The Runic Alchemist

The Royal Palace, Seraphim Luminara, Faerunia.

Alex followed behind his uncle as they reached the inner castle. His senses heightened, Alex hardened his heart to meet the king of Faerunia in his throne room.

Four years had passed since the day that pervert bastard of Dawnstar had tricked him and made trouble for the whole city. The incident was still clear as a day in Alex's mind when he had exchanged swords with him. Every move, every decision, there was nothing he could have done differently, he was just that powerful. But that was then, in 4 years Alex just had one simple goal and that was to become the absolute best he could be. Never again will he even let a nuisance who lusts after his sister go unpunished. Never again will he lose to a mere first ranker.

His uncle helped him, the already harsh training had become even more blood spitting hard. But Alex did not complain any longer. After years of day in and day out just doing continuous training, his body was fit enough to suit the shiny armor he was given.

"Come in.." the knight of the king's guard called them in.

Opening the large door his uncle entered, Alex following behind. Even after years of training the pressure his father put on his shoulders had not diminished even in the slightest, he could endure it more better now though. He had to give the credit to his mentality more than his body for it.

Surprisingly even his mother was there. She rarely came to this place unless there was a decision concerning their family that his father was going to announce or discuss. Most of the time he just announced it though.

Alex bowed before the king with his uncle, after which even his uncle stood at the side. All focusing on him.

"Your uncle says you are ready… Are you though, boy..?" The deep, commanding voice of Thaddeus Seablaze asked. Alex noticed his mother smiling from the side as if trying to make him at ease.

"I have prepared as much as I could.. But there is much yet to learn.."Alex answered.

Only after he seriously started getting stronger in his uncle's care did he realize just how big of a gap there was between them.

"That realization alone is the proof of your growth, boy.. Send him Hellstorm.. He is ready enough.." The king ordered.

"Send me where..?" Alex asked, confused.

His uncle turned around and smiled, "To the place where the strongest of this world lives.."

****

Kaer Xyth, The border of The empire.

Yong Sheng Long, his naked shoulders gleaming in the morning light, looked at the vast dunes of endless sand from the window of the highest building in Kaer Xyth. This was the city they had revived from the dead, near the border of Dawnstar and the Empire. Kaer Xyth - Forgotten fortress.. it was indeed a fitting name before, but it was forgotten no more.

After years of building his resources and forces now it was finally time. Time to show them what overwhelming strength looked like.

Yong Sheng Long, The Dragon Emperor, stood overlooking as a feminine hand wrapped him in an embrace from behind. Teyani, His wife had a habit of showing affection whenever she could, the princess of the old royal family was certainly open minded.

"Do you have to go..? Certainly you can send Daskar, he is both powerful and can lead.." She said coyly.

"My generals can not do what my title can.."

"And what would that be..?"

"It's a proclamation.. They need to know, the playtime is over.. Only a show of absolute strength can send that message…"

The dry wind bringing sand with it came with a force, but it did not get inside the window, the protection tool made sure of it.

'Tring'

'Tring'

The emperor looked at the communication device, another of their inventions, and received the call.

The electric voice resounded in the high room.

"Your majesty, General Isara is asking for an audience… He says he has a powerful potential ally with him…"

"Bring him…" The emperor replied, then turning around dawned on his silky royal attire. Teyani helped him.

At the end she settled the crown of eternal stone on his head, her eyes full of pride and love. That much had earned her a passionate kiss, and he delivered it perfectly.

The dragon emperor backed away from the embrace of his wife.

The time of dutiful husband had ended, now it was time to become an emperor.

The old tattered castle of Kaer Xyth was repurposed enough to be used as a temporary holdout. The main hall where his throne was placed was specially massive, the building of stone was tattered and broken but the pieces that had survived were a work of art. A technique lost in the sands of time now.

The emperor settling down on his throne nodded at the knight guarding the giant stone door.

The guard shouted for the newcomers to enter, and walked in general Isara and with him was a woman or more like a shape of a woman fitted in noble clothes, her face remained hidden behind the hood, which was a bit too dark even in the prime daylight.

"My liege, I present to you the Duchess of Kaylan, Lady Moondancer."

****

The Obsidian Bastion, Highsword headquarters, Island City of Edgeheaven. North of Ashenvale.

"It is done, my lord.. He will receive the invitation.." Sir Aurelius reported.

"Good.."

"My lord if I may ask…"

"Continue.."

"The new inventions are certainly very dangerous but the runic tools of the Empire are clearly superior… It is a worthy feat for being able to copy it for a young talent but giving him an invitation…" Sir Aurelius's face conveyed his disapproval better than his words could have.

"There is a difference between thousands of scholars working on something for years without any worries of funds… And a boy being able to replicate it, if that is even the case, with a handful of people and barely a full year, Aurelius…"