Before her…

  A little girl lay collapsed on the ground, her wide eyes reflecting utter despair.

  The colossal black dragon bared its fangs once more, its pristine white wings unfurling to their full span.

  Dark energy, as if drawn from the abyss itself, coiled and gathered within its maw, devouring the light around it.

  In an instant, the once-brilliant sky was swallowed by darkness.

  Storm clouds converged into a singular, swirling mass.

  Thunder roared—loud enough to shake the world itself.

  CRACK!

  A blinding bolt of lightning streaked down, striking the dragon’s skull with a force that split the heavens.

  Its agonized screech tore through the air, piercing through to the bone.

  The little girl squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for death’s cold embrace—yet it never came.

  Instead, she felt something else—someone standing between her and oblivion.

  "Are you... alright?"

  She gasped, her trembling gaze lifting to see the figure of a young man.

  Her heart pounded wildly. The world blurred. The deafening noise faded into silence.

  A chilling sensation seeped through her body, as though she had been plunged into the depths of a long-buried memory.

  "Are you... alright?"

  The voice—familiar, yet distant—broke through the haze.

  Alice's eyes flew open, her breath catching in her throat. Her body was frozen, cold as ice.

  Her heart raced as the face before her overlapped with a figure from the past.

  She jolted upright, her vision blurred by unshed tears.

  Her hands trembled as she reached forward, grasping tightly onto Amiri’s sleeve—

  as though, if she let go, he would fade away, just like someone she had lost before.

  As if everything stood still...

  for a brief moment...

  before the hand of the clock began to... move once more.

  "We… need to get out of here. Can you walk?"

  Her voice was hoarse, the words barely escaping her lips—

  as if they were trapped between two fractured timelines.

  Amiri blinked, glancing down at the small, trembling hand clutching his sleeve.

  He wasn’t sure why she was crying…

  But he chose not to ask.

  The dim glow of candlelight flickered, casting long shadows over rows of glass bottles filled with colorful herbal medicines, neatly arranged on an old wooden shelf. A worn desk in the corner was cluttered with open medical tomes, some pages folded at the edges—a testament to their frequent use.

  A faint yet distinct aroma of herbs lingered in the air, mingling with the sterile scent of antiseptic. On a simple wooden bed, a little girl lay motionless, her breaths shallow. Her tiny fingers clutched the blanket tightly, as if grasping onto something unseen.

  Beside her, the child’s mother stood, hands trembling as she held onto her daughter’s small, fragile hand. Her vision blurred with tears as she spoke, voice quivering,

  “Doctor… please… save my child…”

  The physician standing by the bedside said nothing at first, his gaze lingering on the girl's pale face—so colorless it seemed drained of life. Yet, even with her eyes closed, a faint tremor in her lashes betrayed the struggle within.

  His hand hesitated for a moment before reaching for a small vial filled with a soft, crimson-colored herbal extract. Closing his eyes briefly, he finally spoke, his voice calm yet resolute,

  “Rest assured, ma’am. Mia… she can still be saved.”

  The mother almost spoke again, but her words caught in her throat.

  “Madam, please wait outside the treatment room,” the assistant nurse gently urged, offering a polite yet firm reassurance.

  Though reluctant, the mother stepped outside, her heart still heavy with worry.

  Inside, the doctor worked swiftly. He drew a few drops of blood into a vial, mixing it carefully with the red herbal extract. With practiced precision, he disinfected the wound and stemmed the bleeding with steady hands. His movements were swift and decisive, yet there was a quiet tenderness in the way he handled the fragile child.

  The assistant standing by his side wiped the sweat from his brow before retrieving another vial.

  “The antiseptic is ready, Dr. Theo.”

  Theo nodded and spoke evenly,

  “It’s a good thing she arrived in time. Any later, and the infection would have spread to her vital organs...”

  As the treatment continued, the assistant meticulously prepared each tool without a moment's delay. In the corner of the room, a little blood-stained teddy bear lay abandoned, its frayed stitches glinting softly under the flickering candlelight—like a fragile life being stitched back together.

  Then, at last, the door to the treatment room swung open. The child’s mother rushed inside, her voice urgent,

  “Mia—how is she?”

  “She’s safe now,” Theo reassured her with a calm smile. “We’ll need to monitor her for a while, but she should be able to go home soon.”

