Episode 2: City of Lies

Episode 2: City of Lies:

Eldoria stood as a symbol of prosperity, with its towering white stone walls gleaming under the sun, a city built upon promises of justice and strength. Its citizens walked the gold-paved streets with pride, unaware of the chains binding them. The marketplace thrived, scholars debated in grand halls, and soldiers patrolled with strict discipline. Yet beneath this civilization's luxury lay an unseen darkness—a complex web of deception woven by the Order of Maledictum.

The Illusion of Peace

In the city's central square, a grand golden statue of King Aldric stood tall. Passersby always bowed in reverence, as if the statue's presence itself was a blessing. A bard began singing a song about the king's glory, children cheered and ran around the monument. At the end of the street, the Church of the Eternal Flame spread sermons, portraying Aldric as a ruler chosen by the gods.

Amidst the crowd, two young nobles whispered to each other.

"It's amusing how they revere a man they've never even met," one murmured.

His companion scoffed. "Not everyone sees reality as we do. They live in peace, and that is enough."

"How can we call this peace when people only see what they want to see?"

His companion shot him a sharp glance. "Because questioning it means exile... or death."

Corruption Within

At a noble banquet in the palace, wine glasses clinked, laughter filled the hall, while Eldoria's senate exchanged hushed conversations.

"The price of grain has risen again," Lord Harren said with a smirk. "The people complain, but they will still pay. What choice do they have but to submit?"

Lucian Valtherion, Kael's father, sat in a place of honor, not far from King Aldric. As the king’s right hand and chief military strategist, his mere presence silenced doubt.

"Order is more important than justice. If they are too busy trying to survive, they will have no time to rebel," Lucian stated coldly.

Elsewhere, a young noble spoke quietly to his companion. "Did you hear? A man from the southern district vanished last night. They say he spoke against the king."

"The Phantom Division works quickly, as always," his companion chuckled darkly.

Life in Eldoria

In the main marketplace, a merchant called out his wares. "Fresh fruit! Warm bread! Honey from the west!"

An old man, voice trembling, tried to bargain. "Three silver coins for a bundle of wheat... Please, I have a family to feed."

The merchant shook his head. "The price is fixed. Take it or leave it."

A large soldier stepped forward, his gaze cold. "No negotiations. Pay or leave."

The old man bowed his head, handing over his last coins.

From afar, a young woman whispered to her friend. "They oppress their own people... and they call this justice?"

Kael’s Family and Their Role

Inside the palace, Lucian Valtherion stood before King Aldric, his expression unreadable.

"The Valtherion family has maintained the kingdom's stability for years," Aldric said with satisfaction. "Without you, my rule might have crumbled."

Lucian bowed slightly. "We merely do our duty, Your Majesty. Eldoria must stand, no matter the cost."

Elsewhere in the hall, Lady Saria engaged with noblewomen, ensuring their family's political influence remained strong. Feared and respected, she wielded an information network that reached every corner of Eldoria.

Meanwhile, Valen and Darius, Kael's elder brothers, stood alongside the commanders of the elite forces. As leaders of the Phantom Division, the kingdom's secret operatives, they ensured Eldoria's stability... by any means necessary.

Seeds of Rebellion: Caesar, the Shadow

In the city's dark alleys, within the slums, the name Caesar was whispered with hope. A shadowy figure who moved in the night, stealing from corrupt nobles and redistributing wealth to the poor. With a black cloak and a unique inverted crown symbol carved into his dagger, he had become the symbol of resistance against Eldoria’s system.

That night, in an underground tavern, Caesar addressed his followers.

"Eldoria is not a just city. They take everything from us, leaving us with mere scraps. We've been silent for too long. It is time to act."

His audience nodded firmly. They were not just commoners—former soldiers, skilled thieves, and even disillusioned nobles stood among them. All believed in Caesar, a man who did more than just speak—he took action.

"We will dismantle their foundations, piece by piece," he continued. "We will show the world that Eldoria is built on lies."

Outside, under the cover of darkness, the symbol of an inverted crown was etched onto the city walls—a sign that the rebellion had begun.

Kael and the Little Girl

Beyond Eldoria's walls, Kael walked along a moonlit path, carrying a small girl in his arms. She slept soundly, her head resting against his shoulder, breathing evenly after their long journey. She knew nothing of Eldoria’s system, just an innocent child caught in the cruelty of a world far greater than her understanding.

Kael gazed at the orphanage before him. The building was old, but warm—unlike the cold, deceitful palace he had left behind. However, as he stepped forward to hand over the girl, his body wavered. The sword wound on his side bled once more.

"Is she safe?" the caretaker asked gently.

Kael gave a weak smile. "Yes..."

But before he could say more, his vision blurred, and he collapsed at the doorstep.