Reinventing Magic: An Inventor's Tale-Chapter 52: Shadows Over Gregor

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting hues of crimson and gold across the sky, Kael Valtieri stood at the edge of the fortified airship dock. The Aetherwing Skiff hovered silently before him, its sleek frame glistening under the twilight. The air was tense with anticipation. Tonight, he would infiltrate Count Gregor’s domain and uncover the weaknesses that would lead to the Valtieri’s victory.

Victor Dalmont, clad in darkened armor designed for stealth, approached him. "We’ll cover your retreat if things go south, young lord. Are you certain about this?"

Kael nodded, his gaze steady. "I need precise information before we commit our forces. This isn’t just about winning this war; it’s about making sure we minimize our losses. Trust me."

Alice, standing beside him with her usual impassive expression, added softly, "Be careful, Master. If you require assistance, I will come for you."

He smiled faintly, appreciating her unwavering loyalty. "I know. But this mission requires absolute secrecy."

Keira, adjusting her Veilbreaker Staff, leaned against the railing. "I still think I should go with you. It’s too dangerous for you to go alone and—"

"It’s too risky," Kael interrupted gently. "They may have detection wards in place. The more people aboard the Skiff, the higher the chance they’ll detect us. I have to do this alone."

With a final nod to his companions, Kael boarded the Aetherwing Skiff. The vessel hummed to life as he manipulated its controls, lifting it silently into the night sky. The moonlight guided his path as he sailed through the darkness, moving like a shadow toward Count Gregor’s domain.

The fortress of Gregor loomed ahead, its towering walls lined with sentries. Kael activated the Skiff’s newly added cloaking mechanism, making the vessel blend into the night. With expert precision, he guided the ship to a position high above the fortress, hovering silently in the sky. His mana pulsed as he wove a spell of silence around the Skiff, ensuring his presence would go undetected.

From his vantage point, Kael’s keen eyes analyzed the movements below. He meticulously memorized patrol routes, guard rotations, and supply cache locations. He noted the positioning of siege weapons, the weak points in the walls, and the key structures housing Gregor’s officers. Every detail mattered.

Satisfied with his reconnaissance, Kael maintained the Skiff’s altitude as he flew back toward Valtieri territory, his mind already formulating the next steps of the operation.

---

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting an amber glow over the Valtieri stronghold. Within the war room, Kael Valtieri stood before a large wooden table, its surface strewn with maps and reports. The assembled figures—his father, Count Edgar; Victor Dalmont; Keira Bryndis; Alice; Pietro; the Duke, and the key vassals—listened intently as Kael outlined their strategy.

"Gregor’s forces are spread thin along the border," Kael explained, pointing at the map. "Their main supply depots are here, here, and here." He marked the locations with precise strokes of charcoal. "Our goal is simple: cripple their supply lines before launching our full assault. Without provisions, they won’t last long."

Count Edgar studied the map, his battle-hardened face impassive. "And you’re confident in this approach?"

Kael met his father’s piercing gaze with steady resolve. "Yes. This is the best way to weaken them before the main battle. Let me lead this operation."

Edgar’s lips pressed into a thin line before he finally nodded. "Very well. But remember, Kael—this is war. Plans can change in an instant. Adapt accordingly."

Kael inclined his head, a mix of determination and respect in his eyes. "I won’t let you down, Father."

---

Nightfall - Aboard the Aetherwing Skiff

The day of the operation had finally arrived. The Aetherwing Skiff glided through the night, its sleek frame barely making a sound as it cut through the cold evening air. Below, the darkened landscape of Gregor’s territory stretched out, illuminated only by scattered torchlights from the enemy encampments.

Victor Dalmont stood beside Kael, watching the terrain with a calculating eye. "We go in fast, plant the explosives, and get out before they know what hit them."

Kael handed Victor a pouch filled with crystal charges. "These are alchemically enhanced explosive crystals. Set them near the supply caches and structural weak points. Once activated, you’ll have two minutes before detonation."

Victor examined the glowing crystals, his expression serious. "Understood. We’ll rendezvous at the extraction point."

Kael nodded. "Good. Move quickly and stay unseen."

The skiff descended silently near the first supply depot. Victor and his team disembarked, vanishing into the shadows like wraiths. Kael watched them go before steering the skiff towards the next target, his grip tightening on the controls. fɾēewebnσveℓ.com

Minutes later, the night erupted in a series of deafening blasts. Flames consumed the enemy stockpiles, sending plumes of smoke into the sky. Chaos spread through Gregor’s ranks as soldiers scrambled in confusion.

Victor and his team emerged from the wreckage, sprinting towards the extraction point. As soon as they boarded, Kael pushed the skiff to its limits, ascending high into the sky and away from the raging inferno below.

"Mission accomplished," Victor declared, catching his breath.

Kael allowed himself a small smile, relief evident in his eyes. "Phase one is complete. Now, we strike."

---

Count Gregor’s War Council

The war room was in turmoil. Gregor’s vassals shouted over one another, their voices filled with anger and fear.

"My forces are nearly gone! How are we supposed to hold our borders?" one Viscount bellowed.

"You’re not the only one!" another lord snapped. "Valtieri’s mages wiped out half my troops with a single spell!"

The mention of Keira and Alice sent a ripple of unease through the room. Many of them had witnessed the sheer devastation wrought by the two mages.

Count Gregor slammed his fist on the table, silencing the uproar. "Enough! We still have the advantage in numbers. To win this war, we must eliminate their mages first."

A hesitant voice spoke. "But how? That silver-haired abomination—"

"Leave her to me." Count Gregor’s rough voice cut through the tension. "We have prepared something special for her. As for the black-robed girl... My son, Livius will handle her."

All eyes turned to Livius Gregor, who sat with an arrogant smirk. "I’ve recently advanced to the fifth class. That girl—what was her name again? Oh right, Keira Bryndis. She won’t be a problem."

The room exhaled a collective breath of relief.

"Everyone, with Livius and the trump card I have prepared for them," Gregor declared, his voice echoing with authority and resolve, "we will crush the Valtieri. This war isn’t over yet."

Just then, a frantic knock echoed through the chamber. A pale-faced guard burst inside, panting heavily.

"My lord! We are under attack!"

Gregor’s eyes widened in shock. "What?!"

The war room plunged into chaos. The Valtieri had struck first.

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