Crimson Crown

Prologue- Hope in the dark

Vermilion Empire, the most strongest and wealthiest kingdom in the Eastern continent. Ruler of the Eastern continent. It is said that, even when all the kingdoms' wealth were gathered, it could not be compared. Though it may sound exaggerated, it was true. Even it's army was very formidable. The Crimson Dragon Order.

The capital of the empire was very harmonious. All the citizens living there were very happy. The newest Crimson Emperor Lysander, improved the lively hood of the citizens. There were no more famines, no more slave dealers, and no more injustice. Though, the emperor was said to be cold and cruel to the enemies, he was a good emperor. He kept control of the greedy nobles, replaced them with more trustworthy ones. These actions made great impact on the history of Vermilion Empire.

Many of the citizens supported him, respected him, and admired him. You could say that, he was the hope of the citizens. The light in the darkness.

But then there was his twin brother, Alistair Vermilion III also made many worthy achievements, the captain of the Azure Dragon Order. The strongest knight. The Duke. So on, his power were comparable to the emperor's power. But still, there were no family feuds between them. It was peaceful. Or, it may look peaceful.

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Noah closed his eyes tightly, as he pinched the skin between his eyebrows. "Really, Caine? Why do you have to do this!? Look at the mess you made!" Noah scolded. Caine, who was a dog, barked cheerfully and happily wagged his tail. Noah frowned at this action, "Are you even listening?" He asked. Caine just ignored him as he dashed outside, leaving him alone in the shabby cottage. Noah sighed. He looked around the floor. Scattered with dirt, pebbles and rocks, vegetables. And even under wears. Noah sometimes questioned his dog's ability to find random things.

Noah grabbed a broom, he sweeped the floor professionally, cleaning the dirt along the rocks. Well, except for the under wears. It can still be washed. After a while, Noah was finally done cleaning the mess. He wiped his forehead. Feeling quite proud at this accomplishment. He looked outside of the window, dark sky covered the whole forest, stars that look like little lights illuminating. It is now evening. Noah walked to a wooden table, that was at the left side corner. He held a matching box as he lit the wick of the candle holder. Then he blew the lighting stick.

The sound of footsteps were heard coming from outside, as if rushing to come here. Then the door slammed open, revealing a big fluffy white dog, Caine. Noah gestured to the dog to come here. Caine happily dashed forward to Noah, slamming to his legs which made Noah stumble a bit. He chuckled at this little cutie. He patted Caine's fluffy head, making the dog pleased. Noah headed into a small kitchen. A rusted iron stove, with a stack of coal and chopped wood at the side. Then to the opposite, a wooden shelf laid in the wall, a set of plates and cups.

Noah grabbed a small pot from the stove, putting it down on the table gently. Caine, who had a plate in his snout, helped Noah in setting the table. After that, Noah sat down together with Caine. He clasped his hands together, uttering some words of appreciation before eating.

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After cleaning the dishes, Noah laid down in his small bed, with his dog. He turned to his dog before muttering, "Caine, do you still want to live here?" He asked. Noah brought the dog 6 months ago, the same day he stumbled upon this shabby cottage. Before he knew it, he grown fond of the dog. But at the same time, fearing that the dog might suddenly leave him. Caine whimpered before scooting more closely to Noah.

Noah softly smiled, as he closed his eyes. "Thank you..." He was alone at the start, barely managing to eat on the streets. Getting beaten up on the slums. Now he finally managed to adjust to life- he never wants to end this peaceful life. Living together with Caine was enough. No more outsiders. None of the Empire. None of the rebels. Just the two of them...

....

The sounds of clopping and footsteps could heard echoing within the depths of the forest. "Stop him!! Get that man!!" A man in a soldier shouted. The leader. A mysterious man wearing a black cloak- could be seen running away from the group of soldiers. The man was obviously skilled, as he continued to run with nimble steps. The soldiers struggled in chasing the man as tall trees were on their path. Barely avoiding the trees. It was also dark. The only thing that was guiding them- a lamp. Slightly lighting the area.

The man panted heavily as he clutched his lower abdomen. Blood could be seen dripping from his hand.

A bead of sweat dropped from his chin, as he ran faster. A soldier decided to let go of the hellhound he was holding. All squad depended on their only hellhound. After all, they were only ordinary soldiers with no abilities. Bound to be the lackeys of the higher ups. But now, they were about to capture the most wanted man, they could be promoted!

Alas, they were even more desperate as they rode on the horses. The hellhound ran excitedly as it chased the man, sniffing the delicious scent. The man quickly grabbed something from his pouch, then dropped it behind his back. The unknown object released a thick fog, quickly dispersing the forest. The fog looked different, it wasn't gray, but rather pure black. There was also a weird scent in it. The hellhound suddenly stopped, which made the soldiers behind also stopped. The soldiers saw the weird fog approaching, the leader got off his horse as he approached closely to the fog. "What the heck is this??" The leader was clearly annoyed at this hindrance. Nobody answered him. He faced the soldiers with anger present in his face. "Hey I'm asking you-" a soldier cut off him, "L-leader, b-behind you!!" The soldier pointed his shaky finger at the fog. The leader frowned, then looked behind him. To see the hellhound growling at them. "Growl-" sticky saliva dripped from it's mouth, it's eyes creepily blood shot. With red veins popping in its head and neck. It was twice larger than its original size. Hellhounds were usually docile if treated with care, but what happened to it!?

What they didn't know that, the fog contained Levrosa Poison, known for it's properties to stimulate a hellhounds berserk mode. Once it enters it's berserk mode, it loses all rationality and attacks whoever it sees. It can kill more than four ordinary people at once. So it was quite dangerous.

All of the soldiers trembled, even their leader trembled slightly. After all, they only have swords. Nothing more. The leader hastily shouted, "Attack!! Don't let it bite you!" They're brains were in a panic, so they all subconsciously charged forward to the hellhound recklessly. The hellhounds roared before pouncing on one of the soldiers. Screams and the wails of cries could be heard throughout the forest.

While the soldiers were confronting the hellhound, the man continued to run until he arrived deep in the forest. The dark trunks of trees were everywhere, the leaves fluttered, the winds howling like a wolf. It was creepily dark. If it weren't for the enhanced senses, the man wouldn't be able to see through the dark. The man leaned to one of the trees nearest to him as he breathed heavily, his broad chest rising up and down.

The man carefully pressed a towel against the wound in his lower abdomen. He narrowed his eyes as he scanned the areas around him, he saw a cobblestone path, with a sign wrapped around in vines. This path was deeply hidden between the trees. He strode towards that path, avoiding the roots of the trees, he staggered as he continued in his path, until he came across a shabby cottage.

Yo, author-nim here. This is my first novel here. So enjoy.