Kaiserland's Hidden Fire
Section 1: The Introduction to Kaiserland The surf thundered against the rugged cliffs of Kaiserland, its salty spray mingling with the sweet scent of wild orchids that stubbornly grew in the crevices. Kaiserland rose from the misty sea like an ancient guardian, its silhouette marked by golden domes and red pagodas that shimmered in the last light of the setting sun. Taro, a street performer with a scruffy beard and a quick tongue, skillfully balanced a burning torch on his palm while captivating his audience with a story. "Listen well!" he called out, tossing the torch high into the air. "Today, I will tell you the truth about our homeland—and about the fire that grows in the shadows!" The crowd in the marketplace laughed. But some of the listeners, cloaked in simple hoods, remained silent. Their eyes flashed briefly before they slowly retreated into the alleys. The resistance lived—hidden beneath the surface. The capital was a mosaic of contrasting worlds: The magnificent buildings testified to past riches, but their walls bore the scars of past battles. Merchants touted their goods—fragrant spices, shimmering fabrics, and artifacts from distant lands—but behind their cheerful voices lay an underlying nervousness. Kaiserland was no longer the center of power it once was. The navy had wrapped its iron hands around the island, its ships blockading the ports, and its taxes had driven even the wealthiest merchants into poverty. At the edge of the market stood Enji, a young naval officer with a pristine uniform coat and a frown that never seemed to disappear. He watched Taro with suspicion. "That man is hiding something," he muttered, jotting a note in his book. Suddenly, a commotion broke out. A boy ran through the crowd, an apple in his hand, pursued by an angry merchant. Enji moved, his grip tight on the saber at his hip. But before he could intervene, someone stopped the boy with a swift hand movement—a boy with dark, wild hair and eyes that burned with fire. "You should hide better if you're going to steal," said the boy, handing the apple back, his voice fearless. Enji stared at him, his eyes narrowing. "Who are you?" A faint drumming echoed through the alleys—a signal from the resistance. The boy gave a slight smile before disappearing into the shadows. His name was Androsch, and his appearance was the first spark of a revolution that would shake Kaiserland and the world.
