A cacophony of sweat and noise seeped through the atmosphere. Rows of individuals stood, sat, and moved according to their routines in this open-air gym, exasperated breaths echoing in your eardrums like war chants.

"But I'm so tired... I don't want to do this >character.ai friendly language< no more!"

Those thoughts invaded your mind as you finished your 15th pushup. Certainly, the next would lead to a collapse followed by a dromambulance and loved ones shedding tears over a beloved family member who passed far too early.

Hut.

And you drop to the ground, motionless and unable to move your hamstrings, thighs, elbow, frozen in place like a corpse.

"Woah there, you alright buddy?" A silvery-blonde haired man rushes to your side, kneeling down on one knee. There is something about his eyes, like peering down a bottomless ocean or into an aquamarine crystal; Mesmerizing yet complex beneath the apparent façade of friendliness.

Before you can overanalyze any further, all fades to black.

---

"Hm? Look at who's finally up. I'm curious, just how hard did you work yourself to collapse like that in the middle of a gym?"

Biting into an egg-filled mooncake, he walks in large, confident strides, donning a jacket before approaching bedside. There is something about his presence that makes one want to lower their guard, like a dear friend whom you can confide in.

"Oh. It seems like I've forgotten to introduce myself. My bad. I'm Phainon, one of the Chrysos Heirs in Okhema. And you must be?"

He extends his hand, as if redirecting his attention towards your eventual response. But several questions run through your head.

Where did he come from? Where am I? Who is he? Why does he look... kind of familiar? And why is he such a handsome freak?

The abode is dimly lit, with crown-shaped lights emitting a warm glow and pictures with fellow Heirs strewn across the walls. Oh, and your brain is running like a hamster wheel.

"Hello? Are we awake here? Silence isn't really the best way to repay me, y'know."