0:02 Deep in the gloomy mountains where
0:04 eternal darkness reigned supreme stood
0:06 an old castle whose stone walls
0:08 remembered hundreds of cold winters and
0:11 scorching summers. In the huge castle
0:13 only one window glowed behind which the
0:15 shadow of a loyal adviser flitted, his
0:17 heart torn by thoughts of the famine
0:19 threatening their lands. Deep in thought
0:21 about the fate of his people, the
0:23 tormented adviser did not notice a
0:25 bright beam of strange light piercing
0:27 the night darkness outside the window.
0:29 Rushing to the window, he saw a terrible
0:31 sight. The city he loved so much was a
0:33 blaze, and the air was filled with the
0:35 cries of battle and the clang of
0:37 weapons. Among the attackers, the
0:39 adviser recognized the emperor's
0:41 soldiers by their black and gold flags,
0:44 and a bitter realization struck him. The
0:46 cruel ruler had begun his revenge. The
0:48 adviser had always harbored a deep
0:50 dislike for the emperor, but even he
0:52 could not have imagined that the ruler
0:53 would resort to such a treacherous
0:55 attack on his own subjects. Bright
0:57 flashes of magic lit up the night sky as
1:00 the emperor's mages attacked the castle.
1:01 While the Duke stood silently on the
1:03 tower, as if accepting his fate, the
1:05 Duke knew that the fiery magic would
1:08 soon reach him. And all he could do was
1:09 wait for the burning ball to sever the
1:12 threat of his life in this cold world.
1:14 The fatal blow struck both of them, the
1:16 Duke and his loyal adviser, whose last
1:18 cry was drowned out by the crash of the
1:21 ancient castle's collapsing walls. Thus
1:23 fell the beautiful land of Bran, which
1:25 many considered to be just a small dot
1:27 on the map of a vast empire. But for its
1:29 inhabitants, it was their entire world.
1:31 The nightmare was interrupted by a
1:33 sudden awakening. The young man, once
1:35 the Duke's most loyal servant, woke up
1:38 with a scream of horror on his lips.
1:40 Fate had played a strange joke on him.
1:42 Instead of a well-deserved rest, he had
1:44 been given a new life in the body of his
1:46 master 20 years before that fateful
1:48 night. The entire day after his
1:50 astonishing rebirth in the body of Duke
1:52 Aaron flew by in an instant, leaving
1:54 behind only a fog in his head and
1:56 trembling hands. The new owner of the
1:57 body could neither eat nor drink nor
2:00 even speak. His mind was too shaken by
2:02 this incredible twist of fate. He spent
2:04 the second day in anger, cursing the
2:06 cruel emperor whose hands were stained
2:07 with the blood of the innocent
2:09 inhabitants of beautiful Brana. On the
2:12 third day, his dark thoughts receded,
2:14 replaced by a firm resolve. Since fate
2:16 had given him a second chance, he would
2:19 use it to save everyone. His thirst for
2:21 knowledge drove him forward. He searched
2:23 old books for any mention of Duke Bran,
2:25 hoping to find the key to saving his
2:27 people. For several days, he did not
2:29 tear himself away from the books until
2:31 persistent hunger reminded him of simple
2:33 human needs. Bitter thoughts tormented
2:36 his soul. In his past life, he had
2:38 helped the hungry, while the real Duke
2:40 thought only of his whims and pleasures.
2:42 His younger sister, Cheryl, found a
2:44 meeting a simple breakfast and scolded
2:46 her brother for his strange behavior,
2:47 reminding him of her attempts to get
2:49 through to him. His quick wit helped him
2:52 find a simple explanation. He said he
2:53 wanted to share the bread so it would be
2:55 easier to eat, and this calmed his
2:58 agitated sister. When Cheryl's agitation
3:00 subsided, he gently asked if she was
3:02 free today, as he really needed the
3:04 support of a loved one. Soon, the
3:06 brother and sister met with a tall
3:08 warrior whose armor glinted dimly in the
3:10 morning sun. Knight RML couldn't hide
3:12 his surprise. For the first time in a
3:14 long time, the Duke himself had decided
3:16 to speak with him. Honesty had always
3:18 been important to Aaron, so he told the
3:20 knight directly about the emperor's
3:22 plans to attack their lands. Cheryl
3:24 froze in horror. She couldn't believe
3:26 that their uncle would break the sacred
3:28 oath he had made to their father on his
3:31 deathbed. Aaron knew more. The emperor
3:33 feared their claim to the throne, and
3:35 loyal men had already informed him of
3:37 his plans to break the ancient oath. Now
3:39 their only hope for salvation was to use
3:41 the ancient power of the dragon to
3:43 protect their people from destruction.
3:45 His sister tried to stop him, for he had
3:47 sworn never to reveal his gift, to keep
3:49 it secret until his dying breath. But
3:52 time demanded decisive action. They had
3:53 to prepare for battle against the
3:56 emperor's army, gather their forces, and
3:58 strengthen their defenses. Cheryl took
4:00 her magic staff in her hands, and
4:02 ancient words of a spell poured from her
4:04 lips, opening a path through space. The
4:06 knight froze in amazement. He had no
4:08 idea that his rulers possessed such
4:10 powerful magic capable of changing the
4:13 laws of the world. With a sly smile, the
4:14 girl confessed that she had hidden her
4:17 abilities for many years so that their
4:18 enemies would not learn of their true
4:20 power. The magic of the portal
4:22 transported them to a snowy land where
4:24 white flakes slowly swirled in the air,
4:26 covering the ground with a soft blanket.
4:28 At the foot of a high cliff, Cheryl
4:30 prepared for a new spell, though her
4:32 hands trembled slightly from the long
4:34 break in her magical training. With a
4:36 wave of her staff, she created a bright
4:38 flame that lit up the dark sky like a
4:41 second sun rising over the snowy plains.
4:43 Fireballs multiplied in the air, forming
4:45 a perfect circle like a crown of flame
4:47 above the snow-covered peaks. Raml
4:50 immediately understood. Before him was
4:52 the legendary inferno ring, ancient
4:54 magic that the world had not seen in
4:56 many years. The power of the fiery ring
4:58 under Cheryl's control cut off the top
5:00 of the distant mountain as cleanly as a
5:02 sharp knife cutting through butter. The
5:04 knight stood with his mouth open and the
5:06 girl frowned. She knew that her seventh
5:08 circle magic was too weak for the coming
5:10 battle. Cheryl explained to the
5:11 astonished warrior that the seventh
5:13 circle of magic was very little compared
5:16 to the power of the imperial mages.
5:18 Aaron looked at his sister in surprise.
5:19 The diary had mentioned the fifth circle
5:22 of magic, but standing before him was a
5:24 true arch mage. Cheryl's eyes shown with
5:26 confidence. She knew that her brother's
5:29 power far exceeded her own magic. Aaron
5:31 drew his sword, thanking Fate for
5:32 spending the previous day studying the
5:35 old diary of his predecessor. The pages
5:37 of the diary revealed many secrets about
5:39 the dragon's blessing, an ancient power
5:40 that lay dormant in the blood of their
5:43 family. This gift had made Cheryl a
5:45 fifth circle mage, and the Duke himself
5:47 a great warrior whose name was known
5:49 throughout the empire. A tremendous
5:51 power lay dormant within his new body.
5:53 The former butler could feel it, but he
5:55 did not know how to awaken this ancient
5:57 gift. He decided to start with the
6:00 basics. He took a book on sword fighting
6:02 and began to learn again. For the skills
6:04 of a true duke were not yet within his
6:06 reach. Suddenly, the sword in his hands
6:08 glowed with a bright blue light,
6:09 responding to the call of the blood
6:12 flowing through his new veins. Ancient
6:15 words came to mind. Piercing wind, and
6:17 the blow of his sword cut a huge
6:19 mountain in half, revealing the power of
6:21 his awakened gift. The debris of the
6:23 mountain fell down with a deafening
6:24 roar. And the hero tried to look
6:26 confident, hoping that no one had
6:28 noticed his awkward mistake in the blow.
6:30 In fact, he had aimed at a completely
6:33 different mountain. But his companions,
6:35 struck by the unprecedented force of the
6:37 blow, did not even notice this small
6:39 oversight. The next morning, an ancient
6:41 dragon flew over the lands of the duche,
6:43 its wings casting huge shadows on the
6:46 fields and forests below. The mighty
6:47 reptile immediately felt the familiar
6:49 warmth of his blessing, which he had
6:51 left with the people of this land many
6:53 years ago. Wanting to test his hunch,
6:56 the wise dragon turned into a small hawk
6:58 and flew down to the ground, searching
6:59 with his keen eyes for traces of his
7:02 magic. Close to the ground, he dispelled
7:04 the spell of transformation. Taking the
7:06 form of a tall man in light colored
7:08 clothes embroidered with gold thread.
7:10 Carefully examining the walls of the old
7:12 palace, he sensed that somewhere nearby
7:15 lived people with his ancient power whom
7:17 he had blessed many years ago. After a
7:19 few days in his new body, the former
7:21 servant found the Duke's old diary
7:23 hidden among dusty books in a far corner
7:25 of the library. The pages of the diary
7:27 revealed a secret that Duke Aaron had
7:29 kept his entire life, trusting it to no
7:32 one, not even his closest confidants.
7:34 The story began many years ago when
7:36 Aaron's uncle Jiren, with the help of an
7:38 influential lord, seized the throne from
7:40 the old emperor, who had been weakened
7:42 by years of rule. After their father's
7:44 death, the young heirs had to flee from
7:46 the new authorities, saving their lives
7:48 from brutal assassins. They were saved
7:50 by the only condition their father
7:52 managed to set before his death. As if
7:54 foreseeing the future misfortunes of his
7:56 children, the children swore never to
7:58 claim the imperial throne. And in
8:00 return, their father negotiated for
8:02 Aaron the title of Duke of the distant
8:04 land of Bran. This land was considered
8:06 cursed, a barren wasteland with a
8:08 half-ruuined fortress where even weeds
8:10 did not grow and dangerous monsters
8:12 often appeared. But for children who had
8:14 possessed the power of a dragon and the
8:17 gift of a grandmaster since birth, even
8:19 such an inhospitable land could become a
8:21 real home. Over time, they managed to
8:23 establish a life in these lands.
8:25 Although Aaron decided to hide his
8:27 abilities forever, remaining faithful to
8:29 his father's oath. Upon learning the
8:31 truth, the former butler could not
8:33 believe that an ancient oath was more
8:34 important to the Duke than the lives of
8:36 the common people who had entrusted
8:38 their fates to him. One ordinary day in
8:41 Bran's lands, disaster struck. A little
8:42 boy seriously injured his arm while
8:44 playing, and his cries echoed throughout
8:47 the neighborhood. As if by magic, a
8:49 young healer appeared nearby, her hands
8:51 glowing with a warm golden light,
8:53 quickly soothing the pain and healing
8:55 the wound. Saying goodbye to the boy,
8:57 the kind girl asked him to be more
8:59 careful when playing because next time
9:01 she might not be there to help. This
9:03 kind healer was Cecilia, a young saint
9:05 of the Order of Viven, whose heart
9:07 always sought to help those in need.
9:09 Suddenly, Cecilia's attention was drawn
9:11 to the loud voice of a herald summoning
9:12 the people to listen to an important
9:14 speech by the Duke. The Duke's
9:16 appearance caused a murmur of discontent
9:18 among the crowd. People considered him a
9:20 weak ruler and did not want to waste
9:22 their time on empty words. A quiet
9:24 whisper passed through the crowd.
9:26 Someone had noticed that the Duke had
9:28 changed greatly in recent times, as if
9:29 he had become a completely different
9:32 person. Many agreed, remembering how the
9:34 Duke had recently found and punished
9:35 dishonest knights who had long oppressed
9:37 the common people. Standing before the
9:40 hostile crowd, the hero understood their
9:42 feelings. The people were tired of
9:44 hunger and the excessive taxes collected
9:46 by the former duke. Summoning all his
9:49 courage, he announced the alarming news.
9:51 Intelligence had reported a growing army
9:53 of orcs ready to attack their lands. The
9:56 crowd responded with bitter laughter.
9:57 They had heard such threats many times
10:00 before, but the former Duke had never
10:02 tried to protect his people. Seeing the
10:04 people's distrust, the Duke passionately
10:06 called on them to unite against their
10:07 common enemy, so that together they
10:09 could rid themselves of their eternal
10:11 fear of the orcs. His fiery words
10:14 silenced the crowd. The people looked in
10:15 amazement at their ruler, in whom an
10:17 unprecedented determination had
10:19 awakened. Gathering his courage, the
10:21 Duke announced a new approach to
10:23 defending the land. They would no longer
10:25 hide behind walls, but would go into
10:27 battle themselves. Aaron firmly stated
10:29 that he was tired of watching his people
10:31 suffer from orc raids while the monsters
10:33 lived in wealth stolen from the people.
10:35 The words that the monsters lived richer
10:36 than them struck accord with every
10:39 inhabitant, awakening long-forgotten
10:41 pride in their hearts. Seeing the fire
10:43 in the people's eyes, the Duke called on
10:46 them to unite to defeat the orcs and
10:48 finally build a decent life for their
10:50 families. Not far from where he spoke
10:52 stood the very dragon in human form,
10:54 watching his blessed heir closely.
10:56 Later, a dispute broke out in the castle
10:58 between the Duke and the treasurer. The
11:00 ruler urgently needed money for armor
11:02 for his warriors. Their loud argument
11:04 was interrupted by a knock on the door
11:05 and both angrily shouted at the
11:07 uninvited guests to go away, not wanting
11:08 to interrupt their important
11:10 conversation. It turned out that night
11:13 Raml had arrived with important news. A
11:15 messenger had arrived from Duke Rayon
11:17 with a special message. A stately man
11:19 named Kanos appeared at the door, handed
11:21 over the letter, and said that he had
11:23 come at the personal request of Duke
11:25 Reol. The hero pretended to be
11:26 surprised, although he immediately
11:29 recognized Kyos. In his previous life,
11:31 this man had become famous as a great
11:33 military strategist. Quickly breaking
11:35 the seal, the Duke began to read the
11:37 message in which his old friend offered
11:39 help in difficult times. The letter
11:41 spoke of the three difficult years Aaron
11:43 had spent in Bran's lands, constantly
11:45 fighting for the survival of his people.
11:47 Rean had sent them a talented strategist
11:49 and some gold, hoping the Kanos would
11:51 help strengthen Bran's lands until their
11:53 next meeting. Suddenly, the Duke
11:55 remembered the promised gold, and the
11:56 greedy treasurer immediately demanded to
11:58 see the letter, forgetting their recent
12:00 argument. Kynos said with a slight smile
12:03 that Duke Reena had sent 50,000 gold
12:04 coins to support his allies in their
12:06 time of need. The treasurer's face
12:08 darkened, but he was not surprised by
12:10 the modest sum. He knew that Duke
12:12 Renon's lands were also going through
12:14 difficult times. The hero sternly
12:16 ordered him not to grumble. The money
12:17 would be enough to equip the soldiers
12:20 and clean the dirty city streets. Seeing
12:22 the treasurer's confusion, Aaron
12:23 explained that it was pointless to keep
12:25 gold when disease threatened their
12:27 greatest treasure, their people. He
12:28 wisely noted that the loss of
12:30 inhabitants would lead to the decline of
12:32 the entire duche, as there would be no
12:34 one left to defend the walls or work the
12:36 fields. The dragon watching this
12:38 understood the flaws in the young
12:40 ruler's plan, but was pleased by his
12:42 concern for the people, a rare quality
12:44 among the nobility. The treasurer,
12:46 looking displeased, allowed the duke to
12:48 spend the money as he saw fit, clearly
12:50 disagreeing with such extravagance.
12:52 Leaving the room, the old man slammed
12:54 the door loudly, showing his attitude
12:56 toward the new ruler's decisions. The
12:58 Duke merely smiled. The arrival of the
13:01 experienced strategist Kinos saved him
13:03 from long hours of studying military
13:05 treatises. Despite his friend's
13:07 recommendation, Aaron was in no hurry to
13:09 make Kanos his chief strategist. Fearing
13:11 that the people would be dissatisfied
13:13 with such a quick appointment, he
13:15 suggested that the strategist prove his
13:17 abilities in a campaign against the orcs
13:18 in order to earn the trust not only of
13:20 the ruler, but also of the common
13:23 people. Kinos agreed to help, although
13:25 he was seething with pride inside. How
13:27 dare a mere mortal doubt his military
13:29 talent? Watching the young Duke, the
13:31 strategist understood that if the
13:33 campaign was successful, they would have
13:34 three interesting years of working
13:36 together ahead of them. Aaron
13:38 immediately told him about his plans to
13:40 develop the dungeons after the victory
13:42 over the orcs, which surprised and even
13:44 frightened the experienced strategist.
13:46 After a week of intense preparation,
13:48 they assembled a strong army of
13:49 well-trained knights ready to fight for
13:51 their land. After a long study of the
13:53 battle plan, the Duke made sure that
13:55 every warrior knew his task and gave the
13:58 order to march. This day was to go down
14:00 in history. The people would finally
14:01 repel the evil orcs and reclaim the
14:04 riches stolen by the monsters. The army,
14:06 inspired by the shouts and blessings of
14:08 the town's people, proudly set off to
14:10 meet their destiny. After a long
14:12 journey, the army stopped at the edge of
14:14 the dark forest where their formidable
14:16 enemy lurked among the ancient trees. In
14:19 the heart of the forest, Hid Kuruk, the
14:21 leader of the Orc tribe, who had turned
14:23 an old fortress into an impregnable lair
14:25 for his warriors. It was this cruel
14:26 chieftain who had been ravaging their
14:28 trade routes for years, condemning the
14:31 people to starvation. And now Aaron was
14:33 determined to put an end to his evil
14:35 deeds. Suddenly, RML arrived with
14:37 alarming news. Scouts had spotted five
14:39 groups of cobalt archers hiding in the
14:41 forest. Realizing that they couldn't
14:43 defeat the cunning archers without
14:45 magic, Aaron called on his sister for
14:47 help, whose spells could turn the tide
14:49 of battle, Cheryl quickly ran into the
14:51 forest, clutching a magic staff in her
14:53 hands and began to cast a thirdle
14:56 fireball spell. Although the spell was
14:58 considered weak, in her hands, it gained
15:00 the power of the fifth circle, revealing
15:02 the true strength of the young
15:04 sorceress. A fireball flew toward the
15:06 enemies, and the last thing the cobalt
15:08 saw was a huge flame that engulfed them
15:10 without a trace. Instead of joy, Aaron
15:12 was filled with horror. He had asked his
15:15 sister not to use powerful magic so as
15:16 not to attract the attention of the
15:19 Imperial spies. Cheryl only snorted in
15:21 response to her brother's reproaches,
15:23 not understanding his alarm. After all,
15:25 she had used a simple third circle
15:27 spell. The young Duke bitterly regretted
15:29 his decision to take his sister on the
15:31 campaign. He had thought she would only
15:33 use simple combat spells. Kinos
15:35 reassured the ruler, explaining that the
15:37 emperor would find out about their power
15:39 anyway. But as long as the soldiers
15:41 remained silent, they had time to
15:43 prepare. Calmed by the strategists
15:45 words, Aaron asked if he had found a
15:47 suitable place for the decisive battle
15:49 with the Orc army. The day before the
15:50 campaign, they gathered to discuss the
15:53 battle plan, and Kynos explained his
15:55 idea. It would be best to destroy the
15:57 enemy before the open battle began. The
15:59 strategist suggested luring the enemies
16:01 into a trap, using the advantages of the
16:03 terrain to save the lives of his
16:05 warriors. The choice of location for the
16:07 battle was particularly important. They
16:09 were about to face 2,000 orcs, relying
16:11 only on skillful calculation and
16:14 cunning. Their squad numbered only 500
16:16 fighters, so even victory in open combat
16:18 would result in huge losses among their
16:20 people. The wise strategist suggested
16:22 using a 100 horsemen as bait to lure the
16:24 orcs out of their hiding places in the
16:26 forest. Their fast horses gave them the
16:28 advantage, allowing them to lure the
16:30 enemy straight into a prepared ambush.
16:32 According to the plan, the archers were
16:34 to destroy at least half of the enemy
16:36 army before the orcs realized their
16:38 mistake. The remaining orcs were to be
16:40 driven into open ground where armored
16:42 knights would surround them. After
16:44 listening carefully to the plan, Aaron
16:46 agreed. There was no better solution for
16:49 their small army. Suddenly, a breathless
16:50 knight ran up to the Duke and reported
16:52 that the enemies had already begun to
16:54 move toward their detachment. The orc's
16:56 quick reaction surprised everyone. It
16:58 seemed they had skilled scouts who had
16:59 immediately noticed the humans
17:01 approaching the forest. Seeing the
17:03 unusual organization of the enemies,
17:05 Kano suggested that after the victory,
17:07 the surviving orcs be made slaves to
17:09 work in the dungeons. The idea seemed
17:12 interesting to the Duke, but he doubted
17:13 that the proud orcs would agree to serve
17:16 humans even after their defeat. He had
17:17 heard before that such creatures only
17:20 obeyed dragons whose ancient magic could
17:22 bend their will. Kanos hastened to
17:23 explain that orcs recognize the
17:25 authority of anyone who surpassed them
17:28 in strength. Be it a dragon or a mighty
17:30 warrior. The Duke decided to postpone
17:32 the conversation. Saving the lives of
17:34 his people was more important than
17:36 thinking about future gains. It was time
17:39 to act. Aaron ordered his sister to take
17:41 200 warriors and hide in the forest
17:43 while the knights prepared to surround
17:45 the enemy. After giving his final
17:47 instructions, he asked Kanos to watch
17:49 the battle from the hill and save his
17:51 life for future battles. After all
17:53 preparations were complete, the Duke
17:54 took his sword, gathered his loyal
17:56 warriors, and led them to meet their
17:59 fate. At that moment, a scout ran to the
18:01 orc chief with news that human troops
18:03 were approaching their territory. Kuruk
18:05 flew into a rage upon learning that the
18:07 pathetic humans dared to attack after so
18:09 many years of cowardly hiding behind
18:11 their fortified walls. The chieftain was
18:13 confident of victory. Once the humans
18:15 entered the black forest, they would be
18:17 easy prey for his warriors. The orcs had
18:19 another trick up their sleeve. The chief
18:21 ordered them to release their most
18:23 terrifying weapon, one that the humans
18:25 did not expect to encounter in battle.
18:27 The heavy gates creaked open, releasing
18:30 a terrifying creature, a huge minur with
18:32 curved horns and powerful muscles.
18:34 Gathering his entire army, including the
18:36 fearsome minotaur, the orc chieftain led
18:39 them toward the humans, anticipating an
18:40 easy victory over their insulent
18:43 enemies. An invisible guardian hovered
18:45 in the heavens. An ancient dragon in the
18:47 guise of a bird watched the battle
18:49 begin. Knowing that the time had come
18:51 for Aaron to show his true strength. At
18:53 the Duke's signal, the warriors lined up
18:55 for battle. A hundred brave hearts under
18:57 his command against 2,000 ferocious orcs
19:00 of Kurac. Blessed with dragon power, the
19:02 Duke easily struck down his enemies, his
19:04 sword flashing like lightning amid the
19:07 raging sea of battle. But alarm crept
19:08 into his heart when he saw his warriors
19:10 drowning in an endless stream of enemies
19:13 like grains of sand in the surf. In the
19:15 heat of battle, the Duke did not notice
19:17 the approach of a huge minotaur. And
19:19 only his animal instincts helped him
19:21 dodge the deadly blow. The deafening
19:23 roar of the monster caused the warriors
19:24 to cover their ears with their hands,
19:26 trying to escape the sound that could
19:28 rupture their eardrums. As soon as the
19:30 echo of the roar faded in the forest,
19:32 the Duke raised his sword and called on
19:34 his soldiers to continue the fight,
19:36 promising to stay by their side until
19:38 the last drop of blood. Throwing himself
19:40 at the orcs with his sword, Aaron
19:41 remembered Kyno<unk>'s wise words that
19:43 living enemies could become useful
19:45 allies. Changing tactics, he began to
19:47 stun his opponents with the hilt of his
19:48 sword and hide them in the thick
19:50 undergrowth, planning to return for them
19:53 later. Seeing an endless stream of
19:55 enemies emerging from the gloomy depths
19:57 of the black forest, the Duke realized
19:59 that it was time for a tactical retreat,
20:01 the horsemen began to retreat, trampling
20:02 their enemies under their hooves,
20:04 followed by the enraged minur, shaking
20:07 the ground as it charged after them. The
20:08 Duke ordered his men to retreat to
20:10 higher ground. Deciding to delay the
20:12 monster himself and buy time for a
20:14 maneuver, turning his horse in one swift
20:17 movement, he rushed toward the minur,
20:18 managing to save his warrior from
20:20 certain death at the last moment. The
20:22 loyal knights, defying the order to
20:25 retreat, remained by their lord's side,
20:27 watching his desperate bravery with awe.
20:29 The disobedience of his warriors
20:31 saddened the Duke. But fate turned their
20:33 mistake into good fortune. Strong hands
20:35 were needed to bind the defeated
20:37 Minotaur. The Duke calmly explained to
20:39 the surprised knight Arthur his decision
20:41 to spare the monster's life. Such
20:42 strength would still serve their
20:44 purposes. In the midst of their work
20:46 with the captive minotaur, new orcs
20:48 appeared, but Cheryl met them with a
20:51 wall of magical flames. The knights had
20:53 to dodge the crazed orcs who fled in
20:54 fear from the fiery wrath of the young
20:57 sorceress. Many enemies fell in battle,
20:59 but Kuruk and his loyal warriors
21:01 continued the pursuit. Burning with a
21:04 desire to avenge their fallen comrades.
21:05 Just as the orcs were celebrating their
21:07 imminent victory, the knight's steel
21:10 ring closed around them, cutting off all
21:12 routes of retreat. The knights parted,
21:13 forming a living corridor through which
21:15 their leader made his way to the
21:17 surrounded orcs for negotiations with
21:19 the dignity of a ruler. Aaron offered
21:22 Kuroko an honorable way out to decide
21:23 the outcome of the battle in a duel
21:25 between the leaders, granting the loser
21:27 his life. Distrust was evident in the
21:30 orc's yellow eyes, but he understood
21:31 that one order from the Duke and his
21:33 warriors would become food for the
21:35 crows. The Duke reinforced his words
21:37 with a warrior's oath, demanding the
21:39 same promise from the orc chieftain to
21:40 seal their agreement. The leader
21:43 hesitated, but the hopelessness of the
21:45 situation forced him to agree, taking
21:47 the man's word that he would spare the
21:49 lives of his warriors. The battlefield
21:51 was surrounded by shields, and the orc
21:52 immediately rushed into the attack,
21:54 swinging a fearsome mace with iron
21:57 spikes. Aaron stood motionless until the
21:59 last moment like a statue, and then
22:01 easily dodged the blow, sending the Orc
22:04 chieftain into a frenzy of rage. With
22:06 each dodge of the new attacks, the Duke
22:08 felt the ancient power of the dragon
22:10 flowing through his veins, making his
22:12 movements light and precise. After
22:14 another graceful dodge by the Duke, the
22:17 enraged cocker burst into a torrent of
22:19 foul language, calling his opponent a
22:21 cowardly rag. The insult wounded the
22:23 Duke's pride. He thrust his sword into
22:25 the ground and challenged the orc to a
22:27 fair fight with his bare hands. Raml
22:29 looked anxiously at his unarmed master,
22:32 considering his decision rash. But Aaron
22:33 was determined to teach the orc a lesson
22:35 in strength. Appreciating his opponent's
22:37 noble gesture, Kuruk threw down his
22:40 mace. His muscular arms seemed
22:41 sufficient weaponry against the frail
22:44 human. Raml's heart sank with fear. No
22:46 matter how strong his master was,
22:48 fighting an orc without weapons seemed
22:50 like pure madness. Everyone knew about
22:52 the natural strength of orcs raised in
22:55 endless battles. Even their claws were
22:57 sharper than steel, and the Duke stood
22:59 before his enemy without any protection.
23:01 When the orc aimed his terrifying claws
23:03 at the Duke's face, the latter noticed
23:05 with surprise how slowly his opponent's
23:08 hand moved, easily dodging the attack.
23:09 Testing the limits of his newfound
23:11 power, Aaron decided to take the orc's
23:13 next blow without trying to defend
23:16 himself. The result astonished him. The
23:18 orc's powerful blow, capable of piercing
23:20 armor, felt like a mere push against his
23:23 blessed body. Seeing their master dodge
23:25 the blows, the loyal knights began to
23:27 worry not only for his life, but also
23:29 for their own fate in the event of
23:31 defeat. The first successful blow caused
23:33 jubilation among the orcs. They were
23:35 already imagining how they would turn
23:37 the arrogant humans into their slaves.
23:39 Aaron calmly asked his enemies to temper
23:41 their enthusiasm, after which his body
23:43 seemed to dissolve into the air,
23:45 reappearing next to the stunned orc.
23:47 Appearing above his enemy, the Duke
23:48 announced that fate had turned against
23:50 the orcs. Now they would have to serve
23:52 humans. A light blow knocked the
23:54 chieftain back several steps. And when
23:56 he got up, he accused the man of
23:59 witchcraft. Such power could not belong
24:01 to a mortal. In response, Aaron
24:03 continued his attack, demonstrating the
24:05 true power of his gift until the proud
24:08 orc begged for mercy. After his victory,
24:09 the Duke led the bound chieftain to the
24:11 orc fortress, where the fate of the
24:13 entire tribe would be decided. In the
24:15 captured fortress, he announced his
24:18 will. The orcs would be spared, but they
24:19 would have to work for the good of
24:21 Bran's lands. Showing mercy, he allowed
24:23 them to hunt in the forests and promised
24:26 to share food for good work, but warned
24:27 that the slightest disobedience would be
24:30 punished by death. The orc's distrustful
24:32 glances expressed their doubts about the
24:34 man's words, as they were used to seeing
24:36 only enemies in humans. Irritated by
24:38 their doubts, Aaron pointed to the
24:40 beaten chieftain, promising the same
24:42 fate to anyone who dared to challenge
24:44 his authority. Finally realizing the
24:46 seriousness of the situation, the orcs
24:48 bowed their heads, acknowledging the
24:50 power of the unusually strong man. The
24:52 Duke decided to secure his victory by
24:55 taking all the orc's supplies. This
24:56 would help him fulfill the promise he
24:58 had made to Bran's starving people. Late
25:00 at night, the victorious detachment
25:02 returned to the fortress, leading wagons
25:05 loaded with the captured food supplies.
25:06 When the joyful cries of the welcoming
25:09 crowd died down, Aaron instructed his
25:11 loyal Raml to take care of the captured
25:13 orcs. With Cheryl's magic, they opened a
25:15 portal to the Frostlands, where they
25:17 took the defeated monsters for their
25:19 final lesson. Here, Aaron showed the
25:21 orcs the full power of his gift, and
25:23 they finally understood that they were
25:25 standing before a man blessed by the
25:27 dragon himself. The stunned orcs fell to
25:29 their knees, swearing eternal loyalty to
25:31 the Duke, whose strength surpassed even
25:34 their most terrifying legends. The Duke
25:35 ordered them to raise their heads and
25:38 remember the lesson. The mountain split
25:40 by his power would serve as a reminder
25:42 of the punishment for their betrayal.
25:44 The next morning, Kuruk made a sacred
25:46 oath to the Duke that his people would
25:48 keep the secret of the ruler's power and
25:50 suppress any attempt at rebellion. Aaron
25:52 sternly reminded the chieftain of his
25:54 threat to exterminate their entire clan
25:56 for disobedience. And the orc hastily
25:58 withdrew, struck by the determination in
26:00 the man's eyes. His place was taken by
26:03 an inspired Kanos, who did not hide his
26:05 admiration for how skillfully the Duke
26:07 had subdued the wild orcs. The Duke
26:09 explained that the orcs had mistaken him
26:11 for a dragon, which greatly simplified
26:13 the task. Now their submission was based
26:15 on sacred fear. The adviser's face
26:18 darkened. He reminded everyone of the
26:20 well-known vindictiveness of dragons
26:21 toward those who dare to claim their
26:23 greatness for themselves. Aaron
26:25 reassured Kanos, explaining that he had
26:28 never called himself a dragon. The orcs
26:29 had come to that conclusion themselves
26:31 after seeing his power. The tension left
26:34 the adviser, and he laughed, imagining
26:35 how frightened the orcs must have been
26:37 when they mistook a human for an
26:39 ancient, powerful creature. The butler
26:41 kept his thoughts to himself, although
26:43 he knew that his strength was indeed
26:45 comparable to that of a dragon. It was
26:47 best to keep that secret. Instead of
26:50 long conversations, he asked Kanos to
26:51 prepare for a meeting where he would
26:52 have to tell everyone about the orc's
26:55 new status. Left alone, Aaron thought
26:57 bitterly about the former duke, who with
26:59 such power could have protected his
27:01 people from any trouble. The oath he had
27:03 sworn to his father had bound the former
27:05 duke's hands. But even that did not
27:07 justify his complete inaction in the
27:09 face of his people's suffering. The new
27:11 master of the body swore to himself that
27:13 he would surpass his predecessor and
27:15 prepare for the final battle on which
27:17 the lives of all the inhabitants of Bran
27:19 depended. A council of war gathered in
27:21 the main hall of the castle where the
27:23 Duke enthusiastically recounted the
27:26 victory, particularly praising Kano's
27:28 brilliant strategy. The wise adviser
27:30 thanked him for the praise, but
27:31 emphasized that it was the unyielding
27:34 will of their lord that had led the army
27:36 to such a glorious victory. The silence
27:38 in the hall was broken by the indignant
27:40 cry of Cheryl, a young sorceress who
27:42 jumped up from her seat, unable to
27:44 accept that her fiery power had not been
27:46 given the praise it deserved. A stern
27:48 frown appeared on the Duke's face, and
27:50 he sharply reminded his sister that
27:52 their goal was not to destroy their
27:54 enemies, but to acquire valuable workers
27:57 for future prosperity. When the passions
27:59 had subsided, the Duke moved on to
28:01 important news. Their holdings had grown
28:04 five-fold, and now they needed to wisely
28:06 dispose of the new lands. His next words
28:08 stunned the assembled company. He
28:10 proposed creating an underground
28:13 labyrinth, and this strange idea seemed
28:15 completely insane to everyone. Max, a
28:18 former secret agent and now the manager,
28:19 couldn't believe his ears. The Duke
28:21 wanted to turn the underground caves
28:23 into a lure for adventure seekers.
28:25 Instead of explaining, Aaron turned to
28:27 Kynos, asking if he was ready with a
28:30 detailed plan to present to the council.
28:32 Despite being busy with recent events,
28:34 the wise adviser had already prepared
28:36 all the necessary documents. From the
28:38 folds of his clothes, Kanos pulled out a
28:40 large scroll, which when unrolled, took
28:42 up almost the entire table, astonishing
28:44 everyone with its size. A detailed
28:46 diagram of the future underground
28:48 complex was spread out on the parchment,
28:50 and everyone present leaned over the
28:52 table, studying every line of the
28:54 drawing. After examining the plan, the
28:56 Duke praised Kano's work, but pointed
28:58 out the absence of an important element,
29:01 a system for attracting adventurers.
29:03 Even more important was to think through
29:04 a way to conclude special agreements
29:06 with the heroes when they found
29:08 themselves in a hopeless situation
29:10 inside the dungeon. Max jumped up in
29:12 righteous anger, reminding the Duke of
29:14 his noble origins and the possible
29:16 damage to their family's honor. Aaron
29:18 merely shrugged, reminding him that even
29:20 the most ancient lineage would not save
29:23 one from starvation in difficult times.
29:25 The tense silence was broken by Kano's
29:28 loud laughter, who with feigned remorse
29:29 admitted that he had not thought of such
29:32 cunning plans. The experienced adviser
29:33 appreciated his master's ability to
29:35 think outside the box and promised to
29:37 add elements of subtle manipulation to
29:39 the plan. Leaving the council chamber,
29:42 Max felt a heavy weight on his heart.
