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The grand halls of Corals' palace hummed with life. Servants hurried along the corridors, their footsteps soft against the marble floors, while the faint rustle of fine silk tapestries swayed gently in the breeze. The palace, standing tall and proud against the backdrop of the great ocean, was as much a symbol of Corals' ancient glory as it was of the turmoil that now gripped the city. With each passing day, the divine monster terrorizing their shores left more destruction in its wake, and Lord Nalaeom knew the time to act had finally come.
Nalaeom stood by a vast window, his eyes focused on the endless horizon. The ocean, once a life-giving force, had become a perilous realm, a domain ruled by an unseen terror. As much as it saddened him, he had come to terms with the reality of their situation: they needed help, and the time to seek that help had arrived.
The voice of Carolina, his daughter, interrupted his thoughts. "Father, the young lord is ready to explore the city. I've prepared everything for his tour."
Nalaeom turned slowly, his face breaking into a faint but warm smile. "Very well, Carolina. Take him on a tour, show him the heart of Corals,"
"As you wish, Your Majesty," Carolina replied with a graceful bow, her long auburn hair shimmering in the lantern light.
She turned to the young lord.
"Young lord, are you ready?" Carolina asked, her voice filled with pretty voice
Harlez nodded, his eyes bright with curiosity. "I'm ready, Lady Carolina. I've been looking forward to seeing Coral."
As they made their way out of the royal chambers, Lord Nalaeom called after them, his voice carrying the familiar weight of command.
"Carolina, make sure to bring my butler with you."
"Of course, Father," Carolina replied, turning to give a nod to the older man who had been at their service for many years. The butler stepped forward, his presence dignified yet humble.
"Lord Yalos," Nalaeom continued, addressing his old friend and trusted ally, "if Harlez has any questions, or if he finds himself in need, my butler will guide him. The city can be overwhelming for a young mind."
Yalos, who had been standing quietly, watching the exchange with a thoughtful expression, finally spoke. "Thank you, my friend. I trust him to guide the young lord. We must prepare for what is to come."
Nalaeom smiled at Lord Yalos' words, but his smile was fleeting. "Yes, the time has come. Let's speak of business. The city cannot wait any longer."
Yalos nodded, and with a final glance at his grandson, Harlez, and then he turned around to follow Nalaeom to the grand hall where important decisions were made. The massive doors creaked open, revealing a chamber fit for Emperor, its high ceiling stretching far above their heads, lined with ancient relics and murals depicting Corals' long history of prosperity.
They took their seats at the large, obsidian table. The quiet sounds of the sea could be heard in the distance, crashing against the shores just beyond the palace walls. The air in the room was thick with anticipation.
"Nalaeom," Yalos began, his voice grave. "Tell me more about this creature. I have heard rumors, but nothing concrete."
Nalaeom's face hardened. "The rumors are true. There is a monster beneath the waves—something divine, something beyond anything we have faced before. It comes from the deep, a force of nature that none of our weapons or magic can touch. We have tried everything: ships, spells, warriors… All in vain."
Yalos leaned forward, his piercing eyes never leaving Nalaeom's. "How bad is it?"
"The monster has ravaged our shores, sinking ships and devastating villages," Nalaeom replied. "The economy has collapsed, and people are fleeing inland in droves. The city is on the brink of collapse. I fear that if something is not done soon, there will be nothing left of Corals but ruins."
Yalos remained silent for a long moment, his gaze drifting to the ocean beyond the window. The distant waves seemed deceptively calm, their rhythmic lapping at the shore in stark contrast to the terror that lurked beneath.
"I understand," Yalos finally said, his voice steady. "This is no ordinary threat. But I will deal with it. It is my duty to protect those who are in need."
Nalaeom's eyes filled with gratitude. "I knew you would, Lord Yalos. I knew you were the only one who could help us."
