FOUR YEARS AGO
When Alaric Kurohart returned to the Northern Kingdom of Virelith, he had already left Lucien behind with Master White for training.
The entire kingdom gathered at the palace entrance.
The King stood tall.
The Queen waited patiently.
Even though Alaric had once left as a runaway…
they welcomed him back without hesitation.
The people rejoiced.
Because to them, Alaric was not just a prince—
He was their protector.
During his absence, darkness had spread.
Illegal activities increased.
Children began disappearing.
But when Alaric was present, such things never lasted.
He always investigated.
He always found the truth.
He was a symbol of peace.
---
Alaric stepped down from the carriage with his wife, Evelyn Kurohart, and walked toward the King.
He bowed slightly.
"Father."
The King looked at him with regret.
"I made mistakes… I am sorry."
Alaric replied calmly,
"I have already forgiven you."
Then he turned slightly.
"This is my wife."
Evelyn stepped forward gracefully.
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
The King smiled.
"You may raise your head. I can see why my son chose you."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"From today… you are family."
---
The Queen approached Evelyn warmly.
"How are you? I hope my son treats you well."
Evelyn smiled softly.
"He treats me like an angel."
The Queen laughed.
"I thought he would never marry… but he became a fine husband."
Evelyn nodded.
"He always stands by me. I love him deeply."
Alaric sighed slightly.
"This is not the place for this."
The Queen teased him.
"You're embarrassed."
He shook his head.
"Let's go inside."
---
The King raised his voice.
"In three days, we will hold a grand celebration for Alaric's return!"
The kingdom erupted in joy.
---
THE TRUTH IN THE SHADOWS
Inside the palace, the King summoned Alaric privately.
His voice became serious.
"Since you left… children have been disappearing."
Alaric's expression darkened.
"How long?"
"For nine years."
"…What?"
"Every year, twenty-eight children vanish.
That makes two hundred and fifty-two children."
Alaric clenched his fist.
"And no one found anything?"
"We investigated everything. Even the Obsidian Veil Guild. Your brother Darius Kurohart is in charge… but there has been no progress."
Silence filled the room.
Then Alaric spoke coldly.
"Then someone inside is leaking information."
The King looked at him.
"I am giving this case to you."
Alaric nodded.
"I will handle it."
Before leaving, he said quietly:
"Do not tell anyone."
---
BROTHERS
On his way back, Alaric met Darius Kurohart.
"Welcome back, brother."
"Thank you."
Darius smiled.
"You've returned as the kingdom's symbol again."
Alaric replied calmly,
"I will protect them."
---
Soon after, he met Ravian Kurohart.
"Brother!"
Alaric smiled.
"You've grown."
Ravian grinned.
"Let's spar tomorrow."
Alaric nodded.
"Tomorrow."
---
⚔️ THE SPAR — BROTHER VS BROTHER
Title: Flames Against Silence
The next morning…
Alaric stood calmly in the training ground.
Ravian rushed in.
"Sorry I'm late!"
Alaric smiled faintly.
"Let's begin."
---
They dashed forward.
CLASH!
Their swords collided.
Ravian stepped back—
But Alaric followed instantly.
A downward strike.
Ravian barely blocked.
BOOM.
His arms shook.
Blood touched his lips.
"…What…?"
---
Alaric spoke calmly.
"Stay focused."
Ravian steadied himself.
"I know I can't beat you with strength alone."
Alaric replied,
"Being 5-Star AURU doesn't mean anything against me."
---
Ravian's eyes sharpened.
Golden flames ignited.
---
🔥 GOLDEN PHOENIX DOMINION ACTIVATED
⚔️ Golden Flame Slash
Ravian compressed golden AURU into his blade.
His sword glowed—
Then he swung.
A thin golden arc shot forward.
Not wide. Not loud.
But dense.
When it reached Alaric—
It attempted to slice through and ignite internally.
---
Alaric raised his sword.
Ki flowed silently.
CLANG.
The attack was blocked completely.
---
☀️ Solar Breaker Strike
Ravian stepped in.
He gathered AURU into his core—
Then drove it into a single forward strike.
At impact—
BOOM!
A golden explosion burst outward.
The ground cracked.
Heat surged violently.
---
Alaric stood still.
His sword absorbed the impact.
Not even a step back.
---
👑 Burning Dominion
Ravian spread his AURU.
The air changed.
Golden pressure filled the battlefield.
Heat built up.
Movement slowed.
---
But Alaric…
Remained unaffected.
---
☠️ Ash Execution
Ravian rushed in again.
He aimed for contact.
If he landed it—
The flame would burn from inside.
A guaranteed end.
---
But—
Alaric stopped his blade mid-motion.
"Have you forgotten?"
"I taught you this."
---
⚡ THE GAP
Alaric stepped forward.
"No holding back."
His foot touched the ground—
He vanished.
Not magic.
Not Ki.
Just pure physical speed.
---
He appeared in front of Ravian.
THUD.
The blunt side of his sword struck Ravian's stomach.
Blood spilled.
---
Before Ravian could react—
Alaric was gone again.
No presence.
No sound.
---
Then—
A terrifying pressure appeared behind him.
Dark. Heavy.
Like death itself.
---
"I give up!"
---
Alaric's blade stopped inches from Ravian's neck.
The force of the swing alone—
Sent wind across the field.
Dust rose everywhere.
---
Silence.
---
Alaric lowered his sword.
"You've grown stronger."
Ravian stood frozen.
"…I thought I was going to die…"
For the first time—
He felt true fear.
---
Alaric turned away.
"I still have two days before the celebration."
"I'll rest."
---
Ravian clenched his fist.
"One day… I'll reach you."
"How can someone be this strong…"
---
And in that moment—
The gap between them became clear.