The Runic Alchemist

After a moment of silence, everyone lost in their own thoughts, Evrin finally spoke up, "Are you saying you sympathize with the emperor and don't want to make this deal anymore?"

The others turned their gazes to Damian. No one said a word, but their cold, questioning eyes said enough.

"No," Damian replied firmly. "Fuck the emperor. And fuck Dawnstar—and every other kingdom, for that matter. I don't want to choose. Neither side is innocent, and I refuse to help one side trample the other."

Sam broke the silence for the first time. "Then what's this all about, buddy? What are you trying to tell us? Why did you call us here?"

Damian took a deep breath, his gaze steady as he met each of theirs. There was a spark in his voice, something steadfast yet brimming with hope.

"I want to build a city."

Their eyes widened in shock, but Damian didn't give them a chance to interrupt.

"In the wars perpetuated by nobles, it's ordinary people who suffer the most. Imagine a place so strong that it can stand unmoved, no matter what chaos unfolds in the world. A place where no one stands above another, where oppression has no foothold. A place that shows what mankind can achieve if they set aside their petty squabbles. A sanctuary for those too wounded by war, a home for creativity, dreams, and safety. A place where children can aspire to be creators, not soldiers enchanted by the glorified songs of violence and sacrifice."

The gravity of Damian's vision sank in. Maelor, Evrin, Grace, Lucian—each wore a stunned expression of awe and disbelief.

"I have the mana and the ability to create something like that," Damian continued, "but I can't do it alone. I need people." Looking directly at Sam and Einar, he said, "People who can protect this city." Then, turning to Evrin, Grace, and Maelor, he added, "People who can create laws and ensure peace." Finally, his gaze rested on Lucian. "People who can lead others."

Tightening his fist and glancing at Reize, he concluded, "And people who can create wonders no one else in the world can replicate. A city so high above the rest of the world that no one would dare approach its walls with arrogance."

"Where..." Einar stammered, "where would you build this city?"

"The place that needs peace the most right now." Damian replied. "In Ashenvale,"

"That is..." Evrin whispered, "too ambitious."
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"We know," Reize interjected. She held Damian's shoulder firmly, standing beside him with pride. "It's a goal that could take years to achieve, but if anyone can create such a place, it's him."

"And you want us to join you?" Grace asked, her hands covering her mouth, struggling to believe what she'd heard.

"Yes. And just to be clear, I'm not talking about your noble houses, only you. If we do this, you'll have the chance to be your own person. You won't have to act for appearances, marry for political gain, or sacrifice yourself in futile battles. I can't do this alone, of course—I'll need to make deals with neighboring kingdoms, so we won't cut all ties. Think of it as leaving the shelter of your parents' house, finally standing on your own."

He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. "This is just an offer, and the choice is entirely yours. This is what I'll propose to the Highswords in exchange for finding the Land Breaker. With Ashenvale's royalty gone, if they endorse my claim to the land that I can win on my own, I can make it official. You don't need to decide now. Think it over. With or without you, I will do this. It's the only way I can think of to save lives without making things worse."

Damian nodded, then turned to leave. It was time for the High Table's meeting. He had sensed Soulfella and two second-rankers near his room, likely heading out to find him.

Before he could take two steps, Maelor spoke. "I'm with you, Sunblade."

Damian turned, surprised.

Maelor rose to his feet. "After seeing what you're capable of and understanding who you are, I can say this—never have I met someone so powerful, so full of potential, yet willing to seek peace and happiness for others. You could've become a noble in any kingdom. They would've welcomed you with open arms. But you didn't. You never wanted glory, wealth, or power. A man like that… I'll follow for a lifetime."

Maelor stood, pulling out his sword in a solemn gesture. He kneeled before Damian. "I pledge, on my title as a knight, to follow Damian Sunblade until my last breath. My blade belongs to you."

Damian's eyes widened. That was a knight's pledge—a vow of loyalty to their king or queen. Did Maelor misunderstand him?

The room held its breath as they stared at the prince of Dawnstar kneeling before Damian. Then, Sam stood, grabbing everyone's attention. He glanced at Grace once, then knelt beside Maelor.

"You saved my life... more times than one. It's yours. If you say we fight, we fight. If you say we build a city like never before, then I'll be right behind you… Brother."

Before anyone could follow suit, Damian quickly grabbed their shoulders and pulled them up. He had to clear up the misunderstanding. "I'm honored to hear your support for my vision, but you've misunderstood me. My city won't have kings or queens. We'll rule it together. Not just me—everyone capable enough who chooses to reside there will have a say in how it's governed. I'm not cut out to be a king…"

Damian smiled. Evrin and Grace exchanged a look, as if wondering whether he'd lost his mind. Sam chuckled beside him. "That's more like you… I knew you'd say that."

Maelor smiled too, understanding what Damian meant. From across the table, there came another chuckle. It was Lucian—Damian's first time seeing her genuinely laugh from the heart. Guess she was with him, too. It made him feel surprisingly warm inside.