Dark Valley, Edge of Archael Forest – Dusk
Cold wind blew through the tree branches. In the middle of a foggy open field, Altair's troops stood in tight formation, hiding their real numbers from the royal scouts.
Altair stood at the front. His face was firm, and his eyes burned with determination. Beside him was a figure in a black cloak—the mysterious ally who had freed him from prison.
Altair turned, his voice cold but strong:
"At dawn… we will shake the foundation of Eldia. They thought I was buried in exile. But I'm the storm coming to crush this kingdom."
The cloaked figure nodded slowly.
"Your forces grow quickly. With secret groups and small rebel cells joining you, this movement could become a real threat."
Altair looked up at the red sky.
"A threat? The ones sitting on the throne that was supposed to be mine are laughing. They deserve destruction. But I'll start a revolution... within a revolution."
A young commander ran toward them, panting.
"Your Highness! Our scouts from the Central City report that the imperial army is heading this way—with full reinforcements. And… it looks like Ars Moriendi is on the move."
Altair narrowed his eyes.
"Ars Moriendi... they're not a threat to ignore. They started the first revolution."
The cloaked figure smiled slightly beneath their hood.
"You will meet them soon. Or I'll arrange it. Either way, this war is about to burn."
---
Eldia Palace, War Room – Night
In a large room lit by candlelight, Queen Valeria sat at the main chair, surrounded by generals and advisors. Her trusted aide, Sereth, stood beside her over a large map.
Valeria pointed at the map.
"Altair is moving northwest, toward weaker areas. This is our chance to cut him off before he strengthens his army."
General Riven responded firmly:
"We've sent three heavy battalions. But our intel also says Ars Moriendi is moving too. They're planning something big."
Sereth gave a slight smile.
Valeria sighed, her eyes heavy with worry.
"I know. But I can't let them take my palace or my people. We need to act quickly and wisely. Watch Ars Moriendi closely… We don't know what they really want."
Lady Mirn, a political advisor, spoke:
"We should distract the rebels. Send secret agents to break their unity and attack their supply points with magical airstrikes."
Valeria nodded.
"Do it. And prepare my elite troops. I'll go to the battlefield if I must."
---
Ars Moriendi Headquarters, Main Room – Midnight
Moriarty stood in the middle of a circle lit by blue candles, staring at a map of Eldia with a sly smile. Around him stood Leonhardt, Rion, Lysa, and Belladona.
Moriarty spoke calmly:
"Altair is free now. He will be a double-edged sword. We don't want him to win… but we don't want him to lose too early either."
Belladona looked at the map coldly.
"We'll give him enough power to cause chaos, but not to take control. We control everything from the shadows."
Leonhardt asked, "What's our next target?"
Moriarty replied:
"When rebels and the empire clash, chaos will grow. That's when we appear and cause even more confusion."
Rion added:
"Why not just help Valeria's army and create chaos from there?"
Moriarty smiled.
"Every chaos leads to a meeting. And every meeting… is a stage. Let them gather, because the final act belongs to us—Ars Moriendi."
He looked at Belladona.
"You'll lead a secret mission in the central and eastern regions. Bring your poisons and shadows."
Belladona smirked, spinning a vial in her fingers.
"The world will soon know the name Hell Girl."
Moriarty continued, "Lysa, finish off wounded enemies."
Lysa nodded silently.
Moriarty: "Leonhardt, watch everything. Rion, follow the cloaked man."
Both of them nodded.
---
Battlefield, Edge of Archael Forest – Dawn
Altair stood in front of his army, voice strong and full of fire:
"We fight not just for the throne, but for an Eldia led by the rightful ruler. Remember, every step we take is history in the making."
The soldiers roared in unison.
Suddenly, a magical explosion shook the forest. The royal army attacked with fire and wind magic.
Altair raised his sword and stepped forward:
"Hold your ground! Don't give them space!"
The battle raged. Magic flew through the air, swords clashed. Altair fought on the front lines, cutting down enemies with precision.
Meanwhile, the cloaked man left the battlefield, heading somewhere. From the shadows, Rion watched him closely.
In the distance, another cloaked figure threw poison into both the royal and rebel forces. Belladona moved like a ghost, killing silently.
In the recovery camp, wounded soldiers lay resting. A hidden mage activated dark magic—causing the wounded to die instantly.
---
Eldia Palace, Secret Corridor – Night
Elric stood before Valeria, face serious.
"I'll help you. But you must understand, this war isn't just about armies. It's about souls, betrayal… and the shadows you carry."
Valeria held Elric's hand, looking into his blue eyes:
"With you, I believe we can survive this."
Elric gave a small smile, his eyes full of determination.
"We'll reignite hope."
---
Imperial Council Room, Eldia Palace – Morning
Valeria stood by a large window, watching gray skies cover the capital. Footsteps approached.
Sereth entered, calm as always, but something hidden in his gaze.
Valeria: "What's the latest from the borders, Sereth?"
Sereth: "Altair's troops have moved south. They've taken some small villages but haven't reached major cities yet."
Valeria: "How many men?"
Sereth: "Around three thousand, supported by old clans loyal to your father. They move fast but lack heavy weapons."
Valeria: "We must stop them before they reach the inner territories. I won't let this war drag on."
Sereth bowed, but in his mind, he was secretly reporting everything to Ars Moriendi.
