The grand hall of the Traxton Steel Empire gleamed with polished steel and stone, sunlight streaming through towering stained glass windows.
The banners of the empire flapping high above.
A sudden flash of light appeared near the center of the hall, and in an instant, two heroes materialized:
Kairos, wearing a faded hoodie and ripped jeans, sneakers squeaking slightly on the polished stone floor.
His towering frame made the casual clothing look almost comical, but his eyes were sharp, ready for anything.
Elira, in a detailed cosplay outfit of her favorite fantasy mage, the hem of her cloak swishing as she landed gracefully beside him.
The massive doors at the far end opened, and King Alaric of the Traxton Steel Empire stepped forward, his deep voice resonating through the chamber.
“Welcome, champions,” the king began.
“You two have been chosen to defend the Crystal of the Kingdoms. Beyond our walls lies the wasteland, vast and dangerous, teeming with monsters and threats that could destroy all we hold dear.”
He gestured toward a magical map hovering in the middle of the chamber showing a sprawling desert of jagged rocks, shifting sandstorms, and distant, flickering shapes that hinted at monsters waiting beyond the walls.
“Kairos, your strength and defense as the Steel Warlord will shield the crystal from direct assaults. Elira, your insight and control as the Archmage of unlimited potential will strike at threats before they reach it. Together, you represent the Traxton Steel Empire, and your success will inspire the other kingdoms’ heroes.”
“No armor, huh… fine. Guess I’ll have to make do with what I’ve got.”
Elira twirled her cosplay staff with a small smirk.
“If the monsters expect me to hold back just because this isn’t battle gear… they’re in for a surprise.”
King Alaric’s eyes swept the pair.
“Remember, you are not alone. Across the lands, other kingdoms have sent their champions, four more pairs of heroes stand ready to assist in purging the wasteland. Coordinate with them wisely, and the wasteland will be cleansed.”
He raised his hand toward the massive doors.
“Step forward, champions.
The wasteland awaits.
Protect the Crystal of the Kingdoms, earn glory for the Traxton Steel Empire, and ensure that our alliance triumphs and wonder around our kingdom and see the beauty that you’re going to protect.
The massive doors of the hall swung open,the vast courtyard of the Traxton Steel Empire.
Sunlight blazed down, glinting off rows of smithing forges, anvils, and hammering blacksmiths who worked tirelessly, shaping metal into weapons and armor.
Sparks flew like tiny stars, and the smell of molten steel mingled with the dry wind that blew in from the wasteland.
Kairos stepped forward, shielding his eyes.
“Wow… this kingdom is huge. And look at all the blacksmiths.”
“Impressive, but… do you see that?”
Kairos followed her gaze.
Far beyond the courtyard and the shifting sands, a huge wall of green flames surged upward, flickering like a living barrier across the horizon.
Its eerie glow cast strange shadows across the wasteland, a silent warning to anyone who dared approach.
“Green flames?” Kairos muttered, jaw tightening.
“That doesn’t look natural…”
Elira’s eyes gleamed, the tips of her staff humming faintly.
“Nothing about this tournament is natural. Whatever’s behind that wall… it’s not something to take lightly.”
I didn’t feel like the kingdom side was flushed out enough, so I added this.
Don’t worry.
Next chapter will be about the luma and Seojun