The man, Kenith Height, looked down at the spear embedded in his chest, a stunned expression flickering across his face before he collapsed forward, crumpling to the ground with a dull thud. The man's words, so full of pride and arrogance, dissolved into nothingness, leaving only the cold silence of the fort behind him.
He wiped the blood from his spear, his eyes narrowed as he stared down at the lifeless body. A knight? The thought of serving anyone, let alone someone like this man, was laughable. He had no intention of bending the knee to anyone.
"Fool," He muttered, taking a step away from the body and looking out over the horizon. The fort was his now, but maintaining control would be another matter.
"Huff i should go back"he muttured.
...
"Back"He muttutred as he was standing infront of the sallen chamber and made his way down the stairs
Well he had left the fort just after killing the Kenneth and it took him whole 2 days to arrive back here
as he slowly made his way inside
His footsteps echoed down the empty hallways as he approached the chambers of Sallen.
Sallen stood by a table, gesturing with her hands, speaking in slow, deliberate tones. But it wasn't the sallen who caught his attention. It was Irina, sitting nearby.
Irina's hands were steady, her brow furrowed in concentration. He watched for a moment; she appeared to be learning the magic with remarkable speed, despite her blindness. Each motion was purposeful, as though her other senses were compensating for the lack of sight.
Sallen turned to see him standing at the entrance. She raised an eyebrow but said nothing, instead stepping back slightly to allow him to approach.
"Ah, back already," Sallen said, her tone calm.
He nodded, his gaze still fixed on Irina, who seemed unaware of his presence. He stepped closer, his voice low.
"She's learning fast," he remarked, watching Irina carefully as she repeated the incantation, a soft glow sparking from her fingertips before fading away.
Irina's head turned slightly, as if sensing his approach despite her blindness. She straightened her posture, and her voice, soft but respectful, filled the room.
"My lord," she said softly, her voice warm with respect.
Without waiting for further acknowledgment, she closed the distance between them and wrapped her arms around him in a soft, welcoming hug. The embrace was gentle, almost tentative, as though she were offering something more than just a simple greeting.
He stood still for a moment, surprised by the warmth of her touch, before his hands instinctively rested on her waist.
After a beat, he spoke, his voice low but steady. "How are you, Irina? Has it been a good time living here?" He looked down at her.
Irina, feeling his hands on her waist, smiled softly, though her blindfolded eyes couldn't see him. She tilted her head slightly, as though sensing the subtle change in his demeanor.
"I am well, my lord," she replied, her voice calm and composed. "Sallen has been a good teacher. And the place... it feels safe here, with you." Her words were simple.
He turned his head slightly and noticed that sallen, who was facing away from them, seemed to be studying something. she wasn't looking at them. Taking the opportunity His hands slowly moved down from waist of irina to her buttocks, feeling the soft fabric of the silk dress she was wearing. He grabbed onto the plump flesh with his hand.
As he held her tightly.
his name escaped her lips in a soft moan. He let go of her and gently placed his hands on her waist, planting a quick kiss on her neck.
"I want us to have a wonderful night together when we're alone," he whispered into her ear before letting her go.
He helped Irina to the bed gently, noticing the faint redness on her face as she sat down.
Once he was sure Irina was comfortable, he turned away and walked towards Sallen, his footsteps quiet on the stone floor.
"My Master," he called, his voice breaking the silence.
Sallen, who had been absorbed in her thoughts, turned to face him, her expression neutral but attentive. "Ah yes, what is it, my apprentice?" Her tone was calm.
He took a moment to gather his thoughts. "I need to build something greater. I'm thinking of creating my own order." He paused, looking at her closely.
Sallen studied him for a long moment, her eyes narrowing slightly. "An order... yes, I see." She glanced over at Irina, who was still sitting on the bed, lost in thought. "You intend to gather followers, then? People who will give their loyalty to you—not out of fear, but out of belief in your cause."
"Exactly," he said, his voice firm with resolve. "But I need help. I can't do this alone. You've known power longer than I have. What do you suggest?"
Sallen considered his words carefully before speaking again. "There are many ways to gather power. You could build a strong army, yes, but an army of soldiers who are motivated by loyalty is different from one that serves out of fear." She paused, then added, "You'll need to find those who will follow you out of admiration, not just obligation."
He frowned slightly. "But how do I find them? How do I bring them together?"
Sallen's lips curled into a slight smile. "You've already begun, haven't you? Irina is one of them, isn't she?" She nodded toward the bed where Irina sat, her hands folded in her lap. "She may be blind, but she sees more clearly than many who claim to have perfect sight. She has already decided to follow you. The others will come in time. Just like her, they will be drawn to you, to your vision."
Sallen continued, her voice a low murmur. "But remember, this will take time. You'll need to gather those who can offer more than just obedience. You'll need those who can inspire others to follow you, to truly believe in what you stand for."
"I understand," he said finally, his voice steady. "It will take time. But I can make it work."
Sallen smiled faintly. "I have no doubt of that. You have a presence that cannot be ignored. But be cautious, apprentice. Power attracts more than just followers. It attracts those who want to take it from you as well."
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Let's go, guys! Can we reach 100 power stones today for an extra chapter?