Vespera Royal Capital, Daskoro.
It was a black metropolis built atop the ruins of the old era.
Towering concrete buildings stood connected to one another, the streets broad and straight. Heavy machinery, cables, pipelines, and steel towers scattered throughout the city together maintained the last remnants of the old era in this world.
At the very center of the city, a pitch-black building silently overlooked the entire royal capital.
That was the palace belonging to the Black Spirit King—the Silent Court.
There were no servants within the court, because its master had no need for attendants.
A throne forged from black steel stood atop a raised platform, with a figure sitting quietly upon it.
That was the "Black Spirit King," Nexarion.
His body was wrapped in a broad black cloak, his hands resting flat on either armrest. A silver-white helmet covered his forehead and eyes, revealing only the lower half of his pale face.
"Tap... tap... tap..."
Footsteps echoed from the distant corridor. The steel doors at the end of the palace slowly opened, and a tall figure in a dark red robe strode inside.
The man had dark skin and wore heavy armor over his shoulders. Hanging from his chest was a rusted holy emblem made of broken gears and an inverted triangle.
He was Vespera's supreme military commander and the high priest of the Feirotus Cult—"Exodus," Bennett du Paris.
He stopped below the throne, dropped to one knee, and pressed his right fist against his chest.
"Your Majesty."
The Black Spirit King did not move.
Exodus lowered his head and continued, "We found 'him.'"
"The faithful have brought word. 'Another you' has appeared in the Nevada wilderness..."
The silent figure on the throne finally raised his head slightly.
"Bring him to me."
The Black Spirit King gave the