The academy courtyard buzzed with activity as recruits and soldiers moved in perfect synchrony, sharpening their skills under the stern watch of William's elite soldiers. The Prolo' Academy had found its rhythm, a blend of discipline and purpose. What had started as a bold experiment was now a thriving force. But while the academy flourished, the outside world was spiraling further into chaos.
Lumumba stood near the academy's training grounds, observing the drills. His usual smirk was gone, replaced by a thoughtful expression. The news that Amara had brought from their sources was troubling: the Sovereign's forces weren't just lying low. They were moving, growing stronger, and destabilizing the entire region.
"We've built an army here," Lumumba said quietly, speaking to Jon, who stood next to him. "But it won't mean much if the entire region collapses before we can do anything about it. The Sovereign's playing a bigger game."
Jon crossed his arms, his brow furrowed. "You really think he's moving beyond just us? It's hard to imagine him giving up on taking over this kingdom."
Lumumba shook his head. "It's not about us anymore. This is bigger—he's not just destabilizing our kingdom. He's going after everyone. Other kingdoms are feeling the squeeze too, especially now that William controls the trade routes. The Sovereign is hitting them where it hurts, and if we don't stop him, it's all going to fall apart."
Amara approached, her face set with determination. "I've received word from our informants. Several smaller kingdoms are already on the brink of collapse. The fissures are appearing more frequently, and the Sovereign's agents are using them to destabilize their economies, just like we feared. If we don't act soon, the whole region could fall into chaos."
Lumumba let out a low sigh. "Alright, so we need to figure out where the Sovereign is striking next. We have to cut him off before he can gain any more ground."
Amara nodded. "I've been studying the fissure patterns, and there's a noticeable increase near the Western Kingdom. If we're right, the Sovereign's forces are preparing to strike there next. If they succeed, they'll have control over another key trade route, and that could give them the power to isolate us from the rest of the region."
"So that's where we go next," Lumumba said, his grin returning. "We hit them where they think they're safe. If the Western Kingdom falls, we're all screwed."
In the capital, William sat in his private study, his mind burdened by the weight of his newfound power. The nobles had accepted the existence of the academy for now, but their support was tenuous. They feared the growing influence of the commoners, and William knew that any misstep could send them into open rebellion.
But his bigger concern was the Sovereign. The reports that Lumumba and Amara had brought back were deeply troubling. If the Sovereign's forces were moving to destabilize the Western Kingdom, it could upend the fragile balance of power in the region. The Northern Kingdom's control over the trade routes had given them leverage, but if the Sovereign gained control over the fissures, that leverage could disappear.
A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. Captain Aric entered, bowing respectfully.
"Your Majesty," Aric began. "We've received word that the Sovereign's forces are gathering near the Western Kingdom's borders. If they take control of the fissures there, it could cut off our trade routes entirely."
William nodded, his expression grim. "Lumumba and his team are already preparing to head west. We need to stop the Sovereign before he gains any more ground."
"And the nobles?" Aric asked cautiously. "They're growing more restless by the day. Some are starting to question the wisdom of supporting the academy."
William clenched his fists. "Let them grumble. The academy is our best chance at building a stronger kingdom. If the Sovereign wins, it won't matter whether they like the academy or not—they'll all be at his mercy. I need you to keep the nobles in line, Aric. For now, we can't afford to be divided."
Aric bowed again. "As you command, Your Majesty."
As preparations were made for Lumumba's departure, the academy continued to function as a central hub for both military training and commerce. The nobles had grudgingly accepted the academy's growing influence, especially after seeing the benefits of the trade agreements that Amara had brokered. But tension simmered beneath the surface. The Prolo' Academy was becoming more powerful than anyone had anticipated, and some nobles whispered of betrayal, fearing that the commoners might one day rise against them.
Lumumba, however, had no time for the nobles' concerns. His focus was on the Western Kingdom and the growing threat of the Sovereign. In the days leading up to their departure, Lumumba met with Amara and Jon to finalize their plans.
"The fissures in the Western Kingdom are more frequent, but they're also more unstable," Amara explained, spreading out a map on the table before them. "The Sovereign's agents are using them to create chaos, and it's working. Their economy is already strained, and if the Sovereign's forces take full control, they'll collapse completely."
Jon studied the map, his eyes narrowing. "If the Western Kingdom falls, we lose a major trade route, and the Sovereign gains more influence over the fissures. We can't let that happen."
Lumumba crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. "We hit them fast, before they can fortify their position. If we cut off their control over the fissures, we can force them to retreat. But this isn't just about closing fissures anymore. We need to figure out how the Sovereign is controlling them in the first place."
Amara nodded. "I've been thinking the same thing. The fissures aren't natural—they're being manipulated, and I think it's tied to some kind of ancient magic. If we can uncover how the Sovereign is doing it, we might be able to stop him once and for all."
"Good," Lumumba said, his grin returning. "Then we find out what's causing the fissures, shut it down, and send the Sovereign packing. Simple enough."
Jon rolled his eyes. "You make everything sound simple until we're knee-deep in shadow creatures."
"That's what keeps it fun," Lumumba quipped, earning a chuckle from Amara.
The next morning, Lumumba, Amara, and Jon set out for the Western Kingdom, leading a small team of elite soldiers and scouts. The journey would take several days, but every moment was precious. If the Sovereign's forces succeeded in gaining control of the fissures there, the entire region could fall into chaos.
As they traveled, Lumumba's mind raced with thoughts of what lay ahead. The fissures were more than just tools of destruction—they were part of something larger. Something ancient. And if they didn't figure out how to stop them soon, the Sovereign would gain control over both worlds.
Amara rode beside him, her face set with determination. "We're getting closer to the truth, Lumumba. I can feel it. There's something about these fissures—something we're not seeing yet."
Lumumba nodded, his expression serious. "We'll figure it out. We have to."
Jon, riding just behind them, chimed in with a smirk. "Yeah, and let's not forget the other fun part of this mission—taking down whatever lunatic the Sovereign's left in charge of the Western Kingdom's mess."
Lumumba laughed, his mood lightening. "Oh, I'm looking forward to that. Let's just hope he's not another monologue-loving villain."
As they approached the borders of the Western Kingdom, the atmosphere grew tense. The once-prosperous land was now a shadow of its former self. The effects of the fissures were visible everywhere—abandoned villages, scorched fields, and people struggling to survive in the midst of chaos.
Amara's eyes darkened as she surveyed the devastation. "This is worse than I expected. If the fissures keep spreading, there won't be anything left to save."
Lumumba's jaw tightened. "Then we stop it here."