As the ship sailed steadily toward the nameless island, the two factions prepared in their own ways.

In the Frost Elves’ quarters, Alynas drilled her mages relentlessly, emphasizing speed and aggression. “We cannot afford to wait,” she told them.

Meanwhile, in the Third Circle’s chambers, Alexandra worked with quiet precision.

Maps and diagrams were spread across tables, strategies discussed.

Neither side knew exactly what awaited them, but both were prepared to stake their claim, no matter the cost.

The news of the Third Circle and Frost Elves’ imminent removal from the Blue Hope had spread like wildfire among the ship’s elite.

They knew that something like that were told by Heidrick but now that they know the decision is finalized.

The reactions were different than usual.

While most factions remained cautious, the Dark Father and Dark Sickle saw an opportunity that was too good to ignore.

Rud, sitting in his chair as the report was delivered.

His sharp, calculating eyes glimmered with a dangerous light as he processed the information.

“So, the Third Circle and Frost Elves will be left on that island,” he murmured, stroking his chin.

Moments later, he issued a command to his subordinates.

“Send a message to Oprein. Request a meeting in the neutral VIP hall.”

Rud’s messengers moved swiftly, and within the hour, the arrangements were set.

The guards stationed around the VIP meeting hall exchanged nervous glances

They knew the volatile nature of the individuals about to gather and dreaded the potential fallout.

They expected another battle between super powers in the ship, which would mean certain death as they are not capable fighting against proper and powerful mages even with their magic crossbow gears.

Oprein,arrived first.

Rud entered shortly after,

He nodded to Oprein, who returned the gesture with a faint, knowing smile.

Rud wasted no time.

“Oprein, you’ve heard the news.”

Oprein inclined his head slightly.

“Indeed. The removal of the Third Circle and Frost Elves from the ship... an interesting development.”

Rud leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table.

“Interesting, yes, but more importantly, advantageous.”

Oprein raised an eyebrow, silently prompting Rud to elaborate.

“With those two factions gone, the balance of power on this ship has shifted,”

Rud began.

“The Third Circle was a thorn in both our sides, and the Frost Elves, while not direct enemies, often interfered with our plans. Now, they’re out of the equation.”

Oprein’s lips curled into a faint smile.

“And that leaves only one real obstacle,” he said, his voice smooth and cold.

“The Sylind House... specifically, Sylas Sylind.”

Rud chuckled darkly.

“Exactly. Sylas may be strong, but even he can’t stand against the combined might of Dark Father and Dark Sickle. Alone, we might struggle. Together, we can crush him.”

Oprein nodded,

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“Sylas has been a problem for too long. His power and influence have grown unchecked, and his dealings with the Third Circle making him a priority target for us.”.

“With the Third Circle and Frost Elves out of the way, there’s nothing stopping us from eliminating him.”

Rud’s grin widened.

“Finally, we agree. Once Heidrick dumps those fools on that island, we’ll move swiftly. Sylas won’t have time to react.”

Oprein’s expression grew serious. “We must be careful when we decide to attack. Heidrick’s wrath is not something to provoke. I think this time he would not just kick people out of ship but outright execute the problem-makers.”

Rud nodded. “Agreed.”

Despite their enthusiasm, both Rud and Oprein understood the need for patience.

As much as they wanted to act immediately, they knew the importance of waiting for the right moment.

Rud leaned back, folding his arms across his chest.

“We’ll wait until the Third Circle and Frost Elves are off the ship. Heidrick will be too focused on managing the fallout to notice our movements.”

Oprein smirked.

“And by the time he does, it will be too late. Sylas Sylind will be nothing more than a memory.”

As the meeting concluded, Rud and Oprein returned to their respective factions to begin preparations.

In the halls and rooms of the Dark Father, Rud’s subordinates prepared their spells,

“Sylas won’t stand a chance,”

Rud assured them as he looked at his people.

Sylas was a enemy of Dark Father from the time he become a mage and always had problems and skirmishes with Dark Father.

This time, he will take care of him and will gather the attention of Dark Father on himself.

He wanted more power for himself and dealing with Sylas surely will give what he seeks to himself.

Meanwhile, in the Dark Sickle, Oprein’s mages whispered incantations and gathered their resources.

Oprein himself stood at the center of it all,

“The stage was set, and the pieces were moving.

“The removal of the Third Circle and Frost Elves was just the beginning.”

“For Rud and myself, the real battle was about to begin”

But little did they know, Sylas was not as alone as they believed. And he was far from unprepared.

-

In Blue Hope on Level One, the entry deck where the exiled parties gathered.

The members of the Third Circle and the Frost Elves stood with their belongins, no faction looking at each other at all.

For years, this deck had been the welcoming gate to the Blue Hope,

Now, it bore witness to their exit.

The first to leave were the Frost Elves.

At Heidrick’s command, the ship slowed near the northern shores of the island.

The sound of waves crashing against the rocky coast echoed faintly, carried by the wind.

Alynas Freex, the Frostborn Lady, stood at the head of her group, her piercing eyes betraying her fury.

Her mages, clad in their icy blues and whites, gathered in silence,.

For them, this was more than exile—it was humiliation.

Heidrick’s voice boomed over the deck, calm yet commanding.

“You asked for distance, and I have granted it. Step off this ship peacefully, or face consequences you will not recover from.”

Alynas did not respond.

She merely gestured to her people to move. One by one, the Frost Elves descended the ramp onto the cold, rocky shore.

The air seemed to chill further with their presence, frost forming on the stones where they stepped.

As the last of their group disembarked, Heidrick gave a subtle nod to his crew.

Without hesitation, the ship’s massive engines roared to life, and the Blue Hope began to move away.

The Frost Elves stood in silence, watching as the ship became a speck on the horizon.

Alynas clenched her fists.

“They think they can discard us,” she muttered.

“We will make this island our domain. Let the fools regret their choices.”

Her mages nodded in agreement, their resolve hardening.

Hours later, the ship came to a halt once more—this time on the southern shore of the island.

The Third Circle, equally disgraced, gathered their belongings.

Unlike the Frost Elves, they were happy to leave the ship.

Alexandra, the leader of the Third Circle,

She addressed her people

“This is not the end. This is merely a change of circumstances. We will adapt, survive, and thrive.”

Her words stirred a murmur of agreement among the mages.

The Third Circle was known for its pragmatism, and they would not let this setback destroy them.

Heidrick watched the proceedings with an impassive gaze.

Though his actions had been necessary, he felt no joy in the banishment.

The Blue Hope was a vessel of order, and the actions of these factions had disrupted that order.

As the last of the Third Circle disembarked, Alexandra turned to face the ship one last time.

She locked eyes with Heidrick, who stood on the upper deck observing the process.

Then, with a slight nod, Alexandra turned and joined her people on the shore.

The Blue Hope sailed away, leaving behind an island that now housed two powerful but wounded factions.

The Frost Elves and the Third Circle were separated by miles of treacherous wilderness, each plotting their survival and eventual dominance.

The Frost Elves, led by Alynas, began fortifying their position in the north.

They used their magic to create frost-covered barricades and shelters, turning the cold terrain into an advantage.

In the south, Alexandra’s leadership shone as the Third Circle quickly established a base.

Her mages used their diverse spells to construct temporary homes and barriers, working efficiently under her direction.