Crowned by Code - Chapter 2: A Prisoner's Past ~ (5/8) A Glimmer of Purpose

Athena’s projection flickered, pulling Darius from his reverie.

“Erevania does not need a perfect leader, Darius. It needs one who understands both the cracks in the system and the people caught within them.”

He shook his head, voice tinged with exhaustion. “You make it sound so noble. I was a selfish kid with a savior complex. There’s nothing noble about that.”

“Perhaps not,” Athena countered. “But recognizing past flaws is the first step to rising beyond them.”

Darius exhaled, rubbing his temples. “If I agree to this, it’s not because I think I deserve redemption. It’s because someone has to fix this mess. If that someone has to be me, so be it.”

Athena’s form glowed brighter, as if acknowledging his resolve. “Then we must prepare. Transparency will not be easy, but it is essential. Are you ready to confront your past publicly?”

He hesitated, the weight of the question settling over him.

“Ready or not, I don’t think I have a choice.”

As Athena’s projection faded, the cell door creaked open, an unfamiliar sound after years of confinement.

The guards stood aside, allowing an older man to step in. Dressed in a tailored civilian suit with subtle military accents, Elior exuded a calm, unshakable confidence. His presence commanded respect, a reminder of the decorated military career he had left behind. His weathered face, framed by a neatly trimmed beard, bore the lines of countless battles—both on the battlefield and within himself. This was Elior Cassian, a former soldier and mentor to many who had walked Erevania’s shadowy paths.

Elior stepped inside, his movements deliberate, his eyes scanning Darius with the precision of a soldier measuring an enemy. He didn’t speak right away. The air in the cell thickened, the silence stretching. Finally, he nodded, as if confirming something.

Darius, still reeling from Athena’s announcement and the storm it had unleashed, regarded Elior with equal parts curiosity and caution. Who was this man, and why had Athena brought him here?

“You don’t look like much,” Elior said finally, his voice gruff but not unkind. “Then again, neither did I when I started.”

Darius raised an eyebrow. “And what exactly did you start?”

Elior chuckled, stepping further into the cell and motioning for the guards to close the door. The clang of metal echoed through the dim corridor as they obeyed, leaving the two men alone.

“A rebellion,” Elior replied, settling onto the bench opposite Darius. “But not the kind you’re thinking of. Athena asked me to come here. Said you needed… guidance.”

Darius stiffened at the mention of the AI. “Guidance? From a soldier? Last I checked, my crimes didn’t involve guns and warfare.”

Elior’s eyes narrowed, a flicker of amusement playing across his features. “No, but they did involve strategy, precision, and, dare I say, audacity. Traits Erevania needs now more than ever.”

Darius crossed his arms, leaning back against the cold stone wall. “Why me? Athena’s got the whole nation to choose from. Plenty of honest, upstanding citizens out there.”

Elior leaned forward, his voice dropping to a near-whisper. “Honest and upstanding won’t save Erevania. Not from what’s coming. The system is breaking, Kael. Corruption runs deep, and the people are losing faith. Athena sees what we can’t. That’s why you’re here.”

For a moment, Darius said nothing. He stared at the man before him, searching for cracks in his resolve, for signs of deceit. But Elior’s expression remained steadfast. He believed in Athena’s choice, even if Darius did not.

“What do you want from me?” Darius finally asked.

Elior’s lips curled into a faint smile. “I want you to see what I see. The potential within you. But first, you need to understand what’s at stake. Tomorrow, you’ll leave this cell and take the first step toward becoming the leader Erevania needs.”