"...What a beautiful sky."
The sky above Velkaris appeared to be brilliant and deep, bluer than any ocean, lit by a sun that seems too large, too steady to be natural. Thin, high cirrus clouds and the sky hums faintly. The air itself shimmers faintly.
"I wonder what the sky looks like when it is darkened. I hope it is similar to the Eternal Night."
"...Your Majesty, what if I said that this world is brilliant and shines brightly so that you, yourself, could adorn yourself with its land and treasures." Darian declared.
Valen chuckled. "I would think you were amusing me, but I'd think twice before I questioned your declarations. But it may be true enough."
"However… I don't believe I would hoard this world for my own sake. I would share it with you all, as an extension of my former comrades."
"...With you all here, this is my way of atoning for my past mistakes…"
"I humbly believe that the Seven would use all of their strength and forces to obtain this world for you… in any way you see done."
"Despite not knowing what this world ascertains?"
"Despite not knowing that, Your Majesty."
"...Taking over this world, like the previous, may be just as enjoyable…"
Darian smirked, as he was merely inquiring about his monarch's desire within this new world. The smirk was a deeper acknowledgement and his eternal oath to faithfully serve Valen in the endeavor.
They were within the exterior of the Imperial Palace of Velkaris, the palace transmigrated into a mysterious large forest within the Transmigrated World. To anyone that may have witnessed its arrival, it rose like a vision out of legend — a vast and magnificent structure, its foundations rooted in the earth like a fallen star that refused to die.
The exterior is composed of luminous white marble, streaked with veins of gold and silver that catch the forest light in radiant flashes. Its towering walls are smooth and commanding, broken at intervals by colossal buttresses carved with reliefs of Valen and the former Seven Sovereigns. Massive archways, tall enough for giants, form the entrances, framed by stone lions and phoenixes that glare down at all who dare approach.
Broad terraces and stairways flow outward from the main structure, their edges softened by the slow encroachment of moss and creeping vines. The stairs are cracked but proud, worn by centuries of footsteps yet untouched by decay. Balconies high above jut out over the surrounding woods, offering sweeping views of the endless green canopy, as if daring the wilderness to challenge the Empire's reach. Decorative elements are everywhere. Gargoyles shaped like winged lions perch on the corners, peering watchfully into the misty woods.Murals and mosaics depicting the founding of the Eidryn Empire cover grand outer plazas and stairwells. Massive ironwood gates, harder than steel, guard the main entrances, etched with scenes of battles won and peace brokered.
Nature has not yet fully conquered the palace. Though ivy coils around statues and creeps along the lesser walls, the main structure remains pure and imposing, untouched by rot. It feels as though the forest itself has paused in awe, reluctant to overrun something so enduring, so supremely crafted. Above it all, the massive central dome — the Heart of Velkaris — looms. It is gilded entirely in gold leaf, reflecting the filtered sunlight so brightly that it seems to hover above the trees like a second sun, a beacon of the Empire's eternal light amid the wilderness.
The air around the palace feels heavy with history, destiny, and unshakable authority — a place where time itself might bend in reverence.
However, to the outside world, it was further protected by an illusionary wall made of magical runes stationed around the palace, making it appear as if it was a tomb-like dungeon within a massive mountain, blending in with the surroundings.
*
Valen then returned to the Celestial Tower, where he was engrossed with administrative work within the Heartchamber, his private study and command chamber.
The central chamber, located on the Second Floor of the Celestial Tower, served as both a strategy hall and personal sanctuary. A wide, semi-circular desk of petrified wood and metal, facing a panoramic window that overlooks the exterior of the Palace. Map spheres of each dukedom and its forces, enchanted to update troop movements and major events in real time. Shelves of ancient texts, edicts, and sealed messages. A high mirror of thoughtglass stands behind the desk, used by the Emperor to speak privately with each Sovereign, their reflections appearing in arcane flames.
The floor is a polished black disc of obsidian, etched with the Empire's founding sigil — a seven tongued flame, each tongue representing one of the Seven Sigils. The flame is cradled by a golden phoenix and an encircling crown, representing the Emperor's strength and prowess.
"Do you have something for me, Darian?" Valen looked upward in his chair, as Darian opened the doors of the chamber and bowed.
"A recommendation, if you will." He said, before approaching.
"Go on."
Darian then stopped bowing and approached Valen's desk, the desk covered with paperwork and scrolls regarding administration of Velkaris' realms, the new information sharing system and the fortification of the defenses outside of the Palace.
"...I'm sure you're already aware of the Mirror of Endless View, the one bestowed to me by my master and my promotion to Sovereign of Vision.
