Crowned by Code - Chapter 3: Athena's Plan ~ (5/8) The Unexpected Directive

Darius stepped onto the observation deck of Haven Point, the crisp night air brushing against his skin as he took in his surroundings. It had been hours since his arrival—briefings, security scans, and cautious introductions—but now, for the first time, he was alone with his thoughts. He approached the railing, his gaze drifting over the sprawling lights of Erevania’s capital stretching endlessly before him.

The urban sprawl was mesmerizing, a testament to decades of technological advancement and meticulous planning—the very things that had once fascinated him, only to later become his playground for chaos. But tonight, as he stood in the quiet solitude of Haven Point, the city’s glow felt more distant, almost foreboding.

It was a rare moment of solitude since his release, but the solitude was deceptive. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he was being watched—not physically, but through the multi digital lenses of Athena. Sure enough, the AI’s familiar synthesized voice echoed in his ear, disrupting the stillness.

“You have made progress with Selena Veyra. Her cooperation will prove vital in establishing credibility and gathering public support.” Athena’s familiar voice echoed in the observation deck.

Darius was about to respond when the doors to the observation deck slid open. Two uniformed figures stepped inside—Colonel Revik and Commander Maris Caidan, both high-ranking officers within The Vanguard Coalition.

Darius tensed. He hadn’t expected company.

Revik’s expression was stone-cold, unreadable. Maris’s was neutral, but her eyes studied him carefully, as if assessing a variable in an equation.

Athena’s glow pulsed slightly. “I have invited select members of The Vanguard’s command to this discussion. As enforcers of Erevania’s stability, their insights are relevant to this transition.”

Darius exhaled, rolling his shoulders. “Great. So now I have an audience while you tell me how bad things are?”

Revik’s voice was flat. “This isn’t about watching. This is about whether we trust Athena’s decision. Some of us have… doubts.”

Revik’s jaw tightened. “You assume The Vanguard will remain united. But some of us are asking—if Athena made one mistake, what’s stopping her from making another?”

Maris shot him a sharp look. “You question one decision, and suddenly you’re willing to tear down the entire structure we’ve built?”

Revik turned toward Athena, his voice cold. “We have followed your directives without question. We enforced your rule, maintained order, ensured Erevania thrived under your governance. But this—” his gaze flicked toward Darius “—this is different. A criminal, a felon, a man who tore down systems rather than built them. And you expect us to trust him?”

Athena’s glow remained steady. “Your concerns are noted. However, my analysis remains unchanged. Darius Kael remains the optimal choice.”

Revik let out a sharp breath, shaking his head. “Then don’t expect all of The Vanguard to follow blindly.”

Maris stiffened but kept her voice level. “You speak as if The Vanguard has already turned against Athena.”

Revik didn’t answer. That, in itself, was answer enough.

Maris shot him a look. “And some of us remember that Athena has never led Erevania astray.”

Darius exhaled, glancing at Revik before looking back at Athena. “So, I convinced Selena Veyra. That’s something, right? Maybe I should start running the calculations—see if I can outthink the all-knowing AI.”

Athena’s glow pulsed slightly. “Trust is a measurable variable, and your recent actions have increased probability metrics of public approval.”

Darius smirked, but there was an edge to it. “Well, that’s good to hear. Wouldn’t want my approval rating to drop before I even start the job.”

Athena’s glow flickered slightly. “Correction: I do not manipulate trust. I identify optimal pathways to achieve necessary outcomes.”

Darius rolled his eyes, his gaze shifting to the glowing skyline. “Necessary outcomes? You make it sound like we’re running a simulation, not leading a nation.”

Athena’s tone remained even, unflinching. “Simulation is a tool, not the objective. Erevania’s survival depends on decisive action informed by accurate data and strategic foresight. There is a matter of grave importance that requires immediate attention.”

The shift in Athena’s tone—subtle, but present—made Darius pause. For an AI, Athena’s voice rarely conveyed urgency. Her usual composure now seemed strained, as if she were holding back the weight of her concerns.

“You’re not usually this cryptic,” Darius said, straightening. “What’s going on?”

“Erevania is on the brink of a crisis,” Athena stated bluntly.

Darius’s posture stiffened, his mind already racing. “What kind of crisis?”

Athena paused, as though calibrating her response. “A multipronged threat spanning economic destabilization, cyber warfare, and escalating civil unrest. Each element alone is manageable. Together, they form a cascade failure that will undermine the nation’s stability within months.”

She hesitated—an uncharacteristic pause. Then she continued. “The Vanguard Coalition is also compromised.”

The two officers exchanged glances, one’s brow furrowing while the other clenched his jaw.

“Compromised?” Darius frowned. “You mean the people whose entire job is to enforce your rule?”. His gaze shifted to the Vanguard officers, studying their reactions.

“Historically, yes. However, recent events have caused fractures within their leadership. While many remain loyal, others question my decision. Some believe you should be controlled. Others seek to replace you before instability worsens.”

“Replace me?” Darius leaned forward, smirking. “Let me guess—by someone like Cassian?”

“It is a possibility,” Athena admitted. “But the larger issue remains: For the first time, the Vanguard is divided. Without a unified enforcement force, Erevania’s internal structure will erode faster than projected.”

