Emperor Rezin Sutoko sat on his throne, the grand chamber alive with the flickering light of torches reflecting off the polished stone walls. His black robes cascaded down like liquid shadow. The weight of the crown on his head, though light, was a constant reminder of the responsibilities that now filled his days.

Before him stood his council, a mix of advisors, generals, and governors, each waiting their turn to present matters of the state. Rezin’s gaze remained fixed ahead, unblinking, as a report of a border skirmish echoed through the chamber. The northern territories, ever unruly, had once again pushed their limits, testing his reign.

“Strengthen the garrisons there. Send word to General Tsurai. If they challenge our sovereignty, we will respond with force,” Rezin said, his voice steady but carrying an edge of finality that left no room for debate.

The advisor bowed deeply and retreated, and the next in line, a merchant from the southern ports, stepped forward with grievances of new tariffs stifling trade routes. “Reduce the tariff by half but implement a stricter inspection regime,” Rezin commanded. “We will not stifle trade, but neither will we allow corruption to seep in.”

As the merchant backed away, Rezin leaned slightly in his seat, feeling the tension from endless decisions ripple through him. His fingers drummed lightly on the armrest, his thoughts already racing ahead to the private meeting he had arranged with a select few—those he could still trust, or so he hoped.

“Summon the governors of the outer provinces. I wish to hear their reports in person,” Rezin said, his gaze darkening as he thought of the hidden dangers within his court.

The empire’s enemies were no longer just foreign—they had found their way into his halls, into the heart of his rule. Rezin knew the path forward would require more than just strength and strategy; it would require cunning, and perhaps even sacrifices he had yet to make. The wolves were circling, and he intended to face them head-on.