Bluecrystal City, Eastern Free Federation
In the Lord’s Mansion of Bluecrystal City, tension filled the room as the lord of the city, a stern middle-aged man, glared at his son, Tony, his voice booming with rage.
“So, this is your decision?” the lord demanded.
Tony, the younger man standing before him, was unfazed by his father’s fury.
Years ago, he had left Bluecrystal City to explore the world, a decision his father had supported in the hopes that Tony would gain valuable experience.
But now, Tony had returned—not as the carefree son who had left but as a high-ranking member of the Death Legion.
His purpose was to negotiate Bluecrystal City’s integration into the Death Legion’s growing dominion.
“Father, why are you so stubborn—”
Slap!
The sound of the lord’s hand striking Tony’s face echoed through the chamber, leaving a red mark on the younger man’s cheek.
“Stubborn? Is that what you think this is?” the lord roared. “What happened to you during those years you were away? This city, this
Bluecrystal City,
was built by the blood and sweat of your ancestors! And now you want to hand it over with a few words? Have you lost your mind? Or have you been bewitched by some woman?”
“Father, it’s not like that—” Tony began, but his father cut him off, his fury undiminished.
“You’re no son of mine! Get out of my sight! I will not hand over Bluecrystal City, not to you, not to anyone. You tell that Death Legion woman this: if she wants war, she’ll have it!”
Tony, struggling to remain calm, tried again. “Father, this isn’t about surrender. You need to open your eyes! Almost every city in the east has already joined the Death Legion. As lord, you’d still retain your title and authority under their protection!”
Tony took a deep breath and continued, “The Death Legion is closely tied to Crossbridge Sanctuary. Joining them might even grant us the opportunity to become part of the sanctuary itself! This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance!”
But the lord’s face remained hardened, his disdain evident. His son’s arguments fell on deaf ears.
“Opportunity? Ha!” the lord spat. “You’ve been brainwashed, boy. This city belongs to the bloodline of our forefathers. To bow down now would be to spit on their sacrifices. Leave, Tony, before I regret letting you stand here.”
The men and women in the room—veterans who had fought to defend Bluecrystal City from
spell beasts
—nodded in agreement.
To them, the idea of surrendering their home to an external power was unthinkable.
Tony sighed deeply, frustration and sorrow mixing in his voice. “Father, do you not understand? Bluecrystal City stands no chance. The Death Legion’s strength cannot be stopped by sheer numbers.”
“Enough!” the lord barked. “If you’re so loyal to them, go back and tell them this: Bluecrystal City will never kneel. Not to them, and not to you.”
Tony’s shoulders slumped as he turned to leave, the lord’s angry shouts and curses following him out of the mansion.
…
Outside the Mansion
Walking through the streets of the city he had once called home, Tony felt a deep sense of helplessness.
He had hoped to resolve this matter peacefully, to save Bluecrystal City from unnecessary destruction. Yet his father’s stubbornness left no room for compromise.
Tony had witnessed the power of the Death Legion firsthand during his time with them. He knew their strength, their unity, and their determination. Bluecrystal City, for all its defenses, was nothing more than a fragile castle of sand in the face of a rising tide.
He paused, looking around at the familiar streets and faces.
“Fresh pastries! Want some, big brother?” a young boy called out, holding a tray of warm, fragrant treats.
Tony shook his head and forced a smile. “Not today, little one.”
The sight of the boy stirred memories of his own childhood, playing in these very streets.
He couldn’t bear the thought of this city being reduced to ruins.
But what choice did he have?
If he returned to the Death Legion empty-handed, the outcome would be inevitable.
War would come, and it would be a massacre.
For a moment, Tony felt a surge of resentment toward himself.
Perhaps he never should have gone to Riverside City, never should have joined the Death Legion.
If he had stayed, none of this would be happening.
But regret couldn’t change the past.
Suddenly, an idea came to him—a desperate, final attempt to prevent the city’s destruction.
…
Death Legion Encampment
In the Death Legion’s camp, Rose sat at a table, her brow furrowed as she reviewed the map.
“Bluecrystal City must fall today,” she said, her voice resolute. “Once it’s under our control, the entire eastern region will be ours. Time is of the essence.”
Kent, one of her commanders, entered the tent with a somber expression.
“Tony’s back?” Rose asked, her tone sharp.
“Yes… but he failed. Bluecrystal City’s lord refuses to join us.”
“Then it’s time for action. Gather the forces,” Rose commanded, rising to her feet. “We’ll take the city by force.”
But Kent hesitated.
“Rose,” he said quietly, “there’s… been a development.”
“What is it?” Rose asked, her tone impatient.
Kent handed her a bloodstained letter. “Tony returned, but not alive. He… took his own life. His body now lies at the gates of Bluecrystal City.”
Rose’s breath caught as she read the letter, written in Tony’s blood. His final plea was simple: spare his mother and the innocent citizens of Bluecrystal City.
The paper trembled in her hands as an overwhelming wave of guilt and sorrow washed over her.
“Why?” Rose whispered. “Why did it come to this?”
She had only wanted to negotiate, to resolve things without unnecessary bloodshed. How had it spiraled into this?
Tony had been with her for six years, a loyal and dependable ally. And now, he was gone.
“This is my fault,” Rose muttered, her voice shaking.
The camp fell silent as an oppressive aura emanated from her.
Rose, usually a symbol of strength and determination, seemed on the verge of collapsing under the weight of her grief.