⚔️ Part I: The Throne Reclaimed
The king, now in his prime, walks into the Great Marble Court, where the bickering of nobles, clergymen, and merchant lords has echoed for decades. They fall silent.
He no longer wears the crown like a burden—He wears it like a weapon.
He raises his hand. The court doors slam shut behind him.
King Edric-Karan:"Enough of whispers and cowards hiding behind titles.""This kingdom needs fire. Not flickering candlelight."
🛡️ The Rise of the Royal Guard — The Dreadborn
The king establishes a new unit: The Dreadborn, chosen not by birth, but by merit, genius, and absolute loyalty.
He personally oversees their training:
🔥 The Throne Takes Command
The King strips the nobles of their hereditary military rights.
"From this day forth," he declares, "Only one man shall command this kingdom's armies: the man who bleeds for it."
And then—he dons his own armor.
He begins personally leading drills, teaching gunpowder formations, siege tactics, ambushes, and psychological warfare.
Those who defy him?
Their armies are disarmed.
Their treasuries seized.
Their titles burned in public.
Some flee. Some plot. But none dare speak openly.
🏰 The Confrontation in the Grand Court
All nobles are summoned to the capital. They expect another puppet display.
Instead, they see this:
The young, sharp-eyed king standing alone.
Behind him, the entire Dreadborn, silent, armored, watching.
No advisors. Just him.
King Edric-Karan steps forward:"I built mills that feed the starving while you hosted feasts.""I trained armies while you sold your loyalty like whores.""I bled to forge a future while you clung to a broken past."
"I am your King. Not by blood. Not by vote. But by power."
He draws his sword and slams it into the marble floor.
"My power is absolute.""If any of you doubt that—dare to challenge me.""I am always ready."
Silence.
Then one noble draws his blade.
The king doesn't move.A single arrow flies.The noble drops. Dead. The assassin—his own cousin—was already standing behind him.
👑 Ending Scene – The Masked Throne
That night, the King sits on the throne alone.
He wears no crown. Only a black cloak. The sigil of the old kingdom is burned, replaced with a new symbol:A phoenix wreathed in flame and gears.
He whispers to himself:
"I was born again not to inherit a throne…but to burn a world and build it anew."