After the meeting with his council, Lyrus retreated to his private chamber in the Sanctuary of Light. His thoughts lingered on the intelligence Lucidus had gathered about the three empires. Each represented a unique threat to Amber Heavens, and Lyrus knew that patience alone would not suffice. To protect his growing empire, he needed to remind the world of the unseen power he had cultivated in the shadows.
He closed his eyes, and the hum of the system filled his mind. A new notification appeared before him, glowing with golden light:
[System Notification: Shadow Dominion Expansion Unlocked.]
[New Ability Acquired: Umbra Forge.]
The Umbra Forge allowed Lyrus to enhance his Shadow Division, the covert force he had built in the early days of Amber Heavens. These warriors were unseen by the public, operating in silence to eliminate threats and gather intelligence. With this new ability, Lyrus could elevate their strength, granting them enhanced agility, invisibility, and shadow manipulation.
"Lucidus," Lyrus called.
The butler appeared almost instantly, bowing deeply. "Master?"
"The time has come to expand the Shadow Division. Their role will be critical as we navigate the eyes of the empires. Summon the Shadow Generals."
Lucidus' silver eyes gleamed. "As you command, Master. The shadows will move as you will them."
Within hours, the leaders of the Shadow Division—silent figures cloaked in black—assembled in a hidden chamber beneath the Sanctuary of Light. Lyrus addressed them, his presence commanding even in the dimly lit room.
"The empires watch us, and they will not hesitate to act against us if given the chance. You are the unseen guardians of Amber Heavens, the blade in the darkness. With the system's power, I will elevate you beyond mortal limits."
With a wave of his hand, golden and black energy surged through the room, enveloping the Shadows. One by one, they transformed, their forms becoming faster, stronger, and more attuned to the shadows around them.
"Go," Lyrus commanded. "The empires must know that the shadows of Amber Heavens are ever-watchful."