The early morning air in Dawnwatch was crisp with the scent of freshly carved wood and cooling embers from the forge. Arjun stood on the main road, flanked by elite guards and a handful of priests, waiting.
Today would be different.
Today, they would receive a delegation from the eastern Beastkin tribes.
Priya, still recovering but stronger than yesterday, stood beside him. Wrapped in a lightweight shawl enchanted with minor defense runes, she held her staff like a symbol of both power and dignity.
"Do you think they'll listen?" she asked.
"They'll listen," Arjun said. "The question is whether they'll understand."
Behind them, Shayra stood in full battle armor, silver lines gleaming under the sun. Her hand rested casually on the hilt of her blade, but her posture radiated lethal readiness.
"Diplomacy's a funny thing," she murmured. "Smiles on the outside, and blades behind the back."
"Exactly why you're here," Arjun replied.
The ground trembled slightly. Then they appeared.
From the forest trail came a procession of Beastkin—massive lion-headed warriors with plated hides, panther scouts draped in cloaks, and at their front, a tall woman with snowy white fur and antelope horns, her eyes gleaming like molten gold.
She wore ceremonial armor of bark, bone, and cloth. Though primitive by human standards, it radiated primal enchantment.
"I am Surna, Daughter of the First Hunt. Voice of the Verdant Fang," she declared.
Arjun took a step forward and bowed slightly. "I am Arjun of Dawnwatch. Lord Candidate of the Scorched Marches. Welcome."
The crowd around them held its breath.
Surna's sharp eyes scanned the defenses, the banners, the runes embedded in the road, the neat formations of soldiers, the aura of the titan beneath the fortress… and Arjun's calm, unwavering stance.
"You grow too fast, Lord of Men."
"I'm not like the others," Arjun said simply.
Surna snorted. "They all say that."
They were ushered into the Hall of Command. Beastkin guards stood like statues behind Surna, while Shayra and Rana flanked Arjun.
"Let's speak plainly," Arjun began. "We're expanding. You're concerned."
"You spread like fire across dry plains. You consume trees, hills, rivers. What happens to those who lived there before?"
Arjun nodded. "A valid concern. But I do not destroy what I conquer. I make it stronger."
"You colonize it."
"I uplift it."
Surna leaned forward, her voice a growl. "Will your ambitions stop at the valley?"
"No," Arjun said without hesitation. "But I offer alliance. Trade. Shared defenses against the Scorched Crown and other hostile Lords."
"You offer peace while your soldiers sharpen their blades," she said, eyes narrowing.
Arjun tapped the table. A map lit up, showing monster movements in the eastern region—beast hordes, corrupted Titans, and shadow wyrms.
"You've noticed them too," he said. "Something ancient is stirring. Your lands will not be spared."
Surna's gaze hardened.
Diplomacy Roll: SuccessBeastkin Honorbound Code DetectedSub-faction: Verdant Fang impressed by Leadership and Strategic HonestyNew Status: Tense Neutrality
"I will take your offer to our High Elders," she said at last. "But know this—if even one claw of corruption touches our sacred groves, there will be war."
Arjun bowed again. "Then I will stand beside you, not against you."
As the delegation left, Shayra approached Arjun.
"You impressed her."
"I meant what I said," he replied. "This land's survival depends on unity."
"Still… keep your sword close."
Meanwhile, Priya watched from a balcony, thoughtful. She had seen flashes again—of forest fires, of Beastkin villages burned by unnatural flame. A roaring voice kept calling her name from the darkness.
System Alert: Beast Egg Synchronization Progress: 64%Unlocked Memory: Fragment of the Fallen Grove
She touched her pendant. "Soon," she whispered.
That evening, Arjun and Meera stood atop the southern watchtower.
"You risked a lot by being honest with Surna," Meera said.
"I don't believe in leading with lies. Not here. Not with the System watching."
"You know," Meera murmured, "When I first joined you, I thought you were just another man hungry for power. But you've changed. Or maybe you were different from the start."
Arjun turned to her. The torchlight flickered across her face, highlighting the sharp lines softened by trust.
He reached out, brushing her hair behind her ear. "Why did you stay, Meera?"
"Because I found someone worth following. And… someone I might love."
He didn't speak. He simply kissed her.
Slowly, softly, deeply.
No guards. No titles. Just man and woman under starlight.
System Alert: Bond DeepenedPartner: MeeraIntimacy Level: HighPregnancy Probability: 58%Emotional Sync Bonus:– Intelligence Sharing Boost– Dual Skill Unlocked: "Arcane Pulsefield"
Later that night, they lay in his chambers, skin to skin, their bodies and hearts intertwined.
But far to the north, behind icy peaks and cursed blizzards, a black obelisk pulsed.
A hand—bony, burned, and wrapped in ritual chains—touched its surface.
"The Thousandfold Lord grows stronger," the voice rasped. "So shall we rise… ten thousandfold."
A new army began to awaken.