Kai stood on the raised platform in Verdis's city square, gazing out at the sea of faces filling the plaza below. Every eye was fixed on him, they were waiting for him to start whatever he was about to say.
This was his city now, and it was a feeling that he couldn't just shake away.
He cleared his throat, the quiet murmur in the crowd settling instantly, and began, his voice firm yet measured, carrying over the square. "People of Verdis, by the grace of King Sullivan, I have been granted control of this city— our city." He paused, letting the words sink in, his gaze sweeping over the crowd as they straightened. "And I promise you, on this very day, that I will see to it that all injustices done here will be accounted for. We will see Verdis rise again, stronger than ever."
A ripple of approval passed through the people, some nodding in agreement, others watching with guarded hope. He saw a few faces soften, hardened lines easing as the weight of his words took hold.
But he could feel the uncertainty that reeked from their response.
"I'm sure many of you have heard rumours about me," he continued, his lips curling in a half-smile. "Some of them good, some of them not so good." A few chuckles broke the tension, people exchanging knowing glances. "You've probably heard about the beast wave and how we held the line. I won't go into the details now, but I'll say this: for the last year, I've poured everything I have into making Veralt better. And those efforts are already showing results."
He gestured to the people around him as if inviting them to witness the tangible change in their lives.
"Just recently, we've launched new projects— the education program, an apprenticeship scheme, the village rebuilding initiative. And the community kitchen, where every person in Veralt can come and receive a meal, no questions asked, every single day. This, I promise, is only the beginning. Each one of you deserves the same respect, and the same opportunities. And I give you my word that you will have them."
As his words echoed over the crowd, a wave of cheers broke out, people raising their fists, voices lifted in raw, unguarded approval.
Although all his schemes were good, the community kitchen part got the most cheer. Food was a problem everywhere and even in Verdis, there were a lot of skinny, malnourished people that weren't able to get one proper meal a day.
Kai allowed the sound to roll over him, grounding himself in the energy of the people before him, waiting as they settled back into a reverent hush.
He took a breath, knowing the next promise would resonate deeply. "Verdis has two iron mines," he said, his tone firm. "And from now on, every worker who steps into those mines will have the safety equipment they need. Gone are the days when men and women risked their lives for the city's wealth without basic protection. Henderson stripped that away from you, sent you into the depths unprotected. I'll be changing that. Your safety is as much a priority as the iron we pull from the earth."
Another wave of cheers rose, louder this time, and he saw fists pumping in the crowd, people's faces alight with hope. But he wasn't finished. He held up a hand, and the square hushed once more.
"And our biggest project," he announced, his voice taking on a tone of anticipation, "will be a citywide evaluation. Every single person in Verdis will have the opportunity to be tested, to see if you have the qualities needed to join a new special force— a force that will report directly to me."
A hush fell, the crowd holding its collective breath. "Those selected will receive a fair wage, steady work, and the pride of defending this city alongside me. I'm talking about five gold coins per month here, and enough security to your family and your future." Excited murmurs swept through the crowd, people turning to each other in whispers, discussing what he had just said. Kai watched them, knowing that this was the start of something they'd been longing for.
Yet, amidst the hopeful faces, he noticed a few hesitant expressions— eyes that darted with uncertainty, mouths set in tight lines of doubt. Sensing the undercurrent of fear, he raised his hands once more, his gaze steady and reassuring.
"Fear not," he began, his voice warm and earnest. "Although the testing will be mandatory, no one will have to join the special force if they don't want to. There will be no coercion, no force. Everyone will be treated equally and will simply be given the option to strive for something more in life. This is about opportunity, not obligation."
A collective sigh seemed to pass through the crowd, tension easing as Arzan addressed their unspoken concerns directly. He continued, "To ensure the smooth administration of our new initiatives, Zorgar will take up the administrative duties. He knows this city inside and out and will be instrumental in implementing our programs effectively. Additionally, one of my trusted knights, Feroy, will be acting under Zorgar's guidance. I will also be sending more personnel to make sure I receive news from Verdis every week, keeping me informed and allowing me to respond swiftly to your needs."
As he spoke, another roar of approval erupted, more vigorous than before. The people's enthusiasm seemed to swell, their initial doubts melting away in the face of his clear and compassionate leadership.
He took a moment to absorb the renewed energy before continuing. "If you have any questions, please come forward to ask them now. I would be happy to address any doubts or concerns you may have."
"Count Arzan," one of the men walked forward, "how will the testing for the special force work? What kind of training will we receive?"
Kai smiled, appreciating the directness of the question. "Excellent question. The testing will be done by a Mage. Nevertheless, no harm or pain will be felt. The training will be comprehensive, covering combat skills, resilience including your physical strength and durability. It will be intense, but nothing you can't handle."
Encouraged by the response, another voice chimed in from the back— a woman, holding her baby in her hand. A trace of hesitation passed by her eyes before she spoke. "What guarantees do we have that you won't abuse the power like Henderson did, Lord Arzan?"
Arzan's expression hardened slightly, a steely resolve in his eyes. "Transparency and accountability have always been the cornerstones of my rule. City of Veralt is testimony to what I've done. So, rather than words, I will show you with my actions. Any more questions?"
