In the eastern part of the City of Harmony, where the gentle waves of the ocean whispered against the stone foundations of the city walls, a grand luxury restaurant stood on a cliffside terrace, its polished glass walls reflecting the moonlit sea. The restaurant's sprawling balcony extended over the water, providing an uninterrupted view of the three moons hanging high in the night sky – two vibrant, earth-like moons with lush green continents and sprawling blue oceans, and one larger, ominous crimson moon, its surface a swirling mass of deep red and dark shadows.
The six founding members of the Heartless Republic – Crimson Aegis, Xiao Li Jing, Irina, Sir Pendagron, SalahAdDīn, and Moonlight Fury – had gathered here, their armored forms standing in stark contrast to the soft, elegant glow of the restaurant's crystal chandeliers and polished marble floors. Their footsteps echoed against the smooth stone as they made their way to a private section of the balcony, their loyal guards following closely behind.
As they reached the long, polished dining table set for them, Crimson Aegis turned to his soldiers, his deep voice cutting through the sound of the crashing waves below. "Sit. Order what you like. Tonight, you eat as warriors among friends."
Xiao Li Jing leaned forward with a mischievous grin, her golden hair catching the moonlight as it swayed over her shoulder. "Oh, come on! Sit down, eat, and pretend you're part of this wild, glorious mess we call brother and sister hood!" She gave her own escorts a playful wink, her energy infectious as the nervous soldiers slowly took their seats, their armor clinking softly against the polished chairs.
Irina crossed her powerful arms over her muscular chest, her intense crimson eyes surveying the spread before them. "Ha! Let's see if this world still remembers how to make a proper feast," she said, flashing a toothy grin at the staff who hurried to take their orders.
Sir Pendagron leaned back into his chair, his sharp, business-like gaze already scanning the menu, his orange hair catching the candlelight. "Indeed. It's been too long since we've had a proper gathering."
SalahAdDīn adjusted the royal brooch on his chest, his dark eyes reflecting the light of the crimson moon above. "Then let us eat well, my friends. We have much to discuss."
Moonlight Fury remained silent as ever, his sharp eyes flicking to every corner of the balcony, ensuring their security even in this supposedly safe haven.
As the restaurant staff rushed to fulfill their orders, the six old friends sat back, their armored forms casting long shadows against the flickering candlelight, the sound of the ocean below a constant, soothing reminder of the world they had helped build – and the one they had returned to defend.
After the servers took their orders, Irina leaned in with a curious grin, her sharp eyes gleaming. "Crimson, why are you still wearing that helmet? We're among friends here."
Crimson Aegis paused, reaching up to the sides of his helmet. He chuckled lightly, "Ah, I just got used to it. I almost forgot it was still on."
With a slight twist and a firm pull, he removed the helmet, revealing his sharp, handsome features framed by jet-black hair. His eyes, deep and intense, held the same unwavering focus they had on the battlefield.
For a moment, the group fell silent, their gazes fixed on his face. They had seen him without his helmet countless times in the past, but the stark contrast of his noble features and the ruthless warrior they knew always took them by surprise.
Xiao Li Jing burst into a fit of laughter, leaning back in her chair as her long, golden hair cascaded over her shoulders. "Look at you! A face like a noble prince, but a heart as ruthless as a warlord!" She smirked, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "I still remember you cutting down that entire brigade of bandits without a hint of mercy. Looks really can be deceiving, huh?"
Crimson simply shook his head, a small, amused smile breaking through his usually stoic expression. "Coming from you, Xiao-Xiao, that's a compliment."
The table erupted in lighthearted chuckles, the bonds of their old friendship feeling as unbreakable as ever, even after decades apart.
Silence fell over the table, the weight of Crimson Aegis's question settling over them like a dense fog. The clinking of plates and murmurs of other diners filled the void, but within their circle, a deep, unspoken uncertainty lingered.
Crimson leaned forward, his sharp eyes reflecting the soft glow of the lanterns above. "So... what now?" he said, his voice low but firm. "The nation has its leaders now. We can't just walk back in and demand our positions. It's against everything we stand for – our code, our beliefs. We built this country on the foundations of freedom and choice."