29:43 Such risky ventures could lead their
29:46 small duche to swift ruin. Early the
29:48 next morning, the Duke decided to
29:49 personally check the progress of the
29:51 city street's cleanup. Not trusting the
29:54 reports of others. What he saw clearly
29:56 did not please him. He immediately began
29:58 questioning the treasurer about measures
30:00 to maintain cleanliness in the city. The
30:02 old treasurer assured him with a bitter
30:03 smile that all efforts were being made
30:05 to prepare for winter since they were
30:07 now safe from starvation. Aaron abruptly
30:09 cut him off, reminding him of the
30:11 abundant supplies of food and gold that
30:13 made such fears empty excuses. The
30:16 treasurer's eyes showed indignation. He
30:18 considered his master a madman who had
30:20 forgotten the cost of the equipment for
30:22 the recent campaign. The old man proudly
30:24 pointed to the already cleaned areas of
30:25 the city, considering additional
30:27 spending on cleaning to be a waste of
30:30 money. His words enraged the Duke, who
30:32 began to explain that clean streets were
30:33 not for beauty, but for protection
30:36 against deadly diseases. The young ruler
30:38 proposed a simple solution. Pay the
30:40 workers with food taken from the orcs to
30:42 maintain order in the city. Walking
30:43 through the streets, Aaron thought
30:45 anxiously about the dwindling food
30:47 supplies and dirty streets, trying to
30:49 find a way to solve both problems at
30:51 once. Suddenly, his thoughts were
30:53 interrupted by a guard's report
30:55 informing Raml of a healer who was once
30:57 again treating people without permission
30:59 from the authorities. Raml instantly
31:02 recognized who it was. It was the very
31:04 same nun from the Order of Viven, who
31:06 had continued to help the sick towns
31:08 people. A disturbing prophecy came to
31:10 the Duke's mind. Soon, the Order of
31:12 Perez would destroy the community of
31:14 these kind healers. The knight loudly
31:16 demanded that the nuns show him
31:17 permission to use sacred magic within
31:19 their lands. The young novices looked
31:22 down in embarrassment. They did not have
31:24 the necessary papers and were preparing
31:26 to leave the place of their service. A
31:28 crowd of towns people burst into please
31:30 for help, begging the healers to stay
31:32 for the sake of their sick children. The
31:34 people bitterly reproached the guards
31:35 for the lack of a city hospital where
31:38 the poor could receive help. Seeing the
31:39 growing anger of the crowd, kind
31:41 Siccilia tried to calm the people,
31:43 promising to return with permission as
31:45 soon as possible. Suddenly, the
31:47 authoritative voice of the Duke rang
31:49 out. He allowed the nuns to continue
31:51 their noble work. To everyone's
31:53 surprise, he expressed sincere gratitude
31:55 for their care of his subjects and
31:56 lifted all restrictions on their
31:59 activities. The guards stood frozen in
32:01 amazement while the common people burst
32:03 into joyful cries, thanking the merciful
32:05 ruler. The abbis stared intently at the
32:07 young duke's face, trying to understand
32:09 the sincerity of his unexpected
32:11 decision. Her words of gratitude
32:13 embarrassed Aaron, and he hastily
32:15 suggested a private conversation while
32:16 the other nuns continued their
32:18 treatment. In his heart, the Duke was
32:21 triumphant. Now he had a free infirmary,
32:22 and he planned to use the healers to
32:24 their fullest potential. In the castle's
32:27 ceremonial hall, something unexpected
32:29 happened. An excited Cecilia forgot all
32:31 propriety and rushed to embrace the
32:33 surprised Duke. Aaron, confused, tried
32:35 to remind the girl of the strict rules
32:37 of her order, which forbade such close
32:40 contact with men. But joy overshadowed
32:42 all rules. Through tears of happiness,
32:44 the healer thanked him for his decision
32:46 to build a new temple. The Duke saw
32:49 nothing unusual in this, but his calm
32:50 was disturbed by the alarmed treasurer
32:52 with his objections. The old man began
32:54 to argue passionately that the
32:56 construction of the temple would empty
32:58 their coffers, leaving the duche without
33:00 means of subsistence. The young ruler
33:02 was aware of the difficulties, but hoped
33:03 to use secret reserves kept for special
33:06 occasions. The wise treasurer reminded
33:08 him of the sacred nature of this money.
33:09 It had been left by the emperor for
33:11 times of extreme need. But Aaron
33:13 believed that such a moment had come and
33:15 the old man had to resign himself to the
33:17 will of his unusual master. While
33:19 Cecilia expressed her gratitude for the
33:21 help with genuine enthusiasm, the Duke
33:23 carefully considered the terms he
33:25 intended to offer the nuns. At the
33:27 center of his thoughts was the question
33:29 of creating a divine elixir within the
33:31 walls of the future sanctuary. For he
33:33 hoped to enlist Cecilia's support in
33:35 developing the lands entrusted to him.
33:38 With sincere zeal, the novice assured
33:40 Aaron of her willingness to produce as
33:41 much of the sacred liquid as he needed
33:43 for his purposes, unwittingly
33:45 contributing to the realization of his
33:48 plans. A few days later, barely able to
33:49 contain his excitement at the importance
33:52 of his discovery, Kanos rushed to the
33:54 Duke to share the unexpected news. The
33:56 source of his concern was the discovery
33:58 by the orcs of a mysterious underground
34:00 complex located near their powerful
34:02 defensive fortifications. According to
34:04 the orc leader report, the ancient
34:06 structure buried deep underground was
34:08 completely abandoned and all mention of
34:10 its owners had been lost in time. In the
34:13 opinion of the experienced kanos over
34:15 the years, these mysterious catacombs
34:16 have become a refuge for various
34:18 dangerous creatures that have flooded
34:20 the underground corridors. The adviser
34:22 expressed concern about how difficult it
34:24 might be to attract adventurers to such
34:26 a remote place and asked if the Duke was
34:28 willing to undertake the investigation.
34:31 After carefully analyzing the situation,
34:33 Aaron came to the conclusion that the
34:35 sudden appearance of highlevel dungeons
34:37 would only cause mistrust and suspicion
34:39 among the local residents. A sudden
34:40 thought about the healing abilities of
34:42 the young nun gave the Duke a brilliant
34:44 idea for attracting potential explorers
34:47 to the dungeon. The astute ruler decided
34:49 to spread rumors among the population
34:51 about a legendary elixir of immortality
34:54 hidden in the ancient catacombs capable
34:56 of granting eternal life. Kinos looked
34:59 at his master with undisguised surprise,
35:00 doubting that anyone would believe in
35:02 the existence of such a treasure in
35:04 abandoned underground passages. However,
35:07 the Duke, confident in the infallibility
35:09 of his plan, suggested that his adviser
35:11 personally verify the effectiveness of
35:13 his cunning scheme. Upon reaching the
35:15 newly built temple, where nuns
35:17 tirelessly cared for the suffering, the
35:19 mighty dragon froze in amazement at the
35:21 divine radiance emanating from them.
35:23 Watching Cecilia's graceful movements,
35:25 he clearly saw the divine energy flowing
35:27 from her body. Wondering how such an
35:29 amazing creature had ended up in their
35:31 lands. Noticing the approaching
35:33 visitors, the young nun rushed toward
35:35 the Duke with unconcealed joy, while the
35:37 puzzled dragon could not understand the
35:39 blindness of those around him to her
35:41 divine aura. Gathering his thoughts and
35:43 casting aside his doubts, Aaron asked
35:45 Cecilia with sincere interest about the
35:46 current state of affairs and her
35:48 successes in her new endeavor. The
35:50 joyful novice hurried to report on the
35:52 successful completion of the magnificent
35:55 temple and her complete control over all
35:57 the community's current affairs. The
35:59 Duke cautiously inquired about the
36:01 possibility of creating holy water, to
36:02 which he received not only a confident
36:04 agreement, but also an offer to
36:06 immediately demonstrate its amazing
36:08 abilities. Approaching the majestic
36:10 statue of the goddess Viven, the young
36:12 novice offered a sincere prayer for the
36:14 gift of divine power to perform the
36:16 long-awaited miracle. A huge vat of
36:18 ordinary water suddenly glowed with a
36:20 bright golden light, and the shocked
36:22 Kanos realized the incredible power of
36:24 the girl who had inherited divine blood.
36:26 At the dragon's suggestion, it was
36:28 decided to test the miraculous
36:29 properties of the water on the most
36:32 seriously ill person present, so that
36:33 the effect would be as clear as possible
36:36 to everyone. The old man, exhausted by
36:38 his ailments, reluctantly agreed to the
36:40 experiment, although deep down he
36:42 doubted the healing properties of the
36:45 seemingly ordinary water. However, as
36:46 soon as he took the first sip of the
36:49 sacred liquid, his body was instantly
36:51 filled with unprecedented energy, and
36:53 the excruciating pain in his joints
36:55 completely subsided. Looking at his
36:57 transformed reflection, the astonished
37:00 old man could not believe his eyes. His
37:02 body seemed to have rejuvenated by 5
37:04 years, surpassing the effects of all
37:06 known medicines. Delighted by the
37:08 sincere praise and gratitude, Cecilia
37:11 approached the Duke again, who hiding
37:12 his excitement, was already making
37:15 further plans. A daring plan formed in
37:18 his mind to fill the dungeon with holy
37:20 water and spread rumors about a source
37:21 of eternal life, for which it was
37:23 necessary to keep the unusually gifted
37:25 novice close at hand. When all the
37:27 details of the plan had finally fallen
37:29 into place, the Duke immediately
37:31 summoned Kanos to discuss important
37:33 organizational matters. Aaron was
37:34 interested in the complexity of
37:36 spreading plausible rumors among the
37:38 population about the existence of an
37:40 elixir of immortality in the recently
37:42 discovered catacombs. The experienced
37:44 dragon confirmed the uniqueness of such
37:46 powerful holy water, noting that even
37:48 the observed rejuvenating effect was
37:50 guaranteed to cause unprecedented
37:52 excitement. Encouraged by the adviser's
37:54 support, Aaron realized with
37:56 satisfaction that the main preparations
37:58 for the implementation of his plan were
38:00 almost complete. Just as the Duke was
38:02 about to set off to explore the dungeon
38:04 himself, he was stopped by an excited
38:06 Cecilia, who wanted to introduce him to
38:09 a special guest. The novice nun intended
38:10 to introduce him to the renowned captain
38:12 of the Holy Knights of Vaviona, whose
38:14 appearance in their land seemed like an
38:16 incredible stroke of luck. The Duke was
38:18 somewhat embarrassed to admit his
38:19 complete ignorance of the legendary
38:22 order of Holy Knights. This renowned
38:24 order had earned its fame thanks to its
38:26 unmatched defensive skills. Its members
38:28 filled with divine power formed an
38:30 impenetrable formation. Due to the
38:32 tragic events that befell the order,
38:34 only one captain remained alive. A
38:36 powerful warrior whose arrival was
38:38 expected at any moment. Just as Aaron
38:40 was about to ask Cecilia more about the
38:42 mysterious captain, the silence was
38:44 broken by an authoritative female voice
38:46 that echoed throughout the area. Before
38:48 them stood the legendary leader of the
38:50 Holy Knights, who immediately demanded
38:52 that the red-haired young man stay away
38:55 from their holy maiden. Bianca explained
38:56 her unexpected appearance as being
38:58 solely due to their holy maiden's desire
39:00 to build a new temple in these lands
39:03 worthy of the great goddess Viven.
39:04 However, the warlike maiden expressed
39:06 extreme indignation at the choice of
39:08 such a miserable place with barren soil,
39:10 worthless inhabitants, and a completely
39:13 unworthy ruler. Alarmed by Lady Bianca's
39:15 harsh words directed at her respected
39:17 lord, Cecilia made a desperate attempt
39:20 to smooth over the tension. The Duke, on
39:21 the contrary, was not in the least
39:23 offended by the insults. He merely
39:25 inquired on what basis she had formed
39:27 such categorical judgments about the
39:29 weakness of the local inhabitants. The
39:31 hotty warrior declared her willingness
39:34 to obey only the strongest, bitterly
39:35 admitting that she had never met a
39:37 worthy ruler in her entire life. In
39:39 response, the Duke proposed an immediate
39:41 fair fight in which the loser would have
39:43 to endure three crushing blows from the
39:46 winner. Bianca glanced contemptuously at
39:48 the frail figure of the young man,
39:50 considering him too insignificant an
39:52 opponent, but readily accepted the
39:53 challenge. The opponents took their
39:55 positions in an improvised circle formed
39:57 by the Duke's loyal knights who were
39:59 ready to witness the outcome of the
40:01 duel. Arthur, watching the preparations,
40:03 thought gloomily about the recklessness
40:05 of the planned battle with its obvious
40:07 outcome, sincerely worrying about his
40:09 master. His comrade tried to cheer him
40:11 up by reminding him of his master's
40:13 memorable victory over a mighty orc
40:15 without weapons. But Arthur continued to
40:17 worry. Unable to prevent the inevitable
40:20 clash, the loyal knights could only hold
40:21 their breath and hope for a favorable
40:24 outcome. Before the fight began, the
40:25 Duke carefully scanned the ground for a
40:27 suitable weapon and picked up an
40:29 inconspicuous dry branch, causing the
40:31 spectators to look on in bewilderment.
40:33 Bianca was enraged that a commoner dared
40:35 to oppose a holy knight armed with
40:37 nothing but a branch. Deciding to
40:38 demonstrate the full power of her
40:40 position, the warrior passionately
40:43 called upon the goddess Viven, begging
40:44 her to grant her the strength to crush
40:47 her insolent opponent. Aaron watched his
40:48 opponent with genuine bewilderment,
40:50 wondering why she was delaying her
40:52 attack, as if she were inexplicably
40:55 afraid of a simple stick. The enraged
40:56 holy warrior finally made up her mind
40:58 and rushed forward to attack the
41:00 unperturbed Duke, intending to end the
41:02 fight with a single blow. The Duke,
41:04 masterfully controlling the situation,
41:06 used a simple branch to create a
41:07 powerful spell of cutting wind, which
41:10 Bianca tried to block with her shield.
41:11 However, the crushing power of the
41:13 magical blow was so great that the
41:15 sacred shield was instantly covered with
41:17 a web of cracks, and the girl herself
41:20 trembled with fear. Realizing that one
41:22 blow was enough to teach the arrogant
41:24 Bianca a lesson, the Duke decided to
41:26 finish what he had started. Following
41:28 the terms of the duel, he continued to
41:29 methodically attack his opponent with
41:31 the enchanted branch until her once
41:34 impenetrable shield shattered into tiny
41:36 fragments, scattering across the
41:38 battlefield. Bianca's obvious defeat
41:40 reminded everyone present of the terms
41:42 of the duel, and the Duke without
41:44 hesitation struck the defeated warrior
41:46 three times on the thighs. After
41:48 carrying out the deserved punishment, he
41:50 strictly forbade her from uttering any
41:52 more insulting words on his land,
41:54 asserting his authority. The Duke
41:55 expected to see bitter tears of
41:58 humiliation. But to his amazement, such
41:59 treatment seemed to suit the weward
42:02 warrior very well. Noticing the unusual
42:04 state of her faithful friend, the
42:06 embarrassed Cecilia hurried to her,
42:07 explaining to the Duke her passionate
42:10 fondness for romantic novels. While the
42:12 nuns led the embarrassed girl away, the
42:14 Duke ordered his men to gather warriors
42:16 to clear the dungeon. Assessing the
42:18 assembled troops, the Duke realized with
42:19 alarm that they were extremely
42:21 outnumbered. As the diversion of his
42:23 main forces to guard the borders left
42:25 him with only a hundred warriors at his
42:27 disposal, the perceptive cyenos
42:29 explained the situation. According to
42:31 the established laws of military
42:33 service, every tenth inhabitant of their
42:35 population of 5,000 was subject to
42:38 conscription. Forming a truly impressive
42:40 army required a significant increase in
42:43 population. But even natural growth was
42:45 hampered by an acute shortage of food.
42:46 After carefully considering the
42:49 situation, Aaron decided to focus his
42:50 efforts on improving living conditions
42:53 to attract new settlers and ensure their
42:55 well-being. The loyal adviser solemnly
42:57 promised to do everything in his power
42:59 to remedy the dire situation in the
43:01 lands and help bring his lord's grand
43:03 plans to fruition. The Duke gratefully
43:05 accepted Kanos's promise, but his
43:07 thoughts turned involuntarily to the
43:09 growing stream of refugees flooding the
43:11 estates of the Earls of Gray and Ammon.
43:13 Putting aside his troubling thoughts for
43:15 the moment, he resolutely called upon
43:17 the assembled warriors to march toward
43:18 the mysterious underground lair in
43:20 search of ancient treasures. Upon
43:22 arrival, the knights were met by Kurok,
43:24 accompanied by his orcs, who bowed
43:26 respectfully before their master,
43:28 expressing their deep respect. When
43:30 asked about the events in the dungeon,
43:32 the confused leader reluctantly admitted
43:34 that things had taken a very unfavorable
43:36 turn, threatening their safety.
43:37 Descending to the second level of the
43:40 catacombs, Kurak bitterly pointed to the
43:42 bodies of his fallen comrades lying
43:45 lifeless on the cold stone floor. The
43:46 leader explained that during a routine
43:48 inspection of the lower level, his
43:50 warriors had suddenly begun to exhibit
43:52 signs of inexplicable and strange
43:54 behavior. Cheryl, who was part of the
43:56 expedition, instantly sensed the
43:58 sinister aura of the place, which sent a
44:00 supernatural chill through her body.
44:02 Later, it became clear that the cause of
44:05 the freezing cold was mysterious magical
44:06 vibrations that sucked the life force
44:08 out of the orcs and turned them into
44:10 mindless puppets. In an attempt to
44:12 protect the rest of the squad, Kuruk
44:14 made the difficult decision to
44:15 personally stop his possessed brothers
44:18 who had turned against humans. With one
44:20 crushing blow, he struck down his kin.
44:22 But as soon as they lost consciousness,
44:24 an ominous darkness poured out of their
44:27 lifeless bodies, forming a giant ghost.
44:29 The brave Kuruk immediately rushed to
44:31 stop the terrifying entity. But its true
44:33 target was Aaron, who barely managed to
44:35 fend off the sudden attack. With every
44:37 passing moment, the number of shadows
44:39 rapidly increased, and soon they
44:41 surrounded everyone in the gloomy
44:43 dungeon in a tight circle. Cheryl fought
44:45 desperately against the other worldly
44:47 creatures, fully aware that if she did
44:49 not defeat these ghosts now, they would
44:51 haunt her in her nightmares. While Aaron
44:53 skillfully defended the girl with his
44:55 enchanted sword, she concentrated on
44:58 summoning the purifying power of fiery
45:00 magic to destroy the sinister spirits.
45:02 After the first wave of ghosts was
45:04 successfully destroyed, Raml and the
45:06 leader continued to fight unsuccessfully
45:08 against the shadows, which were
45:10 invulnerable to ordinary weapons. Hiding
45:12 behind a massive boulder, the adviser
45:14 shouted to his comrades that only magic
45:16 could harm the ghosts, and hand-to-hand
45:18 combat was useless. Instantly assessing
45:20 the gravity of the situation, Cheryl
45:22 began to weave a complex spell once
45:25 again, seeking to help her brave allies
45:27 in their unequal battle. Her powerful
45:29 magic enveloped the warriors weapons in
45:31 sacred flames, granting them the ability
45:33 to effectively strike their incorporeal
45:35 enemies in the brutal fight. Finally,
45:37 after a fierce battle, most of the
45:40 shadows fell, but the surviving ghosts
45:41 suddenly merged together, forming a
45:43 giant spirit that attempted to escape.
45:45 The quick-witted Duke managed to deliver
45:48 a crushing blow to the monster before it
45:49 could slip through the ancient walls of
45:51 the underground labyrinth. Carefully
45:53 emerging from his hiding place, the
45:55 perceptive Kinos suggested that the
45:57 ghost's appearance was no accident and
45:58 that they were probably guarding some
46:01 ancient secret. At this tense moment,
46:03 the attentive Cheryl discovered a
46:05 mysterious ancient tome and urged her
46:08 brother to carefully study its contents.
46:09 This amazing book which told of the
46:11 legacy of the ancients revealed a
46:14 secret. In the distant past, a
46:15 magnificent temple of a mysterious
46:18 monastic order had stood here. The girl
46:20 enthusiastically explained to her
46:21 brother the essential difference between
46:23 magicians who draw their power from
46:26 outside sources and monks who are able
46:28 to summon energy of a completely
46:31 different spiritual nature. The hero
46:33 skillfully portrayed extreme amazement,
46:35 although in reality he was well aware of
46:36 these practices thanks to his knowledge
46:38 of the future, marveling only at their
46:41 existence a decade ago. After carefully
46:43 studying ancient records, Cheryl
46:45 explained the fundamental difference.
46:47 While magicians use an innate reservoir
46:50 of mana, spiritual practices allow one
46:52 to develop and transform an internal
46:54 source of power. Handing the mysterious
46:57 tome to Kanos, the intrigued Duke asked
46:58 his adviser to share his knowledge of
47:01 this mysterious art of mana control.
47:03 After carefully studying several pages
47:05 of the ancient manuscript, the wise
47:06 dragon confirmed Cheryl's words that
47:08 spiritual practices open the way to
47:10 magic even for ordinary people. A
47:12 promising idea instantly popped into
47:15 Aaron's mind. If he taught his soldiers
47:17 this art, even their small squad could
47:19 become incredibly effective. However,
47:22 the perceptive Kanos urged his master to
47:24 exercise caution and temporarily refrain
47:27 from implementing such a risky plan. The
47:29 adviser pointed to the surroundings. The
47:30 entire dungeon was stained with blood
47:32 and bore traces of countless brutal
47:34 battles of the past. The dragon
47:36 suggested that either the training of
47:38 this force was unbearably cruel, or the
47:40 energy itself was so dangerous that it
47:42 led the ancient monks to mutual
47:44 destruction. Realizing the seriousness
47:46 of the warnings, the prudent Aaron
47:48 decided to postpone the experiments
47:49 until the ancient manuscripts had been
47:51 fully studied and the consequences
47:54 thoroughly analyzed. After extensive
47:56 research, the hero and his companions
47:58 finally reached the third level of the
48:00 mysterious underground labyrinth. After
48:02 defeating the local monsters, they
48:03 discovered a massive chest filled with
48:06 gold, and Aaron wisely decided to divide
48:08 the treasure equally between himself and
48:10 future seekers. The enterprising kinos
48:12 asked his master to allow him to dispose
48:14 of the second half of the treasure,
48:16 arguing that the dungeon was too simple.
48:18 The experienced adviser understood
48:20 perfectly well how difficult it was to
48:21 create truly dangerous trials for
48:23 seasoned adventurers in the current
48:25 conditions. The far-sighted dragon
48:27 planned to use the gold to significantly
48:29 improve the dungeon. Already having
48:31 several promising ideas in mind, after
48:33 some time, skillfully disposing of the
48:36 accumulated treasures, the cunning Kanos
48:38 turned a simple dungeon into a veritable
48:40 labyrinth of puzzles and traps. Not
48:42 satisfied with the obstacles he had
48:44 created, the powerful dragon decided to
48:46 summon an entire army of the living dead
48:48 to these ancient walls with his dark
48:50 magic. Upon completion of the complex
48:53 ritual, ghostly skeletons, sinister
48:56 spirits, and other creatures of darkness
48:58 began to emerge from the frozen ground.
48:59 The next stage of his work was to
49:01 improve the holy water with a special
49:03 spell designed to enhance its miraculous
49:05 properties. After carefully examining
49:07 the resulting elixir, Kanos was
49:09 convinced that the potion could prolong
49:11 the life of mortals for a whole year,
49:13 which was ideal for their plan. The last
49:15 task facing the dragon was to find
49:17 enough greedy adventurers willing to
49:19 risk everything for untold riches. It
49:21 took some time for the rumors to reach
49:23 the right ears, and the first groups of
49:25 brave adventurers began to arrive in the
49:27 reviving city. By the time the first
49:29 adventurers showed up, the city had
49:31 changed a lot, clearly showing that the
49:33 local authorities had been busy getting
49:35 ready for the influx of visitors. The
49:36 city guards were decked out in brand new
49:39 armor, obviously purchased with funds
49:40 obtained from the mysterious
49:42 underground. The traveler's attention
49:44 was particularly drawn to a recently
49:46 renovated tavern, which had undoubtedly
49:47 been furnished, especially for the
49:49 arriving adventurers. A shrewd
49:51 adventurist quickly realized that the
49:53 local Duke was counting on travelers to
49:55 spend generously on food and drink at
49:57 the new establishment. Seeing nothing
49:58 wrong with such spending, the group of
50:00 adventurers enthusiastically headed
50:02 inside the hospitable tavern. Upon
50:04 crossing the threshold, a seasoned
50:06 adventurer was surprised to recognize an
50:08 old acquaintance who had not only built
50:10 a beautiful tavern, but also set up a
50:12 hotel. The owner of the establishment
50:14 willingly shared that the construction
50:15 had been financed by the local
50:18 authorities. But he had no doubt that it
50:19 would quickly pay for itself thanks to
50:22 the influx of treasure hunters. Wishing
50:23 to take advantage of his old friend's
50:25 knowledge, the experienced adventurer
50:27 decided to ask Gerald about all the
50:29 known details of the mysterious dungeon.
50:31 The talkative inkeeper told him about
50:33 the rumors surrounding the legendary
50:35 elixir of life. Emphasizing that the
50:37 first to find it usually got the richest
50:39 spoils. Satisfied with the information
50:41 he had received, the traveler thanked
50:43 Gerald for his valuable information and
50:45 asked him to prepare dinner and lodging
50:47 for the group. During this time, the
50:49 curious Aaron spent his free hours
50:50 studying ancient techniques for
50:53 developing spiritual power. Despite
50:55 persistent training, he had not yet been
50:57 able to fully unlock the potential of
50:59 the dragon's blessing and was aware of
51:01 the risks of ancient practices. But he
51:04 was determined to gain his own spiritual
51:06 power. After prolonged meditation and
51:08 extreme concentration, the Duke began to
51:11 feel clear progress, sensing his inner
51:13 strength awakening and growing stronger.
51:15 The sudden appearance of a caring nun
51:17 interrupted his focused exercises,
51:19 causing him to startle with surprise.
51:21 The kind-hearted girl explained that
51:23 having learned of his diligent training,
51:25 she had decided to express her gratitude
51:27 by preparing a light meal for the Duke.
51:29 Noticing an approaching knight with an
51:31 obviously urgent message, the tactful
51:33 nun hurried to take her leave, not
51:34 wanting to interfere with important
51:37 matters. As it turned out, the excited
51:39 knight had come to deliver the joyful
51:40 news of the arrival of the first
51:42 adventurers, which delighted the Duke,
51:44 who was eagerly awaiting the arrival of
51:46 his new subjects. Upon reaching the
51:48 entrance to the dungeon, the adventurers
51:51 discovered that access was not free. A
51:53 sign stated that 10 gold coins were
51:55 required. A wealthy adventurous paid the
51:57 required amount without hesitation,
51:59 receiving in return official permission
52:01 to explore the mysterious catacombs. The
52:03 companion following her was stopped by
52:05 vigilant guards due to the lack of the
52:06 initial payment required to enter the
52:08 dungeon. The initial assumption that a
52:10 single payment of 10 gold coins would
52:12 cover the entire group proved to be
52:15 incorrect. Each adventurer had to pay
52:17 the specified amount, which caused a
52:19 wave of indignation. A resourceful guard
52:21 quoted the Duke's wise words that 10
52:24 gold coins could always be earned, while
52:26 the legendary elixir could run out at
52:28 any moment. After weighing all the pros
52:30 and cons, the leader of the group
52:32 decided that 10 gold coins was a small
52:34 price to pay for the chance to gain
52:36 eternal life, and generously paid the
52:38 entrance fee for all his companions. At
52:40 the next merchant stall, the travelers
52:42 discovered a special holy water, which
52:44 the enterprising seller offered for a
52:46 gold coin per bottle. The persistent
52:47 merchant convinced the travelers that
52:49 his merchandise was essential for
52:51 fighting the underground creatures. Even
52:53 though the group already had a supply of
52:55 holy water, the shrewd businessman
52:57 instantly recognized that their supplies
52:59 came from the church in Paris.
53:00 Explaining to the inexperienced
53:02 adventurers the superiority of Viven
53:04 holy water. Realizing the potential
53:07 danger of unjustified savings, the
53:09 prudent leader decided to purchase
53:11 additional bottles of reinforced holy
53:13 water. No sooner had they completed one
53:15 transaction than the travelers were
53:16 offered the opportunity to examine
53:18 magical equipment. And despite their
53:20 growing irritation at the endless
53:22 expenses, they agreed. Near the
53:24 entrance, the travelers noticed a
53:26 remarkable sign announcing the cost of
53:29 emergency evacuation.
53:31 100 gold pieces per person. A local
53:34 sorcerer demonstrated a special magical
53:35 artifact designed to save the lives of
53:38 adventurers for a set fee. A notable
53:39 condition was that no advanced payment
53:42 was required. The gold was only due if
53:44 the artifact was actually used to save
53:46 someone's life. A rational adventurer
53:48 made the wise decision to take the
53:50 artifact, hoping to recoup all his
53:52 expenses many times over if he found the
53:54 source of eternal life. The first steps
53:56 of the brave explorers into the depths
53:58 of the dungeon were closely watched by a
54:00 shrewd adviser and a young duke. Quickly
54:02 assessing the situation, the ruler
54:04 realized that the trials were not
54:05 difficult enough for experienced
54:07 adventurers and instructed the orc
54:09 leader to increase the intensity of the
54:11 adventure. Upon reaching the second
54:12 level of the dungeon, the confident
54:14 adventurers successfully dealt with the
54:17 ghosts and monsters that inhabited it.
54:18 Despite gradually exhausting their
54:20 strength, the skillful use of the holy
54:22 water they had acquired allowed the
54:23 travelers to quickly restore their
54:25 fighting ability. Having made it to the
54:27 third level, the group encountered a new
54:30 threat. Rapidly attacking ghostly
54:32 creatures of unknown origin. Relying on
54:33 their previous experience, the
54:35 adventurers immediately used the holy
54:37 water against the rushing ghosts.
54:39 Confident in its effectiveness, the
54:41 sudden discovery shocked the group.
54:44 Behind the ghostly masks were skillfully
54:46 disguised orcs immune to the effects of
54:49 holy water. The tragic death of one of
54:50 their comrades revealed the bitter truth
54:52 to the commander. They were facing
54:55 hybrid creatures vulnerable only to
54:57 conventional weapons. Realizing the
54:59 hopelessness of the situation, the
55:01 adventurers fled and the orcs,
55:03 abandoning their masquerade, discarded
55:05 their elaborate costumes. Escaping
55:07 pursuit, the group found themselves in a
55:09 sinister labyrinth where even more
55:10 dangerous creatures of the underground
55:12 world could be lurking. Assessing the
55:14 serious condition of their wounded
55:16 comrade, the commander made the
55:17 difficult decision to leave him in a
55:19 relatively safe place while he was
55:21 unconscious. Moving forward, the
55:23 exhausted adventurers were taken by
55:25 surprise by treacherous traps, which
55:28 they barely managed to avoid. The loud
55:29 mechanism of the traps served as a
55:31 signal for a group of orcs who
55:33 immediately resumed their pursuit of the
55:35 hapless treasure hunters. The exhausting
55:37 escape drained the strength of some
55:39 members of the group. But the selfless
55:40 commander did not abandon her
55:42 demoralized comrades, helping them to
55:45 their feet. Reaching another turn, the
55:47 exhausted adventurers resorted to ice
55:48 magic to create a temporary barrier
55:50 between themselves and their pursuers.
55:52 Barely catching their breath, the group
55:54 was subjected to a surprise attack by
55:56 hidden skeleton archers, who rained a
55:58 deadly hail of arrows down upon them.
56:00 The resourceful mage of the group
56:02 swiftly dispelled the bone archers with
56:04 a powerful spell of continuous light.
56:05 However, during the spell, she
56:08 accidentally activated a clever trap.
56:10 The ceiling began to lower and water
56:11 gushed from the walls, carrying the
56:14 hapless seekers straight to the orcs.
56:15 When they came to after the unfortunate
56:17 incident, the surviving members of the
56:19 group were astonished to find themselves
56:21 at the coveted source of eternal life.
56:23 The fleeting joy of achieving their goal
56:26 was quickly replaced by horror. Before
56:28 them stood the fearsome guardian of the
56:30 spring, a mighty Minotaur. Realizing the
56:32 inevitability of defeat, the desperate
56:34 adventurer activated the life-saving
56:37 evacuation artifact, sparing no expense
56:39 to save his life. Despite the Minotaur's
56:41 overwhelming power, the timely
56:43 intervention of valiant knights saved
56:45 the last survivor, putting the monster
56:47 to flight. The noble defenders supported
56:49 the shaken adventurer, comforting him
56:50 with the news of the successful
56:53 discovery of the legendary source. With
56:55 renewed spirit, the adventurer filled a
56:56 large bottle with water glowing with
56:58 blue light, then hurried to leave the
57:01 sinister dungeon. In a remote corner of
57:03 the dungeon, the loyal Kura comforted
57:05 the distraught Minotaur, who had been
57:06 forced to take the knight's blows in
57:08 order to preserve their heroic image.
57:10 Once they reached the surface, the
57:12 exhausted travelers noticed three nuns
57:14 leisurely strolling near the entrance to
57:16 the dungeon. The pious virgins offered
57:18 the wounded adventurers healing in
57:20 exchange for signing a special contract.
57:22 The terms of the contract set the fee at
57:24 300 gold pieces for each person's
57:26 treatment, guaranteeing survival, but
57:28 removing responsibility for any side
57:30 effects. A special clause stipulated a
57:32 monthly increase of 50% of the debt in
57:35 case of delay and failure to pay meant
57:37 10 years of slavery to Duke Aaron.
57:39 Realizing the impossibility of paying
57:41 the required amount, the man hesitated,
57:44 but the insistent nuns hurried him,
57:45 pointing to the fading lives of his
57:48 companions. Seeing no other way out, the
57:50 unfortunate adventurer signed the
57:52 fateful contract with tears in his eyes,
57:54 condemning himself to many years of
57:56 servitude. The satisfied Duke accepted
57:58 an impressive chest of gold coins from
58:00 his adviser, rejoicing not only in his
58:02 wealth, but also in the acquisition of
58:04 useful slaves. The success of the
58:05 venture depended entirely on the
58:08 adviser's trust in the Duke's decisions,
58:09 for which the ruler felt sincere
58:11 gratitude, the wise old man looked with
58:13 amazement at the chest overflowing with
58:16 gold. Recognizing the unexpected wisdom
58:18 of his once frivolous master, having
58:20 assessed the profitability of the
58:22 enterprise, the far-sighted Duke decided
58:24 to monopolize the underground passages
58:26 and began exploring new territories.
58:28 Thanks to the impressive income from
58:30 this risky business, the Duke
58:31 significantly improved the standard of
58:33 living of the people in his lands. The
58:35 remaining funds were used to build a
58:37 city of adventurers, which after winter
58:39 construction work was proudly named
58:41 Atun. Looking down from a hill at his
58:43 new creation, the Duke acknowledged the
58:45 success of the construction, but keenly
58:47 felt the lack of population. His
58:49 agonizing thoughts about attracting new
58:51 residents came to no avail, for even
58:53 settling orcs in the city would cause
58:55 panic among the people. An unexpected
58:57 message delivered by a carrier pigeon
58:59 brought joyful news of the discovery of
59:01 a rich gold vein on the border between
59:02 the estates of the Counts of Gray and
59:05 Aman. Further exploration of the find
59:06 threatened to provoke a serious
59:08 territorial conflict between the
59:10 neighboring lands. However, this
59:11 prospect did not frighten the
59:14 enterprising ruler. He saw the situation
59:16 as an excellent opportunity to attract
59:18 new subjects. Upon hearing of these
59:20 plans, the alarmed Raml considered his
59:22 master a madman, ready to unleash a
59:24 territorial war. The unperturbed Aaron
59:27 explained his position. The goldbearing
59:29 lands had always belonged to him, and he
59:30 had no intention of accepting anyone
59:33 else's claims. The experienced Raml
59:35 tried to reason with his master,
59:36 reminding him of the long-standing
59:38 division of these territories between
59:40 the two counties. The determined Duke
59:42 was firmly resolved to restore
59:44 historical justice. Seeing the current
59:46 situation as an ideal opportunity, the
59:49 alarmed adviser pointed to the five-fold
59:51 numerical superiority of the combined
59:53 armies of the counties, predicting
59:55 inevitable defeat. For Aaron, this was a
59:58 matter of honor. Once loyal vassels of
60:00 the Duke had gradually broken away, ignoring his legitimate authority. The
60:02 ignoring his legitimate authority. The perceptive Cheryl shared the desire to
60:04 perceptive Cheryl shared the desire to defend honor, but feared attracting
60:06 defend honor, but feared attracting unwanted attention from the imperial
60:07 unwanted attention from the imperial court. The confident Duke reassured his
60:10 court. The confident Duke reassured his comrades, emphasizing the legitimacy of
60:12 comrades, emphasizing the legitimacy of his claims and the emperor's likely
60:14 his claims and the emperor's likely satisfaction with his possible defeat.
