As the sun slowly rose over Elysium, Merslin stood atop the outer wall, his gaze sweeping over the young kingdom below. The buildings were still crude, the defenses still modest—but in his mind's eye, he saw a city of light and strength. A future worth building. But to make that vision a reality, he knew one thing clearly:
"We don't have enough," he muttered to himself."If we're to survive—let alone thrive—we need more supplies. More resources. Much more."
Elena approached quietly, standing beside him. She could sense his unrest.
"Merslin," she said, "what about the goblin merchants? They're greedy and cunning, yes—but when it comes to trade, no one's better. If we want to expand, we may need to deal with them."
He hesitated. Goblins were dangerous allies. But without their network and rare goods, building a sustainable kingdom would be far more difficult.
"You're right," he said at last. "We'll try. But we must be careful not to provoke their greed."
Soon after, Merslin and his companions arranged a meeting with the goblin traders. The site was a small clearing within the forest beyond Elysium's borders—private, tense, and unmistakably goblin territory.
Their leader, Grinjak, greeted them with a sharp gaze and a crooked smile. His movements were swift, his voice laced with amusement and calculation.
Lisa whispered warily to Merslin, "Can we really trust them? I don't like how they move."
Serena remained calm."We'll get what we need. But we'll have to stay alert. Greed is their game."
Merslin stepped forward and addressed Grinjak directly."Elysium needs supplies. If you can provide them, we're prepared to pay a fair price."
Grinjak smirked."Oh, I'm sure you are. What we want isn't gold. The treasures from the Dragon's Nest… the blacksteel, the gems… now those are interesting."
Merslin listened closely. The goblins didn't just want currency—they were after specific materials from the Nest, things that had power.
After careful thought, Merslin nodded."Very well. If you provide what we need, we'll offer you a portion of the treasure. But remember—this deal must remain fair. Elysium will not be exploited."
The agreement was struck.
Days later, goblin caravans began arriving. With them came crates of grain, forged weapons, reinforced armor, herbs, tools, and rare materials. The streets of Elysium buzzed with energy—soldiers armed, citizens fed, healers restocked.
Lisa handed out new blades to the training units."We're ready now. These weapons will make all the difference."
Serena oversaw drills in the square."With this gear, our tactics can finally evolve. We'll make this kingdom strong."
Aria, at the healing ward, organized herbs and tools with a gentle smile."Our people will stay healthier now. This will help us all recover and grow."
Merslin watched the transformation from the walls once more. For now, the deal had worked. But in his heart, he stayed cautious.
"We've entered a new stage," he thought. "These supplies will change everything—but goblin greed is not a thing to take lightly."
Thanks to the trade, Elysium's foundation had stabilized. Their economy improved, morale rose, and military preparations advanced. Yet Merslin and his companions knew this deal was not without risk. The goblins were watching, waiting.
And so, Elysium stepped forward—cautiously prosperous, watchfully prepared, and with eyes always on the horizon.
***
The Choice of Three Kingdoms – Watching Elysium Rise
In the central region of the continent of Luminaria, two powerful kingdoms had long maintained peace and prosperity. However, a new kingdom emerging in the south—Elysium, founded by Merslin—had begun to draw their attention.
In the past, both kingdoms had received help from Merslin and his companions. He had been their savior in the battle against the Titans, and afterward, they had shown deep gratitude. But now, as Elysium expanded its influence in the south, their leaders found themselves facing a new dilemma.
In the kingdom of New Luminaria, a lively debate unfolded over Elysium's intentions. Leaders questioned whether Merslin could still be considered a trustworthy ally—or if he was fast becoming a potential threat.
A senior advisor cautiously spoke up.
"Merslin once helped us, yes. But ever since he established Elysium, his motives have grown unclear. We can't afford to view him merely as a friend."
Another nodded and added,
"If his power continues to grow, our national security could be affected. But making an enemy of him is also dangerous. We must respond carefully and monitor his movements."
After long deliberation, the ruler gave their conclusion:
"We must remain pragmatic. Maintain a cooperative relationship where it benefits us—but keep a safe distance to prevent unnecessary conflict. Let diplomacy guide us."
Meanwhile, in the neighboring Frontier Kingdom, the situation was more tense. Sharing a border with Elysium, they worried that Merslin's rising power might encroach upon their sovereignty.
A general, with a stern expression, voiced his concern:
"If Merslin seeks to dominate the southern continent through Elysium, we are in grave danger. If his military strength continues to grow, we could be invaded at any moment."
Others echoed his concerns.
"Yes, he helped us before—but times have changed. While he expands, we must prepare."
Their ruler issued immediate orders to strengthen border defenses and keep Elysium under surveillance.