He paused, letting his gaze sweep over his old comrades. "Even if it's only been five days for us, fifty years have passed for the people of this world. They've moved on, adapted. We can't just undo that."
Irina folded her muscular arms, her crimson hair catching the flickering candlelight. She sighed, her jaw tightening. "You're right. We can't just take power because we once held it. That's not what we fought for."
Moonlight Fury, his sharp eyes narrowing, leaned in, his voice a low whisper. "But we also can't abandon them. The world has changed, and we have to find our place in it – a way to guide and protect this nation without betraying the principles we set in stone."
Sir Pendagron ran a hand through his bright orange hair, his sharp British features pulling into a thoughtful frown. "Perhaps it's not about reclaiming our thrones, but about supporting the leaders who stand where we once did."
SalahAdDīn, his dark eyes steady and thoughtful, nodded slowly. "We need to understand the current state of our nation first, then decide how best to serve it – whether from the shadows or alongside the new generation."
Crimson Aegis glanced at each of them, the determination in their eyes reminding him of the countless battles they had fought together. A small, satisfied smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Then it's settled. We find our place in this new world – not as rulers, but as guardians."
A quiet resolve spread through the group, unspoken but deeply felt. They had returned to a world changed beyond recognition, but their mission remained the same: to protect what they had built, no matter the cost.
Sir Pendagron straightened in his seat, his usual composed demeanor giving way to a hint of enthusiasm. "Before we even think about how to approach this, we need to gather everyone. Our original members, I mean," he said, his tone firm. "The Heartless Guild wasn't just the six of us. It consisted of ten guilds – Heartless I to X – each capable of holding a thousand players. Not to mention the subordinate guilds with their own distinct names. We're talking about a massive force spread across the nation."
Xiao Li Jing tilted her head, her golden eyes gleaming with interest. "So, a reunion, huh? That sounds exciting! I wonder how many of them are still around."
SalahAdDīn nodded, his expression serious. "If even a fraction of our original numbers survived and adapted to this world, they'd be a formidable asset. We need to know who's still loyal to the Heartless cause and who's chosen a different path."
Moonlight Fury crossed his arms, his sharp gaze calculating. "Reuniting the guild would also stabilize the country's morale. People remember the Heartless Guild – not just as warriors but as protectors. Our presence alone might deter any unrest."
Crimson Aegis leaned back, deep in thought. "If the guilds still exist, we need to find the current leaders and assess the situation. We can't just walk in and expect to be in charge again. Times have changed, and so have the people."
Irina gave a hearty laugh, her muscular arms flexing as she leaned forward. "Tracking down ten thousand people across the republic won't be easy. We'll need to send word through the right channels. Maybe use the Central Agency for Adventurers to spread the message discreetly."
Sir Pendagron tapped his chin thoughtfully. "We'll need to avoid attracting unwanted attention. There might be factions out there who see us as relics of the past – or worse, threats to the new order."
Crimson Aegis gave a slight nod, his eyes steely with determination. "We'll start small – focus on Heartless I and II first. Once we have a core group, we can strategize from there. Lay low, gather intel, and see how the political landscape has shifted in our absence."
The group exchanged determined glances, a sense of purpose rekindling in their hearts. They knew that reuniting their comrades would not just bring back old friends – it would also help them understand how to move forward in a world that had left them behind.
Moonlight Fury leaned forward, his expression turning serious as he broke the brief silence. "What about our headquarters?" he asked, his tone sharp. "The Grand Palace of Heartless – it's the center of the government now, occupied by the current administration. We can't just stroll in and claim it back."
Sir Pendagron let out a dry chuckle, brushing a hand through his fiery orange hair. "He's right. That palace is now the heart of the republic's power. We can't exactly host a guild meeting in the middle of the government's war room."
Irina crossed her muscular arms, her crimson hair catching the warm glow of the restaurant's crystal lights. "And our old homes?" she added, her voice tinged with a hint of nostalgia. "My fortress in the northern mountains… gone. Reduced to rubble. Last I heard, it was turned into a military outpost."
