Rin sat across from Kaelion Solas in the solar chamber, a high glass dome overhead casting radiant gold light over their shoulders. The capital's mechanical birds flew past in patrol formations, visible through the glass .
Kaelion, arms folded, leaned against the ornate steel balustrade.
"You are one of the royal family, Rin," he said coldly. "You can't spend your life drifting around on vacations. It's time you started contributing."
Rin looked away, not responding immediately. A vacation, he thought bitterly. If only Kaelion knew the hell he endured.
"I'm thinking about it," he replied at last. "But tell me… what has the Emperor decided? Are we still invading the West and South? Or are we waiting for Valen to return?"
Kaelion's silver eyes darkened. "That's the problem. The Emperor is conflicted. Valen caused massive damage to the Alliance, yes,but we're talking about two continents, Rin. If it were just one, we could press forward. But both? Without knowing when or where Valen will reappear? It's too dangerous to commit to an all-out war."
He exhaled slowly, his tone shifting to something softer,almost pragmatic. "But we can't sit still either. So I'm giving you something to do. Something simple."
Rin raised an eyebrow.
Kaelion continued. "The Emperor ordered the nobility to begin occupying the North. We're to capture any survivors and secure what remains. He's promised massive land rewards to those who contribute. Your second brother, Veyrion, is tied up with the western border conflicts. I think you're the most suitable for this job."
Rin nodded slowly, processing. The North had already been ravaged by Valen. Anyone left would be survivors at best,no strong individuals remained, the rest are scattered, unorganized. It was the perfect opportunity to strengthen himself quietly, stabilize his power, and think.
Even though the four continents were in conflict,wars but rin, even the eastern continent people felt bad for the northern continent ,but since it happened, they have to take control over the north and since there is now an alliance between two other continents they have to be ready for any possibility.
"I'll do it," Rin said.
Kaelion blinked. "You don't want to think about it?"
"No," Rin said. "I've made my decision. I need the time anyway. And the North... is quiet now."
Kaelion gave a faint approving nod. "Good. You'll leave next week. I'll assign two of my most loyal high-blood warriors to accompany you,both of them at 80% purity. Along with them, you'll go with a force of one million soldiers. Your mission is to occupy two of the fallen Northern kingdoms and crush any lingering resistance."
"But Rin," Kaelion said more seriously, "you will not take full command. I'm assigning Master Arkan Drelos to oversee the campaign. You remember him, don't you? Our father's left wing, the man who taught us all."
Rin's eyes narrowed slightly. Arkan Drelos. The man who taught the three princes how to fight, how to read strategy, and how to understand the world. Cold, brutal, and utterly loyal to the Solas bloodline, Arkan was a name spoken with reverence across the East. A soul stage expert, one of the few left in the family after Valen's terrifying rise.
"I understand," Rin said. "If Arkan's there, I'll follow his lead."
"Good," Kaelion replied, turning away to look over the city skyline. "Because I'm not letting you march into a real operation alone. Not yet."
Rin didn't argue. There was no need. Deep down, he agreed. He needed time,time to grow stronger, to prepare. His soul had been tempered through suffering. His bloodline was climbing steadily. But the shadows of Valen Solas and the secrets of his own origin still loomed over everything.
And somewhere out there, Valen was waiting.
Or planning.
Or watching.
Rin just couldn't forget what happened.