The kingdom of Cælora, now enriched by the new alliances, was in a period of transition. The old territories were reorganized, resources redistributed, and the rules of the realm adapted to the new realities imposed by the archangels, dragons, and other allies who arrived.
This new order is perceptible in every corner of the kingdom with profound changes.
Volmeryn, in the palace hall, was observing the activity in progress. The kingdom was larger than ever, and its borders were expanding at lightning speed, thanks to the combined power of its new allies.
Dragons brought unparalleled brute strength, while archangels and other creatures brought new authority. The foundations of the kingdom were becoming more and more solidified every day.
The kingdom was in full effervescence, but a concern persisted in his mind. He turned his gaze to Michael who was standing close to him.
Volmeryn (calmly): «You see everything that's going on here, Michael...Hmmm... All this belongs to those who dare to dream. But even dreams can be shattered. »
Michael: «You underestimate the power of our empire. The faith of the archangels is firmer than ever. We will make sure that Cælora stands up against all storms. »
Volmeryn: «And you think that faith alone will suffice? This kingdom is not built on the light of the archangels alone, Michael. We have other forces at our service. Much more... primordial forces. »
Michael: «Primordial forces, you mean dragons, demons, elves, humans, vampires? HMPH. What if one of these forces rebels against your dream? What if the ambition of some ends up crushing this kingdom you are trying to build? »
Volmeryn: «You seem to doubt the loyalty of my allies. But tell me, Michael, are you the one who cares about the balance of this kingdom, or the darkness that lurks deep in your soul? CRRR. »
Michael clenched his fists, «I just doubt the all-consuming ambition that guides even the noblest of us. You created Cælora from the ashes of the ancient realms, but every stone you set is a new opportunity for your allies to have more power. It's a path full of conquests, Volmeryn, and one day, victory may not be enough. »
There was a heavy silence between them. Volmeryn, on the other hand, did not move but his gaze became more serious.
«You're forgetting one thing, Michael... Victory is only a means, not an end. True power is the power that allows us to bend the world to our will. And you would do well not to forget it, especially in the moments when you think the balance is fragile. »
Michael knew that Volmeryn wasn't just talking about political power, but about something much older and dangerous.
«I don't doubt your power, Volmeryn, but it's always good to remember that even the mightiest of kings can fall. Do not forget that, even among your allies, some silently dream of this throne. »
Volmeryn (smiled slowly): «And who among my allies would dare to defy my will?»
Michael smiled back, «Only time will tell us.»
At the same time, elsewhere in the kingdom, Lysandros was walking back and forth between the shores of the sacred lake where he oversaw the construction of new magical facilities.
Around him, the workers, who were mainly magicians specializing in the manipulation of the elements, were busy building new magical facilities.
He observed every detail with meticulousness. Buildings under construction were slowly rising. GRRMMM.
The foundations of white stones composed of ancient energy. aligned perfectly with the regenerating water flows he directed.
The lake, which was calm at first, was beginning to shudder. PLASH. PLASH. Its waters rose in small, orderly waves. These water currents, which he modeled with precision, were transformed into invisible energy channels that circulated underground to supply the new structures.
«The project is progressing well, Lysandros,» said a voice behind Lysandros. He turned his head and saw Vaelith, a water mage and her former student approaching.
Lysandros (calm voice) :Vaelith HMMMM... The foundations are solid, but there is still much to be done. The magic of water is capricious, and we can't afford any loopholes.»
Vaelith : «I heard rumors in court. Rumors of a new threat looming over the kingdom. Do you think this has something to do with the changes in the magical currents?»
Lysandros remained silent for a moment focusing on the flows beneath the surface of the water and then finally answered.
Lysandros: «What we are building here is essential for the survival of Cælora. But... It is true that the energies that circulate under the surface seem to be disturbed lately. There are fluctuations, dissonances in the flow of energy that even my skills cannot fully stabilize. It's as if... something more powerful disturbed the balance.»
CRAC. A group of mages appeared before them, each carrying scrolls and luminous crystals in their hands.
«Lord Lysandros,»one of them talk respectfully. «We have completed the first stages of the energy channels. However, we found something strange when an old tunnel under the lake was opened. There are... an ancient inscription, engraved in the walls. It seems to indicate a kind of... seal.»
BOOM! All of a sudden a cry resounded in the distance. One of the mages suddenly collapsed with his body shaking.
Lysandros was quickly moving towards the origin of the noise. TAP. TAP. TAP. Vaelith wanted to join him, but Lysandros held her back with a firm gesture.
"Stay here, I'll take care of that."
He rushed towards the fallen mage. WOOSH. Lysandros was obsessed with one thought: it was not a simple disturbance. Something new was happening beneath the surface of this realm.
The magical facilities around the lake, built to stabilize the kingdom's energy, may have been just the mask of a much older and deeper evil.
A few miles away, in the volcanic mountains of Cælora, Arelon and the archangel Gabriel stood atop a stone fortress, where there was intense heat coming from the forges. The Forge of Cælora, built on an ancient crater, was an industrial place, a fusion of magic and metal where artifacts of unimaginable power took shape. Fwoosh! Bursts of fire crackled everywhere.