"...I believe that allows the Sovereign of Vision enhanced view around the Empire. But now I think that extends to the exterior and surroundings of the Palace…"
"What of it?"
"I have seen signs of civilization beyond the reaches of the forest we are in. Carved roads and deforestation. Along with a nearby village filled with this world's inhabitants."
"Show me."
Darian then manifested the Mirror of Endless View, as Valen set his eyes upon it.
"...A slaughter."
Valen looked upon the village, as he looked at armed combatants attacking and slaying harmless civilians. Horses seemed to accompany them, some acted as cavalry.
The armed combatants had signifying cloaks, tattered at the ends, hooded and made of flame-treated wool or hide. The cloak was soot-dyed, designed to smear or burn clean—leaving no trace, almost as if representing ash. The hood is deep and shadowed, hiding their faces completely. Inner lining contains sewn-in knives or tools, invisible from outside.
They had featureless iron or bone-white masks, expressionless and custom-fitted. Most wore flat black iron masks, while some wore porcelain-white visors with hand-etched carvings, like fangs or cracks.
Reinforced tunic of padded leather or spiderweave, designed for silence and mobility. Sewn with blood-resistant threading, seen through the spilled blood of the civilians. Chest and limbs are lined with soft armor plates or chainmail, allowing for both flexibility and ambush resilience.
Black leather gauntlets with retractable dagger sheaths. Greaves are flex-hinged, made for roof-running, alley combat, and urban traversal. Boots have soft soles to muffle footsteps, and a collapsible knife hidden in one heel.
They had symbols of a Black Fang, a downturned triangle with a fang in its center, stitched in iron-red thread over the heart. Small red notches were sewn into the left sleeve, possibly indicating rank and status within the group.
The combatants mostly had daggers, throwing needles and folded shortbows. A few had compact crossbows and bone-handled sabers.
"They're organized, but they have a violent sense to them, not like a standard army."
"I agree, Your Majesty. Criminalistic with a hint of a cultic tone."
"...Monochrome, faceless, and ritualistic…"
"...I would say to leave them, but it seems you have a different idea."
"I believe saving them would be beneficial, Your Majesty."
"...Hm, we still don't know anything about this world, perhaps he sees this as an opportunity…"
"Information gathering."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"...This would be a good way to test my strength in this world."
"...I don't know whether my actual combat prowess has transferred over to this world, my experience and knowledge comes with my soul and mind."
"I will be going to this village, Darian. Raise the security level of the Palace. Tell Avelina to join me in the talks of diplomacy in this village, fully armed. As well as informing Cael I will be borrowing some of the Adamant Guard as well as a few of the Black Blades from the Seven Legions."
"It will be done." Darian kneeled before leaving the Heartchamber, the Mirror of Endless View disappearing.
Valen then teleported to the Nightward Hall, where he looked upon his hung up armor. His armor is dark, yet ornate—crafted with a deep, obsidian-like finish that reflects little light, symbolizing his connection to both the physical and arcane realms.
The armor's design is intricate, with swirling patterns resembling ancient runes and symbols, showcasing his command over magic. Golden trims run along the edges, giving a regal contrast to the otherwise somber tone, hinting at his noble lineage and the grandeur of the Eidryn Empire. The chest plate bears a central emblem of House Eidryn — a magical crest crafted in gold, a golden phoenix that embodies the colors of the Seven Sigils. A deep crimson cloak stemmed from the shoulders, symbolizing authority and sacrifice, along with a pendant with a blue gemstone at the collar — possibly signifying a magical artifact.
"...Back to what I love the most…"
*
"Mommy, what's going on?!" A little girl cried out, as she was being covered by her mother. The two were surrounded by trees, seemingly out of the village itself and surrounded by two of the hooded figures attacking the village.
"Don't worry, honey. Just don't look, okay?!" The young mother was freaking out, not knowing what to do as tears streamed down her face.
She knew she was going to die. She had flashbacks to her husband dying in the grasp of one of the combatants. She was breathing in and out, attempting to calm herself down to little avail.
One of the figures laughed, as they both prepared to strike the woman.
The figures then stopped, looking upward as a mysterious portal opened up behind the two.
"...What the hell is that?!..."
"...A fucking realm gate?!... I thought those were just part of mythology!"
A blue and white tinted portal emerged, the sound reaching the ears of the mother as she then widened her eyes.
The three saw an abnormally pale man walking out of the realm gate. He stood at the height of 6 foot and 6 inches, taller than the figures, as he looked down upon them.
