Elian Valorian led a night raid on the Ironhold outpost that Ravencrest's forces had seized, its watchtowers looming over the western plains. The Void rift's threat lingered, but neutralizing this outpost was critical to secure Valoria's flank. Veyra's rogues scouted ahead, cloaked in darkness, while Gromm's dwarven cannons rolled silently behind.
"Strike hard, strike fast," Elian whispered, his Aetherforged Blade ready. The Faith System pulsed. [Current Belief Points (BP): 500]
The council's loyalty, despite Varna's betrayal, boosted faith. [BP increased to 1,200.]
"Show me options for 1,200 BP," he thought.
[Gold: 120,000 gold coins] [Aether Crystals: 120 crystals] [Uncommon Aether Grenades: 400 BP]
"Convert 400 BP to Uncommon Aether Grenades," Elian decided. A satchel of glowing orbs appeared. Gromm's eyes widened. "Another relic, king?"
"Prepared for battle," Elian deflected, distributing the grenades to Veyra's rogues. They struck first, lobbing grenades that erupted in Aether blasts, collapsing the outpost's gates. Elian's Aether Slash led the charge, cutting through Ironhold guards. Dwarven cannons roared, and Krag's orcs, grudgingly committed, smashed through defenses.
The outpost fell swiftly, but a Syndicate assassin escaped, clutching a map to Ravencrest's stronghold. Veyra pursued but returned empty-handed. "He's gone, sire, but the map points to the Iron Peaks."
Elian's victory was marred by a scout's report: Ravencrest's forces were massing for a counterattack. As the team regrouped, a Fey emissary appeared, her silver wings shimmering. "King Valorian, the Fey Courts offer aid against Ravencrest—if you grant us sanctuary in Valoria."
Elian hesitated. Another alliance, another cost. The Iron Peaks loomed, and Ravencrest's shadow grew.