The eastern horizon was ablaze with the orange glow of a fading sun as Marcus, greatsword in hand, led the elite Veridan troops into the battlefield. His face was etched with determination, the weight of command heavy on his shoulders. The Drevyn forces had regrouped, their morale bolstered by the Dark Commander's relentless presence. The elite Veridan troops, though bolstered by Lukas's Ether Surge Pills, still faced a formidable enemy.
But for now, Marcus had only his sword. As a Level 9 Ether Awakening cultivator, he had not yet reached the level where elemental manipulation was within his grasp. His strength lay in the raw power of his body, the greatsword in his hands, and the tactical mind that had served him well in countless battles. The enemy was pushing forward again, their dark banners flapping in the cold wind.
"Hold the line!" Marcus roared, his voice carrying over the clamor of war. The Veridan troops, hardened by weeks of battle, formed a tight phalanx, shields locking together to repel the Drevyn charge.
Despite their efforts, the Drevyn forces were relentless. Marcus knew they couldn't hold forever. His mind briefly flicked to Lukas—he was counting on his nephew to turn the tide. Lukas was the key to their victory, not just because of his growing strength but because of the intelligence and strategy that had always set him apart.
---
Meanwhile, Back in the Capital
In the dim light of his study, Lukas sat in contemplation. The system, now more active than ever, displayed a detailed map of the capital and its political landscape. The prime minister, the advisor—everyone's movements were mapped out, along with their influence over the court. Lukas had learned a valuable lesson: strength alone would not win this war. He needed to master the political battlefield just as much as the one at the eastern frontier.
The system pinged again.
[New Objective: Master Elemental Control]
[Wind Element Unlocked: Basic Mastery]
[Lightening Element Unlocked: Basic Mastery]
[Fire Element Unlocked: Basic Mastery]
Lukas narrowed his eyes as the system displayed a list of elements he had access to now that he was at Level 1 of Essence Formation. The path ahead was complex, but the system had outlined a clear method for Lukas to unlock each element over time. The first element it suggested was Wind—a swift, elusive power that would complement his fighting style and strategic mind.
[Wind Element Unlocked: Basic Mastery. Begin training with Wind Ether Infusion to enhance movement and agility.]
Lukas stood and, without a word, moved to the courtyard behind the estate. His connection to the Wind element was faint at first, but as the system guided him through the process, he began to feel the lightness in his steps, the subtle breeze that followed his every move. His body felt faster, more fluid as if the very air around him was bending to his will.
But even as he practiced, his mind was on the rumors spreading through the capital like wildfire. Word had reached him—whispers that he had fled the battlefield in disgrace, abandoning his troops. It was all orchestrated by the prime minister and the advisor, of course, but the rumors had taken on a life of their own.
He knew that the court was growing restless, and he could only imagine what Aurelia was facing. Her name had always commanded respect, but even she couldn't silence every whisper.
---
At the Royal Court
Aurelia stood tall amidst the gathering of nobles, her piercing gaze sweeping across the room. The prime minister's words had sown doubt in the hearts of the court, and the advisor's schemes were working. They were trying to dismantle Lukas's reputation piece by piece, and the vultures in the court were circling.
"Lukas fled the battlefield," one noble murmured, his voice laced with disdain.
"The Veridan household is not what it used to be," said another, his voice dripping with false sympathy.
Aurelia's eyes flashed. "Lies!" she snapped, silencing the room. "Anyone who spreads these rumors is a coward themselves—too afraid to stand against our enemies, too quick to hide behind falsehoods."
Lord Greston, always eager to stir the pot, smiled lazily. "And yet, Lady Aurelia, where is Lord Lukas now? We've seen no sign of him since the battle began."
"Lukas is preparing for the next phase of this war," Aurelia shot back, her voice steady and unyielding. "While you sit here playing your little games, he is doing what needs to be done to secure our future. You would do well to remember that."
But even as she spoke, Aurelia knew she was running out of time. The rumors were spreading too quickly, and soon, even her words wouldn't be enough to silence them. Lukas needed to return to the battlefield—soon.
---
Lukas returned to his chambers, his mind racing with the next steps. He needed to strike back—not just at the Drevyn forces, but at the very core of the court's corruption. The prime minister and the advisor were undermining everything he had worked for, and now, with the rumors spreading unchecked, they had the upper hand.
"Zane," Lukas called as his retainer entered the room. Zane's newly forged growth-type short sword hung at his side, the beast's core humming with latent power.
"Yes?" Zane responded, his eyes sharp with anticipation.
"We need to hit them where it hurts," Lukas said. "The prime minister's network, the advisor's influence—it all needs to be exposed. But more than that, we need to make sure the nobles know that running this kingdom without the Veridan household isn't an option."
Zane grinned. "What's the plan?"
Lukas activated the system, the interface glowing before him. The network of spies that had been quietly building was now fully functional, thanks to the Intelligence Expansion Node. Every move made by the prime minister and the advisor was being tracked.
"We'll expose their schemes, but we'll do it smart," Lukas said. "First, we let them think they've won. Then, when they're at their most vulnerable, we strike."
"And the war?" Zane asked.
"Marcus is holding the line," Lukas replied, his confidence growing. "We'll return to the frontier soon. But before we do, I need to forge a weapon that can stand up to the Dark Commander. The materials we gathered are just the beginning."