Crimson Aegis leaned back in his chair, the flicker of candlelight casting sharp shadows across his handsome, determined face. He had already confirmed that his own estate in the Whispering Thick was long gone, swallowed by the dense, twisted forest over the decades.
SalahAdDīn, his eyes sharp and calculating, leaned forward. "My palace on the western plains? It's gone too. The sands reclaimed it, and the few structures that remained were repurposed by the locals as outposts and forts."
Irina crossed her muscular arms, her crimson hair catching the warm light. "My fortress in the northern mountains? Reduced to rubble, turned into a military outpost."
Xiao Li Jing flicked her long, golden hair over her shoulder, her expression turning slightly bitter. "My estate in the southern forests? Claimed by some noble family. They've turned it into a vineyard, of all things."
Moonlight Fury sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. "My sanctuary in the misty valleys to the northeast? Gone. The forest swallowed it whole."
Crimson's jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing as his thoughts darkened. They had returned to a world that had not only moved on without them but had also erased much of their legacy.
Moonlight Fury let out a frustrated sigh. "So, we have no headquarters, no homes, and a fragmented guild scattered across a nation that might not even remember us."
The group fell into a heavy silence, the reality of their situation settling like a weight on their shoulders. They had forged a nation from nothing once before – they could do it again.
Crimson's gaze hardened, his hands clenching slightly. "Then we'll adapt. We'll find a new place – a new headquarters – and we'll rebuild."
Irina grinned, the fire of a warrior sparking in her eyes. "Rebuild? Now that's more like it."
The six founding members exchanged determined glances, the unspoken resolve binding them together once more. They had done it once, and they would do it again.
After they make the decision, the food arrived at their table and they eat happily and enjoy their meal. Also the food on the soldiers also arrive and all of them share a lively dinner.
As their resolve solidified, the clatter of dishes and the warm aroma of freshly cooked food interrupted their thoughts. Plates of sizzling meats, steaming bowls of rich stews, and baskets of freshly baked bread filled the table.
Xiao Li Jing's eyes sparkled as she clapped her hands together, a wide grin spreading across her face. "Finally! I was starting to think they forgot about us."
Irina reached for a large roast, her powerful arm easily lifting the hefty serving platter. "Let's eat, comrades. We'll need our strength for what's to come."
The six old friends dug into their meal, the tension of their earlier conversation melting away with each hearty bite and sip of fine wine.
Around them, their soldiers also received their orders, the clinking of metal and the sound of hearty laughter blending into the lively atmosphere of the restaurant. Layla, seated with the other guards, stole a glance at her legendary commander, still trying to grasp the reality of being in the presence of such historic figures.
Crimson leaned back, a rare, genuine smile touching his lips as he watched his old friend's joke and banter. For a moment, it felt like the old days – like the fifty years they had lost had never passed.
As the three moons cast their light upon the ocean outside, the Heartless guild found themselves once again bound by their shared history, their shared struggles, and the unbreakable bond of friendship.
As the plates were cleared away and the warmth of good food settled in their stomachs, Sir Pendragon leaned back in his chair, adjusting his neatly pressed sleeves. He glanced at one of the nearby soldiers, a young man who had been nervously glancing their way throughout the meal.
"Soldier," Sir Pendragon called, his deep, confident voice cutting through the lively chatter. "Do you know if the Pendragon Hotel still exists? It was mine, back in the day."
The soldier straightened up, eyes widening slightly at the mention of the famous name. "Yes, sir. The Pendragon Hotel still stands, but... it is no longer under your ownership. It now belongs to the wealthiest man in the nation, Lord Alaric. He acquired it several decades ago."
Sir Pendragon's brow furrowed, a hint of irritation flashing across his sharp features. "Hmph, figures. I suppose fifty years is long enough for someone to snatch up what we left behind."
Moonlight Fury leaned in, a small smirk playing on his lips. "Maybe we should pay this Lord Alaric a visit. Remind him whose name his precious hotel still bears."
