Xel'Varyn stood atop the highest tower of Shadowveil, her three arms crossed as she gazed upon the land now under her rule. The ruins to the east, once desecrated by the Black Maw Cult, now pulsed with her influence.
A notification echoed in her mind.
---
[System Update: Shadowveil's Growth]
"A dynasty is not built in a day, but in the blood and ambition of its ruler."
Newly Claimed Territory: Eastern Ruins
Population Increase: +430 (Displaced refugees, ex-mercenaries, and defectors)
Military Growth: +250 Recruits (Undergoing training)
Infrastructure: Basic housing & fortifications initiated
Influence Increase: Recognized by minor factions
Hostile Attention: A neighboring warlord has taken notice
---
Xel'Varyn exhaled slowly. The influx of new people was both a boon and a risk. Not all would be loyal.
A dynasty needed foundations—true warriors, true followers.
She turned to Edric, her most trusted commander. "We begin the first trials."
He nodded, eyes glinting. "Shall I prepare the arena, Matron?"
She smiled. "Yes."
The Trial of Shadows would begin.
---
The Trials Begin
Two days later, the underground arena beneath Shadowveil was filled with the sounds of steel and Qi-infused battle.
The new recruits—ex-mercenaries, refugees, even former bandits—had come seeking a place in her growing dynasty.
But not all would be worthy.
---
[Trial of Shadows: First Phase]
"Prove yourself in combat, or be cast aside."
Total Participants: 250
Survival Requirement: Last five rounds or force your opponent to surrender
Elimination Rate: 60%
Rewards: The victors will be official Shadowveil warriors, receiving direct training under Xel'Varyn's commanders.
---
Xel'Varyn watched from above, her golden eyes flickering with calculation as fighters clashed below.
A young woman wielding dual daggers cut through an opponent's defenses, delivering a swift, efficient kill.
A hulking brute with a warhammer smashed an armored fighter aside but left himself open for a precise spear thrust to the ribs.
Blood splattered. Screams echoed.
This was not just a test of strength. It was a test of instinct, will, and ruthlessness.
---
System Update: Traits Absorbed
"Through battle, she evolves."
Traits Gained from Watching the Trials:
"Battlefield Sovereign" (Enhances command presence, making allies more effective in combat.)
"Predator's Instinct" (Allows Xel'Varyn to sense weak points in both enemies and potential recruits.)
---
She leaned forward slightly, watching one particular fight unfold.
A young cultivator with silver hair moved with eerie precision, his strikes laced with shadow techniques unlike anything Xel'Varyn had seen before.
Her eyes narrowed.
"Who is he?" she asked.
Edric checked his notes. "His name is Veyron. A rogue cultivator. No known allegiance."
A rogue, was he?
Her fingers tapped against the throne-like chair.
"Have him brought to me when the trials end."
---
A New Ally, or a Future Threat?
As night fell over Shadowveil, Veyron knelt before Xel'Varyn in her private chamber.
His silver hair was damp with sweat, his dark robes torn from battle, yet his posture was firm.
"You fought well," she said, standing from her seat.
"I fight to survive," he responded, his gaze unreadable.
She took a step forward, circling him like a predator assessing prey.
"I could kill you," she mused.
He did not flinch. "You could."
A smirk tugged at her lips. Interesting.
"Swear loyalty to me, and you will not only survive—you will thrive."
A pause. Then, he met her gaze.
"If you betray me?"
Her golden eyes gleamed. "Then you will see what death truly looks like."
A beat of silence.
Then, Veyron knelt once more, pressing a fist to his chest. "Then I pledge myself to you, Matron of Shadows."
The System reacted immediately.
---
[New Follower Acquired: Veyron]
Loyalty: Stable (73%)
Combat Rank: Advanced Qi Master
Abilities:
Shadow Veil Technique (Allows him to vanish into darkness at will.)
Phantom Strikes (Each strike leaves an afterimage, making him difficult to predict in battle.)
Potential: High
Hidden Traits: ???
---
Xel'Varyn smiled. "Good. Let us begin."
---
New Paths Unfold
As dawn broke over Shadowveil, Xel'Varyn stood at the gates, overlooking her growing army, her expanding domain, her rising dynasty.
The world would soon take notice.
And when they did?
She would not be a mere ruler.
She would be a legend.
To be continued…