In Iron Heights, the sun cast its pale rays between the city's mechanical towers. The gleaming metal surfaces nearly dazzled in the morning light, yet the city's atmosphere remained heavy and oppressive. The aftermath of the previous day's explosion was evident everywhere: shattered windows, bent pipes, rusty machines… and fear and suspicion etched on the faces of the people.
The Duke of Iron sat in his office, pounding his fists sharply on the desk. His fingers trembled, though he tried to suppress his anger. His gaze shifted from the documents on his desk to the news broadcasts on the screen. On live broadcast, people in the streets were speaking while journalist Arlen questioned them about the inventions.
"We must find a solution!" the Duke exclaimed, his voice a mixture of fury and panic. "The people… they are terrified. My inventions… everything of mine… is losing its value!"
Lorian, standing nearby, didn't take his eyes off the screen. "My lord, we can control the media. We can craft a plan to correct the public's misconceptions… but we must act quickly. People are quick to believe rumors."
The Duke tapped his fingers rapidly on the desk. "Quickly! We need to restore faith in technology throughout this city. All these… absurd rumors! Everyone thinks the explosion was caused by my machines!"
On the screen, Arlen's microphone was directed at people in the streets. One man shook his head as he carried an old mixing container. "I'll tell you, these machines do nothing but harm. One day they'll explode, just like yesterday."
In the background, a woman nodded quietly, walking with cautious steps. "Technology and inventions are fine… but moving so fast, the human mind can't keep up. Our ancestors never needed this kind of chaos."
The Duke's eyes stayed fixed on the screen, a wave of fear mixed with anger sweeping over him. "This is all nonsense! Lorian, prepare a broadcast immediately. Something to reassure the people and prove that my inventions are safe."
Lorian was silent for a moment, then suggested, "My lord, we could frame the explosion as the chemical reaction of magical potions or something similar. That way, the public will focus on the accident, not the technology."
The Duke paused, eyes lighting up. "Perfect, Lorian! Begin immediately!"
---
Elsewhere in the city, Shadow and Elyria walked silently through deserted streets. The sun sent fractured light through the ruins, casting stretching and shrinking shadows. Shadow's mind still weighed heavily on plans to manipulate the Duke of Iron and his own path to power.
Suddenly, a voice echoed in his mind:
"Power… freedom… support… I am waiting for you… Shadow…"
Shadow flinched. "Wh-what was that?" he whispered to himself. Elyria followed behind him, her eyes scanning the surroundings anxiously.
As they passed through an alley, a woman in her thirties with a gentle appearance appeared before them. Her gaze seemed to pierce directly into Shadow's mind. His mind opened suddenly; the voice had come from her magic. She stepped closer and asked quietly:
"Hello, would you like power and support?"
Shadow hesitated, unable to look away from her eyes. "Yes… but why? Why now? And who are you?"
She smiled faintly. "Because you are ready to break free from the Duke of Iron and choose your own path. You will gain strength… but the choice is yours."
Elyria touched Shadow anxiously. "Master… be careful with her! Who knows what she's planning?"
Shadow took a deep breath, his eyes full of determination and complex thoughts. "You're right. I want power… but at what cost?"
The woman smiled and vanished into the shadows, leaving silence in the streets. Shadow and Elyria stared at each other; the weight of their decisions pressing down on them.
Meanwhile, the Duke of Iron sat in his office, fuming. "We will convince the people… launch a 50% discount campaign, control the media, and prove that my inventions are safe," he muttered to himself.
As the sun began to set, the city's central square, in front of the ancient hero statue, was filled with a crowd awaiting Lady Katherina. Some were anxious, some hopeful. Shadow and Elyria moved silently through the crowd. Shadow's mind still replayed the image of the woman from earlier, and now he realized that she was Lady Katherina. His eyes widened.
Katherina stepped onto a high platform, her voice carrying across the square:
"First, I thank all of you for listening. The Duke's inventions and plans enslave you! Do not overlook the effect of technology on your lives. Remember the elves and slaves who died in the mines just the other day! They lost their lives because of the Duke's greed. This order… is dangerous and wrong! We must return to old ways and choose the path to regain our freedom! Trust me in this endeavor."
The crowd fell silent for a moment; some applauded, some exchanged worried whispers. Shadow's eyes remained fixed on Katherina, his mind racing with strategic calculations. This woman was attempting to influence the people with words alone, but Shadow sensed a deeper danger.
Elyria approached Shadow quietly. "Master… be cautious. This woman seems capable of guiding the crowd easily. If we lose control, things could become worse. We must act."
Shadow remained silent, scanning the square. "I know… but we cannot stay idle. If I do not make a move here, she will pull the people entirely into her plan."
At the edge of the square, the Duke of Iron sat in his castle, breaking several objects in rage. Papers scattered across the floor, and some mechanical devices were destroyed. "This is unacceptable! The people fear me! My inventions… are losing value! It's all because of that woman!"
Katherina continued her speech, her tone harsh and merciless:
"The Duke's inventions do not give you true security! They control you and break your will! But I… I will show you freedom!"
Shadow's face reflected surprise and quiet anger. Elyria whispered softly, "Master… should we act now?"
Shadow drew a deep breath, determination shining in his eyes. "We wait… but we must be ready. This square will become a battlefield—but not of fists; of words."
Minutes later, the Duke of Iron leaned back at his desk, a sinister gleam in his eyes and a faint, wicked smile on his lips. "I have a plan… HAHAHAHAH," he muttered, his mad laughter echoing through the room.
CHAPTER 7 – End