Encroaching Darkness

「 Lieutenant Ohma 」

"Yes, Your Majesty... It is indeed a grave loss."

"Laksmana Bujang fought valiantly in Cardinal Peaks, but unfortunately, he lost his life in the battle."

"He valiantly sacrificed himself in order for us to escape the town..."

「 Sultan Areef al-Naufal 」

"This is treason!!!"

"This news is unfathomable!"

"Laksmana Bujang was a loyal and trusted warrior of our kingdom."

"His loss will be deeply felt by all."

The Sultan's face contorts with anger and grief as he processes the news. He had placed great trust in Laksmana Bujang, considering him an integral part of the kingdom's protection and a close confidant. The word of his death strikes a heavy blow to the Sultan's heart.

"Prepare a full investigation into the circumstances of Laksmana Bujang's demise."

"I want to know how this tragedy occurred, and if there's any hint of foul play, those responsible will face severe consequences!"

The Sultan's voice was full of sorrow and yet determined. He understands that the loss of such a skilled warrior could have serious implications for the kingdom's safety. His priority now is to uncover the truth behind Laksmana Bujang's death and take appropriate action.

「 Lieutenant Ohma 」

"Understood, Your Majesty."

"I will assemble a team to investigate the matter thoroughly and report back to you with our findings."

"We will leave no stone unturned."

With a solemn bow and a sinister smile, Lieutenant Ohma acknowledged the Sultan's orders and left the palace to carry out the investigation. His smile grew wider with each step he took.

"One more nudge."

"And hell will break loose."

"Hahaha..."

The person who presented the report to the Sultan was definitely not Lieutenant Ohma. Deep within the shadows, Raf il-Cul, the cunning and malevolent demon, reveled in the chaos he had set into motion. Disguised as Lieutenant Ohma, he had successfully deceived the Sultan and now had the opportunity to manipulate the investigation to his advantage.

Raf il-Cul knew that the death of Laksmana Bujang would sow seeds of doubt and mistrust within the kingdom. He saw this as an opportunity to exploit the situation, framing Zanno and Mayor Rachmat of Cardinal Peaks for the death of the esteemed warrior. With his twisted mind, Raf il-Cul aimed to turn the kingdom against the innocent and plunge it into further turmoil.

As Lieutenant Ohma, or so he appeared to be, Raf il-Cul meticulously orchestrated the investigation. He planted false evidence, twisted testimonies, and fabricated stories to paint Zanno and Mayor Rachmat as traitors responsible for Laksmana Bujang's demise. He ensured that every piece of information pointed towards them, carefully manipulating the truth to suit his wicked agenda.

Days turned into weeks as the investigation progressed, and the kingdom grew increasingly divided. The people, once unified under the Sultan's rule, now questioned the loyalty of those from Cardinal Peaks. Suspicion and animosity spread like a venomous plague, threatening to tear the kingdom apart.

Unknown to the Sultan and the people, Raf il-Cul reveled in their suffering. He fed off the chaos he had sown, his dark powers thriving on the discord and despair. With each passing day, his influence grew stronger, his grip over the kingdom tightening like a vice.

Raf il-Cul controlled all of the information flow in the capital. Cardinal Peaks representatives sent to the capital to clarify things regarding the unfortunate event were thwarted by the demon midway, in order to keep the Sultan uninformed.

After tightening all the loose ends, Raf il-Cul concluded his investigation by pinning the blame on Zanno. The Sultan, known for his just and unprejudiced decisions had unexpectedly agreed with all the findings and ordered the town of Cardinal Peaks to be held responsible.

「 Sultan Areef al-Naufal 」

"I will not tolerate this any further!"

"Bendahara Awan... Mobilize the army!"

"We will take that ungrateful little town down."

Sultan Areef was furious and reasons were absent in his order.

"And for a job well done..."

"You now will take the late Laksmana's place, lieutenant."

「 Laksmana Ohma / Raf il-Cul 」

"I will carry this duty with the utmost honor, your Majesty!"

The Qeddah Sultanate experienced significant growth and improvement in its military strength through collaboration efforts with Cardinal Peaks, after the discovery of Zanno's rare and unique powers. However, due to recent circumstances, the country's military was about to unleash its might on the town that had aided in its development.

The military of the Qeddah Sultanate swiftly went into action, mobilizing its forces and preparing for the impending invasion of Cardinal Peaks. The once peaceful town, now falsely accused and condemned, would soon face the wrath of the Qeddah Sultanate's army.

The Chief Minister, Bendahara Awan Pancasila, the trusted advisor and commander of the armed forces of the Qeddah Sultanate, took charge of the military preparations. He called upon the most skilled and battle-hardened soldiers, ensuring that they were equipped with the finest weapons and Gears available. The troops underwent rigorous training, honing their combat skills and preparing for the task at hand.

The army's logistics division worked tirelessly to secure adequate supplies for the campaign. Provisions, including food, water, and medical equipment, were stockpiled to sustain the soldiers during their month-long march and the subsequent siege.

