In a dark alley of a slum, dark buildings in terrible condition, patched together and mainly holding because of clumsy handiwork, Nailah, a woman with messy black curly hair, brown skin, and blue eyes filled with despair, her cheeks sunken because of hunger, and her face bruised, wearing a simple and dirty white shirt and skirt, greyed out by the dirt, was hugging her knees.
How did I get here?
Her dull eyes, as if plunged so deep into despair that they couldnât reflect light anymore.
Why do I even keep going?
Her eyes turned to the apple that she had just eaten. She had found it in the garbage, half-eaten.
Maybe I shouldnât have eaten that and let hunger take meâ¦
She was giving up on everything, but she couldnât help but wonderâ
What did I do wrong? How could I do things differently?
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Her mind drifted back to a time when her life was differentâbetter in Skyland, the floating jewel of the Ether Empire, hung high above the land like a throne in the sky. The grand mansions sparkled in the morning light, and among them stood the Pristine estate, one the many emblems of wealth and influence, towering in both beauty and power.
Inside its grand halls, Nailah walked with practiced grace, her every step met with subtle bows from the passing maids. She had brown skin, bright blue eyes, and curly black hair, with a few strands naturally falling over her forehead. She wore a simple yet elegant white dress, one she saved for home.
"Greetings, Amber. Danielle," she said, acknowledging them with a polite nod.
"Greetings, Mistress Nailah!" they responded in unison before hurrying on with their tasks.
Just as Nailah turned a corner, a loud crash echoed from down the hallway. Her heart sank.
Not againâ¦! she thought, quickening her pace.
She pushed open the kitchen door and stopped short. Chaos. Nailah burst into the kitchen to find chaos. Broken plates, spilled milk, and her clumsy butler, Edward, sprawled on the floor with one shoe missing. Edward was an old man in his fifties. His white hair was slicked back, and his neatly trimmed beard and mustache connected perfectly, complementing his sharp features.
"Edward! What happened? You made a mess again!" Nailah exclaimed, exasperated.
Edward scrambled to his feet, looking guilty. "I know, Mistress⦠I'm a sorry excuse for a butler. I was just trying to pour milk into a cup, and somehow this happened."
Nailah stared at the wreckage, incredulous. "All this⦠from just pouring milk? I have so many questions!"
Edward bowed his head in shame. "I'll clean it up immediately! But, Mistress, before I forget, your father wishes to see you and your brothers."
Her brows furrowed. "Do you know what it's about?"
Edward shook his head. "Iâm not sure, but he seemed quite serious."
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In the Pristine familyâs grand office, Jason Pristine sat at his massive desk, a cigar resting lazily between his fingers. He was in his late forties, with the sturdy build of a father, well-groomed white hair, and a thick mustache. Standing before him were his three children: Nailah, Tom, and Duran.
Tom was the oldest son, 21 years old. He looked like their mother, but his styleâcarefully groomed blonde hair and expensive clothesâshowed he was trying hard to look like their father, whom he deeply admired. Duran, the youngest at 16, had brown hair and a laid-back, natural haircut. He didnât care much about family matters and was more focused on enjoying his youth.
Nailah, however, looked nothing like her siblings or her parents. While everyone else in the family had fair skin, hers was brown. She had been adopted. Most aristocratic families only adopted if they couldnât have children of their own, but Nailahâs adopted family clearly could. This always made her wonder why she was chosen, but every time she asked, she received vague answers. The only conclusion she could draw was that her father had made the decision to adopt her, a choice she could tell from the way her mother treated her differently than her biological sons, while her father treated them all the same.
"Father, you wanted to see us?" Tom inquired.
"Are we getting gifts?" Duran asked excitedly.
Jason chuckled, the smoke from his cigar curling around his amused smirk. "No, Duran, this isnât about gifts. I have something far more important to discuss."
The air in the room grew heavy as Jasonâs expression turned serious. "I want to talk about the future of this family."
A chill ran through his children as they exchanged wary glances.
"As you know, our company is prestigious, but I have yet to reach my ultimate goal⦠to make it a part of Elysium. Unfortunately, time is not on my side. It is time for me to consider my successor. I will announce my choice at the Gala, one week from now."
His words sent a ripple of tension through the room.
