The storm faded by morning, leaving the camp soaked and eerily quiet. Smoke rose from smoldering wreckage where the Hollow Maw's tendrils had torn through the earth. Bodies—Exile and council alike—were gathered in solemn rows, the scent of ash and blood still clinging to the air.
Reid stood at the edge of the camp, watching the clouds break into thin streaks of gray. His muscles ached from the battle, and the power of the Binding still thrummed under his skin, restless. The Bond was silent, as if savoring the aftermath.
Kaela approached, her usual composure hardened by exhaustion. "The Maw retreats, but it is not gone. It will return stronger. So must we." Her gaze softened slightly as it met his. "You held the line when others would have broken. For that, you have my respect."
Reid gave a slight nod. "Respect doesn't win wars."
Kaela's lips curved faintly. "No, but it earns allies. And you'll need every one."
The council soldiers remained on edge, their weapons holstered but their eyes watchful. Selene stood apart from her troops, her cloak damp from the rain. She looked at Reid with a mixture of calculation and something harder to read.
"You forced the Maw back," she said, approaching him slowly. "Impressive. But don't think this makes you untouchable."
Reid met her gaze evenly. "You saw what we're up against. Do you really want to keep fighting me instead of it?"
Selene's expression barely shifted. "For now, we have the same enemy. But the council doesn't forget. When the storm passes, they will come for you again." She leaned in closer, her voice dropping. "Be ready."
Before he could respond, she turned sharply, signaling her soldiers to withdraw. The Exiles watched them go in tense silence.
The Bond's voice returned, soft and amused. "See how they fear you now? It's delicious."
As the council troops vanished into the mist, Mara approached, her armor streaked with dirt and rain. "You shouldn't have survived that," she said quietly. "But you did."
Reid raised an eyebrow. "Is that your way of saying thanks?"
Mara looked away, hiding a faint smile. "Maybe." She hesitated, then added, "Just… don't get yourself killed before I figure out what you're really doing."
Before Reid could answer, Lira's voice called from behind, dripping with her usual teasing. "Careful, Mara, you're starting to sound like you care. Don't make me jealous."
Mara glared, but Lira only grinned wider as she walked past, giving Reid a wink. "Nice work out there, hero. Try not to let it go to your head."
The Bond hummed in satisfaction. "They circle you like moths to flame. How long before one burns?"
Reid shook his head, unable to stop the faint smirk tugging at his mouth.
The Exile leader gathered the camp as dusk approached, their voice carrying over the crowd. "The Hollow Maw has been driven back, but not defeated. It will strike again. We must prepare—and we must decide who among us will face it when it does." Their gaze fell on Reid. "You have become the center of this storm, Marked One. Every choice you make will shape what comes."
System prompt:
[Quest Updated: Prepare for the Hollow Maw's Return]
[New Objective: Forge Alliances Before the Next Storm]
The Bond's voice shifted, strangely calm. "They put their hope in you now. Hope is fragile. Let's see if you can hold it together."
Reid looked at the leader, then at Kaela, Mara, and the watching Exiles. The storm was gone, but the war had only just begun.
The camp smelled of wet ash and burned earth. Exiles worked tirelessly, clearing debris and repairing what little could be saved. Broken weapons were reforged in the fires, and the wounded lay in quiet rows, tended by healers whose glowing hands stitched flesh and bone together with mana threads.
Reid walked through the camp, taking in the destruction. Each scar on the land was a reminder of the Hollow Maw's power—and of how close they had all come to annihilation. The Bond was quiet for once, almost contemplative. "They rebuild as if the storm won't return. It will. And when it does, they will break again unless you lead them."
Kaela found him near the armory, her expression hard. "We can't wait for the Maw to strike again. We need to move first. Scouts report that its essence lingers near the eastern cliffs. If we strike there, we might wound it before it gathers strength."
Reid considered her words. "What about the council?"
"They'll return as well," Kaela said. "We need to prepare for them, too. Two enemies, two fronts."
Before he could answer, Lira stepped into view, leaning casually against the wall. "Planning to fight gods and councils all in one breath? Bold. Maybe even stupid. I like it." Her grin softened slightly. "Just don't forget to breathe, hero."
Mara appeared from behind, her tone sharp. "This isn't a game, Lira."
"Who said it was?" Lira shot back, smirking. "I'm just making sure our fearless Marked One doesn't lose himself in all this brooding."
Reid cut in, his voice even. "Enough. Both of you. We have bigger problems than your arguments."
Kaela stepped closer, her eyes locking with his. "So what's the plan, Reid? Do we strike first, or do we wait for them to come?"
The Bond stirred, whispering like a thread of smoke. "Strike. Always strike first. Waiting is for prey."
Reid exhaled slowly, the weight of command pressing on him. "We prepare to strike. But first, we gather allies—every one we can find. When the Maw comes back, it won't just find a camp. It'll find an army."
Kaela nodded with a fierce smile. "Then let's start building one."
System prompt:
[Quest Updated: Gather Strength – Recruit Allies and Resources]
[Optional Objective: Secure Secret Support from the Council]
Night fell, and the camp's fires burned brighter against the darkness. The storm might have passed, but its shadow lingered over every soul.
The Bond finally spoke, its tone almost proud. "Good. You choose the harder path. That's the one that leads to power."
