Upon receiving Valon's decree, Tristan, Matthias, Nathaniel, and Grace each reacted differently.

…

Tristan was sitting in his study, calculating the advantages and disadvantages of his recent expedition to the Ashen Coast.

While his performance hadn't been particularly outstanding, he had still fared considerably better than Matthias and Nathaniel. Yet even this modest edge clearly wouldn't change his circumstances.

Suddenly, Milton burst through the door with urgent news.

"Your Highness, I just received word from the palace that His Majesty's condition has worsened. His time is running out. He's issued a special decree—whichever royal family member can journey to Elysium Isle and return with the elixir of immortality will be named heir to the throne."

"Heir to the throne?"

Tristan perked up at once. However, his excitement quickly gave way to concern.

He'd heard tales of Elysium Isle, but only as legend. Whether such a place actually existed in the Eastern Sea or whether any