He seemed to be within his early 20s. Athletic and lean, but clearly strong — built for agility and endurance rather than pure bulk. Silvery-white hair, slightly tousled but clean and well-kept. Sharp, intense violet eyes. Angular with strong cheekbones, a defined jawline, and a serious, determined expression. Valen Arthas Eidryn.
Besides his physical characteristics, the three were shocked by the realm gate and the bewilderment of how pale he was, as if he was undead and resurrected, but still handsome by human standards. A mythological being.
One of the figures then imploded, as his entire body burst as his remains and blood smeared on the ground.
"...A… monster…" The other figure called out, as he was frozen in fear.
Unaware of how the figure did not see his sword unsheathed and held in his hand, Valen revealed his weapon, the Dark Aetherion. He grabbed the sword so swiftly the figures were unable to register his action and slashed one of them briefly. His entire body imploded from the simple strike against his clothing.
The sword's blade was forged from a rare, otherworldly metal that shimmers with an ethereal glow, changing hues depending on the type of magic Valen channels through it. The blade has a sleek, slightly curved design, reminiscent of both a longsword and a ceremonial blade, making it suitable for both swift strikes and intricate spellcasting gestures.
The core of the blade is composed of a mythical metal from the depths of the Eidryn Empire's enchanted forges, capable of channeling magical energies. The hilt is wrapped in obsidian leather, giving it a grip that adapts to the user's hand, preventing slippage even when casting spells. The blade appears to pulse with faint blue and silver light, and when in use, it leaves a trail of arcane energy in the air. Its crossguard is shaped like the wings of a phoenix, symbolizing both rebirth and the eternal strength of the Eidryn Empire.
"...So my enhanced strength and speed have transmigrated to this world as well…"
"...The feeling of taking one's life… is not profound to me anymore…"
Valen then raised his sword, pointing toward the now fleeing combatant, as he casted a spell. The sword's runes ignited in blue, as the spell imploded the other figure's body as well.
Valen looked down upon the wounded woman, as she seemed to have been hit prior to being surrounded by the figures.
Several individuals then emerged from the realm gate. It was the Adamant Guard, donning gleaming gold armor and blue sigils bearing the golden lion symbol of Valor's Crest. They were led by an Adamant Champion, armor forged of Eidrynic metal, enchanted to resist both magic and mundane weapons. Distinctive crimson cloaks or sashes mark them on the field.
"...The Adamant Guard… heavy frontline shock troops and elite warriors. And an Adamant Champion, considered the most prestigious and elite combat unit within the Empire…"
"...Cael must've sent him once he discovered that I was planning on going alone… these Champions are often used to challenge enemy leaders, fellow champions or monsters…"
"...One Champion and Two Lances, each with ten soldiers…"
"Champion and the Adamant Guard. Engage the combatants that are attacking the village. Save any civilian you encounter."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" The champion and the 20 warriors chanted, as they then disembarked toward the village, leaving behind their monarch. The warriors stayed within their formations, led by their Sergeant, while the champion walked alone, ahead of the formations.
The last individual walked out of the realm gate, the Sovereign of Valorance, Avelina. She wore magnificent white full-plated armor, polished to a radiant shine. Decorated with intricate silver filigree and faint scarlet runes pulsing with magical energy. Her helmet is uniquely designed — sleek and stylized, resembling the wings of a dove at the sides, crowned with a subtle halo motif.
She held a massive scythe, taller than she is, with an elegant but deadly curve. Its blade shimmers with a faint blue-white energy, as if woven from moonlight.
"The preparations took some time, Your Majesty. I apologize for the delay." She spoke out.
"Are the Seerblades in position?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. They're silently surveying the village's surroundings."
"Excellent."
"...What would you like to do with these two?" She looked down upon the mother and her child.
"Leave them."
"...It looks like you're injured." Valen then spoke to the mother, as his sword then glowed once again. Healing magic engulfed her wounds, as the body unnaturally healed.
"...Healing magic?" She murmured.
"...It seems magic does exist in this world…"
"...Who are you?"
"We are from a land known as Eidryn."
"I've never heard of Eidryn before…"
"There is much you do not know."
"...That much is true." She slowly nodded, agreeing with him.
"Stay outside of the village. I cannot guarantee your safety as of now."
"...Thank you for saving us." She then got on her knees and bowed her head to the floor.
The child also got on her knees and began doing the same. "T-thank you…"
Valen nodded.
"...Unfortunately, saving you is a means to an end… but they do not have to know that…"
"If I may ask… What is your name?"
"...Do best to remember."
"Valen Arthas Eidryn."
"That is my name…"