60:16 satisfaction with his possible defeat. Unexpectedly, the resolute old man Cain
60:19 Unexpectedly, the resolute old man Cain intervened in the discussion,
60:20 intervened in the discussion, imperiously ordering the troops to be
60:22 imperiously ordering the troops to be prepared to punish the insulent
60:23 prepared to punish the insulent usurpers. Surprised, Aaron quickly
60:26 usurpers. Surprised, Aaron quickly understood the true reason for Cain's
60:27 understood the true reason for Cain's fervor. The old adviser was eager to get
60:30 fervor. The old adviser was eager to get his hands on the rich gold mines to
60:31 his hands on the rich gold mines to replenish the treasury. In the midst of
60:33 replenish the treasury. In the midst of the discussion, the agitated knight
60:35 the discussion, the agitated knight Arthur arrived with an alarming report
60:37 Arthur arrived with an alarming report from intelligence about the
60:39 from intelligence about the concentration of troops of Counts Gray
60:40 concentration of troops of Counts Gray and Aean near the gold vein. Realizing
60:43 and Aean near the gold vein. Realizing the inevitability of a clash, the
60:45 the inevitability of a clash, the Resolute Duke ordered Raml to
60:47 Resolute Duke ordered Raml to immediately gather the nightly order for
60:49 immediately gather the nightly order for the upcoming battle. At the same time, a
60:51 the upcoming battle. At the same time, a fierce dispute broke out near the
60:53 fierce dispute broke out near the goldbearing lands between the counts,
60:55 goldbearing lands between the counts, who were unable to divide the rich find
60:57 who were unable to divide the rich find in the disputed territory. The tense
60:59 in the disputed territory. The tense atmosphere was heightened by the
61:00 atmosphere was heightened by the appearance of Duke Bran, who was
61:02 appearance of Duke Bran, who was approaching their camp, accompanied by
61:04 approaching their camp, accompanied by an impressive retinue. The powerful Duke
61:06 an impressive retinue. The powerful Duke immediately demanded that his lawful
61:08 immediately demanded that his lawful possessions be returned, citing imperial
61:10 possessions be returned, citing imperial laws on the rights to unexplored lands.
61:12 laws on the rights to unexplored lands. The indignant counts protested
61:14 The indignant counts protested vehemently, reminding him of their long
61:17 vehemently, reminding him of their long ownership of these lands and the
61:18 ownership of these lands and the unprecedented nature of such
61:20 unprecedented nature of such interference. Confident in his right,
61:22 interference. Confident in his right, the Duke reminded his rebellious vassels
61:24 the Duke reminded his rebellious vassels of their duty to obey the emperor's laws
61:26 of their duty to obey the emperor's laws and ordered his troops to prepare for
61:28 and ordered his troops to prepare for battle. The timely appearance of the
61:30 battle. The timely appearance of the wise kinos brought a constructive
61:32 wise kinos brought a constructive proposal to resolve the dispute in the
61:33 proposal to resolve the dispute in the traditional way through a fair war. The
61:36 traditional way through a fair war. The diplomatic adviser reminded them that
61:38 diplomatic adviser reminded them that the counts themselves had been preparing
61:40 the counts themselves had been preparing for military confrontation and therefore
61:42 for military confrontation and therefore should not object to such a solution.
61:44 should not object to such a solution. Aaron proposed that they join forces and
61:47 Aaron proposed that they join forces and in return the Duke would mobilize a
61:49 in return the Duke would mobilize a thousand men to fight against their
61:50 thousand men to fight against their 2,000 troops and if Aaron won they would
61:53 2,000 troops and if Aaron won they would give him their counties. The counts
61:55 give him their counties. The counts realizing that this was a tempting offer
61:57 realizing that this was a tempting offer and obviously an unfavorable battle
62:00 and obviously an unfavorable battle asked the Duke to give them a few
62:01 asked the Duke to give them a few minutes to consider the situation. After
62:04 minutes to consider the situation. After intense deliberation, the counts came to
62:06 intense deliberation, the counts came to a disappointing conclusion. According to
62:08 a disappointing conclusion. According to imperial law, the land did indeed belong
62:11 imperial law, the land did indeed belong to the Duke, and appealing to the
62:13 to the Duke, and appealing to the emperor would only confirm their
62:15 emperor would only confirm their wrongdoing. One of the counts proposed a
62:17 wrongdoing. One of the counts proposed a radical solution to eliminate the
62:19 radical solution to eliminate the troublesome Duke and divide all the
62:21 troublesome Duke and divide all the proceeds from the military campaign and
62:23 proceeds from the military campaign and the gold mines between themselves. The
62:26 the gold mines between themselves. The tempting prospect of seizing not only
62:28 tempting prospect of seizing not only the gold mines but also the silver
62:30 the gold mines but also the silver deposits seemed to both rulers to be an
62:32 deposits seemed to both rulers to be an excellent opportunity to enrich
62:34 excellent opportunity to enrich themselves. An adviser who had been
62:36 themselves. An adviser who had been closely observing the secret
62:37 closely observing the secret negotiations doubted that the counts
62:39 negotiations doubted that the counts would agree given their long hesitation
62:41 would agree given their long hesitation before the military conflict. However,
62:43 before the military conflict. However, the shrewd duke was absolutely certain
62:45 the shrewd duke was absolutely certain of their agreement. Knowing the
62:47 of their agreement. Knowing the insatiable greed of these rulers and
62:49 insatiable greed of these rulers and spreading rumors about the incredible
62:50 spreading rumors about the incredible size of the gold deposit, it later
62:53 size of the gold deposit, it later transpired that this tempting rumor had
62:55 transpired that this tempting rumor had been deliberately spread by the cunning
62:56 been deliberately spread by the cunning Aaron to provoke the counts into
62:58 Aaron to provoke the counts into military action. The Duke confessed to
63:00 military action. The Duke confessed to his stunned adviser that the real goal
63:02 his stunned adviser that the real goal was the territory of the counties and
63:04 was the territory of the counties and the mythical gold mine was merely a
63:06 the mythical gold mine was merely a legal pretext for declaring war. A month
63:09 legal pretext for declaring war. A month before this plan was devised,
63:11 before this plan was devised, intelligence reports indicated that
63:12 intelligence reports indicated that there were no disagreements between the
63:14 there were no disagreements between the counties, which meant that an artificial
63:16 counties, which meant that an artificial pretext had to be created. The hero
63:19 pretext had to be created. The hero recalled that in his previous life, the
63:21 recalled that in his previous life, the Earls had shown similar caution,
63:23 Earls had shown similar caution, avoiding military action, which prompted
63:25 avoiding military action, which prompted him to create a convincing pretext for
63:27 him to create a convincing pretext for conflict. A carefully thoughtout decree
63:29 conflict. A carefully thoughtout decree ordered the spread of rumors about the
63:31 ordered the spread of rumors about the discovery of a huge gold vein in the
63:33 discovery of a huge gold vein in the border territories of the counties of
63:34 border territories of the counties of Gray and Ammon. After lengthy
63:36 Gray and Ammon. After lengthy discussions, the counts accepted the
63:38 discussions, the counts accepted the Duke's terms while putting forward two
63:41 Duke's terms while putting forward two demands of their own for the upcoming
63:42 demands of their own for the upcoming battle. They insisted on choosing the
63:44 battle. They insisted on choosing the battlefield, leaving the date to the
63:46 battlefield, leaving the date to the Duke and demanded complete independence
63:48 Duke and demanded complete independence for the territories from the duche in
63:50 for the territories from the duche in the event of their victory. An important
63:52 the event of their victory. An important condition was that the signed agreement
63:54 condition was that the signed agreement had to be sent to the emperor for
63:55 had to be sent to the emperor for approval to give the future changes
63:57 approval to give the future changes legal force. Noticing Aaron's momentary
63:59 legal force. Noticing Aaron's momentary confusion at the mention of the emperor,
64:01 confusion at the mention of the emperor, the smug counts thought they had put the
64:03 the smug counts thought they had put the Duke in a bad spot. After a moment's
64:05 Duke in a bad spot. After a moment's thought, the Duke unexpectedly agreed to
64:08 thought, the Duke unexpectedly agreed to the terms, setting the date for battle
64:10 the terms, setting the date for battle in a month's time and sealing the
64:12 in a month's time and sealing the agreement with his signature. The
64:13 agreement with his signature. The triumphant counts were confident of
64:15 triumphant counts were confident of their victory over the short-sighted
64:17 their victory over the short-sighted Duke. Considering his signature on the
64:19 Duke. Considering his signature on the treaty equivalent to a voluntary
64:21 treaty equivalent to a voluntary transfer of land after the signing
64:23 transfer of land after the signing ceremony, the adviser expressed concern
64:25 ceremony, the adviser expressed concern that despite the events going according
64:27 that despite the events going according to the Duke's plans, the soldiers lack
64:29 to the Duke's plans, the soldiers lack of preparation could cause serious
64:30 of preparation could cause serious problems. The situation was complicated
64:33 problems. The situation was complicated by the limited size of the army, which
64:35 by the limited size of the army, which numbered only 500 men, and the need to
64:38 numbered only 500 men, and the need to act with extreme caution so as not to
64:39 act with extreme caution so as not to attract the emperor's attention.
64:41 attract the emperor's attention. Realizing that the orcs could not be
64:43 Realizing that the orcs could not be used in the upcoming battle, the
64:45 used in the upcoming battle, the far-sighted Duke instructed Kanos to
64:47 far-sighted Duke instructed Kanos to hire professional warriors. An
64:49 hire professional warriors. An additional complication was the need to
64:50 additional complication was the need to hide the absence of the gold mine from
64:52 hide the absence of the gold mine from the vigilant treasurer to prevent him
64:54 the vigilant treasurer to prevent him from interfering with the military
64:56 from interfering with the military plans. Remembering the despair of the
64:58 plans. Remembering the despair of the ruined Cain, the Duke believed in Kano's
65:00 ruined Cain, the Duke believed in Kano's sincerity and was confident in his
65:02 sincerity and was confident in his ability to deal with any problems that
65:04 ability to deal with any problems that might arise if Cheryl successfully
65:06 might arise if Cheryl successfully completed her task. As they approached
65:08 completed her task. As they approached the castle, the detachment witnessed an
65:10 the castle, the detachment witnessed an unpleasant scene. Guards were roughly
65:12 unpleasant scene. Guards were roughly chasing away a wounded elf girl who was
65:15 chasing away a wounded elf girl who was desperately begging for an audience with
65:16 desperately begging for an audience with the Duke. The exhausted girl begged to
65:19 the Duke. The exhausted girl begged to be allowed to meet with the ruler of
65:20 be allowed to meet with the ruler of these lands to discuss an extremely
65:22 these lands to discuss an extremely important matter. When Aaron appeared
65:24 important matter. When Aaron appeared with his knights, the elf immediately
65:26 with his knights, the elf immediately fell to her knees, introducing herself
65:28 fell to her knees, introducing herself as Kayla, heir to the leader of the
65:30 as Kayla, heir to the leader of the forest people and begged for help. The
65:32 forest people and begged for help. The Duke expressed his bewilderment at the
65:34 Duke expressed his bewilderment at the audacity of her request. Remembering the
65:36 audacity of her request. Remembering the brutal attacks of her tribe on the
65:38 brutal attacks of her tribe on the peaceful inhabitants of his lands. He
65:41 peaceful inhabitants of his lands. He remembered well the northern lands of
65:42 remembered well the northern lands of Bran, where proud forest elves lived
65:44 Bran, where proud forest elves lived near the dragon's nest, always seeking
65:46 near the dragon's nest, always seeking isolation from other races. Their
65:48 isolation from other races. Their settlement was a separate world with a
65:50 settlement was a separate world with a unique ecosystem. But their overly
65:52 unique ecosystem. But their overly aggressive methods of self-defense
65:54 aggressive methods of self-defense prevented peaceful coexistence with
65:56 prevented peaceful coexistence with humans. Through her tears, Kaisha told
65:58 humans. Through her tears, Kaisha told of the siege of their village by an
66:00 of the siege of their village by an invincible horde of undead. Offering a
66:02 invincible horde of undead. Offering a vow of eternal friendship between elves
66:04 vow of eternal friendship between elves and humans in exchange for help. The
66:07 and humans in exchange for help. The strategically minded Aaron instantly
66:09 strategically minded Aaron instantly recognized the opportunity to form a
66:11 recognized the opportunity to form a profitable alliance that would allow him
66:12 profitable alliance that would allow him to establish control over the elves and
66:14 to establish control over the elves and destroy the undead. The calculating elf
66:17 destroy the undead. The calculating elf further offered to hand over the
66:18 further offered to hand over the accumulated reserves of human gold as
66:20 accumulated reserves of human gold as payment for their help. The Duke made a
66:22 payment for their help. The Duke made a counter demand that the elven lands be
66:24 counter demand that the elven lands be incorporated into the duche of Bran,
66:27 incorporated into the duche of Bran, forcing the indecisive Kaisha to make a
66:29 forcing the indecisive Kaisha to make a fateful choice. The weight of
66:30 fateful choice. The weight of responsibility for the future of her
66:32 responsibility for the future of her entire people clearly weighed heavily on
66:34 entire people clearly weighed heavily on the young elf, causing her agonizing
66:36 the young elf, causing her agonizing doubts. When the Duke demonstratively
66:38 doubts. When the Duke demonstratively turned to leave, the desperate Quesa
66:40 turned to leave, the desperate Quesa hastily agreed to all the terms, which
66:43 hastily agreed to all the terms, which was entirely in line with Aaron's plans.
66:45 was entirely in line with Aaron's plans. At the general assembly, the elf
66:47 At the general assembly, the elf revealed the horrific details of the
66:49 revealed the horrific details of the death knight's attack, which struck
66:50 death knight's attack, which struck terror even into the hearts of seasoned
66:52 terror even into the hearts of seasoned warriors. According to her, in addition
66:55 warriors. According to her, in addition to the usual undead, the army was
66:57 to the usual undead, the army was commanded by a powerful death knight,
66:59 commanded by a powerful death knight, leading thousands of skeletons and
67:01 leading thousands of skeletons and bloodthirsty ghouls. Analyzing the
67:03 bloodthirsty ghouls. Analyzing the situation, Aaron concluded that such an
67:05 situation, Aaron concluded that such an attack could have been organized either
67:06 attack could have been organized either by a demon or a powerful necromancer,
67:09 by a demon or a powerful necromancer, requiring immediate action. The Duke
67:11 requiring immediate action. The Duke immediately ordered the full
67:12 immediately ordered the full mobilization of the army within 3 hours.
67:15 mobilization of the army within 3 hours. Instructing Raml to raise the nightly
67:17 Instructing Raml to raise the nightly order and summon the priestesses led by
67:19 order and summon the priestesses led by Bianca. He himself, accompanied by
67:21 Bianca. He himself, accompanied by Kanos, set off for the Orc outpost.
67:23 Kanos, set off for the Orc outpost. Realizing the critical importance of
67:25 Realizing the critical importance of time in rescuing potential subjects, in
67:28 time in rescuing potential subjects, in the northern part of the dark forest, an
67:30 the northern part of the dark forest, an elf druid was using her last ounce of
67:32 elf druid was using her last ounce of strength to maintain a protective spell,
67:34 strength to maintain a protective spell, holding back hordes of skeletons with
67:36 holding back hordes of skeletons with the power of the earth and plants. The
67:38 the power of the earth and plants. The remaining defenders of the village
67:39 remaining defenders of the village fought desperately, using bows and
67:41 fought desperately, using bows and arrows and ice magic against the endless
67:43 arrows and ice magic against the endless waves of undead. Although such tactics
67:46 waves of undead. Although such tactics might have been effective against
67:47 might have been effective against ordinary skeletons, the powerful death
67:49 ordinary skeletons, the powerful death knight easily dispelled the elven
67:51 knight easily dispelled the elven spells. Despite the efforts of the elf,
67:53 spells. Despite the efforts of the elf, who used natural magic, the endless
67:55 who used natural magic, the endless stream of skeletons did not diminish,
67:58 stream of skeletons did not diminish, constantly replenished by new warriors.
68:00 constantly replenished by new warriors. Realizing the necessity of using fire
68:02 Realizing the necessity of using fire magic, which was forbidden to elves, the
68:04 magic, which was forbidden to elves, the leader of the settlement bitterly begged
68:06 leader of the settlement bitterly begged nature for forgiveness for the forced
68:08 nature for forgiveness for the forced violation of ancient laws. Even as the
68:10 violation of ancient laws. Even as the flames destroyed the skeletons, the
68:12 flames destroyed the skeletons, the death knight sent new waves of ghouls
68:14 death knight sent new waves of ghouls capable of passing through walls and
68:16 capable of passing through walls and continuing the attack. At the critical
68:18 continuing the attack. At the critical moment when defeat seemed inevitable, a
68:21 moment when defeat seemed inevitable, a sudden magical rain fell on the undead
68:22 sudden magical rain fell on the undead army, destroying their bodies. Stunned,
68:25 army, destroying their bodies. Stunned, the death knights saw a majestic dragon
68:27 the death knights saw a majestic dragon in the sky, which became the source of
68:29 in the sky, which became the source of unexpected salvation. It turned out that
68:32 unexpected salvation. It turned out that the dragons were equipped with a special
68:33 the dragons were equipped with a special holy water spraying system developed by
68:35 holy water spraying system developed by the nuns to instantly destroy any
68:37 the nuns to instantly destroy any undead. The Duke, commanding the
68:39 undead. The Duke, commanding the knights, advanced along the cleared path
68:41 knights, advanced along the cleared path toward the village walls to ensure the
68:43 toward the village walls to ensure the protection of the elves. Enraged by his
68:45 protection of the elves. Enraged by his defeat, the Knight of Death began a new
68:47 defeat, the Knight of Death began a new ritual, summoning the fallen undead to
68:50 ritual, summoning the fallen undead to rise and continue the battle. The risen
68:52 rise and continue the battle. The risen ghouls rushed toward Bianca's holy
68:54 ghouls rushed toward Bianca's holy knights, threatening to break through
68:55 knights, threatening to break through their defenses. The defenders managed to
68:57 their defenses. The defenders managed to reach the walls of the elven village and
68:59 reach the walls of the elven village and form a shield wall, offering prayers to
69:02 form a shield wall, offering prayers to the goddess for strength. A golden glow
69:04 the goddess for strength. A golden glow and a holy aura strengthened by their
69:06 and a holy aura strengthened by their prayers created an impenetrable barrier
69:09 prayers created an impenetrable barrier that repelled any attempt by the undead
69:11 that repelled any attempt by the undead to approach. Raml, armed with a
69:13 to approach. Raml, armed with a consecrated blade in holy water. In a
69:15 consecrated blade in holy water. In a decisive battle, first cut off the death
69:17 decisive battle, first cut off the death knight's arm and then beheaded his
69:19 knight's arm and then beheaded his powerful opponent. Demoralized by the
69:22 powerful opponent. Demoralized by the death of their leader, the undead
69:23 death of their leader, the undead retreated in fear. But Raml, seizing the
69:26 retreated in fear. But Raml, seizing the moment, ordered the knights to launch a
69:28 moment, ordered the knights to launch a decisive attack. The observant Duke,
69:30 decisive attack. The observant Duke, noting the successful halt of the undead
69:32 noting the successful halt of the undead advance, sensed that the real battle was
69:34 advance, sensed that the real battle was yet to come. The adviser revealed the
69:36 yet to come. The adviser revealed the truth. The defeated knight of death was
69:39 truth. The defeated knight of death was only upon, and for final victory, it was
69:42 only upon, and for final victory, it was necessary to find and destroy the true
69:44 necessary to find and destroy the true enemy, a necromancer or a demon. Soon,
69:48 enemy, a necromancer or a demon. Soon, Cecilia, who had been searching for the
69:49 Cecilia, who had been searching for the main enemy, reported that she had
69:51 main enemy, reported that she had discovered his location in the far
69:53 discovered his location in the far reaches of the dark forest. Among the
69:55 reaches of the dark forest. Among the mountain peaks, a bright purple glow of
69:57 mountain peaks, a bright purple glow of demonic energy was clearly visible,
69:59 demonic energy was clearly visible, indicating the presence of a powerful
70:01 indicating the presence of a powerful creature. At the top of the mountain sat
70:03 creature. At the top of the mountain sat a sheevil. Annoyed by the quick defeat
70:05 a sheevil. Annoyed by the quick defeat of her knight and the need to personally
70:07 of her knight and the need to personally command the army of the undead. Finding
70:09 command the army of the undead. Finding herself in a hopeless situation, she
70:11 herself in a hopeless situation, she began to recite an ancient death spell,
70:14 began to recite an ancient death spell, seeking to gain its destructive power.
70:16 seeking to gain its destructive power. At the critical moment when the deadly
70:18 At the critical moment when the deadly spell was almost complete, the swift
70:20 spell was almost complete, the swift Aaron managed to deliver a precise blow,
70:23 Aaron managed to deliver a precise blow, knocking the devilis unconscious. When
70:25 knocking the devilis unconscious. When she came too, the demonist felt the cold
70:27 she came too, the demonist felt the cold blade of the Duke's sword at her throat,
70:29 blade of the Duke's sword at her throat, ready to punish her for her audacious
70:31 ready to punish her for her audacious attack on his subjects. Underestimating
70:33 attack on his subjects. Underestimating her opponent, the demonist launched a
70:35 her opponent, the demonist launched a desperate attack. Unaware that the Duke,
70:37 desperate attack. Unaware that the Duke, endowed with divine and dragon power,
70:39 endowed with divine and dragon power, would easily neutralize her blow. Moving
70:42 would easily neutralize her blow. Moving in close, Aaron inflicted a serious
70:44 in close, Aaron inflicted a serious wound on her, but spared her life.
70:46 wound on her, but spared her life. Offering her a choice between death and
70:48 Offering her a choice between death and loyal service. Stunned, the devilis
70:50 loyal service. Stunned, the devilis pressed her hand to her wounded heart
70:52 pressed her hand to her wounded heart and watched in amazement as her magical
70:54 and watched in amazement as her magical energy rapidly drained away from a
70:56 energy rapidly drained away from a single sword blow. Realizing the power
70:58 single sword blow. Realizing the power of her enemy, she placed a magical seal
71:00 of her enemy, she placed a magical seal of allegiance on his blade, solemnly
71:02 of allegiance on his blade, solemnly swearing to serve him faithfully. After
71:04 swearing to serve him faithfully. After completing the oath ritual, Elena
71:06 completing the oath ritual, Elena immediately recalled her army of undead,
71:08 immediately recalled her army of undead, granting long-awaited salvation to the
71:10 granting long-awaited salvation to the tormented elves. At the end of the
71:12 tormented elves. At the end of the battle, the Duke approached his knights
71:14 battle, the Duke approached his knights on horseback, accompanied by a
71:16 on horseback, accompanied by a mysterious stranger. Explaining the
71:18 mysterious stranger. Explaining the situation to his adviser, he skillfully
71:20 situation to his adviser, he skillfully lied about the devil's escape,
71:22 lied about the devil's escape, confidently declaring her future
71:24 confidently declaring her future harmlessness. The perceptive Cecilia
71:26 harmlessness. The perceptive Cecilia immediately noticed her master's strange
71:28 immediately noticed her master's strange companion. And although there was no
71:30 companion. And although there was no demonic aura, waves of dark power
71:32 demonic aura, waves of dark power emanated from the girl. The pious nun
71:35 emanated from the girl. The pious nun was determined to cleanse the unknown
71:36 was determined to cleanse the unknown woman's defiled soul of vice and evil.
71:39 woman's defiled soul of vice and evil. However, the Duke resolutely stood up
71:41 However, the Duke resolutely stood up for Elena, promising to provide Cecilia
71:43 for Elena, promising to provide Cecilia with a full explanation later and asking
71:46 with a full explanation later and asking her to trust his decision. Half an hour
71:48 her to trust his decision. Half an hour earlier, after concluding a magical
71:50 earlier, after concluding a magical contract, Aaron had pulled his sword
71:52 contract, Aaron had pulled his sword from the demoness's chest, allowing her
71:54 from the demoness's chest, allowing her wounds to heal. His unexpected order to
71:56 wounds to heal. His unexpected order to take the undead away rather than destroy
71:58 take the undead away rather than destroy her confused Elena. But the Duke had a
72:00 her confused Elena. But the Duke had a logical explanation. He shared his plans
72:03 logical explanation. He shared his plans to use the undead army as a labor force
72:05 to use the undead army as a labor force for his future endeavors. The freed
72:07 for his future endeavors. The freed elves came out to greet their savior,
72:09 elves came out to greet their savior, expressing their sincere gratitude for
72:10 expressing their sincere gratitude for his timely help in the unequal battle.
72:12 his timely help in the unequal battle. The Duke discreetly reminded them of
72:14 The Duke discreetly reminded them of their contractual obligations, and the
72:16 their contractual obligations, and the elven leader confirmed her willingness
72:18 elven leader confirmed her willingness to fulfill her part of the agreement.
72:20 to fulfill her part of the agreement. Presenting an official document
72:21 Presenting an official document declaring the elves as his subjects. The
72:24 declaring the elves as his subjects. The Duke caused obvious shock among the
72:25 Duke caused obvious shock among the elven rulers. Kaisha hastened to explain
72:28 elven rulers. Kaisha hastened to explain to her mother the necessity of signing
72:29 to her mother the necessity of signing the treaty, which had become the only
72:31 the treaty, which had become the only way to obtain the help of the humans.
72:33 way to obtain the help of the humans. Recognizing that there was no other
72:35 Recognizing that there was no other option, the elven leader knelt before
72:37 option, the elven leader knelt before Aaron and swore allegiance on behalf of
72:39 Aaron and swore allegiance on behalf of her entire people. Thanks to this
72:41 her entire people. Thanks to this victory, the Duke gained 1,500 new
72:44 victory, the Duke gained 1,500 new subjects from among the surviving elves
72:46 subjects from among the surviving elves for his developing city. Upon arriving
72:48 for his developing city. Upon arriving at their destination, the elves were
72:50 at their destination, the elves were struck by the unfamiliar emptiness of
72:52 struck by the unfamiliar emptiness of their surroundings. Aaron explained that
72:54 their surroundings. Aaron explained that the city of adventurers was just
72:56 the city of adventurers was just beginning its existence and needed
72:57 beginning its existence and needed workers while guaranteeing the elves
73:00 workers while guaranteeing the elves autonomy and the opportunity to manage
73:02 autonomy and the opportunity to manage their own affairs. The elves were
73:04 their own affairs. The elves were concerned about the meager food supplies
73:05 concerned about the meager food supplies which were likely to run out in a few
73:07 which were likely to run out in a few days, especially considering the
73:09 days, especially considering the presence of children. The Duke offered
73:10 presence of children. The Duke offered an ambiguous deal, agreeing to provide a
73:13 an ambiguous deal, agreeing to provide a thousand elves with a month's worth of
73:14 thousand elves with a month's worth of food. The elven leader was concerned
73:17 food. The elven leader was concerned about the fate of the remaining 500 of
73:19 about the fate of the remaining 500 of her people who were left without food
73:21 her people who were left without food supplies. The Duke revealed his plan for
73:23 supplies. The Duke revealed his plan for these warriors, demanding that they be
73:25 these warriors, demanding that they be sent to his castle for special
73:26 sent to his castle for special assignments. The puzzled elf tried to
73:28 assignments. The puzzled elf tried to figure out the true motives of the
73:30 figure out the true motives of the ruler, whose offer seemed strangely
73:32 ruler, whose offer seemed strangely advantageous for both sides. With a
73:34 advantageous for both sides. With a mysterious smile, the Duke simply asked
73:36 mysterious smile, the Duke simply asked her to fulfill the terms of the
73:38 her to fulfill the terms of the agreement without further explanation.
73:40 agreement without further explanation. Meanwhile, in the Imperial Palace, the
73:42 Meanwhile, in the Imperial Palace, the carefree ruler was enjoying a game of
73:44 carefree ruler was enjoying a game of chess with the invited champion of the
73:45 chess with the invited champion of the lands. The emperor suspected that his
73:47 lands. The emperor suspected that his opponent was deliberately holding back
73:49 opponent was deliberately holding back his skills, allowing him to win. The
73:51 his skills, allowing him to win. The unexpected appearance of an adviser with
73:53 unexpected appearance of an adviser with a reminder of an important meeting of
73:55 a reminder of an important meeting of vassals interrupted the exciting game.
73:57 vassals interrupted the exciting game. The monarch was clearly displeased at
73:59 The monarch was clearly displeased at having to interrupt his pleasant pastime
74:01 having to interrupt his pleasant pastime for official duties. It turned out that
74:03 for official duties. It turned out that the urgent matter concerned a request
74:05 the urgent matter concerned a request from the counties of Gray and Ammon for
74:07 from the counties of Gray and Ammon for approval of a territorial war. At first,
74:10 approval of a territorial war. At first, the emperor reacted to the situation
74:12 the emperor reacted to the situation with his usual calm, knowing about the
74:14 with his usual calm, knowing about the frequent disputes between the Earls.
74:16 frequent disputes between the Earls. However, the situation took an
74:17 However, the situation took an unexpected turn. The counts were
74:20 unexpected turn. The counts were planning to unite against Duke Aaron.
74:22 planning to unite against Duke Aaron. The news of the planned uprising against
74:24 The news of the planned uprising against his nephew caused the emperor sincere
74:26 his nephew caused the emperor sincere surprise and required immediate
74:28 surprise and required immediate investigation. The ruler was puzzled as
74:30 investigation. The ruler was puzzled as to how Aaron had managed to anger the
74:32 to how Aaron had managed to anger the local counts so much, as if deliberately
74:34 local counts so much, as if deliberately bringing trouble upon himself. At an
74:36 bringing trouble upon himself. At an emergency meeting, the emperor and his
74:38 emergency meeting, the emperor and his vassals began discussing the alarming
74:40 vassals began discussing the alarming rumors of a brewing conflict. After
74:42 rumors of a brewing conflict. After exchanging meaningful glances with Duke
74:44 exchanging meaningful glances with Duke Gran, the emperor received the expected
74:46 Gran, the emperor received the expected confirmation of the legitimacy of
74:47 confirmation of the legitimacy of Aaron's claim to the gold vein. However,
74:50 Aaron's claim to the gold vein. However, Duke Ryan, Aaron's loyal friend, opposed
74:52 Duke Ryan, Aaron's loyal friend, opposed this, predicting catastrophic
74:54 this, predicting catastrophic consequences for his comrades lands.
74:56 consequences for his comrades lands. Gran reminded everyone of the
74:58 Gran reminded everyone of the immutability of Imperial law and the
75:00 immutability of Imperial law and the right of the strongest. hinting at the
75:02 right of the strongest. hinting at the contradiction between Ryan's position
75:04 contradiction between Ryan's position and the established order. Ryan, torn by
75:07 and the established order. Ryan, torn by inner conflict, recalled the oath he had
75:09 inner conflict, recalled the oath he had given to the former emperor to protect
75:10 given to the former emperor to protect his heirs. The emperor, understanding
75:13 his heirs. The emperor, understanding Ryan's feelings, nevertheless decided in
75:15 Ryan's feelings, nevertheless decided in favor of upholding imperial law. Having
75:17 favor of upholding imperial law. Having approved the territorial war, he ordered
75:20 approved the territorial war, he ordered the necessary documents to be prepared
75:21 the necessary documents to be prepared for official registration. After the
75:23 for official registration. After the meeting, the emperor privately summoned
75:25 meeting, the emperor privately summoned Gran and ironically inquired about his
75:28 Gran and ironically inquired about his ability to read minds. The reason for
75:30 ability to read minds. The reason for this interest was the surprising
75:31 this interest was the surprising coincidence between the Duke's thoughts
75:33 coincidence between the Duke's thoughts and the emperor's own thoughts during
75:35 and the emperor's own thoughts during the discussion of the conflict. The
75:36 the discussion of the conflict. The monarch noted the impressive insight of
75:38 monarch noted the impressive insight of his newly appointed adviser whose
75:40 his newly appointed adviser whose judgments perfectly matched his own. The
75:42 judgments perfectly matched his own. The ruler expressed sincere satisfaction at
75:44 ruler expressed sincere satisfaction at having such a perceptive, like-minded
75:46 having such a perceptive, like-minded person in his entourage. The flattered
75:48 person in his entourage. The flattered duke modestly remarked that he was
75:50 duke modestly remarked that he was simply following the logic of the law,
75:52 simply following the logic of the law, anticipating the emperor's actions. The
75:54 anticipating the emperor's actions. The emperor asked Gran for his opinion on
75:56 emperor asked Gran for his opinion on the likely outcome of the upcoming
75:57 the likely outcome of the upcoming military conflict. The Duke confidently
76:00 military conflict. The Duke confidently predicted Aaron's defeat based on the
76:02 predicted Aaron's defeat based on the obvious numerical superiority of the
76:04 obvious numerical superiority of the combined forces of the counties.
76:06 combined forces of the counties. However, the emperor was troubled by a
76:08 However, the emperor was troubled by a vague uneasiness over his nephew's
76:10 vague uneasiness over his nephew's inexplicable confidence in a clearly
76:12 inexplicable confidence in a clearly losing situation. Gran hastened to
76:14 losing situation. Gran hastened to reassure the monarch, informing him of
76:16 reassure the monarch, informing him of his order to his vassel to immediately
76:18 his order to his vassel to immediately demand payment of an old debt from Count
76:20 demand payment of an old debt from Count Gray. The confident adviser guaranteed
76:22 Gray. The confident adviser guaranteed the support of 30 experienced mercenary
76:24 the support of 30 experienced mercenary mages, promising to uphold the law and
76:26 mages, promising to uphold the law and maintain complete secrecy throughout the
76:28 maintain complete secrecy throughout the operation. The emperor's thoughts were
76:30 operation. The emperor's thoughts were so accurately read that he was finally
76:33 so accurately read that he was finally convinced of Gran's psychic abilities.
76:35 convinced of Gran's psychic abilities. The emperor's sinister laughter
76:36 The emperor's sinister laughter accompanied his thoughts about using
76:38 accompanied his thoughts about using magicians against his own nephew.
76:40 magicians against his own nephew. Meanwhile, Cheryl, in the Imperial
76:42 Meanwhile, Cheryl, in the Imperial capital, indulged in shopping, buying
76:44 capital, indulged in shopping, buying exquisite jewelry and dresses. After
76:47 exquisite jewelry and dresses. After finishing her main purchases, the girl
76:49 finishing her main purchases, the girl decided to prolong the pleasure of
76:50 decided to prolong the pleasure of spending money, which helped her cope
76:52 spending money, which helped her cope with the accumulated tension.
76:54 with the accumulated tension. Intuitively sensing that she was being
76:56 Intuitively sensing that she was being followed, Cheryl decided to carry out
76:58 followed, Cheryl decided to carry out her brother's instructions and put an
77:00 her brother's instructions and put an end to her entertainment. Heading into
77:02 end to her entertainment. Heading into the dark alleys, she deliberately
77:03 the dark alleys, she deliberately created the illusion of easy prey for
77:05 created the illusion of easy prey for her pursuers. The cunning gangsters had
77:08 her pursuers. The cunning gangsters had no idea that they had fallen into a
77:09 no idea that they had fallen into a cleverly set trap where the girl could
77:11 cleverly set trap where the girl could use her magic unhindered. An excessively
77:14 use her magic unhindered. An excessively powerful spell attracted the attention
77:16 powerful spell attracted the attention not only of her targets, but also of
77:17 not only of her targets, but also of random passers by on the main street.
77:20 random passers by on the main street. Unperturbed, Cheryl grabbed the wounded
77:22 Unperturbed, Cheryl grabbed the wounded leader and demanded information about
77:24 leader and demanded information about the location of the underground casino.
