Three months had elapsed since Lucius set his elaborate plan into motion for Clavis. Lucius's arcane manuscripts, containing formidable spells and incantations, were now part of the castle secret library, their presence a silent yet powerful testament to the changes sweeping through Clavis.
The city's fringes saw the dark consequences of Lucius's endeavors. Into the dungeon pit, just outside the city, the notorious Frank bandit group and two other factions had been confined. Along with them, many citizens—wrongfully blamed for the inexplicable vanishings of other residents—were cast into the pit's depths.
Despite these conquests, Lucius's path was not without sacrifice. Clavis's already weak military force dwindled, casualties of the relentless confrontations and power plays.
While Lucius pondered over the pieces of his intricate chessboard, Erastin approached, announcing, "My Lord, the five towers you envisioned have been constructed."
Lucius's interest piqued. "Prepare the carriage," he ordered. With fifty guards and five captains in tow, they journeyed to the first tower. This structure, about 20 meters high and made of sturdy stone, was unlike any grand or menacing edifice. Instead, it bore a functional appearance, riddled with holes throughout and a distinct pedestal at the top. Protective walls encased the tower, emphasizing its importance.
Erastin, always one step ahead, revealed a cache of arcane crystals. Lucius, with a commanding voice, chanted in an ancient dialect. The crystals responded, swirling, and then coming together to form five larger, radiant ones. Runes, meticulously etched onto each, seemed to pulse, attracting ambient magical energies.
Holding one of the larger crystals, Lucius said, "This is the nucleus of our endeavor." Placing it on the pedestal, an intricate machinery swallowed it into the tower. The resultant magical draw was evident as energies flowed, converging and crystalizing in the tower's hollows.
Erastin inquired, "What of the other towers, my lord?"
Lucius responded, "Each tower will have a similar core. Ensure guards patrol these installations. Prepare for extraction; these towers will be Clavis's arcane mines."
With a nod, Erastin affirmed, "Your command shall be executed."
As the sun retreated, casting long shadows over Clavis, these towers stood as beacons of city's impending transformation.