Yalos stood from his seat, his imposing figure casting a long shadow across the room. "We will need to act swiftly. We cannot wait for the creature to strike again. We must evacuate the people from the coastal villages and prepare for battle. The monster's power is great, but I believe we can end its reign of terror. We will leave at dawn."
"Thank you, my lord," Nalaeom whispered, his voice filled with relief and hope. "I… I don't know how to repay you."
"You don't have to repay me," Yalos said with a soft smile. "This is what must be done. Now, let us begin our preparations."
As the two men began to discuss the finer details of the plan, Kirilian, the kingdom's chief strategist, entered the room. His eyes were sharp, his mind always several steps ahead, a trait that had earned him the respect of both allies and enemies alike.
"Your Majesty, Lord Yalos," Kirilian greeted them with a bow. "I understand that the time to act has come. How can I be of service?"
Nalaeom motioned to the table, where maps of the coastal regions were spread out before them. "We must begin by evacuating the villages. The monster's attacks are unpredictable, and we cannot afford to take risks."
Kirilian nodded, his brow furrowing as he analyzed the maps. "If we evacuate too many people at once, it could draw the monster's attention. We must move swiftly but subtly, ensuring that the people are moved before the creature can strike again."
Yalos studied the map carefully, his finger tracing the coastline. "We must also be prepared for combat. The creature is not an ordinary beast. Its strength is immense, and we will need every advantage."
As the three men deliberated, the plan began to take shape. The fate of Corals now rested on their shoulders, and with the first rays of dawn, they would set out to face the monster in the depths.
[On the other side]
As the sun dipped beneath the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, the city of Corals came alive. Nestled along the edge of the glistening azure sea, Corals was a city built from both human hands and nature's wonders. Its towering structures, made from a blend of coral stone and shimmering seashells, gleamed in the fading light. The buildings rose like an intricate maze, stacked upon one another, creating a cityscape that spiraled upward, as though reaching for the heavens themselves.
The streets were alive with movement. Merchants hawked their wares on cobbled roads, their voices calling out over the symphony of sounds. The sea breeze, fresh and salty, carried the laughter of children and the chatter of townsfolk as they hurried through the bustling marketplace. Stalls were filled with fresh fish, vibrant fabrics, glimmering jewelry, and unique items crafted from the bounty of the ocean. The scent of roasting seafood and freshly baked bread mixed with the earthy scent of saltwater.
People from all walks of life mingled in the square. Fishermen, with weathered faces and muscular arms, haggled with traders selling exotic fruits and spices. Women in colorful dresses and flowing shawls laughed as they inspected fabrics, bargaining over the price. Children ran through the streets, their bare feet tapping against the warm cobblestones as they chased one another in playful races. The town was a beautiful contrast of colors—blues from the sea, greens from the lush vegetation, and the bright, welcoming colors of the people who lived there.
At the center of this vibrant city stood the grand palace, the heart of Corals. Its spires were adorned with glistening pearls, and its walls were carved with intricate designs of aquatic creatures, their scales rendered in stone. The palace was a work of art, rising above the surrounding buildings, reflecting the light of the setting sun in a mesmerizing dance of shadows and highlights. It was the symbol of power, wealth, and pride for the people of Corals, but even the magnificent palace couldn't escape the unrest that lingered in the air.
As he entered the city, the sense of urgency weighed on him. The sea, once a symbol of prosperity for Corals, had become a place of terror. The mighty ocean, revered by all, had become unpredictable, violent, and filled with a monstrous presence. Ships disappeared, coastal villages were razed, and now the citizens lived in constant fear.
Harlez, small and composed, was no stranger to danger. His dark brown eyes, sharp and calculating, scanned the city as he walked through the narrow streets, flanked by his personal guards and the ever-watchful eyes of the Zephyrian knights—an elite force sworn to protect him. As they passed through the lively marketplace, the sounds of the city engulfed him.
