Level Up Legacy

The people whispered to each other as they waited for their lord. It was uncertain what their lord wanted to announce, but it was rumored to be something that would change this city.

The blacksmiths wiped away the dark stains off their faces, the knights stood in lines across the streets, and some hunters were still covered with blood. However, all of them waited patiently for the young man who ruled them.

"Dear people, thank you for waiting," stepped forward a man in a suit with combed-back hair and glasses. This was none other than the manager of the auction house and the right-hand man of their lord, Ma. "Please greet Lord of Hidden, who comes to us with a life-changing announcement."

"Seika!"

"Seika!"

"Seika!"

The people cheered, stomping on the ground. This was not fake applause but hard-earned respect. The city they lived in provided all of them with the best living conditions they could imagine.

The Seika appeared on top of the giant branch, where a platform was built. His appearance was young, but his eyes bespoke his wisdom. As he raised his head, the cheering died down.

"Greetings, all," smiled the Seika. "I apologize for being absent from the city recently, but I promise that would change. This day we are here to welcome a new age for the city and new comrades who would join our side."

Four people stepped forward from behind the Seika, standing behind him. The people were confused about the identity of these people. Their faces were unfamiliar, but all of them stood with pride.

"These four are our newest comrades," said the Seika. "And they are here to promise to serve our city. Three of them are grandmasters of the runic path, and they vowed to arm our city with all the artifacts we need. I will count on you, Gruen."

"Anything you command, my lord," smiled the Seika of Metal as he stepped forward from between the blacksmiths. "We promise to provide as many resources you need, grandmasters," he said with a wide smile.

"Your efforts are appreciated, Gruen," the Seika smiled. "I have one more announcement. Starting today, we are going to merge with another city. Most of you have never heard of it, and those who have can be doubtful. However, I want you all to treat these people as your brothers and sisters because unity is what will make us survive in this world."

As the Seika finished his words, the crowd boomed with confused noises. The Seika did not explain further and simply raised his hand. Then, a bright star appeared above it.

"This is the moment our city will change from Hidden City.... to Runera. Welcome the new ages of artifacts!"

As the Seika finished his words, the star spun in his hand, creating a gravitational pressure on all present people. Then, the world began to change. Buildings appeared in the empty lands, and giant ships appeared in the sky.

The people watched the miracle as a single man brought a city into existence. The city was no longer hidden from that day forth, and it had a new name.

Runera, the Tenth City of Freda.

***

"Are you certain?" asked the king with a shaking hand. The King's Hand nodded and continued to read from his report.

"Multiple eyewitnesses have seen the change. A new city rose from the ground, covering most of the empty lands that Hidden City had. We have also received words that the city is now called Runera, as announced by the Seika."

"How bold, yet fascinating," smiled Solomon as he leaned in his chair, his expression still excited. "The Seika has fulfilled his mission and built a city from scratch."

"That is hard to say, as it seems he used a shortcut."

"A shortcut that he did not need," said the king. "Avadil is providing them with materials. It was only a matter of time before they grew this big. How powerful are his forces?"

"We have yet to know, but a barrier was constructed around the city. However, it seems it will open its trade routes and auctions next week."

"And the Seika?"

"We don't know of his location and are unable to reach him," the King's Hand shook his head. "The artifacts the city is selling this time are going to change this kingdom. We need to hurry and take control of the situation."

"What are you suggesting?"

"That man is growing more powerful by the second," frowned the King's Hand. "I suggest that we put an end to his growth. His progress is similar to yours when the previous king was here."

"And it ended with dethroning him," sighed Solomon. "I do not mind, as long the Seika can give me that one thing. You saw what he did, Amon. That man can revive the dead."

"I am afraid that... he cannot bring her back, Solomon," sighed Amon as he placed down his report. Solomon gritted his teeth, but Amon had to keep talking. "We are here because of her sacrifice, but I am afraid that... we cannot bring her back from the dead."

"You have seen him!" shouted Solomon as he threw his hand. "That saint... that useless idiotic girl.... she rose from the dead. He revived her because she saved him! Why can't he save Ruki?"

"It has been years, my lord," sighed Amon as he looked down. "Her body has turned to ashes by now, and her soul is no longer here. I know that the prophecy said that a one-armed slave will bring back what you lost, but I am afraid that..."

"You flatter too much, Amon," Solomon said coldly. "She was your sister, but here you are, not even willing to try. I guess she meant nothing to you," he smirked.

"That is not the case, bastard," Amon raged, but he calmed down. "I accepted her death long ago. However, you are still obsessing about a way to bring her back."

"There is a way, and we have both seen it," rose Solomon and walked toward Amon, looking down on him. "All I need now is a way into the Realm of Souls. Are you going to help me, Amon?"

Amon raised his head and looked at the giant man in front of him. It was hard to think that such a tall man was the gentle kid he had found all that time ago. The scene of his little sister playing with Solomon appeared in his mind.

"Those were simpler times," sighed Amon. "I should have died in her place at that time. However, we could have never defeated the mad king without her sacrifice. Her death saved hundreds of thousands, so why must that go to waste?"

"The throne room was never meant for me, Amon," Solomon looked down on him. "I wanted to change the world through my artifacts, and she was the one to rule Freda. We are both guilty of her death, and we need to bring her back."

"We are not gods, Solomon," Amon shook his head and gathered his reports before walking away. "I will not help you with this. The Seika might be capable of bringing her back, but things will never be the same."

"With your betrayal," turned Solomon to his friend. "They will never be the same indeed."

Amon looked for a long time at his friend. Ruki would have been heartbroken to see the man she loved reach such a state. Yet, their love was the one who pushed everyone forward to build a better future.

Now, it was the one that would drag this kingdom into the darkness. Amon closed the door behind him, watching the darkness engulf Solomon. Even if this man succeeds, the heavens will never let him get away with it.

As the darkness engulfed the silent room, Solomon gnashed his teeth against each other. Then, he walked back toward his chair, standing in front of it for a long time. Then, Solomon brought his fist down and destroyed the stone chair into smithereens.

"This a strength that far exceeds your job as a runemaster," hissed a voice from the darkness. Solomon turned around with a frown as young stepped out. It was the parasite who refused to let go of his kingdom. "I managed to hear your discussion. I remember her vividly, the Dancer of Night. What a shame that she had to die for this kingdom?"

"What are you doing here?" glared Solomon with a rageful expression. "You are trespassing the private chambers of the king, and that is enough for me to order your execution."

"Ah, yes, I think you can?" the long hair of the man swayed as he tilted his head. "I am afraid that you can do no such thing, King of Freda. You are as helpless as you were before becoming king."

"Are you here to start a civil war, Ancient One?"

"I would never harm this kingdom," Ancient One smiled. "I am simply here to give you what you desire the most. I know how to bring your lover back from the dead."