Lukas stood in the training grounds, his gaze sharp as he watched his men go through the latest drills. Darian barked orders, guiding the soldiers with precision and efficiency. The once scattered and poorly coordinated guards were now a formidable unit, their movements precise and synchronized. It wasn't just about brute strength anymore; Lukas had instilled discipline and strategy in them, honing their skills for the battles to come.
But today, Lukas's mind was elsewhere. His investigation into Lord Davron had revealed just how deep the advisor's influence ran, and the time to strike was now.
Zane approached, his expression serious. "Selena sent word. They've confirmed it. Davron is scheduled to meet with the emperor's advisor tonight, under the guise of a private dinner."
Lukas nodded, his jaw tight. "Good. That means we can move. This is our chance to hit him where it hurts."
"Are you planning to disrupt the meeting?" Zane asked, leaning in slightly.
"No," Lukas replied, his voice measured. "We're not ready to strike openly. We'll do more damage by weakening his political position. If we can make him look unreliable or incompetent in the eyes of the emperor, it'll weaken the advisor's influence too."
Zane grinned. "I like it. Subtle, but effective."
Lukas turned his attention back to the men. "We'll need to move carefully. Aurelia's family holds some sway with the nobility. If she can stir doubts about Davron quietly, we'll have a chance to undermine him without revealing our hand."
As if on cue, Aurelia stepped into the training grounds, her presence commanding as always. She approached Lukas, her gaze steady. "You're planning something," she said, her tone matter-of-fact.
Lukas nodded, a slight smile playing at the corners of his lips. "You know me too well."
Aurelia crossed her arms. "Davron?"
"Yes," Lukas confirmed. "He's meeting with the advisor tonight. We need to plant the seed of doubt before he can strengthen his ties with the court."
Aurelia considered this for a moment, then nodded. "My family still holds influence. I'll speak with some of the nobles who aren't fully aligned with the advisor. If we can make Davron's position seem shaky, they'll start questioning his loyalty."
Lukas glanced at her, appreciating her readiness to act. "We need to be careful. The advisor is playing a dangerous game, and Davron's just one piece. If we move too quickly, they'll know we're coming."
Aurelia smirked. "I'll be subtle. But don't expect me to sit back if things go wrong."
Lukas chuckled. "I wouldn't dream of it."
---
As evening fell, Lukas and his team moved into the shadows of the city, Selena's network already in motion. Lord Davron's estate was well-guarded, but not impenetrable. Lukas had no intention of confronting Davron directly—tonight was about gaining leverage and gathering information.
Zane led the way, his movements silent as they approached the estate's rear. The guards patrolled the perimeter, unaware of the approaching danger.
"Selena's men have already distracted most of the guards," Zane whispered. "We have a narrow window."
Lukas activated his Spectral Cloak, feeling the Ether weave around him, rendering him nearly invisible to the untrained eye. Zane and two of Lukas's elite guards, Darian included, followed closely behind, moving like shadows themselves.
They slipped past the outer defenses, entering the estate's gardens where the meeting was set to take place. Through the windows, Lukas could see Davron seated at the head of a large table, engaged in conversation with a figure cloaked in shadows—no doubt the advisor's messenger.
Lukas accessed the system, quickly scanning the individuals inside.
---
[System Scan: Subject Details]
- Name: Lord Tarven Davron
- Level: 4 (Ether Awakening)
- Affiliation: Noble House Davron, Political Ally of the Advisor
- Name: Zareth Mora (The Messenger)
- Level: 5 (Ether Awakening)
- Affiliation: Trusted Agent of the Advisor
---
Lukas's eyes narrowed as he focused on Zareth Mora, the advisor's messenger. A powerful ally, with cultivation rivaling Lukas's own. But the strength of his cultivation wasn't the real threat—it was the information Zareth carried.
Lukas nodded to Zane, who understood the silent order. The goal wasn't confrontation tonight. It was information. Zane and Darian moved to the side of the estate, searching for documents or anything that might provide leverage over Davron.
Meanwhile, Lukas observed the exchange between Davron and Zareth. The conversation was too muffled to make out, but Lukas could feel the tension in the room. Whatever plans they were discussing, it was critical to the advisor's agenda.
---
Back at the estate, hours later, Lukas and his team returned with what they needed. Zane had managed to acquire several documents from Davron's personal quarters, including correspondence that tied him directly to several questionable financial dealings. It wasn't the smoking gun Lukas had hoped for, but it was enough to plant doubt.
"This should do the trick," Lukas said, scanning through the documents. "We can spread rumors of Davron's involvement in these shady deals. Once the other nobles catch wind of it, his position will start to crumble."
Zane grinned. "And if the advisor loses faith in him…"
Lukas nodded. "She'll be forced to move him aside. And in the process, we'll get closer to uncovering her next move."
---
The following day, Lukas was in his estate, the tension in the air thick as he prepared his next move. He gathered Zane, Darian, and his core group of elite soldiers. The mission was simple—plant the information, watch the dominoes fall, and be ready for the fallout.
As Lukas briefed the men, Aurelia arrived, her posture firm but curious. "I heard you're making moves against Davron."
Lukas didn't flinch. "We are. He's involved in something much bigger, and if we don't act now, we'll lose our chance."
Aurelia crossed her arms. "I'm coming with you."
Lukas gave her a long look. He hadn't intended on involving her directly, but he knew Aurelia wasn't one to stand on the sidelines. "You don't have to—"
"I want to," she interrupted, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Lukas exhaled slowly, then nodded. "Fine. But we move carefully."
That night, the operation began. Lukas's men slipped through the shadows, quietly placing the damning ledgers in the hands of a neutral noble, one who had no love for Davron. As they moved, Lukas kept the system's interface open, his eyes on the Ether points he had gained through his strategic actions.
[System Status]
Ether Points: 1,450
Progress to Level 6: 85%
They returned to the estate, and Lukas knew it was only a matter of time before the ledgers reached the right ears.
The next morning, chaos erupted in the court. Lord Davron's reputation was shattered, the documents exposing his illicit dealings spreading through the noble ranks like wildfire. The emperor's advisor tried to distance herself, but her involvement was too deep, and the court was soon divided between those who supported Davron and those who wanted him gone.
Lukas stood in his chambers, watching the flames of political warfare burn from a distance. "It's begun," he said to Zane. "Davron's fall is only the beginning."
Zane smirked. "And you're ready for what comes next?"
Lukas's eyes narrowed, his mind already planning the next strike. "I always am."