Nicolas, The Shark of the Trails: The Epic of the World of Forgotten Runes

Nicolas, dressed in his green armor, holding Soulbreaker and accompanied by his faithful Rakan, became a living legend, a warrior-king whose bravery and strength were unrivalled in the Runiverse.

Chapter 1: The Lost Roots of Cinnabar

The hills of Cinnabar were once the beating heart of a glorious civilization, renowned for its legendary blacksmiths. Nicholas' family operated one of the most esteemed forges, supplying weapons to the greatest warriors.

But beneath this flourishing trade, Nicholas carried the weight of a deep sadness: his parents had died in a mysterious event —the Gravitational Singularity of a malevolent force—leaving a void that he sought to fill with dreams of epic adventures.

Nicholas, gifted in metalworking, couldn't help but feel that each sword he forged vibrated with a mysterious energy. Far from being simple weapons, each one seemed to contain a fragment of something greater. However, his dreams were brutally interrupted when the Singularity, that evil force, tore through the skies of Cinnabar, awakening ancient monsters buried deep within the Runiverse.

Nicholas was swept up in this cosmic storm. Propelled through time and space, he awoke in a dense jungle, on the ruins of a forgotten temple, his left shoulder ablaze with pain. Lifting his sleeve, he discovered a glowing rune etched into his skin—the symbol of the ancient gods of Cinnabar. A luminous tattoo, charged with power, it would be the key to his destiny.

Chapter 2: The Mysteries of the Wizards of Esyra

After waking up alone and disoriented in the ruins of a forgotten temple, Nicolas had to fight to survive. The jungle that stretched as far as the eye could see was a hostile land, full of creatures he had never known existed. Yet he felt strangely connected to this place. Every ancient stone, every symbol carved into the temple walls, evoked echoes of his past, as if he were part of a greater plan than he had ever imagined. The rune carved into his shoulder burned erratically, pulsing like a second soul, infusing him with both strength and mystery.

As he scoured the temple grounds for sustenance, he noticed ancient symbols that were strangely familiar. They resembled carvings his father had sometimes mentioned in his stories—lost inscriptions from a mythical era when wizards and men fought side by side. Nicolas felt that these signs, like his rune, were essential to his destiny.

One morning, while exploring a clearing near the temple, he saw shadows moving silently among the trees. At first, he thought it was a hallucination, for these figures moved with an almost supernatural fluidity, their movements barely perceptible. But the closer he got, the more he could make out the outlines of human beings. Nicolas hid behind a tree stump, watching closely. The strangers wore long purple robes, with intricate gold patterns, and their faces were hidden under deep hoods. These men emanated a powerful aura, an energy that made the air around them vibrate.

Intrigued but cautious, Nicolas stayed back. However, his secret did not last long. One of the men suddenly turned his head in his direction, his eyes piercing the vegetation. With a simple gesture of his hand, he made a glow appear around Nicolas, revealing his position. Trapped, the young man came out of hiding, hands in the air, ready to defend himself if necessary.

The men approached, and one of them, older than the others, raised his hand to signal his companions not to attack. His voice rang out, deep and authoritative:

"You have nothing to fear from us, young man. We sensed your presence before you even saw us. The rune on your shoulder guided us to you."

Surprised, Nicolas instinctively stepped back. “Who are you? And what do you know about this rune?”

The old man gently removed his hood, revealing a face marked by age but illuminated by a thousand-year-old wisdom. His eyes glowed with a strange, almost mystical light. “I am Lyras, master of the Order of Esyra. We are the guardians of the forgotten secrets of the Runiverse. We have watched over this land for millennia, protecting ancient knowledge from the forces of chaos. And you, Nicolas, carry on your shoulder the symbol of the warriors of ancient times, those who fought alongside us against evil.”

Nicolas was silent for a moment, taken aback by how this man knew his name and the history of his mark. He had always felt a special connection to the rune, but he had never understood its meaning.

