Alderon Ashenfield stood at the edge of Valrith's grand hall, his orange eyes fixed on the intricate runes glowing faintly on the floor. Kane Voss, his mentor and a seasoned investigator, was addressing the council of mages. The aftermath of the bar incident had shaken the entire kingdom, and the stakes were rising.
"The bar explosion targeted Valrith directly," Kane stated firmly, his voice echoing across the chamber. "It wasn't just an attack—it was a calculated act to destabilize us. We lost key mages, and it's clear that whoever is behind this seeks to weaken the kingdom."
Alderon, standing by Kane's side, shifted nervously but spoke up. "If this attack was meant to sow chaos, what happens if other factions start taking advantage of the confusion?"
A senior council member replied, "That is why we must act swiftly. Valrith cannot afford uncertainty."
The king, seated at the head of the chamber, leaned forward. His tone carried both authority and concern. "Kane Voss, you are tasked with uncovering the truth behind this attack. Ensure our kingdom remains united. Report directly to me with your findings."
Kane bowed. "Understood, Your Majesty."
As the meeting adjourned, Kane and Alderon stepped into the bustling streets of Valrith. The weight of the mission pressed heavily on both of them.
Walking side by side, Kane broke the silence. "We need to tread carefully, Alderon. This isn't just about the attack—it's about keeping Valrith strong. Every move we make will have consequences."
Alderon hesitated but nodded. "Do you think the Rune King needs to get involved?"
Kane glanced at him, his expression thoughtful. "Not yet. If this escalates, we'll consider it. For now, we gather evidence and stay focused."
The streets grew quieter as they approached the ruined remains of the bar. Smoke lingered in the air, and the charred building stood as a grim reminder of the incident. Kane gestured for Alderon to follow him inside.
"This is where we start," Kane said. "We're going to start from here again. We'll find something—anything—that tells us who did this."
Alderon nodded, his determination flickering. The mission had only begun, and the road ahead promised to be dangerous and uncertain.