One day before Jack's force entered Hydrurond, Jack's human age increased to 21 months. His race skill, Limitless Potential, increased to rank 13. It now improved his HP by 4000, his Stamina and MP by 360, and all his attributes except for luck were increased by 13 points.
Along the march, he didn't stay idle. He formed a vanguard force and vanquished the monsters that were in their way, letting the main force march without any pause.
When there were no monsters to kill, he spent his time training mana manipulation and martial arts. He also repeated his skills and spells to increase their proficiencies. He wasn't afraid if he might need it in a sudden fight. He still had Reset.
During the four days of crossing the border region and eight days of traveling through Hydrurond's wasteland, Jack's Brave Swordsmaster increased to level 81.
He had 18 free attribute points which were accumulated from past level-ups. He spent all those points on his Endurance stat.
For free skill points, he only had 3 points from the Brave Swordsmaster. He used those points to level up Realm of Sword God to level 7. At this level, the small swords did 130% light damage, the final sword dealt 1300% light damage, and the AOE radius became 115 meters.
Several of his skills and spells also upgraded their stars. Flame Strike finally upgraded to its maximum tenth star. Its knockback force was at its strongest.
Four skills acquired their first star. Swords of the Brave, Beast Howl, Wind Jet, and Orb of Storm.
Swords of the Brave's star increased its range by two meters. Its range was now 32 meters.
Every star of Beast Howl increased its duration by half a minute and decreased its cooldown by one minute. It now lasted 5.5 minutes and its cooldown was 29 minutes.
Wind Jet's every star increased damage reduction by 4%. When Jack used Wind Jet, the damage he received while in motion was reduced by 14%.
The star for Orb of Storm increased its AOE by one meter. The orb now affected everything within a radius of 21 meters around it.
After eight days, Jack's force had trekked halfway through Hydrurond. They were nearing the northern region. Jack had been in constant contact with Arthur to keep track of Aldryth's whereabouts. They still needed a few days to get to where Aldryth was, but Jack received a message from Arthur that they had come into contact with the Liguritudum's force.
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Outside a Hyrdurond town, several days before Jack received Arthur's message about the contact, Master's army was preparing a siege. But then the gate to the town they were sieging was opened and a white flag was waved above it.
"They surrender?" Motherboard asked.
"Spring, lead a battalion into the town and check if traps are inside," Linda instructed.
"…"
"Hey! You have been given an order," Motherboard called to Spring Crown who stayed put.
"Something you want to say?" Master asked Spring Crown. "I haven't seen your signature smile for days now."
"You've truly gone out of line this time," Spring Crown replied.
"Are you going to do something about it?" Master asked again.
The small smile on Spring Crown's face was back. "No. I will carry out your order, boss."
Spring Crown signaled to the battalion that had been prepared by Linda to follow him. They marched into the town.
After a while, Spring Crown came back out with his battalion. He reported, "Went around the place. No combatants. Only commoners. The people inside said all the combatants had left to join the true sovereign of Hydrurond, Queen Aldryth."
"Do we know where this queen is at?" Master asked Linda.
"I've sent scouts to search for their whereabouts. The last location had her at Delphoia, the main city near Mount Audacias."
"We should just go there and crush this supposed queen," Motherboard suggested.
"I agree. The Themisphere force that came from Palgrost would still need some time to arrive. We should take the chance when they are separated," Linda said. "I suppose Aldryth's presence had caused the combatants of every settlement to flood to her. I doubt we will find any more combatants to add to our zombie army even if we go to another settlement."
"Rather than Aldryth's presence, I say it is our doing that has driven these combatants off to join her," Spring Crown criticized.
Master took a moment to contemplate. He then gave his order, "Set our course to Delphoia. Linda, you lead the army. There is one city on the way. You will still stop there to look for combatants just in case. As for this town… Ronald, take a legion with fast steeds. Enter this town and thoroughly search to ensure there is no hidden combatant. I will wait here to use my Necronomicon in case you find some. Kill anyone who resists."
"Gladly," Ronald responded.
Ronald led the legion and moved past Spring Crown with a smug smile. Spring Crown only stared back in silence.
The army started moving. Linda left a garrison that possessed fast steeds with Master. That way, Master and Ronald could catch up to the army.
"If you don't like it, then go with Linda," Master said to Spring Crown who was still staring at Ronald who had reached the town's entrance.
Without any word, Spring Crown summoned his steed and went with the army. His smile was again gone.
Master watched the gamer move away with a contemplating face.
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Aldryth was indeed at Delphoia. She had been making her way through settlements after crossing into Hydrurond. He visited some that had been devastated by Master's army. The commoners were still alive, but they pleaded for her to stop Master's madness. Some commoners had combatants for families, and they were now mourning their losses.
Aldryth vowed to them that she would drive this evil out of their country. The commoners were happy with their queen's promise, but they were sad they couldn't do anything to help. As commoners, they were powerless.
As Aldryth made her way through the land, she visited some untouched settlements. Without second thoughts, all the combatants in those settlements volunteered to join Aldryth's army. So, her force grew.
When she arrived in Delphoia, she decided to use the metropolis as her base. Words had spread of her return and draconian combatants continued to flock to her each day. Even many outworlders of the draconian race joined her cause.
With the growing army, Aldryth prepared herself for the coming war.
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