Somewhere in a garden, two ladies were sitting and chatting over a cup of tea.

  "Do you think she will tell 'them' about it?" asked the lady in a blue dress.

  "Let's just hope she does, before 'they' find out," replied the other lady with a sigh.

  A Brief Description

  There exists an entirely new planet, unknown to any living creature or mankind. On this planet lie powerful elements, creatures, and beasts. As magical and beautiful as it sounds, it has secrets to hide. This planet, trillions of light-years away from the other planets in our galaxy, is known as LUNARETH. It is an axis gateway connecting all other planets, allowing travel across the universe, galaxies, planets, and even the multiverse.

  LUNARETH consists of five kingdoms. Four of them are based on the four main elements known to mankind: EARTH, FIRE, WIND, and AIR. These elements govern life throughout the planet. The fifth kingdom, based on a legendary element ICE, lies far from the others. Many people—even in the human realm—believe this fifth kingdom and its element exist only in imagination, the myths of ancient civilizations.

  Legends say that once every millennium, a being of incredible power capable of mass destruction is born. In ancient times, people believed this being was the guardian of all elements and powers spread throughout the universe and multiverse. It is said that the being itself chooses the owners of various powers recognized by mankind. This being serves as a key, connecting the human realm with other planets. Though many dismiss it as fantasy, the truth is that the being has long lived among humans, watching over them and protecting them through the ages.

  Present Time

  Pale City (part of the country Black Expanse). Two boys were investigating the remnants of an old building.

  Person 1: "What do you think could have happened here?"

  Person 2: "I’m not sure, but I heard rumors that in ancient times this place was actually the palace of a guardian. The people who lived here hated the guardian, and one day, they did something unforgivable. The guardian became furious and is said to have killed everyone and destroyed this place."

  Person 1: "You mean some kind of folktale? Don’t be absurd."

  Person 2: "No, I’m serious. Before coming here, I researched this place and even spoke to the local villagers."

  Person 1: "Well, if you say so…"

  Ashrnborn Empire Courtroom

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  (The Ashrnborn Empire is one of the four elemental empires, headed by FIRE.)

  "Didn’t I ask you all never to let this magical beast out? What if a human saw it, huh? Would you take responsibility?" said a young man dressed in jewels and fine silk—clearly royalty.

  "We are sorry, Your Royal Highness. We had no idea your beast had escaped through the magical portal to the human realm. I assure you, it won’t happen again," one by one cried the attendants, asking forgiveness.

  "Oh, come on. It’s not a big deal—it’s not like the beast could escape the palace’s protective barrier," said a middle-aged man as he entered the court.

  "But dad…" said the young man.

  "Don’t be such a baby," the man chuckled. "You aren’t exactly responsible yourself. Remember the times you used your power in the mortal realm?"

  "No, I know. But I restrain myself and hide my powers when I use them. Anyhow, the case of the beast is different. It doesn’t know how to control its powers easily," said the young man with a grace and presence that commanded respect.

  "Like I said, it’s fine. It didn’t escape now, did it? Anyway, you’re already late. Remember, we were supposed to attend the business gala for your sister. For now, you are all dismissed. Make sure this incident never happens again. Am I clear?" His voice echoed through the hall like thunder.

  "Yes, Your Majesty!" came the cries, as everyone bowed deeply to both the young man and his father, whose calm authority was still deeply respected.

  Meanwhile, Far Across Lunareth…

  In a conference room, cold beads of sweat and a tense aura filled the air. Just then, a lady entered, dressed in luxurious clothing. Her heels clicked like a gavel of judgment, exuding a royal and stern aura. With her entrance, everyone held their breath.

  "Hm… you may sit," she said, motioning them down. No one dared to disobey.

  "I am aware that this deal could be beneficial for your company. Why don’t your employees start the presentation?" she said, glancing at a middle-aged man who looked tense.

  "S-sure, ma’am. Lia, dear, why don’t you go first?" the man said to a young lady in her mid-twenties. Nervous yet determined, Lia stood and walked to the presentation board.

  After an hour…

  "Well, I must say, Lia, your presentation was amazing—much better than I expected," said the lady, rising and facing the two.

  "The pleasure is ours, ma’am," Lia said, facing her politely.

  "So, what do you think about finalizing our deal?" the middle-aged man asked, a hint of nervousness in his voice.

  "The presentation is promising, so the deal will be finalized. Lia, please send me the overall report by tonight. Can I count on you?"

  "Certainly, ma’am. It will be an honor," Lia said. "Right, Dad?"

  "Indeed, dear," said Mr. Jones, ruffling her hair. Lia giggled.

  "So you’re a father-daughter duo? That’s sweet. It’s rare nowadays for children to help their parents in business," the lady said, her sharp eyes softening slightly.

  "Well, I was blessed with both a daughter and a son, and they are both workaholics like me," Mr. Jones replied with a smile.

  "Oh! So you have a son too?"

  "Yes. My daughter helps me in business, and my son works abroad as a lawyer. He’s busy and rarely visits."

  "I see. Ma’am, may I ask you a personal question?" Lia inquired.

  "Yes," the lady nodded.

  "I’ve heard many rumors about you being ruthless in business. Our company is something my father and I dreamed of. Through our talent and ideas, we gained people’s trust and rose to fame. You could have rejected this deal knowing all the false rumors from our rivals. So… why work with us?"

  "You want to know why I agreed to meet and listen to your pitch," the lady said. Lia nodded. "Because I don’t believe in all those stupid rumors. I believe in the skill, talent, experience, and personality a person shows—not the gossip."

  To be continued…