After the Fall

The echoes of victory still rang through the halls of the captured fortress, but I knew the battle wasn't truly over. My warriors celebrated, their cheers and roars filling the stone walls, but my mind was already on what came next.

Carridan was dead. His army was scattered. His rule was finished. But what I had done tonight wasn't just a victory—it was a declaration.

I was no longer some unknown warlord carving out a place in the wild lands. I had taken power. And that meant others would come for me.

I stood at the highest point of the fortress, staring out over the land that was now mine. Fires still smoldered from the battle, the scent of blood and charred wood thick in the air. Below, goblins and mercenaries worked to clear the dead, fortify the gates, and secure the remaining supplies.

The fortress was strong, but it had been built for Carridan's rule, not mine. It would need to change, just as I had changed this land.

Gorak approached, his axe still in hand, dried blood streaked across his armor. "We hold the fortress. The enemy is broken. What now?"

Draven leaned against a ruined pillar, cleaning his blade. "I'd like to know that myself. Killing Carridan is one thing, but ruling after him? That's another problem entirely."

Vaelin crossed his arms. "The region won't stay quiet for long. Carridan had allies, rivals. People who will want to take what's left. We need to consolidate our power before they come knocking."

The Shadeborn stepped from the shadows, her voice calm but firm. "Word is already spreading. His death has left a power vacuum. If we don't fill it quickly, someone else will."

I exhaled, scanning my options. I had won the war, but now I had to win the peace.

I opened my system, checking my resources.

Current Gold: 2,500

Passive Income: 55 Gold per Minute

I had enough to make my next move, but I had to be careful. Spending it all now could leave me vulnerable if something unexpected happened.

[Available Upgrades]

Fortify the Fortress (1,500 Gold) – Strengthens walls, gates, and defensive structures, preparing for future attacks.

Establish a Governing Council (1,200 Gold) – Creates a leadership structure to manage the new territory.

Expand Influence (800 Gold) – Sends envoys to nearby factions to secure alliances or intimidate potential threats.

Train Elite Guard (1,000 Gold) – Forms a personal unit of elite warriors, ensuring protection against future assassination attempts.

I considered my choices carefully. I needed stability. This wasn't just about defending the fortress—it was about ruling.

[1,200 Gold Deducted – Establishing a Governing Council]

A system pulse spread through the fortress, and immediately, a new structure began forming. A war hall, a place where leaders could meet, where decisions could be made. It wasn't just about holding power—it was about creating a system that would last.

[New Governance Unlocked: Stability Increased, Internal Conflicts Reduced]

I turned back to my commanders. "We're not just warriors anymore. We're leaders. This fortress isn't just a stronghold—it's the center of a new power in the wild lands."

Gorak grunted but nodded. "As long as we keep fighting, I don't care what we call it."

Draven smirked. "That's a dangerous way to think, orc. If we don't hold this land properly, someone else will take it."

Vaelin leaned over the newly constructed war table. "Then let's start by securing our borders. Carridan had patrol routes, smaller forts, hidden supply caches. We need to take them before anyone else does."

I nodded. "Agreed. We move fast and take everything he left behind."

The Shadeborn tilted her head. "And what about his allies? Or his enemies? You've made a lot of people very interested in what happens next."

She was right. I had destroyed one ruler, but now others would take notice.

A messenger rushed into the hall, his breath ragged from running. He knelt before me. "My lord, a rider approaches. Alone, carrying a banner of truce."

I frowned. "Whose banner?"

"The Blackthorn Pact."

Silence fell over the war room.

The Blackthorn Pact was one of the largest factions outside of Carridan's rule, a network of mercenaries, warlords, and rogue nobles who thrived in the chaos of the wild lands. They didn't take sides in conflicts—they profited from them.

Draven leaned forward. "That's unexpected."

Vaelin's eyes darkened. "That's dangerous."

I turned to the Shadeborn. "What do you know about them?"

She considered for a moment. "They don't swear loyalty to anyone. If they're sending an envoy, it means they see you as either a threat or an opportunity."

Gorak grunted. "Then we kill them."

I shook my head. "No. We hear what they have to say first. Then we decide."

The messenger nodded and ran back outside. Moments later, the rider entered the fortress gates, his armor dark, his cloak bearing the sigil of a twisted black tree—the mark of the Blackthorn Pact.

He dismounted with ease, removing his helmet to reveal a scarred, weathered face, eyes sharp with intelligence. He looked at me, then at the commanders gathered around me.

Then, he smirked.

"Well," he said, "looks like the rumors were true. You really did kill Carridan."

I kept my expression neutral. "Who are you?"

He bowed his head slightly. "Name's Darius Valen. I represent the Pact's interests in this region."

"And what do you want?" I asked.

Darius grinned. "A conversation."

I folded my arms. "Then talk."

He took a slow step forward. "You've made a name for yourself, Outworlder. You took down Carridan, broke his army, and now you hold his fortress. That's… impressive."

I waited.

Darius chuckled. "The Pact doesn't pick sides in wars. We profit from them. But every now and then, we find someone worth investing in. Someone who could become more than just another warlord."

I didn't react, but I could feel my commanders stiffen around me.

Draven was the first to speak. "You're offering an alliance?"

Darius's grin widened. "I'm offering a partnership. The Pact has resources, informants, coin. You have power, land, and an army. Together, we could reshape the wild lands."

The Shadeborn's voice was soft. "And what's the price?"

Darius shrugged. "Nothing, yet. Just a conversation. And maybe, a deal."

I stared at him, weighing my options. This was unexpected.

If I accepted, I gained access to resources and information I didn't have before.

But the Pact wasn't loyal to anyone. If I wasn't careful, they could use me just as easily as I used them.

I had a choice to make.

Would I trust the Blackthorn Pact?

Or would I turn them away and risk making a new enemy?

Either way, my rise to power was only just beginning.