"So, the noble and imperial factions both despise us now," Helios said, leaning back as the weight of the political landscape settled in. "Because we're the wild card that could shatter the balance between them."
"Precisely," Sara replied, her expression grim. "We need to act before they decide it's easier to erase this organization than to deal with us."
"Well then, what's the move?" Helios asked.
"You're the Leader," Nova piped up, his fox mask tilting playfully. "Think of something."
What do they expect me to do? Helios thought, a cold sweat pricking his neck. I don't even know who I am in this world, let alone how to run a shadow war.
"Brother, what are you saying?" Luna asked, tugging on his sleeve.
"Your brother is trying to solve all our problems, little lady," Rio said with a wink.
Human, you are dirt poor, yet you sit atop an organization this massive? How do you even manage that? The crown's voice mocked him from within.
Oh, you're still here, Helios countered mentally. If you have nothing better to do than insult my bank account, then help me.
This is child's play, the crown sighed. Ask them to explain the organizational structure. Choose the best divisions to fund. Use your head for something other than holding me up.
Helios cleared his throat. "Why don't you explain the specifics of the organization to me? I want to hear your breakdown of the facilities."
"Oh, right. We haven't done the full tour yet," Sara said. "Let's start with the basics. We have the Research Facilities run by Ray; he has over a hundred people studying summons and the mechanics of the Veiled World. Then there are the Combat Facilities under Riku—that's our backbone, with more than ten thousand warriors and bounty hunters. Finally, the Investigation and Spying Facilities are managed by Rio and Nova. They handle intelligence and infiltration with about five hundred specialized agents."
"And what about you, Sara?" Helios asked.
"I'm the Vice Leader. I oversee the logistics and coordination rather than a single facility. So, Leader... where should we direct the budget?"
What's the plan, crown? You gave me the idea, now finish it.
You still need my help for such simple things? Fine. Focus on Investigation and Combat. You need eyes to see the nobles coming and a fist to strike back when they do.
"We're increasing the budget for Investigation and Combat," Helios stated firmly.
"A wise choice," Riku nodded. "But which one is our primary focus right now?"
"Combat," Helios said without hesitation. "We need to be ready for a fight at a moment's notice."
"It seems you're on the same page as the rest of us, Leader," Nova added, sounding impressed.
"Should we inspect the Combat Facility now?" Riku suggested, standing up. The others followed suit, except for Luna.
"Where are we going, brother?"
"To an interesting place, Luna. Follow me closely and don't get lost."
They walked through the labyrinthine corridors until they reached a massive floating door embossed with a crossed axe and spear. "This is the Combat Room," Riku said, pushing the heavy doors open.
Helios expected a cramped training hall, but the space beyond the door defied the laws of physics. It was a vast arena where hundreds of Seekers were sparred with live steel, the clashing of blades echoing against the high ceilings. In thecentrer, a group sat in total silence, meditating as ethereal light pulsed around their bodies.
Luna gasped, her eyes wide with wonder. "Brother, look! Those people are glowing!"
"Oh, is that so?" Helios said, a nervous smile flickering on his face. "Your brother can do that too."
I have no idea if I can actually do that, but what's the harm in a little white lie?
"Really? Can you really glow like that?" Luna asked, her face full of adoration.
"Yes... yes, of course I can," Helios said, his voice hitching slightly. Shit. I'm a Seeker; I should be able to do this. If I fail now, I'll lose my dignity in front of her forever.
"Ah, you're interested in the Spiral Power training," Nova noted. "We all have to do that to increase our capacity."
"Why don't you join the session?" Riku suggested. "It's one of the core skills you must master."
They entered the meditation hall. "Listen up!" Riku shouted to the room. "This is the new Leader. He's a fresh Seeker, so he'll be joining your lesson today."
My reputation is gone, Helios thought, wanting to bury his face in his hands. Did you have to tell them I'm a novice, you fool?
A blonde instructor with sharp brown eyes stepped forward. "So, you're the new Leader. I'm the instructor for new Seekers. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask. First, you must understand Spiral Power. It is the energy drawn from the Veiled World through your link with your summon. It boosts your physical attributes and dictates how long or powerful your abilities are. More power means more strength, though we have no formal ranking for it."
The instructor sat cross-legged. "Step one: Call forth your summon."
How do I even do that? Wait... Crown, can you hear me? Why don't you come out?
Oh, so you remember me when you need something? the crown teased. If you want me to appear, simply visualize me resting on your head. Focus on the weight.
Helios closed his eyes and concentrated. He felt a sudden, heavy coldness on his brow. Suddenly, a brilliant crimson light erupted from him, and the ornate black crown materialized atop his head.
The room went dead silent. The seasoned Seekers stared in shock.
"Leader... that was instant!" Nova exclaimed. "Most of us take days or months to manifest our summons for the first time!"
"That was only the first step," the instructor said, clearing his throat. "Now, the second part. Imagine invisible strings connecting you to your summon, extending into a mysterious void. Visualize those strings absorbing raw energy from the beyond."
Helios focused, picturing the void he had seen in the Colosseum. He felt a sudden pull, like a tide rushing into his soul. His body began to hum with power, and a fierce, blood-red light began to radiate from him, illuminating the entire hall.