Chapter 9: Strength in Secrecy
Kael Atris knew that the moment the world discovered Valtheris' newfound fertility and military strength, war would be inevitable. The other nations of Varis Primus—Dravengarde, Vayrannis, Khal'Zir, Norskar, Zerathia, and Xeran Taylor—would not stand idle if they learned of Valtheris' miraculous revival.
But Kael was not afraid—he was patient.
Sealing Valtheris from Prying Eyes
Kael imposed strict isolation policies to hide the rapid growth of Valtheris' power:
Trade Restrictions: Only low-grade crops and materials were exported, disguising the true richness of Valtheris' land.Controlled Immigration: Outsiders were heavily monitored, and no foreigner was allowed near Varthun without Kael's approval.Misinformation and Disguises: His soldiers were ordered to spread rumors that Valtheris was still struggling, keeping other nations unaware of its growing might.The Expansion of the Heavenly Army
Kael's Divine Tree continued to bear fruit, birthing 100 two-winged heavenly soldiers per day. Over six months, the army grew to 18,200 troops, each as strong as dozens of mortal warriors.
But Kael never flaunted his power. Instead, he stationed these soldiers strategically:
Thousands hidden in his internal realm, waiting to be summoned in battle.Hundreds disguised among Valtheris' mortal army, blending in as elite warriors.Small groups deployed to critical border outposts, reinforcing defenses while remaining unseen.
Preparing for the Future
Kael wasn't waiting for war—he was preparing for his counterattack. If an enemy struck first, they would not live to regret it.
The Fate of Intruders
The night was dark, the sky clouded in a veil of shadow. A group of spies from Zerathia crept through the rugged outskirts of Valtheris, their movements silent as phantoms. They thought they were undetected. They were wrong.
The Interception
Just as they crossed the Valtherisian border, a sudden gust of wind howled through the air. Blades of pure light flashed, and before the spies could react, a squad of winged soldiers descended from the sky like divine reapers.
Within seconds, the intruders were surrounded. Resistance was futile. The four-winged soldiers effortlessly incapacitated them, binding them in celestial chains forged from Kael Atris' own mana. They were delivered straight to Kael's prison beneath his castle in Varthun.
The Judgment of Kael Atris
Kael sat upon his throne, his golden eyes glowing in the dim torchlight. As the spies were dragged before him, his gaze was cold, unreadable.
"Zerathian spies," he murmured. "You've made a grave mistake."
One of the spies, despite his restraints, gritted his teeth and spat at Kael's feet. "You think your newfound wealth and prosperity will last? The other nations will not allow it!"
Kael tilted his head slightly, then raised a hand. In an instant, the spy convulsed, his very essence being pulled from his body in glowing streams of energy. His form withered and crumbled to dust, his soul converted into pure mana, absorbed into Kael's being.
The other captives watched in horror, their faces pale.
"I only grant submission to those who deserve it," Kael said coolly. "You? You are nothing but fuel for my power."
One by one, he absorbed their essence, increasing his mana reserves.
Insignias of Loyalty
Kael ensured no mortal subject of Valtheris could ever betray him. Each citizen, soldier, and official bore an insignia crafted by his own power—a mark that bound their very existence to his will.
If a Valtherisian betrayed their homeland, their insignia would instantly burn them from the inside out.If an outsider infiltrated and tried to pose as one of them, the insignia would fail to form on their body, exposing them immediately.
This was Kael Atris' absolute authority.
A Warning to Zerathia
With the spies reduced to nothing but energy within him, Kael rose from his throne.
"Zerathia has made its first move," he murmured. "Soon, it will regret it."