MTLNOVEL Chapter 14: Chapter 14: Rumors of a Rising Power
Chapter 14: Rumors of a Rising Power
The Hero Party's Perspective
The Holy Kingdom of Elarion stood as a shining beacon of power and faith, its golden spires glimmering in the sunlight. Yet, behind its divine facade, the kingdom was far from perfect. Whispers of unrest and growing dangers beyond its borders spread like wildfire. Within the hallowed halls of the Sanctuary Citadel, the summoned heroes, once a group of ordinary students, gathered for another tense meeting.
Ryan, the class president and unofficial leader of the group, stood near the massive arched window, his face thoughtful but troubled. Derek, their athletic star and self-proclaimed warrior, leaned against a nearby pillar, his brows furrowed in frustration. Sarah, the sharp-minded strategist, sat at the center table with a map spread out before her. Mr. Harper, their teacher, watched the group with quiet concern, his sharp gaze betraying a growing unease.
The rest of the class—those who had survived the summoning—were scattered around the room. Some whispered quietly to one another, while others watched the argument unfolding in the center of the chamber.
"This is ridiculous," Derek said, his voice filled with frustration. "All we've done is chase off bandits and deal with squabbling nobles. When are we going to fight the real threats?"
Sarah shot him a sharp look. "Do you even hear yourself? Fighting isn't the only thing that matters. If we rush in without knowing what we're dealing with, we'll just get ourselves killed."
Derek scowled. "That's easy for you to say. Meanwhile, we're wasting time on pointless missions."
Ryan sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Both of you are right, but we need to focus. The kingdom has its reasons for holding us back. They wouldn't send us into danger unprepared."
Ava, the group's mage, stepped forward, her staff glowing faintly. "Maybe they're not sending us because they don't trust us. Or maybe they're afraid of what's out there."
Mr. Harper finally spoke, his calm voice cutting through the tension. "There's more going on here than the council is telling us. The world outside Elarion's borders is far more complicated than what we've been shown."
Ethan, the rogue of the group, chuckled from his spot in the shadows. "Complicated is one word for it. You've all heard the rumors, haven't you? About the machines? The Iron King?"
The mention of the name sent a chill through the room. The rumors had been spreading for weeks—tales of a nation to the south that defied magic, of villages disappearing without a trace, and of an enigmatic leader who ruled with an iron fist.
Sarah frowned, her voice sharp. "Machines replacing magic? That's ridiculous. Nothing can match magic's power."
"Except maybe Jack," Naomi, one of the quieter students, said hesitantly. "What if... what if it's him?"
The room fell silent. The name hung heavy in the air, a reminder of their missing classmate. Jack had vanished during the summoning, and while many had assumed he was dead, others couldn't shake the feeling that he was still alive.
Ryan finally broke the silence, his voice steady. "We don't know anything for sure. But if it is Jack... we'll deal with it when the time comes."
The Council's Secrets
Later that day, Ryan, Derek, Sarah, and Mr. Harper were summoned to a private meeting with Elarion's High Council. The chamber was grand, illuminated by golden mana crystals that lined the walls. The council members, robed in flowing white garments, sat in a crescent formation, their faces grave.
"Summoned heroes," the eldest of the council began, his voice echoing through the chamber. "You have served Elarion well, but we now face a growing threat that requires your attention."
Derek crossed his arms. "Finally. What is it?"
"To the south," the elder continued, "a new power rises—a nation built not on magic, but on machines."
Ryan tensed. "Machines? What do you mean?"
Another council member leaned forward. "Strange constructs that move without mana. Weapons that defy magical barriers. Entire villages have disappeared, leaving no survivors. Their leader is known as the 'Iron King.'"
Mr. Harper frowned, his expression sharp. "What do you know about this Iron King?"
The council exchanged uneasy glances before one of them answered. "Little is known, but some believe he is not of this world."
Ryan's heart sank. The description was too specific to ignore. Could it really be Jack? Could his old friend have built something so powerful—and so dangerous?
"For now," the elder said, "your mission remains the same. Strengthen Elarion's borders and prepare for the challenges to come. But remain vigilant. If this Iron King turns his gaze toward Elarion, you will be our first line of defense."
Jack's Perspective
Meanwhile, Jack's empire continued to grow. The Mana Refinery was running at full capacity, fueling his outpost's infrastructure and the forward base in the west. Refugees poured in from nearby regions, drawn by the promise of safety and opportunity. Clones and civilians worked together, expanding the territory and laying the foundation for something far greater.
In the Command Center, Jack stood before the holographic map, reviewing the latest reports as Eve, his AI assistant, provided updates.
"Commander," Eve said, her tone calm and efficient, "a scouting party has been detected near the western plains. They carry a banner not recorded in any known archives."
Jack studied the footage. The riders, numbering about a dozen, moved cautiously. Their banner—a green field with a silver dragon—was unfamiliar.
"Eve," Jack said, "track their movements. Don't engage unless they become a threat."
"Understood," Eve replied.
Unit 01 entered the room, his posture rigid as always. "Commander, shall I prepare defenses in case they approach further?"
"Not yet," Jack replied. "They're scouts, not an invasion force. But I want them monitored. If they're from beyond the continent, we need to know why they're here."
The Elves' Response
Deep within Sylvanelle, Vaeloria, High Warden of the Eternal Forest, convened with her council. The outsider's machines had begun encroaching on their sacred lands, and the forest trembled under the weight of his technology.
"The outsider grows stronger," Vaeloria said. "His machines harvest the land, draining its mana and disturbing the balance."
"And yet, we do nothing," a younger warrior said, his tone sharp. "Why?"
Vaeloria's golden eyes narrowed. "Because acting too soon would mean defeat. We must wait, gather our strength, and learn his weaknesses."
"And if we wait too long?" another council member asked.
Vaeloria's expression hardened. "Then we ensure that when we strike, we strike decisively."
The Hero Party Hears More
After completing another mission near the southern border, the hero party rested in a village tavern. A grizzled merchant approached their table, his voice low and urgent.
"You're the summoned heroes, right?"
Ryan nodded. "Yes. What do you want?"
The merchant hesitated before speaking. "To the south, there's a nation of machines. Weapons that defy magic. Entire villages destroyed. And their leader..." He shivered. "They call him the Iron King."
Ryan's stomach churned. The description left little doubt in his mind. If the Iron King was Jack, then they would have to face him sooner or later.
Back at the Outpost
Jack stood on the observation deck of the Command Center, gazing out at his growing empire. The rumors were spreading, just as he had planned. Soon, the outside world would come to him—whether for diplomacy, conquest, or destruction.
"Let them come," Jack muttered. "I'll be ready."
End of Chapter 14
"Every great journey begins with a single step. Jack's story is one of resilience, ambition, and the determination to rise above impossible odds. Right now, you're witnessing the birth of something extraordinary—a vision of unity, strength, and progress that will one day shape the entire world.
But no empire is built alone. If you believe in Jack's vision, here's how you can join the cause:
1. Save this story to your library or collection to follow every twist, challenge, and triumph as the foundations of the Imperium are laid.
2. Share this tale with friends or allies who would stand beside Jack in his quest to create a better future.
3. Engage with the story by sharing your thoughts in the comments. Your words of encouragement can inspire Jack's rise and make you part of his journey.
Together, we can make this dream a reality!
This is more than just a story—it's the beginning of an empire. Every step forward depends on those who believe in the power of progress. Thank you for joining Jack as he fights to carve a path in a chaotic world. Let's rise together and build something unforgettable!"