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THE WORD'S DARKNESS

NORTHDARKNESS
7
chs / week
The average realized release rate over the past 30 days is 7 chs / week.
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Synopsis
In a world full of mystery, hypocrisy, and betrayal—a world where behind its fake light lies utter darkness, and behind its innocent face dwell merciless beasts—Felix, with his innocent and kind heart, is abruptly struck by the harsh realities of the world. Will the cruelty he faces scar him, or will he rise above it?
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Chapter 1 - the calm before the storm

The Solvaris Empire, one of the strongest and most peaceful empires in the world, was home to many flourishing kingdoms. In one of these kingdoms, children played joyfully in an enchanting garden. The garden was a vibrant oasis, bursting with colors from blooming flowers in shades of crimson, violet, and gold. Tall trees swayed gently in the breeze, casting soft shadows over the lush, moss-covered ground. The air was filled with the sweet scent of jasmine and roses, while a crystal-clear pond mirrored the sky, disturbed only by the occasional ripple of a fish. Birds flitted from bush to bush, adding splashes of color to the tranquil scene.

Among the children, one stood out—his white hair and deep pink, diamond-like eyes catching the light. His name was Felix, known as the genius doctor despite his tender age. However, with this title came great pressure—a burden he bore in his small, youthful body.

As the children played, a servant approached, his neat uniform a stark contrast to the carefree energy of the garden. He bowed respectfully. "Sir Felix, sorry to interrupt your playtime, but His Majesty has summoned you."

Felix pouted, clearly reluctant to leave the joyful moment behind. "Can't I play with them just a little longer, Uncle Albert?"

"I'm afraid not, Sir Felix. I'm only following orders," the servant replied respectfully.

Felix sighed, his pout deepening. "Fine, lead the way, Uncle Albert. It seems I'm used to this by now." Felix hesitated, looking back at his friends. Could he ever be just a child, even for a moment? The weight of his title loomed over him, a constant reminder of the path he was meant to walk.

After reluctantly saying goodbye to his friends, Felix followed the servant towards the royal palace, which stood near the garden where he had been playing.

The path to the palace was a peaceful, winding trail lined with blooming flowers and tall hedges. Smooth cobblestones marked the way, shaded by trees whose rustling leaves whispered in the wind. Occasionally, the trail opened to reveal sweeping views of the kingdom's rolling hills and distant rivers, with the grand palace rising in the distance, its marble walls gleaming under the sun.

Statues of ancient heroes lined the path, adding a sense of history and reverence to the serene walk. The calm beauty of the journey offered Felix a brief moment of tranquility before reaching the palace, where the weight of his responsibilities awaited.

When they arrived, Felix was greeted by the Royal Guards of Velmora, who wore gleaming silvium armor engraved with the kingdom's crest—a blooming lily encircled by stars. A deep blue cloak trimmed with silver flowed from their shoulders, enchanted to resist minor magic. Their open-faced helmets featured a silver plume denoting rank, and each guard wielded a finely crafted longsword inscribed with ancient Velmoran script. Regal yet battle-ready, they embodied the kingdom's harmony and strength. Every time Felix encountered them, he was reminded of how great the kingdom he was in truly was.

Kingdom of Velmora

Nestled in the heart of the Solvaris Empire, Velmora is a land of elegance and prosperity. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, it is often called "The Jewel of Solvaris." Rolling hills stretch across the landscape, adorned with emerald forests and glistening lakes. The kingdom enjoys a mild climate, which nurtures its famed botanical gardens, medicinal herb fields, and blossoming vineyards.

Velmora's capital is a marvel of harmony between nature and architecture—stone buildings draped with ivy, marble streets that shine under the sun, and canals lined with flowering trees. The royal palace, built of white stone and sapphire crystal, stands at the city's highest point, offering a panoramic view of the vibrant lands below.

The people of Velmora are known for their intellect and artistry. Scholars, healers, and inventors thrive under the benevolent rule of a wise monarch. Though peaceful in nature, Velmora is well-defended by its elite royal guard and advanced defensive enchantments woven into the city itself.

As Felix and Uncle Albert passed through the grand gates, the splendor of the royal palace unfolded before them. Towering columns of polished white stone lined the entrance, their surfaces glimmering faintly under the sunlight. Intricate carvings of celestial beasts and blooming flowers adorned the walls, each detail a testament to Velmora's rich heritage.

The interior was cool and serene, lit by floating crystal orbs that cast a gentle, golden glow. Velvet banners bearing the royal crest hung from the arched ceilings, and the floors beneath their feet were smooth marble, reflecting the ornate designs above.

They walked through a long corridor flanked by tall stained-glass windows, each one telling a story of Velmora's past—its victories, discoveries, and moments of unity. The soft echo of their footsteps was the only sound, broken occasionally by the rustle of the palace curtains or the distant whisper of palace staff.

At the end of the corridor, a pair of towering double doors stood—adorned with gold inlays and guardian runes—leading to the royal hall where His Majesty awaited.

The grand doors opened with a low, resonant creak, revealing the royal hall in all its splendor.

Sunlight streamed in through high, arched windows of stained glass, casting colored patterns across the gleaming marble floor. Massive pillars lined the chamber; each wrapped in ivy enchanted to stay forever green. The ceiling soared above like the sky itself, painted with constellations that shimmered faintly with magic.

At the far end of the hall sat the throne—elegant yet imposing—crafted from white stone and inlaid with sapphires that pulsed softly with enchantments. Behind it, a cascading curtain of light veiled the sacred emblem of Velmora: a silver lily surrounded by a crown of stars.

Court officials, clad in robes of blue and silver, stood silently at the edges, their gazes respectful as Felix entered. The atmosphere was calm but heavy, like the stillness before a coming storm.

Seated upon the throne was King Altherion Velmora, ruler of the kingdom and guardian of its peace. He was a man of dignified presence—tall and broad-shouldered, though age had begun to silver the edges of his dark hair and beard. His eyes, a piercing shade of sapphire, held the wisdom of decades and the quiet strength of a ruler who had earned his people's respect through intellect, not fear.

He wore a robe of deep indigo lined with silver thread, the fabric shimmering subtly with protective enchantments. Upon his brow rested a modest crown, crafted not from gold but from enchanted crystal and starsteel, signifying not wealth, but clarity of judgment and the weight of responsibility.

Though he exuded power, there was kindness in the way he looked at Felix—a softness that revealed the heart of a man who carried the burden of a kingdom yet never forgot the people who lived within it.

Felix stood in front of the king, looking at him with eyes filled with innocent respect. "Good morning, Your Majesty. How can I help you?"

The king looked at him kindly. "I need you to cure my son."

"Huh? The prince? How could... what happened to him?" Felix asked, shocked that something could hurt the prince, who always surrounded himself with powerful guards—even one of them was among the top ten of the entire empire.

"I do not know the full details… only that he's far away, in another kingdom. But something vicious attacked him—something dark—and it's draining his life force even as we speak." the king replied in a worried tone.

But if the prince is in another kingdom… how did His Majesty learn all this? Felix wondered, suspicion flickering behind his innocent eyes. There's no magical communication tool that reaches that far... is there? Perhaps there was knowledge he had yet to uncover. Shaking off the uncertainty, Felix straightened his posture. The prince's life was slipping away, and if he hesitated, the consequences could be catastrophic.