Vengeful Souls

The beginning

In the heart of a kingdom that has known golden prosperity for eons, the world is alive with a steady thrum of activity. The scent of freshly baked bread mingled with the fragrance of exotic spices wafts through the air, carried by the soft hum of conversation that echoes along the narrow cobblestone streets. Wealthy merchants traverse the avenues, their carriages drawn by steeds adorned with rich finery. The streets are a symphony of life, a testament to the kingdom's thriving heart.

This...This, my friends, is the kingdom of Eruvia.

Beyond the city's fortified walls rises a grand castle, its turrets reaching toward the skies like a beacon of prosperity. The kingdom's prosperity is evident in the flourishing farmland that surrounds the city, its vast fields bathed in the warm embrace of the sun. The scent of ripe grain and fertile land hangs in the air, carried by a gentle breeze that rustles through the fields and the leaves of the mighty oaks that scatter the landscape. 

The kingdom's prosperity is echoed in the grand cathedral that dominates the city skyline. Its towering spires reach high into the heavens, their stone surfaces gleaming in the sunlight. The air is filled with the sound of echoing chants and the gentle whispers of piety, as devout followers of the faith pay homage to their deity within the sacred walls. The scent of burning incense wafting from the cathedral's interior mingles with the rich aroma of the surrounding city, creating a unique symphony of spiritual and worldly pleasures.

King Edmund, a towering figure of authority and wisdom, ruled with a firm but fair hand over the prosperous kingdom. His silver hair gleamed in the sunlight as he stood on the castle's ramparts, his stern eyes scanning the city below. King Edmund was known for his quick wit and strategic mind, having led the kingdom through countless prosperous reigns. His reputation as a just and wise ruler was not unnoticed, and the people of the kingdom were fiercely loyal to their king, knowing that his leadership had steered them through both calm and turbulent waters alike.

And the story of his commander.

Rin Aki.

A name that will go down in history. The epitome of perfection is what she is known as. A beacon of strength and beauty. 

During the span of 8 years, from the tender age of 17 to 25, she had battled in exactly 121 wars.
And won all of them.
She had beheaded 80 rulers herself, in the name of King Edmund, for whom she would give up her life. That was the extent of her loyalty to the crown.

Under the golden rays of the sun, the kingdom of Eruvia basked in the warmth of Rin Aki's presence. As she strode through the bustling streets, her countenance betrayed none of the acclaim that surrounded her. The people, recognizing her as the formidable female commander, respectfully made way for her, acknowledging her status as a living legend in their midst. Rin's reputation as an icon of strength and skill preceded her, and the citizens of Eruvia regarded her with the utmost reverence.

With purposeful strides, Rin Aki made her way through the heart of the kingdom, her thoughts consumed by the weight of her responsibilities as commander. Despite being the youngest and the sole female to ascend to such a prestigious role, she had earned her place through unwavering determination and unparalleled prowess. As she continued her journey towards the palace, her mind remained steadfast on the duties that awaited her within its hallowed halls.

As Rin walked through the halls of the palace, guards and servants alike saluted her, their expressions ranging from reverence to respect. She nodded to them in acknowledgment, her demeanor stoic and cool as she made her way towards the throne room.

The doors opened, revealing King Edmund, sitting on his throne, looking over reports and documents. As Rin entered, he looked up at her.

"Commander Aki," he said, his voice a commanding yet regal tone. "I trust you're here to report."

Rin bows, her mannerisms as perfect as always.

"Indeed, Your Majesty.Currently, the kingdom is doing fine military-wise. No border problems. No shortage in the military.There were some small rebellions...but they have been taken care of."

"Excellent," he said. "Rebellions are nothing but mere bumps on the road. I knew you would handle them."

He leans back on his grand throne with a thoughtful gaze. The arms of the throne were shaped like claws, and the backrest rose high above the king's head, providing a striking silhouette as he sat upon it. Above the throne, a grand canopy was hung, made of heavy velvet, and adorned with gold filigree, framing the esteemed King Edmund in opulent grandeur.

"You've done a good job, Commander," he continued. "You've proven time and time again that you're the best person for the job. The people respect and fear you, just as they should."

Rin could see the turmoil in his eyes. She had perfected the art of truly knowing someone.
Yet, she remained quiet and waited for her king to speak.

He spoke nothing. Just looked at her with an intense gaze, as if he was contemplating whether he truly made a good decision or not.


"You may leave."

Rin bows and leaves. 

Edmund however...his thoughts were a mess.
No matter how much skilled he thought Rin was, she was still a woman was all he could think, no matter how much he tried not to.

As the sun went down and the king sat in his throne room, he thought deeply. He gazed at the flames in the hearth. The quiet room was filled with the crackling sound of the fire. The king's mind was troubled. He was deep in thought and the room was silent except for the sound of his breathing. Time seemed to stand still in the stillness of the evening.