Guardians of the North: A Year of Transformation
The Prosperity of the North
For a year, Li Ran and the Darkmoon Dragon Princess thrived in the North, solidifying their reputation as the Guardians of the North.
Their past victories—the eradication of the Ice Wolf ambushes and the legendary slaying of the Frost-Dragon—secured their place in the hearts of the people.
Two major projects spearheaded by Li Ran propelled the region into an era of growth:
Urban Development and Economic Prosperity – With knowledge from Earth, Li Ran implemented improved agricultural techniques, ensuring stable food supplies.
The introduction of potatoes as a staple, championed by the ever-charismatic Nina, dramatically reduced food scarcity and made survival in the harsh North much easier. This, in turn, allowed resources to be invested into building fortified defenses and infrastructure.
The Evolution of Warfare – Recognizing the ongoing threats from bandits and monsters, Li Ran revolutionized Northern military strategy.
With the establishment of alchemical and forging workshops, the quality of arms and armor skyrocketed. The development of magic cannons and fortified strongholds turned the North into a nearly impenetrable fortress.
Trained, disciplined soldiers equipped with superior weaponry ensured that any would-be invaders, be they beast or bandit, were swiftly crushed.
The North flourished, no longer a land of exile or struggle, but a beacon of strength and security.
Mounting Tension in Carosso
However, outside the North, dark clouds gathered over Carosso. Reports from Li Ran's noble allies painted a grim picture.
King Alpharius Valenstein, once a symbol of wisdom and strength, now lay gravely ill. While officially, the crown prince and the council of ministers oversaw governance, in reality, one man pulled the strings—SiKong Jing, the so-called military genius.
Over the past year, SiKong Jing had carefully manipulated the royal court, earning the trust of the young prince while systematically eliminating or silencing those who opposed him. He controlled the army, dictated policy, and planted rumors that Li Ran's rapid rise in the North was part of a larger scheme to challenge the throne.
SiKong Jing's paranoia grew as Li Ran's name spread. The prosperity of the North, the unwavering loyalty of its people, and the military strength developing under Li Ran's leadership were all perceived as threats. If left unchecked, Li Ran could soon hold enough power to disrupt his grasp on Carosso.
The Military Council: Deciding the Future
Late into the night, within the Northern Fortress, Li Ran convened a military council. Gathered around the table were the highest-ranking officials of the North—adventurer leaders, military generals, influential noble supporters, and, of course, the Darkmoon Dragon Princess.
Li Ran tapped a finger against the intelligence reports laid out before him.
"The King is dying," he said grimly. "SiKong Jing has seized control of Carosso, and he will not tolerate our independence much longer."
General Dorian Blackridge, a former commander who defected to the North after seeing the corruption in the capital, let out a bitter chuckle. "He sees us as a threat. He'll find an excuse to march his army here sooner or later."
Nina, now an influential figure among the people, crossed her arms. "And what do the nobles say? The ones who pledged loyalty to you?"
Darkmoon Dragon Princess leaned forward, her crimson eyes flashing with insight. "They are divided. Some still hope for the Prince to resist SiKong Jing, while others are too afraid to act. We cannot count on them."
A heavy silence fell over the room. Everyone knew what came next.
Then, a knock on the door. A soldier entered, presenting a sealed decree from Carosso.
Li Ran broke the wax seal and read the scroll aloud:
"By decree of Crown Prince Edric Valenstein, Lord Li Ran is ordered to disband his military, relinquish control of the Northern forces, and return to Carosso for questioning regarding unauthorized military expansion."
The room erupted into murmurs. Everyone knew this decree was SiKong Jing's doing.
Darkmoon Dragon Princess stood, her voice ice-cold. "If you comply, we lose everything. The North will fall into his hands, and the people who believe in us will be betrayed."
Li Ran exhaled, setting the scroll down. "Then we do not comply."
A grin spread across General Blackridge's face. "Then what's the plan?"
Li Ran met his gaze, unwavering. "We fortify the North. We strengthen our alliances. And we wait." He turned to his trusted inner circle. "SiKong Jing thrives in court politics. He wins by controlling others. But if he wishes to bring war to the North—"
He smiled grimly. "—then he'll find the North ready for him."
The Decision to Protect the North
A vote was not necessary. Every person in the room knew their path forward.
"We stand by the people of the North," Nina declared.
"We prepare our armies," General Blackridge added.
Darkmoon Dragon Princess stepped closer to Li Ran, her voice barely above a whisper. "And I will stand with you—no matter what."
Li Ran turned his gaze to the flickering candlelight. The kingdom was on the verge of a storm, but in the North, they had something Carosso had long lost: unity.
If war came, the North would be ready.