"Tell me," David commanded, narrowing his eyes as his curiosity demanded a more thorough explanation.
The butler met David's gaze and proceeded cautiously: "Lord Duke, are you familiar with the organization known as the Light Eaters?" As the butler's words hung in the air, a flicker of surprise crossed David's usually composed expression.
"Are you implying a connection between the two?" David's surprise was fleeting, replaced swiftly by his characteristic collectedness as he fixed his gaze on the butler.
Affirmation came from the butler's nod, confirming David's suspicion.
"Indeed, Lord Duke. It appears there is a profound and discreet affiliation between them, known only to us and, possibly, Emperor Alex." The butler took a measured breath and lowered his gaze slightly, as if lost in contemplation.
David absorbed the information in silence, his countenance unchanged as he processed the revelation.
"How many troops have the two Savaran Empire generals brought, and have any members of the Light Eaters organization joined them?" David inquired, his hands resting on his waist behind him.
"Our intelligence suggests an estimated total of four million troops," the butler began, his tone cautious.
"Additionally, the two generals are accompanied by twenty enigmatic figures garbed in black cloaks. Their origins remain shrouded in mystery."
As the butler spoke, his gaze remained steadfast on David, his expression grave.
Listening intently, David briefly closed his eyes and muttered softly, "I understand."
He fell silent, lost in deep contemplation.
Indeed, this news veered far from his expectations.
He had presumed that subduing the Savaran Empire would prove relatively straightforward, given his near-attainment of the Elemental Supreme stage and the ongoing formation of artifacts from his three primary cores.
With this in mind, his journey toward becoming a true fire god felt tantalizingly close.
He aimed to surpass not only Duke Wilhem but even Emperor Alex himself.
With the might of the Elemental Supreme within his grasp, he ought to wrest control of the Balka Empire and unshackle the Asvold family from their binding oaths.
David's eyes snapped open as he regarded the inferno below with an air of detachment.
"In that case, assemble ten Shadow Generals and lend support to the Northern border against those forces," David instructed with his customary dispassion.
The butler, swift to heed his orders, replied deferentially, "Yes, as you command!"
He bowed deeply and, before vanishing, stole a final glance at the expansive sea of scorching flames.
"The Duke's power has surged considerably, and our objectives are drawing tantalizingly near," he pondered silently before disappearing, leaving his prior location vacant.
David's gaze remained unwavering, fixed intently on the conflagration beneath him as if lost in contemplation.
"Elizabeth, no matter where you are, I will track you down and never let you slip away again," David whispered softly.
"Even if I must bind you and refuse to release you," he murmured softly, then gradually descended, lowering himself toward the roaring sea of fire.
Spreading his palms wide, he commanded his power.
"Whoosh!" In an instant, the sea of flames vanished, unveiling an astonishing view: the once-barren terrain below had been charred, forming a crater thirty meters deep.
Yet even more chilling was the fact that the flames had eradicated five hundred thousand barbarian soldiers, leaving neither bones nor ashes in their wake—a sight capable of sending shivers down the spine of anyone who beheld it.
"The Savaran Empire's forces... I wonder if the old man can stand against their might," David mused with a faint smile.
With that, he dissolved from the scene, leaving behind the lingering embers of his presence.
...
Meanwhile, within the grandeur of Balka's imperial palace, Emperor Alex received the report from his palace butler, a faint smile gracing his lips.
"David is undeniably exceptional—a true monster," Emperor Alex mused, reclining as he sipped his tea.
His smile remained, with a subtle curve adorning his lips.
"His strength is astonishingly formidable," the Emperor lauded with a trace of admiration.
"Nevertheless, until he ascends to that level, he poses no threat to me." Emperor Alex chuckled softly.
He closed his eyes languidly, reopening them with an intense gaze as he rose from his seat.
"Initiate the redeployment of our troops toward the Northern region!" The Emperor's command resounded with authority.
...
On the flip side, Arthur and Lucia reveled in their outing, exploring various renowned locales.
"Look! Do I look pretty?" Lucia twirled, showcasing her graceful and striking figure to Arthur with evident delight, seemingly awaiting his approval.
Upon hearing her query, Arthur nodded in admiration, his eyes reflecting genuine appreciation.
"Absolutely! You look stunningly beautiful!" Arthur's compliment emanated sincerity, his gaze softening as it lingered on Lucia.