---
Rebel Camp, Dark Forest – Afternoon
Altair stood on a large rock, addressing his commanders. The wind blew through his messy hair, his face full of resolve.
Altair: "Ars Moriendi… They've targeted us, damn it! Where is the cloaked man? I didn't see him during the battle."
Silence followed.
A young commander raised his hand.
Commander: "Prince Altair, I understand your concern. But what's our next plan? The Empire has sent reinforcements from the central city."
Altair: "We attack the small city of Lyrion first. They control the main route to the capital. If we take it, we cut off their supplies."
Altair: "This won't be a normal war. We'll use guerrilla tactics and sabotage. Don't let them know where we strike from."
A small smile crept onto his face.
Altair: "And remember, many eyes are watching… even inside the palace."
---
Ars Moriendi Headquarters, Under an Old Temple – Night
Moriarty sat calmly on a stone chair, spinning a black chess piece. Leonhardt and Rion stood beside him, serious.
Moriarty: "Altair is moving. It's time to use the chaos we created."
Leonhardt: "What's the next move, Master?"
Moriarty smiled slyly.
"Rion, report."
Rion: "As ordered, I followed the cloaked man. He went to an old building in the forest. He's meeting with others, discussing plans."
Moriarty grinned.
"Good. Let's end this quickly."
Belladona, standing in the shadows, broke the silence.
"Then I'll prepare a new poison—one that makes them burn from inside."
Moriarty chuckled softly.
"Good. This world is a chessboard. Now it's our move."
---
Battlefield, Lyrion – Dawn
Small explosions rocked the air. Black smoke rose from a small fortress guarded by the empire.
Altair led a fast and deadly strike. His rebels used traps and surprise attacks, causing panic.
Imperial Commander: "Retreat! They're too fast!"
In the chaos, Altair found a young wounded soldier.
Altair: "Hang on! This is for our future!"
---
Eldia Palace, Throne Room – Afternoon
Valeria sat on the throne, her face tense. Sereth stood beside her, calm.
Valeria: "Sereth, what's the status in Lyrion?"
Sereth: "I've sent scouts. But something's wrong. I think there's a traitor among us."
Valeria stared into Sereth's eyes.
Valeria: "Don't play with words. I need the truth."
Sereth gave a small, mysterious smile.
Sereth: "I only want what's best for you, my Queen."
---
Ars Moriendi Headquarters – Night
Moriarty stared at the map, pointing at several spots.
Moriarty: "Lyrion has fallen—but this is only the beginning. Soon, rebellion will reach the capital."
Leonhardt and Lysa nodded.
Moriarty: "Valeria will face a hard choice. I want to see how she survives when shadows crawl into her palace."
Belladona smirked. "I've finished the poison you asked for. What now?"
Moriarty nodded.
"Perfect. Those who help Altair will understand the true meaning of chaos."
---
Secret Meeting in the Old Forest Building, Western Eldia – Stormy Evening
Clouds darkened the sky. In ancient ruins, a circle of black obsidian surrounded a table lit by torches. Ten cloaked men sat around it, sharp eyes full of ambition. A man in a red cloak stood—the one who freed Altair.
Red Cloaked Man:
"Altair is doing exactly what we planned. Once he takes Eldia, we'll take the throne."
A man with a thin mustache sneered.
"And once he falls, we crush him. There are no heroes in a revolution—only tools to be thrown away."
They chuckled.
They raised glasses filled with black wine, shining like frozen blood.
"For our future."
"For the fall of the golden throne!"
One by one, they drank.
Then—
CRACK!
One glass fell. A man coughed hard, clutching his throat. His eyes widened. His face turned red.
"S-Something's wrong… burning… so hot...!"
Bodies began to shake. One bit his own tongue, trying to stop the pain.
"M-My body… it's boiling?! Poison…! Who—?"
A calm voice echoed.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Footsteps. From the shadows, a dark figure appeared—face hidden in a black hood, surrounded by blood-red magic. Candles flickered out one by one. Cold air filled the room.
"You speak of taking Eldia…" The voice was soft, low… like a knife dancing in the wind. "…without asking me."
One man tried to stand, shaking. "Who are you?! We—"
"Silence."
Instantly, his body froze. His mouth sealed shut. His hands rotted in seconds. He collapsed.
The red cloaked man trembled. "M-Moriarty…?! Monster, why are you—"
Moriarty stepped into the circle.
"Monster? No… I'm worse."
He raised his hand. Ten black flames formed an 'M' in the air, spinning slowly.
"Chaos isn't a tool. It's an art form. And you… ruined my canvas with filthy hands."
One man tried to escape.
FWWOOOM!
He turned to ash.
Moriarty looked at the dying ones, Belladona's poison working perfectly. Blood boiled from their mouths and eyes.
"You drank wine… but forgot the real poison wasn't in the cup—it was in your false hope."
He approached the last crawling man, begging for his life.
"I-I just wanted a part of it…!"
Moriarty stared into his eyes.
"And you'll get it."
"Your part... is to be a warning."
The man's body exploded from within—bones cracked, screams echoed.
Moriarty stood alone in the blood-soaked room.
"Remember this," he said to the air, the gods, or whatever listened.
"Only the creator can control chaos."
"And Eldia… is already in my hands."