"Monitor his every move. If he crosses our borders, we will respond without hesitation."
Far to the north, the Elves remembered Merslin's valor in the war against the Dragon. Yet now, with Elysium's sudden rise, they watched with cautious eyes.
The Elven leader spoke in a measured tone:
"Merslin was once our friend, but he now walks a new path. His true intentions remain unclear. We must not rush to judgment."
The Elves chose to remain neutral, carefully observing from afar. As long as Elysium did not pose a direct threat, they saw no reason to interfere. However, they made clear that they would act if provoked.
"If he doesn't disturb our lands, peace shall remain. But should he cross that line—we will intervene," said the Elven leader, quietly but firmly.
Thus, the central kingdoms and the northern Elves each took different stances toward the newly rising Elysium. All had once benefitted from Merslin's heroism, but now, as his power grew, so did the complexity of their relationship with him.
One kingdom leaned toward pragmatic diplomacy.Another reinforced its military in preparation for a potential threat.And the Elves chose cautious neutrality, ready to act if needed.
The full impact of Merslin's rise, and of Elysium's expansion, remained uncertain—but all forces across the continent now watched closely. The next step Merslin would take could redefine the balance of power.
***
The Arrival of Ares – Threat and Unification
Time passed, and though the rise of Elysium and its allies was slow, they steadily continued their preparations for war. Yet mistrust lingered among the allied nations, and cooperation often stalled. It was during this uncertain period that a force capable of shaking the entire continent revealed itself—Ares, the Titan god of war and destruction.
Darkness suddenly engulfed the skies above Elysium, and a massive bolt of lightning split the heavens. Like a storm descending from the void, Ares appeared. His presence was terrifying, every inch of his being radiating fury and brute force. Born of chaos and conflict, Ares was the embodiment of war—and his arrival heralded a dire threat to Elysium and its allies.
"Traitors who turned your backs on me—this shall be your final day!"Ares roared, his voice shaking the battlefield with thunderous rage.
Merslin and his companions scrambled to form ranks, readying themselves for the onslaught. But from the very first strike, they realized Ares' strength was beyond anything they had imagined. His blows shattered their formations, and they were forced to retreat under the sheer weight of his assault.
With each movement, Ares wielded unimaginable power. The ground quaked and the sky groaned at his command. Soldiers from the allied armies trembled in fear, unable to face the overwhelming pressure.
But Merslin refused to yield.
"We will not back down! Let Elysium's power be known!"Merslin shouted, rallying his comrades. They responded with determination, unleashing their abilities in a desperate stand against the war god.
The battle raged fiercely. Ares' armor deflected even Merslin's sword, and Elena's magic dissipated against his colossal shield. Yet they did not give up. With grit and unity, the heroes fought back, resisting the Titan's relentless attacks.
Then, Merslin began to channel an ancient spell.
"O flames that consume all, heed my call.Let the storm burn the enemy to ash—Inferno Tempest!"
The spell, cast in Merslin's native tongue, surged forth in a blaze, engulfing Ares. For the first time, the war god faltered. Caught off guard, he realized the battle was lasting far longer than he had anticipated. Seeing that his enemies would not break, Ares came to a grim conclusion.
"So this is what you can do when I am unprepared... Next time, I will crush you all."Muttering to himself, he lowered his hand. The lightning that once carved the sky faded, and his overwhelming aura began to recede.
Ares chose to retreat. With a vow to return stronger, he withdrew his forces, leaving the battlefield in sudden silence. The warriors of Elysium and its allies gasped for breath, their bodies trembling from the ordeal.
"Is it... over?"Risa asked, panting heavily.
"It feels like it... but something still lingers,"Elena replied, her senses picking up an unease that hadn't yet lifted.
And then it happened.
From the center of the battlefield, a gentle yet commanding light descended from the sky. The light carried a serene, powerful presence. Merslin and his companions watched warily as a figure slowly emerged from within.
It was Prometheus, the Titan.
"Another battle...?"Merslin raised his weapon, prepared for the worst.
But Prometheus raised no arms.
"Do not fear, Merslin. I have not come to fight."His voice was calm, without malice. There was no trace of hostility in his stance.
Merslin and the others stared, stunned. Prometheus' sudden appearance and unexpected words unsettled them deeply. Why had a Titan entered the battlefield—alone, and without aggression?
"I've come to cooperate,"Prometheus continued."The time has come for us to stand together."
His words sent a wave of disbelief through the group. A Titan—an enemy by every account—was offering an alliance. It was something no one had even considered. But there was no deceit in Prometheus' eyes. His tone was sincere, his presence grounded.
Merslin exhaled slowly and answered:
"Then let's hear what you have to say.If there's a way to end this war, we must consider every possibility."