The Crimson Lotus Awakens

  The land of Aikyo had always been one of strife. The rivers carried the weight of forgotten wars, and the mountains whispered the names of fallen warriors. Zankoku, the empire of ruthless conquest, had stretched its claws deep into foreign lands, claiming dominion over kingdoms that once stood proud.

  Yet, in the heart of resistance, there was Aikyo’s royal family—a lineage of rulers and warriors who refused to kneel. At the center of it all were three heirs, bound by blood and duty:

  Satō Hime, the eldest, the tactician whose mind was sharper than the finest blade.

  Satō Hana, the middle sister, a sword mage whose skill was growing but had yet to reach its peak.

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  Satō Haruka, the youngest, a tempest of raw power and unwavering defiance.

  As royal heirs, they carried the weight of Aikyo’s survival. Their people looked to them for leadership, for protection. But war was cruel, and fate was unforgiving.

  Hana’s grip tightened around the hilt of her sword, its weight grounding her. She was strong, but not invincible. Not yet. Her power was a flickering flame, not yet the wildfire it would become.

  Hime’s voice cut through the silence. “The battle is coming. Are you ready?”

  Hana exhaled, steadying herself. “I have to be.”

  Because in war, there were no second chances.

  The Crimson Lotus was about to bloom once more.