Lucio laughed at Sean and Kyle's conversation. "Mages have endless tricks—unlike us warriors, whose battle qi only serves combat. We're quite jealous, you know." He paused, glancing at the smoldering bushes. "But fire's no worry here. The Elven Forest is damp, and most trees are energy-infused, their bark as tough as monster hide. Only oily eucalyptus might burn, which is why fire hares thrive here—those cute, flame-resistant rabbits nobles love as pets."
Sean nodded. "We've collected plenty of fire hare pelts. Hopefully, they'll fetch a good price." He frowned. "Strange, though—wolf attacks so soon after entering. Not a good omen."
Lucio agreed. "They've avoided us before. Why now?"
"Who knows?" Sean shrugged. "Maybe they sensed weakness. Let's finish cleaning up and leave."The Loot and the CrisisThe group gathered valuables: the alpha wolf's fangs, core, and fur, plus edible meat. As they worked, 56 kilometers away in Yorn, Lucas stormed into the Golden Wolf Fortress, seat of the River Count.Lucas's Urgent NewsEarlier that morning, Lucas had received a message from the city guard: his son, Lucio, had ignored orders to return from Riverside and stayed behind. The informant was John, Sean's former guard captain, who feared taking the blame for Lucio's defiance.
Lucas knew the River Count's plan: to send Brody Mill, Viscount of Waterpine, to conquer Riverside. The town was undefended, and the Laine Grand Duke was distracted by Anjou's border drills. The Count had promised the territory to Zud, a Silver Rank warrior, spurring quick preparations.
Now, Lucas burst into the Count's bedroom, interrupting a tryst with a young noblewoman, Tilly.
"Mason, darling," Tilly gasped, flushing, "I didn't expect a threesome!"
The Count paled, then recovered. "Just a moment, Tilly." He pulled Lucas into the hallway, tense. "What's so urgent? Anjou's attacking?"
"Lucio's still in Riverside," Lucas blurted.
The Count relaxed with a laugh. "You panicked over that? The invasion's delayed—Waterpine needs a week to gather supplies. Your son's safe."
"Then I'll drag that brat back myself!" Lucas growled, already planning the journey.
The Count hesitated, glancing at Tilly's waiting figure. "Wait. I have a task for you first."The Count's Secret Orders"You'll go to Riverside not as a father, but as my envoy," the Count said, lowering his voice. "Deliver this letter to Sean. Pretend it's a friendly missive from the Grand Duke—offer congratulations on his new lordship."
Lucas frowned. "But the Grand Duke wouldn't—"
"Pretend, Lucas. This is to lull Sean into complacency. Meanwhile, Zud's forces will assemble in secret. By the time he realizes, Riverside will be ours."
Lucas hesitated, then nodded. Better to have Lucio out before the attack. "Consider it done, my Lord."
"Good. And Lucas?" The Count clapped his shoulder, smirking. "Try not to scare the boy back. We need Sean trusting us… for now."The Web of DeceitAs Lucas departed, the Count returned to Tilly, whose fingers traced his collar. "Who was that man, darling? He looked fierce."
"Just a fool worried about his son," the Count lied, pulling her close. His mind, however, stayed on Sean—the so-called "Son of the Light". Let him cling to his holy delusions. Soon, even the Light won't save his little town.
In the Elven Forest, Sean's group finished loading wolf pelts, unaware of the storm gathering in Yorn. Lucio joked about fire hare fur coats, while Sean studied the map, dreaming of Yorn's markets.
Peace won't last, he thought, fingers brushing the dragon egg. But by the time they strike, Riverside will be ready… or reduced to ashes.
The grind for power continued, each hour a step toward Bronze Rank, each lie a thread in the Count's deceitful web. In the game of lords and lies, only the fastest, or the most cunning, would survive.