(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' A caged bird? How creative.]
General Kael smile and lets out a small chuckle.
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael:'' Ah, still sharp-tongued even in chains. I assure you, Elara, I have many more creative ways to entertain you.]
He leans closer.
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael:'' But first, I want you to tell me, what do you think of my handiwork?]
Elara's gaze flickers to the bars, then back to Kael.
[[I am impressed, not gonna lie]]
[["I have seen better work done by a teen"]]
(set: $respect to it + 1)
(set: $exp to it + 1)(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:''Elyssium would have helped you]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''Naive child, you don't fully comprehend your nation's thoughts about us, don't you? You don't know how many times your kingdom has truly made others suffer from their greed and selfishness!]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:''Your losing your composure General all to a Naive Child]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''You're much more bold then I would've given you credit for. I didn't think you would be able to strike a chord]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:''Kael you are nothing but empty words and a snake. You won't be winning this war even if my army is with or without me]
[[ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED|POSITIVE ENDING]]
(set: $respect to it + 10)
(set: $exp to it - 5)(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' Favors? You mean to say you have spies among my people? How low can you go, Kael?]
He shrugs nonchalantly.
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''In this game, information is power. And I play to win. But you should be more concerned about why I chose you specifically. You could be a valuable asset, not just a pawn.]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:''I will never be your asset. You think you can manipulate me with your tricks and threats?]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''Manipulation? Perhaps. But consider this: every moment you resist, you only make it harder for yourself. I could offer you a way to turn the tide in this conflict, but you must be willing to listen.]
[["You are lying"]]
[["How so? I am willing to listen, its not like I am going anywhere"]]
(set: $respect to it + 10)
(set: $exp to it + 25)(text-colour:blue)[''Elana:''How did you know where our camp was?]
Kael's eyes narrow.
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael:''You should ask your comrades. Loyalty is such a fragile thing.]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elana:''"How do you know?"]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael:''As I always love to say, a little birdie told me]
[["What do you mean?"]]
[["Why dont you tell me more about this birdie?"]](text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' How so? I am willing to listen, its not like I am going anywhere]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''How well do you understand the current situation between Dauntless and Elysium?]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:''You invaded us, ravaged villages, took people as hostages, and killed those protecting their homes.]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''Good now what if I told you we are similar in that case.]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara: ''How? While you sit back and laugh?]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''On the contrary, I hate this war. Elysium cut off resources, denying aid to many kingdoms, and we can’t even trade with your people.]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''But it seems you are all the same, the only person who was kind enough to talk to me and respond to me is the daughter of your so high and mighty general]
[["Ivory wanted to help you?']]
[["No you are a snake, I would never trust that Ivory would want to help you after everything you have done"]]
(set: $respect to it + 10)
(set: $exp to it + 10)(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' I am and will never be like you!]
(text-colour:red) [''General Kael: ''Calm down, Elara. I feel like, in the end, we both want the same thing. What are you fighting for in this war?
'I think my country’s objectives were met a long time ago, but greed set in. Now, I’m fighting for the fastest path to peace. There was once someone on your side who might have helped me... but I’m afraid her mind has been radicalized.']
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' Who would ever want to negotiate with you?]
(text-colour:red) [''General Kael: ''Someone who sees the humanity in their enemies. Your general’s daughter was one such person]
[["She wasnt radicalize, my general knocked some sense into her"]]
[["Ivory wanted to help you?']]
(set: $respect to it - 10)
(set: $exp to it - 10)(text-colour:blue)[''Elara: ''I can fight for as long as it takes]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''I have seen 4 generations of soldiers come and go, only half survive and from those, barely a tenth stay, your soul will shatter if you dont find a reason to fight]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara: ''Yes, that is getting my country back, getting my people back. Getting rid of your tyranny.]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''Tyranny? Is that what you call it? You see, Elara, the lines blur in war. What you see as tyranny, I see as a necessary evil. A means to an end.]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara: ''And what is your end? To conquer the world? To rule with an iron fist?]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''No, Elara. My end is peace. But it's a peace built on strength, on order, on discipline. A peace that can only be achieved through sacrifice.]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara: ''Sacrifice? You talk about sacrifice as if it's a game. You've never lost anyone you loved in this war. You've never seen the pain it causes.]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''I've seen enough. I've seen enough to know that sometimes, the only way to achieve peace is to fight for it. And sometimes, that means sacrificing everything.]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara: ''You're a monster. You're a heartless, cruel, power-hungry monster]
[[ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED|NEUTRAL ENDING]]
(set: $respect to it + 20)
(set: $exp to it + 5)(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:''I don't care, you are your own kingdom, you should be able to handle yourself]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''I used to think that we shared some compassion and sense of justice in your eyes. I now know your much more selfish then I could've comprehended maybe I have brought the wrong sibling to deal with]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:''Call me selfish all you want, at the end of the day your kingdom will be the one who will fall to me and you will realize that you and your armies will regret the day you ever came to Elysium]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''You are full of surprises, I was wrong about how much you care. All of this act of bravado I wonder where you got it from?]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:''Keep talking to me and find out. I hope your not to busy]
[[ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED|POSITIVE ENDING]]
(set: $respect to it 20)
(set: $exp to it + 5)(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' I dont get a second chance?]
