Night fell over the capital with unusual quiet. The air was heavy the streets dimmer than usual as if mana lanterns sensed the tension. Ethan worked late in the Bureau hall studying regional data while Lira prepared new reports. Analysts sorted scrolls at the long table. It seemed like any normal night of diligent labor until a sudden vibration passed through the floor

Ethan paused. Did you feel that

Lira nodded. Mana surge. Not natural

An analyst rushed in breathless. Professor outside there is movement in the eastern district. Groups of hooded figures moving from alley to alley

Guilds Ethan muttered. They are going to strike tonight

Lira grabbed her cloak. We must warn the mages

Before they could reach the door the hall’s windows shook from the impact of distant explosions. Mana sparks flashed in the streets. Ethan rushed outside with Lira and saw the truth. The guilds had finally taken direct action

The Merchant Guild had blocked all main roads using enchanted barricades that glowed blue. The Blacksmith Guild ignited signal flares sending burning streaks across the sky a call to arms for all guild members. The Weaver Guild released sheets of enchanted cloth that floated like nets ready to trap anyone who resisted. The Tailor Guild deployed binding threads glowing with mana ready to restrain dissenters

But the worst came from the Enforcer Guild. Their members marched through the capital in formation wearing heavy armor infused with dark mana. Their weapons crackled with energy. They moved with discipline ready for confrontation. It was not a riot. It was a coordinated strike

Ethan froze at the sight. The guilds had turned the city into a battlefield

Lira pulled him behind a fallen lantern post. Professor they want to show the kingdom that without them everything collapses. They want chaos to prove you wrong

Ethan breathed deeply. This is their strongest argument and their greatest mistake. They believe chaos will preserve their power. But chaos reveals the truth

He looked around. Citizens hid inside their homes terrified. Merchants shuttered their shops. Workers fled through alleyways trying to avoid guild patrols. The entire city trembled

Lira whispered. What do we do

Ethan answered firmly. We gather evidence. We show the kingdom what the guilds are doing. And we coordinate the mages before this spirals into full conflict

But before they could move further three enforcers blocked their path. Their armor glowed faint red with mana forging them into intimidating figures. The leader stepped forward raising a heavy gauntlet

Professor Ethan Ward the guild councils summon you. Now

Ethan held his ground. Summon me or threaten me

The enforcer answered. Both

Lira stepped in front of Ethan instinctively. You cannot take him. The mages sanctioned the Bureau

The enforcer ignored her. Outsider you come with us. The guilds demand it

Ethan’s voice remained steady. Then tell the guilds this. If they want to speak they can do it in daylight in front of the people not in darkness like criminals

The enforcers tensed ready to strike but suddenly a burst of pure mana light erupted from above. It struck the ground between Ethan and the enforcers. The shockwave sent dust swirling and the enforcers stumbled back

High mages descended from the sky riding arcs of glowing mana. Their robes fluttered in the wind their staves pulsing with energy. The head mage landed first his voice echoing through the street

This ends now

The enforcers froze. Even they knew better than to attack high mages directly

The head mage raised his staff again. The Bureau is under magical protection. Any attempt to seize Professor Ethan Ward will be considered an act of treason against the kingdom

The enforcers hesitated then retreated into the shadows leaving behind tension instead of victory

Lira exhaled shakily. That was too close

Ethan nodded quietly. It will get closer. The guilds are desperate. Their grip is slipping

The high mage approached Ethan. Professor they planned this strike to frighten citizens into rejecting your reforms. But instead they revealed their greed. The people will remember this night

Ethan looked at the trembling streets the frightened citizens the smoke rising from guild barricades. This was proof of everything he had said since the day he arrived

A system built on privilege will always resort to force when questioned
A system built on fairness does not fear truth

He turned to the mages. Tomorrow we publish everything

The head mage nodded. And the kingdom will finally see who protects stability and who destroys it

Ethan walked through the wounded capital with Lira by his side. Tonight the guilds showed their power. Tomorrow Ethan would show the kingdom their intentions

The battle for the future had reached a new stage.
The old system fought desperately to survive.
And Ethan stepped forward ready to dismantle it piece by piece