THE GENERAL'S DISGRACED HEIR

From the dawn of time, humanity had been considered the weakest race in the realm of Ternion. Titans, with their towering forms and overwhelming strength, enslaved them, mocking their frailty.

For ages, humans were mere tools, their existence overshadowed by the might of their oppressors. However, everything changed when the first human was granted a role by the Sovereign of Bounty, Fertility, and Stability. This marked the beginning of a rebellion that would shake the very foundation of the world.

The rebellion was not one of swift victory; it was a brutal, bloody struggle that stretched over years. Yet, through sheer determination and the guidance of the first chosen man, humanity defied the Titans and rose from the ashes of their oppression. They fought tooth and nail, reclaiming their dignity and securing their place in the grand hierarchy of Ternion. With the Titans finally defeated, the balance of power shifted, and the Sovereigns—the beings of the highest order, who governed the very concepts of existence—began to take notice.

Acknowledging the strength and resilience of the human race, the Sovereigns recognized their potential. Over time, noble factions and houses emerged, each with their unique ways of passing down roles to their descendants, ensuring the survival and prosperity of their bloodlines. Yet, among all the houses, the De Gor family stood out.

Favoured by two Sovereigns—the Sovereign of Reservation, the Goddess of preservation herself, and the Sovereign of Bounty—the De Gor family had an unparalleled connection to these divine beings. This connection made their coming-of-age ceremony particularly special. While other families and noble factions had their methods for bestowing roles, the De Gor lineage was guaranteed to receive roles through the tribute paid to these two Sovereigns. Pure-blooded or not, each descendant was assured of their destiny, an honour that many coveted but few could attain.

Now, the long-awaited day had arrived.

Across the lands, bloodlines connected to the De Gor family journeyed to Aethelwarin County, gathering in the capital town of Eldoria. It was here that the grand ceremony would take place, marking the transition from youth to adulthood for those of De Gor descent.

The streets of Eldoria bustled with activity, a sea of vibrant banners flying in the wind, representing the various houses that would participate in the ceremony. The air was thick with anticipation, as young men and women prepared themselves for the life-changing roles they would receive.

Within the De Gor Estate, preparations were in full swing. Servants hurried to and fro, setting the stage for the ceremony, while nobles from various corners of the realm exchanged pleasantries, their eyes glimmering with the promise of what was to come. For today was not just a day of celebration—it was a day of destiny, where the future of the De Gor family and its many bloodlines would be shaped.

Two noble descendants of the De Gor bloodline approached the towering gates of the castle, their horses trotting with regal grace. The wind rustled through the trees, carrying with it the anticipation of what awaited beyond the gates. Their figures were striking—both imbued with the prestige of their lineage, yet distinct in their own powerful auras.

The first, a woman with fierce confidence in her stride, had an air of mystery about her. Her auburn hair flowed elegantly, framing a face both beautiful and dangerous. Her attire, a blend of practicality and allure, consisted of a corseted top that accentuated her slender waist and a pair of dark, fitted pants that allowed for swift movement. The intricate designs on her gloves and high boots spoke of her attention to detail, as did the black and gold embroidery running along the seams.

Over her shoulders, a dark purple cloak billowed, catching the light as it fluttered behind her. She held a thick tome in one hand, its ancient pages marked with arcane symbols. In the other, she held the saddle reins—a testament to her mastery over the arcane. Her sharp eyes, unwavering and intense, reflected both her determination and her readiness for whatever challenge lay ahead.

Beside her rode a young man, his energy vibrant and brimming with vitality. His hair, a striking blonde, caught the light, framing a face that radiated both charm and an underlying cunning. His green eyes gleamed with mischief, a stark contrast to the focused gaze of his companion. Dressed in white and gold-trimmed robes, he appeared both radiant and serene, a figure of nature's untamed power.

His youthful exuberance was infectious, yet there was something calculated in the way he moved, as if every step, every gesture, was part of a larger strategy. Even as the two made their way toward the castle, there was a palpable sense of competition between them, though it was softened by a shared camaraderie forged through years of training.

As they neared the castle's entrance, the raised gates loomed above them, casting long shadows over the path. The echo of their horses' hooves against the stone reverberated in the air, signalling their arrival. They exchanged a glance, the woman's eyes narrowing with a mix of amusement and warning, while the young man flashed a playful grin, clearly unfazed by the tension in the air.

The two nobles were not just here to witness the trials of valour—they were destined to partake in them, each vying for a role that would define their future. As the gates groaned open, revealing the grand courtyard beyond, both knew that today would be a test of more than just skill and strength. It would be a test of loyalty, ambition, and how far one would go to claim the title and power that came with being a true heir of the De Gor bloodline.

"Stop," the guard's voice rang out sharply, causing the two noble riders to pull their reins. Their horses neighed softly as they came to an abrupt halt, hooves kicking up dust. Ashley's brow furrowed slightly at the interruption, while Brian's eyes narrowed, a flash of indignation crossing his face. The guard stood firm, his stance rigid, as if he were ready to halt an invading army rather than just two young nobles.

"Identify yourselves," the guard commanded, his tone devoid of any reverence or recognition. Brian's jaw clenched, his hand instinctively gripping the reins tighter. How dare a mere guard, someone of such low standing, speak to him with such authority? His eye twitched, the insult simmering beneath his skin. For a brief moment, it seemed as if he might argue, but Ashley, ever the more level-headed of the two, noticed the long line of visitors behind them and deduced that the guard was likely fatigued from dealing with the endless procession. A slight smile tugged at the corners of her lips—this was not the moment for a confrontation.

Both nobles reached into their cloaks and retrieved silver badges, the insignia of their houses glinting under the sunlight. They handed them to the guard, whose expression remained unyielding as he took the badges and inspected them carefully. Brian fumed silently, his patience thinning with every second, while Ashley sat with a calm demeanor, understanding the necessity of such checks during such an important event.

The guard examined the badges, his fingers tracing the etched symbols that confirmed their noble lineage, specifically their branch houses. After what felt like an eternity to Brian, the guard returned the badges, his eyes momentarily softening as he handed them back. Yet before either noble could press forward, the guard pulled out two small metallic orbs, holding them out with a neutral expression. "Take these," he said, his voice even.

Ashley and Brian exchanged a glance before they each reached for a ball. The moment their fingers wrapped around the cool surface, the metal began to shimmer, shifting in color from a gleaming silver to a deep crimson, the transformation almost immediate. It was a clear confirmation of their bloodlines—no imposter could manipulate the orb in such a way. Satisfied with the display, the guard nodded and reclaimed the balls.

"You're clear. Kindly make your way to the courtyard where the rest are gathered," he said, stepping aside to allow them passage.

Ashley, with a graceful tug of her reins, guided her horse forward. Brian followed, still quietly seething, though he couldn't help but feel the weight of the moment easing as they finally entered the castle grounds. Behind them, a luxurious carriage rolled forward, signalling the next guest ready for inspection.

As they proceeded, the imposing walls of the castle seemed to watch over them, the air thick with anticipation. The courtyard awaited, and with it, the future that would define their standing in the De Gor bloodline.

***

Author's Note: For context, obtaining a role is no simple task. However, being a noble—or even a bastard with noble blood—guarantees you a role. Commoners, on the other hand, can earn roles by registering as adventurers, but they must pass a test that comes with a steep cost in Terran gold.