In the open confines of the boundless space was a sky island suspended still. No, calling it a sky island was an understatement. It was much bigger than an average spherical planet. Calling it a flat world would be more appropriate.
Clouds fell like waterfalls from the edges of this world, marking its boundaries.
Crimson moonlight came from a crimson moon suspended unmoving in space. It was eerie and brought an apocalyptic sense of dread to the ones living in this world.
Despite the everlasting darkness, the world was bustling with life.
At the cardinal vantage points around the world were massive gates through which many red-eyes beings moved through.
Through the Eastern Gate, a black-haired, red-eyed youth possessing a regal aura calmly walked out with a frown on his face.
As he walked, many stopped in their tracks and stared at him with bright expressions on their faces. His tall, sturdy figure along with his sharp angular face was so charming that one couldn't resist looking at him.
Being used to such a scenario, Roy ignored them and made his way towards the middle of the world.
He was not walking on the ground, but on air. Each step of his was equivalent to a hundred thousand steps and in no time, he appeared in front of a dark sky island, hovering right in the middle of this world.
"Welcome back, your eminence."
Two guards clad in heavy armor greeted Roy as he appeared in front of an ancient metallic gate.
"Hm."
He gave them a slight nod and walked towards the gate, which automatically opened for him.
It was a dreamy sight inside. The entire area was covered in a thin veil of mist and was lit up by the crimson moonlight in the darkness.
At the end of a straight inclining path was the silhouette of a mighty castle. On the road, there were no obstructions as all buildings were at the sides of it.
Magical oil lamps emitting yellow hue were at the sides of this road and even though eerie, this place was lively and filled with people.
The only difference between this place and the area near the Eastern Gate would be the people.
There was not a single person here who did not possess black hair and red eyes. Amidst the blackhead sea, Roy still stood out with his authoritative aura.
People made way for him as he walked and also greeted by bowing slightly with their palm on their chest and saying, "your eminence."
Not even sparing a glance to the people here, Roy made his way towards the mighty castle and walked inside without any qualms.
Once again, he was greeted with an endless stream of 'your eminence.' Had it not been for it being a common occurrence, he would've really lost his mind.
To this day, Roy did not understand why there was a need to put restrictions on teleportation everywhere in this world. If he could, he would've happily appeared straight at the council meeting, but alas, everybody had to walk their way here.
Making his way towards the throne room, Roy saw five figures, one of which was sitting atop the throne.
"Took you some time, Roy."
A silver-haired, red-eyed voluptuous beauty sitting close to the throne said in a calm tone.
Not hiding his sneering, Roy walked towards the five figures and said.
"Who's fault is that? I've repeatedly stated to remove the teleport restrictions."
A melodious snicker resonated in the room, coming from another lady with silver hair and red eyes.
"It never not gets old seeing you annoyed."
Roy sighed and shook his head. He went ahead and sat close to the throne where his seat was reserved, then leisurely leaned back on it.
"I am so tired with all the work you all dumped on me."
If it was a normal King's court, the audacity Roy showed would be a punishable offense, leading to death.
This place, however, was different. There was no greeting done to the man on the throne or to any of the four figures sitting in the room.
"You got the least amount of work."
A tall and malnourished man scoffed. It was not of anger, but that of disgust and disappointment, showing that the two were close.
"Yes. Yes. Now can you guys stop talking to me? Velora, Carmilla, Ischen… get to work. And you, can't you make them quiet?"
The man on the throne, Aurelius, an overbearing figure, squinted his eyes at Roy.
"Watch your tone, Roy. Don't forget where you are."
A powerful pressure descended in the room, almost suffocating. But, there was no change in anyone's reaction.
Roy yawned and said, "I couldn't care less about this council. But I'm bored and have nothing better to do."
The voluptuous beauty Velora chuckled at his remark.
"Where were you for so many years? Surely you weren't slacking, yes?"
"Ugh… don't remind me."
A bad taste lingered in Roy's mouth as he got up and made a disgusted face.
"As per you guys' instructions, I went to check the new worlds that emerged in our star system. While doing so, I got lost in the Fog of Vilheim, got poisoned in the Mystic Seven Poison World, and finally… barely managed to see the world that was at the edge of the system."
"Sounds quite the adventure." Carmilla crossed her legs and said with an interested smile.
"If only…"
Roy shook his head.
"Anyway, there's something about the new worlds that I feel you should know."
At his statement, everyone's expression turned serious. Even the silent Zevik, the figure who had not spoken a word yet, looked at Roy with solemnity.