The Caelestis Empire: Rebuilding a Kingdom from Ashes

Chapter 1: A Summoning Beyond Time

The great hall of the royal palace of Elfrieden was illuminated by the last rays of a fading sun. The long shadows stretched across the marble floors, creeping up the high walls adorned with tapestries depicting battles long past. King Albert Elfrieden stood in the center of the grand chamber, surrounded by advisors and mages, his face a mask of determination but lined with weariness.

King Albert, a man of modest build with silver hair touched with streaks of gray, gazed at the ancient spell circle inscribed on the floor before him. His deep blue eyes, usually so calm, were now clouded with worry. The Elfrieden Kingdom had been in decline for years, its coffers emptied by constant skirmishes with the Principality of Amidonia, its people suffering from famine and unrest, and the ever-looming threat of the Demon Lord's Domain growing closer.

He knew this was a desperate move, but it was one of the few cards left to play. "We have no choice," he muttered to himself, though his voice carried through the silent hall. The mages surrounding the circle nodded in solemn agreement, their hands outstretched, ready to channel the spell.

Standing beside him, Princess Liscia Elfrieden, his daughter, wore a look of uncertainty mixed with determination. Her long, chestnut-brown hair was tied back in a practical braid, and her bright blue eyes reflected a sharp intelligence. She placed a hand on her father's arm, feeling the tension in his muscles.

"Father," Liscia began, her voice steady, "Are we truly prepared for this? Summoning a hero from another world... it sounds like a fairy tale, a desperate legend."

King Albert turned to his daughter, his expression softening slightly. "Liscia, my dear, I know this seems reckless. But our kingdom teeters on the brink of collapse. The Demon Lord's forces inch closer each day, and our resources are dwindling. We need a savior, someone who can bring new ideas, new strength. The old ways have failed us."

Liscia nodded, though her doubts were evident. "I trust your judgment, Father. But if this summoned hero proves to be unworthy..."

"We will deal with it," Albert replied firmly. "But for now, we must hope." He raised his voice to the mages. "Begin the summoning!"

The head mage, an elderly man with a long white beard named Grandmaster Varian, nodded. "As you command, Your Majesty." He gestured to the circle, and the other mages began chanting in unison, their voices weaving together in a low, rhythmic hum.

The runes on the floor glowed with an ethereal blue light, and the air seemed to vibrate with magic. The room grew colder, a chill running through everyone's bones. The light intensified, blindingly bright, and a wind picked up out of nowhere, swirling around the circle.

King Albert and Princess Liscia shielded their eyes, watching as the spell reached its climax. Suddenly, there was a flash of blinding white light, and a figure appeared in the center of the circle, standing tall and resolute.

The light faded, and the wind died down. Everyone blinked, adjusting to the sudden darkness that had filled the room. In the middle of the circle stood a young man, around twenty-five years of age, with silver hair that gleamed like moonlight and eyes as golden as the sun.

He wore a simple, modern outfit from another world—dark pants, a white shirt, and a jacket, looking out of place in the medieval surroundings of the hall. His expression was one of confusion mixed with curiosity as he gazed around, trying to comprehend where he was.

King Albert took a step forward, speaking in a firm but calm voice. "Welcome, summoned one, to the Kingdom of Elfrieden. I am King Albert Elfrieden, ruler of these lands. We have brought you here through ancient magic, seeking a hero who can save our kingdom from its impending doom."

The young man blinked, processing the words. "Save your kingdom?" he repeated, his voice calm and composed despite the circumstances. "You mean... I've been summoned like some kind of protagonist in a fantasy novel?"

Liscia raised an eyebrow at his calmness. "You don't seem particularly surprised," she remarked.

He shrugged. "It's not every day you get pulled out of your world, but I've read enough isekai stories to know the drill." He looked directly at King Albert, a glint of intelligence in his golden eyes. "Why me?"

Albert glanced at the mages and back at the young man. "We do not know the criteria by which the spell chooses, only that it brings forth someone destined to be our savior. What is your name, hero?"

The young man paused, then answered, "Augustus Gaius Julius Caesar Octavius... but you can call me Augustus for short."

The room fell silent for a moment, processing the regal and ancient-sounding name. Grandmaster Varian frowned slightly. "An unusual name... for an unusual man."

Augustus chuckled softly. "I suppose it is. But names aside, what exactly is this doom you're talking about?"

King Albert took a deep breath. "Our kingdom is on the brink of destruction, facing threats from within and without. Our coffers are empty, our people starve, and the Demon Lord's Domain looms ever closer. We need a leader, a strategist, a hero who can bring new knowledge, technology, and strength to our cause. We need you."

Augustus crossed his arms, considering the king's words carefully. "And what makes you think I'm the right person for the job?"

Albert smiled, a glint of hope in his eyes. "We do not know for certain, but the magic has chosen you. And... there is one more thing you should know."

At that moment, a voice echoed in Augustus's mind, clear and distinct, as if it was his own thoughts speaking to him.

"Welcome, chosen one. You have been granted the Imperial Bloodline. With it comes the power to command the sky, and your descendants shall inherit this bloodline for all generations. You have also been blessed with a system that provides you unlimited points to purchase technology, military prowess, magic, and more. This secret is yours alone; guard it well."

Augustus's eyes widened as the words flooded his consciousness. He could see a faint, translucent screen in his field of vision, filled with menus and options. It felt like a game interface, but it was undeniably real. He could feel the power coursing through him, the knowledge of his newfound abilities settling into his mind.

He glanced back at King Albert and Liscia, who were watching him intently. "I see," he murmured, his mind racing with possibilities. "I guess I have little choice but to accept, then."

Liscia stepped forward, a hint of relief on her face. "You will help us?"

Augustus nodded slowly. "Yes, I will. But know this—if I'm going to save this kingdom, I will do it my way. You summoned me here, and now I'm in charge. Agreed?"

King Albert hesitated, then nodded. "Agreed. You will have our full support, Augustus."

Augustus smiled, a confident glint in his golden eyes. "Good. Then let's get started."