Far from the Exile camp, the council's forward outpost glowed faintly under the pale moon. Selene stood before a holographic map, her expression carved in stone. Around her, commanders whispered in hushed tones, careful not to draw her attention.
"The Exiles have grown bolder," one officer said. "They fought alongside Veylan against the Maw. If they forge a lasting alliance, they'll be harder to break."
Selene's voice was cold. "Then we cut them down before they do." She looked to another officer. "Prepare a report. The council must know the full extent of his power."
As the officers dispersed, a lone figure stepped from the shadows—Commander Ryn, known for his loyalty but not his mercy. "Selene, the council's decision won't wait long. They already debate whether to brand Veylan an asset or a threat."
Selene's gaze hardened. "He's both."
Ryn smirked faintly. "Perhaps. But there are whispers—some among us think he should lead, not be chained."
Selene's eyes narrowed. "And what do you think?"
"I think," Ryn said, stepping closer, "that whoever controls the Marked One controls the future. Choose your side carefully."
While council plots brewed in secret, Reid trained with Kaela under the moonlight. The camp had grown tense, everyone aware that the fragile peace could shatter with a single mistake. Kaela's spear struck fast, and Reid barely parried in time, the clash sending a sharp vibration through his arm.
"You're holding back," Kaela said, circling him. "Don't. Not with me."
Reid smirked faintly. "Wouldn't want to hurt you."
She lunged, forcing him to step back quickly. "You couldn't if you tried."
From the shadows, Lira's voice called out with teasing delight. "Careful, Kaela. Keep sparring like that and people might talk."
Mara, who had been silently watching, crossed her arms. "Maybe they should."
The Bond chuckled softly. "Three flames, all circling. You attract them, host, whether you want to or not."
Reid focused on Kaela, ignoring the voices behind him. "Again."
They clashed under the night sky, sparks flying from every strike.
Later, Kaela and Reid sat by the dying fire. Her voice was quiet but steady. "There's something you should know. The Maw's corruption isn't random—it's drawn to the Bond's presence. The stronger you become, the more it will come for you."
Reid met her gaze. "So the stronger I get, the bigger the target I paint on myself."
Kaela nodded. "Yes. But it also means you're the only one who can stand against it."
The Bond hummed with satisfaction. "See? Even they know it—without us, they have nothing."
Reid looked at the firelight dancing in her eyes. "Then we'll make sure when it comes, we're ready."
Kaela's lips curved slightly, her voice soft. "We will."
System prompt:
[Quest Updated: Shadows in the Council – Unknown Allies Watching]
[Hidden Effect: Council Factions Divided]
Morning light broke through the thinning clouds, casting pale gold over the Exile camp. For the first time since the Maw's attack, the air felt almost calm. But beneath that calm ran an undercurrent of urgency—preparations for the next battle had already begun.
Reid stood with the Exile leader at the edge of the camp, overlooking the valley where smoke still curled from burned trees. "You've proven yourself to us," the leader said. "Now it is time to prove yourself to those who fear you."
Reid's brow furrowed. "You mean the other clans?"
"Yes," the leader replied. "The Exiles are not one tribe, but many, scattered across these lands. Some will fight beside us; others will need convincing. Bring them into our fold, and we may stand a chance when the Maw returns."
Kaela joined them, spear in hand. "The closest clan is the Red Fang. They respect strength above all else. If you win their leader's trust, they'll stand with us."
Reid glanced at her. "And if I don't?"
Her voice hardened. "Then they'll stand against us."
System prompt:
[New Quest: Form the First Alliance – Red Fang Clan]
[Objective: Defeat or Persuade Clan Leader]
[Optional: Avoid Drawing Council Attention]
Mara approached with a determined look. "You're not going alone."
Reid raised an eyebrow. "You think you can keep up?"
Mara smirked faintly. "Try me."
Lira strolled up with her usual grin, tossing a small pack over her shoulder. "Looks like a fun trip. Count me in. Someone has to keep the mood lively."
Kaela gave both of them a flat look. "This isn't a game. The Red Fang are dangerous. They'll test us the moment we arrive."
Lira only laughed. "Good. I like tests."
The Bond hummed with anticipation. "More blood, more power. I approve of this path."
Reid secured his gear, his knife at his side and the faint glow of Veil Rend pulsing under his skin. "Then we leave at dawn."
Kaela's expression softened for just a moment. "Stay alive, Marked One. We'll need you."
Reid gave a sharp nod. "We'll return with allies—or not at all."
Far beyond the valley, in the council's halls, Selene received the latest reports. Her eyes narrowed as she read the data on Veylan's movements. "He's going to the Red Fang."
Commander Ryn leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "Do we intervene?"
Selene's lips curved into a cold smile. "No. Not yet. Let him make his alliances. The stronger he becomes, the more we'll learn about his limits."
Ryn smirked. "And when he outgrows them?"
Selene's eyes gleamed with a mix of admiration and threat. "Then we'll see if he's an asset—or an enemy to be destroyed."
As the sun rose, Reid, Mara, and Lira set off with Kaela leading the way. The Red Fang's territory awaited, and with it, the first step toward forging an army strong enough to stand against gods.
The Bond's voice purred with satisfaction. "Forward, host. The world is watching—and we will not disappoint."