---
Alistair awoke with the first rays of sunlight, a faint light slipping through the windows of the small castle in his duchy.
His heartbeat was racing with a different rhythm—not fear, but excitement.
Today was the day of departure to the gold mine.
He sat at the edge of his bed, taking a deep breath, feeling the energy of the ten elements dancing inside him.
The aura around him still shimmered with intertwined colors, each carrying a different power, but now they had become part of him... inseparable from his body.
Servant Garth knocked on the door and entered after Alistair gave permission.
"My Lord Alistair, you must rise early from your bed to reach the agreed location on time,"
Garth said with a lightly scolding tone.
"Alright, alright, I'm going,"
Alistair stretched with a smile, then quickly got up, donned his armor adorned with his family's crest, and fastened his sword belt.
In the grand hall, the soldiers gathered in organized formations, fully prepared, with their new gear that Alistair had bought them from the system:
100 F-rank weapons and armors for his soldiers, which cost him 200 points
5 E-rank weapons and armors for the unit leaders, Which cost him 200 points
A C-rank weapon and armor for himself, worth 500 points each.
Alistair's footsteps echoed through the halls like a vow of protection and victory.
Garth approached him and whispered:
"My lord… everyone is awaiting your leadership."
Alistair smiled and said:
"We will not disappoint them. Let's go."
---
A few hours later, outside the barony walls...
The army marched steadily, under banners fluttering with the emblem of "The Sword and Flame."
The wagons followed the soldiers in organized lines, the cold breeze hitting their faces, while the scent of damp earth filled the air.
At the head of the convoy, Alistair rode his black horse in silence, his eyes watching the road ahead, his aura pulsing with a faint glow.
Suddenly, one of the recruits approached with hesitant steps, then said in a low voice:
"My lord… may I have a word?"
Alistair looked at him for a moment, then nodded:
"Go ahead."
The recruit came closer and spoke with a heavy whisper:
"This is about the barons' meeting… Lord Raylin's invitation does not serve your favor, my lord. He invited a barony known for its weakness, and even wanted to divide the profits equally. That… does not align with the ambitions of the nobles."
A brief silence fell, during which only the sound of horses' hooves on the stone road could be heard.
The recruit continued in a lower voice:
"I fear something is being plotted in secret. Those lords… they only move for gain. And we, in their eyes, are just an emerging barony that can be crushed easily."
Alistair remained silent, gazing ahead with thoughtful eyes.
Then he said calmly:
"I've had similar doubts… but sometimes, we must take risks to win. No one is rewarded for constant caution."
"And if what you say happens… let them come! I am Alistair Alvarin—I fear no one. I will crush those fools who call themselves lords!"
Then he turned to the recruit, looking into his face:
"What's your name?"
The recruit raised his head confidently and said:
"Arthur, my lord… I'm the brother of Julian, the one killed by the mercenaries a few days ago."
Alistair's eyes glowed for a moment, and he said in a deep tone:
"He was brave… and loyal."
He paused for a moment, then continued more seriously:
"Arthur… have you ever thought about being more than just a recruit?"
Arthur looked slightly surprised:
"I don't understand, my lord."
Alistair said, eyes returning to the road ahead:
"I need an advisor… someone who sees what I don't, and tells me the truth, even if it hurts. And you, Arthur, you have a different perspective… and rare honesty."
Arthur hesitated for a moment, then said firmly:
"It would be an honor, my lord. I promise to be that person."
Alistair smiled faintly, then said:
"Consider it the beginning then."
---
Midday
The convoy reached the hill overlooking the mine site.
The land before them stretched wide, covered in forests as far as the eye could see.
Alistair stood at the edge of the hill, watching the area, his eyes glowing with unwavering determination.
Garth approached and said in a low voice:
"My lord… the three lords have arrived."
Alistair raised his head and saw the nobles' delegations approaching.
"Lord Alvarin… pleased to meet you."
A deep voice came from one of them—it was Baron Raylin.
He smiled broadly and added:
"Hahaha, I've always wanted to meet you… You resemble your father when he was your age. A shame we lost him so early."
Alistair lowered his head slightly and said:
"Thank you for your concern, Lord Raylin. But my father lived his life without regret, and so should we."
"Yes, yes… that's the right attitude," said Lord Kain in agreement.
Raylin continued with a friendly smile:
"Right, Alistair, I forgot to introduce you to Baron Kain and Baroness Elena, old acquaintances of mine."
Alistair nodded respectfully:
"Pleased to meet you both."
Then he said seriously:
"Now… we must discuss the attack plan."
Raylin responded immediately:
"Of course. We've prepared everything. The mine is five kilometers to the east, and we'll go over the details tomorrow morning. But tonight… get some rest. The road was tiring."
Alistair nodded:
"Alright. Tomorrow morning, we begin preparations."
---
Late at night, inside the nobles' tent
"You're not planning to give him 25%, are you?"
Lord Kain said in a low voice.
Raylin replied, his eyes gleaming with a cold glint:
"It's impossible I'd give a fool like that even a piece of gold."
Baroness Elena said with a wicked smile:
"We'll get rid of the monsters first… then take care of that foolish boy."
Raylin laughed maliciously:
"And then we'll blame the monsters. That way, the heir of Alvarin Barony will vanish, and we'll divide his land among us."