Chapter 13: Chapter 13: The Gathering Storm
With Philippe's divine authority firmly established, his kingdom entered a new phase of development. His followers grew in number, the temple stood as a beacon of faith, and alliances were forming. But peace was fleeting. The Warring States period was unforgiving, and shadows loomed on the horizon.
[New Mission: Defend the Faith]
Reward: 3500 Fate Points
Objective: Protect the kingdom from external threats and eliminate traitors within.
The Storm on the Horizon
A messenger arrived at the kingdom gates, bloodied and barely standing. "A massive force approaches from the south. They march under no banner but wield the weapons of multiple clans."
Aya and Hiro listened intently. Hiro frowned. "A mercenary army?"
The messenger coughed, his face pale. "They don't fight like mercenaries… they fight like zealots. Someone has gathered them under a cause."
Philippe, watching from above, narrowed his gaze. A rival faith? He had expected opposition from warlords, but religious conflict complicated things.
[Fate Point Shop]
Divine Barrier (2000 Fate Points) – A temporary shield to protect the kingdom.
Warrior's Blessing (1500 Fate Points) – Enhances the strength and reflexes of all trained soldiers.
Holy Judgment (3000 Fate Points) – Calls forth a divine storm to smite enemies.
Philippe purchased Warrior's Blessing and Divine Barrier, prioritizing defense and soldier morale. A shimmering dome of light covered the walls, and an invisible force surged through his warriors, making them stronger and sharper.
Hiro clenched his fist, feeling the energy. "Our god has not abandoned us. We will not fall today."
[Mission Progress: 30%]
Betrayal from Within
As the enemy forces marched closer, Philippe sensed unease among his people. Some still doubted, and doubt was a weakness his enemies could exploit.
Renjiro, the former skeptic, approached Aya in secret. "I've been hearing whispers… some among us have been promised safety if they turn against Philippe."
Aya's expression darkened. "Cowards."
Renjiro sighed. "Fear makes fools of men. If we don't act first, the traitors will open the gates."
Aya reported the matter to Hiro, who immediately ordered an investigation. Philippe, unseen, focused his divine awareness on the kingdom and spotted the conspirators. He marked them, ensuring Hiro's men would find them before the battle.
The traitors were rounded up, but their leader, a warrior named Jubei, stood defiant. "You follow a phantom! Philippe is nothing but smoke and tricks! When the enemy comes, you'll see that faith means nothing against real steel!"
Aya didn't hesitate. "Then die with your doubts."
The execution was swift.
[Mission Progress: 60%]
The Battle for Faith
As dawn broke, the enemy army arrived. A massive force, clad in mismatched armor but moving in eerie unity. A lone figure stepped forward—an elderly man in black robes, eyes burning with conviction.
"Your false god has led you astray. We bring the truth of the One Flame. Kneel, and your lives will be spared."
Aya spat on the ground. "We already have a god."
The old man sighed. "Then you will burn."
The battle began. The enemy fought with fervor, unafraid of death. But Philippe's warriors, strengthened by his blessing, held firm. The Divine Barrier absorbed the first wave of attacks, buying time for Hiro's forces to counterattack.
But the old man was no mere fanatic. He raised his hands, and fire erupted from the ground, searing through Philippe's forces.
Philippe's eyes widened. A rival divine power?
He accessed the Fate Point Shop once more.
[Divine Smite – 2500 Fate Points]
Effect: Calls down holy light to purge blasphemers.
Philippe unleashed the smite. A pillar of golden fire struck the old man, who screamed as the divine energies consumed him. The enemy forces, seeing their leader fall, hesitated.
Hiro seized the moment. "Strike them down!"
The kingdom's warriors surged forward, cutting through the disoriented enemy ranks. Victory was swift.
[Mission Complete: Defend the Faith]
[Reward: 3500 Fate Points]
As the dust settled, Philippe realized something critical—he was not the only divine power in this world. There were others, and they would not tolerate his growing influence.
But that was fine.
He would not tolerate them either.