Three days had passed since the end of the Tide War, and Greystone Barony stirred with new life. The scars of the battle were still fresh—walls repaired, graves marked with respect, and the faint smell of ash lingering in the air. But it was not sorrow that filled the barony—it was purpose.
Lucas stood atop the reconstructed watchtower, overlooking the hills beyond. A long caravan stretched into the horizon—people.
Families, warriors, merchants, beastkin, elves, and outcast humans from fallen towns had begun arriving. Some walked barefoot, others carried wounded on makeshift carts, their faces weary but filled with awe and hope.
Reynard approached from below, his armor newly repaired but eyes alert.
"One thousand," Reynard said. "That's the number we've counted so far. They come from Eastmere, Darin's Hollow, even from the outlands beyond Valeria's reach. Word of your victory against the Tide has spread."
Lucas took a deep breath, his eyes scanning the sea of refugees. "Not refugees anymore," he said. "They're citizens now."
...
Later that evening, Lucas addressed the gathering outside the gates. A hastily constructed platform stood before the walls. Umbra lay at its base like a vigilant shadow, Zephyra perched on the spire behind Lucas, her wings folding elegantly.
Kaela and Elira flanked him. The former crossed her arms, chin high with pride; the latter stood like a sentinel, bow on her back, a calm resolve in her eyes.
"You came seeking safety," Lucas said, his voice amplified by Zephyra's wind manipulation. "But what you seek is more than a wall. You want a future."
The crowd murmured in agreement.
A woman stepped forward—tall, soot-streaked, carrying a forge hammer on her back. Her eyes glowed faintly amber, and her presence commanded silence.
"I am Ilyra Stonevein," she declared, kneeling before Lucas. "Last of the Blackforge line. My ancestors served the Emperor Carter in the Age of Beasts. I saw your banner, and I remembered the prophecy… the Beast Emperor would rise again. I swear my hammer to you. My blood to your cause. Make us your kingdom."
Silence hung like morning fog.
Lucas looked around, seeing a thousand kneeling figures—elf, beastkin, human, all ready to follow. Ready to believe.
He clenched his fist.
"Then hear this," Lucas said. "This land is no longer a barony. Greystone is the first stone of a new empire. I am Lucas Carter. Beast Emperor reborn. And I will build an empire where the strong protect the weak, where beast and man rise together."
Cheers erupted, thunderous and full of fervor.
...
The next day, Lucas called a war council.
A large map of Elarion now occupied the central chamber. Several markers indicated the ruined towns from the Tide, strongholds of nobles, and known beast territories.
Lucas pointed to Valeria's central plains. "We begin our conquest here. The Kingdom of Valeria is fractured. Their lords failed their people. We won't."
Kaela grinned. "About time we taught those nobles what real strength is."
Reynard nodded. "With the new citizens, we can form five squads of militia and begin retraining the survivors."
Elira added, "I suggest we establish outposts further into the forest to prevent another ambush. I'll take Luna and scout ahead."
Lucas turned to Ilyra. "What do you need for a forge?"
Ilyra's eyes sparkled. "A hearthstone from the Crystal Caverns. It's to the north, past the ruins of Tal'Reth. Bring me that, and I'll forge gear fit for kings."
...
That night, Lucas stared into the flames, the system's interface glowing softly before him. Angel's voice chimed in gently.
[SYSTEM UPDATE: WORLD MAP UNLOCKED - AERION]
"There are eight continents," Angel whispered. "Eight domains where power festers and empires slumber."
Elarion – Kingdoms of men, ancient forests of elves. Your birthland. Your first battlefield.
Darak'Thul – Warlords and blood rites. A beastkin land without rule.
Myrravale – Arcane sanctuaries. Home of dragonkin and ethereal mysteries.
Varnok – The ice continent. Only the strong survive. Giants rule here.
Zerinthia – Sky cities, winged races, lightning-tamed beasts. Aerial dominion.
Koz'Aran – Jungles of relics and temples. Beast tamers reign.
Nyxterra – Shadowborn. Vampires, specters, and night-ruled tribes.
Abyssal Reaches – Sunken, lost, and forbidden. Even gods whisper of it.
{Angel} paused. "Elarion is only the beginning."
Lucas clenched his jaw. "Then we'll take it. One land at a time."
🛡 New Objectives Unlocked:
Main Quest: Conquer Elarion (0/7 Regions Claimed)
Secure alliances or victories over the remnants of Valeria's kingdoms
Establish 3 major city-states under your rule
Awaken the Emperor's Sigil hidden in Greystone
Side Quest: Forge of the Ancients
Retrieve Hearthstone of Tal'Reth
Unlock Blackforge Masterworks (Gear Tier: Mythic)
World Alert: Hidden Factions Have Taken Notice…
[The Crimson Eyes] (Nyxterra - Shadow Agents)
[Draken Covenant] (Myrravale - Dragonkin Aristocracy)
[The Stormcallers] (Zerinthia - Skyfolk Commanders)
{Angel} whispered again: "Eyes are turning, Lucas. The world watched the Tide fall. Now they wonder who you are… and if they should kneel or prepare for war."
Lucas didn't flinch. "Let them come. We're just getting started."