last thing they saw…
…was their father smiling through tears.
“Live…” “Please…” “Live.” Darkness consumed them.
…
To be continued…