A week had passed since the Hidden Crown established its shadowy dominion within the Hidden Valley.
From the outside, nothing seemed amiss in the empire's borders. The Forbidden Territories remained as hostile as ever—choked in lethal fog, prowled by beasts, and scarred by arcane energies. Few dared venture beyond the known trade roads. Even fewer returned with coherent memories. And thus, the perfect place to veil growing power.
Within the Valley, a hidden city pulsed with unseen life.
Under Kieran's direction, the first phase of Crown Citadel was nearing completion. The initial outpost had expanded into a labyrinthine haven beneath the mountain's roots. Layers of stone, reinforced with ancient runes etched by Talia's Runeforge Division, rose day and night. Massive mechanical elevators moved between levels—training chambers, archives, armories, sanctums.
This was no longer a hidden base.
It was a sovereign shadow nation.
In the dimly lit war chamber, a map glowed with ethereal light. Spanning across all known kingdoms and continents, it tracked leyline flows, political unrest, military deployments, and something more disturbing—dark pulses spreading like ink through water.
Rhea stood with arms crossed, eyes narrowed. "The cult's movements are accelerating."
Yui emerged from a shadow near the pillar, her usual smirk subdued. "We've intercepted three caravans in two weeks. They were transporting cursed artifacts sealed in blood runes. One bore an insignia we traced to the old Vaelion Catacombs."
Elira tapped her finger on a region near the northeast. "Vaelion... That's where the ancient tower is sealed, right? The one older than any empire."
Kieran, seated atop the obsidian throne, eyes gleaming with golden glow, nodded slowly.
"Yes. And it's waking up."
Elsewhere — Empire's Capital: Northenhall
Within the imperial palace, a man in crimson robes knelt in a dark chamber before a black crystal altar. The walls pulsed with corrupted veins of magic, as though the building itself were alive and festering.
"The vessel approaches," the cult leader hissed. "The Tower will open. We must pollute the root before the flower blooms."
Another acolyte entered, whispering. "The Hidden Crown grows. But its face remains veiled."
The high priest sneered, his face half-scorched by an eldritch brand.
"Then we cut the stalk before it blossoms. Summon the Heralds. Prepare the Forgotten."
Crown Citadel – Later that Night
Mira stood silently at the overlook, the magical barrier humming faintly behind her as she watched the stars. Her tea had long since gone cold. Luma dozed beside her on a floating cushion, flowers blooming around her faintly glowing hair.
"I felt it again," Mira said to no one. "That twisting feeling… like something buried deep in the ground screamed."
Kieran appeared behind her, silent.
"You did," he said, his voice low. "The roots of the world remember their pain."
She turned to him, hesitant. "You know what it is, don't you?"
His golden eyes reflected the stars.
"Yes. The Tower is not just a prison. It is a memory. And they want it rewritten."
The System Interface – Private Log
[CLASSIFIED: SYSTEM MISSION ISSUED]
→ Title: Veins of Corruption → Objective: Uncover the spread pattern of the Black Cult's curse → Sub-Objectives: • Investigate the Forgotten Sanctums (0/5) • Interrogate Captured Cultists (0/3) • Secure the Vaelion Perimeter • Unlock Hidden Scenario [Tower of the First Seal]
REWARD: Access to Forbidden Archive, Weapon Slot Expansion, ???
Academy – Kieran's Clone
Meanwhile, in the noble magic academy, the cloned Kieran played his part with quiet brilliance.
He sat in class beside Sylvie, who appeared half asleep, yet was likely memorizing the entire lecture via water-ripple magic. The political tension had grown thicker than the wards around the royal dormitories. Rumors of rebellion, heretical texts vanishing from libraries, and professors missing.
Kieran's clone, subtly tuned to the true Kieran's thoughts, smirked slightly.
The seeds are growing in every soil.
Back in the valley, the real Kieran closed his eyes, feeling all of it—the vast network of power, secrets, and truth gathering like storm clouds.
The world would soon shift.
And in its shadows, the Hidden Crown would rise.