New World - A New Beginning

ASTHIA DARCK'S POV:

The entire continent fell silent as the Empress of the Dragons appeared on stage, her blue eyes facing straight ahead. Mages throughout all of Auroria begun manipulating water, creating a large screen where Selena Darck could speak to all the citizens, no matter their location. By combining the element of water to create the image, the element of wind to create the sound, Selena Darck was able to speak freely to the entirety of the continent from her palace in Lares.

I waited, not knowing what Mother would say.

"Citizens of Auroria," she began, her voice booming throughout the continent as the wind carried her words. "As many of you know, there have been some unsettled disputes between the races for centuries, and that has not changed to this day. We knew our emergence into the world would greatly impact everyone, but we are by no means willing to give in to violence exerted upon us from other nations."

A brief pause ensued, Mother's words slowly being processed by the massive audience.

"One of our own has been forcefully taken hostage by the Dwarven Kingdom of Schild. By colluding with the Liech family of Imania, they have successfully managed to apprehend one of our key members," she continued, her confidence and patience slowly building up an insurmountable amount of tension.

"The name of this member... is Jay Cadmium!" boomed Selena, emphasizing Jay's name. I could imagine the shock that numerous individuals back in Eloria were currently feeling. Jay's family, Jay's classmates, his teachers... everyone who was acquainted with the boy named Jay Cadmium was finally learning who he really was.

"After discussing the issue with the officials of the Liech family, as well as the royal family of Eloria, the New Alliance came to an understanding that only one individual was behind this unforgivable act of treason: Hugo Liech."

Murmurs arose in the crowd, every citizen of Lares slowly understanding the situation at hand.

"Therefore, I address myself to both King Glad of Schild, as well as directly to Hugo Liech. We are giving you two options with this ordeal. You either release Jay Cadmium and face adequate punishment..."

Everyone waited, their ears dying to hear the final option. This was nothing less than an ultimatum, a threat of conflict hidden behind a request. The people of Auroria knew what Selena was going to say, but for some reason, they refused to take their eyes off the silver-haired Empress.

"Or war will commence!" roared Selena, her words sending shivers down the spines of every single resident that currently lived on the continent of Auroria.

I could see the eyes below me as I stood behind my mother, all of them wide in awe at what they had just heard. Was it pride that fueled their awe? Was it fear?

My heart seemed empty, realizing what awaited us. All the bloodshed and cruelty that inevitably came with war, the scars that would stick with us for the remainder of our lives. Did the people below me realize what war really meant?

Very few people had lived during the previous war, most of the individuals being younger dragons who brimmed with life and excitement. Even if they were older than me, I felt as if they were hiding from the truth.

This emptiness that I was feeling, the indifference of taking a life, was this what Jay felt every day?

JAY CADMIUM'S POV:

Selena's voice roared overhead, the words breaking the silence within the dungeon. Ares looked up, sighing at my neutral expression.

"You knew, huh?" he asked.

"It was inevitable, anyway," I responded. Had the Dwarves really hoped there would be no repercussions kidnapping the royal knight of the dragonkin?

Ares laughed, nodding.

"That is true. There was no point in raising our hopes."

I had grown relatively close with the S-rank adventurer over the past few days, the brother clearly fascinated by the various things I had done with Katherine during my years as an adventurer. That being said, we both knew what ultimately awaited both of us in the near future.

Unless one of us suddenly switched sides for some unknown reason, we would need to face each other on the battlefield. Of course, I was currently a prisoner, and therefore incapable of fighting, but our clash was also something that was inevitable.

"It seems this Hugo Liech enjoys betraying people," muttered Ares, his eyes flickering with anger.

I simply focused on my core, not responding to the comment. Upon hearing who had contracted Drav to kill his sister, Ares had grown cold towards Hugo. The young boy was currently residing within the fortress as an honorary guest, and Ares had decided to spend the majority of his time guarding me as to avoid him.

"Do you know how King Glad will respond?" I asked suddenly, opening my eyes. Ares chuckled.

"Do you think I'll openly disclose our plans?"

"I doubt me knowing will change anything," I responded. Considering I was currently held underground and supervised by the 3rd most powerful individual in all of Auroria, there wasn't much I'd be able to do with the information anyway.

"Haha, well, all I can say is that I doubt King Glad's pride will allow him to return the prisoner he just kidnapped," responded Ares, the mood darkening around us.

So that meant war.

"I see," I muttered softly. Ares understood the impact of what he had just said, allowing me to process the information before standing up.

"If you'll excuse me, Jay. I have a few things that I need to prepare. Guards are already outside to watch you while I'm gone, but I'll be back shortly."

I nodded, having no intention of attempting an escape. The heavy footsteps of the tall man disappeared above me, the room falling into utter silence as I felt another presence suddenly appear before me.

"Is it ready?" I whispered, not wanting to alert the guards outside. Even if my contact was able to easily avoid detection by an S-rank, there was no reason to arise any suspicions. If I were to be suspected of anything, then everything would fail, and we'd lose the war.

A cloaked figure shimmered into view, dark green eyes looking at me confidently under the hood.

"It is. Upon your signal, we will begin the operation," responded the figure. I nodded, closing my eyes as I refocused my attention onto my core.

"Then wait patiently for now. Everything is going according to plan."

The cloaked individual kneeled, acknowledging my order. His loyalty was unshaken, understanding the position that had been given to me by Selena. A single title controlled the entirety of the Dragon army, a position that had been left unfilled for decades.

"As you wish, Supreme Commander Cadmium."