The moon hung high above the ruins of the old fortress. Its cold light cast a silvery glow over the cracked columns and shattered dragon sculptures that had once guarded this valley. Valdor and Mayuri sat by the campfire.

Valdor suddenly looked up. He sensed something approaching.

A figure emerged from the shadows of one of the collapsed gates. A tall man, his shoulders covered by a tattered cloak, stood in the twilight, advancing cautiously.

“I didn’t think anyone was still alive here.” — he said in a strange voice, weary, yet confident.

Valdor instantly went on guard. His hand reached for the hilt of his sword, and his gaze pierced the stranger.

“Who are you?” he asked sharply.

“Calm down.” — the man replied, raising both hands in a gesture of peace. — “I’m no longer with the Empire.”

“No longer?” — asked Mayuri, who had remained silent until then. Her eyes glistened in the light of the campfire like two violet gems.

“I am Kael Toyuki. I belonged… to the Black Guard. The Empire’s elite. But they betrayed us. They killed their own people. Since then, I’ve been fighting alone.”

Valdor didn’t take his eyes off him. For a moment, he watched his movements, but he sensed no lie in him.

Night had fallen completely. The three of them sat by the campfire burning among the rocks.

“And who are you?” Kael asked.

“I am Valdor Kanami.” — Valdor replied.

Kael froze.

“Impossible... That Valdor? The prince of that kingdom?”

“That’s right. But now I’m just Valdor…” — he whispered.

Mayuri studied Kael closely. His magic was different from that of the Empire. Sharp… but untainted.

“I am Mayuri Lilith. I am the daughter of the Lord of Darkness.”

Kael raised his eyebrows.

“The daughter of the Lord of Darkness? This is getting more and more interesting.”

After a moment, he smiled slightly.

“You’re an interesting bunch. Let me travel with you.”

Valdor looked at him.

“All right. The more of us there are, the faster the kingdom will rise.”

Dawn broke unexpectedly.

The valley was bathed in the golden light of the morning sun. Valdor, Mayuri, and Kael stood together, gazing toward the distant ruins of the castle.

“From now on, we’re a team.” — Kael said quietly.

“I’m not looking for loyalty… but I’ll accept your help.” — Valdor replied, glancing at him.

Mayuri didn’t answer. She just nodded.

When they reached the hill overlooking the ruined bastions, Valdor took a few steps forward. The wind ruffled his dark hair, and his cloak fluttered like the wings of an ancient dragon.

Valdor looked out at the ruins of the former kingdom.

“I swear… I will reclaim the Dragon Throne." — he whispered with determination.

Kael placed his hand on the hilt of his sword.

“We’ll help you with that.”

Mayuri gazed into the distance and nodded.

For a moment, the three of them stood in silence.

In the distance, the first rays of sunlight illuminated the ruins of the Dragon Kingdom.

Their journey had just begun.