Elara mocks trying to light up the mood.
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''Not needed, you already have caught my attention, lets just say I am interested in you.]
[["Interested in me?']]
[["What do you want from me?"]]
(set: $respect to it - 10)
(set: $exp to it + 5)(text-colour:blue)[''Elara: ''I have seen better work done by a teen.]
Kael fakes being offended.
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''Mockery from a prisoner? You must truly lack self-preservation instincts.]
He steps closer, his voice a low growl.
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: '' Perhaps you'd like another demonstration, Elara. Wouldn’t want to disappoint you.]
[["Stop with your games, Kael"]]
[["It was already so dissapointing last time, did you finally make any changes?"]]
(set: $respect to it - 10)
(set: $exp to it + 10)(text-colour:blue)[''Elara: ''I think I might be feeling exhausted. All of this... it feels endless.]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''I know the feeling. Elyssium won’t talk, your people cling to what’s theirs. I’ve sent letter after letter to your general—no answer. The only reply? His daughter.]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''Do you know Ivory? Strong, agile, a bright future ahead. She wrote to me once, wanting to end this war, but she was powerless back then. I’ve tried reaching her since, but it seems her father caught on.]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara: ''Ivory? My bother joined her]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''Your brother’s not a fool. Ivory... she had potential to sway this war. If not for her father. No offense, but I’m sure you hold your general in high regard]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara: ''"You dont know her? Ivory wants peace now. My General seeks to recover lost land and heal the victims. It’s more a difference in ideology than willingness.]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''Then what’s your approach?]
[["I want war to end as soon as possible"]]
[["We never ask for this war, your people asked for it"]]
(set: $respect to it - 20)
(set: $exp to it + 5)(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' I want war to end as soon as possible]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''Seems we are in agreement, sadly you dont carry enough power to change the direction of your army]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' I can try]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''It wil take us another five years before everyone puts down their weapons]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' We could go to Ivory]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''Time is limited, I have armies too far away and so do you, if an agreement is made, we cant stop them if we take too long and more innocent lives will be taken]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' We just have to go to the south, to Ivory's camp]
[[ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED|NEGATIVE ENDING]]
(set: $respect to it - 30)
(set: $exp to it + 5)(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' I will never help you.]
Elara's voice is resolute and loud.
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' You think I would betray my own people? You underestimate me.]
Kael's smile fades, replaced by a cold glare.
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''Underestimate you? No, Elara, I simply want to see how far you’ll go to protect them. Perhaps I’m preparing to make my move, and you’re just sitting here, helpless while your people are under threat.]
He turns, waiting for Elara's response.
[["You are lying"]]
[["How did you know where our camp was?"]]
(set: $respect to it + 10)
(set: $exp to it + 5)(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' If it wasnt for you and this war, those people would have never had to become soldiers]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''And if they didnt become soldiers, would you have ever met them? cared about them? Learn with them? Grow with them? No, you would be stuck in your small vilage, isolated as your brother roams free and slowly parts ways from you]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' Thats just not true]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''Now, there is a reason to remember you existed, more people to remember you existed. You are a pivotal asset in something that will go down in history, all be it positively or negatively, you have etched your name in more than hundreds of people and more to come]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' Isnt a quiet life a more fulfilling one?]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''Just listen to me for a moment, seems like you are always in a rush]
[["How so? I am willing to listen, its not like I am going anywhere"]]
[["What do you want from me?"]]
(set: $respect to it + 10)
(set: $exp to it - 5)(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:''If you’re so confident, why didn’t you just kill me?]
Kael's eyebrows rise, a spark of genuine interest in his eyes.
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael:''You’re too valuable for that. And I prefer to see my enemies squirm a little before they meet their end]
[["Then why only kidnap me?"]]
