"Beneath the city's glimmer, a new empire will rise—silent, unyielding, and ever-watchful."
Crown Base, Hidden Chamber – Midnight
A faint blue glow flickered across the walls as the System brought up the new schematic Kieran had requested. The room was silent except for the soft hum of magical wards surrounding the hidden chamber, a place where the 15 Crowns would not dare enter without his summons. It was here that Kieran meticulously crafted his plans. A room filled with maps, resources, and thoughts of the future—Crown City was not merely an idea anymore. It was becoming a reality.
"The time is approaching," Kieran murmured to himself, standing before the floating holographic map of the kingdom. His hand swept across the image, pinpointing strategic locations.
The map he was studying was far from ordinary—its edges frayed with time, mystical borders curling around ancient cities. It was a layout of the kingdom, and Kieran was already laying the foundation for something extraordinary. Hidden within the open plains to the west, Kieran had already decided. The perfect spot for Crown City to rise.
Scene 1: The Design – Kieran's Vision
Location: Hidden Chamber, Crown Base
"We'll need a location that's both remote and close to strategic resources. A place where we can remain unnoticed, but still gather power," Kieran said aloud, as if his thoughts were forming in the very air. His hand moved to point at a central location on the map: A secluded plateau near the Reathwood Forest.
The region was far from the bustling cities of the kingdom, where nobles vied for power. It was surrounded by forests, cliffs, and the untamed wilderness—a perfect location to remain hidden while growing stronger. The only issue would be the nearby beasts of the Reathwood, but that would be no concern for Kieran's ever-growing forces.
"A secret haven," Kieran whispered. "A place where we will make our first stand."
He tapped his finger on the map again, and the System responded by highlighting a series of caves deep within the plateau. These natural formations would be perfect as initial strongholds for the Crown Division.
"Subterranean for now," Kieran murmured. "But as we grow, we will rise."
With his plan in mind, Kieran pulled up the necessary blueprints for what would be the foundation of Crown City. Layers of powerful arcane wards would be set around the city to mask their presence, making the very air around them feel empty of life. Not a single sound would escape their hidden sanctum, and none would notice the city rising from the earth.
Scene 2: Construction and Supply Lines
Location: Reathwood Plateau – Preparing for Expansion
Kieran's mind was sharp as he surveyed the terrain he had chosen. The next step was construction. He would need specialized architects, laborers, and a considerable amount of magical power to create the infrastructure necessary for his new city.
"Talia's runesmithing should be able to reinforce the foundations, but we need heavy-duty manpower to excavate," Kieran muttered. "I'll need to use Sylvie to find hidden laborers, the ones who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty."
Talia, the mechanical genius, would handle the intricate designs and any magical tools that were necessary for the excavation and construction, while Rhea and Kaelira would be essential for ensuring the safety of the operation.
"I can't forget the matter of elixir storage," Kieran murmured, scanning over some older records from the hidden archives. "We'll need large reserves of mana-rich herbs and other supplies to ensure our defensive wards are constantly fueled."
Mira, with her ability to generate barriers and nullify magic, would be key in guarding their efforts, ensuring that none of the construction was disrupted by unwanted attention or magical interference.
Scene 3: The Recruitment Process – Gaining New Resources
Location: The Academy Courtyard – Evening
As the academy day ended, Kieran felt the familiar pull of the System as he accessed its functions once more.
"Let's see... How many recruits can I find today?" Kieran mused as he stood under the shadow of a tall statue, glancing toward the crowded academy courtyard. "We need to expand our reach outside the academy… The time to operate in secrecy is limited."
The System's new job function had already provided him with an influx of potential candidates—orphans, outcasts, those with great potential who would never be discovered in the harsh world of noble and royal politics. With a thought, Kieran accessed the recruitment window.
"System, initiate scan," Kieran commanded.
A soft glow enveloped his eyes as he began to look at the people around him. His gaze shifted from one student to the next, and the System highlighted several individuals, noting their backgrounds and potential for recruitment.
One candidate: Lian Swiftfoot. A street urchin turned student. Great agility and magical potential—currently unnoticed by others.
Another candidate: Farrah Stormbringer. An orphan with elemental manipulation abilities—currently struggling with low self-esteem.
Scene 4: Recruiting Lian Swiftfoot
Location: Academy Courtyard – Evening
Kieran approached a small figure sitting alone on the academy steps. It was Lian, a girl with long, messy hair and nimble fingers that twitched nervously. She was unkempt, dirty, and carrying the weight of an entire life spent on the streets. Her eyes darted left and right as she tried to blend in, but she was clearly out of place among the polished, noble students of Arcanveil.
"Hey, you," Kieran called softly.
Lian froze, looking up. Her gaze met his, wide-eyed.
"What... do you want?" she asked, her voice trembling with distrust.
"I want to give you a chance," Kieran said with a smile that could disarm anyone. "You have untapped potential, and I can help you harness it."
She looked skeptical.
"How do you know that? You don't even know me."
Kieran knelt down, his voice low but earnest.
"I know everything about you, Lian. You've lived in the streets, but you're strong. You've got an amazing ability to move, and your mana is unstable but powerful. I can help you stabilize it. But you need to trust me."
Lian narrowed her eyes. But there was something in Kieran's gaze—a calm, authoritative confidence that seemed to make her hesitate. After a long pause, she nodded.
"Alright. I'll listen," she said, her tone guarded but curious.
"Good choice," Kieran said with a smile. "You won't regret it. Come with me, and I'll show you a different world—one where you can truly belong."
Scene 5: The Final Touch – The Founding of Crown City
Location: Hidden Chamber – Crown Base
As the new recruits came in, one by one, the first stone of Crown City had been set into place. But Kieran was not content to rest on his laurels. He knew the next step in this process would involve using Elira's tactical genius to begin establishing covert operations beyond the academy walls. The plans for Crown City were already in motion.
"It's time to prepare them. We'll start with the basics—training, bonding, and expanding the ranks," Kieran said, turning to his System interface. "Crown City isn't just a place. It's a state of mind. A haven for the lost."
With that, the first steps toward a new empire had been taken, all under the watchful eyes of the 15 Crowns.