Weeks had passed since Valen first descended into the dungeon, and already the collection of Essence Orbs was well underway. His plan was progressing, but it required patience, precision, and above all, control.
The dungeon had become a familiar place to him now, its cold stone walls and echoing corridors providing the perfect backdrop for his ruthless ambitions.
The air was always thick with the scent of blood, and the torches flickered weakly, casting long shadows on the iron-barred cells.
The Nullbind Shackles still held the prisoners in their grip, ensuring that none of them could use their mana to defend themselves. They were helpless. Perfect targets for Valen's growing power.
Today, the rhythmic hum of his sword cutting through the air reverberated through the space as he practiced his Astral Edge technique, the light of the blade gleaming as it connected with his targets.
Each slash was precise, efficient. He had long since moved beyond simple strikes. Now, his Void Cleave and Lunar Barrage techniques flowed with deadly grace.
The dummies that had once littered his training chambers were a distant memory. Real opponents—people—were what fueled his hunger for mastery now.
Each strike brought with it not only the satisfaction of honing his skill but the completion of his goal. Essence Orbs, one after another, were drawn from the corpses, each one glowing faintly with the power he needed.
Despite his successes, Valen was acutely aware of the growing risks. The dungeon was a dangerous place for more than one reason, and it wasn't just the prisoners he needed to control.
His plan relied on his three chosen servants, each one a vital piece in the puzzle. And each one could easily ruin everything if they slipped up.
Darius had taken to his role with quiet determination, managing the flow of prisoners that Valen required.
His ambition was a fire that Valen stoked carefully, promising him wealth and influence in return for his loyalty. But Darius was not the problem.
It was Selene who was beginning to crack.
In the dim light of the dungeon, Valen found her standing near one of the cells, her face pale and drawn. She had procured the first few children needed for the Prime Essence Orbs, but the strain was beginning to show.
"The children… it's too much," she whispered, her voice shaking. "I can't keep doing this."
Valen smile slow started to fade with each word he uttered "I was in a….. good mood, Selene.
She looked at him, her eyes wide with fear. "But they're so young…"
"Ahhh, conscience that's what I like about you—your, conscience" Valen said coldly. "But it's either them or you."
Selene swallowed hard, her resolve faltering under Valen's icy stare. She knew she had no choice. If she faltered, if she defied him, the consequences would be far worse than the guilt she was feeling now.
Valen softened his tone slightly, sensing her inner turmoil. "Finish the task, Selene, and you'll never have to worry about your past again. You'll have a place in the new order I'm building. But only if you follow through."
With a trembling nod, Selene turned back to her work, her mind once again focused on the grim task at hand. The Prime Essence Orbs were slow to collect, but she would deliver them. She had no other option.
Alaric, on the other hand, continued to handle the logistics of the dungeon. His job was simple: keep everything off the radar, ensure that the flow of prisoners didn't raise suspicion among the higher-ups in the family.
It was a delicate balance, one that Alaric was growing more fearful of as the weeks passed.
But fear was an excellent motivator. Valen kept Alaric close, playing on his growing paranoia with subtle reminders of what failure would bring.
"Everything is secure?" Valen asked casually one day, not even bothering to look at Alaric as he inspected one of the Essence Orbs in his hand.
Alaric swallowed nervously. "Y-Yes, my lord. No one suspects anything. The dungeon's activities remain... hidden."
"Good," Valen replied coolly. "Keep it that way, and your reward will be greater than you can imagine, otherwise…."
Alaric's face drained of color, and he quickly nodded. "I understand, my lord. I won't fail."
Valen smirked to himself as Alaric hurried away, his fear palpable. He enjoyed the control he held over his servants. But there was still much work to be done.
The Prime Essence Orbs would take time to collect, and while the process was slow, it couldn't be rushed.
Outside of the dungeon, Valen's life remained carefully orchestrated. His parents suspected nothing of his plans, and Aeliana remained blissfully unaware of the darkness growing around her.
One afternoon, as Valen practiced his Battle Arts in the estate's training grounds, Aeliana approached him, her eyes wide with excitement.
She had always been eager to learn, and Valen knew exactly how to manipulate that eagerness.
"Valen, can you teach me something today?" she asked, her voice filled with innocent curiosity. "I want to learn magic like you!"
Valen regarded her for a moment, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He would indulge her, for now. It was important that she trusted him completely.
"You are not awakened,silly" he said, shaking his head. "But soon, Aeliana. You'll have your part to play, and I promise you, it will be special."
Aeliana's face lit up at his words, her trust in him unwavering. "Really? You promise?"
"I promise," Valen replied, though the truth behind his words was far darker than she could ever imagine.
With that came evening, Valen returned to his chambers after another session in the dungeon. His plan was progressing steadily. The Essence Orbs were nearly complete, but the Prime Essence Orbs were taking longer than expected.
Patience, he reminded himself. Time was still on his side. Aeliana was only four years old, and the ritual couldn't begin until she turned six. He had two full years to gather what he needed.
The process couldn't be rushed, but he would ensure that everything was in place when the time came.
As he sat by the window, gazing out into the darkening night, Valen allowed himself a rare moment of reflection.
He could feel the weight of his ambitions pressing down on him, but he wouldn't falter. The First Great Opportunity was within his reach, and nothing—not Kael, not the world, not even fate itself—would stand in his way.
The game was his to play. And he would win.