Inside the private viewing box within the throne room, the atmosphere was a mix of solemn reflection and quiet anticipation. The King and Queen sat alongside their loyal advisors, Lyandra and Amon, as well as the former Generals. Eclipse was also present, her sharp eyes focused on the magical screen displaying the Aether Maze. A small smile played on her lips as she watched the participants prepare for the trial, her mind already calculating the potential outcomes.
The room was filled with a sense of history and shared memories. Lusaric, one of the former Generals, broke the silence. "Hmmm... The Aether Maze, huh?" he mused, his voice tinged with nostalgia. He recalled the time when monsters had flooded out of the maze due to the treachery of a former General named Merlin. The Generals of that era, including himself, had fought valiantly to push back the horde and seal the maze. Afterward, they had sent knights to investigate the lower levels, but none had returned. Even the current Generals, Sunshine and Eclipse, had only managed to explore up to the 200th floor. Beyond that, the maze became an impenetrable labyrinth, shrouded in darkness and filled with powerful boss monsters. Eclipse had theorized that Merlin had used spatial magic to create such a vast and ever-changing dungeon, a testament to his unparalleled skill and madness.
Lancelot, Eclipse's grandfather, sighed heavily. "Right... That's when Arthur ventured alone and never came back, he went inside because of Merlin's promise to remove the darkness inside him." he said, his voice heavy with regret. Arthur, the rightful king and Prince Art's true father, had disappeared into the maze years ago, leaving behind a kingdom in mourning. The current King, Arnold, Arthur's brother, had taken the throne in his absence. Though Arnold was a wise and just ruler, the loss of his brother had left a deep scar. He had raised Art as his own, treating him with the same love and care he would give to a son of his blood. The former Generals respected Arnold for this, knowing how much he had admired and loved his brother.
Gundrik, spoke up, his tone hesitant. "We’ve been using that forsaken place in the Aether Knight trials for years, but we still haven’t gotten any clue about Arthur’s whereabouts. Maybe it’s time we—"
Before he could finish, Theron, known as the Golden Heart General for his kindness and loyalty, interrupted him, his voice uncharacteristically sharp. "Don’t you dare say it, Gundrik! Arthur... all of us here, even the current King and Queen, we’re his friends and family! Accepting that he’s dead means abandoning him!"
The room fell silent, the weight of Theron’s words hanging heavily in the air. It was rare to see him angry, and his outburst served as a reminder of the deep bond they all shared with Arthur. Gundrik, chastened, said nothing more and simply turned his gaze back to the screen with a sigh.
Xavier, another former General, stepped in to diffuse the tension. "Theron, we understand what you’re saying, but please don’t get angry at Gundrik. He means no harm," he said gently, placing a reassuring hand on Theron’s shoulder.
King Arnold, his expression somber, raised a hand to calm the room. "My friends, please, let us not dwell on the past. For now, let us focus on the present and the future. These trials are a testament to the strength and resilience of our kingdom."
Rosalinda, ever the voice of reason, nodded in agreement. "Arnold is right. Let’s focus on the screen. I’m expecting more survivors this time around." She turned to Eclipse, her tone shifting to one of curiosity. "I heard you stationed three Generals for the 3rd trial."
Eclipse nodded, her confident smile returning. "Yes, Lady Rosalinda. Isolde is there with her cleric knights, ready to provide healing and support. Gerald is stationed deeper in the maze as a veteran presence, ensuring that high-level monsters don’t overwhelm the participants. Halik is also roaming the maze, using her shadow soldiers to monitor the participants’ progress."
She paused, her eyes gleaming with pride. "And if backup is needed, I’ve placed a switch orb on each floor beyond the 30th. That way, either Sunshine or I can teleport in if things get complicated."
The former Generals exchanged impressed glances. Eclipse’s thoroughness and foresight were unparalleled, a testament to her skill as the Sovereign Sword. Even Lyandra, her mother, couldn’t hide her pride, a small smirk playing on her lips. Amon, her father, smiled warmly, his admiration for his daughter evident.
As the trial began and the participants disappeared into the maze, the room’s attention returned to the screen. Eclipse’s smile widened as she watched Mixarnt step into the labyrinth, her anticipation growing. She had no doubt that this trial would be one to remember, not just for the participants, but for the entire kingdom of Aetherlight.