“You know my name… and this rune. How is that possible?” he finally asked, his eyes wide with astonishment.

Lyras exchanged a look with his companions before answering. "We have waited a long time for this day. The prophecies of our ancestors spoke of a boy who, marked by the ancient forces, would come to awaken the dormant powers of the Runiverse. This rune is not a simple mark. It is a key, a direct link to the past and the future of this world. It contains an energy capable of changing the course of events."

Intrigued and disoriented, Nicolas accepted the wizards’ invitation to join their camp, located in the heart of a hidden valley not far from the ruins. There, he discovered a vast underground complex that served as their headquarters. Libraries filled with ancient scrolls, training rooms where magic resonated in the air, and altars dedicated to ancient heroes created a landscape straight out of legends.

In the days that followed, Nicolas was introduced to the history of the Runiverse, its wars, and its forgotten heroes.

The Order of Esyra, though reduced to a handful of survivors, was the last bulwark between the living world and the forces of chaos. Each member of the order mastered an ancient form of magic, passed down from generation to generation. But what fascinated Nicolas the most was their connection to the rune.

They explained that the Singularity that had shaken the world was no mere accident. It had awakened ancient powers and unleashed forces that threatened the balance of the realms. The Four Monsters, awakened from their millennial slumber, represented the ultimate danger to the Runiverse. And Nicolas, with the rune, was the chosen one destined to confront them.

However, Nicolas could not accomplish this task alone. The wizards knew this, and so they began to train him. His apprenticeship started immediately, under the guidance of Lyras himself. The rune, which he had borne as a simple mark, became the source of his power. Every day, he learned to draw on its energy to manipulate forces he had never even suspected existed. The lessons were difficult and trying, and failures frequent, but Nicolas was determined. He was no longer just a blacksmith; he was becoming a warrior, a master of the arcane.

Sword training resumed as well, but this time with a special weapon. Lyras led him deep into the temple, where a legendary sword lay: Soulbreaker, forged in the fires of a dying star. The sword, which seemed almost alive, vibrated beneath his fingers the first time he touched it. According to ancient texts, it had the power to shatter magical wards and destroy even the most powerful creatures. The wizards of Esyra explained that this weapon had been forged for a single wielder—a warrior marked by the gods—and that Nicolas was its worthy heir.

The bond between Nicolas and Soulbreaker was instantaneous. The sword reacted to his rune, amplifying his power and creating a synergy between him and the weapon. The sword was not just a tool; it was an extension of his will, a living weapon that responded to his thoughts.

However, despite his new skills and the power of Soulbreaker, Nicolas felt that something was still missing to be ready to face the monsters that threatened the Runiverse. He needed a companion—an ally as powerful as he was, capable of helping him in the trials to come. The wizards, while wise and powerful, knew that Nicolas would need more than just magical aid to succeed.

Lyras warned him, "Power alone will not save you, Nicolas. You must find your equal, a creature as ancient and powerful as the gods themselves. A traveling companion who will be faithful to you, whose strength will complement your own."

With this revelation, Nicolas set out in search of this mysterious ally, unaware that his destiny would soon lead him to an encounter that would change the course of his existence.

Chapter 3: The Bond with Rakan

The jungle where Nicolas had been wandering for several weeks seemed to stretch endlessly, full of dangers hidden in every shadow, every tree. The ancient ruins where he had awakened were still slowly revealing their secrets, their mysterious engravings and symbols fascinating the wizards of Esyra. They had strengthened their conviction that the rune marked on Nicolas' shoulder, and the strange energy that seemed to emanate from him, were much more than a forgotten legacy of the ancients. Nicolas felt this power growing within him, but he also knew that something was still missing, an emptiness he could not explain.

During an expedition to retrieve ancient artifacts in a more remote area of the jungle, Nicolas and the wizards discovered an abandoned sanctuary, hidden beneath a curtain of dense vegetation. It was a ruined temple, decorated with imposing animal statues. One of them immediately caught Nicolas' attention: a gigantic lynx, carved with almost supernatural precision. The statue's stone eyes seemed to glow in the dim light, as if following the movements of the visitors.

