In the end, Seraphin's plan had placed the Empire in a strong position. Military attacks alone would not determine victory; psychological warfare and clever military tactics were the decisive elements.
...
Seraphin said to the Emperor while looking at the map, "The armies are fully prepared. We will begin the attack next week, after chaos is complete within their ranks."
He added with a smile: "They will have no idea what hit them."
The Emperor replied with a cold smile: "Excellent, Seraphin. But remember, there is no room for failure."
Kayden and Eugene reached a remote village in the furthest reaches of the lands, where a man named "Valerian" lived. This man was known for his genius in military planning, and legends spoke of how he led armies to victory despite being vastly outnumbered. The reputation he built in lands untouched by war sparked curiosity; he was considered the "Mind of War" who could not be defeated.
When they met him, the man was sitting in a small tent in the middle of the deserted lands, observing a detailed map of the surrounding areas. His features were sharp, with black hair and blue eyes full of focus. He looked at them with a slight smile and said:
"Welcome. I know why you have come. But let me tell you something: great minds do not need a large army to achieve victory; they need to see war from a different angle."
Kayden said, trying to read his reactions: "If you are capable of stopping Seraphin, we need your help. The Empire is strong, and we face massive challenges."
Valerian replied in a confident tone: "Seraphin is a genius, but there is always a weak point in every plan. If you wish to tip the scales of battle, you must think unconventionally. Strategy is not just in offense and defense, but in the ability to change the battlefield with intelligence."
After several hours of discussion and planning, Valerian presented his counter-plan against the Empire:
"We will not face Seraphin's armies directly; instead, we will make them fight themselves. First, we need to sow chaos within their ranks. I will make them believe they are surrounded in areas from which there is no escape, using misinformation and precise tactical maneuvers."
He then explained: "We will begin by dividing the Imperial armies into small squads, moving these squads quickly between mountains and forests using specialized reconnaissance teams. We will make them think the enemy is attacking from several different directions at once. We will plant doubt among them, so that every commander in the Imperial army becomes hesitant."
Valerian added: "And at the moment Seraphin begins directing more forces to face the phantom enemy, we will execute a surprise attack on the heart of the Imperial forces. We will not face them with large armies, but will rely on fast, reliable strikes targeting key military leaders. All of this will be under your supervision and the rebels' when you return; for now, I will only tell you the plan."
As they left the tent, the man asked them: "Why do you wish to revolt against the Empire? Is there a reason? Is the current Emperor evil?"
Eugene replied angrily: "There is corruption in the Empire and discrimination between classes. When I see his scandals in my book, I see him guilty of much—so very much."
He then added, "Also, Kayden believes he is the one who sent the assassins to kill William."
The man said, looking at the ground: "It is
unfortunate that this is the state of the Empire. I hope you continue what William started, and make use of everything he left behind: the books, the money, the friends, the army, and the weapons."
Kayden replied, looking at the man: "That is exactly what we are about to do."
He then continued: "So, when shall we return? If the Emperor begins executing his plan, our friends will be in trouble. We must tell them about Valerian's plan."
Eugene said: "It is difficult for us to return now. We must rest first. We can go tomorrow."
They returned to the city center.
In the middle of the Kingdom of Peace square, Kayden sat under a lush, shady tree. The place was bustling with life—children playing, vendors calling out their wares—but in the midst of it all, Kayden was in another world. He held a small pouch, closed his eyes, and began to sing in a sweet, soulful voice, as if weaving a tale amidst the silence:
"When the moon fades behind the clouds,
And the dream becomes mere concerns,
I look to the sky and renew the light,
For I am the wanderer on a path that endures.
When the homeland is weighed down by worries,
And corruption rises like banks of clouds,
I raise my voice and plant a light,
For I am determined to break the chains and rules.
In my chest is a fire for the honesty of vows,
My land longs for an era to return,
The voice of truth wakes in the distance,
And calls to a people who broke the stagnation.
I long for the beautiful face of the country,
For a pure river and an authentic heart,
I long for justice to prevail in the paths,
And for a way to bloom in every house.
So do not fear the oppression of a corrupted time,
And do not accept the illusion, no matter how it prevails,
Be a flame that fixes what has been distorted,
For with truth, a tomorrow that is not destroyed is built."
As his voice flowed like waves, people began to gather around him, as if the song drew them with a special magic. In the crowd, that girl with long black hair whom he had met upon his arrival appeared. She was carrying a basket of roses, and when she heard his voice, she stopped in her tracks, listening in fascination.
When Kayden finished singing, silence reigned for a moment, then the attendees began to clap warmly. The girl approached him with a shy smile.
The Girl: "You sing? You didn't tell me that when we first talked!"
Kayden looked up at her and smiled kindly.
Kayden: "Singing... is something I don't do often, but it helps me express what I cannot say with words."
She sat beside him, placing the basket down, saying: "Your words were beautiful... as if they were addressing the world. Did you write them yourself?"
Kayden: (Quietly) "They are not just words, but a part of what I carry inside me. Sometimes, you need to speak out, even if there is no one who understands."
The girl looked at him in silence for a moment, then said:
The Girl: "You know? When you sing, it seems as if you are talking to the whole world, but in a way that makes every individual feel you are singing to them alone."
Kayden smiled at those words, then looked at the horizon where the sun touched the edges of the mountains.
Kayden: "Perhaps singing is but another way to tell the world that we are still here, dreaming and hoping."
Silence fell between them for a moment, but it was not a heavy silence; it was a silence full of understanding. Kayden looked at the girl to make her feel the importance of her presence and her hold on hope: "Thank you for coming... your presence made this moment better."
