The message was clear: if they attempted to escape with the devices, it would lead to inevitable death. The power they were being given came at a cost.
Aric went through the list of bandits with the highest potential and loyalty above fifty percent and gave them the first batch of mana-powered gear, or MPG, as Lerai had named it. Currently, around thirty of the bandits were equipped with MPG, making them far more formidable than the average human.
"Borag and Twitcher... come with me," Aric instructed. The three men shifted from the group to the other side of the mine.
"We are going to start making a move," Aric informed.
"Just give us a target," Twitcher said.
"For now, I need all the information surrounding Miredis: who controls what, transport details, and any information on anyone with any relevant influence whatsoever."
"Understood," Borag nodded.
"Have your men prepare. In the coming days, we are going to completely overtake this stretch."
"Yes, sire," both men nodded.
"All right, I’ll be in touch."
Aric walked off, leaving both men standing. He raised his hand as he approached the carriage, gesturing for Lerai to follow him as they began leaving.
"For those of you with MPG, stay within this part of Miredis. Go too far without authorization, and you’ll end up like your foolish companion—nothing more than a rain of blood."
Aric’s warning brought fearful nods and glances before the prince boarded the carriage along with Lerai. They began their journey toward the capital. The prince had done his necessary planning and mapped out all the points he would lead Byzeth to attack. Now, he only had to bring his plans before the council.
The King of Byzeth, Aszer Hait, stood at the center of the room, his robe loose and carelessly draped over his frame as he worked on a large canvas, brush in hand.
Surrounding him were several women, their naked bodies reclined on luxurious cushions, their skin glistening with oil under the soft light. Their laughter was soft and melodic, like a subtle melody in the background.
Some of the women lounged on couches, while others whispered among themselves, running their hands over each other’s skin. A few even lay on the floor, watching the king with a mix of awe and sexual desire.
The king was lost in his work, his brush moving across the canvas with practiced ease, the painting a deliberate mess of colors. His eyes, however, were sharp as he glanced over at Aric without breaking the rhythm of his strokes.
"Ah, Valerian," Aszer said, his voice dripping with amusement. "You’ve arrived. Apologies for the mess—art, as they say, waits for no man. Though I suspect you didn’t come here for an audience."
Aric’s gaze swept over the scene without a hint of interest. The sight of the naked women and the king’s indulgent lifestyle meant nothing to him—for now. His mind was entirely focused on the task at hand.
"I’ve come with a plan," Aric said plainly, stepping forward. The women turned their attention to him, their curiosity piqued, but he had still paid them no mind. "We are going to lead the northerners to begin a war and I have the strategy you need to do so"
Aszer raised an eyebrow, dipping his brush into a jar of paint. "Oh? And what strategy might that be?"
Aric wasted no time, pulling a map from his cloak and laying it on a nearby table. He pointed to several marked locations near the border of other kingdoms and the Valerian Empire.
"These are key border towns and strategic outposts on the outskirts of the empire," Aric began. "If we target these places first, we cripple the empire’s ability to respond quickly as they are too distant. The goal isn’t just to raid them—it’s to ignite war."
Aszer wiped his hands on his robe and approached the map, glancing at the marked spots. "Hmm... but why start there? Those towns are small and insignificant. If we’re to make an impact, shouldn’t we strike at more prosperous locations?"
Aric shook his head. "No. The strength of these places lies in their insignificance. The empire won’t send a significant force to defend them, which means we can hit them hard without resistance. Meanwhile, the larger cities will be left vulnerable. By the time they realize what’s happening, it will be too late."
Although this very much sounded like a tactic against Valeria, but hidden within it was the very strategy by which byzeth was to fall.