One of the wizards, a scholar named Lyras, explained to Nicolas that the lynx represented a legendary creature, a protective spirit of the ancient forests. “Rakan,” he whispered, “one of the last keepers of the secrets of the spirit world. It was said that only a pure-hearted being could awaken Rakan from his eternal slumber, but that never happened.”

Nicolas felt a shiver run through him. Since his arrival in this jungle, he had constantly had the impression of being observed, a diffuse but constant sensation, like a benevolent yet distant gaze. As he approached the statue, the rune on his shoulder began to heat up, emitting a brighter glow than ever. The wizards looked at each other, troubled, but they didn’t have time to ponder further.

Without warning, a piercing scream tore through the air, followed by the ominous rustling of wings. Nicolas and the mages turned to see harpies—half-woman, half-bird creatures known for their cruelty and speed—descending on the group in a flash, their sharp talons darting toward their prey. Nicolas drew his legendary sword, Soulbreaker, and threw himself into the fray, but he was vastly outnumbered. The mages, though powerful, struggled to fend off the harpies' relentless attacks, and several were injured.

The harpies attacked with horrifying precision, their shrill cries confusing Nicolas' senses. He fought valiantly, but fatigue was beginning to set in. As a harpy swooped down on him, ready to deliver a killing blow, a powerful force shook the ground. A deep roar echoed through the jungle, cutting off the harpies' shrill cries. A huge figure emerged from the surrounding bushes, its eyes glowing with incandescent gold.

It was Rakan.

The legendary lynx, immense and majestic, appeared like a divine beast. Its fur was marbled with luminous, almost supernatural patterns, while its claws glowed with mystical energy. The harpies, panicked at the sight of this colossal creature, tried to flee, but Rakan leapt with disconcerting agility. In moments, he cut through their ranks with unnatural power and precision. His roar made the air vibrate, and the last harpies, terrified, scattered into the skies.

Nicolas, stunned, remained frozen in place, his gaze meeting that of the creature. He then realized that it was this gaze that had followed him for weeks—this invisible but benevolent presence that he had felt. Rakan approached slowly, his steps heavy yet silent, his eyes fixed on Nicolas. The young blacksmith did not move, feeling the rune on his shoulder react once again, burning more intensely.

When Rakan reached Nicolas, he sniffed softly at the scarred shoulder, where the rune glowed with an intense light. An invisible bond seemed to form between them. In that moment, Nicolas understood: Rakan was not just a legendary creature; he was a guardian, a protector bound to him by a force far greater than the magic of the wizards of Esyra.

The lynx tilted its head slightly, as if recognizing Nicolas, and the young man felt a wave of emotion wash over him. Fear, confusion, and even exhaustion evaporated, replaced by absolute certainty. This was no chance encounter. Rakan had been waiting for this moment for centuries, as if the threads of fate had inexorably drawn them together.

The wizards, who had taken refuge during the battle, watched the scene with silent reverence. Lyras stepped forward, whispering ancient words in a forgotten tongue, confirming what all had already suspected. "Rakan is the chosen companion, the guardian spirit of the heroes of old. He has recognized you, Nicolas, and now your fates are forever linked."

But before the group could celebrate this union, a final rumble echoed in the distance. The jungle was not yet calm, and other dangers lurked in the shadows. Nicolas, now flanked by his faithful companion Rakan, set off, more determined than ever. Together, they were ready to face the horrors of the Runiverse, for their bond went far beyond simple friendship. It was a mystical pact, a silent oath of loyalty, forged in the very heart of destiny.

Their first trial together was only the beginning of a series of challenges that would not only test their strength but also reveal the true nature of the power that flowed within them, and the destiny that awaited them.

Chapter 4: The Four Terrors of the Runiverse.

