Kayl paced the length of the council chamber, his mind racing as the impending threat of the Xavarian raid loomed larger. It had been days since the system's countdown began, and now they had only six days left. Every passing hour felt like a lead weight pressing on his chest, and there was still no word from Duran.
The town had been turned into a fortress in recent days. Rael had led the charge to complete the fortifications, reinforcing the stone walls, erecting new watchtowers, and creating layers of defense. The Shadowblades, the recently unlocked assassins, were constantly gathering information and hunting down any remnants of the spy network. Yet, despite all their efforts, Kayl felt as though they were running out of time.
The Xavarian Empire was a beast far greater than anything they had faced before. They were a military juggernaut, and if they attacked, Kayl's settlement would be hard-pressed to hold them off.
Preparations for War
Tessa entered the room, her expression grim but determined. "The archers are in place along the walls, and Rael has the militia patrolling the perimeter. But we both know it's not enough, Kayl."
Kayl stopped pacing, his jaw tight. He knew she was right. No matter how well they prepared, without Duran and the Heart of Oryn, their forces were severely outmatched.
"And still no word from Duran?" Kayl asked, though he already knew the answer.
Tessa shook her head. "None. We've sent scouts into the forest, but they've found no trace of him or his men."
Kayl exhaled sharply, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "We're running out of time. If Duran doesn't return with the Heart, we won't have a chance."
Tessa placed a hand on his shoulder, her expression softening. "We'll hold the line as long as we can. You've built something here, something worth fighting for. We won't let them take it without a fight."
Kayl met her gaze, grateful for her loyalty. "I know. But if Duran fails… if the Heart of Oryn isn't what we hope it is…"
Tessa's eyes hardened. "Then we'll stand together and make sure they pay for every inch of ground they try to take."
The Spy Network's Final Card
Later that evening, as Kayl sat at his desk, going over maps and strategies, Rael burst into the room. His face was pale, his breath short as though he had run the length of the town to reach Kayl.
"Kayl," Rael said urgently, "we've just captured another spy. This one wasn't like the others. He had a direct connection to the Xavarians."
Kayl's eyes widened. "A direct connection? How do you know?"
Rael handed him a small, sealed scroll. "He was carrying this. It's from the Xavarian Empire, addressed to their general. It's a final report on our defenses. They know everything."
Kayl's hands trembled slightly as he unsealed the scroll and read its contents. His worst fears were confirmed—the Xavarians had all the information they needed. They knew about the weak points in their walls, the numbers of their soldiers, and the gaps in their patrols. The spy network had delivered the settlement's secrets straight to their enemy.
"They'll strike soon," Rael said, his voice grim. "We may only have a few days left."
Kayl's mind raced. There was no time to lose. "We need to change everything—shift the patrols, reinforce the weakest points. We need to outthink them."
The Countdown Begins
The system chimed once again in Kayl's mind.
Quest Progress: Imminent Raid by the Xavarian Empire
Days Until Raid: 6
Six days. Kayl gripped the edge of the table, the pressure of the situation bearing down on him. They had six days to prepare for an attack that could wipe them out if they weren't ready. Six days to fortify the town, prepare the soldiers, and find a way to defend against the might of the Xavarian Empire.
And still, there was no word from Duran.
Kayl had never felt so powerless. He was the leader of this settlement, and yet the fate of everything they had built rested on forces outside his control. Duran was their last hope—and without him, Kayl feared they wouldn't survive what was coming.
But he couldn't afford to show weakness. He couldn't let his people see how afraid he was.
Taking a deep breath, Kayl turned to Rael. "Gather the others. We're going to change our entire defense strategy. We'll be ready when the Xavarians come. Whatever it takes, we'll be ready."