Heat rolled through the air in slow, measured waves—intense, yet restrained, as though governed by an unseen will. The vast hall glowed in hues of ember and flame, orange and crimson dancing across polished stone. The space was immense, reminiscent of a grand palace, where every object stood in perfect order, as if eternally guarded.
Ornate carvings adorned the floors and walls alike, their patterns intricate and deliberate. Above, towering pillars and suspended lamps stretched high into the shadows, giving the hall an almost sacred grandeur. Windows of varying sizes lined the walls, each framed with creeping engravings that resembled living flames. The massive doors bore ancient symbols and inscriptions long forgotten by common tongues.
"Please, sit, my guest," said a man seated calmly at a table.
Rihisna studied him for a moment before moving to the chair on the man's right and sitting down.
"Do drink," the man added, lifting his own glass.
Rihisna followed, raising the glass to his lips.
Sip.
"…Remarkable," Rihisna murmured, surprised. "I have never tasted anything like this."
But before the warmth could settle, heaviness seized his body. His vision blurred. His strength vanished.
Thump.
His head struck the table.
"H—haah… what… is in this water…?" His breath faltered, chest tightening—then darkness claimed him.
Consciousness returned slowly.
Warmth enveloped her comforting, balanced while something soft supported her back. Her eyes opened little by little.
A palace…? No… an imperial chamber, she realized.
"Oh? Have you finally awakened, my beloved child?"
The voice came from her right.
She turned—and froze.
"F… Father?"
"Yes," the man replied, smiling faintly. "It has been far too long. Are you well?"
"How… how am I here?" she asked, confusion heavy in his voice. "What of the curse?"
The man laughed quietly. "Patience, my child. Answer me first."
"I… feel fine. Rested," she replied. Then, hesitantly, "And Mother… where is she?"
"She is here," the man said.
"I am here, my child."
A familiar voice spoke from behind.
"Mother!"
Noriala rushed forward, wrapping her arms tightly around the woman before her. The queen embraced her daughter in return, emotion spilling freely between them.
"I missed you," Noriala whispered, tears falling unchecked.
"And I missed you," the queen replied, stroking her hair gently.
"Well now," a voice interrupted with amusement. "How touching."
The King clapped his hands, laughing openly. "My wife and daughter reunited without me, no less."
Then his expression hardened.
"Enough. Tell me, Noriala have you achieved what I demanded of you?"
Noriala stiffened. "Achieved… what?"
"You have forgotten already?" he said coolly. "Show me your Fire Iktas your highest level."
With a surge of power, the king levitated effortlessly back to his throne.
"Stop this!" Queen Noria protested. "She has just returned give her time!"
"Time?" the king scoffed. "She has had enough of it. There is no room for weakness."
Silence fell.
Thus stood the royal family of Ipa The King, Queen Noria, and Princess Noriala. The Kingdom of Ipa was forged in fire, yet its air was not suffocating with heat. It was controlled, perfected. Ipa had reached the pinnacle of Fire Iktas, surpassing all other realms.
The kingdom thrived on mineral wealth silver, bronze, Nailber exported beyond its borders. Wealth was shared evenly among its people. None starved, yet nature itself was scarce. Food and life were imported, bought with fire forged prosperity.
A sudden shout shattered the stillness.
"You are not permitted inside!"
The doors burst open.
"Finally," said a traveler, brushing dust from his clothes. "That was troublesome."
Rihisna.
The king smiled thinly. "So, it is you."
Rihisna bowed deeply. "Forgive my intrusion, Your Majesty."
Before the king could respond, Noriala stepped forward, eyes narrowing as she studied him.
"It's you," she said. "The one from my dream. We fought."
"A dream?" Rihisna frowned. "I met you in the northern lands of Tupmur."
Confusion hung thick between them.
Then Noriala moved.
Flames ignited in her palm.
She attacked.
Rihisna barely dodged.
"You are my enemy," she declared. "In dreams and in reality."
"Then I will answer," Rihisna replied, his stance firm.
Their Iktas collided, energy roaring through the hall.
"Impressive," Rihisna muttered.
The king watched in satisfaction.
"At last," he said. "Show me your true power, Noriala."
She obeyed.
Fire engulfed her, aura forming a blazing sphere. The heat surged violently then collapsed.
Failure.
The king extinguished the flames with a single finger.
Noriala fell.
Rihisna rushed forward.
"MANTRALANA Healing Body."
Green light washed over her.
"You possess healing Iktas," the king observed.
When Noriala opened her eyes, she stared at Rihisna.
"Why… did you save me?"
"I do not know," he answered honestly.
"…Thank you."
The king rose.
"You have failed. Until you succeed, you will not leave this palace."
Noriala gasped.
Rihisna stepped forward calmly.
"Is there another way?"
The king considered.
"There is."
"My daughter must have a companion one who remains by her side."
Rihisna nodded slowly.
"I have an idea."