The grand halls of the Imperial Palace stretched endlessly before Leon as he walked through the golden corridor, flanked by Elara and Darius. The polished marble floors reflected the torchlight, casting a regal glow over the majestic banners of the Empire.
Despite his composed exterior, Leon knew one thing—this was a battlefield just as dangerous as any war-torn valley.
The Emperor had summoned him.
Was it to recognize his growing power? Or to remind him of his place?
Elara whispered under her breath. "Stay sharp. These halls are filled with vipers."
Leon smirked. "Good. I enjoy hunting snakes."
---
The Imperial Court
The throne room was vast, filled with nobles, generals, and high-ranking officials of the Empire. At its center sat Emperor Darius Valtheron, a man whose presence alone could silence a room. His sharp emerald eyes studied Leon carefully, as if weighing his worth.
At his side stood Prime Minister Reynard, a man with a reputation for manipulating nobles like puppets.
Leon bowed with measured respect. "Your Majesty."
The Emperor's voice was calm but firm. "Leon of Blackwood Valley. You've made quite a name for yourself."
Leon met his gaze. "I only do what is necessary, Your Majesty."
A murmur spread through the court. Some nobles sneered at Leon's confidence, while others observed with intrigue.
Reynard stepped forward, his voice laced with amusement. "Necessary? A mere baron's son conquering noble lands? That sounds more like ambition."
Leon smirked. "Ambition and necessity often walk hand in hand, Prime Minister."
The Emperor let the tension hang before speaking again.
"Tell me, Leon… Do you serve the Empire?"
Silence fell over the court.
Leon knew this was a test. A wrong answer, and he'd be labeled a traitor. But bending too much would make him a pawn.
He straightened his back.
"I serve the Empire, Your Majesty. But I do not serve weak nobles who squander its potential."
Gasps echoed through the room.
The Emperor chuckled, a rare expression of amusement. "Interesting. Then tell me, what would you do if I named you a Duke?"
Elara's breath hitched. Darius's eyes widened.
Leon, however, smiled.
"I would make the Empire stronger, Your Majesty. And I would ensure that those unworthy of their titles no longer hold power."
The Emperor's smile deepened. "Then let's see if you're as capable as you claim. I have a task for you."
---
The Emperor's Test
The room grew tense as the Emperor leaned forward.
"The eastern provinces have been plagued by rebellion. The nobles there have grown weak, unable to maintain order. If you are as strong as you claim, then quell the rebellion and bring me the traitor's head."
Leon's smirk returned.
"Consider it done, Your Majesty."
The Emperor nodded. "Then go, Duke Leon of Blackwood. Show the Empire your worth."
As Leon turned to leave, he could feel the weight of every noble's gaze upon him. Some saw a rising power, others saw a threat.
Elara whispered, "We just stepped into a bigger game."
Leon's eyes burned with resolve.
"Good. Let's make it ours."
---
A Duke's First War
The newly granted Duke Leon of Blackwood stood before his gathered commanders, studying the map of the eastern provinces. The rebellion was spreading like wildfire, consuming villages and towns, while the so-called noble rulers had either fled or barricaded themselves behind castle walls.
Leon's orders from the Emperor were clear: Crush the rebellion and bring back the traitor's head.
But he knew better.
This isn't just about rebels. Someone is pulling the strings.
Elara tapped the map, her voice sharp. "We need to move quickly. Reports say the rebels have taken control of Ironhold Fortress. If we let them fortify further, it will become a nightmare to take back."
Darius smirked. "Then we strike first. Cut off their momentum before they feel invincible."
Leon nodded. "We'll crush them in one decisive campaign. But first… we need to know who we're really fighting."
---
The Hidden Hand Behind the Rebellion
Leon's spies worked swiftly, infiltrating rebel camps and bribing informants.
Within days, the truth was uncovered—this rebellion wasn't just peasants rising up. It was funded and armed by powerful nobles seeking to weaken the Emperor's rule.
Among them, one name stood out:
Duke Alistair Ravenshade.
A veteran noble with vast lands and a personal army, Alistair had once been a loyal servant of the Empire—until he lost favor with the Emperor. Now, it seemed he was using the rebellion to carve out his own independent kingdom.
Leon smirked. "So, this isn't a war against peasants. It's a war against nobles who think they can defy the Empire."
Darius grinned. "Good. I was worried this would be too easy."
Elara's expression darkened. "This means we're not just fighting desperate rebels. We're fighting an army with proper training, strategy, and funding."
Leon's golden eyes gleamed.
"Then we'll make an example out of them."
---
The March to War
Leon's army set out for the eastern provinces within the week.
His forces consisted of:
5,000 Elite Infantry – Trained soldiers loyal to Leon.
2,000 Cavalry – A mix of heavy and light horsemen, perfect for swift strikes.
