The council chamber of Valoria's keep was a stark contrast to the throne room's grandeur. Rough-hewn stone walls, etched with ancient runes, encircled a heavy oak table where maps of the Starlit Plains lay sprawled. Aether crystals embedded in the ceiling cast a soft blue glow, illuminating the tense faces of Elian Valorian's advisors. The air buzzed with urgency as the young king, still clad in crimson robes, stood at the table's head, his Aetherforged Blade sheathed but ever-present at his side.
Elian's mind churned, blending his Earth-born strategist's instincts with the memories of King Valorian. The Ironhold Empire's invasion, backed by the Shadow Syndicate's assassins, was no idle threat. Valoria's Aether mines made it a prize, but its small army—barely 2,000 strong—stood little chance against Ironhold's legions. He needed a plan, and fast.
"Your Majesty," Lord Thalren, the elderly advisor, began, his voice steady despite the chaos of the morning's coup. "The Ironhold Empire fields 20,000 soldiers, including Aether Knights and Arcane Mages. Their Shadow Syndicate allies are masters of sabotage. We have a week before they reach our borders."
Elian glanced at the Faith System interface, hovering invisibly to his eyes alone.
[Current Belief Points (BP): 9,500]
The guards' faith had grown after his display in the throne room, boosting his BP slightly. He could convert these points into resources—gold for mercenaries, Aether crystals for defenses, or artifacts for his knights. But first, he needed to understand his council.
"Speak freely," Elian commanded, eyeing the gathered advisors. "What are our options?"
Lady Seraphine, a sharp-eyed Divine Cleric with silver hair, spoke next. "Our walls are sturdy, but our Aether cannons are outdated. We need crystals to power them. The dwarves of Crystalline Peaks might trade, but they demand steep prices."
General Korran, a grizzled Aether Knight with scars crisscrossing his face, slammed a fist on the table. "Trade? We should strike first! A preemptive raid on their supply lines could delay them."
"Foolish," hissed Veyra, a Shadow Rogue representing Valoria's spies. His dark cloak seemed to blend with the shadows. "The Syndicate will have spies among us already. We must root them out before any move."
Elian's gaze flicked to a silent figure—an elven emissary named Liora, her emerald eyes unreadable. The elves of the Enchanted Forests had sent her to observe, but her neutrality unnerved him. Could she be trusted?
He focused on the Faith System. "Show me options for 9,500 BP."
[Gold: 950,000 gold coins (1 BP = 100 gold)]
[Aether Crystals: 950 crystals (10 BP = 1 crystal)]
[Rare Aether Cannon Core: 2,000 BP]
[Epic Defensive Ward: 3,000 BP]
The cannon core could upgrade Valoria's defenses, but 2,000 BP was steep. Gold for mercenaries was safer. "Convert 5,000 BP to gold," Elian thought. A cascade of shimmering coins materialized in the royal vault, invisible to the council but confirmed by the system.
[Current BP: 4,500]
"Send word to the Free Blades," Elian ordered. "Offer 500,000 gold to hire 1,000 mercenaries. And dispatch scouts to the border—Veyra, your rogues will lead them."
Veyra nodded, but his eyes narrowed. "Sire, gold attracts greed. The Syndicate may bribe our allies."
"Then we'll expose them," Elian said, his voice firm. "Thalren, double the guard on the Aether mines. Seraphine, prepare the clerics to bless our troops."
As the council dispersed, Liora approached, her voice soft but piercing. "King Valorian, the elves offer no allegiance yet, but a gift." She placed a small, glowing Aether crystal on the table. "Use it wisely."
Elian accepted it, sensing its power—enough to fuel a single cannon shot. Was it a gesture of goodwill or a test? Before he could question her, a guard burst in, bloodied and breathless.
"Your Majesty! We caught a spy in the armory—a Shadow Syndicate agent posing as a smith!"
Elian's grip tightened on his blade. The war hadn't even begun, and already betrayal festered within his walls. "Bring them to me," he growled, his strategist's mind already plotting the interrogation.