With the Ashen Mines secured, Shadowveil now possessed the iron necessary to forge an army unlike any seen before. The foundries roared to life, molten steel flowing into molds as blacksmiths worked tirelessly, shaping weapons and armor for the warriors who would carry Xel'Varyn's will across the land.
But weapons alone did not make an empire.
Loyalty, discipline, and power—those would shape the true warriors of Shadowveil.
Standing atop the war-torn battlements, Xel'Varyn's golden eyes burned with determination. She turned to Edwin, Durn, and Elya, her most trusted lieutenants.
"We will not be just another warband. We will be an army that strikes fear into the hearts of all who stand against us."
She raised her hand.
The System pulsed.
[System Update: Bloodforged Legion Established]
"An army is not forged in peace but in war and blood."
New Elite Unit Created: Bloodforged Legion
Total Soldiers: 300 Elites (More to be trained.)Armor: Black Iron Warplate (Infused with Qi for enhanced durability.)Weapons: Bloodsteel Blades (Forged with a trace of Qi, capable of cutting through reinforced armor.)Combat Style: Shadowveil War Doctrine (A mix of overwhelming force and precision strikes.)
New Structure Completed:
Shadowveil War Academy (Trains future generals, strategists, and Qi warriors.)
New Titles Gained:
Warlord of the Bloodforged (Your warriors gain increased morale in battle.)Master of Steel and Shadow (Weapons forged under your command are deadlier than conventional arms.)Forging an Army
The first recruits of the Bloodforged Legion stood before her—former mercenaries, bandits, and displaced warriors who had chosen loyalty to Shadowveil over death.
Xel'Varyn walked through their ranks, her three arms crossed as she inspected them with cold precision. Some stood tall, eager for battle. Others hesitated, uncertain of the path before them.
She paused before a trembling recruit, a young woman barely past twenty winters. Fear filled her eyes.
Xel'Varyn leaned down, her voice soft but deadly.
"You fear battle?"
The woman swallowed hard but nodded.
Xel'Varyn smiled, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Good. Fear is the first lesson. Learn to control it, or let it consume you."
Then, with a flick of her blade, she cut through the air before the woman's face, so close that strands of hair fluttered to the ground.
"In my army, hesitation gets you killed. Will you stand, or will you fall?"
The recruit straightened, clenching her fists.
"I will stand, Warlord."
Xel'Varyn smirked. "Then prove it."
The training of the Bloodforged Legion had begun.
A New Threat Rises
As Shadowveil grew in power, so too did the whispers of opposition.
A scout rushed into the war hall, bowing before Xel'Varyn. "My Warlord, we have intercepted a message."
He handed her a parchment, the royal seal broken and smeared with blood.
Xel'Varyn's gaze darkened as she read the message.
[Royal Decree from the King's Court]
"The upstart warlord known as Xel'Varyn has defied the rightful rule of the kingdom. Any lord, noble, or mercenary who brings her head shall be granted land, wealth, and titles befitting their station. She is to be eradicated without mercy."
King's Bounty on Xel'Varyn: 500 Gold Bars (A fortune beyond measure.)Lords and Mercenary Guilds Mobilizing Against Shadowveil.
Xel'Varyn exhaled slowly, a dark smile playing on her lips.
"The King fears me."
Durn growled. "This will bring every would-be hero and fortune seeker straight to our gates."
Elya smirked. "Then let them come."
Xel'Varyn folded the parchment and tossed it into the fire.
"We have trained for this. Let them think us the hunted."
Her golden eyes flashed with ruthless hunger.
"They will learn soon enough—we are the predators."