[["What do you want from me?"]]
(set: $respect to it + 15)
(set: $exp to it + 5)(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:''Interested in me? For what purpose? You think I would willingly become a pawn in your game?]
Kael's lips curl into a sly smile, his eyes glinting with intrigue.
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''You underestimate your value. You may be weak, but your skills and knowledge could be very useful to me]
Elara's heart races, but she maintains her composure.
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' And why would I ever help you?]
Kael leans forward, his expression serious.
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: '' Because, deep down, you know survival sometimes requires unlikely alliances. I can help you protect your people]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' What makes you think I'd choose your protection over my own morals?]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: '' We are more alike than you think, I know how your brain works]
[["What do you mean?"]]
[["I am and will never be like you!"]]
(set: $respect to it + 10)
(set: $exp to it + 5)(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' It was already so dissapointing last time, did you finally make any changes?]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael:'' I have made plenty, and I should thank you]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' Thank me? That must be new for you]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael:''You’re mistaken. I’m actually quite grateful—Don’t paint me as a villain]
[["Sorry, I thought of you more like a monster"]]
[["Of course you are, you have destroyed everything I have ever known and cared for"]]
(set: $respect to it + 5)
(set: $exp to it + 5)(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' It will take more than just talking to one person, years of war cannot end with a handshake]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''You speak the truth, child. A handshake can be filled with empty promises. But if Ivory truly wanted to help, she could be the key to changing everything. If I could get one more letter to her, I lost my last messenger in the north without knowing if my letter ever reached her]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' I really can’t say. All I know is that she’s not there anymore.]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''Interesting. So the plans have changed]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' I wouldn’t know about that]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''But if you have any inkling of her movements, it could be crucial to locate her and avoid any further undesired conflict]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' I told you, I don’t have that information.]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''If she’s not in the north, then many lives have been lost without purpose]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' So your troops are stationed in the north]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael;'' Dont change the topic, you know Ivory. You must have some idea of where she might go. If she’s still thinking about peace, she could be a target for those who want to keep the war going.]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' I can’t help you. I don’t know where she is, and even if I did, I wouldn’t tell you.]
[[ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED|NEUTRAL ENDING]]
(set: $respect to it + 10)
(set: $exp to it + 15)(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' Ivory has enough power now to end the war herself]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''Does she?]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' Yes, she guides the army in the south on her own]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''But how many soldiers follow her? How many will be willing to follow her over her father?]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' A lot, she changed the direction of the southern army with just one command]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''An army who has been behaving the same for over a centrury]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' Yes, she can help you end the war]
[[ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED|NEGATIVE ENDING]]
(set: $respect to it - 20)
(set: $exp to it - 5)(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' Ivory wanted to help you?]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''Yeah, but that was years ago, I dont know how much she has change and if peace is still in her mind]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' Do you think you can convice her?]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''Better question, do you think she can convice her father? Look, I am an old man that just wants to live his last years back home with his family, not in a dirty battlefield alongside other men]
[["Ivory has enough power now to end the war herself"]]
[["It will take more than just talking to one person, years of war cannot end with a handshake"]]
(set: $respect to it - 10)
(set: $exp to it + 5)(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:''No, you are a snake, I would never trust that Ivory would want to help you after everything you have done]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''I wouldn't lie to you about this. I know we are both the same person, on opposite sides of the battlefield. You are fighting for something aren't you?]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:''You're getting desperate. I will never be like you!]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''You are a smart girl. If only you would be able to understand your true standing on what you mean in this war]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:''What do you mean Kael?]
[[ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED|POSITIVE ENDING]]
(set: $respect to it + 10)
(set: $exp to it + 5)(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' Of course you are, you have destroyed everything I have ever known and cared for]
"Your brother is still alive, isnt he? Not everything, my dear Elara, not everything"
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' Having my brother still around doesnt make the rest matter less]
"What about everything I have given you? This war has given you?"
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' I dont want it]
"Then why complain about the soldiers I killed in the tent? You wouldnt have had the opportunity to care about them."
[[Stay silent, in confusion]]
[["If it wasnt for you and this war, those people would have never had to become soldiers"]]
(set: $respect to it - 10)
(set: $exp to it + 5)(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:''Security is amazing, not that easy to escape]
Kael's eyebrows rise, a spark of genuine interest in his eyes.
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael:'' You’re right. I’ve taken the liberty of making sure none of your tricks will work]
He leans back, his gaze lingering on her.
