Declaration Of War
The bandit attacks had grown bolder, their raids on Eryndor's caravans becoming more frequent and destructive. Aria knew that decisive action was needed. She gathered Tharn, Lyria, and a squad of elite soldiers to hunt down the bandits and put an end to their threat.
The group set out at dawn, their movements swift and silent. Tharn led the way, his *Titan's Strength* allowing him to clear paths through the dense forest. Lyria scouted ahead, her *Agile Reflexes* and *Sky's Eye* making her an invaluable asset. Aria followed, her *Blood Sense* guiding them toward the bandits' hideout.
When they arrived, they found the bandits camped in a clearing, their numbers greater than expected. Aria's eyes narrowed as she assessed the situation. "We'll strike fast and hard," she whispered. "Take them by surprise."
The battle was fierce. Tharn charged into the fray, his massive frame scattering bandits like leaves in the wind. Lyria darted through the chaos, her daggers flashing as she took down enemy after enemy. Aria unleashed her *Bloodweaver* skill, her crimson blades cutting through the bandits with deadly precision.
But just as the tide of battle seemed to turn in their favor, a horn sounded in the distance. Aria's *Blood Sense* detected a large group of soldiers approaching—Bashda's troops.
---
The Bashda soldiers, clad in gleaming armor and bearing the kingdom's crest, emerged from the forest. Their commander, a stern-faced man with a scar running down his cheek, stepped forward. "Lady Aria," he said, his voice cold. "You are under arrest for inciting rebellion and harboring monsters. Surrender now, or face the consequences."
Aria's eyes narrowed. "We are not rebels, and we are not monsters. We are a kingdom, and we will defend ourselves."
The commander sneered. "Then you leave us no choice."
The Bashda soldiers charged, their weapons gleaming in the sunlight. Aria and her forces were outnumbered, but they fought with everything they had. Tharn's *Titan's Strength* allowed him to hold the line, while Lyria's *Agile Reflexes* made her a blur on the battlefield. Aria's *Bloodweaver* skill was devastating, but even she began to feel the strain.
As the battle raged on, Aria found herself surrounded. The Bashda soldiers closed in, their weapons raised. For a moment, she felt a flicker of fear. But then, something inside her snapped.
---
Aria's eyes glowed with a fierce light as a surge of power coursed through her. The world seemed to slow as new notifications appeared in her mind.
**[Unique Skill: Crimson Dominion has evolved into Blood Sovereign.]**
**[Common Skills: Blood Armor, Blood Clone, and Blood Nova Acquired.]**
**[Intrinsic Skills: Eternal Hunger and Immortal Resolve Activated.]**
Aria felt her power grow exponentially. *Blood Sovereign* allowed her to control blood on a much larger scale, bending it to her will with unparalleled precision. *Blood Armor* encased her in a protective shell of hardened blood, deflecting blows with ease. *Blood Clone* created a perfect replica of herself, confusing her enemies and giving her an edge in battle. And *Blood Nova* unleashed a devastating explosion of blood energy, obliterating everything in its path.
With her new skills, Aria turned the tide of the battle. Her *Blood Nova* decimated the Bashda soldiers, while her *Blood Clone* and *Blood Armor* made her nearly invincible. Tharn and Lyria fought with renewed vigor, inspired by their queen's display of power.
The Bashda commander, realizing the battle was lost, sounded the retreat. The surviving soldiers fled, leaving behind their dead and wounded.
---
As the dust settled, Aria felt a strange energy within her. It was dark and powerful, pulsing like a second heartbeat. She recognized it immediately—the Demon Lord Seed. She had earned it through her overwhelming power and the fear she had instilled in her enemies.
But Aria knew that awakening as a Demon Lord would come with its own challenges. For now, she would keep the seed dormant, waiting for the right moment to unleash its full potential.
---
Back in Eryndor, Aria called an emergency meeting of the council. The mood was tense as she recounted the battle and the betrayal by Bashda's troops.
"They attacked us without provocation," Aria said, her voice filled with anger. "They see us as monsters, as a threat to be eradicated. We cannot allow this to continue."
The council members nodded, their expressions grim. Tharn was the first to speak. "We must strike back. Show them that we are not to be underestimated."
Lyria agreed. "We have the strength and the unity to defend ourselves. But we must also be prepared for the consequences."
Aria stood, her gaze sweeping over the council. "Then it is decided. Eryndor declares war on the Kingdom of Bashda. We will fight not for conquest, but for our survival and our right to exist."
The council erupted into cheers, their determination unwavering. Aria felt a surge of pride and resolve. Eryndor would face its greatest challenge yet, but she knew that they would emerge stronger than ever.
---
In the days that followed, Eryndor prepared for war. Tharn and his soldiers trained tirelessly, their skills honed to perfection. Lyria reached out to potential allies, seeking support from other kingdoms and factions. Kael and Rakka worked to ensure that Eryndor's resources were sufficient to sustain a prolonged conflict. Borin and his craftsmen produced weapons and armor of unparalleled quality. Elara and her mages developed new spells and strategies to use in battle.
Aria, meanwhile, focused on mastering her new skills. She knew that the coming war would test her limits, but she was ready to face whatever came her way.
As the sun set over Eryndor, casting its golden light on the bustling kingdom, Aria stood atop the walls, her gaze fixed on the horizon. The storm was coming, but she was ready to face it.