Mage Corps – A growing force of battle mages specializing in elemental magic.
Siege Weapons – Ballistae and catapults, ready to tear down rebel fortifications.
Opposing them were 15,000 rebel forces, though only a fraction were truly trained soldiers. The rest were farmers and mercenaries, emboldened by Duke Alistair's support.
The battlefield was set.
And Leon intended to crush them completely.
---
The First Battle: Breaking the Rebellion
The rebels had gathered near Ironhold Fortress, using the ancient stronghold as their base of operations.
Leon's strategy was brutal yet efficient.
1. Cut off their supply lines – His cavalry raided the countryside, torching rebel camps and food stores.
2. Divide their forces – Small squads lured groups of rebels away from the fortress, isolating them.
3. Shock and Awe – The Mage Corps unleashed a devastating storm of fire and lightning, striking terror into the untrained rebels.
By the third day of battle, the rebel forces were in chaos.
Leon personally led his Black Legion in a night raid, cutting through enemy officers and assassinating their war leaders.
By dawn, the battlefield was littered with the dead. The remaining rebels surrendered.
Ironhold Fortress belonged to Duke Leon of Blackwood.
---
The Final Hunt: Duke Alistair
As Leon's forces took control of the province, only one final target remained—Duke Alistair Ravenshade.
But the old noble had fled before the battle ended.
Leon stood on the fortress walls, watching the distant horizon.
Elara approached. "He'll regroup. Nobles like him always have backup plans."
Leon's smirk was cold. "Then we'll hunt him down before he gets the chance."
Darius grinned. "So what's the plan?"
Leon's golden eyes burned with ambition.
"We don't just defeat him. We erase him from history."
---
The Hunt for Duke Alistair
The fires of war still smoldered in the conquered lands, but Leon wasted no time. Duke Alistair Ravenshade had escaped, but not for long.
Inside the war tent, maps and reports littered the table. Elara stood at his side, scanning the information while Darius sharpened his sword, grinning in anticipation.
"Our spies report that Alistair is heading toward the Ashen Wastes," Elara said, tapping the map. "He's moving fast, but he's not alone. A group of elite knights—Ravenshade's personal guard—are escorting him."
Darius chuckled. "A cornered rat is still a rat. Let's just send the cavalry and run him down."
Leon shook his head. "No. He's expecting that. If we rush in recklessly, he'll use the terrain against us. The Ashen Wastes are filled with ravines and hidden paths—perfect for an ambush."
Elara nodded. "So what's the plan?"
Leon's golden eyes gleamed. "We hunt him like a predator. Cut off his escape routes, choke him into a dead end, and strike when he has nowhere left to run."
---
The Trap is Set
Leon's forces moved swiftly, using elite scouts and shadow operatives to track Alistair's movements.
Darius and the Black Legion circled from the east, forcing Alistair westward.
Elara's assassins eliminated Alistair's messengers, preventing him from calling for reinforcements.
Leon personally led a small strike force, waiting at the only remaining escape route—the Dead Ravine.
As expected, Alistair and his knights fell right into the trap.
By the time they reached the ravine, the only way forward was through Leon's waiting army.
---
The Final Stand
Duke Alistair dismounted, his face pale but still defiant. His once-mighty force was reduced to a mere fifty knights.
"Leon of Blackwood," Alistair spat. "Do you think this victory will last? The noble houses will never accept an upstart like you."
Leon smirked. "They'll accept power when they see it. And today, I'm making an example out of you."
Alistair drew his sword, his knights falling into formation. "Then come, boy. Show me if you're worthy."
Leon charged first.
The battle was short but brutal. Leon fought like a storm, cutting through knights with deadly precision. Darius carved a path through the enemy, laughing as he clashed with Alistair's men. Elara's assassins struck from the shadows, ensuring no one escaped.
Within minutes, Alistair was the last one standing.
Bloodied and breathing heavily, the old duke fell to his knees, glaring at Leon.
"Go on, then. Kill me."
Leon stood over him, his sword dripping with blood.
"No."
Alistair's eyes widened. "What—?"
Leon smirked. "Killing you here would be too easy. Instead, you will be brought before the Emperor, broken and humiliated, so that the whole Empire sees what happens to traitors."
Darius chuckled. "Cruel. I love it."
Elara sheathed her daggers. "This will send a message to all the noble houses. No one will dare defy you after this."
Leon's golden eyes burned with triumph.
"Exactly."
---
The Road to the Imperial Capital
With Alistair chained and bound, Leon began his return to the capital.
But deep in his mind, he knew—this was just the beginning.
His rapid rise had shaken the Empire. And somewhere, in the shadows, new enemies were already plotting his downfall.
But Leon simply smirked.
"Let them come."