The ancient gate groaned as it slowly opened.
Dust poured from the towering stone doors.
A cold breeze drifted through the valley, carrying a scent unlike anything Kael had ever known.
Orion stepped forward first.
His usually calm expression had changed.
There was nostalgia in his eyes.
"We're home..."
Kael glanced at him.
"You've been here before?"
Orion smiled faintly.
"A lifetime ago."
Beyond the gate stretched a vast kingdom.
Golden roads crossed the land.
Crystal rivers shimmered beneath floating bridges.
Ancient towers pierced the clouds.
Even after thousands of years, the city still possessed a breathtaking beauty.
Yet there was one thing missing.
People.
Not a single voice echoed through the streets.
Not a single light burned in the windows.
"It's empty," Kael whispered.
"No," Aetherion replied.
"It is sleeping."
The group entered cautiously.
Their footsteps echoed through the silent streets.
Every building was untouched, as though its inhabitants had vanished in an instant.
One of the scientists knelt beside a strange crystal device.
"It still has power..."
Orion nodded.
"The city's Core Network has never completely died."
Suddenly—
A soft chime echoed across the kingdom.
Then another.
One by one, glowing lanterns lit up along the streets.
Windows brightened.
Ancient machines hummed back to life.
The city was awakening.
Kael watched in amazement.
"It knows we're here."
Aetherion's voice became serious.
"No."
"It knows I am here."
The ground trembled gently.
At the center of the kingdom, a massive palace began to glow.
Its towering doors slowly opened.
A single figure stepped into the sunlight.
Unlike Orion, this person wore shining white armor etched with silver stars.
A long cloak flowed behind them.
Their face was hidden beneath an elegant mask.
They descended the palace steps with calm, measured strides.
Every movement carried dignity.
Power.
Authority.
The group instinctively fell silent.
The figure stopped several meters away from Kael.
Then, without warning...
They knelt.
Their head lowered.
Their voice echoed through the silent kingdom.
"Welcome home..."
A long pause followed.
"...Your Majesty."
Kael froze.
His heart skipped a beat.
"What...?"
The masked figure looked up.
"The throne of the Last Core has awaited its rightful heir."
Behind them, the palace doors opened fully.
Inside, at the end of a hall lined with glowing stars...
A single throne waited.
Empty.
As if it had been waiting for Kael all along.