Meanwhile, Salesi stood in her grand hall, a space that reflected her strategic mind and housed her vast collection of knowledge. The round table at the center was adorned with maps, scrolls, and intricate models of battle formations, serving as a constant reminder of the war they waged in the shadows. The walls were lined with shelves holding countless books, each one meticulously chosen to hone her tactical prowess. A grand sofa set provided a comfortable spot for contemplation, while a board displayed a mosaic of news clippings and portraits, a visual representation of the Dark Lord's deeds and their resistance against him.
As Salesi studied the detailed map of the Sea Realm, plotting their next move against the Dark Lord, Evan gracefully entered the room, surrounded by a faint ethereal glow. Ever since Evan's body was infused with divine grace, he had become akin to a god himself. His powers had skyrocketed, enabling him to combat the Dark Lord's minions. However, their adversaries had retreated into hiding after the Dark Lord mysteriously vanished from his own wedding.
"Lady Salesi, I bring news regarding Noah," Evan approached the round table and joined Salesi's side.
Salesi's eyes lit up with anticipation. "Did you manage to convince Noah to join our cause against the Dark Lord?" she inquired, her voice filled with hope.
Evan's head drooped slightly, and a trace of sadness flickered in his eyes. He felt deep sympathy for Noah, who had tragically lost his beloved wife at the hands of the Dark Lord, who happened to be his own twin brother. As if that wasn't enough, Noah's father had been imprisoned by the Skyhall, and his sister, Rowena Winston, remained missing. Rumors circulated about Rowena's fate, some suggesting she had perished, while others claimed she had disappeared after learning the shocking truth of her relation to the Dark Lord.
Salesi had informed Evan that even if Rowena were to resurface, the Skyhall would undoubtedly punish her for her actions during the Nagaland war. Despite learning of the Dark Lord's identity as her younger brother, Rowena had fearlessly placed herself in harm's way, shielding him from a lethal energy beam during the conflict. However, in the eyes of the Skyhall, her courageous act was deemed treasonous. If she were still alive, the Skyhall would surely seek retribution, regardless of her esteemed position as the Holy Maiden.
The weight of these revelations weighed heavily on Evan's heart as he relayed the news to Salesi. He understood the immense burden Noah carried, the anguish of losing a loved one and the relentless search for answers and justice. The Shadow Clan's mission to overthrow the Dark Lord had become even more crucial, not only for their cause but for the sake of Noah, Rowena, and countless others affected by the Dark Lord's reign of terror.
"We should allow Noah some time to process everything. How did he appear? Was he filled with rage or did he manage to maintain his composure?" Salesi's inquiry, though seemingly unusual, held a purposeful significance. Evan understood that Salesi's questions always held deeper meaning.
"Surprisingly, he seemed remarkably calm. It was as if the weight of losing his wife and family hadn't taken its toll on him," Evan replied. Noah's demeanor and how he conducted himself left Evan taken aback. He had anticipated a furious outburst from Noah upon discovering the fate of his beloved Alicia. Yet, instead of succumbing to anger, Noah had chosen seclusion atop a solitary mountain, appearing composed and serene.
Salesi couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction upon hearing Evan's response. However, she remained outwardly expressionless, maintaining her enigmatic demeanor.
"A man who remains calm even in the face of anger is far more dangerous than one who outwardly displays his rage," Salesi stated, her words carrying a weight of wisdom.
Evan nodded, acknowledging the truth in Salesi's statement. There was an unsettling power in someone who could contain their anger and channel it with purpose and precision. Noah's tranquility in the midst of such profound loss hinted at a depth of resolve and determination that could prove formidable in their fight against the Dark Lord.
"Regardless of whether Noah chooses to join our cause or not, I am certain he will stand against the Dark Lord. As a man, he will seek vengeance for his wife," Evan expressed, his conviction unwavering. Salesi nodded in agreement, knowing the deep well of anger that must be brewing within Noah, especially considering the Dark Lord was his own twin brother.
Returning her focus to the map of the Sea Realm, Salesi contemplated their next course of action.
"Evan, I need you to venture into the Sea Realm and investigate the recent energy radiation that Hammond's contraption detected," Salesi instructed, her voice steady and determined.
Evan was well aware that since the fallen gods had regained their graces, one of Hammond's inventions had detected a powerful surge of energy emanating from the Sea Realm. Reports from Salesi's spies revealed that the Watergod Hall had also discovered this anomaly and dispatched a team deep into the depths of the ocean to investigate.
"Keep in mind that the Watergod Hall's team may pose some resistance. Try to handle the situation peacefully, but if necessary, dispose of them," Salesi added, emphasizing the importance of securing the energy source before the Dark Lord could lay claim to it.
Leaning against the table, Evan studied the map, absorbing the details. Salesi continued her explanation, her voice tinged with a sense of urgency.
"I have a strong feeling that this energy radiation is somehow connected to the Dark Lord. We cannot allow him to obtain it. As long as the Dark Lord remains below the Heavenly stage of power, we can hold our ground with the aid of the fallen gods."
Evan's brows furrowed in concern as he posed a crucial question.
"What if the Dark Lord surpasses the Heavenly stage? What will happen then?" he inquired, fully aware of the formidable might possessed by the Dark Lord, the God of Darkness.