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael:''But I’m curious, Elara. What makes you think you can escape at all? You’ve been outwitted by someone far more prepared.]
[["Sorry to dissapoint, didnt know I was being tested"]]
[["If you’re so confident, why didn’t you just kill me?]]
(set: $respect to it + 10)
(set: $exp to it - 10)(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' She wasnt radicalize, my general knocked some sense into her]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''People get radicalize in the north, seeing the border conflict can make a soldier drift away from peace"]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' She has never been assigned to the north, her father just talked to her into the reality of this war]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''You sound like a woman who's been taught to hate. But even hatred can be tempered by reason.]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' Reason? You speak of reason, yet you've been waging war for years. Is that your idea of reason?]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''And you, Elara, you've been fighting for your cause with the same fervor. What's the difference between us?]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' I'm fighting for a better future. A future where we can all live in peace.]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''Peace? You're a warrior, Elara. You're trained to kill. You're not capable of peace.]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' "And you're a general, a leader of men. You've seen more bloodshed than anyone I know. Yet you still cling to your power. You're not capable of peace either.]
(A dangerous glint in his eye)
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''We both know that peace is a fragile thing. It's easily shattered. And sometimes, it takes a strong hand to keep it from falling apart]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' You're talking about war, aren't you? You're trying to scare me into giving you information.]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''Perhaps. But I'm also trying to make you see the truth. The truth is that this war is far from over. And the longer it lasts, the more people will die. Tell me, Elara, what are you willing to sacrifice for peace?]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' I know what you want but not my people. Not the people who have trusted in me]
[[ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED|POSITIVE ENDING]]
(set: $respect to it - 10)
(set: $exp to it + 20)(text-colour:blue)[''Elara: ''Sorry to disappoint, didn't know I was being tested." Elara's tone is laced with sarcasm, a deliberate attempt to mask her fear.]
Kael's eyes narrow, intrigued by her boldness.
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''Do not worry about it, you still hold value for me, regardless of your dissapointing performance and failing grade]
[["I dont get a second chance?"]]
[["What do you want from me?"]]
(set: $respect to it - 5)
(set: $exp to it + 10)(text-colour:blue)[''Elara: ''"Sorry, I thought of you more like a monster"]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''Now that just too mean, I bring you in, I put a roof over your head. Maybe I forgot the food, but that doesn't make me a monster]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara: ''"You attack a tent full of soldiers, half of them are dead. How are you not the monster in this scenario?"]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''Sometimes I have off days. We all have them]
[["What do you want from me?"]]
[["Then why only kidnap me?"]]
(set: $respect to it - 5)
(set: $exp to it + 15)(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' Stop with your games, Kael.]
Kael's smile fades, replaced by a flicker of annoyance.
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael:'' Games? You think of this just as a game. ]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' Why did you bring me here, then? ]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael:'' Elara, You're here because you failed. You're here because you're weak. And you're here because I want you to be. I am dissapointed, I thought you were going to be a bit more of a struggle, you just made it too easy, too weak. ]
[["Sorry to dissapoint, didnt know I was being tested"]]
[["Then why only kidnap me?"]]
(set: $respect to it - 5)
(set: $exp to it - 5)(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' Then why only kidnap me?]
Elara's voice is steady, cutting through the tension.
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' If I'm here because I'm weak, then what do you hope to gain from me?]
Kael's amusement fades, replaced by a flicker of something else - maybe frustration, maybe even a hint of respect.
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''Kidnap? Such a dramatic word, Elara. I prefer to think of it as... a strategic relocation.]
Elara rolls her eyes as he leans back, his eyes gleaming with a cold light.
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''You see, I'm not interested in simply breaking you to get information from you. I'm interested in using you.]
[["Interested in me?']]
[["I will never help you"]]
(set: $respect to it + 20)
(set: $exp to it + 5)(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:''We never ask for this war, your people asked for it]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''My people were just trying to survive]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:''By killing my people?]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''You sure have heard of survival of the fittest. Dauntless just asked for a hand and your people never helped]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:''And we will never help]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''And thats that attitude right there? See why we were forced to such drastic measure. Elysssium is a kingdom of prosperity and wealth, they should be able to help, shoudn't they?]
[["I dont care, you are your own kingdom, you should be able to handle yourself"]]
[["Elyssium would have helped you"]]
(set: $respect to it + 10)
(set: $exp to it + 15)(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' What do you mean?]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''How long have you been fighting in this war?]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' I dont know, over a year now]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''How tired are you of fighting?]
