The Forbidden Element

The sun cast a golden hue over the Kingdom of Dakshina, its light shimmering on the endless ocean that surrounded the land. The salty breeze carried the distant roar of waves crashing against the cliffs, mixing with the chatter of the bustling markets below.

Though Dakshina was the weakest of the Seven Kingdoms, it was renowned for its vast ocean routes, exotic spices, and skilled sailors. Its people were resilient, their spirits unwavering. But in a world where power determined fate, resilience alone was not enough.

Perched atop the royal palace's marble balcony, Prince Surya Raj gazed at the vast horizon. His amber eyes, sharp yet distant, reflected his thoughts. His jet-black hair, untamed by the ocean breeze, danced with the wind.

Beside him lay a wooden training sword, its handle worn from years of relentless use.

"Why was I born powerless?"

A familiar voice snapped him from his thoughts.

"Your Highness, skipping training again?"

Surya turned to see Saria, his childhood friend and one of the most talented young sorceresses in the kingdom. Her sapphire-colored hair, tied into a loose braid, shimmered under the morning sun, and her deep blue eyes held a mix of amusement and exasperation.

"I was thinking," Surya replied.

Saria raised an eyebrow. "Thinking? More like daydreaming about some grand adventure while Master Virat sharpens his staff, waiting to knock some sense into you."

Surya sighed. "You really know how to ruin a moment, don't you?"

Before Saria could respond, another voice chimed in, this one laced with playful arrogance.

"If you're going to skip training, at least make it worth it."

Turning, Surya saw Rohan, his best friend and greatest rival. His crimson hair, wild like a flickering flame, caught the sunlight, contrasting against his jet-black eyes, always burning with a competitive glint. Small flames danced around his fingertips as he smirked.

"How about a duel? Or are you too scared?" Rohan taunted.

Surya grinned. "You know I never back down."

Saria sighed. "You two never stop, do you?"

With that, the trio made their way to the Royal Training Grounds, unaware that their peaceful days in Dakshina were numbered.

The training grounds stretched wide, surrounded by stone walls. The air smelled of sweat and dirt as warriors clashed, their weapons ringing with each strike.

At the center stood Master Virat, a seasoned warrior with a commanding presence. His grizzled beard and piercing dark eyes spoke of countless battles. In his hands, he held a long wooden staff, tapping it against the ground impatiently.

"Late again," Virat muttered, his gaze locking onto Surya. "Still moving at your own pace, I see."

Before Surya could respond, Virat tossed a wooden practice sword at him.

"No warm-ups today," Virat declared. "You're fighting me."

Surya stiffened. "Wait, what? That's not fair!"

Virat smirked. "Life isn't fair, boy. Defend yourself."

Without warning, Virat lunged. His staff blurred through the air, aiming for Surya's ribs.

Surya barely managed to block, the impact sending vibrations up his arms. But before he could recover, Virat swept his leg under him, knocking him to the ground.

"Too slow." Virat stepped back. "Again."

Saria and Rohan watched intently as Surya gritted his teeth and pushed himself up. His amber eyes burned with determination. He had no elemental power, but he wouldn't let that stop him.

For the next hour, he faced an onslaught of relentless attacks. Virat was merciless but precise, teaching through pain and repetition. Surya learned the importance of footwork, patience, and waiting for the right moment to strike.

As the sun reached its peak, he collapsed to his knees, panting. Sweat dripped from his forehead, his muscles ached, but for the first time, a small spark of understanding settled in his heart.

Virat studied him before giving a slight nod. "You're improving. But until you awaken your power, you're still just a boy with a sword."

Surya clenched his fists. He wanted to be more than that.

Far beyond Dakshina, deep within the capital of the 1st Kingdom, Vajra Empire, a council of war convened. Seven figures stood around a massive stone table, their eyes locked on an ancient scroll.

A hooded figure read the words aloud.

"The prophecy is moving forward."

Another voice, low and filled with menace, replied.

"The prince of Dakshina has survived."

A third figure, wrapped in dark robes, leaned forward.

"Then we must act before it's too late."

The room fell silent. Then, a single order was given.

"Eliminate Surya Raj. Erase Dakshina from the map."

As the sun set over the peaceful kingdom, dark forces began to move, setting the stage for a night that would change history forever.

End of Chapter 1