Xiao Li Jing burst into a fit of laughter, her eyes glinting mischievously. "You mean barge into his office, flip his desk, and tell him to get out?"
Crimson Aegis shook his head, his black hair catching the warm glow of the chandeliers. "Let's not cause a scene – at least, not yet. We should first see the state of our nation before we go throwing our weight around."
Irina crossed her muscular arms, leaning back with a satisfied grin. "Agreed. We need to tread carefully. We've been gone for too long to just reclaim everything without a proper plan."
Crimson Aegis raised his hand, signaling the nearby waiter. The young server, dressed in the sharp, dark uniform of the luxury restaurant, quickly approached, bowing politely.
"Yes, sir? How may I assist you?"
"We'd like the bill for our meal," Crimson said, his tone firm but polite. "Include the soldiers' meals as well."
The waiter nodded and swiftly retreated to the counter to tally the total. A few moments later, he returned, a polished wooden tray in hand with a neatly folded piece of parchment on it.
"Your total comes to 131 gold coins, sir," the waiter announced, setting the tray down.
Lieutenant Layla, who had been silently observing the scene, nearly choked on her water. 131 gold coins? She quickly did the math in her head, realizing that amount could cover her entire platoon's expenses for months.
Before she could protest, Xiao Li Jing shot up, her blonde hair swishing as she reached for her pouch. "I've got this one," she declared, flashing a competitive grin. "Consider it my welcome-back gift to all of you."
Crimson smirked, his hand already on his own pouch. "Oh? I don't think so. I'll cover it. I'm the one who called for this little reunion."
Xiao Li Jing's eyes narrowed, her playful nature flaring up. "Oh, you think you can just waltz back after fifty years and start paying for my meals? Not happening."
The two locked eyes, a silent but fierce battle of pride flaring between them.
Finally, Crimson chuckled, tossing a small, shimmering platinum coin onto the tray, the weight of it clinking sharply against the polished wood. "Alright, alright, don't get too excited. I'll take this one."
Xiao crossed her arms, letting out a small huff but unable to hide the amused smile on her lips. "Fine, you win this round. But next time, it's on me."
Crimson leaned back, victorious, as the waiter bowed deeply and quickly shuffled off with the payment, his footsteps light and eager.
After settling the bill, Crimson Aegis turned his gaze toward the soldiers seated nearby. They had been quietly enjoying their meals, clearly still a bit nervous about dining alongside the legendary founders of their nation.
He straightened up, his tone firm but not unkind. "Alright, you've all done well tonight. Head back to your posts and inform General Valandor that we will be lodging at the Pendragon Hotel for the night. Make sure he gets the message."
The soldiers quickly stood, saluting in unison, their armor clinking as they moved. "Yes, sir!" they replied, their voices a unified chorus of discipline and respect.
Crimson nodded, satisfied, and watched as they filed out of the restaurant, their figures disappearing into the bustling, lamplit streets of the capital.
Crimson pushed his chair back, the polished legs scraping lightly against the stone floor. He glanced at his comrades, their faces still glowing from the warmth of the meal and the joy of reunion.
"Alright, everyone," he said, his tone a blend of command and camaraderie, "we should get moving. Let's head to the Pendragon Hotel and rest for the evening. We have a lot to plan tomorrow."
Xiao Li Jing stretched her arms above her head, her long, golden hair swaying with the motion. "Finally! I could use a nice, soft bed after all this chaos."
Irina cracked her knuckles, a confident grin on her face. "I hope the rooms are as luxurious as they used to be."
Sir Pendragon gave a small, amused chuckle. "Well, it's still my namesake, so it better be."
Moonlight Fury simply nodded, his eyes already distant as if planning their next steps.
Together, the six founders stood and made their way toward the restaurant's exit, their footsteps echoing softly against the marble floors as the ocean breeze swept in through the open doors. The three moons above cast their silver, green, and crimson glow over the city as they stepped out into the cool night, ready to reclaim their place in this new, yet familiar world.