Despite the urgency of the situation, Corals had a certain charm. The vibrant marketplace bustled with life. Stalls overflowed with fresh fish, glittering gemstones, and exotic fruits from distant lands. The scent of grilled seafood filled the air, mixing with the salt of the sea. A man with a thick beard and an apron offered Harlez a fish skewer, its charred aroma tempting. He buy the food and thanks the shopkeeper.
"Young Lord, this way!" Carolina's voice broke through his thoughts.Lets enjoy the view.
"Carolina, I would prefer if you call me Harlez instead of young lord.
{Carolina} (Flustered) Lord Haa. rle.zzz.
"wow she is so cute while stuttering" that's thought in my mind
{Baron-Leon} Oh my oh my, i never knew our young master was such a playboy.
[ with a surprised embarrassed face ] Uncle leon what are you doing here.aren't you supposed to be with my grandfather.
{Baron-Leon} Yes I was but I decided to protect you hahaha…
ughhh… you are just ditching your work
{Baron-Leon} Nah nah my lord i m doing honest work Haha…
"yes yes work he say"
She laughed softly, a melodious sound that seemed to harmonize with the gentle breeze. "I understand, I will call you Harlez .saywith a smile
Harlez glanced around. It was hard to look at her face as she was so pretty and he was embarrassed. The bustling streets, the chatter of merchants. The city felt alive, its heart beating in time with the waves crashing against the distant shores. It was vibrant, full of people working together, trying to make a living despite the shadow that loomed over them.
"The people are amazing," Harlez remarked.
"Yes, my ancestors worked tirelessly to build this city into something beautiful. They crafted it with their blood, sweat, and tears," Carolina replied, pride evident in her voice. She paused, looking at the city with a soft smile. "It is because of them that Corals thrive today."
"Your ancestors were truly remarkable," Harlez said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. He knew the history of Corals—the city was founded centuries ago by brave sailors and builders, its streets forged from the coral reefs that surrounded it.
As they continued walking, Harlez couldn't help but notice the skillful craftsmanship of the city's design. The roads were wide, allowing for the crowded hustle of the marketplace to flow seamlessly. The buildings, made from coral stone, were not only beautiful but designed with practicality in mind, ensuring they withstood the harsh conditions of life by the sea.
Carolina led him to a small stall selling woven baskets made from reeds and palm leaves. The vendor, an elderly woman with a kind smile, handed over a basket, showing off its intricate patterns. The sunlight reflected off the basket's smooth surface, giving it an almost magical glow.
"Try it, Harlez," Carolina urged. "It's one of the finest in the city."
Harlez took the basket, feeling its smooth texture, his fingers tracing the carefully woven fibers. "It's beautiful," he said, impressed. "Tell me, how long does it take to make one of these?"
The woman smiled, her eyes sparkling with pride. "About a week, my lord. It's an art passed down from generation to generation. Every piece is unique."
As they continued through the marketplace, Harlez couldn't help but be drawn into the rhythm of life in Corals. The sounds of the market—the clinking of coins, the call of merchants advertising their goods, the happy chatter of people—filled the air. It was a city full of culture, history, and the promise of prosperity, yet it was shadowed by the threat of the unknown.
The sun had set completely now, casting a golden glow across the water. The waves shimmered like liquid silver, reflecting the last light of day. Yalos looked out at the horizon, where the sea stretched endlessly, its beauty belying the darkness beneath.
Let's make our way to the palace Harlez.
As they walked toward the grand palace, the streets slowly began to empty, the marketplace quieting down as the people retreated to their homes. The city, still alive with its energy, had an almost ethereal quality in the twilight hours. The streets, lined with glowing lanterns, were bathed in soft light, and the sea's distant roar was a constant reminder of the power and mystery it held.
The grand palace loomed ahead, its towering spires lit by lanterns, casting long shadows onto the cobblestones. As they approached, Harlez couldn't help but feel the weight of the Divine beast before him. He had come to Corals with his grandpa, but now he was becoming a part of its history—ready to face the very monster that threatened its existence.
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