Tom was the first to speak. "Father, have you already decided, or will this week determine your choice?"
Jason exhaled a cloud of smoke, his smirk returning. "I havenât made my final decision, but I already have a clear idea."
Nailah crossed her arms, confidence shining in her eyes. "Which means there's still time to change your mind."
Jason smiled as he answered âYes, indeed.â He liked his daughterâs confidence.
Tom shot her a glare, his anger flashing. He noticed his fatherâs smirk and hated the idea of competing against someone he considered an outsider for something he believed was his birthright.
Jason dismissed his children with a wave. âIf thatâs all, you may return to your occupations.â
Duran bolted out of the room, eager to hang with his friends at school. As soon as they left, Tom grabbed Nailah by the arm, his anger boiling over. "Wait! You madwoman! Donât tell me you still think you can take over the company! It wonât happen! First, youâre a woman. Second, youâre adopted!"
Nailahâs expression remained calm and steady though a hint of irritation could be noticed. "That doesnât matter, brother. I will take over."
Tom clenched his fists. "Weâll see about that."
With a scowl, he stormed off, while Nailah glanced at the time. Iâll be late for school.
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The prestigious academy of Skyland was full of aristocratic students, all dressed in spotless uniforms as they walked through the grand hallways. Nailah rushed down the corridor, only to be stopped by a familiar voice.
"Oh, youâre late too!"
She turned to see Kenny, a confident grin on his face despite the two noticeable lumps on his head. Nailah sighed, already knowing the answer. "Kenny⦠do I want to know what happened?"
He scratched his head, embarrassed. "Well⦠I was so absorbed in this new animated show that I forgot to go to school. My mother found me on the couch, and⦠well, you can guess the rest."
As they walked, whispers and gossip swirled around them.
"Look, itâs Kenny Bakare!"
"Didnât his family lose their noble status?"
"To think that it happened to one of the Big Three families!"
"How pathetic must one be to let that happen?"
Nailah clenched her fists, anger rising. "Hey!"
Before she could say more, Kenny placed a hand on her shoulder. "Leave them. Itâs okay. I donât care what they say."
She frowned. "They only dare to talk because Gawain does not come to our school anymore."
Kenny simply smiled. "Like I said, donât mind them. Letâs go to class."
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The teacher stood before the class, addressing the students who would soon graduate. "As I was saying before our latecomers joined us, Skylandâs nobility system is meritocratic. Nobles must continuously prove their worth by contributing to the Empireâs prosperity. Once you graduate, you must earn your place hereâ¦"
The teacher then pointed his finger toward Kenny, who was sleeping during class, and added: âOtherwise, you may share the same fate as this gentleman.â
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
The teacher then proceed to ask his class about their plans for the future. Many students wanted to take over their familyâs businesses. Others wanted to get into arts to contribute to the cultural side of the empire. The more daring students wanted to build their own companies from their families wealth. These were all answers that brought a satisfied smile to his face.
The teacherâs gaze swept the room before settling on Nailah. "What about you, Nailah? What are your plans?"
She stood tall, her voice unwavering. "I will take over the Pristine family and become the Elysian!"
The class fell silent, then erupted into laughter.
The teacher sighed. "There we go again⦠I regret asking."
"Nailah!" a student scoffed. "Do you realize what youâre saying? The Elysium Council represents only one percent of the nobility but controls thirty-eight percent of the Empireâs economy!"
Nailahâs resolve remained firm. "I couldnât care less. I will become the Elysian and live on my own terms. Only an Elysian can do that."
The class burst into laughter once more, even the teacher struggling to contain his amusement.
As Nailah was on the brink of losing control of her anger, Kenny spoke with a serious expression, clearly annoyed by the class's behavior. "Ignore them. Ambition only sounds foolish to clowns."
At that, Nailah took a deep breath, letting her anger subside. "Youâre right."
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As the bell rang, students left their classrooms. Kenny turned to Nailah. "How about we go see Gawain?"
She nodded. "Yeah, letâs go."
The Knight Academy loomed ahead, a symbol of discipline and strength. Inside, young initiates sat in focused silence as an instructor introduced two rising stars of the academy, Bors and Gawain.