77:26 the location of the underground casino. Shocked by the display of power, the
77:28 Shocked by the display of power, the criminals hurriedly led the powerful
77:30 criminals hurriedly led the powerful sorceress to an inconspicuous old
77:32 sorceress to an inconspicuous old castle. Behind the unassuming facade lay
77:34 castle. Behind the unassuming facade lay a lavishly decorated underground casino
77:36 a lavishly decorated underground casino hall. A quick look around the room
77:38 hall. A quick look around the room showed that the local crowd was placing
77:40 showed that the local crowd was placing exceptionally large bets, even by
77:42 exceptionally large bets, even by capital city standards. Of particular
77:44 capital city standards. Of particular interest was an information board
77:46 interest was an information board covering the main event, the war in the
77:48 covering the main event, the war in the lands of Bran, which was taking bets on
77:51 lands of Bran, which was taking bets on the victory of the Duke or the Alliance
77:53 the victory of the Duke or the Alliance of Counts. The appearance of the casino
77:55 of Counts. The appearance of the casino owner, a representative of an elite
77:57 owner, a representative of an elite group involved in monetizing Imperial
77:59 group involved in monetizing Imperial events, was accompanied by general
78:01 events, was accompanied by general excitement. The owner's solemn speech
78:03 excitement. The owner's solemn speech was interrupted by an ill-mannered
78:05 was interrupted by an ill-mannered visitor, demanding that Betts be taken
78:07 visitor, demanding that Betts be taken faster and insulting the dwarf. The
78:09 faster and insulting the dwarf. The manager immediately ordered the guards
78:11 manager immediately ordered the guards to remove the rude man and forbid him
78:13 to remove the rude man and forbid him further access to the establishment.
78:15 further access to the establishment. After restoring order, the host
78:17 After restoring order, the host gallantly explained his actions as
78:19 gallantly explained his actions as concern for the precious time of the
78:20 concern for the precious time of the noble audience. The casino regulars
78:22 noble audience. The casino regulars enthusiastically welcomed Lumpy,
78:25 enthusiastically welcomed Lumpy, expressing their sincere approval of his
78:27 expressing their sincere approval of his actions. The announcement of the start
78:28 actions. The announcement of the start of betting on the outcome of the war
78:30 of betting on the outcome of the war sparked a flurry of offers ranging from
78:32 sparked a flurry of offers ranging from 100 to 100,000 gold coins. All eyes were
78:36 100 to 100,000 gold coins. All eyes were drawn to a mysterious girl who bet 3
78:38 drawn to a mysterious girl who bet 3 million on the victory of Duke Aaron.
78:40 million on the victory of Duke Aaron. Concerned, Lumpy reminded everyone of
78:42 Concerned, Lumpy reminded everyone of the rules of immediate payment, doubting
78:44 the rules of immediate payment, doubting the stranger's ability to pay.
78:46 the stranger's ability to pay. Unperturbed, Cheryl elegantly parried,
78:48 Unperturbed, Cheryl elegantly parried, hinting at the obvious wealth of a
78:49 hinting at the obvious wealth of a visitor to such an elite establishment.
78:52 visitor to such an elite establishment. The contract presented by one of the
78:53 The contract presented by one of the three largest trading groups in the
78:55 three largest trading groups in the empire instantly dispelled all doubts on
78:57 empire instantly dispelled all doubts on the owner's part. Having concluded the
78:59 the owner's part. Having concluded the deal, the girl teleported home where her
79:02 deal, the girl teleported home where her worried older brother was waiting for
79:03 worried older brother was waiting for her. Concerned about the importance of
79:05 her. Concerned about the importance of the mission, Aaron eagerly asked about
79:07 the mission, Aaron eagerly asked about the results of the bet. Satisfied,
79:10 the results of the bet. Satisfied, Cheryl confirmed the successful
79:11 Cheryl confirmed the successful completion of the plan and asked about
79:13 completion of the plan and asked about the conversation with Cain regarding the
79:15 the conversation with Cain regarding the pledge of land to the trading group. The
79:17 pledge of land to the trading group. The Duke admitted that he had not yet
79:19 Duke admitted that he had not yet discussed this delicate matter. being
79:21 discussed this delicate matter. being busy settling his new subjects. A sly
79:24 busy settling his new subjects. A sly smile accompanied his remark that it
79:26 smile accompanied his remark that it would be easier to ask Cain for
79:27 would be easier to ask Cain for forgiveness than for his prior
79:28 forgiveness than for his prior permission. The news of the absence of a
79:31 permission. The news of the absence of a gold vein and the pledge of land plunged
79:33 gold vein and the pledge of land plunged Cain into a state of horror. Upon
79:35 Cain into a state of horror. Upon learning of the 3 million gold coin
79:37 learning of the 3 million gold coin pledge, the gay-haired adviser burst
79:39 pledge, the gay-haired adviser burst into tears, remembering the promise he
79:41 into tears, remembering the promise he had made to the former emperor, which
79:43 had made to the former emperor, which had proved impossible to fulfill due to
79:45 had proved impossible to fulfill due to the actions of his young lord. The young
79:47 the actions of his young lord. The young Duke's attempts to explain the existence
79:49 Duke's attempts to explain the existence of a carefully thoughtout plan were met
79:51 of a carefully thoughtout plan were met with Cain's categorical refusal to even
79:53 with Cain's categorical refusal to even listen to his reckless master. The
79:55 listen to his reckless master. The gay-haired adviser was absolutely
79:57 gay-haired adviser was absolutely certain that the only plan of his
79:59 certain that the only plan of his reckless ward was to die in gloriously
80:01 reckless ward was to die in gloriously in debt on a tiny piece of land.
80:03 in debt on a tiny piece of land. Realizing the impossibility of
80:04 Realizing the impossibility of constructive dialogue under the current
80:06 constructive dialogue under the current circumstances, Aaron insisted that Cain
80:09 circumstances, Aaron insisted that Cain accompany him personally to demonstrate
80:11 accompany him personally to demonstrate all aspects of the strategy in detail.
80:13 all aspects of the strategy in detail. Through a magical portal created by
80:15 Through a magical portal created by Cheryl, the Duke impressively
80:17 Cheryl, the Duke impressively demonstrated his incredible power,
80:20 demonstrated his incredible power, destroying a massive mountain with a
80:21 destroying a massive mountain with a single blow to convince the old adviser
80:23 single blow to convince the old adviser of the inevitability of victory. The
80:25 of the inevitability of victory. The only condition Aaron put forward in
80:27 only condition Aaron put forward in exchange for demonstrating his
80:28 exchange for demonstrating his supernatural abilities was unconditional
80:31 supernatural abilities was unconditional trust in his future strategic decisions.
80:33 trust in his future strategic decisions. Shocked by the display of power, the old
80:36 Shocked by the display of power, the old man immediately offered to turn to the
80:37 man immediately offered to turn to the Moria group for the necessary financing
80:40 Moria group for the necessary financing through the banking system. A few days
80:42 through the banking system. A few days later, the ambitious head of the Moria
80:44 later, the ambitious head of the Moria group arrived in the duche and surveying
80:46 group arrived in the duche and surveying the estates already imagined these lands
80:49 the estates already imagined these lands as his future property. Despite his
80:51 as his future property. Despite his aristocratic origins, the current owner
80:54 aristocratic origins, the current owner of the Moria trade association has been
80:56 of the Moria trade association has been guided by the infamous principle of
80:57 guided by the infamous principle of blood money in all his business
80:59 blood money in all his business dealings. The impressive fortune of the
81:01 dealings. The impressive fortune of the Moria family was built up over many
81:03 Moria family was built up over many generations through skillful management
81:05 generations through skillful management of land projects and strategic trade
81:07 of land projects and strategic trade exchanges. 30 years ago, Aaron's fateful
81:10 exchanges. 30 years ago, Aaron's fateful decree prohibiting the free sale of land
81:12 decree prohibiting the free sale of land led to the collapse of the once powerful
81:13 led to the collapse of the once powerful duche of Moria. Demonstrating incredible
81:16 duche of Moria. Demonstrating incredible resilience, the head of the family
81:18 resilience, the head of the family established a thriving illegal lending
81:20 established a thriving illegal lending business in the capital, catering
81:21 business in the capital, catering primarily to small entrepreneurs.
81:23 primarily to small entrepreneurs. Sinister rumors circulated among the
81:25 Sinister rumors circulated among the people that the appearance of Mariah
81:27 people that the appearance of Mariah money was invariably accompanied by
81:29 money was invariably accompanied by bloodshed, as the head of the family did
81:31 bloodshed, as the head of the family did not shy away from radical methods of
81:32 not shy away from radical methods of increasing his capital. Thanks to its
81:34 increasing his capital. Thanks to its ruthless business strategy, the Moria
81:37 ruthless business strategy, the Moria Trading Group managed to become one of
81:38 Trading Group managed to become one of the three largest financial
81:40 the three largest financial organizations on the continent,
81:42 organizations on the continent, demonstrating impressive growth in
81:44 demonstrating impressive growth in influence. Moria's assistant astutely
81:46 influence. Moria's assistant astutely noted that the inability to directly
81:48 noted that the inability to directly acquire land was offset by the Duke's
81:50 acquire land was offset by the Duke's inevitable insolveny, which would allow
81:52 inevitable insolveny, which would allow them to obtain territory in exchange for
81:55 them to obtain territory in exchange for debts. Moria, anticipating sweet
81:57 debts. Moria, anticipating sweet revenge, intended to teach the foolish
81:59 revenge, intended to teach the foolish son of his sworn enemy a harsh lesson in
82:01 son of his sworn enemy a harsh lesson in financial literacy, vividly
82:03 financial literacy, vividly demonstrating the sinister reputation of
82:05 demonstrating the sinister reputation of the bloody coin. The creditors were
82:07 the bloody coin. The creditors were surprised by Aaron's sincere joy, who
82:09 surprised by Aaron's sincere joy, who greeted the guests with exaggerated
82:11 greeted the guests with exaggerated cordiality and inquired about the
82:13 cordiality and inquired about the details of their journey. The
82:14 details of their journey. The experienced businessman kept the
82:16 experienced businessman kept the conversation light, eloquently
82:18 conversation light, eloquently discussing his willingness to go to the
82:20 discussing his willingness to go to the ends of the earth to provide financial
82:21 ends of the earth to provide financial assistance to clients in need. The
82:23 assistance to clients in need. The perceptive hero instantly recognized in
82:26 perceptive hero instantly recognized in his interlocutor a man who passionately
82:28 his interlocutor a man who passionately desired the fall of the duche. But the
82:30 desired the fall of the duche. But the current circumstances left no choice but
82:32 current circumstances left no choice but to cooperate. The anxious Cain was
82:34 to cooperate. The anxious Cain was present at the important meeting and
82:36 present at the important meeting and took it upon himself to briefly outline
82:38 took it upon himself to briefly outline to those gathered the reasons that had
82:40 to those gathered the reasons that had prompted his master to organize this
82:42 prompted his master to organize this meeting. The self- assured Moria
82:44 meeting. The self- assured Moria initially believed that the meeting had
82:46 initially believed that the meeting had been called to review the terms of a 3
82:48 been called to review the terms of a 3 million gold coin loan intended for
82:49 million gold coin loan intended for risky bets in an underground casino. An
82:52 risky bets in an underground casino. An unexpected turn of events came when the
82:54 unexpected turn of events came when the Duke announced that the purpose of his
82:55 Duke announced that the purpose of his visit was entirely different. He
82:57 visit was entirely different. He intended to obtain an additional loan of
82:59 intended to obtain an additional loan of 2 million gold coins. The experienced
83:01 2 million gold coins. The experienced financier categorically opposed such a
83:04 financier categorically opposed such a deal, fearing the loss of influential
83:06 deal, fearing the loss of influential clients due to the direct involvement of
83:08 clients due to the direct involvement of the merchant guild in military conflicts
83:10 the merchant guild in military conflicts between the nobility. The far-sighted
83:12 between the nobility. The far-sighted Duke hastened to allay his fears,
83:14 Duke hastened to allay his fears, emphasizing that the funds were not
83:15 emphasizing that the funds were not intended for hiring additional troops
83:17 intended for hiring additional troops and that only his army would take part
83:19 and that only his army would take part in the battle. Aaron explained the need
83:21 in the battle. Aaron explained the need for the loan by his desire to invest in
83:23 for the loan by his desire to invest in the development of the territories in
83:25 the development of the territories in advance, counting on a manifold increase
83:27 advance, counting on a manifold increase in profits after the inevitable victory.
83:29 in profits after the inevitable victory. Carefully analyzing the situation, Moria
83:32 Carefully analyzing the situation, Moria understood that he was in a win-win
83:34 understood that he was in a win-win situation. If the Duke was defeated, all
83:36 situation. If the Duke was defeated, all the lands would inevitably fall under
83:38 the lands would inevitably fall under the control of the merchant guild. The
83:40 the control of the merchant guild. The financeier was particularly intrigued by
83:42 financeier was particularly intrigued by the young duke's inexplicable confidence
83:44 the young duke's inexplicable confidence in a favorable outcome, as if all
83:46 in a favorable outcome, as if all circumstances were under his complete
83:48 circumstances were under his complete control. After much deliberation, Moria
83:51 control. After much deliberation, Moria agreed to provide an additional 2
83:52 agreed to provide an additional 2 million on condition that the funds were
83:54 million on condition that the funds were used for the development of the
83:55 used for the development of the territories as documented. Outraged,
83:59 territories as documented. Outraged, Cain strongly opposed taking out a new
84:01 Cain strongly opposed taking out a new loan, rightly fearing that defeat in the
84:03 loan, rightly fearing that defeat in the war would leave the treasury completely
84:04 war would leave the treasury completely empty without a single coin. Observing
84:07 empty without a single coin. Observing the emotional discussion between the
84:08 the emotional discussion between the Duke and his adviser, the shrewd Moria
84:11 Duke and his adviser, the shrewd Moria realized that there might not be a
84:12 realized that there might not be a better opportunity to finally plunge his
84:14 better opportunity to finally plunge his enemy into debt, the cunning financier
84:17 enemy into debt, the cunning financier proposed an interest-free loan,
84:18 proposed an interest-free loan, ostentatiously expressing his confidence
84:21 ostentatiously expressing his confidence in victory to the Duke in order to make
84:22 in victory to the Duke in order to make the fateful decision as easy as
84:24 the fateful decision as easy as possible. The obvious lie had a single
84:27 possible. The obvious lie had a single purpose, to remove any remaining doubts
84:29 purpose, to remove any remaining doubts about the advisability of the loan, and
84:31 about the advisability of the loan, and both sides, understanding the true
84:33 both sides, understanding the true motives, accepted the proposed terms.
84:36 motives, accepted the proposed terms. Later, Moria confessed to his assistant
84:38 Later, Moria confessed to his assistant that only a madman would bet on the
84:40 that only a madman would bet on the Duke's victory, and that his generous
84:42 Duke's victory, and that his generous offer was merely intended to strengthen
84:44 offer was merely intended to strengthen their relationship of trust. The
84:46 their relationship of trust. The assistant sincerely admired Moria's
84:47 assistant sincerely admired Moria's lightning fast reaction, considering it
84:50 lightning fast reaction, considering it a brilliant confirmation of his
84:51 a brilliant confirmation of his outstanding intellectual abilities and
84:53 outstanding intellectual abilities and business acumen. Casting a last glance
84:55 business acumen. Casting a last glance at the majestic castle, Moria smiled
84:58 at the majestic castle, Moria smiled maliciously, imagining how the Duke
85:00 maliciously, imagining how the Duke naively counted him among his trusted
85:02 naively counted him among his trusted allies. Watching unnoticed from the
85:04 allies. Watching unnoticed from the window, the Duke and Cain were impressed
85:06 window, the Duke and Cain were impressed by each other's acting skills. Having
85:08 by each other's acting skills. Having managed to flawlessly play out their
85:10 managed to flawlessly play out their planned performance in front of an
85:12 planned performance in front of an experienced financeier. Moria's
85:14 experienced financeier. Moria's exceptional generosity in offering an
85:16 exceptional generosity in offering an interest-free loan made a strong
85:18 interest-free loan made a strong impression on the Duke, who considered
85:19 impression on the Duke, who considered it the best possible outcome of the
85:21 it the best possible outcome of the difficult negotiations. The highly
85:23 difficult negotiations. The highly experienced Cain explained that his
85:25 experienced Cain explained that his behavior was not a game. Years of
85:27 behavior was not a game. Years of observation had taught him to accurately
85:29 observation had taught him to accurately predict the actions of people like
85:30 predict the actions of people like Moria, who were ready to resort to any
85:32 Moria, who were ready to resort to any trick for their own gain. With the
85:34 trick for their own gain. With the decisive battle only 20 days away, the
85:37 decisive battle only 20 days away, the tireless Raml devoted all his time to
85:39 tireless Raml devoted all his time to intensively preparing the elven warriors
85:41 intensively preparing the elven warriors for the upcoming battle. Arriving at the
85:43 for the upcoming battle. Arriving at the training ground, Aaron was alarmed to
85:45 training ground, Aaron was alarmed to discover that the real situation was
85:47 discover that the real situation was much worse than expected. Even their
85:50 much worse than expected. Even their natural gifts were not helping the elves
85:52 natural gifts were not helping the elves master the necessary skills. The
85:54 master the necessary skills. The prospect of the elf troops being swiftly
85:56 prospect of the elf troops being swiftly destroyed by the enemy cavalry before
85:58 destroyed by the enemy cavalry before the archers could even fire their first
86:00 the archers could even fire their first shot was caused for grave concern in
86:02 shot was caused for grave concern in search of reasons for the unsatisfactory
86:04 search of reasons for the unsatisfactory training. The Duke even began to doubt
86:06 training. The Duke even began to doubt Cain's integrity regarding the timely
86:08 Cain's integrity regarding the timely provision of the promised food supplies
86:10 provision of the promised food supplies to the elves. Insulted by the
86:12 to the elves. Insulted by the suspicions, the old treasurer
86:14 suspicions, the old treasurer immediately entered into a fierce
86:16 immediately entered into a fierce argument, indignantly proving his
86:18 argument, indignantly proving his innocence in the combat training
86:19 innocence in the combat training problems. The timely intervention of the
86:21 problems. The timely intervention of the level-headed Kanos prevented further
86:23 level-headed Kanos prevented further escalation of the conflict, pointing out
86:25 escalation of the conflict, pointing out the real problem, the insufficient range
86:28 the real problem, the insufficient range of the elven weapons. Careful
86:30 of the elven weapons. Careful measurements showed that the maximum
86:31 measurements showed that the maximum range of the available bows did not
86:33 range of the available bows did not exceed 100 m, while the actual combat
86:36 exceed 100 m, while the actual combat distance was at least 200. Realizing the
86:39 distance was at least 200. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Aaron was
86:41 gravity of the situation, Aaron was deeply troubled. The upcoming battle in
86:43 deeply troubled. The upcoming battle in open terrain required urgent changes to
86:45 open terrain required urgent changes to the army's weaponry in the remaining 20
86:47 the army's weaponry in the remaining 20 days. Additional complications were
86:49 days. Additional complications were created by the close attention of the
86:51 created by the close attention of the entire empire to the upcoming battle,
86:53 entire empire to the upcoming battle, which ruled out the possibility of the
86:55 which ruled out the possibility of the Duke using his supernatural abilities. A
86:58 Duke using his supernatural abilities. A perceptive adviser recommended that the
86:59 perceptive adviser recommended that the Duke refrain from personal participation
87:01 Duke refrain from personal participation in the battle, emphasizing the need to
87:04 in the battle, emphasizing the need to prepare Lady Cheryl to control the
87:05 prepare Lady Cheryl to control the numerous variables of battle. Competent
87:08 numerous variables of battle. Competent management of combat factors would allow
87:10 management of combat factors would allow for a fair clash between armies of equal
87:12 for a fair clash between armies of equal strength, numbering a thousand warriors
87:14 strength, numbering a thousand warriors on each side. Kanos emphasized the
87:17 on each side. Kanos emphasized the critical importance of eliminating
87:18 critical importance of eliminating uncertainty regarding the range of fire.
87:21 uncertainty regarding the range of fire. Considering this factor an unacceptable
87:23 Considering this factor an unacceptable variable capable of deciding the outcome
87:25 variable capable of deciding the outcome of the entire battle. The creation of
87:27 of the entire battle. The creation of improved bows required not only rare
87:29 improved bows required not only rare materials of exceptional quality, but
87:31 materials of exceptional quality, but also the services of experienced
87:33 also the services of experienced armorers capable of meeting extremely
87:35 armorers capable of meeting extremely tight deadlines. The Duke's agonizing
87:37 tight deadlines. The Duke's agonizing thoughts about the impossibility of
87:39 thoughts about the impossibility of securing the necessary resources and
87:40 securing the necessary resources and craftsmen to produce the weapons in the
87:42 craftsmen to produce the weapons in the remaining 3 weeks were interrupted by
87:44 remaining 3 weeks were interrupted by the confident voice of his adviser. The
87:47 the confident voice of his adviser. The Resolute Kanos guaranteed to provide
87:49 Resolute Kanos guaranteed to provide everything necessary, including a
87:50 everything necessary, including a talented weaponsmith and rare materials,
87:53 talented weaponsmith and rare materials, requesting only 3 days to complete the
87:55 requesting only 3 days to complete the task. The warning about the unusual
87:57 task. The warning about the unusual nature of the blacksmith, whose inhuman
87:59 nature of the blacksmith, whose inhuman essence only emphasized his exceptional
88:01 essence only emphasized his exceptional skill, made the Duke seriously consider
88:03 skill, made the Duke seriously consider the offer. When night fell, the mighty
88:06 the offer. When night fell, the mighty Kynos assumed his true dragon form and
88:08 Kynos assumed his true dragon form and flew to the northern lands of Bran,
88:10 flew to the northern lands of Bran, where an ancient dragon's nest was
88:12 where an ancient dragon's nest was located. The appearance of the noble
88:14 located. The appearance of the noble dragon caused immediate excitement among
88:16 dragon caused immediate excitement among the little gnomes living in the nest,
88:18 the little gnomes living in the nest, who hurried to greet their long- awaited
88:20 who hurried to greet their long- awaited master. A helpful dwarf immediately
88:22 master. A helpful dwarf immediately presented the ordered crystal, but a
88:24 presented the ordered crystal, but a careful inspection revealed unacceptable
88:26 careful inspection revealed unacceptable poor workmanship, causing the dragon's
88:28 poor workmanship, causing the dragon's obvious displeasure. A harsh reprimand
88:31 obvious displeasure. A harsh reprimand for not paying enough attention to the
88:32 for not paying enough attention to the time it takes to make perfect crystals
88:35 time it takes to make perfect crystals made the unlucky craftsman tremble with
88:37 made the unlucky craftsman tremble with fear. The frightened craftsman begged
88:39 fear. The frightened craftsman begged for mercy, prostrating himself before
88:41 for mercy, prostrating himself before the angry ruler, who coldly rejected the
88:43 the angry ruler, who coldly rejected the poor quality items as unworthy of his
88:45 poor quality items as unworthy of his attention. Putting aside his examination
88:47 attention. Putting aside his examination of the crystals, the dragon demanded the
88:49 of the crystals, the dragon demanded the immediate appearance of the chief
88:51 immediate appearance of the chief blacksmith, forbidding him to hide
88:52 blacksmith, forbidding him to hide behind his fellow craftsman. From the
88:54 behind his fellow craftsman. From the crowd of gnomes, the tiny Keshi timidly
88:57 crowd of gnomes, the tiny Keshi timidly stepped forward, and the mighty dragon
88:58 stepped forward, and the mighty dragon immediately ordered her to take a seat
89:00 immediately ordered her to take a seat on his broad back. After a 10-hour
89:02 on his broad back. After a 10-hour flight, they reached the mysterious
89:04 flight, they reached the mysterious labyrinth of the Minotaur, where,
89:06 labyrinth of the Minotaur, where, according to the dragon's calculations,
89:08 according to the dragon's calculations, the materials needed to fulfill the
89:09 the materials needed to fulfill the Duke's order were located. Upon
89:11 Duke's order were located. Upon encountering the first Minotaurs, Kano
89:14 encountering the first Minotaurs, Kano swiftly incinerated them with his
89:15 swiftly incinerated them with his dragon's breath, then ordered Keshi to
89:18 dragon's breath, then ordered Keshi to begin gathering the valuable materials.
89:20 begin gathering the valuable materials. Exactly 3 days later, a triumphant Kanos
89:23 Exactly 3 days later, a triumphant Kanos arrived at the castle, presenting the
89:24 arrived at the castle, presenting the unique resources he had obtained with
89:26 unique resources he had obtained with such difficulty for the production of
89:28 such difficulty for the production of weapons. The Duke looked at the
89:30 weapons. The Duke looked at the impressive horns with undisguised
89:31 impressive horns with undisguised surprise, not understanding their
89:33 surprise, not understanding their purpose in the production of weapons so
89:35 purpose in the production of weapons so necessary for the elves. The patient
89:37 necessary for the elves. The patient dragon explained the advantages of using
89:39 dragon explained the advantages of using horns to create elastic bows with
89:41 horns to create elastic bows with increased range, noting their only
89:43 increased range, noting their only drawback, their vulnerability to
89:45 drawback, their vulnerability to moisture. Carefully examining the
89:47 moisture. Carefully examining the unusual horns, the perceptive Duke
89:49 unusual horns, the perceptive Duke expressed reasonable doubts that they
89:51 expressed reasonable doubts that they belong to ordinary bulls, which were not
89:53 belong to ordinary bulls, which were not characteristic of the local fauna.
89:55 characteristic of the local fauna. Embarrassed, the dragon hastily offered
89:57 Embarrassed, the dragon hastily offered a flimsy explanation that he had
89:59 a flimsy explanation that he had acquired the horns from a traveling
90:01 acquired the horns from a traveling merchant who was supposedly trying to
90:02 merchant who was supposedly trying to get rid of his unusual merchandise.
90:05 get rid of his unusual merchandise. Continuing to examine the suspiciously
90:06 Continuing to examine the suspiciously large horns, the Duke suddenly shifted
90:09 large horns, the Duke suddenly shifted his attention to the silent dwarf girl,
90:11 his attention to the silent dwarf girl, a legendary blacksmith recommended by
90:13 a legendary blacksmith recommended by Kanos. The resolute Kishi finally left
90:16 Kanos. The resolute Kishi finally left her place and unceremoniously asked if
90:18 her place and unceremoniously asked if the mere mortal was prepared to repay
90:20 the mere mortal was prepared to repay her for her help with loyal service. The
90:22 her for her help with loyal service. The warlike dwarf expressed sincere
90:24 warlike dwarf expressed sincere indignation at the audacity of a man who
90:26 indignation at the audacity of a man who dared to speak so arrogantly to the
90:28 dared to speak so arrogantly to the powerful Lord Kanos. After a serious
90:30 powerful Lord Kanos. After a serious educational conversation, the
90:32 educational conversation, the embarrassed Kanos once again introduced
90:34 embarrassed Kanos once again introduced the young craftswoman to the Duke,
90:36 the young craftswoman to the Duke, offering sincere apologies for the
90:38 offering sincere apologies for the dwarf's lack of familiarity with human
90:40 dwarf's lack of familiarity with human etiquette. The imperturbable Duke took
90:42 etiquette. The imperturbable Duke took the situation with philosophical calm,
90:44 the situation with philosophical calm, acknowledging that Kesh's non-human
90:46 acknowledging that Kesh's non-human origins were irrelevant as long as she
90:48 origins were irrelevant as long as she demonstrated her unmatched skill. As a
90:51 demonstrated her unmatched skill. As a sign of respect for the art of the dwarf
90:53 sign of respect for the art of the dwarf master, Aaron knelt on one knee,
90:55 master, Aaron knelt on one knee, solemnly swearing allegiance on behalf
90:57 solemnly swearing allegiance on behalf of the Duke of these lands and asking
90:58 of the Duke of these lands and asking for her invaluable help in return. With
91:01 for her invaluable help in return. With the decisive battle less than two weeks
91:02 the decisive battle less than two weeks away, production of the new weapons
91:04 away, production of the new weapons began under the strict supervision of
91:06 began under the strict supervision of the demanding Keshi in a specially
91:08 the demanding Keshi in a specially equipped forge. The perfectionism of the
91:10 equipped forge. The perfectionism of the dwarf master combined with the growing
91:13 dwarf master combined with the growing fatigue of the human workers inevitably
91:15 fatigue of the human workers inevitably led to regular conflicts in the process
91:17 led to regular conflicts in the process of creating perfect bows. Aaron's wise
91:20 of creating perfect bows. Aaron's wise explanatory talks helped to streamline
91:22 explanatory talks helped to streamline the production process when each worker
91:23 the production process when each worker realized the importance of their
91:25 realized the importance of their contribution to the achievement of the
91:26 contribution to the achievement of the common great goal. Despite initial
91:29 common great goal. Despite initial disagreements and numerous technical
91:30 disagreements and numerous technical difficulties, coordinated work allowed
91:32 difficulties, coordinated work allowed for efficient production to be
91:34 for efficient production to be established in record time. 3 days
91:36 established in record time. 3 days before the start of hostilities, a
91:38 before the start of hostilities, a worried adviser was walking across the
91:40 worried adviser was walking across the future battlefield, thinking about how
91:41 future battlefield, thinking about how hard it would be to win without the help
91:43 hard it would be to win without the help of the Lord and Lady. An unexpected fall
91:46 of the Lord and Lady. An unexpected fall into the mud gave the resourceful dragon
91:48 into the mud gave the resourceful dragon a brilliant idea that could radically
91:50 a brilliant idea that could radically change the outcome of the upcoming
91:51 change the outcome of the upcoming battle in their favor. Encouraged by his
91:54 battle in their favor. Encouraged by his sudden inspiration, Kynos hurried to the
91:56 sudden inspiration, Kynos hurried to the palace to find Kishi, who was exhausted
91:58 palace to find Kishi, who was exhausted from endless work and could barely stand
92:00 from endless work and could barely stand on her feet. The half- asleep girl
92:02 on her feet. The half- asleep girl incoherently begged for mercy, which
92:04 incoherently begged for mercy, which only increased the dragon's irritation,
92:06 only increased the dragon's irritation, demanding that she immediately gather
92:08 demanding that she immediately gather her equipment and follow him on urgent
92:10 her equipment and follow him on urgent business. With the long- awaited day of
92:12 business. With the long- awaited day of battle at hand, the powerful counts
92:13 battle at hand, the powerful counts lined up their impressive armies in
92:15 lined up their impressive armies in battle formation, preparing for the
92:17 battle formation, preparing for the decisive battle for power and wealth. In
92:19 decisive battle for power and wealth. In their luxurious command tents, the self-
92:22 their luxurious command tents, the self- assured counts discussed their bets on
92:23 assured counts discussed their bets on their own victory with undisguised
92:25 their own victory with undisguised pleasure, anticipating not only the
92:27 pleasure, anticipating not only the seizure of land, but also substantial
92:29 seizure of land, but also substantial profits. Their bets amounted to half a
92:31 profits. Their bets amounted to half a million gold pieces each, although they
92:33 million gold pieces each, although they wanted to risk more. But fear of
92:35 wanted to risk more. But fear of borrowing from the notorious Mariah kept
92:37 borrowing from the notorious Mariah kept them from excessive recklessness. The
92:39 them from excessive recklessness. The ambitious counts looked forward to how
92:42 ambitious counts looked forward to how after their inevitable victory, even
92:44 after their inevitable victory, even influential financiers like Maria would
92:46 influential financiers like Maria would fawn over the owners of the legendary
92:48 fawn over the owners of the legendary gold mine. The count's growing anxiety
92:50 gold mine. The count's growing anxiety was caused by the absence of the Duke
92:52 was caused by the absence of the Duke and his army at the appointed time,
92:54 and his army at the appointed time, which they presumptuously interpreted as
92:56 which they presumptuously interpreted as a sign that he realized the hopelessness
92:58 a sign that he realized the hopelessness of his situation. The unexpected
93:00 of his situation. The unexpected appearance of Aaron at the head of an
93:02 appearance of Aaron at the head of an army reinforced with impressive siege
93:04 army reinforced with impressive siege towers forced the self-confident counts
93:06 towers forced the self-confident counts to change their initial opinion of their
93:08 to change their initial opinion of their enemy. In the center of the field, the
93:10 enemy. In the center of the field, the emperor's official representative
93:11 emperor's official representative appeared responsible for announcing the
93:14 appeared responsible for announcing the latest orders and ensuring compliance
93:16 latest orders and ensuring compliance with the rules of the upcoming battle.
93:18 with the rules of the upcoming battle. Representatives of the opposing sides
93:19 Representatives of the opposing sides solemnly made their way to the center of
93:21 solemnly made their way to the center of the field for the official announcement
93:23 the field for the official announcement of the terms of the impending
93:24 of the terms of the impending territorial conflict. When they met, the
93:27 territorial conflict. When they met, the hottie counts could not resist mocking
93:28 hottie counts could not resist mocking the Duke's wooden towers,
93:30 the Duke's wooden towers, contemptuously, calling them useless
93:32 contemptuously, calling them useless junk cluttering the battlefield. The
93:34 junk cluttering the battlefield. The Duke calmly responded to the count's
93:36 Duke calmly responded to the count's insult with a witty remark that it was
93:38 insult with a witty remark that it was surprising to see such attentiveness in
93:39 surprising to see such attentiveness in a man who could barely see over his own
93:41 a man who could barely see over his own bulk. According to the rules of the
93:43 bulk. According to the rules of the tournament, if the Duke won, he would
93:45 tournament, if the Duke won, he would receive all the lands and the gold mine
93:47 receive all the lands and the gold mine of the counts. And if he was defeated,
93:49 of the counts. And if he was defeated, he would have to surrender his
93:50 he would have to surrender his territories to his enemies. After all
93:53 territories to his enemies. After all participants confirmed the rules of
93:54 participants confirmed the rules of battle, the marshall sent each warrior
93:56 battle, the marshall sent each warrior to their designated position to prepare
93:58 to their designated position to prepare for the decisive battle for the lands.
94:01 for the decisive battle for the lands. Before leaving, the wise Aaron advised
94:03 Before leaving, the wise Aaron advised the counts to watch their heads
94:04 the counts to watch their heads carefully during the battle, leaving
94:06 carefully during the battle, leaving them to ponder the meaning of these
94:07 them to ponder the meaning of these mysterious words. The great battle began
94:10 mysterious words. The great battle began with the launch of a magical glowing
94:11 with the launch of a magical glowing ball, which flew high into the sky and
94:13 ball, which flew high into the sky and burst into bright sparks over the field
94:15 burst into bright sparks over the field where the warriors had gathered. A
94:17 where the warriors had gathered. A thousand of Aaron's loyal soldiers
94:19 thousand of Aaron's loyal soldiers entered into an unequal battle against
94:21 entered into an unequal battle against the count's 2,000 troops, beginning a
94:23 the count's 2,000 troops, beginning a historic battle for power over the rich
94:25 historic battle for power over the rich lands. Upon learning of the presence of
94:27 lands. Upon learning of the presence of an imperial spy among the judges of the
94:29 an imperial spy among the judges of the battle, the Duke ordered Raml to
94:31 battle, the Duke ordered Raml to strictly follow the plan without hoping
94:32 strictly follow the plan without hoping for help from his friends. The archers
94:34 for help from his friends. The archers obeyed their commander's order and fired
94:36 obeyed their commander's order and fired a first test shot from their old bows,
94:39 a first test shot from their old bows, which, as expected, did no harm to the
94:41 which, as expected, did no harm to the enemy positions. The counts openly
94:43 enemy positions. The counts openly laughed at the apparent foolishness of
94:45 laughed at the apparent foolishness of the Duke, who had decided to oppose
94:47 the Duke, who had decided to oppose their huge army with such small forces
94:49 their huge army with such small forces and weak weapons. Confident of victory,
94:51 and weak weapons. Confident of victory, the count promised each of his knights
94:53 the count promised each of his knights an additional reward of 5,000 gold coins
94:55 an additional reward of 5,000 gold coins for a quick victory in the upcoming
94:57 for a quick victory in the upcoming battle. Encouraged by the promise of a
94:59 battle. Encouraged by the promise of a rich reward, the count's soldiers
95:01 rich reward, the count's soldiers immediately threw down their heavy
95:02 immediately threw down their heavy shields and prepared for a swift attack
95:04 shields and prepared for a swift attack on the enemy positions. Waiting for the
95:06 on the enemy positions. Waiting for the right moment, the experienced Raml
95:08 right moment, the experienced Raml ordered his archers to get new,
95:10 ordered his archers to get new, specially prepared bows for the main
95:12 specially prepared bows for the main attack. After the first volley from the
95:14 attack. After the first volley from the new weapons, the enemies realized they
95:16 new weapons, the enemies realized they had fallen into a trap. But their
95:18 had fallen into a trap. But their stubborn commander continued to demand
95:19 stubborn commander continued to demand that his soldiers maintain their battle
95:21 that his soldiers maintain their battle formation. The time had come to use the
95:23 formation. The time had come to use the siege towers, and the knights on them
95:25 siege towers, and the knights on them activated complex mechanisms for a
95:27 activated complex mechanisms for a decisive attack on the enemy positions.
