The blood crown

The morning after the battle, the air was crisp and heavy with the lingering scent of blood and ash. Lucien Iridath stood among the soldiers as the Empire's forces regrouped. The previous night's victory had come at a steep cost, yet morale was high. The soldiers whispered among themselves about the Prince who had turned the tide, his timely intervention saving countless lives.

The Crown Prince, Alaric Iridath, wasted no time. He was already preparing for the next step—clearing the Ashen Woods entirely of demonic presence. His orders were sharp and precise, reflecting the authority of a seasoned commander. But amidst the bustling preparations, Lucien found himself at the center of attention.

The soldiers' glances lingered on him, filled with respect and a hint of awe. Lucien's actions in the battle, combined with his composed demeanor, had not gone unnoticed. Even among the generals and high-ranking officers, quiet discussions of his potential had begun.

---

The Empire's army moved cautiously into the depths of the Ashen Woods. General Cassian Vrael, the Blade of the West, led the vanguard with his signature calm confidence. His sword rested easily in his hand, but his sharp eyes missed nothing. Behind him, the soldiers advanced in tight formations, their movements precise under his command.

On the northern flank, General Liora Thalain, the Shield of the North, ensured the army's rear was secure. Her shield shimmered faintly with protective Aura, giving the soldiers around her a sense of safety. General Elias Corvan, the Storm of the East, commanded the eastern flank, his presence electrifying as he coordinated swift strikes against the lingering demonic forces. Meanwhile, General Edith, the Guardian of the South, managed the southern flank with icy precision, her cold demeanor as unyielding as the frost that seemed to follow her.

In the center of the formation, Lucien walked alongside Alric Dorne, the Imperial Knight Commander. Dorne, a towering figure with a peak Rank 8 Aura, radiated authority. His gaze shifted occasionally toward Lucien, who met it with calm confidence.

"Your actions yesterday were… unexpected," Dorne remarked, his voice low but firm. "But effective. The soldiers speak highly of you."

Lucien smiled faintly. "A timely intervention is all it was, Commander. Nothing more."

"Perhaps. But timing, as you know, can be the difference between life and death." Dorne's tone carried a hint of approval, though his expression remained neutral.

---

As the army pushed deeper into the woods, they encountered remnants of the demon forces. These skirmishes were brief but brutal, testing the soldiers' mettle. Lucien, determined to solidify his growing reputation, joined the fray.

The first wave of demons came in snarling packs, their claws gleaming with dark energy. Lucien stepped forward, his sword unsheathed and glowing faintly with Aura. He didn't charge recklessly; instead, he moved with calculated precision, his steps measured and deliberate.

When a larger demon lunged at him, Lucien's blade moved in a blur.

"Arcane Rend!" he whispered, activating one of his skills.

The strike cleaved through the demon's tough hide, the force of the attack creating a shockwave that knocked back several smaller creatures. The soldiers around him paused, momentarily awed by the display of power.

Lucien's control over his Aura was evident. Each movement, each strike, was deliberate, maximizing efficiency while conserving energy. Unlike the chaotic swings of lesser knights, Lucien fought with the precision of a master tactician.

"Form ranks!" Lucien commanded, his voice cutting through the chaos. The soldiers obeyed instantly, their trust in him evident.

He didn't rely solely on his strength. His sharp mind, combined with his Rank 6 power, allowed him to analyze the battlefield in real-time, directing troops to exploit weaknesses in the enemy's formation.

---

By mid-afternoon, the army reached a clearing deep within the forest. The dense foliage gave way to jagged rock formations, and at the center of the clearing was a massive ravine. Dark, glowing crystals lined its edges, pulsing faintly with a sinister energy.

Lucien approached the edge of the ravine alongside Archmage Darius Eldrin, who examined the area with a keen eye.

"This... this is a passage," Darius murmured, his voice tinged with both fascination and unease.

"A passage to where?" Lucien asked, though he already suspected the answer.

"To the Demon Continent," Darius confirmed. "I had heard rumors of such pathways, but to find one here…"

The soldiers murmured anxiously as the news spread. The Demon Continent was no myth—it was a realm of unending darkness, the birthplace of the demonic hordes.

Lucien's gaze shifted to the glowing crystals. The air around the ravine was heavy, almost suffocating, with an otherworldly energy. It wasn't just a passage; it was a gateway to an entirely different world.

---

In the makeshift command tent, the Empire's leaders gathered to discuss the discovery. Kaelith Arvant, the Grandstrategist, stood at the head of the table, his fingers tracing the edges of a newly drawn map.

"This changes everything," Kaelith said, his voice calm but firm. "The passage is not just a threat; it's an opportunity. If we can control it, we can gain a foothold in the Demon Continent."

"Control it?" General Elias Corvan frowned. "We barely survived a skirmish in these woods, and now you're suggesting we invade the Demon Continent?"

"If we do not act," Kaelith countered, "the demons will. They will use this passage to launch attacks deeper into our lands. The question is not whether we act, but how."

Lucien listened quietly, his mind racing. This discovery would undoubtedly shift the balance of power within the Empire. Control of the passage would be both a strategic and political advantage. He could already see the subtle glances between the generals and nobles, each calculating how to use this opportunity to their benefit.

---

After the meeting, several nobles approached Lucien, their expressions a mix of respect and intrigue.

"Your Highness," one of them began, "your actions on the battlefield were nothing short of remarkable. It's clear you have the strength and vision to lead."

Lucien inclined his head, his expression humble but unreadable. "I only did what was necessary for the Empire."

The nobles exchanged knowing looks. They saw potential in Lucien—potential that could be nurtured, or perhaps exploited.

One of them stepped closer, lowering his voice. "If I may be so bold, Your Highness, the discovery of this passage presents an opportunity. With the right alliances, you could solidify your position as a leader not just in name, but in action."

Lucien smiled faintly, though his eyes were sharp. "Alliances are indeed important. But one must choose their allies carefully."

The noble nodded, understanding the veiled warning in Lucien's words.

As night fell over the Ashen Woods, Lucien stood alone at the edge of the ravine, staring into its depths. The glow of the crystals cast eerie shadows across his face.

The Demon Continent was no longer a distant threat; it was now a tangible reality. The battles to come would not just be fought with swords and magic—they would be battles of ambition, loyalty, and power.

And Lucien intended to win them all.