In an era where the sword and sorcery determined one's fate, lived a young man named Reynold Van Der. He was the son of a pair of legendary knights whose names struck fear across the battlefield. However, fate seemed to play a cruel joke on him. Reynold did not inherit the magical affinity or the monstrous physical strength of his parents. Because of this, he grew up under cynical gazes. He was bullied, looked down upon, and for a time, even his own parents treated him as if he did not exist.
But Reynold possessed a heart harder than steel. Desperate for the acknowledgment that never came, he trained relentlessly. Realizing his body could never match his father's raw power, Reynold created a unique swordsmanship style two years ago, combined with a specialized Breathing Technique. Though not yet perfected, this technique allowed him to bridge the gap caused by his physical limitations.
More importantly, Reynold possessed something his parents lacked: The charisma of a true leader.
Due to their great deeds in war, Reynold's parents were granted a noble title and a domain on the border of the Kingdom of Valencia. The territory was named Phoenix. It was a fertile land, yet dangerous, surrounded by forests teeming with vicious monsters. Reynold's parents regularly conducted massive purges with their terrifying strength, but their ability to manage the city and lead the people was abysmal.
This was where Reynold shined. He began to take over administrative duties and tactical leadership. Slowly but surely, the people and the soldiers began to recognize his brilliance. Even his parents finally began to look at him with pride.
However, that happiness was short-lived.
King Yama, the ruler of the Kingdom of Valencia, felt threatened. The Phoenix territory was growing too fast under the shadow of the Van Der family. Too many talented individuals were gathering there. Fearing a coup, King Yama cast a vile slander upon them: Rebellion.
Civil war broke out. The Kingdom of Valencia's army invaded Phoenix.
Against all odds, the Phoenix forces under Reynold's command managed to push back the royal army. Victory after victory was achieved thanks to Reynold's genius strategies. Seeing his forces cornered, the cunning King Yama offered a "peace talk."
Reynold was forbidden from attending. His parents went to the capital alone, confident that their personal strength was enough to guarantee their safety. It was a fatal mistake. The discussion was nothing but a trap. Reynold's parents were killed in a cowardly manner by King Yama.
That day, Phoenix lost its protectors. And on that very day, Reynold Van Der was crowned the new leader of the Phoenix territory.
The atmosphere in the meeting room of Phoenix Castle was heavy and suffocating. Reynold sat at the head of the long table, his expression flat, but his eyes burning with suppressed rage. Before him sat his most trusted circle: Ellain the assistant, Kaze the battle commander, and Zen the strategic advisor.
Reynold slammed his fist onto the table, shattering the silence.
"King Yama... that bastard," Reynold growled, his voice trembling with fury. "He accused us of rebellion? Fine. We will make his fears a reality. We will declare open war and give him the rebellion he's so afraid of!"
Ellain, standing beside him with a stack of documents, looked at her master with concern. "Master Reynold, please reconsider. I understand your rage, but if we start a full-scale war now, what will happen to the commoners? We have just lost the Grand Master and the Grand Dame."
Reynold closed his eyes, taking a long, deep breath—using his Breathing Technique to calm his racing heart.
"Hmph... You are right, Ellain. Thank you for reminding me," Reynold said, his tone turning cold and calculated. "Emotion will only destroy us. We need a plan."
He looked down at the large map spread across the table.
"First, we must strengthen our foundation. We need a stronger army and wider territory. Kaze!"
The broad-shouldered man in full armor stood at attention immediately. "Sir!"
"Prepare the troops and supplies. Our primary target is the forest on the eastern border. Slaughter every monster in there," Reynold ordered firmly. "We will clear the internal threats before we strike outward."
"Understood! I will execute the mission and ensure not a single monster remains standing," Kaze replied loudly.
"Good. Furthermore..." Reynold turned to the elderly man on the right side of the table. "Zen, what is the plan for development after the purge?"
Zen stroked his beard, his sharp eyes analyzing the map. "My Lord, my advice is: once the forest is cleared, we convert the land into a massive agricultural zone. This will repair our economy which was shaken by the recent war, and simultaneously serve as a logistics hub for a long-term campaign."
Zen pointed to a spot on the map of the Kingdom of Valencia. "Additionally, we cannot attack the capital directly. We must erode them slowly. We annex the smaller territories, unite them, and rename this region the Phoenix Kingdom."
Reynold nodded in agreement. "A solid plan. But which territory should we take first?"
"Drake Territory, My Lord," Zen answered without hesitation. "It is the weakest link in the Valencia alliance right now. Its location is isolated and difficult for King Yama's main reinforcements to reach. If we conquer it, we gain a natural fortress."
"Brilliant," Reynold praised. He turned back to Kaze. "Kaze, aside from exterminating the monsters, order the scout regiment to sweep the forest. Find mines or any resources that can become our financial strength."
"Understood, My Lord," Kaze bowed, then turned to leave the room to execute his orders immediately.
The discussion continued, becoming deeper and more technical.
"So, the order of operations is clear," Reynold concluded, looking at his remaining subordinates. "First, stabilize the economy through agriculture and forest resources. Second, mass-produce war equipment and train new recruits to minimize casualties. Third, tighten border security to anticipate counter-attacks."
"And finally," Reynold pinned a red marker onto the Drake territory on the map, "We will annex Drake."
"Yes, My Lord! We will execute your will with our lives!" the remaining subordinates shouted in unison.
One by one they left the room, until finally, only Reynold and Ellain remained. The afternoon sunlight pierced through the glass windows, casting long shadows on the stone floor.
Reynold leaned back in his chair, gazing at the sky outside which was turning red.
"Truly, this beautiful day is coming to an end..." he murmured softly. "This is the calm before the real storm."
He turned to Ellain. His gaze was now sharp and full of secrets.
"Ellain."
"Yes, My Lord?"
"Mobilize the Shadow Squad," Reynold ordered in a low voice. "Order them to infiltrate and spy on every territory surrounding Phoenix. I want to know every suspicious movement, no matter how small. We will not be caught off guard like my parents were."
Ellain nodded reverently. "Understood, My Lord. I will issue the command immediately."
"Go."
"I shall take my leave."
Ellain stepped out, closing the heavy wooden door slowly. Leaving Reynold alone in the vast room, accompanied only by the ambition and vengeance that now fueled the new empire about to be born.