With a light laugh, Lucia declared, "Then I'll choose this one!"
Lucia then goes back to the dressing room.
Observing her decisive action, Arthur's smile persisted, though a hint of melancholy pricked at his heart.
Ever since he had learned of the slumbering soul within Lucia, the original owner's soul, Arthur found himself treading cautiously and pondering each move with great care.
He was acutely aware that his actions could potentially imperil the dormant soul of the original Lucia.
"Phew, I'm getting a bit worn out," Arthur commented casually, just as he contemplated resting.
However, he was abruptly interrupted by a mental summons.
"Young Master Arthur, I have information to convey!" The genderless, enigmatic voice echoed in his mind.
Startled, Arthur's eyes widened, his brow furrowing in response.
"Is this a matter of significance?" Arthur mentally responded to the voice.
"Indeed, I possess highly crucial information that demands your attention!" The usually composed voice now bore a sense of urgency, hinting at the gravity of the news it carried.
"Oh? Go on," Arthur responded calmly, awaiting further elaboration.
However, the voice abruptly fell silent, leaving Arthur somewhat baffled as he waited for the continuation.
"Please proceed," Arthur urged impatiently, his anticipation mounting.
Just as he was beginning to feel exasperated, the voice delivered a piece of news that left him dumbfounded.
"The war has been initiated—the Savaran Empire is launching an invasion on the border region guarded by Duke Asvold!" The voice's proclamation elicited a wide-eyed reaction from Arthur.
"The war has already commenced? What's the current situation?" Arthur inquired hastily, his curiosity demanding a swift update.
This war could be viewed as an opportunity—a crucial starting point for his grand plan to assert control over the entire southern territory.
Consequently, he couldn't afford to overlook any developments.
In response to Arthur's query, the voice drew a deep breath, preparing to provide an explanation.
"Five hundred thousand elite barbarian troops were dispatched by the Savaran Emperor, under the command of the second general, Don." With this initial explanation, Arthur's comprehension deepened, and he eagerly anticipated further details.
"And?" Arthur prodded, seeking more information.
Yet, as Arthur queried once again, a momentary pause ensued, a silence that hung in the air.
"Answer me!" Arthur's tone turned icy as he noted the sudden lapse.
"There is something you need to be ready to hear, and I hope it won't catch you off guard." The voice took a deep breath and whispered it to Arthur.
"Tell me," Arthur pressed on, his patience waning.
"The five hundred thousand troops led by General Don engaged the southern forces commanded by General Roy Valha, and the southern forces found themselves at a disadvantage," the voice revealed, shedding light on the unfolding situation.
"Then, did the five hundred thousand Savaran barbarian troops led by General Don triumph against General Valha and the southern forces?" Arthur sought clarification.
"No! They did not triumph! In fact, the Savaran army suffered defeat." The voice's tone faltered slightly as it conveyed this revelation.
"Defeated? By whom?" Arthur's brow furrowed as he quickly surmised David's potential involvement.
"Was..." Arthur began to articulate his query, but the voice interjected.
"Indeed! Duke David emerged victorious over General Don and the three formidable allies that stood by his side. He quelled five hundred thousand elite barbarian troops with an incendiary deluge of flames!"
The voice's response resounded with horror and fear.
Upon hearing these words, Arthur was struck by profound astonishment, his breath catching in his throat.
How could five hundred thousand world-renowned elite soldiers fall to a single assault?
"This is madness! I never anticipated David's strength to reach such unparalleled heights!" Arthur exclaimed, his disbelief robbing him of his composure.
It all seemed surreal, akin to a dream.
Nevertheless, he was acutely aware that the voice's proclamation held unwavering truth.
"Curse it all! If events unfold as described, I'll need to extensively revise my entire strategy!"
"It's highly probable that the southern region will bear the brunt of the initial thrust in this war." Arthur muttered to himself, and just then, the voice once again addressed him.
"Don't be taken aback just yet, for I have even more astounding news!" The voice exclaimed, deepening Arthur's sense of unease.
"What is it? Don't delay; tell me at once!" Arthur implored the voice, prompting it to divulge with an air of apprehension.
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Sorry for the messy chapters; I'm trying to organize them. There might be system errors and bugs happening on my account!
Quite a few messy chapters, Huft!
Stay Tuned!
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