Vaid Empire: Conquest
is a massive fantasy series that aims to mix
erotica
with the quality of a published novel. New chapters and artwork are released every month absolutely free, with the completely optional possibility to receive early access. The Series focuses heavily on worldbuilding, story, and characters.
The world of Ayphieal is shattered and chaotic, with kingdoms and tribes of six distinctive races vying for territory amongst themselves. It is only when a young human warrior finally pushes back against the chaos that the world begins to shift towards order.
***
40th of Fixuin, 13 AVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Omrin.
Streets of dirt had turned to smooth brick, though that hardly made them cleaner. Kunir traced the lines of their pattern as he remained slumped against a building. A ragged tunic and lazy posture granted his body the appearance of a beggar, yet his keen eyes studied the passing population beneath his wrapped hood.
He could nearly hear the jingling of the purses passing by, each brimming with imperial coins. A proximity to The Capital had made his kind a rare sight in the quickly growing city, though he cared little. More trade and wealth brought more potential targets.
An older man caught his eye, dressed in a bright red robe of dyed chimira silk. He swayed with an oblivious ease, his posture granting his watcher no doubt as to where he concealed his wealth.
Kunir stood before following the slow flow of traffic, blending into the crowd. He'd stand out more than he had during previous years, of course, though even the most prosperous of cities held some number of unsavory individuals. They'd see him as little more than a poor young man drifting along.
Slowing his speed, he allowed a patrol of white cloaks to pass by, their number making his 'work' increasingly difficult each year. His target strolled along as Kunir gradually closed the distance until they could nearly touch.
Hand slipping into robe folds as they had countless times, his fingers found the coin purse waiting inside. It was as easy as all the others, until he felt a firm hand grip his shoulder. Whipped around forcefully, he was met by the appearance of a large man dressed in a gray robe.
"You'll be returning that purse to the Administrator now, boy," the man said in barely concealed fury. The movement had parted his robe, granting Kunir a glimpse at the white chest plate beneath. The man fingered the hilt of a white blade upon his belt, making his heart sink. The red robed man had evidently hired hidden guards.
The guard called out to a passing patrol before sticking his hand out demandingly. Holding the fat purse, Kunir sighed before heaving it hard against the side of his accuser's head. Nearby citizens turned in surprise to witness the guard stumble and collapse, granting Kunir a small moment of shock before he burst into a sprint. Shouts echoed behind as the patrol hurried after him, while the visiting Administrator screamed "Thief!"
Running hard while still clutching the purse, Kunir maneuvered his way through the streets and alleyways of Omrin. New buildings made of pristine white stone passed him on both sides. It seemed as though construction began anew every day, causing him to grow lost at several points in his escape.
The sound of the guards on his heels drove him harder, rushing between buildings and toppling over pedestrians in the streets. Where he had easily slipped between the legs of oblivious citizens as a child, he had grown taller than most of the people he now passed.
More guards joined the chase at the sound of the commotion, attempting to cut him off as he ran. He was forced to turn down a narrow alley, new in construction and unknown to him. The mistake was immediately recognized, for he skidded to a stop just before he'd crash into a wall. A dead-end.
An instinct to turn around and dash out was shattered as the guards blocked the exit. They slowed, approaching cautiously. "Ah, nowhere to run. Just surrender, boy. We'll only break a few ribs if you behave. Course, you know the punishment for thieves..."
Backing away, he was able to take a few steps before the wall pressed against his back. Utterly pinned, he looked around in desperation, met on all sides by smooth white bricks. There'd be no escape this time.
Heart pounding in his chest, he threw his freehand towards the guards as a last resort. The man in the lead opened his eyes in honor as a bolt of lightning erupted from Kunir's fingertips, slamming into the man's chest. Though only strong enough to send him stumbling back into the arms of his companions, the group froze in momentary surprise.
Kunir dropped his hand in exhaustion from the exertion, shocked by his own actions. He had thrown aside his secret, and now...
Shouting in fury, the guards rushed forwards. Kunir felt their fists, uncertain if he was grateful they weren't blades as he was hurled to the ground. Armored boots swarmed the narrow alley around him, pain shooting all over his body as they kicked him savagely. He struggled to protect himself, covering his head with his arms until a boot broke through and slammed into his face.