Eugene, Elias, and Rein were standing further away behind one of the trees, watching the scene in silence. Each seemed moved in their own way, their expressions a mix of pride and admiration.
Rein, smiling slightly and crossing his arms: "Kayden sings? I didn't think he possessed this talent. He seems like another person there."
Elias, placing his hand on his chin: "He always had something special. His words carry a weight of emotion... as if he is transmitting what is in his heart directly to the hearts of others."
Eugene, in a calm voice while looking at Kayden: "This is what makes him special. Kayden doesn't talk much about what he feels, but he shows everything through his actions... or in this case, through his voice."
Rein laughed softly: "I didn't know you were a poet, Eugene. But I can't deny... what he did today is something amazing. The people here look at him as if he were a hero."
Elias, smiling: "Because he is. Kayden carries something that not many can do... the ability to touch hearts, whether with the sword or with words."
Eugene stared off for a moment, then said quietly: "Perhaps this is what makes him the leader we need. He doesn't just seek to achieve justice or change the world; he seeks to make everyone believe they can be better."
Rein looked at Eugene with a side smile: "Is this an admission from Eugene that he is proud of his friend? I didn't expect to hear this from you!"
Eugene laughed softly: "I don't need to say it. Kayden knows."
Elias looked at Kayden with admiration: "You know? Perhaps one day, this moment will be part of the story told about him. Not just as a fighter or a warrior, but as a human who knows how to give hope."
The three left the place quietly, leaving Kayden among the people, surrounded by love and appreciation, their hearts full of pride toward their leader and friend.
In the Capital
Aaron, known for his cunning and skill in building relationships, had managed to gain the trust of several influential figures in the Imperial court. Thanks to his ability to manipulate words and show loyalty, he made his way closer to the Emperor himself.
In one of the ornate halls of the Imperial Palace, Aaron stood before the Emperor, narrating the details of his journey and his argument against Kayden and his companions. Aaron spoke in a tone blending anger and sorrow: "Your Majesty, these youths are nothing but traitors disguised under the veil of justice. They have taken from me something more precious than my life, something that will never return."
The Emperor was not only affected by his words, but seemed to understand the extent of the pain Aaron felt, yet in a different way...
As Kayden and his companions left the Kingdom of Peace, the atmosphere was charged with anxiety and expectation. The calm sea reflected the faint moonlight, as if everything in the world was waiting for the moment of decision. The road to the Kingdom of Swords was not easy, for every step toward it meant approaching an unknown fate.
As they neared the shore of the Kingdom of Swords, the sound of a ship monitoring the calm conditions cut through the horizon, moving rapidly toward them like an embodied storm that could not be escaped.
Suddenly, the sea exploded with force as a massive water projectile was launched toward them, forcing them to scatter quickly, their eyes filled with shock and terror. It was like a nightmare chasing them. At that moment, "Hawk-eye," wearing his hood, lowered a small boat—lowering it with difficulty but speed. Any moment now they could meet their end, but the boat was not large enough for everyone. He fixed his gaze on Kayden and Eugene, saying in a calm but heavy tone, looking with the tenderness of a father who hadn't seen his son in a long time:
"Kayden... if I do not come, then please, tell your father that I am sorry in my stead."
The mysterious figure slowly reached for his hood. Time seemed to stretch as the heavy fabric slid back, revealing a face that had haunted Kayden's memories. Those sharp, piercing emerald-green eyes... the legendary 'Hawk-eye'.
Kayden's breath hitched in his throat. It wasn't just a shadow from his past. It was him.
"Uncle...?" Kayden whispered, his voice trembling with a mix of disbelief and buried rage.
Kayden could not believe his eyes, for the man before him bore a strange resemblance to him. With a contemplative look, he discovered the truth: this was his uncle, the man he had long heard of in stories but had never known. His face carried the same features, the same piercing gaze that Kayden had often seen in his own reflection. In that moment, time seemed to stop, as if the sea itself waited for a decisive instant.
While the words left Hawk-eye's mouth like a bullet into Kayden's heart, the boat carrying him and Eugene began to move toward the shore. The waves pushed it forcefully, and all his gazes were directed back toward his uncle and the ship that was on the verge of falling, as if the waves were trying to stop him. But with every push of the tide, the boat drew closer to the shore, leaving Kayden in a state of confusion between his doubts about what he heard and this strange encounter.
Eugene stood on the shore trying to compose himself, while he saw Kayden running rapidly toward the Kingdom of Swords, all thoughts clashing in his mind. What should he do? What was his next step? As he ran, Eugene chased him, trying to calm him, until a blond person with dark brown eyes stopped him. When Kayden noticed his features, he began to speak in surprise:
"Michel? Michel, Maxwell's brother? What brought you here?"
Michel replied, "Kayden, there is something very important I must tell you."
Kayden replied angrily, trying to continue his way: "This is not important now, Michel. What could you possibly tell me at a time like this?" He then continued his run toward the Kingdom.
At that moment, Michel shouted at the top of his lungs so the words reached Kayden's ears clearly: "Kayden!!!"
Kayden stopped for a moment, looking back at Michel, who didn't flinch. He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a freezing whisper that felt like a cold blade pressed against Kayden's jugular.
"Answer me one thing, Kayden," Michel said, his eyes locking into Kayden's with a terrifying intensity. "When does the sword triumph without a fight?"
The world around Kayden went silent. His blood ran cold as the weight of those words hit him like a physical blow.
That question... It wasn't a riddle. It was the Sacred Oath. A secret code known only to the elite shadows who had once sworn their souls to William—and William alone.
How did a man like Michel—an outsider—possess the words that could get a man executed?