Tyrant System: Rise of the Dragonblooded

The colossal gates groaned open, stirring up a cloud of dust that hadn't even settled before the guards' shouts pierced the dawn. "An unexpected arrival!" they cried, as a lone rider, cloaked in black and red, approached the estate. His armor, bearing Kaelion's crest, gleamed faintly under the rising sun, yet it seemed to be worn without an ounce of pride.

It was Dren, the man whispered to be a traitor ,or a loyalist, depending on who you asked these days.

Inside the estate's marble halls, Rin stood at the head of a long chamber. Time had only sharpened his presence, making him colder, more powerful. His white scales were barely visible beneath the cuffs of his dark robe, and his crimson eyes remained sharp, unreadable. On either side, his trusted wing, Orien, stood in silent vigil.

Varros entered moments later, a restless energy about him.

The guards ushered Dren in. He walked with purpose, unarmed, and knelt before Rin, bowing low.

"Your Highness," Dren began, "I've come to offer my sword. I pledge loyalty to you and the future you're building."

Orien's gaze immediately sharpened, but Rin remained motionless.

"You refused my offer and decided to serve Kaelion," Rin stated quietly. "Why pledge to me now?"

Dren looked up, his gaze steady. "Because I finally saw him for what he truly is. And, more importantly, I saw what you truly are. I served Kaelion out of duty. I want to serve you out of belief."

Aiven crossed his arms, skepticism etched on his face. "Belief is a cheap thing,ex General, especially when it comes so late."

Varros stepped forward, his voice a chilling whisper. "I don't trust you. And I don't believe a word that comes from Kaelion's bloodhound."

Dren didn't flinch. "I expected doubt. I don't ask for your trust, only a chance to prove myself."

Rin's eyes narrowed, and a long silence stretched between them. Then, a faint smile touched his lips. "Very well. I'm not one to waste a loyal hand."

Varros snapped his head toward Rin, surprise evident in his expression. "Your Highness…"

"I believe in redemption," Rin said softly, turning away as if the decision was final.

But Varros quickly moved to Rin's side, lowering his voice as Dren was escorted to a waiting room.

"You're being reckless," Varros hissed. "He reeks of Kaelion. I've dealt with snakes my whole life,he's just here to strike."

Rin raised a brow. "Perhaps. Or perhaps we need every sword we can gather."

Varros shook his head stubbornly. "You want to be wise and noble. I understand that. But I'll take care of this. If you insist on keeping him, then we keep him far from our core operations."

He paused, then added, "I'll place my own men around him. Silent watchers. If he breathes too loud, they'll know."

Rin let out a soft chuckle and nodded. "Fine. If that eases your nerves, do as you must."

Varros still didn't look convinced, but he said nothing more. He bowed and left to arrange the surveillance.

Alone, Rin's expression shifted. The relaxed ease in his posture vanished, replaced by something colder, sharper. He stared at the door through which Dren had exited.

"Let's see who you truly serve, General."

Rin sent Dren to Kaelion under the guise of defection, but the real goal was twofold. First, Dren would serve as Rin's eyes within Kaelion's inner circle, feeding back critical intel. Second, Rin planned to exploit Kaelion's own network of spies and resources to execute a clean, well-timed assassination.

With access to Kaelion's intelligence reports, Dren would help pinpoint the ideal moment,one Kaelion's people had already scouted and approved as strategically favorable. Rin would then align that timing with a specific setup: the assassination would take place while Isen Varros was standing beside his pregnant daughter.

Rin was counting on one thing,Isen's instinct to protect his unborn grandchild. In that brief moment of hesitation, that split-second shield he'd throw up, Dren would strike. And it would all look like an unfortunate casualty of an attack from Kaelion's side.