People collectively nodded. The questions continued, so did his responses.
As Kai replied to every one of them, he felt the crowd ease up. The answers were clear and sincere, dispelling lingering fears.
Kai studied her, the wheels of his mind turning. "I might have a way. I've been looking for options since we last spoke, and there may be one possibility— a long, risky surgery. It won't be easy, and the recovery could take time."
She smiled, a touch of warmth melting her guarded expression. "Then I trust you, Count Arzan. I'll follow your lead."
"Good. I don't intend to leave Veralt anytime soon, so we have all the time we need."
For the first time, he saw a genuine glimmer of relief in her expression. The carriage rocked gently as they travelled onward, but within it, a quiet understanding settled between them— which Kai appreciated. After the long day he has had, he wanted some peaceful silence.
***
Flossbor rose slowly, leaning heavily on a twisted staff adorned with silver leaves. His face, carved by time and wisdom, bore deep lines that spoke of centuries of battles and burdens, yet his eyes burned with a youthful intensity that defied his frail frame. The hall quieted as the elf elder raised his hand.
Around him, the Great Hall of the Elder Tree thrummed with life. The massive chamber was woven seamlessly from living branches that curved overhead, forming a natural dome covered with thick, emerald-green leaves. Sunlight filtered through the gaps, casting dapples of light onto the council members seated in a circle at the vine-covered table before him. Flowers the colour of moonlight bloomed along the edges, releasing a faint, calming fragrance, a reminder of the Elder Tree's protective embrace.
Flossbor's voice, though cracked with age, rang steady and clear, reverberating across the sacred space.
"We need the Fatebreaker to leave the human lands and come here. It's the only way to save the world."
His gaze swept over the members of the Council of the Five Tribes, taking in the solemn faces seated around him—elves who had sacrificed centuries to protect the Elder Tree and the world itself. But now, as the faint signs of the coming calamity cast long shadows over them, uncertainty lingered in their eyes.
One of the council members, a tall, stoic elf named Lirian, broke the silence. "I don't believe in this 'Fatebreaker.' It's a myth, Flossbor. We should focus on practical solutions, not stories."
Another member nodded in agreement, but the elder's gaze turned fierce as he silenced them with another raised hand.
"Enough!" he commanded, and the council quieted. "Elder V'aleirith herself has foreseen his arrival. He has already begun the fight against the forces of calamity, and the Elder Tree has shown us a path. We cannot ignore this."
Seated across from him, a regal, silver-haired elf named Caelith scowled. "But he's a human— a mere human. Why would the Elder Tree choose him? Why should we stake our hopes on one of them?"
Flossbor's gaze hardened, his eyes glowing with a quiet fire. "The Elder Tree does not bend to our prejudices, Caelith. It chooses those it deems worthy, regardless of our understanding. He may be human, but he is the Fatebreaker. And if we refuse to call upon him, we will all pay the price for our pride."
At that moment, a striking woman seated to the left, her silver hair bound with strands of emerald leaves, slammed her staff down onto the vine-covered table, the thud echoing through the place. The table itself, formed from thick, living vines that twisted and bloomed with soft white flowers, seemed to pulse with the life force of the Elder Tree. She met the other council members' stares, her gaze sharp and unyielding.
She was V'aleirith, elven elder of the Leth'thae tribe.
"What if he is a human?" V'aleirith demanded, her voice laced with scorn at their hesitation. "A Fatebreaker is still a Fatebreaker—one without threads binding him, the only one who can break free of the prophecy. Why should we concern ourselves with race if he is what we believe he is? Or do you think only we elves deserve blessings from the Elder Tree?"
Caelith stiffened at her words, his lips pressed into a thin line. "It's not about deserving, V'aleirith. It's that we have no assurance he'll even help us. We don't know if the Elder Tree means the same to him as it does to us. He might see it as nothing more than an old tree and the prophecy as a mere tale."
V'aleirith's eyes narrowed. "He's a Mage— Blessed by the Elder Tree since birth. Surely, he knows the value of the Elder Tree and all that it represents. And unless any of you elders have a better idea to face Malfecia's twisted forces," she paused, her voice dripping with challenge, "I'd like you to enlighten us. Surely, in all your centuries, you have some brilliant plans to stand against a being worshipped by the death incarnate?"
Silence fell like a heavy weight, smothering any remaining resistance. The council members shifted in their vine-woven chairs, their eyes downcast as V'aleirith's words settled. They had all felt the creeping dread of Malfecia's influence, the darkness slowly tainting the lands. Even their wisdom, gathered over countless years, offered no clear path forward/
And every second they wasted, the Elder Tree's condition grew worse.
Flossbor finally nodded, breaking the silence and seeing no objection. "It is decided, then. We will summon the Fatebreaker to our land as our guest. And if he accepts... he will be our hope— the very centre of our stand against the calamity."
The council members exchanged wary glances, but no one argued. Vines hanging from the ceiling draped down like green chandeliers, and the flowers on the table pulsed softly, as if the Elder Tree itself acknowledged the decision.
***
A/N - You can read 30 chapters (15 Magus Reborn and 15 Dao of money) on my patreon. Also, those who have liked the book and haven't rated, please do so.