[["I think I might be feeling exhausted"]]
[["I can fight for as long as it takes"]]
(set: $respect to it - 10)
(set: $exp to it - 10)(text-colour:red)[''Elara: ''What do you want from me?]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''Ah, now we’re getting somewhere.]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''You and your brother have built quite the reputation, but I wonder if it’s all just talk.]
He steps closer, his presence looming over her.
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''You see, I have come to realize we are more similar than we give each other credit for"]
[["What do you mean?"]]
[["I am and will never be like you!"]]
(set: $respect to it - 10)
(set: $exp to it + 20)(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' Who are they?]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''No, no, no, if there is something about doing business with me is that I keep identities pretty confidential]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara: '' I bet you have nothing, just pure luck]
Kael laughs histerically. "Me? Luck? Luck has never been on my side."
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' Really? Doesnt seem like it?]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''Imagine being born in the wrong place, the wrong time, meeting the right people in the wrong place]
General Kael stops to take a deep sigh.
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''But I think you know what thats like, we are pretty similar, more than you think"]
[["You are lying"]]
[["How so? I am willing to listen, its not like I am going anywhere"]]
(set: $respect to it - 10)
(set: $exp to it - 15)(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' Who?]
"As much as you will hate to hear it, me"
[["I am and will never be like you!"]]
[["What do you mean?"]]
(set: $respect to it - 10)
(set: $exp to it - 5)(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:''Why dont you tell me more about this birdie?Who is it that feeds you such valuable information?]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''Ah, Elara, the details are always the most tantalizing part. Let’s just say I have my sources, people who are eager to share what they know in exchange for... certain favors.]
[["Favors?"]]
[["Who are they?"]]
(set: $respect to it + 30)
(set: $exp to it + 25)(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:''You are lying.]
Elara's voice is sharp, cutting through the tension in the room.
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''How?]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' You're just hiding behind lies, Kael. You don't have the guts to face my people directly and whatever you say, it's just a bluff]
Kael's eyes narrow, a dangerous glint in their depths.
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''Bluff? You doubt me? That’s a mistake. I’ve seen things from both sides, and you’re only hurting yourself by rejecting the truth.]
Both soldiers look into each others eyes, as if they were looking for something in each others eyes.
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''How much longer do you think you can fight for?]
[["I can fight for as long as it takes"]]
[["I think I might be feeling exhausted"]]
(set: $respect to it - 10)
(set: $exp to it - 5)(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' Where am I?]
Elara is fierce and direct, making eye contact with Kael]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael:'' Geographically, it doesnt matter that much. Realistically, in my domain, my little captive.]
General Kael laughs, a chilling sound that sends shivers down Elara's spine.
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''Maybe in the future, my little assistant.]
[["What do you want from me?"]]
[["I will never help you"]]
(set: $respect to it + 5)
(set: $exp to it + 10)In a war-torn world, Dauntless invades the Kingdom of Elyssium, leaving siblings Elara and Elian orphaned. Instead of fleeing with refugees, they join the army, vowing to protect each other. However, their bond fractures due to constant arguments, especially over Ivory, the general’s daughter and Elian’s girlfriend. Ivory’s charisma and growing influence have made her a rising power within the army, with many soldiers rallying behind her, threatening to outshine the established command.
Elian grows aggressive and sadistic, clashing with Elara’s more peaceful approach, while his blind devotion to Ivory deepens the rift. After a heated dispute, Elara is kidnapped by General Kael, Dauntless' leader and the man she blames for her parents’ deaths. Kael, calculating and ruthless, sees Ivory as a dangerous threat to his plans, with her growing popularity making her a target for assassination.
''This marks their first direct confrontation off the battlefield.''
<img src="https://cdn-desktop-ap-media.osp.opera.software/images/f2e7ce81-ad4e-11ef-bc82-1d80eacd4220/1732774013743/sample_0.jpg">
[[START |Introduction]](text-colour:blue)[''Elara: '' I am impressed, not gonna lie]
Kael raises an eyebrow, surprised by her response.
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''Impressed? ]
He leans closer, a glint of amusement in his eyes.
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''You see? Even my enemies recognize talent when they see it. What do you love about it?."]
Elara looks around the cell more carefully to come up with a response knows she's walking a tightrope.
