The castle loomed ahead as Adam strode through the desolate streets. The chaos of the city had not yet reached this part of town, but the tension was palpable. Soldiers encircled the royal castle, their presence a stark reminder of the fragile stability. Adam approached the gate with purpose, his every movement scrutinized by the sentries stationed there.

“I’m here on behalf of the church,” Adam said, his tone steady and calm. “I need to discuss an urgent matter with General Kassim concerning Idris and the upcoming elections.”

The sentry frowned, considering him for a moment before nodding curtly. “Wait here.”

An hour passed before Adam was finally escorted inside. The time did not faze him; he used it to rehearse his words and anticipate the course of the conversation. Patience, after all, was his most valuable tool in moments like this.

The castle interior was much as he remembered it—grand and ornate, yet eerily silent. The absence of the royal family gave the space an emptiness that amplified the sound of his footsteps as he was led to the council chamber. His thoughts briefly wandered to the hidden study in the basement, where the mana core still lay within the corpse he had left behind.

By now, they might have found it, he thought. Or maybe not. Either way, I’ve already taken everything that matters. Let them waste their time.

In the council chamber, General Kassim sat at the head of a long oak table. His presence exuded authority, his sharp eyes locking onto Adam the moment he entered. Kassim’s uniform was immaculate, his posture rigid, his demeanor radiating control.

“Badr,” Kassim greeted, his voice firm but composed. “You’re here about Idris.”

Adam dipped his head respectfully and took a seat. “Yes,” he replied. “Idris has garnered significant support among the clergy and the people. I wanted to discuss his candidacy with you.”

Kassim leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. “Idris. An interesting candidate,” he said, his tone carrying a hint of curiosity. “But tell me, do you truly believe he’s the best choice for this role? Or are you supporting him out of obligation?”

Adam immediately recognized the trap in Kassim’s question. The general was testing him, probing for cracks in his loyalty. Keeping his composure, Adam chose his words carefully.

“I have no doubts,” Adam said firmly. “Idris is the right choice. He has the trust of the people and the church. His leadership could bring stability during these tumultuous times.”

Kassim nodded slowly, his sharp gaze remaining fixed on Adam. “Trust and stability,” he repeated. “Both fragile things. Do you believe Idris has the resolve to make the difficult decisions this city will need?”

“I do,” Adam answered without hesitation. “With the right guidance and support, Idris will rise to the occasion. That’s why I’m here—to ensure he has everything he needs to succeed.”

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Kassim’s lips curved into a faint smile, though it lacked warmth. “A man like you,” he said, his tone casual but probing, “surely you’ve considered other options? Idris isn’t the only one who could lead.”

Adam’s expression remained neutral, refusing to rise to the bait. “I’m here for Idris,” he replied evenly. “He’s the candidate we need. My purpose is to ensure he has the support necessary to stabilize the city.”

The general’s eyes narrowed slightly, the smile fading from his face. There was a pause as he studied Adam, and the silence stretched between them. Finally, Kassim leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table.

“You’re loyal,” Kassim remarked. “And I appreciate that. But let me be honest with you. Idris wasn’t our first choice.”

Adam tilted his head, feigning curiosity. “Oh?”

“We wanted the father,” Kassim admitted. “His influence, his reputation—it was the perfect combination. But from what we’ve seen, getting him to work now seems nearly impossible. He’s consumed by grief, unreachable.”

Adam nodded solemnly, as if the news weighed on him deeply. “That’s one of the reasons I’m here,” he said, shifting the conversation. “The father’s condition is worsening. Grief has overtaken him completely, and it’s crippling his potential to contribute. If there’s any way to help him recover, it could make a significant difference—not just for Idris, but for the stability of the city.”

Kassim’s sharp gaze lingered on Adam, measuring him. “As I said it is not like we haven’t tried, but we do acknowledge his importance in maintaining order in this city”

Adam nodded appreciatively, letting the discussion come to a close. As he left the chamber, his thoughts churned. Kassim’s words had revealed much more than the general likely intended. The man was calculating, pragmatic—a leader who viewed people as pieces on a board, each with their own utility. He wasn’t to be trusted, but neither could he be ignored.

You wanted to test my loyalty, General, Adam thought as he exited the castle. But now I know where yours lies. And that’s far more useful to me.

The night air was crisp as Adam stepped out into the quiet streets. The game was unfolding, and the pieces were moving into place. All he had to do now was stay one step ahead.

With the general dismissed, Adam turned his attention to another key player: Captain Loren, the former head of the city’s police force. Loren’s reputation was in tatters, his name synonymous with brutality and corruption. But Adam knew the man still held sway over certain factions within the city—a resource that could prove invaluable.

Adam found Loren at his home, or what was left of it. The house was a wreck, its windows shattered and furniture overturned. Loren himself looked no better—his face bruised, his clothes bloodied. He stood in the doorway clutching a bat, his eyes filled with distrust.

“The fuck do you want?” Loren growled. “Another beating?”

Adam raised his hands in mock surrender. “I’m not here to fight. I’m here to make you an offer.”

“Not interested. Fuck off.”

Adam smirked. “I don’t think you have many options left, Captain.”

Loren scowled, gripping the bat tighter. “Why would I ever listen to you? Your last plan failed. You wanted me to detain the father—what a joke. How the hell was I supposed to find him in a crowd of thousands?”

“Fair point,” Adam conceded. “But hear me out—for the sake of your fractured family, if nothing else.”

The mention of his family made Loren pause. His shoulders slumped, the bat slipping from his hands. He sank to the floor, defeated.

Adam seized the opportunity, stepping closer. “You’ve lost everything, Loren. But I can help you rebuild. All I need is your cooperation.”

Loren looked up at him, weary but listening. Adam began to lay out his plan, his voice calm and measured. The game was far from over, and Adam was already moving his pieces into place.