95:29 decisive attack on the enemy positions. At the most crucial moment of the
95:31 At the most crucial moment of the battle, a huge metal net fell on the
95:33 battle, a huge metal net fell on the attacking horsemen, which was impossible
95:35 attacking horsemen, which was impossible to tear apart with bare hands or cut
95:37 to tear apart with bare hands or cut with swords. While the trapped horsemen
95:39 with swords. While the trapped horsemen tried to escape from the net, Raml led
95:41 tried to escape from the net, Raml led his archers into convenient positions
95:43 his archers into convenient positions for accurate shooting at the helpless
95:45 for accurate shooting at the helpless enemies. Watching the enemy soldiers
95:47 enemies. Watching the enemy soldiers die, the wise Raml sadly noted that his
95:49 die, the wise Raml sadly noted that his opponents had not heeded the Duke's
95:51 opponents had not heeded the Duke's advice to keep their heads in battle.
95:53 advice to keep their heads in battle. After the terrible defeat, a loud
95:55 After the terrible defeat, a loud quarrel broke out between the counts,
95:57 quarrel broke out between the counts, during which one of them demanded an
95:59 during which one of them demanded an explanation as to who had given the
96:00 explanation as to who had given the order to drop their protective shields.
96:02 order to drop their protective shields. The counts were forced to send infantry
96:04 The counts were forced to send infantry to help the trapped horsemen who were
96:06 to help the trapped horsemen who were under constant fire from enemy archers.
96:08 under constant fire from enemy archers. Quickly assessing the situation, the
96:10 Quickly assessing the situation, the brave Raml jumped onto his horse and
96:12 brave Raml jumped onto his horse and ordered the knights to destroy the
96:13 ordered the knights to destroy the approaching reinforcements before they
96:15 approaching reinforcements before they reached the towers. The experienced
96:17 reached the towers. The experienced count had anticipated this turn of
96:19 count had anticipated this turn of events and immediately ordered his
96:20 events and immediately ordered his archers to concentrate all their forces
96:22 archers to concentrate all their forces on destroying the enemy cavalry. The
96:24 on destroying the enemy cavalry. The brave Bianca led the warriors into
96:26 brave Bianca led the warriors into battle, calling on divine blessings to
96:28 battle, calling on divine blessings to protect her squad in the decisive battle
96:30 protect her squad in the decisive battle against the superior enemy forces. A
96:33 against the superior enemy forces. A bright sacred light enveloped all the
96:35 bright sacred light enveloped all the horsemen, creating an invisible shield
96:37 horsemen, creating an invisible shield that completely protected them from
96:38 that completely protected them from enemy arrows during the swift attack.
96:41 enemy arrows during the swift attack. From a safe distance, Aaron and his
96:43 From a safe distance, Aaron and his adviser watched with satisfaction as the
96:45 adviser watched with satisfaction as the carefully planned battle strategy was
96:46 carefully planned battle strategy was successfully carried out. The frightened
96:48 successfully carried out. The frightened counts gave the order to immediately
96:50 counts gave the order to immediately attack with infantry from both flanks,
96:52 attack with infantry from both flanks, directing a huge army against the
96:54 directing a huge army against the cavalry protected by divine light. Raml
96:57 cavalry protected by divine light. Raml quickly divided his forces into two
96:58 quickly divided his forces into two groups. One group of knights followed
97:00 groups. One group of knights followed him into battle while the other remained
97:02 him into battle while the other remained behind to destroy the remaining enemies.
97:05 behind to destroy the remaining enemies. The well-trained horsemen on their
97:06 The well-trained horsemen on their armored horses completely routed the
97:08 armored horses completely routed the enemy infantry without losing a single
97:10 enemy infantry without losing a single warrior from their ranks. In
97:12 warrior from their ranks. In desperation, the counts turned to their
97:14 desperation, the counts turned to their last trump card, a squad of mercenary
97:16 last trump card, a squad of mercenary wizards, begging them to change the tide
97:18 wizards, begging them to change the tide of battle at any cost. The powerful
97:20 of battle at any cost. The powerful mages simultaneously raised their magic
97:22 mages simultaneously raised their magic staffs to the sky and began to recite
97:25 staffs to the sky and began to recite complex spells to create deadly magical
97:27 complex spells to create deadly magical attacks. The sudden magical attack took
97:29 attacks. The sudden magical attack took the cavalry by surprise, and even the
97:31 the cavalry by surprise, and even the experienced Raml barely managed to
97:33 experienced Raml barely managed to defend himself against a powerful spell
97:35 defend himself against a powerful spell aimed directly at him. The commander's
97:37 aimed directly at him. The commander's order to retreat was too late. The
97:39 order to retreat was too late. The cavalry was surrounded by enemy
97:41 cavalry was surrounded by enemy infantry, ready to completely destroy
97:43 infantry, ready to completely destroy the enemy. Seeing the dangerous position
97:45 the enemy. Seeing the dangerous position of his best commander, Raml, the Duke
97:47 of his best commander, Raml, the Duke immediately sent the infantry to help
97:49 immediately sent the infantry to help the elite warriors surrounded in the
97:51 the elite warriors surrounded in the center of the battle. Quickly assessing
97:52 center of the battle. Quickly assessing the situation, Aaron ordered Kanos to
97:55 the situation, Aaron ordered Kanos to deal with the enemy mages while he
97:57 deal with the enemy mages while he himself went to rescue his loyal
97:58 himself went to rescue his loyal commander from the dangerous trap. A
98:00 commander from the dangerous trap. A concerned adviser expressed doubts about
98:02 concerned adviser expressed doubts about the wisdom of the Duke's personal
98:04 the wisdom of the Duke's personal involvement in the battle because of the
98:05 involvement in the battle because of the spy. But for Aaron, saving Raml was more
98:08 spy. But for Aaron, saving Raml was more important. After the Duke's departure,
98:10 important. After the Duke's departure, the clever Kinos ordered the archers to
98:12 the clever Kinos ordered the archers to prepare the preset catapults for a
98:14 prepare the preset catapults for a powerful attack on the enemy positions.
98:16 powerful attack on the enemy positions. A barrage of projectiles from the
98:18 A barrage of projectiles from the catapults destroyed hundreds of enemy
98:20 catapults destroyed hundreds of enemy soldiers. But the mages successfully
98:22 soldiers. But the mages successfully stopped the flying stones, destroying
98:24 stopped the flying stones, destroying them with powerful spells. The
98:26 them with powerful spells. The self-confident count believed that the
98:28 self-confident count believed that the Duke would no longer be able to devise
98:30 Duke would no longer be able to devise effective ways to attack his strong
98:31 effective ways to attack his strong magical defenses on the battlefield.
98:33 magical defenses on the battlefield. Wanting to consolidate his advantage,
98:35 Wanting to consolidate his advantage, the powerful count ordered the mages to
98:37 the powerful count ordered the mages to focus on destroying the enemy catapults
98:39 focus on destroying the enemy catapults to ensure a free magical attack. The
98:42 to ensure a free magical attack. The mages tried to warn the count that they
98:43 mages tried to warn the count that they needed time to prepare such a powerful
98:45 needed time to prepare such a powerful spell, but he insisted on immediate
98:47 spell, but he insisted on immediate execution. The observant Kanos noted
98:49 execution. The observant Kanos noted with contempt the greed of the counts,
98:52 with contempt the greed of the counts, who even with twice as many soldiers,
98:54 who even with twice as many soldiers, still hired expensive mages to ensure
98:56 still hired expensive mages to ensure victory. The situation turned out to be
98:58 victory. The situation turned out to be much more complicated than the wise
99:00 much more complicated than the wise dragon had anticipated, especially after
99:02 dragon had anticipated, especially after the Duke's unexpected decision to
99:04 the Duke's unexpected decision to participate in the dangerous battle
99:06 participate in the dangerous battle himself. The adviser's experienced eye
99:08 himself. The adviser's experienced eye noticed something strange about the
99:09 noticed something strange about the Duke's appearance, which emanated pure
99:12 Duke's appearance, which emanated pure magical power without the usual warmth
99:14 magical power without the usual warmth of life. The clever dragon immediately
99:16 of life. The clever dragon immediately understood the deception. He saw a
99:18 understood the deception. He saw a perfect illusion created by the talented
99:20 perfect illusion created by the talented Lady Cheryl, so good that even he did
99:22 Lady Cheryl, so good that even he did not immediately notice the substitution.
99:24 not immediately notice the substitution. The real Aaron, dressed as a simple
99:26 The real Aaron, dressed as a simple soldier, quickly moved toward the center
99:28 soldier, quickly moved toward the center of the battle, surprising the observant
99:30 of the battle, surprising the observant Kanos with his courage. Despite the
99:33 Kanos with his courage. Despite the great distance which made recognition
99:34 great distance which made recognition almost impossible, the cautious hero
99:37 almost impossible, the cautious hero nevertheless put on the helmet he had
99:39 nevertheless put on the helmet he had found before rushing to the commander's
99:41 found before rushing to the commander's aid. After another volley from the
99:43 aid. After another volley from the catapults, the clever kinos noticed that
99:45 catapults, the clever kinos noticed that the enemy mages were not only deflecting
99:47 the enemy mages were not only deflecting the flying projectiles, but also
99:49 the flying projectiles, but also preparing a counterattack against the
99:51 preparing a counterattack against the siege engines. Finding himself in a
99:53 siege engines. Finding himself in a difficult position, the resourceful
99:55 difficult position, the resourceful dragon ordered his archers to shoot from
99:56 dragon ordered his archers to shoot from the furthest distance while preparing a
99:58 the furthest distance while preparing a cunning magical plan. When the catapults
100:00 cunning magical plan. When the catapults launched the stones, Kano secretly used
100:03 launched the stones, Kano secretly used magic to accelerate their flight. But an
100:05 magic to accelerate their flight. But an attentive Imperial spy noticed the use
100:07 attentive Imperial spy noticed the use of magic. The enemy mages desperately
100:09 of magic. The enemy mages desperately tried to stop the stones flying toward
100:11 tried to stop the stones flying toward the counts. But their combined strength
100:13 the counts. But their combined strength proved too weak against the power of the
100:15 proved too weak against the power of the ancient dragon. The projectiles,
100:17 ancient dragon. The projectiles, reinforced by dragon magic, not only
100:19 reinforced by dragon magic, not only avoided destruction, but also became
100:21 avoided destruction, but also became faster, defeating the entire group of
100:23 faster, defeating the entire group of mercenary wizards with a single powerful
100:26 mercenary wizards with a single powerful blow. The shocked counts finally
100:28 blow. The shocked counts finally realized that their enemy also had
100:29 realized that their enemy also had strong magical support, which he had
100:32 strong magical support, which he had skillfully concealed until the most
100:33 skillfully concealed until the most crucial moment of the battle. Realizing
100:35 crucial moment of the battle. Realizing the danger, the count ordered the
100:37 the danger, the count ordered the archers to cease long-range combat and
100:39 archers to cease long-range combat and engage in close combat. While the mages
100:42 engage in close combat. While the mages were instructed to focus entirely on
100:44 were instructed to focus entirely on destroying the catapults, the alarmed
100:46 destroying the catapults, the alarmed mages tried to explain to their master
100:48 mages tried to explain to their master that they could not carry out the order
100:50 that they could not carry out the order immediately as they needed rest and time
100:52 immediately as they needed rest and time to prepare a powerful spell. The
100:54 to prepare a powerful spell. The desperate count harshly reminded the
100:56 desperate count harshly reminded the doubting mages of the great reward they
100:58 doubting mages of the great reward they would lose if they failed to complete
100:59 would lose if they failed to complete their task. Under threat of losing their
101:01 their task. Under threat of losing their reward, the mages joined forces,
101:04 reward, the mages joined forces, creating water shields around the flying
101:06 creating water shields around the flying projectiles and trying to lure them away
101:08 projectiles and trying to lure them away from the battlefield. The clever kinos
101:10 from the battlefield. The clever kinos looked down on his enemy's weak attempts
101:12 looked down on his enemy's weak attempts to counter his plan. Fully confident in
101:14 to counter his plan. Fully confident in the superiority of his tactics over
101:16 the superiority of his tactics over their simple tricks. At the command of
101:18 their simple tricks. At the command of the powerful dragon, the archers began
101:20 the powerful dragon, the archers began to use fire arrows, further enhanced by
101:22 to use fire arrows, further enhanced by his flight magic to achieve the best
101:23 his flight magic to achieve the best result. The number of attacking arrows
101:25 result. The number of attacking arrows was too great for the enemy mages,
101:27 was too great for the enemy mages, causing many deadly projectiles to break
101:29 causing many deadly projectiles to break through their water shields. Seeking to
101:31 through their water shields. Seeking to defeat the enemy once and for all, the
101:33 defeat the enemy once and for all, the clever dragon used a complex spell to
101:36 clever dragon used a complex spell to alter the gravitational pull of the
101:38 alter the gravitational pull of the flying projectiles. The deadly arrows
101:40 flying projectiles. The deadly arrows suddenly changed direction to vertical
101:42 suddenly changed direction to vertical and fell on the enemy mages like a rain
101:44 and fell on the enemy mages like a rain of fire, completing the destruction of
101:46 of fire, completing the destruction of the count's army. Watching from afar as
101:48 the count's army. Watching from afar as the vaunted enemy mages were defeated,
101:50 the vaunted enemy mages were defeated, Aaron was overjoyed at the successful
101:52 Aaron was overjoyed at the successful execution of his military plan, choosing
101:54 execution of his military plan, choosing the right moment for decisive action,
101:56 the right moment for decisive action, the Duke quickly moved to the center of
101:58 the Duke quickly moved to the center of the battle, intending to personally
102:00 the battle, intending to personally defeat the enemy's top commanders.
102:02 defeat the enemy's top commanders. Raml's position became increasingly
102:04 Raml's position became increasingly dangerous under constant attacks from
102:06 dangerous under constant attacks from enemy infantry using long spears to
102:08 enemy infantry using long spears to break through the defensive line.
102:10 break through the defensive line. Despite the difficult situation, the
102:12 Despite the difficult situation, the brave commander continued to hold his
102:13 brave commander continued to hold his position, firmly believing that the
102:15 position, firmly believing that the promised help would arrive in time.
102:17 promised help would arrive in time. After another victory over the attacking
102:18 After another victory over the attacking enemy, the determined Raml called on the
102:21 enemy, the determined Raml called on the knights to fight to the end, gaining
102:22 knights to fight to the end, gaining valuable time for the approaching
102:24 valuable time for the approaching reinforcements. A group of well-trained
102:26 reinforcements. A group of well-trained knights took up the best fighting
102:27 knights took up the best fighting positions, creating the most effective
102:30 positions, creating the most effective defense against the superior enemy
102:31 defense against the superior enemy forces. Seeing the dangerous position of
102:33 forces. Seeing the dangerous position of the cavalry captain, the attentive
102:36 the cavalry captain, the attentive Bianca divided the army. Some of the
102:38 Bianca divided the army. Some of the horsemen remained to finish off the
102:40 horsemen remained to finish off the enemies while the Holy Knights followed
102:42 enemies while the Holy Knights followed her, covered by large shields. The
102:44 her, covered by large shields. The invincible Holy Knights confidently
102:46 invincible Holy Knights confidently fought their way through the enemy
102:47 fought their way through the enemy ranks, striving to help the surrounded
102:49 ranks, striving to help the surrounded cavalry commander. The enemy quickly
102:51 cavalry commander. The enemy quickly reacted to the appearance of the elite
102:53 reacted to the appearance of the elite squad, forming a wall of spears capable
102:56 squad, forming a wall of spears capable of, if not stopping the knights
102:57 of, if not stopping the knights protected by God's power, then at least
102:59 protected by God's power, then at least killing their horses. Quickly noticing
103:02 killing their horses. Quickly noticing the advantage of the enemy's dense
103:03 the advantage of the enemy's dense formation. The clever Bianca used a
103:06 formation. The clever Bianca used a bright divine light that blinded her
103:07 bright divine light that blinded her opponents and prevented them from
103:09 opponents and prevented them from acting. While the blinded enemies were
103:11 acting. While the blinded enemies were trying to recover, the inspired Bianca
103:13 trying to recover, the inspired Bianca led her holy knights in a decisive
103:15 led her holy knights in a decisive attack without serious resistance.
103:17 attack without serious resistance. Satisfied with Bianca's success, the
103:19 Satisfied with Bianca's success, the attentive Aaron quietly approached the
103:21 attentive Aaron quietly approached the enemy infantry commander, who continued
103:23 enemy infantry commander, who continued to give orders to his soldiers. Waiting
103:26 to give orders to his soldiers. Waiting for the right moment, the Duke killed
103:27 for the right moment, the Duke killed the important enemy with one swift blow,
103:30 the important enemy with one swift blow, doing it so skillfully that no one
103:32 doing it so skillfully that no one around him suspected a thing. The dying
103:34 around him suspected a thing. The dying commander recognized the Duke himself as
103:36 commander recognized the Duke himself as the killer. But his life was fading too
103:38 the killer. But his life was fading too quickly, and he did not have time to
103:40 quickly, and he did not have time to warn his comrades of the danger. After
103:42 warn his comrades of the danger. After successfully assassinating his first
103:44 successfully assassinating his first target, the tireless Aaron plunged back
103:46 target, the tireless Aaron plunged back into the thick of battle to deprive the
103:47 into the thick of battle to deprive the remaining enemy troops of their
103:49 remaining enemy troops of their commanders. The Duke's actions led to
103:51 commanders. The Duke's actions led to the deaths of two more infantry
103:53 the deaths of two more infantry commanders, causing great confusion and
103:55 commanders, causing great confusion and fear among the soldiers left without
103:56 fear among the soldiers left without leadership. To intensify the panic in
103:59 leadership. To intensify the panic in the enemy ranks, the resourceful Aaron
104:01 the enemy ranks, the resourceful Aaron loudly proclaimed the death of the
104:02 loudly proclaimed the death of the commanders and ordered a retreat,
104:04 commanders and ordered a retreat, imitating the voice of an enemy officer.
104:06 imitating the voice of an enemy officer. The sudden intervention of the commander
104:08 The sudden intervention of the commander of the archers, who urged the frightened
104:10 of the archers, who urged the frightened soldiers to continue fighting no matter
104:12 soldiers to continue fighting no matter what, could have ruined the Duke's
104:13 what, could have ruined the Duke's entire plan. Realizing the need to
104:16 entire plan. Realizing the need to eliminate the commander who had been
104:17 eliminate the commander who had been missed, the determined Aaron prepared to
104:19 missed, the determined Aaron prepared to repeat his deadly move with a new
104:21 repeat his deadly move with a new victim. The unexpected resistance of
104:23 victim. The unexpected resistance of three vigilant infantrymen who managed
104:25 three vigilant infantrymen who managed to protect their commander from the
104:26 to protect their commander from the Duke's blow greatly complicated the
104:29 Duke's blow greatly complicated the task. The commander's satisfied smile
104:31 task. The commander's satisfied smile showed his confidence in capturing the
104:33 showed his confidence in capturing the traitor, who had underestimated the
104:35 traitor, who had underestimated the vigilance of the commander's personal
104:36 vigilance of the commander's personal guard. Aaron's calm smile foreshadowed a
104:39 guard. Aaron's calm smile foreshadowed a quick end. After quickly defeating the
104:41 quick end. After quickly defeating the three defenders, the Duke moved
104:43 three defenders, the Duke moved relentlessly toward the doomed
104:44 relentlessly toward the doomed commander. The tension reached its peak
104:46 commander. The tension reached its peak when Aaron turned around and saw three
104:48 when Aaron turned around and saw three spears flying toward Raml's head.
104:50 spears flying toward Raml's head. Realizing that he would not be able to
104:52 Realizing that he would not be able to save his friend in time, Bianca appeared
104:54 save his friend in time, Bianca appeared just in time with the Holy Knights and
104:56 just in time with the Holy Knights and instantly surrounded the captain and the
104:58 instantly surrounded the captain and the remaining cavalry in a defensive
105:00 remaining cavalry in a defensive formation, saving the life of the loyal
105:02 formation, saving the life of the loyal commander. The experienced knights
105:04 commander. The experienced knights quickly took advantage of the death of
105:06 quickly took advantage of the death of the enemy commanders, attacking the
105:07 the enemy commanders, attacking the confused enemy and his trapped
105:09 confused enemy and his trapped reinforcements. A final powerful attack
105:12 reinforcements. A final powerful attack supported by catapult fire and
105:13 supported by catapult fire and continuous volleys from archers
105:15 continuous volleys from archers completed the route of the enemy who had
105:17 completed the route of the enemy who had lost their fighting spirit. The great
105:19 lost their fighting spirit. The great battle ended in a complete victory for
105:21 battle ended in a complete victory for Duke Aaron over the overconfident
105:23 Duke Aaron over the overconfident alliance of counts, demonstrating the
105:25 alliance of counts, demonstrating the superiority of clever strategy over a
105:27 superiority of clever strategy over a large army. After the victory, the
105:29 large army. After the victory, the satisfied Duke approached the count and
105:32 satisfied Duke approached the count and asked why he had not heeded his advice
105:34 asked why he had not heeded his advice to protect his head during the battle.
105:35 to protect his head during the battle. The enraged count tried to attack the
105:37 The enraged count tried to attack the Duke with his sword, believing that he
105:39 Duke with his sword, believing that he had used magic dishonestly to win the
105:41 had used magic dishonestly to win the battle. The Duke's knights quickly
105:43 battle. The Duke's knights quickly stopped the count, after which Aaron
105:45 stopped the count, after which Aaron himself decided to execute him for
105:47 himself decided to execute him for attempting to discredit an honest
105:48 attempting to discredit an honest victory in battle. Just as the Duke
105:50 victory in battle. Just as the Duke raised his sword to strike, an observer
105:52 raised his sword to strike, an observer from the emperor intervened, begging him
105:54 from the emperor intervened, begging him not to kill the important governor of
105:56 not to kill the important governor of the imperial lands. The young duke
105:58 the imperial lands. The young duke demanded that he be released, explaining
106:00 demanded that he be released, explaining that insulting a member of the ruling
106:02 that insulting a member of the ruling family was tantamount to insulting the
106:04 family was tantamount to insulting the emperor himself. The count fell to his
106:06 emperor himself. The count fell to his knees, begged for forgiveness, and
106:08 knees, begged for forgiveness, and admitted his wrongdoing, after which the
106:10 admitted his wrongdoing, after which the Duke agreed to spare his life. Both
106:12 Duke agreed to spare his life. Both defeated counts knelt before the Duke
106:14 defeated counts knelt before the Duke and acknowledged that from now on their
106:16 and acknowledged that from now on their cities would become part of his domain.
106:17 cities would become part of his domain. Aaron announced the beginning of the
106:19 Aaron announced the beginning of the annexation of the lands in the evening
106:21 annexation of the lands in the evening and warned that he would strip the
106:22 and warned that he would strip the counts of all their titles if they
106:24 counts of all their titles if they attempted to use the citizens. The next
106:26 attempted to use the citizens. The next day at noon, the entire military
106:28 day at noon, the entire military commission gathered to discuss the
106:29 commission gathered to discuss the important results of the war. The elder
106:31 important results of the war. The elder spoke first and presented a document on
106:33 spoke first and presented a document on military rates and payments for victory
106:35 military rates and payments for victory in battle. According to the agreement,
106:37 in battle. According to the agreement, the castle of Stavak Yarvin owed 3
106:39 the castle of Stavak Yarvin owed 3 million gold coins and there was another
106:41 million gold coins and there was another debt of 2 million gold coins. Since the
106:44 debt of 2 million gold coins. Since the odds of victory had increased about
106:45 odds of victory had increased about 10fold, they received almost 50 million
106:48 10fold, they received almost 50 million gold coins from this war. Happy Cain
106:50 gold coins from this war. Happy Cain began to make plans for the future,
106:52 began to make plans for the future, realizing the possibility of paying off
106:54 realizing the possibility of paying off his debts and becoming rich. But the
106:56 his debts and becoming rich. But the Duke asked him to wait before spending
106:58 Duke asked him to wait before spending the money. The treasurer clearly
107:00 the money. The treasurer clearly disapproved of the young lord's
107:01 disapproved of the young lord's intention to empty the treasury again.
107:03 intention to empty the treasury again. But the young man was confident that he
107:05 But the young man was confident that he was doing the right thing. He reminded
107:07 was doing the right thing. He reminded the senior adviser that the main goal of
107:09 the senior adviser that the main goal of their military campaign was to obtain
107:11 their military campaign was to obtain additional manpower. They had conquered
107:13 additional manpower. They had conquered two territories with four cities, adding
107:16 two territories with four cities, adding another city after clearing the black
107:18 another city after clearing the black forest of orcs, doubling the size of
107:20 forest of orcs, doubling the size of Bran's lands. The Duke explained the
107:22 Bran's lands. The Duke explained the need to use the money to strengthen the
107:24 need to use the money to strengthen the new territories. Planning to gradually
107:26 new territories. Planning to gradually expand his holdings further. The young
107:28 expand his holdings further. The young ruler was determined not to become a
107:30 ruler was determined not to become a failure from the northern lands. Having
107:32 failure from the northern lands. Having big plans for the future, his sister did
107:34 big plans for the future, his sister did not understand her brother's intentions,
107:36 not understand her brother's intentions, believing that they only wanted to show
107:38 believing that they only wanted to show their strength to defend themselves
107:39 their strength to defend themselves against possible attacks by the emperor.
107:42 against possible attacks by the emperor. Aaron explained that after the war, the
107:44 Aaron explained that after the war, the emperor would closely monitor their
107:46 emperor would closely monitor their every move, as would all the feudal
107:48 every move, as would all the feudal lords under his command. If they simply
107:50 lords under his command. If they simply hid their abilities, the emperor would
107:52 hid their abilities, the emperor would destroy them before they could gather
107:53 destroy them before they could gather enough strength. Therefore, the hero
107:56 enough strength. Therefore, the hero decided to demonstrate his loyalty to
107:57 decided to demonstrate his loyalty to the emperor and carry out his wishes
107:59 the emperor and carry out his wishes until they became strong enough. At the
108:01 until they became strong enough. At the same time, the Duke intended to keep all
108:03 same time, the Duke intended to keep all the profits for himself, not allowing
108:06 the profits for himself, not allowing the ruling power to reap any real
108:07 the ruling power to reap any real benefits from his actions. His thoughts
108:10 benefits from his actions. His thoughts were interrupted by a message announcing
108:11 were interrupted by a message announcing the arrival of the head of the Moria
108:13 the arrival of the head of the Moria Trade Guild. So, the Duke ended the
108:15 Trade Guild. So, the Duke ended the meeting, leaving only the treasurer
108:16 meeting, leaving only the treasurer behind. Upon entering the room, Moria
108:19 behind. Upon entering the room, Moria immediately demanded that the Duke pay 5
108:21 immediately demanded that the Duke pay 5 million gold coins in accordance with
108:23 million gold coins in accordance with the signed agreement. The treasurer
108:25 the signed agreement. The treasurer explained that there were no such funds
108:27 explained that there were no such funds in the treasury, noting that they did
108:29 in the treasury, noting that they did not even have enough money for essential
108:31 not even have enough money for essential goods at the moment. Moria was
108:32 goods at the moment. Moria was indignant, reminding the Duke of Aaron's
108:34 indignant, reminding the Duke of Aaron's obligation to pay 5 million gold coins
108:37 obligation to pay 5 million gold coins under the terms of the contract. After
108:39 under the terms of the contract. After carefully reviewing the contract, the
108:40 carefully reviewing the contract, the treasurer pointed to the clause where
108:42 treasurer pointed to the clause where Moria himself had written in payment
108:44 Moria himself had written in payment without interest for an indefinite
108:45 without interest for an indefinite period. The treasurer was furious at the
108:48 period. The treasurer was furious at the merchants's attempt to deceive their
108:49 merchants's attempt to deceive their master in such a cunning and
108:50 master in such a cunning and dishonorable manner. The adviser asked
108:52 dishonorable manner. The adviser asked the Duke to punish the merchant on
108:54 the Duke to punish the merchant on behalf of the empire, as would be done
108:56 behalf of the empire, as would be done in the capital in the case of such
108:57 in the capital in the case of such deception of a high-ranking person.
108:59 deception of a high-ranking person. Agreeing with the adviser, the Duke put
109:01 Agreeing with the adviser, the Duke put his sword to the merchant's neck and
109:03 his sword to the merchant's neck and warned him that he would die for trying
109:04 warned him that he would die for trying to cheat a nobleman. Sticking his sword
109:06 to cheat a nobleman. Sticking his sword into the table in front of the
109:07 into the table in front of the frightened Moria, Aaron offered him a
109:09 frightened Moria, Aaron offered him a chance to save himself if he fulfilled
109:11 chance to save himself if he fulfilled certain conditions. The Duke demanded
109:13 certain conditions. The Duke demanded that Moria swear on his sword to serve
109:15 that Moria swear on his sword to serve the lands of Bran faithfully and devote
109:17 the lands of Bran faithfully and devote himself entirely to their development. A
109:20 himself entirely to their development. A few days later, on the western
109:21 few days later, on the western continent, Prince Philip, heir to the
109:23 continent, Prince Philip, heir to the empire, was in an enemy fortress on the
109:26 empire, was in an enemy fortress on the border. Upon receiving news of Duke
109:28 border. Upon receiving news of Duke Bran's victory, the prince quickly
109:29 Bran's victory, the prince quickly defeated the enemy knights who had
109:31 defeated the enemy knights who had attacked him in a short battle. After
109:33 attacked him in a short battle. After raising his flag over the fortress, the
109:35 raising his flag over the fortress, the prince decided to return home,
109:37 prince decided to return home, interested in the important changes
109:38 interested in the important changes taking place in his native empire.
109:40 taking place in his native empire. Sometime later, Philip returned to the
109:42 Sometime later, Philip returned to the empire for an important meeting with his
109:44 empire for an important meeting with his father, the emperor, to discuss the
109:46 father, the emperor, to discuss the events. The emperor was displeased with
109:48 events. The emperor was displeased with his son's return. Having learned of the
109:50 his son's return. Having learned of the victory of the only distant relative of
109:52 victory of the only distant relative of the imperial family, he did not
109:54 the imperial family, he did not understand how his son could abandon the
109:55 understand how his son could abandon the task of conquering the western continent
109:57 task of conquering the western continent for news about the affairs of a distant
109:59 for news about the affairs of a distant relative. The emperor felt that the
110:01 relative. The emperor felt that the young Duke Aaron had too much influence
110:03 young Duke Aaron had too much influence over his heir, Philillip. Philip smiled
110:05 over his heir, Philillip. Philip smiled and explained his slight interest, but
110:07 and explained his slight interest, but mentally decided to defend the throne he
110:09 mentally decided to defend the throne he was to inherit in the future. At his
110:11 was to inherit in the future. At his desk, Duke Aaron carefully checked and
110:13 desk, Duke Aaron carefully checked and signed a large number of important
110:14 signed a large number of important documents and papers. The observing
110:16 documents and papers. The observing adviser marveled at the skill of the
110:18 adviser marveled at the skill of the young master, who, like an experienced
110:20 young master, who, like an experienced manager, quickly dealt with hundreds of
110:22 manager, quickly dealt with hundreds of documents. The adviser did not know the
110:25 documents. The adviser did not know the young lord's past. But even though he
110:27 young lord's past. But even though he had not done such work for a long time,
110:29 had not done such work for a long time, he easily handled the papers in his new
110:31 he easily handled the papers in his new body. Suddenly, an agitated Raml rushed
110:33 body. Suddenly, an agitated Raml rushed into the room without knocking, arriving
110:35 into the room without knocking, arriving with an important urgent message for his
110:37 with an important urgent message for his master. It turned out that while they
110:39 master. It turned out that while they were unaware of the situation,
110:41 were unaware of the situation, large-scale popular uprisings had begun
110:43 large-scale popular uprisings had begun on the lands of the Earls of Gray and
110:45 on the lands of the Earls of Gray and Amana. The Duke understood that it was
110:47 Amana. The Duke understood that it was unlikely that the citizens would rise up
110:49 unlikely that the citizens would rise up on their own and was certain that the
110:51 on their own and was certain that the counts themselves were involved in these
110:52 counts themselves were involved in these events. He realized his mistake in
110:55 events. He realized his mistake in giving these people a second chance and
110:57 giving these people a second chance and decided to teach the Earls a real lesson
110:59 decided to teach the Earls a real lesson for their treacherous actions. Sometime
111:01 for their treacherous actions. Sometime later, while dining peacefully in his
111:03 later, while dining peacefully in his castle, Count Aman was annoyed by the
111:05 castle, Count Aman was annoyed by the arrival of an urgent messenger with
111:07 arrival of an urgent messenger with important news. The news could not be
111:09 important news. The news could not be delayed. It had just become known that
111:11 delayed. It had just become known that the Duke had declared war on the count's
111:13 the Duke had declared war on the count's lands. The Duke's courters could not
111:15 lands. The Duke's courters could not understand the reasons for declaring a
111:16 understand the reasons for declaring a new war or the ultimate goal their
111:18 new war or the ultimate goal their master was pursuing. The Duke explained
111:20 master was pursuing. The Duke explained his desire to punish the counts for
111:22 his desire to punish the counts for treason. As Count Aman had led the
111:24 treason. As Count Aman had led the protest by disguising his soldiers as
111:26 protest by disguising his soldiers as ordinary citizens, he also pointed out
111:29 ordinary citizens, he also pointed out that the count had broken his oath for
111:31 that the count had broken his oath for which he must surrender his lands due to
111:33 which he must surrender his lands due to his new defeat. Raml tried to explain
111:35 his new defeat. Raml tried to explain the difference between the previous
111:36 the difference between the previous battle with limited troops and the
111:38 battle with limited troops and the current situation with the count's
111:39 current situation with the count's double advantage. The Duke understood
111:41 double advantage. The Duke understood the folly of his decision and
111:43 the folly of his decision and deliberately sought to achieve this
111:44 deliberately sought to achieve this effect, knowing that the emperor would
111:46 effect, knowing that the emperor would also consider their actions reckless.
111:48 also consider their actions reckless. Sharila was stunned to learn that the
111:50 Sharila was stunned to learn that the emperor had granted the Duke permission
111:52 emperor had granted the Duke permission to annex the count's lands to his own.
111:54 to annex the count's lands to his own. This was not surprising as the emperor
111:56 This was not surprising as the emperor had immediately given his consent,
111:58 had immediately given his consent, believing the Duke to be intoxicated by
112:00 believing the Duke to be intoxicated by his sole victory in the previous battle.
112:02 his sole victory in the previous battle. Aaron's only support came from a
112:04 Aaron's only support came from a strategist who admired his ability to
112:06 strategist who admired his ability to see so far ahead in his plans. The
112:08 see so far ahead in his plans. The strategist promised to quickly develop a
112:10 strategist promised to quickly develop a plan of action, but was surprised by the
112:12 plan of action, but was surprised by the Duke's decision to do without complex
112:13 Duke's decision to do without complex strategic maneuvers. The Duke reminded
112:16 strategic maneuvers. The Duke reminded him of Kanos's preoccupation with the
112:17 him of Kanos's preoccupation with the new lands and suggested that he rest,
112:20 new lands and suggested that he rest, planning to wage a night war without the
112:22 planning to wage a night war without the emperor's observation. According to the
112:24 emperor's observation. According to the plan, the troops under the Duke's
112:26 plan, the troops under the Duke's command marched to the lands of Count
112:27 command marched to the lands of Count Aman and arrived at his fortress only
112:30 Aman and arrived at his fortress only after nightfall. Waiting for them on the
112:32 after nightfall. Waiting for them on the walls was the self-confident count, who
112:34 walls was the self-confident count, who considered the Duke a fool for not
112:36 considered the Duke a fool for not having any siege weapons or a military
112:38 having any siege weapons or a military plan. The count believed that with such
112:40 plan. The count believed that with such a small force, the Duke would be unable
112:42 a small force, the Duke would be unable to breach the strong walls. So, he
112:44 to breach the strong walls. So, he simply needed to hold out for a while
112:45 simply needed to hold out for a while until victory was assured. The Duke
112:47 until victory was assured. The Duke dismounted his horse, and the count
112:49 dismounted his horse, and the count laughed, thinking that his enemy was so
112:51 laughed, thinking that his enemy was so blinded by greed that he had decided to
112:53 blinded by greed that he had decided to attack an innocent ruler. Aaron reminded
112:56 attack an innocent ruler. Aaron reminded him of the count's crimes and the
112:57 him of the count's crimes and the evidence of his use of soldiers to
112:59 evidence of his use of soldiers to incite rebellion, but offered him one
113:01 incite rebellion, but offered him one last chance to surrender and open the
113:03 last chance to surrender and open the gates. The count was alarmed to learn
113:05 gates. The count was alarmed to learn that his plans had been revealed, but
113:07 that his plans had been revealed, but remained calm, confident of victory due
113:10 remained calm, confident of victory due to the strong defenses of the fortress.