After leaving the Order of Esyra, Nicolas knew he had little time before the Four Monsters ravaged the entire Runiverse. But the weight of fate lay heavily on his shoulders, as each step took him further from his former life. Each potential victory seemed to open a deeper chasm. Rakan, always by his side, guided him on this march towards the unknown.

The wizards of Esyra had revealed to him that the Four Monsters were not only destructive forces but also ancient guardians, created to maintain the balance of elements in the Runiverse. However, corrupted by the evil energy from the Singularity, they were now uncontrollable, embodying rage and destruction.

1. The Fight against Ur'thrax, the Stone Dragon

The mountains of Thal'kar were known to be impassable. The icy winds that whipped the peaks hid many dangers, and few dared venture so far. Yet Nicolas and Rakan, after several days of walking, reached the highest summits. There, atop a mountain overlooking a field of ruins, sat Ur'thrax, the colossal Stone Dragon. His scales resembled moving mountains, and each beat of his wings stirred up avalanches.

But most disturbing was his gaze—two amber eyes, as old as the world itself, stared at Nicolas with an inhuman intelligence. Ur'thrax was not just a monster; he was an ancient force, aware of its own greatness.

Nicolas realized that a frontal attack would be useless. Soulbreaker was powerful, but it couldn’t break the dragon's stone scales alone. He hid with Rakan among the crevices, watching the creature, looking for a weakness. It was while watching the dragon feed on a river of magma that he noticed a fragile area under its wings, where the stone seemed cracked.

The fight began at dusk. Nicolas, armed with Soulbreaker and protected by his rune, attacked the dragon with impressive agility. But Ur'thrax did not give up easily. He crushed the ground with his colossal legs, triggering earthquakes that nearly swallowed Nicolas. But it was thanks to Rakan that the crucial opening appeared. Leaping onto the dragon's back, the lynx clawed and bit the vulnerable area under the wings, weakening the stone armor.

Nicolas seized the moment. Using the full force of his rune, he drove Soulbreaker into Ur'thrax's bare flesh, and the blade sliced through the magical armor. With a roar that echoed through the valleys, the Stone Dragon collapsed, its body slowly crumbling into a shower of glittering dust.

2. The Sea Battle against Zhel'Ka, the Sea Hydra

After the victory over Ur'thrax, Nicolas and Rakan headed to the Black Sea, where the hydra Zhel'Ka ruled. This aquatic monster, larger than a ship, was known to cause storms that destroyed everything in its path. Sailors said its appearance was an omen of certain death, for it summoned waves capable of engulfing entire fleets.

Nicolas, accompanied by a small band of brave sailors and wizards from Esyra, set sail aboard a ship enchanted with ancient runes, designed to withstand the power of Zhel'Ka. The journey was long, and the tension palpable. Every night, the sailors told legends of sea monsters, but the name of Zhel'Ka always made them shudder.

When the creature appeared one stormy night, its seven enormous heads rose from the waves like giant serpents. Each head spat poisonous water, eating away at the wood of ships and killing those who dared approach.

The fight took place amidst chaos—gigantic waves, deafening thunder, and howling winds. Nicolas, with Rakan at his side, climbed onto the deck of the ship, feeling that only the rune could protect him from this monstrous beast. Each time he cut off one of Zhel'Ka's heads, another grew back, even more terrifying. But the wizards of Esyra, from the shore, wove an ancient spell, creating a magical vortex in the depths of the sea.

Nicolas knew he had to dive. He jumped into the water, Soulbreaker in hand, and swam toward the vortex where Zhel'Ka's true heart lay, hidden beneath black coral scales. In a fierce underwater struggle, he split the creature's shell and plunged his sword into the beating heart, causing an explosion of energy that scattered the waters. Zhel'Ka, with a final roar, collapsed into the depths, swept away by the swirling oceans.

3. The Confrontation in the Bowels of Morlak, the Fire Demon

The climb to Morlak's volcano was a painful ordeal. The surrounding lands were scorched by lava, ash darkened the sky, and the air was so thick with sulfur that Nicolas had trouble breathing. But he knew time was running out. Morlak, the fire demon, was preparing a cataclysm that would wipe out not only the nearby lands but all life in the Runiverse.