Engineers and craftsmen were tasked with constructing siege weapons and fortifications to aid in the assault on Cardinal Peaks. Great war machines such as catapults and battering rams were completed, one after another as the military might the Qeddah Sultanate was amassing precariously.

Meanwhile, Raf il-Cul, disguised as Laksmana Ohma, infiltrated the ranks of the military. Using his cunning and manipulative skills, he sowed seeds of doubt and animosity among the soldiers. He whispered tales of treachery and betrayal, further fueling their desire for vengeance against Cardinal Peaks.

Under the false leadership of Laksmana Ohma, the army stood ready to unleash its might upon Cardinal Peaks. The once harmonious collaboration between the town and the Sultanate had been twisted into a tragedy of accusations and impending destruction. The fate of Cardinal Peaks now hung in the balance as the military prepared to march forward, guided by the dark machinations of Raf il-Cul.

◈◈◈

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"Seems like the capital has been misinformed."

"As per the letter we received from the courier hawk this morning..."

"The town of Cardinal Peaks is to surrender under direct rule from the capital."

"And there's more..."

"Zanno Starr will be tried under the charge of the murder of Laksmana Bujang Sangga."

"Refusal of any terms will be considered hostile."

"Signed... Laksmana Ohma Mowtah."

「 Oswald Brodley 」

"First, the withering crops."

"And now, this."

"Something is definitely afoul here."

Cardinal Peaks' council of leaders held an emergency meeting to discuss the grave situation they found themselves in. The news of the impending invasion and the false accusations against Zanno struck a blow to their spirits, but they were determined to protect their town and uncover the truth.

Mayor Rachmat and other prominent figures of Cardinal Peaks gathered in the council chambers, their faces filled with concern and determination. They knew that surrendering to the capital would mean losing their autonomy and subjecting their people to unjust rule.

Mayor Rachmat spoke with conviction, his voice resonating with the resolve of the council members.

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"We have stood united in the face of adversity before, and we shall do so again."

"We will not bow down to these false accusations and threats."

"Zanno is a hero and a valued member of our community. He is innocent."

"We must uncover the truth and present our case to the Sultan."

Lord Mormont, the leader of the Marque de Ivory Guild, offered his insights.

「 Lord Mormont 」

"We must prepare our defenses and rally our people."

"Let us fortify the town, gather supplies, and ensure everyone's safety."

"We will not allow our homes to be destroyed by baseless accusations."

As the council deliberated, Master Raneeya, the master magicsmith with a keen sense for the supernatural, shared her findings.

「 Master Raneeya 」

"I sensed a dark presence lingering within the capital."

"A presence similar to what we are experiencing right now in the town."

"It reeks of demonic influence."

"We must proceed with caution and be prepared for the unseen."

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"Wait a minute..."

"The letter. It was signed by Laksmana Ohma."

"Isn't that the lieutenant that came with the late Laksmana last time?"

「 Councillor Jengo 」

"And your point is, Mayor Rachmat?"

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"There were no survivors from the capital during the tragedy..."

「 Councillor Jengo 」

"That makes Laksmana Ohma..."

「 Oswald Brodley 」

「 Lord Mormont 」

「 Master Raneeya 」

"An impostor!"

The three guild leaders stood up in unison, their eyes widened with realization.

「 Oswald Brodley 」

"We've been deceived!"

"That imposter has been manipulating the situation from the very beginning."

「 Lord Mormont 」

"We cannot let our town fall to this treachery."

"Cardinal Peaks must stand strong and fight back."

「 Master Raneeya 」

"The dark presence I sensed... it must be the work of the demon, Raf il-Cul."

"We must find a way to expose the imposter and break free from his scheme."

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"I agree... We have to straighten this out."

"I will make haste to the capital."

「 Councillor Jengo 」

"It's too dangerous, Mayor..."

"Now that we know, Ohma is an impostor."

"Any diplomatic solution is out of the table until we expose him."

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"I think, this can be solved if I manage to get an audience with the Sultan."

"This is the only way... But, in the meantime."

"We have to bolster our defenses just in case things go south."

「 Councillor Jengo 」

"I still think it is too dangerous."

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"I will be alright. And besides..."

"I will go to Star Groove with Sheriff Nathkin."

"What could possibly go wrong?"

"Unless he decides to... 'Recharge' at inappropriate moments."

"Hahaha..."

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"Hey..."

"Hahaha..."

With their determination steeled, the council devised a plan. They would send a delegation to the capital, led by Mayor Rachmat, to plead their case directly to the Sultan and expose the nefarious plot orchestrated by the imposter Laksmana Ohma.

Meanwhile, preparations for the town's defense were set into motion, led by the three guilds. Walls were reinforced, archers positioned, and traps laid. The people of Cardinal Peaks, united by their shared resolve, came together to protect their beloved town and clear Zanno's name.

As the sun set over the town of Cardinal Peaks, a sense of defiance and determination filled the air. The people would fight for justice, for their homes, and for the truth. The battle for their survival had just begun, and they would not back down in the face of adversity.