Part 1: A Morning Laden with Omens
Dawn at Skull Rock arrived wrapped in an unusual silence. Among the tents and stone corridors, the Morningstars woke feeling an invisible but growing change, as if the air itself had become denser and the very earth vibrated beneath their feet. There was pride in their gazes, yes, but also a dull anxiety: they knew they were on the verge of something transcendent, even if they couldn't name it.
Samael, in his private chamber, meditated with his eyes closed and energy swirling around him. In the dimness of his mind, the System unleashed a cascade of notifications, invisible to everyone but him:
*[DING! Clan Luck Accumulation:
+4,000 (annihilation of Valois trackers)
+2,000 (wedding and lineage fusion)
+2,000 (defense and looting of the mine)
+1,000 (rescue and looting missions)
+500 (Medicine pavilion)
+200 (improved defensive formation)
+2,000 (annihilation of Jareth and recovered treasures)
+350 (successful exploration)
+500 (rescue of a secondary branch)
+200 (defense against minor attack)
+2,000 (Valois mine operation and recruitment of slaves)
Recent total: +14,750
Current total: 17,570 / 20,000 (Luck needed for Clan Ascension mission)]*
[System:
—You've reached the threshold before Clan Ascension.
—Major rewards, including the Mysterious Luck Chest, have been stored in the system inventory.
—Remember: Rewards and chests can only be opened after completing all Ascension mission objectives.
—Progress visible only to the Host.
—All fortune, resources, and inheritances will remain sealed until then.
—Next major victory or breakthrough will unlock the ascension ritual.]
A wave of satisfaction and pressure coursed through Samael. Power was so close, yet still forbidden: he could feel the accumulated fortune, like a golden dragon sleeping in a dark chamber, awaiting the day of release.
Part 2: A Clan on the Edge of Hope
In the central plaza, activity was feverish. The children and new disciples trained with newfound zeal; the elders, seated in a circle, recounted stories of glories and downfalls, while in the warriors' faces shone unbreakable faith.
Kael and the twins coordinated training and patrol teams. Cedric, ever vigilant, adjusted maps and patrol routes. Elowen prepared pills and supervised the health of the wounded. Lilith, relentless, patrolled the defensive formation without rest.
Despite the absence of visible miracles, everyone felt the clan's luck was changing. The crops grew faster, the wounded healed sooner, and morale was so high even the pessimists dared to dream of the future.
Seraphina, from atop the altar, exchanged knowing glances with Samael.
"Can you feel it?" she whispered, just for him. "It's as if fate is testing us… waiting for one last leap."
Samael looked at her and nodded, not revealing the burning secret in his chest.
Just a little more. Just one more victory, and the world will change forever...
Part 3: Progress and Decisions
At dusk, Samael gathered the leaders.
"We're not there yet," he said, voice firm. "The clan is strong, but not invincible. The Valois haven't disappeared. At any moment, they could launch a full attack or seek alliances to surround us.
Today, we reinforce the defensive matrix. Cedric, Xylia, prepare an invasion drill for the novices. Elowen, strengthen the crop plots and pill production. Kael and the twins, lead the patrol exercises."
The pillars nodded, accepting the pressure and responsibility with discipline.
Lilith, serious, looked at Samael:
"How much longer until we stop living in fear?"
He allowed himself a weary smile.
"One more step, aunt. Just one more."
In Samael's mind, the System briefly showed him the image of the Mysterious Chest, the exact amount of Luck remaining, and the promise of a still-sealed destiny.
[System (for Samael only):
Accumulated Luck: 17,570 / 20,000
Mysterious Luck Chest: sealed.
Optional missions: Loot, defense, rescue, or strategic victory.
Only with the mission complete will ascension and rewards be yours.]
Part 4: Night of Expectation
That night, the fortress vibrated with hope and tension. The youngest dreamed aloud of the day their children would be born under a secure banner. Adults sang, trained, polished weapons or prayed in silence.
Kael, sitting by the fire, spoke to the twins:
"Do you think tomorrow will be different?"
Eris smiled, tired but luminous.
"Tomorrow or in a month… but I know it's close. Each day we fight better, and luck… luck is with us, even if we don't see it."
Violeta was silent, but in her eyes was the reflection of hope.
Cedric, reviewing a list of patrols, thought to himself:
If we survive this… we'll be legend, not just a rumor of blood.
Meanwhile, Samael, high above, watched the desert under the moon, with the weight of the secret and promise burning in his chest.
"Hold on a little longer, my clan. When the dragon awakens… no one will ever trample us again."
End of Chapter 21