Rakan, for his part, seemed strangely at ease in this environment. His fur glowed with a red aura, as if he were drawing new strength from the surrounding flames. As Nicolas climbed the slopes of the volcano, he made a strange discovery: Morlak was not alone. Lesser fire demons served this infernal master, and they tried to interrupt Nicolas' advance.

It was here that a moral dilemma presented itself. In the ruins of an ancient temple, on the edge of the crater, he found a magical artifact capable of neutralizing Morlak's powers, but at the cost of Rakan's life. Nicolas hesitated for a long time, knowing that the only way to triumph without losing his companion was to sacrifice this artifact and confront the demon directly.

The battle with Morlak was epic. The demon emerged from the flames, his skin glowing red and his breath of lava burning everything in his path. Nicolas had to avoid the jets of fire while seeking an angle of attack. Soulbreaker, resistant to heat thanks to its celestial forge, allowed him to get close enough to Morlak. Rakan, with incredible ferocity, leapt onto the demon's back, tearing at his burning flesh.

But Nicolas knew that victory would only come if he struck at the very heart of the volcano. With all the force of the rune, he plunged Soulbreaker into the molten ground, summoning an explosion of energy that locked Morlak in a prison of molten stone.

4. The Ethereal Duel with Vyrn, the Wind Monster

The last of the Four Monsters, Vyrn, awaited Nicolas in the skies. This elemental specter was elusive, a force of nature that controlled the winds and storms, wreaking havoc for millennia. Nicolas knew this fight would be different, for Vyrn was not a physical creature in the true sense. His storms could destroy entire cities, and he controlled minds, manipulating reality to lead his opponents astray.

Vyrn's battlefield was a vast desert swept by violent winds. Nicolas, unable to see beyond the gusts, quickly sensed that Vyrn was not fighting in a conventional manner. The monster was playing with his perceptions, creating illusions that brought back painful memories, awakening his childhood fears and survivor's guilt.

In this mental ordeal, it was Rakan who saved Nicolas. Through their telepathic bond, the lynx guided his master through the illusions, allowing him to remain anchored in reality.

The battle against Vyrn became a duel of wits as much as physical strength. Nicolas advanced through the swirling sands, resisting the psychological assaults that Vyrn relentlessly launched. He saw familiar faces appear in the storms—his lost parents, fallen comrades, even a younger version of himself, weak and helpless. Each apparition sought to break his resolve, to awaken doubts about his own destiny.

But Rakan, with unwavering resilience, refused to give in. The bond between them grew stronger as they delved deeper into the realm of the winds. Together, they focused on piercing through the illusions. Nicolas realized that the key to victory lay not in brute strength but in mastering his emotions, embracing his fears rather than fighting them.

It was then that a vision appeared: an ethereal vortex at the center of the storm, where Vyrn concentrated his power. Nicolas understood that Vyrn was linked to this storm, feeding on the terror of his opponents. He had to face the creature on its own ground, in this vortex where the winds were most violent.

Taking a deep breath, Nicolas whispered an ancient word, learned from the wizards of Esyra, a spell meant to strengthen the bond between him and Rakan. Feeling his companion's strength wash over him, Nicolas leapt toward the epicenter of the storm, Soulbreaker raised, his mind now clear and sharp.

As he neared the heart of the vortex, Vyrn finally appeared in his true form: a huge spectral figure of lightning and howling winds, with wings formed of swirling black clouds. The specter spread its wings in a deafening shriek, attempting to overwhelm Nicolas in a whirlwind of fear.

But Nicolas, protected by the rune and supported by Rakan, dove straight into the storm. Soulbreaker, forged to destroy magical wards, sliced through the air with divine precision. He aimed for the center of Vyrn’s essence, a sphere of pure energy at the heart of the wraith. With a lightning strike, he severed this source of power, scattering the wind and illusions in a blinding explosion of light.

