Frostwind had become a fortress of stability, yet Arin knew that outward expansion required more than military might. Influence, strategy, and subtle pressure on rivals would decide the next phase of his rise.
Kael entered the war room with a thick stack of intelligence reports.
"My lord, Lords Veyron and Selmira continue to test our borders. Minor raids disguised as exercises, reconnaissance disguised as trade caravans… They are cautious, but persistent."
Arin leaned over the table, tracing the routes of the reported movements.
"Good. Let them probe. Every action reveals strategy and weakness. But we will not respond overtly. Instead, we will set controlled countermeasures."
Rynor grinned.
"So… traps?"
Arin nodded.
"Exactly. Subtle, non-lethal traps to gauge their coordination and tactics. Information is the weapon we will wield before the sword."
Lyra added, "I can enhance surveillance nodes along strategic mountain passes and river crossings. Any unusual movement, magic, or energy signature will be detected instantly."
Selene suggested, "We could stage mock convoys and minor skirmishes. Make them believe they are attacking or testing our defenses, while we observe their true capabilities."
The system pulsed:
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Strategic Manipulation Initiated]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Intelligence Yield +12%]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Military Readiness +8%]
Over the next weeks, Arin orchestrated a series of controlled maneuvers. Supply caravans were rerouted along secret paths. Patrols were positioned strategically, often just out of sight. Shadow units shadowed disguised scouts, noting every formation, signal, and command style.
One evening, Kael reported quietly,
"My lord, their coordination is better than I expected. Lord Veyron reacts quickly, Selmira adapts fluidly, and both attempt to manipulate local populations for intelligence."
Arin's lips curved slightly.
"Then our next step is to exploit it. Information is power—but timing is everything."
Meanwhile, Frostwind's soldiers and elite units continued training. Multi-role squads became proficient in combined magic and melee operations. New recruits showed exceptional talent, and the system updated their stats accordingly.
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Elite Unit Competence +15%]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Local Loyalty +10%]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Provincial Influence +5%]
By the end of the month, Frostwind's network had full intelligence coverage of the two semi-independent provinces. Minor nobles and merchants alike were subtly swayed by Arin's growing reputation for fairness, skill, and decisiveness.
Rynor clapped Arin on the shoulder during a training inspection.
"Sixth Prince, you're turning Frostwind into a chessboard. Everyone else just moves pieces—we control the board."
Arin gazed toward the horizon, snow drifting in the cold evening wind.
"Let them test us. Let them make mistakes. Every probe, every hesitation, every miscalculation strengthens our hand."
In the imperial capital, whispers grew louder. Even Emperor Valerius was taking notice.
"Two provinces stabilized, alliances forming, army growing… the Sixth Prince is no longer a minor player," a minister muttered.
And in the shadows, the hooded figure observed silently, lips curling faintly.
"He adapts… faster than anticipated. Phase Two cannot wait much longer."
The Sixth Prince, once weak and overlooked, was now a rising force.
And the world around Frostwind was beginning to take note.