AK : RISING MYTHIC

The soft golden light of dawn poured through the towering windows of the Royal Capital's central hall. Intricate tapestries hung along the walls, each thread whispering tales of ancient valor. Yet this morning, King Farhan stood still—not with majesty, but with uncertainty clouding his gaze.

He stared out from his marble balcony, hands clasped behind his back, eyes fixed on the horizon where the Bound Threshold's distant silhouette rested beneath the mist.

> "Julius," he said suddenly, his voice calm, yet laced with weight.

The robed figure behind him straightened from a respectful bow.

> "Yes, Your Majesty?"

The King didn't turn to look. His voice lowered, almost distant.

> "That boy… the one who raised the question in the meeting… about the Vault and the stones."

Julius hesitated briefly, then nodded.

> "Arslan."

> "Yes, Your Majesty. I remember him."

King Farhan finally turned, his deep eyes searching the old advisor's face.

> "You know…" he began slowly, "I thought his question was naïve at first. Reckless even. But now…"

He paused.

> "Now I think he may have been right all along."

Julius nodded solemnly.

> "I agree, Majesty."

> "The boy asked something no one dared consider—if Kar'Thæl is not sealed in the Vault of Sundusk, why would the stones need to be placed there?"

He folded his hands inside his sleeves, stepping forward toward the King.

> "The logic is clear. If Kar'Thæl is bound elsewhere—in the Bound Threshold—then the placement of stones in the Sundusk Vault would only serve a different purpose."

> "Perhaps even… a trap. Or worse, a key for something else."

King Farhan exhaled deeply.

> "Exactly."

He turned fully now, his royal cloak brushing the polished floor.

> "And if the devils know of this... if they're coming here to offer their poisoned truths…"

> "Then we must act first."

> "The stones must not fall into their hands."

Julius stepped beside him, his voice firm now.

> "Then we must retrieve them before the others do."

The King's eyes sharpened with decision.

> "Yes."

He strode toward the War Table at the center of the hall, where a crystal projection of Lumisgrave hovered above the marble surface.

> "Send a message at once to the Echelon Control Tower."

> "I want a team dispatched immediately to the Threshold area."

Julius raised a brow. "What shall be the composition of the team, Majesty?"

King Farhan looked up at the hovering energy map.

> "Select one Zenith-ranked knight, the best we have."

> "Accompany them with five Mythic-ranked warriors, and two Apex-ranked—someone who can lead under pressure, and someone who can hold their ground."

Julius nodded with approval.

> "That formation will provide the right balance of authority, power, and adaptability."

King Farhan's voice lowered, full of resolve.

> "I do not want a war over stones."

> "But if it comes to that… we must not be the ones left without them."

He placed a hand on the edge of the table, the faint glow of its energy illuminating the quiet tension on his face.

> "These stones… they're not just relics. They could be keys, or they could be weapons. Or both."

> "We cannot allow any other world—especially the demons—to get ahead of us."

Julius gave a short bow.

> "Shall I inform the Council of Surge, or keep this movement secret?"

The King was silent for a moment, then spoke firmly.

> "Tell no one beyond the assigned squad. Not even the full Council."

> "Too many voices. Too many risks."

He stepped away from the table.

> "Julius, you know what concerns me most?"

Julius looked up. "What is it, Your Majesty?"

> "Arslan's insight came without pride. He wasn't looking for recognition… just clarity."

He narrowed his gaze.

> "I wonder how many more questions he will raise—questions we all ignored."

Julius nodded thoughtfully.

> "The boy is not ordinary. I've felt it too."

King Farhan gave a half-smile.

> "Let's hope he stays on our side."

---

Scene Ending: The Orders Are Sent

As Julius left the chamber, scroll in hand, the palace's quiet routine broke into subtle motion.

Orders would soon fly through enchanted messengers. Names would be chosen—Zenith, Mythic, and Apex knights summoned under high secrecy. They would approach the Threshold not as conquerors… but as guardians of truth.

Above them all, the King's thoughts lingered on one shadowed warrior with a defiant voice—the boy who dared question the path laid by ancient texts and devil whispers alike.

And that boy… would soon learn that the stones he protected were already at the center of a game older and darker than anyone imagined.