With a final cry of rage, Vyrn dissipated into thin air, his storms suddenly calming, and the desert fell silent once again. The wind monster had been defeated, and Nicolas, exhausted but victorious, fell to his knees, realizing that this victory marked the end of a long quest, but also of an inner journey that had transformed him.

As Nicolas and Rakan caught their breath, silence enveloped them. The world seemed to be in balance again, the chaotic forces dissipated. However, Nicolas knew that this peace would be temporary. The Four Monsters were only the beginning of a larger conflict, a war against the darkness that was eating away at the Runiverse. But he felt ready. His bond with Rakan had grown stronger through the trials, and his destiny as a Shark of the Paths was brighter than ever.

Their victory over the elemental terrors was not only a liberation for the Runiverse, but also for themselves. The peoples of the devastated lands began to rebuild, and songs of praise for Nicolas and his faithful companion echoed across the realms. But the question remained: where did this evil energy come from that had corrupted the monsters, and what forces still lurked in the shadows of the Runiverse?

Nicolas' quest was not over, but one thing was certain: he would never face it alone again.

Chapter 5: The Betrayal Revealed and the Birth of a King.

Having defeated the Four Monsters of the Runiverse—Ur'thrax, Zhel'Ka, Morlak, and Vyrn—Nicolas was hailed throughout the lands as the long-awaited savior. Every kingdom, every people, saw in him not just a warrior, but the embodiment of a living legend, a figure who united the disparate souls of the Runiverse. The rune on his shoulder now glowed constantly, a symbol of his triumph and his fulfilled destiny.

But the price of victory was heavy. The battles had left deep scars on the young hero. The weight of responsibility was beginning to weigh heavily on his shoulders. Rakan, his feline companion, could sense his master's exhaustion, and even the legendary sword Soulbreaker, which had once seemed so light, was becoming a burden.

The kingdoms that had once been isolated, divided by ancient rivalries and invisible borders, began to come together. A convocation was issued in the city of Khar'nil, the oldest and greatest metropolis of the Runiverse, a center where all cultures, knowledge, and legends converged. The leaders of each region—mages, warriors, and diplomats—gathered to celebrate Nicolas and discuss the future of the Runiverse. This gathering was not only a celebration of the newfound peace but also a crucial moment to decide the destinies of the kingdoms.

As Nicolas entered the majestic halls of Khar'nil, a great assembly awaited him. The walls were adorned with golden frescoes depicting his victories, and songs glorifying his exploits filled the air. The Shark of the Paths, as he was now known, was invited to stand on a marble dais before a waiting crowd. Each of the rulers, lords, and wizards present bowed their heads in respect, acknowledging that this blacksmith-turned-warrior was the one who had saved their world from chaos.

Yet amidst the euphoria and cheers, a shadow lingered. Nicolas couldn't shake a growing unease. His rune pulsed faintly, almost like a warning. He couldn't understand why this feeling haunted him during these hours of triumph.

It was at this moment that the peoples of the Runiverse, united for the first time in centuries, made a historic decision: they proposed that Nicolas become their king. The sovereigns, too divided and weakened to govern in this new era, bowed before him, begging him to take on this role.

“You, Nicolas, son of Cinnabar, Shark of the Paths, you who braved the monsters of darkness and freed our lands, you are the only one worthy of leading us into a future of peace and prosperity,” declared one of the lords.

Nicolas, though surprised by the offer, felt the gravity of the situation. He knew that the fragile unity formed after his victories could collapse without strong leadership. However, he hesitated. His heart still belonged to the trails, to the battles, and to adventure. Becoming king meant giving up that freedom, that nomadic life he had embraced with such passion.

As Nicolas considered this decision, low murmurs spread through the lords and nobles present. Not all agreed with the proposition. One man, in particular, emerged from the shadows: Darekk Solyn, ruler of Feldora, a cold and austere land once renowned for its military might and wealth. Darekk, a massive warrior with a battle-worn face, had remained silent during the negotiations, watching the proceedings with calculating coldness.

