As night approached, Sophia and Andrew returned to Crimzo's house. By the time they arrived, the others had already gathered and were talking quietly by the fire. Crimzo, as expected, was the first to welcome them with his usual smile, and then they joined them.
The next morning, they all rode off towards their new base. The base was vast, surrounded by high wooden walls that were reinforced with metal and barbed wire. Inside, rows of barracks extended along the pathways, and training grounds filled the open spaces. In the other part, a large medical tent was filled with supplies to treat injured soldiers.
Soldiers were on the move, some carrying crates of supplies, while others examined the horses in the stables.
As they entered the gates, a familiar sense of duty overwhelmed them. It was time to get back to work. But this time, they were in charge. They were no longer soldiers or military officers, but commanders.
After arriving, they took some time to settle into their rooms, tidy up and prepare for the days ahead. Each was given a personal office, signifying their new responsibilities. However, there was no time to rest. It was soon announced that all soldiers and officers were to assemble in the main square.
Yuri stood at the front, his sharp gaze scanning the rows of soldiers. He spoke first, his words firm and resolute, setting the stage for what was to come. Then Roy stepped forward as he addressed the assembled soldiers, his voice was sharp and serious.
"This place will break you and shape you, and if you survive it, you will be stronger than ever. War may be near. When the time comes, I don't want hesitation - I want soldiers who are ready and willing to sacrifice themselves for our empire and for their friends. So, if you're not ready to sacrifice everything, leave now..." Then he continued...
After finishing his speech, everyone raised their hands to their heads in salute, shouting, "Yes, sir."
The following days were filled with non-stop training. Everyone in the team had their roles, and no time was wasted.
Roy trained the soldiers in close combat, forcing them to improve their reflexes and stamina. Andrew focused on sword techniques and battlefield coordination, ensuring their unit was able to function as a single force. As their best archer, Crimzo led the new recruits, teaching them accuracy and positioning. Lauren trained in stealth and mobility, teaching the others how to navigate hidden terrain and track without being tracked.
Meanwhile, Sophia took charge of medical training. Injuries were inevitable, and if soldiers couldn't treat their wounds quickly, they wouldn't live long. She taught them to memorize pressure points, bandaging techniques, and methods for slowing bleeding.
Yuri was the one who supervised everything. His presence alone commanded respect. He didn't talk much, but when he did, his words carried weight. He corrected mistakes with a single glance, pushing them to their limits without hesitation.
Every day was exhausting, but no one complained. They were no longer training just for themselves; they were training to form the strongest battalion.
MEANWHILE IN THE DRAYTON EMPIRE...
-kevin
Candles and torches lit the halls of the palace, and it was the early hours of dawn. A request came from my father that he wanted to see me early. It was not unexpected - I knew he had spent the last few days in meetings with his ministers, planning his next move.
I entered the throne room, and my father sat in his chair, surrounded by his closest advisors. His face was grim, full of frustration. His grip on the armrest was tense. He was angry. He waved his hand for everyone to leave. I stayed with him alone.
He said "Sit, Kevin.", his voice grew colder.
I obeyed, taking the seat beside him.
"We've been discussing our next move, the war with Devotion will happen, but there are some preparations we need to make." my father began, tapping his fingers on the table. "Now, first of all, all the spies among us from Devotion must be removed."
I remained silent, waiting for him to continue.
He looked at me, his look sharp. "Tell me, Kevin... How did they know?"
Actually, yes, I already knew what that meant.
How did the Devotion Empire know that your sister was going to meet with Ingocia? I have no doubt that there are traitors among us. Spies" His voice grew colder.
My father continued, "Before we take any other action, we must eliminate them. We can't afford another weakness. And I will send some spies there too; the real game has started now." He straightened, his face darkening. "As for your sister... She will stay here until this is resolved."
I held back my anger.
"I've already sent a message to Ingocia," he added. "I told them we have... internal issues that we need to fix." He exhaled deeply; his fingers clenched. "We already look pathetic."
For him, image was everything. Strength was everything.
I kept my face neutral. "I understand, Father."
He looked at me for a long time before he spoke again, his tone softening.
"You're doing well, Kevin. One day, you're going to replace me, and when that time comes, you need to know how to handle these things without hesitation."
I nodded. "I won't disappoint you." I spoke the words, but in my heart, I knew the truth. I would never be like him.
I left the throne room, my steps steady and silent. My mind raced. I couldn't let this continue.
War was coming, but it wasn't Devotion or Ingocia who would destroy Drayton. It was our father.
I had to act now!
Without hesitation, I made my way through the halls of the palace, sticking to the less crowded corridors.
When I reached Lily's room, I knocked gently. "It's me."
For a moment, nothing. Then the door opened. Her blue eyes met mine, tired. From lack of sleep, I guess. Then she stepped aside and let me in.
"What's wrong?" she asked in a quiet voice.
I wasted no time. "The war is coming with Devotion but his planning to eliminate the spies before. He's postponing your meeting with Ingocia, not because he's changed his mind, but to ensure there are no outstanding issues."
Lily's expression shifted. She already knew what that meant. But she felt a little relieved.
She sat up slowly, her hands clasped together. "So, I'll stay here."
"For now," I confirmed. "But it won't be long."
She exhaled hesitantly and looked away.
"We don't have much time, Lily." I took a step forward, lowering my voice. "We have to stop him."
She raised her eyes towards me, a mixture of fear and disbelief. "Stop him? How?"
I said in a serious tone. "We must remove him from the throne."
Lily breathed deeply, but she didn't say no right away. She knew it was the best decision. "And how exactly are you planning to do this. It's impossible."
"If we don't," I continued, "he'll hunt down every spy and innocent, and once he's done, he'll use you to merge Ingocia with us. And when that happens, he won't hesitate, he'll attack Devotion."
I saw the fear in her eyes. "I just hope he dies..."
I'm not surprised she said it. He never treated her like his daughter. I've always had these thoughts, but he's my father, I couldn't do it... He's moving slowly, but with a clear goal. And if we don't do something, it will be too late.
Lily took a deep breath, then met my gaze with new determination.
"What should we do now?" she asked.
I exhaled. "Let's start delaying his search. I'll talk to my loyal men. We need to start moving."
Lily nodded, but I noticed a slight trembling in her hands. I understood the weight of it.
I put my hand firmly on her shoulder. "I'm going to need your help. Staying in this room and moping won't help." I paused for a second. "I wish I can get some help from Devotion too, that man Yuri, I'm sure he can help me with this."
She hesitated for a moment before speaking. "You should talk to Roy, I think it's a better option, he'll be understanding and he's also pursuing the same goal as you." She looked at me and continued. "If you could explain to him what's going on, I'm sure he'd help you."
I raised an eyebrow, smiling. "Oh? That guy again?"
Lily blushed and shook her head. "It's not like that."
I crossed my arms and looked at her for a moment. Roy Celgius. His name was whispered on the battlefields. A cold warrior. A logical man. But also... someone who doesn't follow orders blindly.
I gave a slight smile. "Is that so?"
Lily nodded, her gaze steady.
I let out a deep breath. "Yes. I trust you, sister. I'll reach out to him. Then let's meet him."
Lily's surprise "Meet him? Us?!"
I looked at her sharply "Yes, we. You're getting out of this room. I feel that you're hibernating here."
She hummed and said, "OK, whatever..."
Something felt right about this.
And by the way, I had asked around in the last few days about him. Roy had recovered well. I looked at Lily. "By the way, he's fine."
Her lips curved into a small, comforting smile. "Oh, thank you again."
I said nothing. I quietly walked out of her room. But now... The real work has begun.