Salesi's gaze turned solemn, her voice tinged with a hint of worry.
"If that happens, the fallen gods will stand no chance against the Dark Lord. Only Noah, with his unique abilities and determination, will have a fighting chance. However, even then, Noah will require something truly extraordinary to defeat the Dark Lord."
The weight of their mission hung heavily in the air, as Salesi and Evan exchanged a knowing glance. The stakes were higher than ever, and the impending confrontation with the Dark Lord loomed ominously on the horizon.
Salesi's mind raced with strategic plans and contingencies, recognizing the crucial role they played in preventing the Dark Lord from obtaining the mysterious energy source. The fate of their world rested in their hands, and they would stop at nothing to ensure that darkness would not prevail.
"We must also consider the possibility that the Dark Lord has spies within the Sea Realm. Time is of the essence, Evan. You need to depart today," Salesi stated with a sense of urgency, emphasizing the need for swift action.
Before Evan embarked on his mission, he felt compelled to address a pressing concern regarding Princess Xanali and the situation in Nagaland. Evan couldn't help but question whether leaving Xanali in Nagaland was the best course of action, given the perilous circumstances. Furthermore, he wondered if there was any way to heal Xanali's broken meridians, a consequence of the Dark Queen's treacherous actions.
"Lady Salesi, is it truly wise to leave Princess Xanali in Nagaland? And is there any possibility of restoring her meridians?" Evan inquired, his voice tinged with genuine concern. While he respected Salesi's unwavering dedication to their cause, he couldn't shake the feeling that Xanali was being sacrificed in the process. Having already lost her husband at the hands of Gaya, who happened to be both the Dark Lord's wife and Salesi's stepdaughter, Evan couldn't help but worry for Xanali's well-being. The revelation that Gaya, the Dark Queen, had slain her own father and shattered Xanali's meridians had shocked many, leaving a sense of disbelief in its wake.
andasnovel.com Salesi took a moment to gather her thoughts, her expression composed yet carrying a subtle hint of sadness. She understood the underlying concerns and the weight of her decision regarding Xanali's fate.
"The kingdom is in capable hands, Evan. As for the Dark Lord, he has no reason to harm Xanali," Salesi reassured, her words intended to provide solace. However, deep down, even Xanali, her own daughter, was but a pawn in her intricate game against the Dark Lord. Salesi harbored a hidden agenda, using Xanali's relationship with Noah to stoke his flames of anger and vengeance further.
Salesi desired for Noah to be consumed by his fury before facing the Dark Lord, ensuring that no remnants of brotherly affection would sway him. She knew all too well that the Dark Lord would show no mercy towards Noah, and Salesi wanted him to be prepared for the ruthless battle ahead.
Unbeknownst to Evan, Salesi's motives remained shrouded in the depths of her complex strategy. The sacrifices she made for the greater good weighed heavily on her conscience, but she remained resolute in her pursuit to dismantle the Dark Lord's reign. For now, Xanali's safety rested on the delicate edge of their plans, an unavoidable casualty in the battle against darkness.
"I have faith in your judgment, Lady Salesi," Evan conveyed before departing from the grand hall, leaving Salesi to contemplate the intricate web of her plans. As Evan made his way out, the ethereal form of Andreas materialized before Salesi, their clandestine alliance continuing to take shape.
"Andreas, it's time to make our move with Noah. Let us ignite the long-awaited clash between the two brothers," Salesi declared with a mischievous grin. Andreas's face mirrored her cunning expression, fully aware of the manipulative path they were about to tread.
"Remember, Andreas, you must conceal your true identity from Noah. You cannot reveal that you are allied with me or that you are not his mentor," Salesi cautioned, emphasizing the need for secrecy. Andreas, the second soul piece of the enigmatic mentor, simply shrugged in response.
"Trust me, Salesi. I know exactly what I'm doing. Noah teeters on the precipice of losing himself to his seething rage. I understand his emotions all too well. All we need to do is fan the flames," the second soul piece of Andreas assured, exuding a sense of confidence in their calculated maneuvers.
Salesi's grin widened as she contemplated the upcoming chess match of manipulation and hidden agendas. The stakes were high, but she was willing to gamble everything in her quest to dismantle the Dark Lord's dominion. Andreas, her steadfast ally, shared her determination, both of them fully committed to pushing Noah toward his ultimate destiny.
"Before you depart, ensure that Elara remains in Hammond's company at all times. You understand the vital role Hammond and his intelligence play in our mission to bring down the Dark Lord," Salesi instructed Andreas, emphasizing the importance of protecting their valuable asset.
Andreas nodded in agreement, his ethereal form fading away, leaving Salesi alone in the grand hall. As she contemplated her next strategic moves against the Dark Lord, unbeknownst to her, a treacherous twist was already in motion. The energy radiation she had dispatched Evan to investigate was not what it seemed—it was a seed of Darkness, and the Dark Lord himself was swiftly closing in to claim it.
Little did Salesi know that her plans were about to be upended by a malevolent force, setting in motion a chain of events that would challenge her every strategy. The Dark Lord's relentless pursuit of power and domination threatened to unravel everything she had meticulously built. With the seed of Darkness at the center of this unfolding calamity, Salesi's intricate web of alliances and calculations hung in the balance. In other words, the Dark Lord was on his way to get the seed of darkness.
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