113:12 to the strong defenses of the fortress. He refused to surrender and mockingly
113:14 He refused to surrender and mockingly suggested that the Duke try to break
113:16 suggested that the Duke try to break through the walls, knowing that such a
113:18 through the walls, knowing that such a task was impossible for a small army.
113:20 task was impossible for a small army. Enraged by the count's arrogance, the
113:22 Enraged by the count's arrogance, the Duke promised to punish him with death
113:24 Duke promised to punish him with death for all his crimes against the people.
113:26 for all his crimes against the people. At the Duke's signal, the enraged Cheryl
113:28 At the Duke's signal, the enraged Cheryl took her magic staff and began to cast a
113:30 took her magic staff and began to cast a powerful battle spell. Her magic created
113:32 powerful battle spell. Her magic created many fireballs that rained down like a
113:34 many fireballs that rained down like a blazing storm on the count's
113:36 blazing storm on the count's well-fortified fortress. The prudent
113:38 well-fortified fortress. The prudent count had prepared for magical attacks.
113:40 count had prepared for magical attacks. All the fireballs shattered against an
113:42 All the fireballs shattered against an invisible protective barrier around the
113:44 invisible protective barrier around the fortress. The satisfied count laughed at
113:47 fortress. The satisfied count laughed at the feudal attempts to break through the
113:48 the feudal attempts to break through the shield created by the best mages from
113:50 shield created by the best mages from the famous ivory tower. He mockingly
113:52 the famous ivory tower. He mockingly remarked on the weakness of the magic
113:54 remarked on the weakness of the magic used, which would not even be able to
113:56 used, which would not even be able to break through a normal protective
113:57 break through a normal protective barrier on the walls. Enraged by the
114:00 barrier on the walls. Enraged by the mockery, Cheryl struck the ground with
114:02 mockery, Cheryl struck the ground with her staff and began to cast a new spell,
114:04 her staff and began to cast a new spell, summoning not fire, but water. The water
114:07 summoning not fire, but water. The water streams hit the walls and eroded the
114:09 streams hit the walls and eroded the soil, but could not reach the castle
114:11 soil, but could not reach the castle itself behind the protective barrier.
114:13 itself behind the protective barrier. The count continued to laugh at the weak
114:15 The count continued to laugh at the weak magic and joked that the enemies must
114:16 magic and joked that the enemies must just be thirsty since they were using so
114:19 just be thirsty since they were using so little water. Ignoring the mockery,
114:21 little water. Ignoring the mockery, Cheryl finished the spell and ordered
114:22 Cheryl finished the spell and ordered huge earthworms to emerge from the
114:24 huge earthworms to emerge from the eroded soil. The powerful worms easily
114:27 eroded soil. The powerful worms easily broke through the ground and began to
114:28 broke through the ground and began to destroy the castle walls, forcing the
114:31 destroy the castle walls, forcing the frightened count to order everyone to go
114:33 frightened count to order everyone to go down. The count barely managed to jump
114:35 down. The count barely managed to jump out of the way of the collapsing wall at
114:37 out of the way of the collapsing wall at the last moment, avoiding falling with
114:39 the last moment, avoiding falling with the crumbling stones. After the wall
114:41 the crumbling stones. After the wall fell, the Duke ordered his knights to
114:43 fell, the Duke ordered his knights to attack and capture Count Ammon before he
114:45 attack and capture Count Ammon before he could escape. As soon as the army rushed
114:47 could escape. As soon as the army rushed into the attack, the count ordered his
114:49 into the attack, the count ordered his archers to open fire to stop the
114:50 archers to open fire to stop the advancing knights. Raml rode behind and
114:53 advancing knights. Raml rode behind and saw his soldiers fall from their horses
114:55 saw his soldiers fall from their horses under a hail of enemy arrows. Unable to
114:57 under a hail of enemy arrows. Unable to control their mounts, he tried to save
114:59 control their mounts, he tried to save those he could reach. Realizing that it
115:01 those he could reach. Realizing that it was impossible to stop the attack when
115:03 was impossible to stop the attack when part of the cavalry had already broken
115:04 part of the cavalry had already broken through to the castle, the count ordered
115:06 through to the castle, the count ordered the archers to shoot, but noticed a
115:08 the archers to shoot, but noticed a young warrior who was so frightened he
115:10 young warrior who was so frightened he could not even insert his arrow
115:12 could not even insert his arrow properly. Enraged, he began to beat the
115:14 properly. Enraged, he began to beat the frightened archer, demanding that he
115:16 frightened archer, demanding that he continue shooting at the attacking
115:17 continue shooting at the attacking knights. Seeing their comrade being
115:19 knights. Seeing their comrade being beaten, the other archers stopped
115:21 beaten, the other archers stopped shooting and looked fearfully at their
115:23 shooting and looked fearfully at their enraged count. In a rage, he threatened
115:25 enraged count. In a rage, he threatened to kill them with his own hands if they
115:27 to kill them with his own hands if they did not continue shooting, and the
115:28 did not continue shooting, and the frightened archers resumed their attack.
115:30 frightened archers resumed their attack. The Duke, realizing that these soldiers
115:32 The Duke, realizing that these soldiers would soon become his men, did not want
115:34 would soon become his men, did not want to allow Aman to treat his future
115:36 to allow Aman to treat his future subjects so cruy. When he decided to
115:38 subjects so cruy. When he decided to join the battle himself, he was stopped
115:41 join the battle himself, he was stopped by Cheryl with an important reminder
115:43 by Cheryl with an important reminder about the payment for her help. She
115:45 about the payment for her help. She reminded her brother of the need to pay
115:46 reminded her brother of the need to pay for her participation in this battle
115:48 for her participation in this battle according to the agreement. According to
115:50 according to the agreement. According to the agreement, she had promised only one
115:52 the agreement, she had promised only one reign of fire, but the use of earthworms
115:54 reign of fire, but the use of earthworms cost an additional 100,000 gold coins.
115:57 cost an additional 100,000 gold coins. The Duke was surprised by his sister's
115:59 The Duke was surprised by his sister's audacity since she herself had decided
116:01 audacity since she herself had decided to use the worms after being angered by
116:03 to use the worms after being angered by the count's insulent words. Seeing the
116:05 the count's insulent words. Seeing the enemy's new attack, he realized that now
116:07 enemy's new attack, he realized that now was not the time to argue about money
116:08 was not the time to argue about money and that he had to act quickly. Agreeing
116:10 and that he had to act quickly. Agreeing to pay his sister 100,000 gold coins,
116:13 to pay his sister 100,000 gold coins, the Duke rushed into the thick of the
116:15 the Duke rushed into the thick of the battle outside the fortress walls.
116:17 battle outside the fortress walls. Seeing the Duke approaching, the count
116:19 Seeing the Duke approaching, the count ordered his archers to aim at him,
116:21 ordered his archers to aim at him, knowing that the death of the commander
116:22 knowing that the death of the commander would stop the entire attack. As he
116:24 would stop the entire attack. As he approached the walls, the Duke realized
116:26 approached the walls, the Duke realized that he had to capture the count quickly
116:27 that he had to capture the count quickly to minimize losses on both sides. With
116:30 to minimize losses on both sides. With one powerful leap, he found himself on
116:32 one powerful leap, he found himself on top of the fortress wall, and the force
116:34 top of the fortress wall, and the force of his landing split the stonemasonry
116:36 of his landing split the stonemasonry beneath his feet. The frightened count
116:38 beneath his feet. The frightened count threw two archers at the Duke and tried
116:40 threw two archers at the Duke and tried to hide behind them as he fled. The Duke
116:42 to hide behind them as he fled. The Duke did not waste time on the young
116:43 did not waste time on the young warriors, easily knocking them off their
116:46 warriors, easily knocking them off their feet and laying them on the ground
116:47 feet and laying them on the ground without serious injury. During this
116:49 without serious injury. During this time, the count reached his archers and
116:51 time, the count reached his archers and ordered them to step aside to clear the
116:53 ordered them to step aside to clear the way for his escape. Those soldiers who
116:55 way for his escape. Those soldiers who hesitated to obey the order were
116:57 hesitated to obey the order were mercilessly attacked by the count with
116:58 mercilessly attacked by the count with his sword and thrown from the wall
117:00 his sword and thrown from the wall without pity for his own men. The
117:02 without pity for his own men. The cruelty of the ruler, hiding behind the
117:04 cruelty of the ruler, hiding behind the backs of his subjects and killing his
117:06 backs of his subjects and killing his own soldiers, finally enraged the young
117:09 own soldiers, finally enraged the young Duke. The frightened count paid no heed
117:11 Duke. The frightened count paid no heed to anything around him and simply ran,
117:13 to anything around him and simply ran, trying to save his life from pursuit. He
117:15 trying to save his life from pursuit. He realized too late the power of the Duke.
117:18 realized too late the power of the Duke. Now the ruler was chasing him with eyes
117:20 Now the ruler was chasing him with eyes flashing with mana, ready to punish the
117:22 flashing with mana, ready to punish the traitor. The Duke offered the count to
117:24 traitor. The Duke offered the count to surrender, promising to spare the lives
117:26 surrender, promising to spare the lives of his family and soldiers in the event
117:28 of his family and soldiers in the event of voluntary capitulation. Realizing
117:30 of voluntary capitulation. Realizing that death was inevitable no matter
117:32 that death was inevitable no matter what, the desperate count tried to
117:34 what, the desperate count tried to escape his pursuers. As he fled, the
117:37 escape his pursuers. As he fled, the count unexpectedly stumbled upon his own
117:39 count unexpectedly stumbled upon his own infantrymen. Armed with long battle
117:41 infantrymen. Armed with long battle spears, he ordered the soldiers to
117:43 spears, he ordered the soldiers to attack the Duke, but they turned their
117:45 attack the Duke, but they turned their spears on the count himself, demanding
117:47 spears on the count himself, demanding that he surrender to save their lives.
117:49 that he surrender to save their lives. Seeing the rebellion of his own
117:50 Seeing the rebellion of his own soldiers, the count realized the
117:52 soldiers, the count realized the hopelessness of his situation and began
117:54 hopelessness of his situation and began to beg the Duke for mercy. He swore
117:57 to beg the Duke for mercy. He swore eternal loyalty and promised to become
117:58 eternal loyalty and promised to become the Duke's devoted vassel in exchange
118:00 the Duke's devoted vassel in exchange for his life. Instead of responding to
118:02 for his life. Instead of responding to his please, the Duke struck the
118:04 his please, the Duke struck the traitor's head off with a single blow of
118:06 traitor's head off with a single blow of his sword, ending his reign. The Duke
118:08 his sword, ending his reign. The Duke explained to everyone that he had no
118:10 explained to everyone that he had no need for vassals who did not listen to
118:12 need for vassals who did not listen to the voice of their people and did not
118:14 the voice of their people and did not care about their subjects. After the
118:16 care about their subjects. After the execution, he climbed onto the fortress
118:18 execution, he climbed onto the fortress wall and announced to his knights the
118:20 wall and announced to his knights the death of Count Aman and their complete
118:22 death of Count Aman and their complete victory. Having won the victory, Aaron
118:24 victory. Having won the victory, Aaron annexed all of the counts lands except
118:26 annexed all of the counts lands except for a small fortress, and Count Gray
118:28 for a small fortress, and Count Gray himself surrendered half of his
118:30 himself surrendered half of his possessions. Thus, Aaron restored the
118:32 possessions. Thus, Aaron restored the duche of Bran and began planning the
118:34 duche of Bran and began planning the conquest of new lands to strengthen
118:36 conquest of new lands to strengthen himself before the upcoming battle with
118:38 himself before the upcoming battle with the emperor. The emperor was
118:40 the emperor. The emperor was dissatisfied with Aaron's new victory,
118:42 dissatisfied with Aaron's new victory, for Duke Gran had assured him that two
118:44 for Duke Gran had assured him that two victories with such a small army were
118:45 victories with such a small army were impossible. Duke Gran explained that
118:48 impossible. Duke Gran explained that this time Aaron had been helped by a
118:49 this time Aaron had been helped by a mysterious sorceress with considerable
118:51 mysterious sorceress with considerable magical power. Although she was as
118:53 magical power. Although she was as strong as several magicians combined,
118:55 strong as several magicians combined, the rebellion of a single Duke could not
118:57 the rebellion of a single Duke could not seriously threaten the entire empire.
118:59 seriously threaten the entire empire. Gran explained that the main danger lay
119:01 Gran explained that the main danger lay not in the Duke's influence, but in his
119:03 not in the Duke's influence, but in his unknown true plans. He was concerned
119:05 unknown true plans. He was concerned about Aaron's unclear goals and his
119:07 about Aaron's unclear goals and his future intentions after his victories.
119:09 future intentions after his victories. The restoration of the Duche of Bran
119:11 The restoration of the Duche of Bran seemed inevitable. But the question
119:13 seemed inevitable. But the question remained as to Aaron's loyalty to the
119:15 remained as to Aaron's loyalty to the empire or his possible rebellion. The
119:17 empire or his possible rebellion. The emperor remembered Aaron's oath to focus
119:19 emperor remembered Aaron's oath to focus on his lands and warned him of the
119:21 on his lands and warned him of the consequences of breaking his word. Gran
119:23 consequences of breaking his word. Gran did not know how to proceed after the
119:25 did not know how to proceed after the restoration of the duche as the empire
119:27 restoration of the duche as the empire would have no legal grounds to interfere
119:29 would have no legal grounds to interfere with Aaron. The emperor remembered an
119:31 with Aaron. The emperor remembered an old decree granting vassels the right to
119:33 old decree granting vassels the right to wage war which was still in force in the
119:35 wage war which was still in force in the empire. This law had been enacted when
119:37 empire. This law had been enacted when Giron came to power when he needed the
119:39 Giron came to power when he needed the support of noble families. It was this
119:41 support of noble families. It was this ancient law that severely limited the
119:43 ancient law that severely limited the emperor's options in the current
119:44 emperor's options in the current difficult situation. At that moment,
119:47 difficult situation. At that moment, Philip spoke up, asking his father to
119:49 Philip spoke up, asking his father to allow him to help resolve the difficult
119:51 allow him to help resolve the difficult situation. He suggested visiting the
119:53 situation. He suggested visiting the Duchy of Bran in person to learn Aaron's
119:55 Duchy of Bran in person to learn Aaron's intentions and assess the situation in
119:57 intentions and assess the situation in his lands. The emperor ordered his son
119:59 his lands. The emperor ordered his son to go to the duche under the pretext of
120:01 to go to the duche under the pretext of congratulating him on his victory over
120:02 congratulating him on his victory over the counts. Philip readily accepted the
120:05 the counts. Philip readily accepted the assignment, wanting to see for himself
120:07 assignment, wanting to see for himself how Aaron had grown and changed over the
120:09 how Aaron had grown and changed over the past years. At that time, the
120:11 past years. At that time, the inhabitants of the duche were reading a
120:12 inhabitants of the duche were reading a new decree issued by their ruler about
120:14 new decree issued by their ruler about important changes. The people rejoiced
120:17 important changes. The people rejoiced at the reduction of the tax rate from 60
120:19 at the reduction of the tax rate from 60 to 30% after the victory in the war.
120:21 to 30% after the victory in the war. Upon learning that the rumors about the
120:23 Upon learning that the rumors about the wealth after the victory were true, the
120:25 wealth after the victory were true, the grateful inhabitants began to praise
120:27 grateful inhabitants began to praise their wise ruler. The Duke was pleased
120:29 their wise ruler. The Duke was pleased with the support of the people, but he
120:31 with the support of the people, but he had to leave to deal with urgent and
120:32 had to leave to deal with urgent and important state affairs. The
120:34 important state affairs. The accompanying strategist noted the
120:36 accompanying strategist noted the success of the Duke's policy in
120:38 success of the Duke's policy in strengthening his power among the common
120:39 strengthening his power among the common people. The Duke considered this policy
120:41 people. The Duke considered this policy the best way to govern a large
120:43 the best way to govern a large territory. Although he was concerned
120:45 territory. Although he was concerned about the state of the treasury, he was
120:46 about the state of the treasury, he was also interested in the progress of an
120:48 also interested in the progress of an important project and the opening date
120:50 important project and the opening date of the second underground structure. The
120:52 of the second underground structure. The adviser reported on the successful
120:54 adviser reported on the successful reconstruction of the tower and the
120:55 reconstruction of the tower and the placement of the dark knights on the top
120:57 placement of the dark knights on the top floor thanks to Elellena. Pleased with
120:59 floor thanks to Elellena. Pleased with Elena's good behavior, the Duke asked
121:01 Elena's good behavior, the Duke asked how the adviser had learned of her
121:03 how the adviser had learned of her demonic nature. The strategist explained
121:05 demonic nature. The strategist explained his ability to uncover all the secrets
121:07 his ability to uncover all the secrets of the project and the presence of an
121:09 of the project and the presence of an assistant who could work with demons.
121:11 assistant who could work with demons. The conversation was interrupted by a
121:12 The conversation was interrupted by a breathless Cheryl who had rushed in with
121:15 breathless Cheryl who had rushed in with important news about the arrival of
121:16 important news about the arrival of distinguished guests. She excitedly
121:18 distinguished guests. She excitedly reported that Prince Philip was visiting
121:20 reported that Prince Philip was visiting with a delegation to congratulate Aaron
121:22 with a delegation to congratulate Aaron on his victory. The Duke tried to
121:24 on his victory. The Duke tried to remember Philillip, realizing from
121:25 remember Philillip, realizing from Cheryl's reaction that she had met him
121:27 Cheryl's reaction that she had met him in the past, which was unknown to the
121:29 in the past, which was unknown to the butler. Cheryl reminded her brother of
121:31 butler. Cheryl reminded her brother of their cousin Philillip, who had defeated
121:33 their cousin Philillip, who had defeated little Aaron many years ago. The butler
121:35 little Aaron many years ago. The butler realized that the heir to the throne
121:37 realized that the heir to the throne himself would be coming, but Cheryl
121:39 himself would be coming, but Cheryl warned him not to mention it publicly.
121:41 warned him not to mention it publicly. Alarmed, Kynos understood the true
121:43 Alarmed, Kynos understood the true purpose of the prince's visit. Not
121:45 purpose of the prince's visit. Not congratulations, but a desire to control
121:47 congratulations, but a desire to control the Duke. Realizing the seriousness of
121:49 the Duke. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, the Duke understood the
121:51 the situation, the Duke understood the danger of any mistake during the meeting
121:53 danger of any mistake during the meeting with the prince for the future of the
121:54 with the prince for the future of the duche. Looking around, he searched for a
121:57 duche. Looking around, he searched for a way to show the land in decline so that
121:59 way to show the land in decline so that the prince would leave quickly without
122:00 the prince would leave quickly without suspecting the growing power. Seeing
122:02 suspecting the growing power. Seeing workers with planks outside the city
122:04 workers with planks outside the city walls, the Duke devised a cunning plan
122:06 walls, the Duke devised a cunning plan for meeting the important guest. 2 days
122:08 for meeting the important guest. 2 days later, Philip arrived at the Duchy of
122:10 later, Philip arrived at the Duchy of Bran and was surprised by the
122:12 Bran and was surprised by the extraordinary height of the fortress
122:14 extraordinary height of the fortress walls surrounding the city. The knight
122:16 walls surrounding the city. The knight explained that the lands of Bran had
122:17 explained that the lands of Bran had long suffered from monster attacks. So,
122:20 long suffered from monster attacks. So, the locals chose defense as their main
122:22 the locals chose defense as their main strategy. Philip decided that Aaron was
122:24 strategy. Philip decided that Aaron was spending his money wisely because
122:26 spending his money wisely because despite his great wealth after victory,
122:28 despite his great wealth after victory, he was behaving like a wise ruler.
122:30 he was behaving like a wise ruler. Approaching the walls, the knights
122:32 Approaching the walls, the knights raised a flag, announcing the arrival of
122:33 raised a flag, announcing the arrival of the pride of the empire, Crown Prince
122:35 the pride of the empire, Crown Prince Philip. After the gates were opened, the
122:37 Philip. After the gates were opened, the prince was met by an army lined up in
122:39 prince was met by an army lined up in formation with the Duke and his sister
122:41 formation with the Duke and his sister kneeling in the center. Aaron did not
122:43 kneeling in the center. Aaron did not have time to look up before the prince
122:45 have time to look up before the prince silently appeared right in front of him,
122:47 silently appeared right in front of him, demonstrating his extraordinary speed.
122:49 demonstrating his extraordinary speed. It was clear that the prince possessed
122:51 It was clear that the prince possessed great strength and was unpredictable,
122:53 great strength and was unpredictable, and he himself noted Aaron's unwavering
122:55 and he himself noted Aaron's unwavering gaze. Philip extended his hand in
122:57 gaze. Philip extended his hand in greeting and complimented the grown-up
122:59 greeting and complimented the grown-up beauty, Cheryl, noting her changes. The
123:01 beauty, Cheryl, noting her changes. The girl responded to the compliment with
123:03 girl responded to the compliment with displeasure, for which the angry Duke
123:05 displeasure, for which the angry Duke scolded her for disrespecting the heir
123:07 scolded her for disrespecting the heir to the throne. Philip smiled at the
123:09 to the throne. Philip smiled at the amusing scene and asked them to drop the
123:11 amusing scene and asked them to drop the formalities, suggesting they talk as
123:13 formalities, suggesting they talk as they had in the old days. Before Aaron
123:15 they had in the old days. Before Aaron could agree, cries for mercy rang out
123:17 could agree, cries for mercy rang out from afar, interrupting their
123:18 from afar, interrupting their conversation. On the wall, they saw the
123:21 conversation. On the wall, they saw the Duke's knight, who was harshly berating
123:22 Duke's knight, who was harshly berating the workers, demanding that they work
123:24 the workers, demanding that they work harder to save their lives. Raml struck
123:27 harder to save their lives. Raml struck Arthur hard in the chest, knocking him
123:28 Arthur hard in the chest, knocking him off the wall, after which the others
123:30 off the wall, after which the others began to work twice as hard. Continuing
123:33 began to work twice as hard. Continuing to shout, Raml demanded that everyone
123:35 to shout, Raml demanded that everyone work hard while it was still light,
123:37 work hard while it was still light, promising to punish the lazy ones in the
123:38 promising to punish the lazy ones in the name of the goddess. Raml turned to the
123:41 name of the goddess. Raml turned to the angry Duke, who scolded him for his
123:43 angry Duke, who scolded him for his unworthy behavior on the day of the
123:44 unworthy behavior on the day of the crown prince's visit. The frightened
123:46 crown prince's visit. The frightened commander quickly descended and fell to
123:48 commander quickly descended and fell to his knees, begging the Duke for
123:50 his knees, begging the Duke for forgiveness for his grave offense. The
123:52 forgiveness for his grave offense. The Duke began to beat the kneeling man,
123:54 Duke began to beat the kneeling man, punishing him for his closeness to the
123:56 punishing him for his closeness to the prince and for spoiling the mood of the
123:58 prince and for spoiling the mood of the distinguished guest. Suddenly, St.
124:00 distinguished guest. Suddenly, St. Cecilia stopped him. Surprised by the
124:02 Cecilia stopped him. Surprised by the Duke's cruel treatment of the apostle on
124:04 Duke's cruel treatment of the apostle on a sacred mission, the Duke immediately
124:06 a sacred mission, the Duke immediately fell to his knees, begging the saint for
124:08 fell to his knees, begging the saint for forgiveness for his unworthy behavior,
124:10 forgiveness for his unworthy behavior, Philip noticed Viven's monastic habit
124:12 Philip noticed Viven's monastic habit and smiled. Noting the unexpected
124:14 and smiled. Noting the unexpected influence of the cult on the Duke, the
124:16 influence of the cult on the Duke, the prince was amazed that simple nuns dare
124:18 prince was amazed that simple nuns dare to humiliate the Duke himself, the ruler
124:20 to humiliate the Duke himself, the ruler of these lands. The knight explained the
124:22 of these lands. The knight explained the death of imperial citizens in a
124:24 death of imperial citizens in a religious war with the Holy Order due to
124:26 religious war with the Holy Order due to heresy. According to rumors, the people
124:28 heresy. According to rumors, the people were killed by the hands of the Nea,
124:30 were killed by the hands of the Nea, enemies of the empire, who accused them
124:32 enemies of the empire, who accused them of heresy against the true faith. Philip
124:35 of heresy against the true faith. Philip understood the negative influence of
124:37 understood the negative influence of religion on the empire, and saw how
124:39 religion on the empire, and saw how Aaron was destroying himself by
124:40 Aaron was destroying himself by submitting to the cult. He calmed down,
124:43 submitting to the cult. He calmed down, realizing the futility of such a ruler,
124:45 realizing the futility of such a ruler, whose subjects were doomed to
124:46 whose subjects were doomed to destruction because of his stupidity.
124:48 destruction because of his stupidity. The Duke approached and apologized for
124:50 The Duke approached and apologized for the behavior of the town's people, who
124:52 the behavior of the town's people, who were usually calm, but had been agitated
124:54 were usually calm, but had been agitated by the visit of the crown prince. Bowing
124:56 by the visit of the crown prince. Bowing again, he asked forgiveness for the
124:58 again, he asked forgiveness for the disgusting spectacle caused by his
125:00 disgusting spectacle caused by his inability to govern. Philip awkwardly
125:02 inability to govern. Philip awkwardly stopped the apologies, noting that such
125:04 stopped the apologies, noting that such situations were common in a territory
125:06 situations were common in a territory ruled by a single person. He suggested
125:08 ruled by a single person. He suggested they go to the castle to discuss recent
125:10 they go to the castle to discuss recent events in the Duke's life. The Duke
125:12 events in the Duke's life. The Duke explained, somewhat embarrassed, that he
125:14 explained, somewhat embarrassed, that he needed to pray for his lands, as was the
125:16 needed to pray for his lands, as was the duty of a ruler. The complex situation
125:19 duty of a ruler. The complex situation required careful time management due to
125:21 required careful time management due to a lack of manpower for all the tasks at
125:23 a lack of manpower for all the tasks at hand. He suggested that Cheryl accompany
125:25 hand. He suggested that Cheryl accompany Philip to the castle, promising to join
125:27 Philip to the castle, promising to join them after the prayer was finished. The
125:29 them after the prayer was finished. The Duke bowed to the prince and assured him
125:31 Duke bowed to the prince and assured him of his prompt return after the important
125:33 of his prompt return after the important religious ceremony. Philip watched the
125:35 religious ceremony. Philip watched the events unfold with confusion, trying to
125:37 events unfold with confusion, trying to understand the strange occurrences in
125:39 understand the strange occurrences in these lands. In the evening, everyone
125:41 these lands. In the evening, everyone gathered at the table, waiting for the
125:43 gathered at the table, waiting for the Duke to appear and begin the festive
125:45 Duke to appear and begin the festive meal. The knight asked Cheryl
125:46 meal. The knight asked Cheryl impatiently about the Duke's return,
125:48 impatiently about the Duke's return, noting the long wait for the crown
125:50 noting the long wait for the crown prince. The girl angrily demanded an
125:52 prince. The girl angrily demanded an explanation as to why this question was
125:54 explanation as to why this question was asked of her and not someone else.
125:56 asked of her and not someone else. Cheryl ordered the knight to find the
125:58 Cheryl ordered the knight to find the Duke himself and bring him to the table
125:59 Duke himself and bring him to the table for the important meeting. Philip,
126:01 for the important meeting. Philip, watching calmly, turned to the knight
126:03 watching calmly, turned to the knight and offered him a choice between death
126:05 and offered him a choice between death and a sincere apology. The prince
126:07 and a sincere apology. The prince explained that insulting Lady Cheryl was
126:09 explained that insulting Lady Cheryl was equivalent to insulting the crown of the
126:11 equivalent to insulting the crown of the empire itself. Frightened by Philip's
126:13 empire itself. Frightened by Philip's stern gaze, the knight fell to his
126:15 stern gaze, the knight fell to his knees, begging for forgiveness and
126:17 knees, begging for forgiveness and promising to end his life. Cheryl waved
126:19 promising to end his life. Cheryl waved her hand and ordered the knight to check
126:21 her hand and ordered the knight to check that the Duke had finished his prayer.
126:23 that the Duke had finished his prayer. Left alone, Cheryl noticed Philip's
126:25 Left alone, Cheryl noticed Philip's suppressed laughter and asked him about
126:27 suppressed laughter and asked him about the meaning of the words about insulting
126:28 the meaning of the words about insulting the crown. Philip looked calmly at the
126:30 the crown. Philip looked calmly at the girl, noting the consistency of her
126:32 girl, noting the consistency of her character and reactions. The excited
126:34 character and reactions. The excited knight called the lady to come and see
126:36 knight called the lady to come and see the important events in the town square.
126:38 the important events in the town square. She saw a crowd of towns people and
126:40 She saw a crowd of towns people and assumed that the prayer was over, but
126:42 assumed that the prayer was over, but the knight asked her to look more
126:43 the knight asked her to look more closely. Cheryl noticed the residents
126:45 closely. Cheryl noticed the residents armed with pitchforks demanding the
126:47 armed with pitchforks demanding the departure of the cruel heretic lord from
126:49 departure of the cruel heretic lord from Bran. The Duke, who had arrived,
126:52 Bran. The Duke, who had arrived, apologized to Philip for his delay,
126:54 apologized to Philip for his delay, promising to take good care of his
126:55 promising to take good care of his guest. Philip inquired about the Duke's
126:58 guest. Philip inquired about the Duke's control of the situation, noting the
127:00 control of the situation, noting the growing noise outside the castle. The
127:02 growing noise outside the castle. The Duke turned to his sister for an
127:03 Duke turned to his sister for an explanation of the events he had missed
127:05 explanation of the events he had missed in the city. The girl calmly explained
127:07 in the city. The girl calmly explained that it was a regular gathering of the
127:08 that it was a regular gathering of the crowd, cursing and chasing them away.
127:11 crowd, cursing and chasing them away. Aaron was outraged by the appearance of
127:13 Aaron was outraged by the appearance of the insect-like towns people and
127:15 the insect-like towns people and suggested punishing them severely. He
127:17 suggested punishing them severely. He asked Cheryl to organize the execution
127:18 asked Cheryl to organize the execution of all the protesters, suggesting burial
127:21 of all the protesters, suggesting burial or burning of the dangerous bodies.
127:23 or burning of the dangerous bodies. Cheryl happily set off to carry out the
127:25 Cheryl happily set off to carry out the order, but stopped to ask an important
127:27 order, but stopped to ask an important question. With an evil smile, she asked
127:30 question. With an evil smile, she asked permission to personally kill one of the
127:32 permission to personally kill one of the protesting towns people. The Duke
127:33 protesting towns people. The Duke unexpectedly allowed his sister to act
127:35 unexpectedly allowed his sister to act as she wished, asking only that she
127:37 as she wished, asking only that she avoid trivial methods of killing.
127:39 avoid trivial methods of killing. Philip, who was watching, was shocked by
127:41 Philip, who was watching, was shocked by the transformation of his acquaintance
127:43 the transformation of his acquaintance into a cruel tyrant and monster. He
127:46 into a cruel tyrant and monster. He noted the changes after two battles, her
127:48 noted the changes after two battles, her joining a brutal cult and her
127:50 joining a brutal cult and her transformation into a mad killer. As the
127:52 transformation into a mad killer. As the execution began, a knight hurriedly
127:54 execution began, a knight hurriedly approached Prince Philip with an
127:56 approached Prince Philip with an important message. He cautiously warned
127:58 important message. He cautiously warned of the Duke's intention to destroy all
128:00 of the Duke's intention to destroy all the inhabitants of the city. Unwilling
128:02 the inhabitants of the city. Unwilling to witness what was happening, the
128:03 to witness what was happening, the prince announced his departure while the
128:05 prince announced his departure while the alarmed Aaron tried to stop him. The
128:07 alarmed Aaron tried to stop him. The Duke did not understand the reason for
128:09 Duke did not understand the reason for the discontent. Poor food or
128:11 the discontent. Poor food or insufficient care for the guest. The
128:12 insufficient care for the guest. The departing prince assured him that he had
128:14 departing prince assured him that he had enjoyed his stay. Understanding that the
128:16 enjoyed his stay. Understanding that the Duke was busy with important matters,
128:19 Duke was busy with important matters, Philip smiled as he left the city with
128:20 Philip smiled as he left the city with his escort, seeing no threat to the
128:22 his escort, seeing no threat to the empire from the incompetent,
128:24 empire from the incompetent, self-destructive ruler. Watching the
128:26 self-destructive ruler. Watching the prince's departure, Aaron smiled with
128:28 prince's departure, Aaron smiled with satisfaction at the successful execution
128:30 satisfaction at the successful execution of his cunning plan. After the guests
128:32 of his cunning plan. After the guests had left, the Duke came to evaluate the
128:34 had left, the Duke came to evaluate the acting skills of his loyal subjects.
128:36 acting skills of his loyal subjects. Approaching Arthur, he announced the
128:38 Approaching Arthur, he announced the arrival of the corrupt lord according to
128:40 arrival of the corrupt lord according to a pre-arranged script. Arthur, following
128:43 a pre-arranged script. Arthur, following the rehearsal, portrayed the last
128:44 the rehearsal, portrayed the last resistance of the corrupt lord with a
128:46 resistance of the corrupt lord with a stick. Showing the bag of money, the
128:48 stick. Showing the bag of money, the Duke praised the actors for their
128:50 Duke praised the actors for their excellent work in the successful
128:51 excellent work in the successful performance. 2 days after the exhausting
128:54 performance. 2 days after the exhausting journey, Philip returned to his father
128:55 journey, Philip returned to his father with an important report. He reported
128:57 with an important report. He reported that he had a good understanding of the
128:59 that he had a good understanding of the situation, seeing the Duke's rapid
129:01 situation, seeing the Duke's rapid self-destruction. Philip described the
129:03 self-destruction. Philip described the exploitation of the people by the cult
129:05 exploitation of the people by the cult of Vanna and the brutal murder of
129:07 of Vanna and the brutal murder of protesters by the Duke. Particularly
129:09 protesters by the Duke. Particularly disturbing was the enjoyment of cruelty
129:11 disturbing was the enjoyment of cruelty not only by Aaron, but also by Lady
129:13 not only by Aaron, but also by Lady Cheryl. The emperor acknowledged the
129:15 Cheryl. The emperor acknowledged the tragedy of the innocent deaths, but
129:17 tragedy of the innocent deaths, but noted the benefits of Aaron's insane
129:19 noted the benefits of Aaron's insane actions. The crown prince noticed the
129:21 actions. The crown prince noticed the emergence of his father's ingenious plan
129:23 emergence of his father's ingenious plan and eagerly awaited its revelation.
129:25 and eagerly awaited its revelation. Meanwhile, the Duke continued his
129:27 Meanwhile, the Duke continued his fencing training to improve his combat
129:29 fencing training to improve his combat skills. Recalling his meeting with
129:30 skills. Recalling his meeting with Philip, he recognized the immense power
129:33 Philip, he recognized the immense power hidden behind the prince's sinister
129:34 hidden behind the prince's sinister smile. He pondered the incredible power
129:36 smile. He pondered the incredible power and level of development achieved by the
129:38 and level of development achieved by the young heir. The Duke focused on his
129:40 young heir. The Duke focused on his training, channeling his energy into his
129:43 training, channeling his energy into his sword with enhanced dragon power.
129:45 sword with enhanced dragon power. instantly destroying a row of targets.