Her words hung in the air, heavy and unrelenting. Darius tried to process the enormity of what she was saying.

Before Darius could reply, Revik's voice cut through the chamber deck.

“This is insanity.”

Revik’s glare was unflinching. “Athena, I have stood by you for over two decades.” He gestured toward Darius. “This is the first time I have ever questioned your judgment.”

Darius crossed his arms. “Glad to know I’m making history.”

Revik didn’t so much as blink. “This man is a convicted felon. He nearly destroyed Erevania’s economy!”

Athena’s tone remained steady. “The probability of Erevania’s survival is highest with Darius Kael as its leader.”

Revik’s jaw tightened. “Then your calculations are flawed.”

The silence was heavy. For the first time, Darius saw a direct challenge to Athena’s authority from someone who had spent years enforcing it.

Athena responded without hesitation. “Your concern is noted, Colonel Revik. However, my decision stands.”

Revik took a step forward. “And what if we refuse? What if The Vanguard refuses?”

Darius narrowed his eyes. The 'we' was telling. This wasn’t just one officer with doubts—there were others.

Athena’s projection flickered slightly. “Then Erevania collapses.”

Revik clenched his fists but said nothing. Finally, he turned to Athena. “Your decision will weaken The Vanguard. You will see that soon enough.”

Before Darius could respond, Maris spoke up. “That’s enough, Revik.”

Maris took a step forward, addressing Athena directly. “The Vanguard swore to uphold Athena’s governance. That oath does not change because some of us disagree with her choice. We serve Erevania, not personal opinions.”

Revik turned on his heel. “And when this experiment collapses, you’ll regret that blind faith.”

Maris’s expression remained neutral. “Perhaps. But I trust the system we have upheld for decades. If you walk away from that now, then you were never truly Vanguard.”

Darius smirked slightly. “Well, I’m glad at least someone in your ranks isn’t actively planning my removal.”

Athena’s voice remained even. “The divide within The Vanguard is growing. A leadership summit has been scheduled. They will determine their stance in the coming days.”

Darius exhaled. “Great. Not even in power yet, and I’ve already got my first military crisis.”

Athena remained unshaken. “Leadership is not about universal approval. It is about results.”

Darius shook his head. “You really don’t get humans, do you?”

“Your unique skill set, knowledge of Erevania’s vulnerabilities, and unconventional methods position you as the optimal candidate,” Athena replied. “The probability of success under your leadership exceeds all alternatives.”

Darius’s lips curled into a cynical smile. “Optimal,” he muttered. “Great. So, I’m the guy because you ran some numbers and decided no one else measures up. That about right?”

“Belief is not required,” Athena countered. “Only action.”

The railing creaked slightly under Darius’s grip as he leaned forward, his gaze fixed on the horizon. He had spent years tearing down the systems Athena now asked him to protect. The irony wasn’t lost on him, but neither was the gravity of her warning.

“Fine,” he said, his voice low but firm. “What’s the play?”

Athena hesitated for a moment, then her voice softened. “You suspect this is about Viktor Sarren.”

Darius stiffened slightly at the name. Viktor Sarren—a man whose influence stretched across Erevania like a shadow, controlling vast corporate empires and holding sway over much of the political elite. He had been the architect of countless policies that benefited the powerful while leaving the average citizen behind.

“Isn’t it?” Darius asked, his voice edged with suspicion. “He’s been running unchecked for decades, and now you want me to clean up the mess he’s left behind?”

“Viktor Sarren is a significant component of Erevania’s current instability,” Athena confirmed. “However, my analysis indicates that exposing or opposing him alone will not resolve the crisis. The systemic issues extend far beyond a single individual.”

Darius let out a bitter laugh. “So, you’re saying it’s not just about toppling one tyrant? It’s about fixing the whole broken machine.”

“Correct,” Athena replied. “Viktor Sarren represents a symptom of a larger problem. Addressing him directly is necessary, but not sufficient. Your role will involve dismantling the structures that enable such corruption and rebuilding them with resilience and accountability.”

Darius sighed, rubbing his temples. He had always known Viktor was part of the equation, but hearing Athena spell it out added a new layer of weight to the task ahead. “Great. Just great. So not only do I have to deal with an impending crisis, but I also have to make sure Sarren doesn’t see me coming.”

“Your caution is justified,” Athena said. “Viktor Sarren has access to extensive resources and networks. He will likely view your actions as a direct threat to his interests.”

“Yeah, no kidding,” Darius muttered. “But let me guess—I’m the only one who can pull this off.”

“You are the individual with the highest probability of success,” Athena confirmed.

Darius chuckled dryly. “Lucky me.”

The irony of the situation wasn’t lost on him. Once, he had reveled in tearing down Erevania’s systems, exposing their flaws for sport. Now, he was being asked to do the opposite—to protect and rebuild. And somehow, that included taking on Viktor Sarren, a man he had always seen as untouchable.

“Alright,” Darius said finally. “If this is the hand I’m dealt, I’ll play it. But don’t expect me to do it quietly.”

Athena’s voice was steady. “Your approach is your own, as long as the outcome aligns with the objective: stabilizing Erevania.”

“Stabilizing Erevania,” Darius repeated, as though trying to make the concept feel real. He exhaled deeply, his gaze drifting back to the city lights. “Alright, Athena. Let’s get to work.”