Tyrant System: Rise of the Dragonblooded

The world itself seemed to hold its breath, a silent witness to Rin's quiet yearning. Winds whispered through the streets, and the very sky above his domain darkened with anticipation. Then, the long-awaited message arrived: The Emperor's health was failing, and fast.

With that news came the unraveling of what had held Rin and Kaelion in check. Arkan, the one who had kept their bitter rivalry from erupting into full-blown war, was summoned to the capital to attend to the dying Emperor. The stage was set.

Yet, Rin found no joy in this moment. He stood on his citadel's balcony, gazing out at his war-torn city. His white scales shimmered faintly under the overcast sky. A robotic hawk, bearing the Crown Prince's sigil, broke through the gloom. The letter it carried was brief, scrawled in the Crown Prince's bold, decisive hand:

> "My youngest cousin,

> Kaelion is on the move. Valen's sons are with him.

> Hold him back, and I will send aid. Ryvaris is bringing elite soldiers.

> Prepare. The throne may soon be empty."

>

Rin crushed the letter in his hand. "Finally…" he murmured, a grim satisfaction in his tone. He didn't hesitate. He accepted the offer.

Three days later, both Kaelion and Rin were waiting for their helpers at their city gates, receiving visitors under banners of royal urgency.

In Kaelion's camp, two men arrived, their expressions icy, their armor crimson,Valen's sons.

Meanwhile, in Rin's domain, Ryvaris himself arrived, flanked by a dozen elite warriors. Their obsidian armor, etched with silver, was a stark symbol of the Crown Prince's trust. Rin stood at the front of his court, his face stern beneath his regal helm. Orien stood by his side, while Selvara observing from the shadows of the entry hall.

"Ryvaris," Rin said, his tone respectful yet curt. "Welcome."

Ryvaris dismounted and approached, offering a nod. "It happened sooner than any of us expected," he stated. "The Emperor is at death's door. There will be a test. A trial. To see who is worthy of the throne."

Rin's expression remained unchanged. "And we're the buffer. The wall before Kaelion reaches the capital of the Empire."

Ryvaris nodded grimly. "Exactly. If we can't stop him, we at least delay him. If we can kill him..."

"....It's a bonus," Rin finished. "But harder than you think. I've already tried sending assassins. Nothing worked. He's always surrounded. Always hiding. This is going to take time."

Ryvaris exhaled sharply. "One year of stalemate since Varros' death. One year wasted. I had hoped we'd gain more ground."

Rin turned, walking slowly through the stone corridor, Ryvaris matching his pace. "Arkan forbade the use of soul bombs and any other large scale destructive weapons," Rin added. "If he knew what was coming, he'd know that war doesn't wait for permission."

Ryvaris glanced over. "We hold them off. But if we get the chance… we finish them."

They stopped in the war chamber. Ryvaris leaned against the stone table, his voice dropping to a somber tone. "I didn't have time to say this before... but I'm sorry. About your son."

Rin's jaw tensed. He forced a sigh and shook his head. "What can I do? Selvara has barely spoken for a year. I told her it was because of the energy used in the attack on Varros... but truthfully? That lie keeps her sane.she think it is her fault."

Ryvaris glanced away. "She loved that child."

Rin's eyes narrowed. "She still does. But now's not the time to mourn. We have a country to protect."

Ryvaris straightened, his earlier sharpness returning. "Agreed. My brother and I discussed a few strategies before I left. We have ideas,but I want your input."

Rin gestured toward the map. "Then let's talk. If this is the endgame, I want to be the one standing at the finish."

Meanwhile, far from Rin's domain, Kaelion stood inside a red-lit chamber, his hands clasped behind his back. Valen's emissaries stood nearby, watching him with thin smiles.

"Ryvaris has moved," one said.

Kaelion smirked. "Let them come. I've waited for this chaos." Behind his eyes, he saw not his brother,but something else. Something colder. Something not quite human.

"I will find out who you really are," he thought.