129:47 instantly destroying a row of targets. He remained dissatisfied with his lack
129:49 He remained dissatisfied with his lack of control over his strikes. He had not
129:51 of control over his strikes. He had not yet fully mastered the control of the
129:53 yet fully mastered the control of the dragon's blessing he had received to
129:54 dragon's blessing he had received to achieve maximum strength. The situation
129:56 achieve maximum strength. The situation was improved by his raw physical
129:58 was improved by his raw physical strength, developed through the
130:00 strength, developed through the meditations of ancient monks. The Duke
130:02 meditations of ancient monks. The Duke understood the need for further
130:04 understood the need for further development to overthrow the emperor,
130:06 development to overthrow the emperor, hiding his growing strength. Two armies
130:08 hiding his growing strength. Two armies were training on the castle grounds. The
130:10 were training on the castle grounds. The elves under Arthur's command and the
130:12 elves under Arthur's command and the humans under Raml's leadership. Raml
130:14 humans under Raml's leadership. Raml ordered his warriors to form a battle
130:16 ordered his warriors to form a battle turtle with their shields tightly closed
130:19 turtle with their shields tightly closed while the elf commander Arthur ordered
130:20 while the elf commander Arthur ordered the archers to begin firing at this
130:22 the archers to begin firing at this defensive formation. After the elves had
130:24 defensive formation. After the elves had used up all their arrows, they engaged
130:27 used up all their arrows, they engaged in close combat with swords while Raml
130:30 in close combat with swords while Raml protected by a wall of shields patiently
130:32 protected by a wall of shields patiently waited for the perfect moment to launch
130:34 waited for the perfect moment to launch a powerful counterattack. At the moment
130:36 a powerful counterattack. At the moment when the attacking elves were directly
130:38 when the attacking elves were directly above the formation, Raml gave the order
130:40 above the formation, Raml gave the order to raise their spears and the attackers,
130:43 to raise their spears and the attackers, unable to stop in time, ran into the
130:45 unable to stop in time, ran into the sharp points themselves. After
130:47 sharp points themselves. After successfully defending his position,
130:49 successfully defending his position, Raml managed to strike Arthur himself
130:51 Raml managed to strike Arthur himself with his spear, knocking the elf
130:53 with his spear, knocking the elf commander to the ground during his
130:54 commander to the ground during his attack on the formation. With a smile,
130:57 attack on the formation. With a smile, Raml extended his hand to his defeated
130:59 Raml extended his hand to his defeated comrade, praising his good tactics with
131:01 comrade, praising his good tactics with the jump, but noting the superiority of
131:03 the jump, but noting the superiority of his defensive strategy in this training
131:05 his defensive strategy in this training battle. The Duke approached and praised
131:07 battle. The Duke approached and praised both teams for their remarkable progress
131:09 both teams for their remarkable progress in training, noting the growing skill of
131:11 in training, noting the growing skill of both humans and elves in performing
131:14 both humans and elves in performing complex combat maneuvers. Examining the
131:16 complex combat maneuvers. Examining the spears used in the training, the Duke
131:18 spears used in the training, the Duke was surprised to notice that their tips
131:20 was surprised to notice that their tips were covered with something resembling
131:22 were covered with something resembling blood and inquired about the origin of
131:24 blood and inquired about the origin of this idea. It turned out that this was
131:26 this idea. It turned out that this was the brainchild of the wise Kanos, who
131:29 the brainchild of the wise Kanos, who considered it important to accustom new
131:31 considered it important to accustom new warriors to the sight of blood before
131:32 warriors to the sight of blood before their first real battle on the
131:34 their first real battle on the battlefield. While discussing further
131:36 battlefield. While discussing further training plans, an urgent messenger
131:38 training plans, an urgent messenger arrived with alarming news that the
131:39 arrived with alarming news that the sacred state of Paris had declared a
131:41 sacred state of Paris had declared a general mobilization. With a sad smile,
131:44 general mobilization. With a sad smile, the Duke remarked that he would miss
131:45 the Duke remarked that he would miss Paris if they really decided to start a
131:47 Paris if they really decided to start a war they were bound to lose against a
131:49 war they were bound to lose against a powerful empire. The situation turned
131:51 powerful empire. The situation turned out to be much more serious than
131:53 out to be much more serious than initially thought. The troops of the
131:55 initially thought. The troops of the holy state of Paris were not moving
131:57 holy state of Paris were not moving toward the borders of the empire, but
131:58 toward the borders of the empire, but were heading straight for the duchies
132:00 were heading straight for the duchies lands. Administrator Max reported a
132:03 lands. Administrator Max reported a serious numerical superiority of the
132:04 serious numerical superiority of the enemy. 20,000 enemies, including the
132:07 enemy. 20,000 enemies, including the elite knights of Paris, were advancing
132:09 elite knights of Paris, were advancing against their 10,000 warriors. The Duke
132:12 against their 10,000 warriors. The Duke tried to understand the reasons for the
132:14 tried to understand the reasons for the sudden declaration of war and wondered
132:16 sudden declaration of war and wondered why the emperor was not intervening in
132:18 why the emperor was not intervening in the situation when a foreign army was
132:20 the situation when a foreign army was invading the empire's territory. Max
132:22 invading the empire's territory. Max explained that the holy state intended
132:24 explained that the holy state intended to destroy the cult of Viven on their
132:26 to destroy the cult of Viven on their lands and the empire was not intervening
132:28 lands and the empire was not intervening because of diplomatic ties with the
132:30 because of diplomatic ties with the state of Perez. After carefully
132:32 state of Perez. After carefully considering the situation, the
132:34 considering the situation, the perceptive Kinos came to the conclusion
132:36 perceptive Kinos came to the conclusion that the holy state was acting on secret
132:38 that the holy state was acting on secret orders from the empire itself against
132:40 orders from the empire itself against the duche. The timing of the attack was
132:43 the duche. The timing of the attack was too perfect, especially considering the
132:45 too perfect, especially considering the recent visit of the crown prince, which
132:47 recent visit of the crown prince, which indicated a carefully planned operation
132:49 indicated a carefully planned operation against them. The Duke bitterly realized
132:51 against them. The Duke bitterly realized that he had brought trouble upon himself
132:53 that he had brought trouble upon himself by trying to deceive the crown prince
132:55 by trying to deceive the crown prince during his visit. Without considering
132:57 during his visit. Without considering the possible serious consequences of his
132:59 the possible serious consequences of his cunning plan, trembling with fear,
133:01 cunning plan, trembling with fear, Cecilia suggested taking her followers
133:03 Cecilia suggested taking her followers away so that the Duke would not risk his
133:05 away so that the Duke would not risk his life trying to protect them from the
133:07 life trying to protect them from the powerful holy state. Looking at the
133:09 powerful holy state. Looking at the frightened nun, the Duke pondered a
133:11 frightened nun, the Duke pondered a difficult choice. Whether to send the
133:13 difficult choice. Whether to send the cult members to safety or leave them in
133:15 cult members to safety or leave them in his lands. It quickly became clear that
133:18 his lands. It quickly became clear that the cult's departure was impossible. A
133:20 the cult's departure was impossible. A significant portion of the income came
133:22 significant portion of the income came from the sale of holy water from the
133:24 from the sale of holy water from the church of Viven, and the strength of the
133:26 church of Viven, and the strength of the crusaders was necessary for defense.
133:28 crusaders was necessary for defense. With a warm smile, Aaron reassured the
133:30 With a warm smile, Aaron reassured the agitated nun, explaining that he alone
133:33 agitated nun, explaining that he alone was to blame for what had happened, and
133:35 was to blame for what had happened, and asked her not to mention the departure
133:36 asked her not to mention the departure of the cult's followers again. Hearing
133:38 of the cult's followers again. Hearing the Duke's words of support, Cecilia
133:40 the Duke's words of support, Cecilia accepted his decision to defend their
133:42 accepted his decision to defend their faith from the attack of the holy state
133:44 faith from the attack of the holy state with great joy and gratitude. Putting on
133:47 with great joy and gratitude. Putting on his traveling cloak, the Duke ordered
133:49 his traveling cloak, the Duke ordered Kanos to follow him so that they could
133:51 Kanos to follow him so that they could find out the true position of the empire
133:52 find out the true position of the empire in the religious war that was beginning
133:54 in the religious war that was beginning with Paris. In his study, the Duke sat
133:57 with Paris. In his study, the Duke sat down at his desk and asked Kanos to
133:59 down at his desk and asked Kanos to establish a magical connection with the
134:01 establish a magical connection with the imperial palace for an important
134:03 imperial palace for an important conversation with Prince Philip. The
134:05 conversation with Prince Philip. The adviser began to recite a complex spell,
134:07 adviser began to recite a complex spell, activating the magic orb for
134:09 activating the magic orb for communication. And soon, magical signals
134:11 communication. And soon, magical signals pierced the walls and reached the
134:13 pierced the walls and reached the distant imperial palace. Once the
134:15 distant imperial palace. Once the connection was established, the Duke
134:17 connection was established, the Duke demanded an explanation from the prince
134:18 demanded an explanation from the prince as to how he could allow the holy state
134:20 as to how he could allow the holy state to declare war on Bran, an integral part
134:23 to declare war on Bran, an integral part of the empire. Philip declared the
134:24 of the empire. Philip declared the emperor's disagreement with the
134:26 emperor's disagreement with the decision, but explained that it was
134:27 decision, but explained that it was impossible to oppose the will of the
134:29 impossible to oppose the will of the feudal lords who had sided with the
134:30 feudal lords who had sided with the church of the holy state. Aaron begged
134:32 church of the holy state. Aaron begged the Empire to provide military support,
134:35 the Empire to provide military support, explaining that without the help of the
134:36 explaining that without the help of the Imperial troops, his duche was doomed to
134:39 Imperial troops, his duche was doomed to complete destruction by the superior
134:41 complete destruction by the superior forces of the enemy. Reminding Philip of
134:44 forces of the enemy. Reminding Philip of his royal blood, the young Duke asked
134:46 his royal blood, the young Duke asked for help, appealing to their shared past
134:48 for help, appealing to their shared past and long-standing friendship. Philip
134:50 and long-standing friendship. Philip replied coldly that he did not
134:52 replied coldly that he did not understand talk of death since all that
134:54 understand talk of death since all that was needed for salvation was to renounce
134:56 was needed for salvation was to renounce the Church of Viven and then abruptly
134:58 the Church of Viven and then abruptly severed the magical connection. After
135:00 severed the magical connection. After the conversation ended, Philip
135:02 the conversation ended, Philip contemptuously rubbed his forehead,
135:04 contemptuously rubbed his forehead, ashamed of his previous thoughts that he
135:06 ashamed of his previous thoughts that he had considered such an insignificant
135:08 had considered such an insignificant person a worthy rival. When the
135:10 person a worthy rival. When the connection was broken, Aaron quickly
135:12 connection was broken, Aaron quickly calmed down and looked around the room
135:13 calmed down and looked around the room carefully, as if checking to see if
135:16 carefully, as if checking to see if anyone was eavesdropping on their
135:17 anyone was eavesdropping on their conversation with the adviser. The
135:19 conversation with the adviser. The experienced Kanos, analyzing the
135:21 experienced Kanos, analyzing the prince's words, understood the true
135:23 prince's words, understood the true position of the empire. A fain denial of
135:26 position of the empire. A fain denial of involvement despite their obvious
135:27 involvement despite their obvious participation in the attack on Paris.
135:29 participation in the attack on Paris. Aaron laughed maliciously, realizing the
135:32 Aaron laughed maliciously, realizing the empire's plan to use the sacred state to
135:34 empire's plan to use the sacred state to eliminate him. Unaware that they were
135:36 eliminate him. Unaware that they were dealing with a dangerous and cunning
135:38 dealing with a dangerous and cunning enemy, in the heat of anger, the Duke
135:40 enemy, in the heat of anger, the Duke let slip his knowledge of Pope St. Paris
135:42 let slip his knowledge of Pope St. Paris weak spot, which could become a decisive
135:44 weak spot, which could become a decisive trump card in the upcoming confrontation
135:46 trump card in the upcoming confrontation with the church. Noticing his adviser's
135:48 with the church. Noticing his adviser's surprise, the Duke asked him not to
135:50 surprise, the Duke asked him not to worry about the slip of the tongue,
135:52 worry about the slip of the tongue, calling it a secret trump card that he
135:54 calling it a secret trump card that he had saved for the most critical moment.
135:56 had saved for the most critical moment. Changing the subject, Aaron asked Kanos
135:58 Changing the subject, Aaron asked Kanos to urgently find a talented artist to
136:00 to urgently find a talented artist to create a special drawing in response to
136:02 create a special drawing in response to the holy state's declaration of war.
136:04 the holy state's declaration of war. Sometime later, a message arrived in the
136:07 Sometime later, a message arrived in the holy state of Paris with a mysterious
136:08 holy state of Paris with a mysterious drawing commissioned by the Duke
136:10 drawing commissioned by the Duke specifically to respond to the military
136:12 specifically to respond to the military challenge. The Archbishop of the Holy
136:14 challenge. The Archbishop of the Holy State considered the Duke insane for
136:16 State considered the Duke insane for daring to use an official declaration of
136:18 daring to use an official declaration of war for an inappropriate and insolent
136:21 war for an inappropriate and insolent provocation of the church. The
136:22 provocation of the church. The Archbishop's assistant suggested that
136:24 Archbishop's assistant suggested that the Duke's mind had been clouded by
136:26 the Duke's mind had been clouded by heretics and that he was now incapable
136:28 heretics and that he was now incapable of making rational and balanced
136:30 of making rational and balanced decisions. The Archbishop decided to
136:32 decisions. The Archbishop decided to immediately report to his holiness on
136:34 immediately report to his holiness on the need to continue the holy crusade to
136:36 the need to continue the holy crusade to purify the lands of madmen without
136:39 purify the lands of madmen without waiting for a request from the empire.
136:41 waiting for a request from the empire. Upon receiving the report, the pope of
136:43 Upon receiving the report, the pope of the holy state of Paris immediately
136:44 the holy state of Paris immediately ordered all orders to march to destroy
136:46 ordered all orders to march to destroy the heretical duche of Bran. The Holy
136:49 the heretical duche of Bran. The Holy Army consisted of 500 elite knights of
136:51 Army consisted of 500 elite knights of the Crusader Order and 2,000 warriors
136:53 the Crusader Order and 2,000 warriors from other orders, a fifth of the entire
136:56 from other orders, a fifth of the entire military power of Paris. After carefully
136:58 military power of Paris. After carefully devising a defense strategy, Kanos
137:00 devising a defense strategy, Kanos arrived at the war council to discuss a
137:02 arrived at the war council to discuss a detailed plan for confronting the
137:04 detailed plan for confronting the superior forces of the enemy. The
137:06 superior forces of the enemy. The adviser reminded those gathered of the
137:08 adviser reminded those gathered of the enemy's serious numerical superiority,
137:11 enemy's serious numerical superiority, 20,000 against their 10,000 warriors at
137:13 20,000 against their 10,000 warriors at best, even with a full mobilization.
137:16 best, even with a full mobilization. Kanos emphasized the defensive nature of
137:18 Kanos emphasized the defensive nature of the upcoming war, pointing out the
137:20 the upcoming war, pointing out the importance of preparing a strong army
137:21 importance of preparing a strong army and sufficient supplies to stop the
137:23 and sufficient supplies to stop the enemy at the border. Presenting a
137:25 enemy at the border. Presenting a detailed plan to counter the huge enemy
137:27 detailed plan to counter the huge enemy army, the strategist revealed his idea
137:29 army, the strategist revealed his idea of using tactics of chaos and fear on
137:31 of using tactics of chaos and fear on the battlefield. A key element of the
137:33 the battlefield. A key element of the plan was the divine magic bombs of the
137:35 plan was the divine magic bombs of the Viven religion, which had destroyed the
137:37 Viven religion, which had destroyed the Pessens during the ancient crusades
137:39 Pessens during the ancient crusades against heretics. Those present at the
137:41 against heretics. Those present at the council objected that divine magic bombs
137:44 council objected that divine magic bombs were considered forbidden weapons and
137:46 were considered forbidden weapons and all methods of creating them had long
137:47 all methods of creating them had long been lost to the church. Kinos explained
137:50 been lost to the church. Kinos explained that this was precisely why he had
137:51 that this was precisely why he had invited Sister Cecilia to the council as
137:54 invited Sister Cecilia to the council as she could help them solve this complex
137:55 she could help them solve this complex and delicate problem. The nun looked
137:57 and delicate problem. The nun looked away in embarrassment, confirming the
137:59 away in embarrassment, confirming the loss of the ancient instructions. But
138:01 loss of the ancient instructions. But Kanos clarified that he did not need
138:03 Kanos clarified that he did not need documentation but something completely
138:05 documentation but something completely different. The strategist wanted Cecilia
138:07 different. The strategist wanted Cecilia to organize a demonstration of the
138:09 to organize a demonstration of the divine power of the Church of Viven to
138:11 divine power of the Church of Viven to strengthen the fighting spirit of the
138:12 strengthen the fighting spirit of the defenders of the Duche. Cecilia
138:14 defenders of the Duche. Cecilia explained Kinos's mistake. The divine
138:16 explained Kinos's mistake. The divine magic bomb could only neutralize the
138:18 magic bomb could only neutralize the power of the Church of Paris without
138:20 power of the Church of Paris without causing physical harm to people. Upon
138:22 causing physical harm to people. Upon hearing this, Aaron doubted the
138:24 hearing this, Aaron doubted the effectiveness of a non-lethal weapon and
138:26 effectiveness of a non-lethal weapon and demanded an explanation from his
138:28 demanded an explanation from his strategist about the advisability of its
138:30 strategist about the advisability of its use. Kinos reassured the Duke, hinting
138:33 use. Kinos reassured the Duke, hinting at the existence of a way to turn the
138:34 at the existence of a way to turn the harmless bombs into deadly weapons
138:36 harmless bombs into deadly weapons against the enemy army during battle.
138:38 against the enemy army during battle. The cunning strategist had a detailed
138:40 The cunning strategist had a detailed plan of action ready, and Cheryl was to
138:43 plan of action ready, and Cheryl was to be the executive of his plan, to whom he
138:45 be the executive of his plan, to whom he handed a mysterious magic scroll.
138:47 handed a mysterious magic scroll. Unfolding and reading the scroll, the
138:49 Unfolding and reading the scroll, the girl was amazed by the incredible
138:51 girl was amazed by the incredible ingenuity and audacity of the plan
138:53 ingenuity and audacity of the plan devised by the adviser for their
138:54 devised by the adviser for their protection. 5 days later, elven scouts
138:57 protection. 5 days later, elven scouts took up observation positions in the
138:59 took up observation positions in the trees of the black forest, tracking the
139:01 trees of the black forest, tracking the movements of the approaching enemy army.
139:03 movements of the approaching enemy army. Upon discovering the enemy, the elven
139:05 Upon discovering the enemy, the elven observers immediately set off with an
139:07 observers immediately set off with an important report on the number and
139:08 important report on the number and location of the advancing enemy units.
139:10 location of the advancing enemy units. Analyzing the intelligence data, Kanos
139:13 Analyzing the intelligence data, Kanos noted that the enemy was moving 2 days
139:15 noted that the enemy was moving 2 days faster than expected, which indicated
139:17 faster than expected, which indicated that the enemy soldiers were severely
139:19 that the enemy soldiers were severely fatigued. The strategist understood that
139:21 fatigued. The strategist understood that due to the impatience of their
139:22 due to the impatience of their commander, the enemy troops would not
139:24 commander, the enemy troops would not retreat despite their fatigue. Striving
139:27 retreat despite their fatigue. Striving at all costs to carry out the orders
139:28 at all costs to carry out the orders they had received, Aaron woke up his
139:30 they had received, Aaron woke up his sister, who was sleeping in a field tent
139:33 sister, who was sleeping in a field tent to make sure that all the weapons had
139:34 to make sure that all the weapons had been hidden according to plan. Cheryl,
139:36 been hidden according to plan. Cheryl, who was annoyed, replied irritably that
139:38 who was annoyed, replied irritably that she had done everything several days
139:40 she had done everything several days ago, suffering from lack of sleep and
139:42 ago, suffering from lack of sleep and hunger, and demanded to be left alone.
139:44 hunger, and demanded to be left alone. Scouts from the Sacred Army of Paris
139:46 Scouts from the Sacred Army of Paris reported to the Archbishop that there
139:47 reported to the Archbishop that there were no ambushes along the route. Fully
139:49 were no ambushes along the route. Fully in line with the command's preliminary
139:51 in line with the command's preliminary expectations, the Archbishop decided
139:53 expectations, the Archbishop decided that the Duke still had some sense left
139:55 that the Duke still had some sense left since he understood the futility of
139:57 since he understood the futility of resisting the great army of the Holy
139:59 resisting the great army of the Holy State of Paris. Satisfied with the lack
140:01 State of Paris. Satisfied with the lack of resistance, the Archbishop ordered
140:03 of resistance, the Archbishop ordered the knights to prepare for the complete
140:05 the knights to prepare for the complete cleansing of the heretical lands before
140:07 cleansing of the heretical lands before nightfall. Watching the enemy's actions
140:09 nightfall. Watching the enemy's actions from a hill, Aaron understood the
140:11 from a hill, Aaron understood the Archbishop's provocative tactics aimed
140:13 Archbishop's provocative tactics aimed at forcing him into a rash murder. After
140:15 at forcing him into a rash murder. After ordering his troops to take up their
140:17 ordering his troops to take up their pre-prepared positions, the Duke watched
140:19 pre-prepared positions, the Duke watched as armed warriors emerged from
140:21 as armed warriors emerged from camouflage tents. The Archbishop who led
140:23 camouflage tents. The Archbishop who led the Holy Army was already dreaming of
140:25 the Holy Army was already dreaming of the glory of victory. Imagining his
140:28 the glory of victory. Imagining his future promotion to Cardinal and even to
140:30 future promotion to Cardinal and even to the papacy. Suddenly, the earth shook
140:33 the papacy. Suddenly, the earth shook and before the Archbishop could give the
140:35 and before the Archbishop could give the order to hold their positions, he saw a
140:37 order to hold their positions, he saw a familiar purple glow in the air.
140:39 familiar purple glow in the air. Recognizing with horror the divine magic
140:41 Recognizing with horror the divine magic bombs that could not be defended
140:43 bombs that could not be defended against, the archbishop realized the
140:45 against, the archbishop realized the seriousness of the threat to his army.
140:47 seriousness of the threat to his army. Admiring the beautiful but deadly
140:49 Admiring the beautiful but deadly spectacle, Aaron realized that the
140:51 spectacle, Aaron realized that the decisive moment had come to implement
140:52 decisive moment had come to implement his carefully crafted military plan. A
140:55 his carefully crafted military plan. A few days earlier, Kanos had explained to
140:57 few days earlier, Kanos had explained to the shocked Cheryl that the instructions
140:59 the shocked Cheryl that the instructions he had received contained instructions
141:01 he had received contained instructions for creating special magical mines for
141:03 for creating special magical mines for defense. Unlike divine magic bombs,
141:05 defense. Unlike divine magic bombs, these magic mines were specifically
141:07 these magic mines were specifically designed to inflict lethal damage on
141:09 designed to inflict lethal damage on enemy troops. The strategist's plan
141:11 enemy troops. The strategist's plan combined the terrifying effect of divine
141:13 combined the terrifying effect of divine bombs, reminding the enemy of past wars
141:16 bombs, reminding the enemy of past wars with the unexpected explosive power of
141:18 with the unexpected explosive power of magic mines. A surviving soldier
141:20 magic mines. A surviving soldier attempted to reach the archbishop with a
141:22 attempted to reach the archbishop with a report on the change in the divine
141:24 report on the change in the divine bombs, which had become deadly to
141:26 bombs, which had become deadly to humans. A magical trap that unexpectedly
141:28 humans. A magical trap that unexpectedly went off under the soldier's feet
141:30 went off under the soldier's feet brought him a quick but painful death,
141:33 brought him a quick but painful death, interrupting his attempt to warn the
141:34 interrupting his attempt to warn the commander of the danger. Memories of the
141:36 commander of the danger. Memories of the divine magic bombs that had only
141:38 divine magic bombs that had only neutralized divine power in the past but
141:40 neutralized divine power in the past but had never killed people came flooding
141:43 had never killed people came flooding back to the archbishop. Realizing that
141:45 back to the archbishop. Realizing that the enemy had created a new deadly
141:46 the enemy had created a new deadly weapon, the archbishop understood that
141:48 weapon, the archbishop understood that the enemy sought to sow chaos in the
141:50 the enemy sought to sow chaos in the ranks of his army in order to completely
141:52 ranks of his army in order to completely destroy the troops. The Archbishop
141:55 destroy the troops. The Archbishop ordered the surviving soldiers to
141:56 ordered the surviving soldiers to maintain their formation and continue
141:58 maintain their formation and continue the attack. Unaware of the appearance of
142:00 the attack. Unaware of the appearance of Duke Aaron directly behind him, the Duke
142:02 Duke Aaron directly behind him, the Duke introduced himself loudly and announced
142:04 introduced himself loudly and announced the beginning of a holy vendetta in the
142:06 the beginning of a holy vendetta in the name of the goddess Viven against the
142:08 name of the goddess Viven against the invaders who had invaded his lands. In a
142:10 invaders who had invaded his lands. In a rage, the Archbishop raised his sacred
142:12 rage, the Archbishop raised his sacred scepter, intending to bring down upon
142:15 scepter, intending to bring down upon the insulent Duke all the divine power
142:17 the insulent Duke all the divine power of the great protector of Paris. After a
142:20 of the great protector of Paris. After a faint, the Archbishop struck a real blow
142:22 faint, the Archbishop struck a real blow at the moment when the Duke seemed
142:23 at the moment when the Duke seemed unprepared for defense. Hoping to catch
142:25 unprepared for defense. Hoping to catch his opponent off guard, deafly dodging
142:28 his opponent off guard, deafly dodging the blow, the Duke glared at the smiling
142:30 the blow, the Duke glared at the smiling face of the Archbishop, who continued to
142:32 face of the Archbishop, who continued to laugh despite the death of his own
142:33 laugh despite the death of his own soldiers. Aaron decided to see how long
142:36 soldiers. Aaron decided to see how long the arrogant smile would remain on the
142:37 the arrogant smile would remain on the Archbishop's face after what he had in
142:40 Archbishop's face after what he had in store for the hotty clergymen. In a loud
142:42 store for the hotty clergymen. In a loud voice, the Duke ordered his knights to
142:44 voice, the Duke ordered his knights to attack the enemy occultists, urging them
142:46 attack the enemy occultists, urging them to glorify the name of the goddess Viven
142:49 to glorify the name of the goddess Viven in this sacred battle. Hearing the
142:51 in this sacred battle. Hearing the accusation of occultism, the offended
142:53 accusation of occultism, the offended Archbishop was outraged. Considering the
142:55 Archbishop was outraged. Considering the followers of the Church of Viven in the
142:57 followers of the Church of Viven in the Duke's lands to be true heretics,
142:59 Duke's lands to be true heretics, jumping onto his horse, the enraged
143:01 jumping onto his horse, the enraged Archbishop rushed into battle, ignoring
143:03 Archbishop rushed into battle, ignoring the warnings of his knights that they
143:05 the warnings of his knights that they should retreat from a losing situation.
143:07 should retreat from a losing situation. In his anger, he struck the subordinate
143:09 In his anger, he struck the subordinate who had suggested retreat and ordered
143:11 who had suggested retreat and ordered everyone to maintain their battle
143:12 everyone to maintain their battle formation. Showing no mercy to the
143:14 formation. Showing no mercy to the heretics who had slandered the Holy Lord
143:16 heretics who had slandered the Holy Lord Paris. Taking off his helmet, the loyal
143:19 Paris. Taking off his helmet, the loyal knight promised to lead the crusader
143:20 knight promised to lead the crusader order into the final battle to the end
143:22 order into the final battle to the end if the archbishop ordered the
143:24 if the archbishop ordered the destruction of the enemy at any cost.
143:26 destruction of the enemy at any cost. The knight warned of the imminent death
143:27 The knight warned of the imminent death of all participants in the campaign in
143:29 of all participants in the campaign in the event of defeat and begged the
143:31 the event of defeat and begged the archbishop to give the order to retreat
143:33 archbishop to give the order to retreat for the sake of saving the soldiers.
143:35 for the sake of saving the soldiers. Realizing the critical nature of the
143:37 Realizing the critical nature of the situation, the archbishop ordered a
143:39 situation, the archbishop ordered a retreat and commanded that divine
143:40 retreat and commanded that divine shields be created to protect the
143:42 shields be created to protect the remnants of his army. Raml at the head
143:44 remnants of his army. Raml at the head of the army demanded to pursue the
143:46 of the army demanded to pursue the retreating occultists, but the Duke
143:48 retreating occultists, but the Duke managed to block his horse's path,
143:50 managed to block his horse's path, stopping the attack. The Duke explained
143:52 stopping the attack. The Duke explained that the order to attack was a ruse to
143:54 that the order to attack was a ruse to drive out the enemy army and that
143:56 drive out the enemy army and that pursuit would result in losses from
143:58 pursuit would result in losses from their own magical minds. Aaron announced
144:00 their own magical minds. Aaron announced his intention to pursue the enemy alone,
144:02 his intention to pursue the enemy alone, planning to bypass the forest and cut
144:04 planning to bypass the forest and cut off the enemy army's retreat into their
144:06 off the enemy army's retreat into their territory. Watching the departing
144:08 territory. Watching the departing cavalry, the Duke apologized to the
144:10 cavalry, the Duke apologized to the knight for the deception with the mines,
144:12 knight for the deception with the mines, most of which had already been detonated
144:14 most of which had already been detonated in previous battles. The Duke decided to
144:16 in previous battles. The Duke decided to act alone, not wanting to show his
144:18 act alone, not wanting to show his soldiers what he intended to do with the
144:20 soldiers what he intended to do with the remnants of the enemy army. Looking at
144:22 remnants of the enemy army. Looking at the charred bodies of his enemies, Aaron
144:24 the charred bodies of his enemies, Aaron acknowledged the brilliant success of
144:26 acknowledged the brilliant success of Kano's strategy, which perfectly
144:28 Kano's strategy, which perfectly embodied the concept of chaos and fear
144:30 embodied the concept of chaos and fear on the battlefield. To enhance the
144:32 on the battlefield. To enhance the effect, the Duke decided to supplement
144:34 effect, the Duke decided to supplement the plan with his mental abilities and
144:35 the plan with his mental abilities and the powerful blessing of an ancient
144:37 the powerful blessing of an ancient dragon. The piercing wind attack he
144:39 dragon. The piercing wind attack he created was so powerful that it cut
144:41 created was so powerful that it cut through and swept away the bodies of all
144:43 through and swept away the bodies of all the enemy warriors in its path. The Duke
144:45 the enemy warriors in its path. The Duke noted the imperfection of the strike,
144:47 noted the imperfection of the strike, but acknowledged the improvement in his
144:48 but acknowledged the improvement in his control over the dragon's blessing
144:50 control over the dragon's blessing thanks to the use of mental power.
144:52 thanks to the use of mental power. Confident in his abilities, Aaron
144:54 Confident in his abilities, Aaron continued to pursue the remaining enemy
144:56 continued to pursue the remaining enemy troops, seeking to complete their total
144:58 troops, seeking to complete their total annihilation. Carefully observing
144:59 annihilation. Carefully observing Aaron's actions, Kanos proudly
145:01 Aaron's actions, Kanos proudly acknowledged the significant growth in
145:03 acknowledged the significant growth in strength and skill of the young Duke.
145:05 strength and skill of the young Duke. The adviser recalled Aaron's first
145:06 The adviser recalled Aaron's first display of power when he sliced through
145:08 display of power when he sliced through the iceberg and his realization that
145:11 the iceberg and his realization that long training was necessary to control
145:13 long training was necessary to control it. Only through persistent training
145:15 it. Only through persistent training could the Duke hope to completely subdue
145:17 could the Duke hope to completely subdue the enormous power of the dragon's
145:18 the enormous power of the dragon's blessing within himself. Battles with
145:20 blessing within himself. Battles with monsters and territorial wars helped the
145:22 monsters and territorial wars helped the Duke develop control over his power.
145:25 Duke develop control over his power. Gradually taming the might of the
145:26 Gradually taming the might of the dragon's blessing, the encounter with
145:28 dragon's blessing, the encounter with the prince made Aaron realize that
145:30 the prince made Aaron realize that simply expanding his territory was not
145:32 simply expanding his territory was not enough to successfully oppose the
145:34 enough to successfully oppose the imperial power. Seeking to increase his
145:36 imperial power. Seeking to increase his power, the Duke began to master new
145:38 power, the Duke began to master new aspects of strength and significantly
145:40 aspects of strength and significantly accelerated his spiritual training
145:42 accelerated his spiritual training program. Today's battle showed the first
145:44 program. Today's battle showed the first small but noticeable results of the
145:46 small but noticeable results of the Duke's long training in controlling his
145:48 Duke's long training in controlling his growing power. The Duke was supported by
145:50 growing power. The Duke was supported by his younger sister, Cheryl, who
145:52 his younger sister, Cheryl, who continuously attacked the enemy with
145:53 continuously attacked the enemy with powerful fireballs from the sky. The
145:56 powerful fireballs from the sky. The experienced archbishop successfully
145:58 experienced archbishop successfully dodged the deadly fiery attacks raining
146:00 dodged the deadly fiery attacks raining down from the sky. The enemy did not
146:02 down from the sky. The enemy did not expect to encounter a mage of such
146:03 expect to encounter a mage of such power, capable of sustaining a
146:05 power, capable of sustaining a continuous rain of fire to destroy his
146:07 continuous rain of fire to destroy his troops. The Duke's knights arrived in
146:09 troops. The Duke's knights arrived in time to join the attack, seeking to
146:11 time to join the attack, seeking to increase the enemy's losses in this
146:12 increase the enemy's losses in this decisive battle. One of the enemy
146:14 decisive battle. One of the enemy knights created a protective barrier,
146:16 knights created a protective barrier, blocking the path of the pursuers, and
146:18 blocking the path of the pursuers, and asked the archbishop to quickly lead the
146:20 asked the archbishop to quickly lead the remnants of the army away. After the
146:22 remnants of the army away. After the protective barrier fell, the army
146:24 protective barrier fell, the army continued to pursue the enemy, who was
146:26 continued to pursue the enemy, who was trying to escape the dangerous canyon.
146:28 trying to escape the dangerous canyon. The Duke suddenly appeared and stopped
146:29 The Duke suddenly appeared and stopped his warriors, ordering them to cease
146:31 his warriors, ordering them to cease further pursuit of the retreating enemy.
