Chapter 75: Something Is Brewing

    The streets of the capital were filled with the sounds of hurried footsteps and murmured concerns.

    The air was filled with dust from the ongoing destruction in the distance, where buildings crumbled to make way for progress.

    The priests and priestesses, clad in flowing white robes adorned with golden embroidery, guided the citizens through the cobblestone streets.

    The head priestess, Isolde, led them.

    A golden circlet rested on her brow, catching the faint light of the sun. She held a polished staff, its crystalline tip glowing faintly with a strange energy that seemed to soothe the anxiety of those around her.

    "Please, remain calm."

    Isolde said, her voice clear and melodic.

    "The emperor has spoken. You will not be left homeless. New accommodations are already being prepared for you."

    A middle-aged woman with a worried expression, stepped forward. Her simple brown tunic and patched shawl marked her as one of the city''s less fortunate.

    "But Priestess," she spoke, clutching her child tightly, "what if there''s no room for us? My son and I have nowhere else to go!"

    Isolde turned to the woman with a gentle smile, lowering her staff slightly as if to bridge the gap between them.

    "The emperor is a man of his word."

    "Blessed by the goddess of justice and purity, he cannot speak falsehoods. You and your son will have a home."

    The woman''s shoulders sagged with relief, her eyes welling with tears. "Thank you, Priestess," she whispered, her voice trembling with gratitude.

    Nearby, a group of children clung to their mothers'' skirts, their wide eyes darting nervously between the crowd and the collapsing buildings in the distance.

    One of the younger priests, a blue-eyed man with a neatly trimmed beard, knelt down to their level.

    "Don''t be afraid, little ones," he said softly, his robes brushing the ground as he crouched.

    "We''ll make sure you''re safe. Soon, you''ll have a new place to call home, with room to play and grow."

    A boy, no older than eight, tugged at the priest''s sleeve. "Promise?" he asked, his voice small but hopeful.

    The priest smiled, placing a reassuring hand on the boy''s shoulder. "I promise."

    As the procession moved forward, another man, his gray tunic worn and frayed, raised his voice.

    "What if something happens before we get there? This city isn''t very safe anymore!"

    One of the priestesses, a young woman with auburn hair tied neatly behind her head, stepped forward.

    "The goddess watches over you," she said confidently. "And we, her servants, will ensure you reach safety. Trust in her light and in the emperor''s plans."

    The crowd murmured their agreement, their fears beginning to subside. Isolde paused, turning to address them all, her staff glowing brighter as she raised it high.

    "Have faith," she said, her voice echoing over the sea of faces. "This is a time of change, but it is also a time of renewal. The emperor walks a path guided by justice, and his words are unshakable truths. Your safety is his priority."

    The people managed to nodd, their expressions softening as hope replaced their anxiety.

    Some even offered hesitant smiles as they continued their journey.

    Children began to chatter among themselves, their earlier fear forgotten, while the adults exchanged quiet words of reassurance.

    The weeds that had overrun the streets withered and disappeared beneath the newly laid cobblestones.

    Faint outlines of streets began to emerge, clear and orderly, leading toward the newly constructed market square.

    Water lines rushed quietly as they established a steady flow, while small pillars of smoke rose from chimneys of the newly built homes.

    Arkanos stood in the center of the newly transformed space, his gaze sweeping across the once desolate area now filled with new possibility.

    A sense of calm settled over him, a faint smile appraring on his face.

    ? ? Small Achievement: "Fix It" ??

    ? ? Upgrading the living standard of a run down part of your kingdom. ??

    ? ? Points await to be claimed in the achievement menu ??

    Turning toward Seraphine, he said, "It''s done."

    Seraphine nodded, "The changes are remarkable, Your Majesty."

    He began to move toward a nearby plot where the community buildings—market square... stood complete and ready to serve the people. His boots echoed softly against the fresh cobblestones.

    As they walked, Arkanos''s thoughts were momentarily interrupted by Seraphine''s suggestion.

    "Arvel may need to come later to distribute the housing assignments," she said thoughtfully. "To avoid disputes over ownership. People tend to fight over even the smallest things—especially in situations like these."

    Arkanos halted briefly, his gaze narrowing slightly. After a moment of consideration, he nodded. "You''re right. Arvel''s expertise will be necessary to maintain order. People often cling to the smallest trivial disputes. This will be no different. Better to prevent chaos now."

    Seraphine gave a faint smile. "They trust you, Your Majesty. They trust the system you''ve built."

    Arkanos gave a slight hum of agreement, his eyes scanning the bustling streets as if gauging the mood of his people. "Then let''s ensure that trust remains well-placed."

    ...

    Abaddon soared high above the sprawling empire, his massive black wings cutting through the clouds. His cold eyes scanned the land below, a look of mild boredom across his face.

    The vast expanse beneath him stretched endlessly, dotted with vast noble territories—each one a domain of its own, separated by miles of lush fields, dense forests, and winding rivers. It was within one of these stretches of land that Abaddon''s gaze locked onto a massive clearing—a space that separated two of the largest noble territories in the Bloodbane Empire.

    From his vantage point, Abaddon could see the formation clearly. Hundreds... No thousands of knights, clad in shining armor, stood in rows.

    Their banners waved high, emblazoned with the sigils of their respective houses. The knights of both forces were spread out, standing hundreds of meters apart.

    It was a tension-filled scene—a brewing storm of conflict. One side, undoubtedly larger, bore the insignia of House Raine, a name synonymous with wealth, power, and influence. Their forces appeared well-organized, disciplined, with polished weapons glinting in the sunlight.

    Opposite them, House Meldon stood defiantly with a smaller but equally determined force.

    Their banners flew in defiance, red and black symbols stark against the azure sky. The smaller force, though outnumbered, held their ground.

    Abaddon''s lips curved into a slow, amused smile as he watched the unfolding spectacle.

    He lowered his flight slightly, savoring the sight below. "What do we have here?" he murmured, his voice a smooth, almost mocking tone. "A noble dance of war? A party for the privileged? I do love parties."

    He circled above the scene, watching as the knights grew more restless with each passing second. The tension was intense—a storm that was about to erupt.

    Abaddon tilted his head slightly, the amusement still lingering in his voice as he spoke again, more to himself than anyone else. "Now, should I step in? Halt this little celebration of theirs? Or perhaps, let it play out. Watch, enjoy the chaos... Or," he paused, a slight chuckle escaping him, "report to dear Arkanos. After all, this could be quite the news for him."

    "Seems one of his greedy noble wants to expand their land."