  The assistant stepped forward, adding, “We’ll prepare a room for her to rest. Dr. Theo will continue checking her condition regularly.”

  “There’s no place safer than here… not for a Grim…” the mother murmured softly.

  She barely managed to hold back her tears—not only out of relief for her daughter’s survival but because, for the first time in a long while, she felt hope.

  Theo reached for the little girl’s teddy bear, placing it gently beside her before gazing at her peaceful face. His quiet smile held an unspoken promise—a determination to protect her, no matter what lay ahead.

  He would not let anything take her away. Not now. Not ever.

  The door creaked open once more, and the flickering light of candle lanterns spilled into the dimly lit infirmary.

  Alice carefully supported Amiri, whose body had been drained of blood to the point of near collapse. He barely had the strength to move, unable even to utter a word. Every shallow breath sent fresh waves of pain through him.

  A young man, appearing to be around Alice’s age, swiftly stepped forward, his gaze scanning the wound with clinical precision.

  “Would you mind stepping outside for a moment?” he asked, his voice calm yet laced with quiet kindness.

  Before she could respond, the curtain was drawn shut, leaving Alice standing outside, uncertainty flickering in her eyes.

  Inside the secluded space, Amiri's once-deep wound had begun to close on its own. The bleeding, which had seemed relentless only moments ago, now slowed to a halt without the healer even lifting a finger. Yet the young man did not appear surprised in the slightest. Instead, he calmly reached for a clean linen cloth and a vial of pale green antiseptic, before turning to prepare a glass syringe.

  Outside, Alice paced anxiously, her footsteps breaking the heavy silence of the room. The rhythmic tapping of her boots against the wooden floor made Theo glance up. He studied her for a brief moment, noting the tension she tried to suppress.

  The quiet was punctuated only by the occasional sound of medical instruments. Then, at last, the curtain was drawn back.

  “How is he… Theo?” Alice asked, her voice laced with worry, her expression betraying her unease. Her voice wavered slightly.

  “He’s stable now. He just needs rest. I’ll continue to monitor him,” Theo replied, his tone relaxed, betraying no sign of concern.

  The door to the patient’s room closed behind them. The two stood together, speaking with the familiarity of old acquaintances.

  “How have you been, Theo? The infirmary’s been packed lately.”

  The young man with jet-black hair let out a soft sigh.

  This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

  “Yeah… but hopefully, it won’t get any worse.”

  “When I first met you, I never imagined you’d grow up to be a doctor.”

  He chuckled, a hint of amusement in his voice. “Did you think I’d become a baron instead?”

  Laughter filled the space between them, light and unrestrained, until it gradually faded.

  Then, in a quieter voice tinged with curiosity,

  Alice asked, “Do you know… what he really is?”

  Her eyes gleamed with a hidden depth, as if she were concealing something beneath her words. A moment of silence stretched between them.

  “The medical records of my patients are confidential,” Theo said evenly, his gaze steady and unyielding, as though he could see right through her.

  Theo walked quietly back to his study, his steps measured and deliberate. He opened a drawer with great care, as though handling something of the utmost value in his life.

  His hand gently lifted a small wooden carving of a little fox, exquisitely detailed, and he stared at it intently. It was a cherished gift from a momentous day—one that held both tender memories and bittersweet pain.

  At times, the shadows of the past felt like a scar deeply etched into the soul. Yet, over time, it became an inseparable part of the beauty and significance of his life.

  As he gazed at the delicate little fox, he reflected on how far he had come, feeling the quiet sense of growth and meaning that had emerged from his past.

  The breathtaking natural landscape stretched out before them, a serene expanse. The children sat on a grassy hill, gazing at the calm sea in the distance. The silence and tranquility of this place felt like a sanctuary, a peaceful escape from the chaotic world beyond.

  Alice smiled softly as she watched Elle, running playfully around. The little girl's small figure darted back and forth with boundless energy, her laughter echoing with joy. Alice's eyes shimmered with warmth and memories.

  "Theo, what do you dream of becoming?" Alice asked quietly, the cool breeze sweeping through her hair.

  Theo smiled at the girl with the most gentle eyes.

  "I want to be a baron, ruling over a small town with happiness... and you?"

  Alice turned her gaze to the distant sea, her eyes filled with hope.

  "Then I shall be a diplomat, bringing peace far beyond the kingdom’s borders, led by the art of negotiation."