[["Stop with your games, Kael"]]
[["Security is amazing, not that easy to escape"]]
(set: $respect to it + 10)
(set: $exp to it + 5)''INT - PRISON CELL - NIGHT''
<img src="https://assets.newatlas.com/dims4/default/f37e37d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1344x896+0+0/resize/840x560!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnewatlas-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F03%2Fb1%2Fcbe8756f445382fc14a414790670%2F0-1.png">
The cold stone walls of the cell pressed against Elara, sapping her warmth as time dragged on. Exhausted and bound, echoes of her childhood laughter haunted her, a distant comfort now out of reach. The damp scent of earth and smoke clung to her, a bitter reminder of the secret camp where she’d been taken from—a hidden haven of camaraderie and strategy, now compromised..
The door creaked open, spilling light into the cell and revealing General Kael. His piercing gaze sliced through her, cold and calculating. Memories flooded back—her rallying cries to the troops, the chaos, the pain, and then... nothing.
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''Well, well... the fearless soldier reduced to this. How are you enjoying your stay? A place for a caged bird to change its tune.]
[["A caged bird? How creative."]]
[['' Where am I?"]]
[["How did you know where our camp was?"]]
(set: $respect to it + 1)
(set: $exp to it + 1)(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''I see now... You’ve said enough to make me reconsider, but duty calls. I’ve got a certain girl to deal with, the south you said?]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' No, wait! Don’t do this—Ivory’s probably not even there anymore! I was just trying to stop you!]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''You think I’m easily fooled? Sometimes, I don’t need to ask for favors. People just... talk when you give them the right emotional push.]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''Don’t get too comfortable. A little birdie will be bringing more news soon. And trust me, Elara... you’ll soon find out what happens when you’re tangled in a game you can’t win]
''ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED - YOU BETRAYED IVORY''
<img src="
https://cdn-desktop-ap-media.osp.opera.software/images/485e9067-ad66-11ef-a085-1f8737400e1b/1732784147876/sample_0.jpg">
''Respect: {$respect}''
''EXP: {$exp}''(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''In another life... perhaps we could have fought side by side. But this is the life we have now. If you ever change your mind about this... war, you know where I’ll be]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' Already giving up? I thought we had more to discuss.]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''So did I. But some battles are better left untouched or to simmer. I’ll leave you to reflect, Elara. You have time... and I doubt you’ll be going anywhere anytime soon.]
''ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED - ''
<img src="https://cdn-desktop-ap-media.osp.opera.software/images/f2e7ce81-ad4e-11ef-bc82-1d80eacd4220/1732783835331/sample_0.jpg">
''Respect: {$respect}''
''EXP: {$exp}''(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: '' You still don’t get it, do you? Be careful who you call family... and be careful which side you fight for. Loyalty isn’t just a word—it’s a choice. And some choices are... more easily made than you think.]
General Kael turns around and goes towards the door
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' Where are you going?]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: '' I have other matters to attend to. But your people... they really need to understand what loyalty means. I think it’s something you’ll be thinking about for a while.]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' Dont dare you insult my people]
(text-colour:red)[''General Kael: ''Say whatever you want, but if I had a sister, I wouldn’t tell you where her camp is... not so willingly]
''ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED - YOU DISCOVER YOUR BROTHER´S BETRAYAL''
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/gg/ACM6BIt5adFLHlRcbrO1e-oI5nAROyYdi_OtC9Xv0k1ZfOp2wgMq9LCauywJZyEYqoy_AC-KGUZq89d3Avcyxo54zmkQoY46f7JCSqnJwnAuTCty803MVZEOsVVvp_-O9iiQI6NP18DbVLyVo2bqkwjA_rP8nT-TbTO3I77xd7Bha-COD1ZN_CYe=s1024">
''Respect: {$respect}''
''EXP: {$exp}''Elara stays silent, thinking about Kael's words in confusion
(text-colour:blue)[''General Kael:'' Coming to the realization, I see" "Soldiers are created out of necessity rather than personal feelings. They become soldiers because they feel they really need to do something]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' What do they need to do?]
(text-colour:blue)[''General Kael:'' Some is to satisfy their need to kill, satisfy boredom by finding exciment in the battlefield,, but for the most of us is to satisfy the need to feel safe, to feel secure. And we are aware that nobody is going to give it to us]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' What does this have to do with me?]
(text-colour:blue)[''General Kael:'' War is why you have met the people you have met and cared about. War has given you a reason, not any of those other reasons, but to live]
(text-colour:blue)[''Elara:'' I had a reason to live before the war]
(text-colour:blue)[''General Kael:'' You sound too similar to someone I know]
[["What do you mean?"]]
[["Who?]]
(set: $respect to it + 10)
(set: $exp to it + 5)