Dazed, he stared up at shouting faces as he slowly lost consciousness.
44th of Fixuin, 13 AVE.
Kingdom of Spirexia, Spiri.
The birth of a king approached as they studied the map before them. Within a domed chamber of Spiri's royal stronghold, the royal advisors waited attentively as their God Emperor carefully pondered. The table they stood around had long ago been etched with the landscape of The Kingdom of Harin, its details worn from use. Spirexia was no stranger to war with their neighbor.
"The first to fall shall be Gadrin," Dominax's commanding voice broke the silence, tapping the location of a city. As far south as Harin's borders stretched, it sat directly where the two rivers outlining the kingdom's borders joined. "Such a foothold shall grant us control over the flow of trade."
Somewhere in the distance, he sensed Quinla's struggles through the thick stone walls of the structure.
"They wouldn't allow a vulnerability such as that to be taken easily. Already our scouts report of their forces building along their borders," Hesin's metallic voice echoed behind his mask. Nafalya stood silently beside him, her silver eyes missing no subtle reaction around the table.
"Just so. They see their position, as does the rest of Magnius," Salduin interjected. "Both Kinia and Spirexia have fallen, and now they stand as the final hurdle impeding human unification. They'll fight with everything they have."
Dominax grinned insidiously. "Of course, which is why I've called upon every kingdom beneath my throne. We stand upon the brink of the final war fought between human civilizations, a strike against chaos that shall lead to its end. 'The greatest human kingdom' they've named it, yet we shall see just how well such a title holds against our unified masses."
Beside him, Cendra subtly squeezed Clin's hand in excitement. The blond man stepped forward a moment later, remembering long discussions spent with The God Emperor over strategy. "Therefore, the conquest shall be split into thirds." His hand swept over the left portion of the map, then the center, and finally the right. "We've been granted a great asset in our Concubine Empress, for she's provided us with invaluable information regarding her former homeland. Harin is larger than our previous adversaries. They've had a millennium to develop, for they're the very source of humanity itself. Their population is the highest we've faced thus far, their armies well equipped and trained. To minimize the bloodshed-"
"Efficiency is our aim, Clin," Dominax interrupted.
He cleared his throat. "Of course. To proceed efficiently, we've selected several targets that shall cripple Harin's resistance."
Irith straightened as she prepared to speak, standing on the other side of Dominax. Arinax sat silently in her arms, clinging to her as he peered around with fearful silver eyes. "The cities of the west provide much in the way of food production. Though they rely on trade, to be sure, their stores and cellars will shrivel if the west is claimed."
"Then I shall lead our forces in the west, your holiness," Salduin pledged.
Dominax shook his head sharply. "No, for other duties call your attention. Instead, I've selected King Foin to lead the combined armies of Domexia and Spirexia into the west. Quinla may be preoccupied now, though when she has recovered, she shall proceed under his command."
"Quinla? Can she already be trusted, father?" Cendra asked in suspicion. "If she's still in contact with her cousin-"
"No contact has been permitted, my flower," he replied firmly. "I've sensed no deceit within her, and she has ample motivation to ensure she remains strictly under my command. However, the men of her armies will be divided and reorganized within the legion. They are far too...freshly integrated to be trusted."
Clin broke into the conversation, attempting to remain polite despite his concern. "The princess has stepped upon a curious point, your majesty. I've received reports that you've permanently dismissed Rolir's retinue of guards. That's a...perplexing gap within our defenses that I don't believe I'm comfortable with."
"Then you believe me so careless as to allow a potential enemy to wonder unwatched?" Dominax replied with irritation. He watched as Hesin remained still, offering no contradiction to the coming lie. They'd never need to know that waves now guarded Rolir's bones. "I've granted the responsibility of monitoring Rolir to The Hesian Order. He'll make no step from his hut without a Truthseeker witnessing his every move. I'll leave no
loose ends
, Clin."
"Of course, I meant no offense," he replied, concealing the twinge of doubt within him. He gestured back to the table. "If that's settled, I must also mention that King Foin's heir has formally requested to lead in his father's place."
Irith tightened her arms around her son. "Prince Fonax? A boy of fourteen wishes to lead an invasion?"
Dominax slipped into a satisfied smirk. "The boy is ambitious, it seems. He shall not have his father's command,
yet
