The capital of Death had become a fortress under King Roman's iron-fisted control. After a year of calculated moves, strategic victories, and the steady influx of soldiers from the system, the city was entirely under his grasp. Roman's council influence had grown tremendously, with more than half the members now allied with him, either through loyalty or fear. However, his plans extended far beyond the surface. What the council and even his closest advisors didn't know was that Roman had begun laying the foundation for a shadow organization—a force that would operate in secrecy, ensuring his absolute control over the kingdom from the shadows.
One evening, Roman sat in his private chamber, poring over reports. Luke entered, bowing deeply before addressing his king. "Your Majesty, the capital is firmly under your control. The council is in disarray, and the nobles have lost much of their sway. What are your next orders?"
Roman leaned back in his chair, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Luke, the surface may appear calm, but there are always dangers lurking in the shadows. To truly consolidate power, one must control both the light and the darkness."
Luke furrowed his brow. "The light and the darkness, my king?"
Roman nodded but offered no further explanation. Instead, he gave a dismissive wave. "Focus on your current duties. I have my plans, and when the time comes, everything will fall into place."
Luke hesitated for a moment before bowing again. "As you command, Your Majesty." He left the room, unaware of the deeper machinations already in motion.
In absolute secrecy, Roman had been diverting system-generated soldiers to an organization known only to him—the Black Scourge. These soldiers, bound by unwavering loyalty to the king through the system, operated under strict orders. Roman personally selected the most skilled among them, including two two-star Aura Swordsmen and three one-star Aura Swordsmen, to form the initial core of the Black Scourge. Their mission was simple yet profound: to eliminate threats, gather intelligence, and maintain control over the capital's underbelly without anyone knowing of their existence.
Roman met with the selected soldiers in an underground chamber beneath the palace, a place accessible only to him. The room was dimly lit, with maps, documents, and weapons spread across a central table. The soldiers stood at attention, their faces unreadable but their loyalty absolute.
"From this moment forward," Roman began, his voice low and commanding, "you are no longer part of the visible forces of this kingdom. You will operate in the shadows, unseen and unknown, even to my closest advisors. Your mission is to ensure that no threat—internal or external—escapes my grasp. You will answer only to me."
The soldiers saluted in unison, their expressions resolute. Roman's eyes swept over them, his mind already envisioning the expansion of this organization. "You will recruit new members from the system soldiers who arrive daily. Build this force quietly. By the end of three months, I want the Black Scourge to number 1,000 men. Now go, and remember: secrecy is your greatest weapon."
Over the next three months, the Black Scourge grew steadily. Every day, Roman diverted a portion of the 100 new system-generated soldiers to the organization. By the end of the first month, the Black Scourge numbered 300 men, including two additional one-star Aura Swordsmen promoted for their exceptional skill and loyalty. The second month saw this number rise to 700, with another two-star Aura Swordsman joining the ranks. By the third month, the Black Scourge reached its target strength of 1,000, including:
3 two-star Aura Swordsmen
15 one-star Aura Swordsmen
These soldiers operated in complete secrecy, dismantling criminal networks, eliminating potential threats, and gathering intelligence across the capital. Roman ensured that their operations were untraceable, their existence known only to him. Even Luke, his most trusted advisor, had no knowledge of the Black Scourge.
One evening, as Roman sat on his balcony overlooking the city, he allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. The capital was under his control, both in the light and in the shadows. The nobles, once a formidable opposition, were now mere pawns in his game. Yet, Roman knew that his work was far from over.
The neighboring countries, particularly Belfort, remained a constant threat. Roman had received reports that Belfort had annexed two towns and a small area near Death's borders during the kingdom's previous instability. This humiliation could not stand. But Roman was a patient man. He would deal with external threats only after securing absolute control internally.
As Roman pondered his next move, there was a knock at the door. "Enter," he called.
Luke stepped in, his expression serious. "Your Majesty, I have received word that Belfort is increasing its military presence near our borders. It seems they are preparing for something."
Roman nodded, his expression unreadable. "Let them prepare. When the time comes, we will show them the true strength of this kingdom. For now, focus on maintaining order in the capital."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Luke said, bowing deeply before leaving the room.
In the following weeks, Roman intensified his preparations. The Black Scourge began conducting covert operations near the borders, gathering intelligence on Belfort's movements. Meanwhile, the regular army underwent rigorous training, bolstered by the system's soldiers. By now, Roman's forces included:
5 two-star Aura Swordsmen
20 one-star Aura Swordsmen
Roman's power had grown to such an extent that he felt a sense of security for the first time since ascending the throne. The capital was firmly under his control, both in the light and in the shadows. The council, once a battleground of conflicting interests, now largely followed his lead. The nobles, though still a potential threat, were too fractured and intimidated to pose any real danger.
One night, Roman stood in the underground chamber where the Black Scourge had been born. The soldiers stood before him, their faces obscured by dark cloaks. Roman addressed them, his voice calm but firm.
"You are the unseen blade, the silent guardians of this kingdom. While others see only the surface, you control the depths. Remember, your loyalty is to me and me alone. Together, we will ensure that this kingdom not only survives but thrives."
The soldiers saluted in unison, their movements precise and synchronized. Roman felt a surge of pride and determination. The Black Scourge was his ultimate weapon, a force that would ensure his rule remained unchallenged.
As he left the chamber, Roman allowed himself a rare smile. The capital was his, and soon, the entire kingdom would follow. The threats from neighboring countries, the schemes of the nobles, the uncertainties of the future—none of it mattered. Roman was ready, and with the Black Scourge at his command, he would reshape the Kingdom of Death into a force to be reckoned with.