"Listen up, initiates! These two are among the academyâs best. They will graduate soon and become full-fledged knights. Pay attention as they explain what it means to bear this title."
The initiates whispered excitedly. "We get to meet two of the Brilliant Six! So cool!"
One of the knights stepped forward, confidence radiating from his stance. His voice rang through the hall.
"Nice to meet you, initiates! Iâm Gawain Maysun! Letâs get this started, shall we?"
Bors stood before the gathered initiates, his voice carrying authority. "There are six Knight Ranks!"
He continued, "Bronze is the lowest rank. They are usually knights fresh out of the academy, as we will be, and newcomers in Knight Orders. Their duties often involve patrolling and guarding the Skylands."
The initiates listened attentively as he explained further. "After Bronze comes Silver. Silver Knights are the most promising young knights in an order. They often handle minor crimes."
Borsâ voice grew prouder as he spoke about the next rank. "Then comes Gold! They are mid-ranked knights but also the pinnacle of most knightsâ careers. They handle more serious cases and hold leadership roles within a Knight Order."
His explanation continued. "Then we have Platinum Knights! They are the second-highest rank within a Knight Order. They serve as captains, the second-in-command!"
He gestured to an imaginary figure. "Diamond Knights are the highest-ranking knights within an order. They are the commanders. There are only seven of them."
Finally, he spoke with reverence. "And at the very top, there is the Emerald Knight! The ultimate knight, overseeing all knights and Imperial Security. Our current Emerald Knight is Sir Beowulf!"
Bors looked around. "Any questions?"
An initiate raised their hand. "Could you tell us more about Knight Orders?"
Gawain stepped forward, his voice filled with passion. "Of course! There are as many Knight Orders as there are Diamond Knights. Each specializes in a different crime department."
Before the conversation could continue, the instructor checked his clock. "Looks like weâre out of time! Letâs end the session here!"
As the session ended, Gawain stepped off the stand, spotting two familiar figures: Kenny and Nailah.
"Hey, Mister Brilliant Six!" Nailah teased.
Kenny smirked. "Youâre quite popular now!"
Gawain groaned. "Knock it off, you two!"
Kenny turned to him. "So, which Knight Order are you going to join?"
Gawain straightened. "The Order of the White Raven!"
Nailah raised an eyebrow. "Thatâs the one that specializes in organized crimes."
"Yes! I hear crime in the Lowlands is on the rise. I want to be ready when the next Robbing Hood appears!"
Then Gawain turned to Kenny. "Speaking of Lowlands, when are you leaving?"
Kenny stretched. "Iâm headed to the station now, actually."
Both Nailah and Gawain were taken aback. "So soon?!"
Nailahâs expression darkened. "I was trying to forget about that, but itâs happening, isnât it?"
Kenny pulled them both into a hug. "Why the long faces? No matter where I am, weâre still friends, okay? I will never forget you!"
His tone became more serious. "Gawain, Iâm counting on you to become the next Emerald Knight. And you, Nailah⦠become the first woman to become an Elysian!"
Gawain smirked slightly. "Let us accompany you to the station."
But Kenny shook his head. "No, Iâd rather not be seen being stripped of my status and deported⦠Itâs not my most glorious moment."
He turned away, waving. "Goodbye, my dear friends."
Nailah and Gawain watched in silence as Kenny walked off. Sadness flickered in Nailahâs eyes. "Should we still follow him?"
Gawain exhaled. "No⦠Letâs respect his wishes."
Nailah clenched her fists, her voice firm. "Weâre waiting for you, Kenny! Work your way back here!" She meant it with all her heart, though she knew it was more of a wish than a demand. What she asked seemed almost impossible.
They watch Kenny disappear into the distance.
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Later that evening, Nailah wandered the hallways of her home, her heart heavy. She barely noticed when Jason, her adoptive father, approached.
"Whatâs wrong, my dear?" he asked, his gaze filled with concern.
Nailah sat down beside him. "Kenny has just been deported to the Lowlands."
Jason nodded grimly. "Yes, I heard about the Blues family..."
Nailahâs expression twisted in anger. "Why? Itâs so unfair!!"
Jason sighed. "Thatâs just the way the Empire works. Nobility is earned by those who contribute the most to the Empireâs prosperity. If you canât contribute enough, youâll be sent to the Lowlands with the workforce, and someone else worthier will take your place."