To everyone's surprise, Darekk stepped forward and spoke:

"Why should we crown this man as king? He may be a hero, but a king... a king must be more than a warrior. Power is not won simply with a sword or by fighting monsters. Nicolas is nothing more than an orphan, a blacksmith. The crown should be worn by a rightful ruler, one of noble blood."

His words cast an icy chill over the room. Eyes turned to him, then to Nicolas, who was clenching his fists under the table. The challenge was on.

Darekk continued, "Royal blood runs through my veins, and the crown is mine. Those who follow Nicolas are nothing but opportunists seeking to glorify a man who has no legitimacy. We don't even know where his power comes from. Perhaps he is just a pawn of the dark forces he claims to have defeated!"

At that moment, a cold wind blew through the room, and Rakan, still at Nicolas's side, straightened up, growling lowly. The creature's eyes flickered, and Nicolas felt anger rising within him. But he held back, knowing he could not allow himself to be drawn into a public confrontation. Yet Darekk's words could not be ignored. Nicolas sensed that something deeper was brewing in the shadows.

As the crowd's murmurs grew louder, Lyras, the master of Esyra's wizards, stepped forward. His face was calm but penetrating as he looked at Darekk with a stern gaze.

"The power that Nicolas wields is no accident, nor a gift stolen from the dark," he said, his voice cutting through the murmurs. "He bears the rune of the ancients, the same rune as those who, millennia ago, defended this world against the forces of chaos. It is this mark that gives him legitimacy, far more than any noble blood."

Despite Lyras' intervention, Nicolas understood that the threat did not come solely from Darekk's words. He remembered the warnings the wizards had given him, and his intuition told him that a betrayal was brewing far beyond this simple verbal challenge.

Later that evening, as the festivities continued, Nicolas slipped away with Lyras into the dark halls of the palace. There, the old wizard revealed what he had feared all along: Darekk had made a pact with the forces that had once given birth to the Four Monsters. His ambition was not only to take the crown but to once again unleash the darkness to rule a world plunged into chaos. A group of corrupt nobles and generals had secretly allied themselves with him.

This plot was about to unfold at the coronation. If Nicolas accepted the crown, he would unknowingly sign his own death warrant, and the Runiverse would fall back into darkness.

On the day of the coronation, everything seemed to be going according to plan. Nicolas, clad in green armor adorned with the symbols of the united kingdoms, stood on the dais. Rakan, imposing and majestic, stood guard at his side. Darekk, smiling in the shadows, waited for the moment to strike.

But Nicolas was not defenseless. Armed with Lyras's information, he had prepared a plan. As the crown rose above his head, a dull thud echoed through the halls. Flashes of magical light illuminated the palace doors. Esyra's wizards, working with loyal troops, intercepted Darekk and his accomplices before they could act.

In an instant, a battle erupted in the throne room. Nicolas drew Soulbreaker, and Rakan leapt forward, his claws glowing with the light of the rune. Darekk, revealing his true nature, unleashed the dark magic he had acquired through his pact. The fight between them was fierce, mixing steel and sorcery. But Nicolas, fueled by the power of his rune and the wisdom he had learned from the wizards, finally defeated Darekk, breaking his power and revealing to all the treachery that had nearly plunged the Runiverse into a new era of terror.

The victory over Darekk marked Nicolas' true rise—not as a mere warrior, but as a king. Not by blood, but by merit and loyalty.

Crowned king of Khar'nil, the legendary city of the Runiverse, Nicolas ruled with justice and wisdom. Yet, despite this era of peace, a shadow remained. Legends spoke of a new evil, a power hidden in the stars. The Runiverse, though saved for now, remained vulnerable.

Thus ended the epic tale of Nicolas, the Shark of the Paths, etched in the stars as the greatest hero of the Runiverse. But his story was only the beginning of an even greater legend.

to be continued

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