  The boy and the girl sat on the grassy hill, feeling the soft wind brush against them, bringing with it the scent of fresh air. As they looked out at the sky reflected on the gentle waves, they smiled and laughed together, a perfect moment where everything in the world seemed filled with joy and peace.

  But the silence was soon broken by a call from the girl's mother.

  "Elle, Alice, it’s time for us to leave."

  The children turned their heads to see their mother standing at a distance, with their father beside her, both smiling warmly.

  Alice slowly rose to her feet and looked at Theo, her eyes filled with the reluctant sorrow of parting.

  "I have to go home now, Theo. Let's meet again someday."

  Theo gave a small nod, smiling at her. The feeling of separation was never easy, but he knew deep down that their paths would diverge today.

  The city of Syrin lies at the farthest western edge of the Myriel Kingdom, a luxurious, majestic, and prosperous port city. With its modern urban planning and striking innovations, Syrin blends seamlessly with a flourishing industry, rivaling even the capital, Aidengaard, though it is considerably smaller. The city is not only a hub for maritime trade, boasting advantages over other cities, but it also draws travelers from all corners of the world, captivated by its stunning scenery and rich, diverse culture. Furthermore, Syrin holds unique resources that are found nowhere else in the kingdom, fortifying its economy and cementing its undeniable position as the kingdom’s central trading nexus.

  The dimly lit room, dominated by a large table, was surrounded by numerous people. In the center of the table was a map resembling a chessboard, piles of papers, and various other tools, all in a state of disarray.

  “We need to raise the import and export taxes from Aidengaard a little more,” said the middle-aged man at the head of the table, his voice low and curt, his eyes filled with disdain.

  “Sir... If we do that... The King will never agree,” a young nobleman at the center of the table interjected, his small frame trembling slightly.

  “This city has enough potential to stand on its own, without relying on the capital... We should govern ourselves!” The man replied, his voice firm, every word laced with force.

  “But the King... has never conceded to us. We’ve been selling iron ore at prices lower than the market rate, and now he's negotiating to buy silver ore at a lower price,”

  “If we keep selling goods to the capital at these prices... Other cities will start bargaining with us too,” said the man sitting beside him, his tone anxious.

  “We expanded the roads into the city with our own funds... Why doesn’t the King recognize this?” A loud bang echoed as his fist hit the table, frustration evident in his voice.

  “Is there no one here who sees another way? Has anyone tried negotiating?” His voice grew harsher, stress radiating from his every word.

  The room fell into silence.

  “Sir...” A cold voice broke the stillness from the corner of the room.

  “What?” He snapped back sharply.

  “Do you think... we should start establishing our own kingdom?”

  The middle-aged man fell silent for a moment before turning to face him. “Finally, someone thinks of it... Speak up then.” His hands clenched tightly on the table, fighting to contain his anger.

  The young nobleman stood, straightened the papers on the table, and placed four or five differently colored pieces of chess pieces on the map surrounding Syrin.

  “Although our city is prosperous, in order to stand independently without relying on external factors, we need to expand further, Count Vorden,” he spoke with conviction.

  “To the west, adjacent to the city wall, we can build additional housing for laborers.”

  “To the east, in the industrial district, we will expand the metal processing plants.”

  “To the south, we’ll establish new farms and livestock, and in the northeast, we’ll bolster our military training. As for the roads we’ve already expanded, we’ll further extend them if we can secure sufficient labor and resources.”

  “Why are you all sitting there like fools? Write down what Casper has said!” Vorden shouted, his frustration boiling over.

  The nobles around the table hurriedly scrambled to take notes of the plans the young man had laid out.

  “And what about labor, Casper? We don’t have enough people to expand this much,” Vorden pointed to the position of the factories, raising an eyebrow.

  “That... We’ll need to use your power to implement policy, Sir,” the young nobleman replied coldly, his gaze fixed on Vorden.

  “Policy?” Vorden asked, puzzled.

  “To achieve unity, the people of the kingdom don’t need to be of the same race. As long as they share the same ideals, we can build our own kingdom,”

  “In the first year after the conquest, the first Blue King nearly wiped out the dragons and exalted the human race above all others. Beasts had to hide in fear.”

  “From the information I’ve gathered, the taxes we collect from the citizens don’t match the population living in our city. This means... There are many hidden inhabitants among us. If we bring the beasts hiding in the city into the workforce, we will not only gain more taxes, but the city will also grow rapidly.”

