With Frostwind stabilized and the elite army forming, Arin turned his attention to intelligence. Power was not won by swords alone—it was won by information.
Kael had been working tirelessly, but Arin wanted a network that rivaled even imperial spies.
"Recruit from towns, villages, and traveling merchants," he instructed. "Everyone has eyes and ears. Use them. Build a network."
Lyra suggested integrating mana-based surveillance. Minor crystals placed strategically could detect hostile energy and track unusual movements. Selene recommended training select civilians in observation and communication skills, making them part of the intelligence system without formal titles.
Within weeks, Frostwind's intelligence network was operational. Couriers delivered real-time reports. Bandit activity was intercepted before it could threaten trade routes. Disloyal officials were identified and replaced.
One morning, Kael approached Arin with an urgent message.
"My lord, the merchants from the neighboring provinces are acting strangely. Some have refused to report trade shipments, and rumors suggest secret shipments of weapons to unknown factions."
Arin frowned. "We must investigate immediately—but quietly. We don't want open conflict yet."
He selected a small strike team: Rynor, Jaren, and three elite Shadow Guards. They moved under cover of darkness, tracing the suspicious caravans.
After two nights, they discovered a hidden camp in the mountains. Several merchants were meeting with unknown figures, exchanging crates of arms. They were clearly plotting against Arin's influence in the region.
Arin studied the system's update:
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Covert Operation Completed]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Spy Network Efficiency +12%]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Early Threat Neutralized]
He sent a single, subtle message to the merchants: "Cease your actions, or the consequences will be severe."
The result was immediate. Shipments stopped, and the merchants quietly aligned with him. Some even offered intelligence voluntarily.
Rynor laughed as they returned. "You didn't even lift a sword, yet they all trembled."
Arin nodded. "Information is more lethal than steel in the right hands."
Meanwhile, in the imperial capital, whispers turned to alarm. The Sixth Prince was no longer just stabilizing provinces. He was consolidating power, building alliances, and creating a loyal network of soldiers and spies.
The hooded figure appeared once more in a distant shadowed hall.
"He's adapting… faster than anticipated," the figure said. "It's time to move Phase Two forward."
Back in Frostwind, Arin stood on the fortress wall at sunset, looking over his territories.
"Enemies watch," he murmured. "Allies grow. But I will never be caught off guard again."
The Sixth Prince's rise was no longer hidden. The dynasty was taking shape—and the world was about to notice.