The Dawn of War

The grand hall of Mythrendel's palace was silent, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows over the tense faces seated around the round table. Joseph sat at the head, fingers interlocked, his golden eyes sharp with calculation. Across from him, Duchess Amelia and Duchess Sophia exchanged uneasy glances, while Dukes Eleazar and Sebastian wore expressions of contempt.

Joseph exhaled and rose from his seat, his voice cold yet calm. "Let's not waste time. The kingdom is crumbling, and I have no interest in ruling over ashes. I'm here to rebuild, to strengthen Mythrendel." His gaze locked onto Eleazar's piercing eyes. "That is, if all of you are willing to stand by me."

Eleazar scoffed, arms crossed over his broad chest. "You, a stranger, dare to claim the throne and now speak of revolution? You sold off relics that belonged to this kingdom's history, and yet you expect loyalty?"

Joseph's lips curled into a smirk. "I sold useless relics that served no purpose. None of them held any cultural significance." His voice dropped, laced with quiet menace. "I would sooner melt down a golden idol to forge a sword than let this kingdom starve over meaningless traditions."

Sebastian tapped his fingers against the table. "It's not just the relics. You are not of royal blood. Mythrendel's rightful ruler is Queen Seraphina. The throne should belong to her."

Joseph leaned forward, his aura shifting, an almost predatory gleam in his eyes. "Then tell me, Duke Sebastian, where was Queen Seraphina when the people suffered? When the treasury emptied? When famine knocked on every door?" His voice dripped with mockery. "Silent, wasn't she?"

Sebastian flinched but said nothing.

"I am not here to play king," Joseph continued, voice razor-sharp. "I am here to forge a new path. Those who stand with me will see Mythrendel rise to power. Those who don't…" He let the words hang in the air, his smirk widening ever so slightly.

"I refuse," Eleazar spat. "You are a usurper, a fool who thinks he can rule through brute force."

Joseph chuckled, his laughter low and unsettling. "Brute force?" He tilted his head, eyes glinting dangerously. "Oh, Duke Eleazar, you misunderstand. This is not brute force." He stepped closer, voice a whisper of madness. "This is inevitability."

Silence thickened in the room.

Amelia and Sophia exhaled, exchanging knowing glances before Sophia spoke. "Duke Eleazar, Duke Sebastian… Are you truly willing to throw Mythrendel into civil war?"

"We are," Eleazar answered without hesitation.

Joseph's smirk deepened. "Then let's make it interesting."

Sebastian narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"

"We fight," Joseph said, his tone almost amused. "Whoever wins, only the leader bears the consequences. No massacre, no senseless bloodshed. If I lose, I'll be held accountable. If you lose…" He let the sentence dangle, but the meaning was clear.

Eleazar's grin mirrored Joseph's now. "Very well, usurper."

The Palace of Solmara

A loud knock echoed through the golden halls of Solmara's royal palace.

"Enter," King Alfred Solmara commanded, his deep voice reverberating through the chamber. A royal messenger stepped forward, bowing deeply.

"Your Majesty, I bring news," the messenger said.

King Alfred leaned forward, his piercing gaze sharp. "Go on."

"As it stands, the kingdom of Mythrendel is on the verge of civil war."

The room fell into a hush before Alfred chuckled, a slow, wicked sound. "Perfect." He leaned back, eyes gleaming. "This will be our opportunity to strike."

A general stepped forward. "Shall we begin preparations, Your Majesty?"

Alfred's lips curled into a smirk. "Let them fight amongst themselves. Once they are weakened, we will swoop in and claim Mythrendel for ourselves."

Joseph's Chambers

Joseph sat alone in his room, the flickering lantern casting shadows along the walls. The weight of the impending war pressed on his shoulders, yet his smirk never wavered. His fingers drummed against the wooden desk as he mulled over the strategies forming in his mind.

A soft knock broke his thoughts.

"Come in."

The door creaked open, and Elyndra stepped inside, her silver hair cascading over her shoulders. "You look like a man possessed."

Joseph chuckled. "Aren't I?"

She sighed, crossing her arms. "You're really going through with this?"

He tilted his head. "Did you think I was joking?"

Elyndra exhaled. "My father may want the throne back, but I don't care. I will stand by you, Joseph."

His smirk faltered for a brief second before returning, this time softer. "Even if it means going against your own blood?"

She nodded. "Even if it means that."

Joseph leaned back, watching her with unreadable eyes. "You're full of surprises, Elyndra."

She stepped closer, looking down at him. "And you? What are you becoming?"

He chuckled. "We'll find out soon enough."

She turned to leave, pausing at the doorway. "Good night, Joseph."

"Good night, Elyndra."

As the door shut behind her, Joseph's expression darkened. The thrill of battle called to him, and for the first time in his life, he was eager to answer.

A Dream of Power

As sleep overtook him, a strange sensation gripped his mind. A deep, electric hum filled his ears, and a neon blue interface illuminated the darkness behind his eyelids.

[WELCOME TO THE HEXTECH SYSTEM]

Joseph's breath hitched.

[Ability Acquired: The ability to create any magic-based technology that utilizes mana to channel the power of magical artifacts known as Hextech Artifacts.]

[Level: 5]

[Ability Acquired: Appraisal.]

[Level: 5]

A slow, crazed grin spread across his face.

"Oh… this is going to be fun."