Nailahâs frustration grew. "How did they stop contributing to the Empireâs prosperity?"
Jason leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "You know, itâs said that the Blues Family is cursed with kindness. I believe that is what led to their demise. They sometimes let their morality get in the way of efficiency, and Taben Blues let it happen too often."
Jason placed a reassuring hand on her forearm. "I know you were friends with one of Tabenâs sons. Iâm sorry. Even though lots of people saw him as a lazy fellow, I could see the smarts in him."
A soft smile appeared on Nailahâs lips. "I know that better than anyone."
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That night, Nailah lay in her bed, staring at the ceiling. Kenny is probably already in the Lowlands... The thought weighed heavily on her mind. Eventually, exhaustion overtook her, and she drifted into sleep.
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Flashback
A younger Nailah stood nervously at the front of a classroom. The teacher placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Today, we have a new student. Introduce yourself!"
Nailah took a deep breath. "Hello, my name is Nailah. Iâm 8 years old. Nice to meet you all."
A kid in the back scoffed. "Itâs not nice to meet you. Who wants to meet a Lowlander?"
Laughter erupted around the room. Nailah shrank under the attention, her face burning with embarrassment.
The next few days were no kinder. One student poured water over her head. Another bumped into her so hard she lost her balance and fell onto someone else.
"Are you okay?" a voice asked.
She looked up to see a boy, Kenny, offering her a hand.
"Sorry..." she muttered, quickly getting up and walking away. But Kennyâs eyes followed her, a frown settling on his face as he watched the other students sneering.
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Days later, during lunch, a student knocked Nailahâs food to the floor and smirked. "Eat it, Lowlander pig!"
The chant began. "Eat it! Eat it!"
Nailah froze, her heart pounding. Then, from across the room, Kenny discreetly tied the bullyâs shoelaces together and flashed her a thumbs-up. You know what to do!
Nailah straightened up, a smirk forming. "Why donât you eat it? With that big belly of yours, I doubt youâre full."
The bully turned red. "What did you say?!"
He lunged at her, but the moment he stepped forward, he tripped, landing face-first in the food.
Kenny grinned. "Oh, I was trying to help you with your laces. Looks like I messed up. Sorry!"
Laughter rippled through the room. Furious, the bully swung at Kenny. Only for his arm to be caught mid-air.
"G...Gawain?!" The bully paled as Gawain, one of the top students, held his wrist with an iron grip.
"Leave," Gawain ordered.
The bully yanked his arm free and stormed off. "Itâs not over! Iâll get you all!"
Kenny laughed and high-fived Nailah and Gawain. "Nice teamwork!"
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After class, Kenny extended his hand to Nailah. "Iâm Kenny!"
Gawain grinned, pointing to himself. "Iâm Gawain. Nice to meet you!"
Nailah hesitated, then smiled. "Iâm Nailah. Nice to meet you too."
Gawainâs eyes widened in realization. "Youâre the girl the Pristine family adopted from the Lowlands?!"
Kenny blinked. "Oh, thatâs you?"
Without hesitation, he reached out his hand again. "Letâs be friends, Nailah!"
Gawain smirked, pointing at himself. "And if anyone bothers you again, just call me."
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Years later, the three walked side by side through the academy, laughing together. But in the distance, Kennyâs image began to fade.
"No... No!" Nailahâs voice cracked as she reached out.
Before Kenny could disappear completely, a loud ringing snapped her awake.
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One Week Later â The Gala
A grand hall buzzed with chatter. Jason stood on the stage, microphone in hand.
"Hello, everyone. I hope you all had a wonderful evening! Before the night ends, as you all know, I will be announcing my successor."
The room fell silent in anticipation. Jason took a deep breath.
"The next head of the Pristine Company shall be..."
Tom sat confidently, smirking. Nailah remained composed. Duran barely paid attention.
Jason pointed directly at someone. "Nailah Pristine!!!"
Gasps echoed throughout the room.
Tomâs eyes widened in shock, then burned with fury. Guinevereâs jaw dropped. The murmurs that spread through the room showed the strong disapproval of the crowd.
Nailah had taken the first step toward her goal.