  “The beasts... This might not be possible,” Vorden shook his head.

  “If they’ve been living with us for so long, why not make them pay taxes and live openly in the city?”

  “If our city grows and this idea spreads, it will greatly oppose the Blue Royalty’s principles. We will have allies around the city, which will reduce the influence from the capital.”

  “You don’t need to implement extreme policies. Just say that the Grim, who live in this city, can work and pay taxes legally. Their children, born in the city, will become citizens. Our city will grow slowly and steadily. They will gradually move in with us.”

  “Are Grim and beasts the same thing?” Vorden asked, deep in thought.

  “Exactly. Grim is the term that beasts use for each other. If you use this term with them, they’ll feel they aren’t being segregated, and they’ll join your cause,”

  “Unity is not just about uniting races... It’s about building collective power so that, in the end, the capital won’t be able to touch us,” the shrewd nobleman said at length, his eyes lighting up with a clear plan.

  “By doing so, you will become...

  King Vorden I, ‘The Fair,’ of the Heidel Dynasty.”

  “As for you, Casper de Holsen, you will be the one to crown me.”

  Not long after the new policy was implemented, Syrin blossomed into a boundless hub of prosperity. People from all tribes poured in like a mighty river, transforming the city into a vibrant melting pot of languages and cultures. Life surged through its streets with an energy all its own. Employment rates soared, and the taxes collected were swiftly reinvested into developing the city’s infrastructure. Housing, industrial factories, farms, and livestock spread out across every corner. The wealth that had once been accumulated now flourished and grew each day, to the point where some began to say, "This is the new capital by the sea," or "This city is more prosperous than many others combined."

  "Father... do you really think this is a good idea?" The boy asked, his small hand gripped tightly by his father as they walked past what was once a marketplace, now transformed into a grand shopping district.

  "Why, Theo?" Casper replied, glancing at the boy as they passed a magnificent fountain at the heart of the city.

  "We never lived alongside the Grims before... but now, there are so many of them?" The boy asked, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

  "We can live together, son. Look around you—this is what it truly means to share a common vision." Casper smiled with pride, his heart swelling as his plans neared fruition.

  In the grand hall, which stretched deep into the shadows, the stillness only heightened the sense of hidden secrets and power. The flickering candlelight and the stars from above shone through the thick stone windows, casting their glow against the cold, hard stone walls. The soft, trembling sound of the candles’ flame made everything seem even more impossible to escape from the watchful gaze. The young man sat in quiet repose, resting his chin on his hand, his legs crossed atop the luxurious throne that seamlessly blended beauty with a commanding strength. The crown, forged from pure platinum, gleamed with a subtle brilliance in the dim light, a symbol of both the authority and the grandeur of its wearer. Adorned with rich, vibrant velvet in hues of deep blue, and encrusted with sapphires that sparkled like stars on the darkest night, the crown was a testament to the glory of its ruler. Above his head loomed the immense skull of a dragon, a formidable presence in the hall — it was said to have been slain by the first Blue King, who once ruled both the land and the skies.

  "Your Majesty... we are beginning to face a severe trade deficit," the visitor spoke, their voice trembling with concern. The raised hand, slightly quivering, revealed their anxiety.

  "And what of it?" The young king, seated in the shadows, replied in a calm tone, his gaze fixed ahead. His voice was indifferent, yet so firm it carried more weight than mere words. Everything he spoke seemed to reverberate with the hidden power within the shadows around him.

  "If things continue as they are, Syrin may declare independence," the nobleman hurriedly explained, though he still endeavored to maintain decorum. "They've adopted a policy of embracing the beastmen. I propose declaring them rebels and sending troops to subdue them."

  "Sending troops, you say... What legitimacy do we have?" The king’s voice, emerging from the darkness, replied flatly. His face was expressionless, yet the oppressive power that emanated from him could not be concealed by the shadows that filled the hall.

  "Well...," the nobleman stammered, clearly shaken. His hands trembled slightly, and his proposed plans seemed insignificant in comparison to the calm that enveloped the room.

  "I've wanted this to unfold this way from the start," the voice from the shadows spoke again, measured and clear.

  Every word seemed like a pressure that pushed back against the nobleman, as though the weight of those words was embedded in the very air, making it impossible for him to stop shaking in fear.

  "Everything is proceeding according to the plan I devised, and I will make them see who controls this game."