The dawn brought the soft hum of activity to the grove, as Selene’s forces went about their duties. The air was crisp, filled with the faint glow of magic radiating from the Verdant Nexus. The teleportation circles pulsed with energy, ferrying resources and troops between her vassals and the heart of her domain. Duskwind and Thornhaven had returned to their territories, bolstered by the resources and reinforcements Selene had sent with them. For the first time in days, Selene felt her web stabilizing.

  Yet stability was fleeting on the Boundless Continent. Selene knew that balance demanded constant vigilance and growth. Her power rested not only on her strategy but also on the strength of her Fae Lords. And so, she turned her attention to the Fae Circle once more.

  《System Alert: Day 10》

  《Court of the Fae Lords is alive with mystical energy!》

  《Do you want to summon two Fae Lords?》

  《Yes》《No》

  Selene pressed 《Yes》, and the familiar hum of the circle filled the air. The runes spun rapidly, their glow intensifying until two figures emerged from the light.

  The first was a slender, graceful figure cloaked in flowing robes that shimmered like moonlight on water. Their eyes were deep and endless, reflecting the stillness of a tranquil lake. When they spoke, their voice was soft yet carried an undeniable strength.

  “I am the Fae Lord of Tides,” they said, bowing deeply. “A Tier 2 Fae Lord. I command water elementals, tidal guardians, and mist sprites. My domain is ebb and flow, strength through adaptation. I serve you, Queen of Balance.”

  The second figure was starkly different—a tall, imposing presence surrounded by swirling winds and crackling electricity. Their hair stood on end, as if charged with static, and their piercing gaze seemed to see through everything. Their voice was sharp, like a sudden gust of wind.

  “I am the Fae Lord of Tempests,” they said, their tone carrying an edge of defiance. “A Tier 2 Fae Lord. I command storm elementals, thunder beasts, and gale riders. My power is destruction and renewal, chaos forged into strength. I am yours to command.”

  Selene nodded, pleased with the balance between the two new Fae Lords. “Welcome. Your strength will be invaluable to our cause. Claim your places in the castle.”

  The two Fae Lords approached the castle, their presences immediately altering its structure. Tides placed their hands on the white side, and a gentle wave of water flowed across the walls, etching patterns of serene, rippling currents. Tempests touched the black side, and arcs of lightning crackled along the stone, their energy grounding itself in swirling gusts of wind.

  《System Alert: Castle Upgraded!》

  《The castle reflects the harmony of strength and serenity in the Queen’s growing court.》

  Selene stepped back, admiring the transformation. The castle now bore elements of water and storm, its structure a testament to the growing diversity of her domain.

  As the day progressed, reports filtered in from her scouts. A small tribe of native lords had been spotted near the northern border, their movements cautious but deliberate. Unlike the raiders or the beasts that had plagued her vassals, these natives seemed organized, their banners marked with the sigil of a coiled serpent.

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  Selene frowned. The serpent symbol was eerily similar to the one used by the Serpent King. Were these remnants of his forces regrouping, or was there another power rising in the region?

  She summoned her Fae Lords to discuss the matter. The war room filled with their presences, each radiating their unique aura. Eternity stood beside her as usual, his starlit form calm and steady. Harmony, Radiance, and the newly summoned Tides and Tempests flanked the table, while Dreams and Echoes lingered near the edges, their expressions unreadable.

  “A serpent banner has been spotted near the northern border,” Selene began, pointing to the map. “This could be a splinter group from the Serpent King’s forces, or it could be something else entirely. Either way, we need to investigate.”

  Tides spoke first, their voice measured. “The presence of water in the region will give me an advantage. I can send tidal guardians to scout the area.”

  Tempests smirked, their electric aura crackling faintly. “And if it’s a fight they want, I’ll give them one. Storms have a way of sweeping away loose ends.”

  Selene nodded but kept her expression neutral. “We won’t strike blindly. Echoes, I want you to gather intelligence. Find out who they are and what they want. If they’re a threat, we’ll deal with them. If not, perhaps we can bring them into the fold.”

  Echoes grinned, their silver eyes gleaming. “Consider it done, my Queen.”

  While Echoes’ shadow murmurs infiltrated the northern border, Selene turned her focus to her vassals. She dispatched a message to Duskwind and Thornhaven, warning them of the potential threat and advising them to fortify their own borders. Both responded promptly.

  [Duskwind]: “Understood. I’ll double the patrols and keep you updated.”

  [Thornhaven]: “If they come my way, they’ll regret it. But thanks for the heads-up.”

  Selene smiled faintly. Thornhaven’s confidence was reassuring, though she knew better than to rely on bluster alone.

  By evening, Echoes returned with their report. Their shadowy form shimmered as they spoke, their voice low and fragmented.

  “The serpent banners belong to a coalition of native tribes,” Echoes said. “They’re gathering strength, but their leaders are divided. Some want vengeance for the Serpent King, while others see an opportunity to carve out new territory.”

  Selene’s mind raced as she processed the information. A divided enemy was a vulnerable one, but it was also unpredictable. If she acted quickly, she could exploit their disarray and either eliminate the threat or turn it to her advantage.

  “What’s their current position?” Selene asked.

  “They’re camped near the River of Echoes, a natural choke point,” Echoes replied. “They haven’t moved yet, but they’re watching your borders closely.”

  Selene nodded, her decision made. “We’ll strike preemptively. Tides, Tempests, you’ll lead the assault. Use the river and the terrain to your advantage. Break their forces before they can unify.”

  The two Fae Lords bowed, their confidence evident. “As you command,” Tides said.

  As the Fae Lords prepared for the mission, Selene returned to the balcony of her castle. The night sky stretched endlessly above her, the stars shining faintly against the darkness.

  Her court had grown stronger, and her influence over the Boundless Continent continued to expand. But with each step forward, the stakes grew higher. The serpent banners were a reminder that her enemies were watching, waiting for a moment of weakness.

  Selene’s gaze hardened as she turned away from the horizon. “If they think balance is weakness,” she muttered, “they’ll soon learn otherwise.”

  For the Queen of Balance, every move was part of a larger weave, a strategy that stretched beyond the borders of her domain. And with Tides and Tempests leading her forces, she would ensure the serpent banners became nothing more than a distant memory.