The throne room of the Sun Palace fell silent, the weight of Emperor Ar'den Gel Sol'aris's presence commanding every breath. His ethereal voice, resonant with divine authority, addressed Baines. "I was saddened to hear you missed the tournament, but striking a blow against our enemies is an ample apology."
Nods rippled through the court, ministers and sun-ranked nobles affirming the emperor's words.
"I grant you One Sun, effective immediately," he declared, his gaze shifting to an aide. "Recommend him to the Red Sun."
The Red Sun, the empire's elite force, led by an Imperial Commander, was a name that sparked awe.
Whispers stirred, but a group of red-and-gold-clad eunuchs stepped forward, prostrating themselves. "Your Highness, forgive us lowly ones, but the Red Sun requires mastery of both aura and mana. Jin is renowned only for his aura."
