Chapter 10: The Unseen Blades

Valen stood in the courtyard of his tower, watching the soldiers and warlocks drill in the morning light. The cool breeze did little to calm his thoughts as the weight of the past day pressed down on him. The looming threat of the Serathin Empire's invasion and the treachery of his own disciples were becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

His sister, Lysandra, approached him, her usual cold demeanor radiating an air of control. As the head of the family, she always carried herself with grace and purpose, though their strained relationship hung between them like an invisible wall. Her sharp eyes studied the training soldiers before turning to her brother.

"We need to talk, Valen," she said, her voice flat but commanding.

Valen gave a curt nod. "What is it?"

Lysandra's lips pressed into a thin line as she folded her arms. "I've received reports that Lucian has been plotting behind your back. He's rallying support among the other disciples, undermining your position."

Valen said nothing, though the news was hardly surprising. Lucian had always been ambitious, seeking power for himself, and in the game, he had been one of the first to betray him. Yet, his lack of expression once again led Lysandra to misinterpret his reaction.

"You cannot afford to be indifferent," Lysandra continued, her voice tinged with frustration. "If Lucian makes his move, it could fracture the entire tower. The Serathin Empire is preparing to strike, and the last thing we need is internal conflict."

Valen stared at her for a moment, his face a mask of neutrality. His Nobility skill, as always, ensured that no emotions were betrayed, and he found it both a blessing and a curse. Inside, a storm of calculations and plans were brewing. He was fully aware of the situation and knew Lucian needed to be dealt with. But Lysandra, as always, assumed his silence meant indifference or weakness.

"I'm handling it," Valen said simply.

Lysandra scoffed, shaking her head. "Handling it? You don't even seem concerned. Do you even understand the gravity of what's happening? This isn't just a game, Valen."

Her words cut deeper than she likely intended. Of course, he understood that this wasn't a game. He had lived and died in this world enough times to know the stakes. But he couldn't afford to act rashly, not when the consequences could spell disaster for everything he had rebuilt.

Valen met her gaze, his expression still unreadable. "I said, I'm handling it."

Lysandra sighed, clearly exasperated by his lack of visible emotion. "Fine. But don't wait too long, Valen. You may find yourself outmaneuvered."

Without waiting for his response, she turned and walked away, her robes flowing behind her like shadows. Valen watched her go, her frustration evident in the way her steps quickened. She never understood his methods. To her, he was too passive, too detached. But Valen knew that silence could be a weapon sharper than any blade.