In the heart of the central city, a grand palace rose, majestic and imposing, its corners carved from pristine marble. It resembled a medieval fortress, yet it was called the "Government Palace," the hub where the leaders of the state of Abad convened.
Beneath the palace, hidden deep under the main building, Defense Minister Zephos met with Foreign Minister casander and the top generals in a dim operations room. Strategic maps covered the walls from floor to ceiling, while holographic models displayed troop movements across the city.
"The attack in the central city was exactly the mistake the President awaited," said Zephos, his golden eyes glinting in the dim light.
"Now we have the perfect pretext to pressure Cain's political allies and move openly against his Organization branch."
An elderly general spoke sharply, "And what about this Tiflos? Reports confirm he has joined the Resistance. The President is taking a keen interest."
Zephos's expression darkened slightly, but Casander responded calmly:
"He is our key," Casander said, tracing a red point on the holographic map.
"He knows some inner secrets of the Organization… and now he's in the hands of the Resistance. He could be the weapon we need."
In truth, the facility run by Cain was publicly known as a research hub for visual sciences and optical technology, with Cain hailed as the youngest professor in the world in visual abilities.
Yet, the reality was far darker: The True Seers, a secretive Organization, hid ambitions beyond public knowledge. Only three people in the state—Casander, Zephos, and the President—truly knew the Organization's origins.
Zephos issued orders to deploy elite units around the Organization's strongholds.
The war, brewing silently beneath the surface for years, was about to erupt openly.
---
In the cave, Tiflos sat with Noor, Elias, and Liam. Spread around them were documents and maps, detailing the Organization's inner workings, revealing a complex network of corruption and power.
"I can't save Orion with my current strength," Tiflos admitted, his voice broken, eyes dim with pain and exhaustion.
"But I can use my knowledge of the Organization to aid the Resistance. I can give you the tools to strike at Cain."
Noor took his hand, warmth offering him a flicker of comfort.
"This is the right way to help him… by toppling the system that imprisons him, not by blind attacks."
Tiflos began revealing everything he knew: intricate security systems, hidden weaknesses in the Organization's defenses, guard schedules, encrypted communications.
The information was invaluable, tipping the scales of power between the Resistance and the Organization in moments.
"Cain is hiding something in the lowest levels… something called 'Project Phoenix,'" Tiflos said, his eyes flashing with painful memories.
"I never reached it… but I know it's the key to his plans."
Elias looked at him with newfound respect.
"With this… we can actually make a real difference."
Yet Tiflos drifted in thought, connecting the final pieces.
"Why… why did Cain let us escape? Why didn't he chase us?"
Liam paused, studying the maps.
"Perhaps he was preoccupied with Orion… or defending against the state's movements."
"No…" Tiflos shook his head slowly.
"Cain leaves nothing to chance. Everything is calculated. Our escape… was part of his plan."
Noor looked at him, stunned.
"Why would he want us to escape?"
"Because he wants me here… with you," Tiflos replied, eyes widening with realization.
"He wants me to lead the Resistance alongside you… he knows the state will intervene eventually, and he needs a united enemy to face him."
Elias whispered, astonished,
"He's creating the war he wants… and we're just his instruments."
---
Behind one of the city's mountains, in the Organization's hidden facility, Orion entered Cain's main office.
His eyes were cold and metallic, yet a trace of worry lingered.
"Where's Tiflos?" Orion asked directly, as if unaware of recent events.
"He escaped… with the Resistance," Cain replied coolly, scanning a report on his screen.
"You allow this? You taught us that betrayal is unforgivable," Orion's question held subtle probing, testing Cain's next move—would he pursue them, or let them go?
Cain sensed his intention and looked at Orion with a newfound measure of respect.
"Everything proceeds according to plan… Tiflos is playing his role exactly as I anticipated."
As Orion left, Cain's gaze caught something unusual on another surveillance monitor.
The border cameras showed abnormal state troop movements, swift and precise, as if preparing for a major strike.
"Arcanus… that old Arcanus," Cain whispered, a smile forming… then suddenly, he erupted into laughter.
"Let them all come… it's time to place every chess piece exactly where it belongs."