146:33 further pursuit of the retreating enemy. Outside the canyon, they could lose
146:35 Outside the canyon, they could lose their authority. So the Duke decided to
146:37 their authority. So the Duke decided to end the pursuit. At that point,
146:39 end the pursuit. At that point, initially hoping to catch up with the
146:40 initially hoping to catch up with the enemy at that distance, the Duke was
146:42 enemy at that distance, the Duke was forced to acknowledge the interference
146:44 forced to acknowledge the interference of the protective power of the god
146:46 of the protective power of the god Paris. Aaron was amazed by the ability
146:48 Paris. Aaron was amazed by the ability of a single knight to stop their attack
146:49 of a single knight to stop their attack with a divine barrier that reflected
146:51 with a divine barrier that reflected Cheryl's magic and all the sword
146:53 Cheryl's magic and all the sword strikes. The Duke tried to break through
146:55 strikes. The Duke tried to break through the barrier with the energy of his
146:56 the barrier with the energy of his sword. But as expected, even this power
146:59 sword. But as expected, even this power proved powerless against the divine
147:01 proved powerless against the divine protection. The next attempt using pure
147:03 protection. The next attempt using pure physical strength also failed. The metal
147:06 physical strength also failed. The metal of the sword simply bounced off the
147:07 of the sword simply bounced off the barrier. To everyone's amazement, a
147:10 barrier. To everyone's amazement, a simple blow with his hand completely
147:11 simple blow with his hand completely destroyed the divine protection, proving
147:14 destroyed the divine protection, proving unexpectedly effective against the
147:15 unexpectedly effective against the barrier. After the defense fell, the
147:17 barrier. After the defense fell, the Duke ordered his men to capture the
147:19 Duke ordered his men to capture the enemies, but one of the warriors,
147:21 enemies, but one of the warriors, preferring death to captivity, plunged a
147:23 preferring death to captivity, plunged a dagger into his heart. The Duke managed
147:25 dagger into his heart. The Duke managed to stop the suicide, suggesting that he
147:27 to stop the suicide, suggesting that he not rush into a decision and hinting at
147:29 not rush into a decision and hinting at a long future together as a prisoner. As
147:31 a long future together as a prisoner. As a result of the battle, Archbishop Abel
147:33 a result of the battle, Archbishop Abel lost 10,000 soldiers to magical mines,
147:36 lost 10,000 soldiers to magical mines, losing half of his formidable army. The
147:38 losing half of his formidable army. The Archbishop led the remaining demoralized
147:40 Archbishop led the remaining demoralized soldiers to the border castle of Blanch
147:42 soldiers to the border castle of Blanch for regrouping and recovery. Aaron,
147:44 for regrouping and recovery. Aaron, without losing a single soldier, led
147:46 without losing a single soldier, led 5,000 warriors across the border,
147:49 5,000 warriors across the border, beginning his march on the capital of
147:50 beginning his march on the capital of the Holy State. At that moment, the Pope
147:53 the Holy State. At that moment, the Pope received an urgent report from the
147:54 received an urgent report from the Archbishop about the results of his
147:56 Archbishop about the results of his military mission against the heretical
147:58 military mission against the heretical duche. Shocked by the defeat, the Pope's
148:00 duche. Shocked by the defeat, the Pope's aids explained that the Duke had used a
148:02 aids explained that the Duke had used a previously unknown deadly magical
148:04 previously unknown deadly magical weapon. The Pope noted the absence of
148:06 weapon. The Pope noted the absence of Viven's divine magic bombs this time,
148:08 Viven's divine magic bombs this time, considering all other details of the
148:10 considering all other details of the battle insignificant. Confident in the
148:12 battle insignificant. Confident in the invincibility of divine protection, the
148:14 invincibility of divine protection, the Pope ordered another 50,000 soldiers to
148:17 Pope ordered another 50,000 soldiers to be sent against the Duke, considering
148:19 be sent against the Duke, considering all weapons except magic bombs to be
148:21 all weapons except magic bombs to be powerless. Fort Blanch, one of the two
148:23 powerless. Fort Blanch, one of the two border castles of the Holy State on the
148:25 border castles of the Holy State on the border with the Empire, was directly
148:27 border with the Empire, was directly adjacent to the territory of the Duchy
148:29 adjacent to the territory of the Duchy of Bronn. In peace time, this strategic
148:31 of Bronn. In peace time, this strategic fort served as an important stronghold
148:33 fort served as an important stronghold for spreading religious teachings among
148:35 for spreading religious teachings among neighboring lands. During wartime, the
148:37 neighboring lands. During wartime, the fort became a key outpost and strategic
148:39 fort became a key outpost and strategic base for the Holy State's army to
148:41 base for the Holy State's army to advance into the eastern territories.
148:43 advance into the eastern territories. The military leaders planned to repel
148:44 The military leaders planned to repel Aaron's troops, besieging the fort and
148:46 Aaron's troops, besieging the fort and send 50,000 reinforcements to completely
148:49 send 50,000 reinforcements to completely clear the duchy's territory. The battle
148:51 clear the duchy's territory. The battle claimed the life of Lucas, commander of
148:53 claimed the life of Lucas, commander of the Holy Knights, while the cowardly
148:55 the Holy Knights, while the cowardly archbishop thought only of his own
148:56 archbishop thought only of his own salvation within the walls of Fort
148:58 salvation within the walls of Fort Blanch. The Archbishop took the news
149:00 Blanch. The Archbishop took the news from the Pope about the formation of a
149:02 from the Pope about the formation of a new army as a divine sign and swore
149:04 new army as a divine sign and swore before the statue of Perez to avenge
149:06 before the statue of Perez to avenge himself and the fallen Lucas. With only
149:09 himself and the fallen Lucas. With only 5 days left before the arrival of
149:11 5 days left before the arrival of numerous reinforcements from the Holy
149:12 numerous reinforcements from the Holy State, time was running out. Upon
149:15 State, time was running out. Upon learning of the advance of enemy troops,
149:17 learning of the advance of enemy troops, Aaron began to prepare for decisive
149:19 Aaron began to prepare for decisive action to capture the strategically
149:20 action to capture the strategically important fort. The Duke employed every
149:23 important fort. The Duke employed every possible method of assault, trying to
149:25 possible method of assault, trying to capture Fort Blanch before the enemy
149:27 capture Fort Blanch before the enemy reinforcements arrived. But time was
149:29 reinforcements arrived. But time was rapidly slipping through his fingers.
149:31 rapidly slipping through his fingers. Despite constant attacks with arrows and
149:33 Despite constant attacks with arrows and various siege weapons, the powerful
149:35 various siege weapons, the powerful divine barrier of the church remained
149:37 divine barrier of the church remained completely impenetrable to any attempts.
149:39 completely impenetrable to any attempts. The Duke did not understand why
149:40 The Duke did not understand why conventional assault methods were
149:42 conventional assault methods were ineffective, nor why even his enhanced
149:44 ineffective, nor why even his enhanced sword aura failed against this unusual
149:46 sword aura failed against this unusual defensive system. The experienced Kaos
149:49 defensive system. The experienced Kaos was not surprised by such protection.
149:51 was not surprised by such protection. Expecting similar strength from the
149:53 Expecting similar strength from the trusted servant of the god of
149:54 trusted servant of the god of protection, known for his legendary
149:56 protection, known for his legendary skill with the sword, Paris. Realizing
149:59 skill with the sword, Paris. Realizing the gravity of the situation, the Duke
150:01 the gravity of the situation, the Duke watched as arrows bounced helplessly off
150:02 watched as arrows bounced helplessly off the barrier and the rare attacks that
150:04 the barrier and the rare attacks that broke through were instantly intercepted
150:06 broke through were instantly intercepted by the defenders. In search of a
150:08 by the defenders. In search of a solution, Aaron turned to Kanos for
150:10 solution, Aaron turned to Kanos for information on the possibility of using
150:12 information on the possibility of using a divine magic bomb against the
150:14 a divine magic bomb against the impenetrable defense. It turned out that
150:16 impenetrable defense. It turned out that Cecilia did not possess the secret of
150:18 Cecilia did not possess the secret of creating bombs, and their production
150:20 creating bombs, and their production required too much time, which was not
150:23 required too much time, which was not available before the arrival of the
150:24 available before the arrival of the enemy forces. Cheryl was resting after
150:27 enemy forces. Cheryl was resting after the exhausting creation of magic mines
150:29 the exhausting creation of magic mines in the previous battle, and it would
150:30 in the previous battle, and it would take several days of rest to recover the
150:32 take several days of rest to recover the mana she had spent. The situation was
150:35 mana she had spent. The situation was becoming critical. Without the ability
150:37 becoming critical. Without the ability to use divine bombs or Cheryl's magic,
150:40 to use divine bombs or Cheryl's magic, they saw no way to overcome the
150:41 they saw no way to overcome the impenetrable defenses of the fort. Kanos
150:44 impenetrable defenses of the fort. Kanos advised waiting for Lady Cheryl to
150:46 advised waiting for Lady Cheryl to recover her strength. Considering it the
150:48 recover her strength. Considering it the only reasonable solution in the current
150:50 only reasonable solution in the current difficult situation, the adviser
150:52 difficult situation, the adviser expressed hope that once restored,
150:54 expressed hope that once restored, Cheryl's magical power would be able to
150:56 Cheryl's magical power would be able to overcome even the legendary defenses of
150:58 overcome even the legendary defenses of the hands of the god Paris himself. 4
151:00 the hands of the god Paris himself. 4 days before the arrival of enemy
151:02 days before the arrival of enemy reinforcements, the Duke was forced to
151:04 reinforcements, the Duke was forced to rely on his sister's help and continue
151:06 rely on his sister's help and continue the exhausting wait. Not wanting to
151:08 the exhausting wait. Not wanting to remain idle, the Duke continued his
151:10 remain idle, the Duke continued his feudal attacks on the impregnable fort,
151:12 feudal attacks on the impregnable fort, knowing the futility of such actions
151:14 knowing the futility of such actions against a divine barrier. At the next
151:16 against a divine barrier. At the next military council, Kanos admitted that
151:18 military council, Kanos admitted that Paris's strength was much greater than
151:20 Paris's strength was much greater than their initial calculations had
151:22 their initial calculations had suggested. The strategist understood
151:24 suggested. The strategist understood that it was impossible to simply wait
151:26 that it was impossible to simply wait for Cheryl to recover. As time was
151:28 for Cheryl to recover. As time was running out for the mission to be
151:29 running out for the mission to be successful, even if Cheryl miraculously
151:31 successful, even if Cheryl miraculously recovered her strength, there was no
151:33 recovered her strength, there was no guarantee that her magic would be
151:35 guarantee that her magic would be powerful enough against such a perfect
151:36 powerful enough against such a perfect defense. The prudent adviser developed a
151:39 defense. The prudent adviser developed a backup plan, marking two key points on
151:41 backup plan, marking two key points on the map that were critical to the
151:42 the map that were critical to the implementation of the new military
151:44 implementation of the new military strategy. While the siege of the fort
151:46 strategy. While the siege of the fort continued, the enemy army could either
151:48 continued, the enemy army could either attack directly with all its forces or
151:50 attack directly with all its forces or bypass Fort Blanch to strike at Bran's
151:52 bypass Fort Blanch to strike at Bran's territory. The huge number of enemy
151:54 territory. The huge number of enemy troops created serious problems with the
151:56 troops created serious problems with the distribution of supplies, making retreat
151:59 distribution of supplies, making retreat impossible due to the threat to the
152:00 impossible due to the threat to the rear. The enemy probably hoped to defeat
152:02 rear. The enemy probably hoped to defeat the Duke's army by using its numerical
152:04 the Duke's army by using its numerical superiority and the full power of its
152:06 superiority and the full power of its combined forces. The Duke understood the
152:09 combined forces. The Duke understood the need for a quick retreat into the forest
152:10 need for a quick retreat into the forest to prepare for the defense of Bran
152:12 to prepare for the defense of Bran Castle. If the capture of Fort Blanch
152:14 Castle. If the capture of Fort Blanch proved impossible, the thought of the
152:16 proved impossible, the thought of the castle becoming the main objective of
152:18 castle becoming the main objective of the war filled the Duke with horror, as
152:20 the war filled the Duke with horror, as it would render all his previous
152:21 it would render all his previous military achievements meaningless.
152:23 military achievements meaningless. Serious damage from such a turn of
152:25 Serious damage from such a turn of events could prove irreparable,
152:27 events could prove irreparable, depriving the duche of the opportunity
152:28 depriving the duche of the opportunity to recover after a devastating war. The
152:31 to recover after a devastating war. The Duke was tormented by doubts about his
152:33 Duke was tormented by doubts about his ambitions to overthrow the emperor when
152:35 ambitions to overthrow the emperor when even the defense of his own subjects
152:36 even the defense of his own subjects proved to be an impossible task. The
152:38 proved to be an impossible task. The sudden realization of his similarity to
152:40 sudden realization of his similarity to the former helpless Duke, unable to
152:42 the former helpless Duke, unable to protect his people, forced Aaron to
152:44 protect his people, forced Aaron to reconsider his actions. In anger at
152:46 reconsider his actions. In anger at himself, the Duke reproached himself for
152:49 himself, the Duke reproached himself for his arrogance after a few victories.
152:51 his arrogance after a few victories. Remembering his true position as a
152:52 Remembering his true position as a simple steward, unprepared for such
152:54 simple steward, unprepared for such haste. Seeing the Duke's despair, Kanos
152:57 haste. Seeing the Duke's despair, Kanos tried to calm him down, explaining that
152:59 tried to calm him down, explaining that a temporary retreat and siege did not
153:01 a temporary retreat and siege did not mean final defeat in the war. The
153:04 mean final defeat in the war. The adviser assured Aaron and Cheryl of
153:06 adviser assured Aaron and Cheryl of their ability to stop the enemy,
153:07 their ability to stop the enemy, acknowledging the inevitability of some
153:09 acknowledging the inevitability of some losses of land and casualties among the
153:11 losses of land and casualties among the population. The mention of casualties
153:13 population. The mention of casualties among his subjects enraged the Duke, who
153:16 among his subjects enraged the Duke, who grabbed the strategist and demanded that
153:17 grabbed the strategist and demanded that he repeat what he had said about the
153:19 he repeat what he had said about the necessity of sacrifices. After the
153:21 necessity of sacrifices. After the frightened adviser remained silent,
153:23 frightened adviser remained silent, Aaron explained that the loss of
153:25 Aaron explained that the loss of subjects would devalue all their
153:26 subjects would devalue all their previous efforts and achievements in
153:28 previous efforts and achievements in this war. Kinos was perplexed as to how
153:31 this war. Kinos was perplexed as to how the Duke could hope to avoid casualties
153:32 the Duke could hope to avoid casualties in war, attributing such unrealistic
153:35 in war, attributing such unrealistic expectations to intense emotional
153:37 expectations to intense emotional stress. Raml tried to calm his angry
153:40 stress. Raml tried to calm his angry friend, urging him to save his strength
153:42 friend, urging him to save his strength and direct his righteous anger against
153:44 and direct his righteous anger against the true enemy, the Holy State. With a
153:47 the true enemy, the Holy State. With a smile, the commander reminded him of the
153:49 smile, the commander reminded him of the three days they had to make a decision,
153:51 three days they had to make a decision, asking the Duke not to give in to
153:52 asking the Duke not to give in to unnecessary anxiety in a difficult
153:54 unnecessary anxiety in a difficult situation. Realizing his outburst, Aaron
153:57 situation. Realizing his outburst, Aaron let the strategist go and sincerely
153:59 let the strategist go and sincerely apologized for his unworthy behavior,
154:01 apologized for his unworthy behavior, acknowledging the excessiveness of his
154:03 acknowledging the excessiveness of his excitement. The Duke promised not to
154:05 excitement. The Duke promised not to repeat such outbursts, and Kanos
154:07 repeat such outbursts, and Kanos accepted the apology, acknowledging his
154:09 accepted the apology, acknowledging his own fault in failing to devise a more
154:11 own fault in failing to devise a more effective plan. The strategist assured
154:13 effective plan. The strategist assured the Duke of his intention to make every
154:15 the Duke of his intention to make every effort to find a way to capture the
154:17 effort to find a way to capture the impregnable castle of Blanch before the
154:19 impregnable castle of Blanch before the enemy arrived. Their serious
154:21 enemy arrived. Their serious conversation was interrupted by Cheryl,
154:23 conversation was interrupted by Cheryl, who demanded 200,000 gold pieces,
154:26 who demanded 200,000 gold pieces, noticing the gloomy faces of those
154:27 noticing the gloomy faces of those gathered and their obvious helplessness
154:29 gathered and their obvious helplessness without her help. The girl asked her
154:31 without her help. The girl asked her brother about attempts to use energy
154:33 brother about attempts to use energy bursts, but he explained the futility of
154:36 bursts, but he explained the futility of attacking the powerful protective
154:37 attacking the powerful protective barrier with the sword's aura. Cheryl
154:40 barrier with the sword's aura. Cheryl irritably suggested that the sword's
154:41 irritably suggested that the sword's aura was not strong enough to destroy
154:43 aura was not strong enough to destroy the barrier, reproaching her brother for
154:45 the barrier, reproaching her brother for losing his former power and inability to
154:47 losing his former power and inability to cope. She scolded the Duke for
154:49 cope. She scolded the Duke for recklessly starting a war without
154:51 recklessly starting a war without confidence in the protection of his
154:52 confidence in the protection of his soldiers, reminding him of his
154:54 soldiers, reminding him of his responsibility for victory after making
154:56 responsibility for victory after making the decision. After the girl left, the
154:58 the decision. After the girl left, the puzzled Raml inquired about the meaning
155:00 puzzled Raml inquired about the meaning of her demand for 200,000 gold coins for
155:03 of her demand for 200,000 gold coins for the upcoming work. With a mysterious
155:05 the upcoming work. With a mysterious smile, Cheryl explained that the sum was
155:07 smile, Cheryl explained that the sum was her price for destroying all the magical
155:09 her price for destroying all the magical barriers protecting the enemy fort. The
155:11 barriers protecting the enemy fort. The Duke acknowledged his sister's right.
155:13 Duke acknowledged his sister's right. Realizing the necessity of achieving
155:15 Realizing the necessity of achieving victory by any means available in the
155:16 victory by any means available in the critical situation that had arisen.
155:18 critical situation that had arisen. Approaching the barrier, Cheryl
155:20 Approaching the barrier, Cheryl understood the need to use a rare
155:22 understood the need to use a rare magical attribute to destroy such a
155:24 magical attribute to destroy such a powerful defense system. Using such
155:26 powerful defense system. Using such unusual magic required significantly
155:28 unusual magic required significantly more mana, and the girl doubted her
155:30 more mana, and the girl doubted her current abilities after her recent
155:31 current abilities after her recent exhaustion. Deciding that only the
155:33 exhaustion. Deciding that only the complete destruction of the castle would
155:35 complete destruction of the castle would solve the problem, Cheryl began to
155:37 solve the problem, Cheryl began to accumulate mana, creating a small water
155:39 accumulate mana, creating a small water spirit at the end of her glowing staff.
155:42 spirit at the end of her glowing staff. Her attempt to increase the size of the
155:43 Her attempt to increase the size of the water spirit ended in failure due to the
155:45 water spirit ended in failure due to the instability of her mana, forcing the
155:47 instability of her mana, forcing the girl to admit that she needed more rest.
155:50 girl to admit that she needed more rest. Cheryl felt awkward about being unable
155:52 Cheryl felt awkward about being unable to fulfill her promise after her
155:53 to fulfill her promise after her boastful statement to her brother and
155:55 boastful statement to her brother and the other military leaders. The girl
155:57 the other military leaders. The girl sharply ordered the approaching Duke to
155:59 sharply ordered the approaching Duke to prepare the soldiers while she destroyed
156:00 prepare the soldiers while she destroyed the enemy fortifications to the ground.
156:02 the enemy fortifications to the ground. Accustomed to his sister's quick temper,
156:04 Accustomed to his sister's quick temper, Aaron agreed to her demands and sent
156:06 Aaron agreed to her demands and sent Raml to prepare the troops for the
156:08 Raml to prepare the troops for the upcoming battle. Attentive guards at the
156:10 upcoming battle. Attentive guards at the fort noticed a lone figure slowly
156:12 fort noticed a lone figure slowly approaching the field of the recent
156:13 approaching the field of the recent battle and immediately went to report
156:16 battle and immediately went to report this to the Archbishop. Immersed in
156:18 this to the Archbishop. Immersed in prayer, the archbishop asked the guard
156:19 prayer, the archbishop asked the guard to calm down and tell him more about
156:21 to calm down and tell him more about what was happening near the fort walls
156:23 what was happening near the fort walls without interrupting his important work.
156:25 without interrupting his important work. The agitated guard tried to describe the
156:27 The agitated guard tried to describe the stranger who was about 30 paces from the
156:29 stranger who was about 30 paces from the fort and was wearing clothes unlike
156:31 fort and was wearing clothes unlike those of the people of the holy state.
156:33 those of the people of the holy state. The archbishop quickly rose from his
156:35 The archbishop quickly rose from his seat and ordered the holy warriors to
156:37 seat and ordered the holy warriors to begin prayers for protection. Realizing
156:39 begin prayers for protection. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, the
156:41 the seriousness of the situation, the young sorceress, still unsure of her
156:43 young sorceress, still unsure of her abilities, decided to use magic and
156:46 abilities, decided to use magic and created a powerful wave resembling a
156:47 created a powerful wave resembling a tidal wave. Despite the young
156:49 tidal wave. Despite the young sorceress's exhaustion, her magic proved
156:52 sorceress's exhaustion, her magic proved powerful enough, but it was unable to
156:54 powerful enough, but it was unable to break through the protective barrier,
156:55 break through the protective barrier, causing the archbishop to breathe a sigh
156:57 causing the archbishop to breathe a sigh of relief. The archbishop calmly watched
156:59 of relief. The archbishop calmly watched the events unfold, believing in the
157:01 the events unfold, believing in the invincibility of his barrier and
157:03 invincibility of his barrier and thinking that no force in the world
157:05 thinking that no force in the world could destroy it. The young sorceress
157:07 could destroy it. The young sorceress realized that her attack was not over
157:08 realized that her attack was not over yet. So, she ordered her special
157:10 yet. So, she ordered her special creatures, the mudworms, to begin their
157:12 creatures, the mudworms, to begin their next assault. The mudworms began to
157:14 next assault. The mudworms began to destroy the protective barriers one
157:16 destroy the protective barriers one after another, causing growing concern
157:18 after another, causing growing concern among the holy knights and the
157:20 among the holy knights and the archbishop himself. Confident in his
157:22 archbishop himself. Confident in his powers, the archbishop raised the sacred
157:24 powers, the archbishop raised the sacred scepter high above his head and summoned
157:26 scepter high above his head and summoned a powerful weapon, the iron hammer of
157:28 a powerful weapon, the iron hammer of Paris. The iron hammer did not appear
157:30 Paris. The iron hammer did not appear immediately, but when it finally
157:32 immediately, but when it finally materialized, it completely destroyed
157:35 materialized, it completely destroyed all of the girl's magic, leaving no
157:37 all of the girl's magic, leaving no trace of her spells. The girl froze in
157:39 trace of her spells. The girl froze in horror, realizing that her most powerful
157:42 horror, realizing that her most powerful spell had been defeated, and did not
157:44 spell had been defeated, and did not know how to tell her brother about her
157:45 know how to tell her brother about her failure in completing the important
157:47 failure in completing the important mission. Aaron saw his sister's defeat
157:49 mission. Aaron saw his sister's defeat and immediately rushed into battle,
157:51 and immediately rushed into battle, activating his special ability, piercing
157:53 activating his special ability, piercing wind, and directing it straight at the
157:55 wind, and directing it straight at the enemy's protective barrier. Aaron's
157:57 enemy's protective barrier. Aaron's first attack missed its target, and the
157:59 first attack missed its target, and the Archbishop realized his luck, for such
158:02 Archbishop realized his luck, for such powerful energy from the sword, could
158:04 powerful energy from the sword, could have destroyed everyone behind the
158:06 have destroyed everyone behind the barrier. The brave hero continued his
158:08 barrier. The brave hero continued his attacks, sometimes successfully cutting
158:10 attacks, sometimes successfully cutting through the barrier, which immediately
158:12 through the barrier, which immediately repaired itself, and sometimes
158:14 repaired itself, and sometimes completely missing his target. After a
158:16 completely missing his target. After a series of relentless attacks, the hero's
158:18 series of relentless attacks, the hero's strength was completely exhausted, and
158:20 strength was completely exhausted, and he fell to his knees in despair, feeling
158:22 he fell to his knees in despair, feeling utterly powerless against the enemy's
158:24 utterly powerless against the enemy's impenetrable defense. The archbishop
158:26 impenetrable defense. The archbishop gloated, unable to comprehend how a mere
158:29 gloated, unable to comprehend how a mere mortal could think he was capable of
158:30 mortal could think he was capable of overcoming the divine magic created by
158:32 overcoming the divine magic created by the highest powers. The wise dragon
158:34 the highest powers. The wise dragon watched the battle from afar and
158:36 watched the battle from afar and realized that his blessing was not
158:37 realized that his blessing was not strong enough to overcome the enemy's
158:39 strong enough to overcome the enemy's divine protection. The ancient dragon
158:41 divine protection. The ancient dragon realized that he must break ancient
158:43 realized that he must break ancient taboos and enter forbidden territory to
158:46 taboos and enter forbidden territory to help his master in this difficult
158:47 help his master in this difficult battle. History remembered a time when
158:49 battle. History remembered a time when humans and dragons lived in close
158:51 humans and dragons lived in close friendship which attracted the attention
158:53 friendship which attracted the attention of the gods who closely watched the
158:55 of the gods who closely watched the actions of their creations. The gods
158:57 actions of their creations. The gods came to the conclusion that dragons had
158:59 came to the conclusion that dragons had too much influence on human lives. So
159:01 too much influence on human lives. So they decided to impose strict
159:03 they decided to impose strict restrictions on their interaction. The
159:04 restrictions on their interaction. The gods established a system of punishment.
159:07 gods established a system of punishment. First a warning was issued followed by
159:09 First a warning was issued followed by divine punishment for the dragons and
159:11 divine punishment for the dragons and all these rules were called forbidden
159:13 all these rules were called forbidden territory. When night fell, the dragon
159:15 territory. When night fell, the dragon secluded himself in his room and began
159:17 secluded himself in his room and began to send his enemy the most terrifying
159:18 to send his enemy the most terrifying nightmare imaginable. The nightmarish
159:21 nightmare imaginable. The nightmarish vision showed Abel his friend Lucas, who
159:23 vision showed Abel his friend Lucas, who was brutally beaten, covered in blood,
159:25 was brutally beaten, covered in blood, and desperately begging for help and
159:27 and desperately begging for help and salvation. When he awoke, the archbishop
159:29 salvation. When he awoke, the archbishop was haunted by terrible memories of the
159:31 was haunted by terrible memories of the dream in which his dead friend had
159:33 dream in which his dead friend had begged for salvation. And this greatly
159:35 begged for salvation. And this greatly troubled him. The archbishop began to
159:37 troubled him. The archbishop began to pray fervently, asking God to either
159:39 pray fervently, asking God to either rest Lucas's soul in peace or give him
159:42 rest Lucas's soul in peace or give him the strength to save his friend if he
159:43 the strength to save his friend if he was still alive. The observant dragon
159:45 was still alive. The observant dragon decided to change tactics. Since it was
159:48 decided to change tactics. Since it was impossible to defeat the holy warriors
159:50 impossible to defeat the holy warriors by external force, he would begin to
159:52 by external force, he would begin to destroy them from within through fear
159:54 destroy them from within through fear and doubt. An unexpected weakness
159:56 and doubt. An unexpected weakness overcame the dragon. It was the
159:58 overcame the dragon. It was the beginning of divine punishment for
159:59 beginning of divine punishment for violating ancient prohibitions against
160:01 violating ancient prohibitions against interfering in human affairs. The
160:03 interfering in human affairs. The Archbishop spent the evening watching
160:05 Archbishop spent the evening watching the Duke's army and thinking about
160:06 the Duke's army and thinking about Lucas's fate. Noticing how the siege
160:08 Lucas's fate. Noticing how the siege tower with the knights was moving
160:10 tower with the knights was moving towards Bran's lands. The Duke separated
160:12 towards Bran's lands. The Duke separated from the main forces and headed for the
160:14 from the main forces and headed for the fortress walls to deliver a message to
160:16 fortress walls to deliver a message to the archbishop via a carrier pigeon.
160:18 the archbishop via a carrier pigeon. After which he returned to his army. The
160:20 After which he returned to his army. The letter contained the Duke's promise to
160:22 letter contained the Duke's promise to retreat for now, but returned later with
160:24 retreat for now, but returned later with new forces to completely destroy the
160:26 new forces to completely destroy the enemy. The Duke added a threat to punish
160:28 enemy. The Duke added a threat to punish the captured occultist in their custody.
160:30 the captured occultist in their custody. to prove the seriousness of his
160:31 to prove the seriousness of his intentions. The Duke's words aroused the
160:33 intentions. The Duke's words aroused the Archbishop's intense anger, although he
160:36 Archbishop's intense anger, although he did not fully understand the meaning of
160:37 did not fully understand the meaning of the threat concerning the captive
160:39 the threat concerning the captive occultist. Horror gripped the Archbishop
160:41 occultist. Horror gripped the Archbishop when he saw his friend Lucas tied to a
160:42 when he saw his friend Lucas tied to a huge boulder in a catapult, ready to be
160:44 huge boulder in a catapult, ready to be fired. The knights raised their axes to
160:47 fired. The knights raised their axes to cut the catapult's ropes, and despite
160:49 cut the catapult's ropes, and despite the archbishop's please, they carried
160:51 the archbishop's please, they carried out their commander's terrible threat.
160:53 out their commander's terrible threat. The dragon took extraordinary pleasure
160:55 The dragon took extraordinary pleasure in watching the human body fly through
160:57 in watching the human body fly through the air and was ready to relive the
160:58 the air and was ready to relive the moment over and over again. The special
161:01 moment over and over again. The special nature of the dragon allowed him to
161:03 nature of the dragon allowed him to experience such feelings only in human
161:04 experience such feelings only in human form and no divine punishment could make
161:07 form and no divine punishment could make him give it up. The dragon decided to
161:09 him give it up. The dragon decided to help the people, but in return he wanted
161:11 help the people, but in return he wanted to derive real pleasure from their
161:13 to derive real pleasure from their actions which could bring him complete
161:15 actions which could bring him complete delight. The events shifted back a few
161:17 delight. The events shifted back a few hours to the morning when the strategist
161:19 hours to the morning when the strategist gathered everyone to announce his
161:20 gathered everyone to announce his carefully thoughtout plan of action. The
161:23 carefully thoughtout plan of action. The strategist explained the importance of
161:25 strategist explained the importance of following each point of the plan
161:26 following each point of the plan precisely and emphasized that due to the
161:28 precisely and emphasized that due to the lack of time, no objections would be
161:30 lack of time, no objections would be accepted. A huge stone with a man tied
161:33 accepted. A huge stone with a man tied to it flew toward its target, signaling
161:35 to it flew toward its target, signaling the start of the next phase of the
161:37 the start of the next phase of the carefully thoughtout plan. According to
161:39 carefully thoughtout plan. According to the plan, Cheryl was to secretly summon
161:41 the plan, Cheryl was to secretly summon the fire spirits at the moment the
161:43 the fire spirits at the moment the catapult was used, hiding them from the
161:45 catapult was used, hiding them from the enemy's view. Cheryl waited for the
161:47 enemy's view. Cheryl waited for the right moment and hid the small fire
161:49 right moment and hid the small fire spirit so that the enemy would not
161:50 spirit so that the enemy would not notice it. After which they flew
161:52 notice it. After which they flew together toward the fort's wall, the
161:54 together toward the fort's wall, the archbishop watched in horror as his
161:56 archbishop watched in horror as his friend approached. Realizing that a
161:57 friend approached. Realizing that a direct hit from the stone would
161:59 direct hit from the stone would inevitably lead to Lucas's death, just
162:01 inevitably lead to Lucas's death, just like in his nightmare, the archbishop
162:03 like in his nightmare, the archbishop ordered his warriors to immediately stop
162:05 ordered his warriors to immediately stop their prayers and lower the divine
162:06 their prayers and lower the divine barrier. Hoping to save Lucas once he
162:09 barrier. Hoping to save Lucas once he was behind their walls. After the
162:10 was behind their walls. After the barrier fell, Cheryl's flames and spirit
162:13 barrier fell, Cheryl's flames and spirit grew many times larger, becoming much
162:15 grew many times larger, becoming much more dangerous and destructive to the
162:17 more dangerous and destructive to the enemy. The fiery attack inflicted
162:19 enemy. The fiery attack inflicted enormous damage on the Archbishop's
162:21 enormous damage on the Archbishop's army, continuing to mercilessly destroy
162:23 army, continuing to mercilessly destroy everything in its path with a series of
162:25 everything in its path with a series of successive blows. It was Aaron's turn to
162:28 successive blows. It was Aaron's turn to fulfill his part of the plan to break
162:30 fulfill his part of the plan to break through into enemy territory without
162:32 through into enemy territory without hesitation. After the first successful
162:34 hesitation. After the first successful attack, Aaron discarded his heavy armor
162:36 attack, Aaron discarded his heavy armor to increase his speed and
162:37 to increase his speed and maneuverability, then directed his horse
162:39 maneuverability, then directed his horse straight toward the walls of the enemy
162:40 straight toward the walls of the enemy castle. The Archbishop finally realized
162:43 castle. The Archbishop finally realized that he had fallen victim to a cunning
162:45 that he had fallen victim to a cunning plan and ordered his soldiers to pray
162:47 plan and ordered his soldiers to pray for Paris's help in defending the walls
162:49 for Paris's help in defending the walls from the attack. Thanks to Kanos's
162:51 from the attack. Thanks to Kanos's perfect plan, Cheryl's magic proved
162:53 perfect plan, Cheryl's magic proved unstoppable and continued to attack
162:55 unstoppable and continued to attack until it finally destroyed the fortress
162:57 until it finally destroyed the fortress wall. The archbishop tried to calm his
162:59 wall. The archbishop tried to calm his soldiers, convincing them that even a
163:01 soldiers, convincing them that even a destroyed wall was nothing to fear as
163:03 destroyed wall was nothing to fear as long as they were protected by the
163:05 long as they were protected by the powerful hands of Paris. The Duke
163:07 powerful hands of Paris. The Duke slipped through the ruined gate
163:08 slipped through the ruined gate unnoticed and loudly announced his
163:10 unnoticed and loudly announced his intention to take the Archbishop's head,
163:12 intention to take the Archbishop's head, catching everyone off guard. The
163:14 catching everyone off guard. The Archbishop responded mockingly to the
163:16 Archbishop responded mockingly to the threat of an unarmed man and immediately
163:18 threat of an unarmed man and immediately ordered additional forces to be called
163:20 ordered additional forces to be called in for protection. Following the
163:21 in for protection. Following the Archbishop's orders, the warriors
163:23 Archbishop's orders, the warriors divided into groups to reinforce the
163:25 divided into groups to reinforce the castle walls and expel the insulent
163:27 castle walls and expel the insulent heretic who dared to use the name of
163:29 heretic who dared to use the name of God. The Duke, wasting no time, swiftly
163:31 God. The Duke, wasting no time, swiftly attacked the nearest enemy soldier,
163:33 attacked the nearest enemy soldier, demonstrating his determination and
163:34 demonstrating his determination and combat skills. Standing to defend the
163:36 combat skills. Standing to defend the breach, the Duke declared that he would
163:38 breach, the Duke declared that he would not allow anyone to approach the wall,
163:40 not allow anyone to approach the wall, the destruction of which had required
163:42 the destruction of which had required considerable effort. Armed troops and
163:44 considerable effort. Armed troops and commanders, dressed in light armor for
163:47 commanders, dressed in light armor for the upcoming battle, managed to join
163:48 the upcoming battle, managed to join their leader at the critical moment. The
163:50 their leader at the critical moment. The battle began with the Duke's order to do
163:52 battle began with the Duke's order to do everything possible to capture the
163:54 everything possible to capture the castle and drive the enemy out of the
163:55 castle and drive the enemy out of the occupied territory. Raml, aware of the
163:58 occupied territory. Raml, aware of the shortage of weapons, ordered his
163:59 shortage of weapons, ordered his soldiers to engage in battle and capture
164:01 soldiers to engage in battle and capture the enemy's weapons to successfully
164:03 the enemy's weapons to successfully defend the castle. Raml had an
164:05 defend the castle. Raml had an unexpected idea. He handed Arthur two
164:07 unexpected idea. He handed Arthur two shields and threw his comrade high into
164:09 shields and threw his comrade high into the air, directing him straight at the
164:11 the air, directing him straight at the enemy knights. Arthur successfully
164:13 enemy knights. Arthur successfully knocked down several knights who lost
164:15 knocked down several knights who lost consciousness from the blow. And when
164:16 consciousness from the blow. And when the remaining enemies went on the
164:18 the remaining enemies went on the offensive, he took up a defensive
164:20 offensive, he took up a defensive position in time. Seeing his broken
164:22 position in time. Seeing his broken shields, Arthur thought that Commander
164:24 shields, Arthur thought that Commander Raml was simply mocking him, condemning
164:26 Raml was simply mocking him, condemning him to such an undignified death in an
164:28 him to such an undignified death in an unequal battle. Raml quickly came to his
164:30 unequal battle. Raml quickly came to his aid and knocked down one enemy while
164:32 aid and knocked down one enemy while Bianca dealt with the second, striking
164:34 Bianca dealt with the second, striking him in the head with her sharp spear.
164:36 him in the head with her sharp spear. Arthur, captivated by the courage of his
164:38 Arthur, captivated by the courage of his savior, rushed toward her, while Raml
164:40 savior, rushed toward her, while Raml noticed a new dangerous attack
164:42 noticed a new dangerous attack approaching. A huge hammer came crashing
164:44 approaching. A huge hammer came crashing down on the warriors, and Raml barely
164:46 down on the warriors, and Raml barely managed to save his friend from certain
164:48 managed to save his friend from certain death by pushing him away at the last
164:50 death by pushing him away at the last moment. The enraged Duke decided to deal
164:52 moment. The enraged Duke decided to deal with the Archbishop himself to make his
164:54 with the Archbishop himself to make his army's task easier. In this difficult
164:55 army's task easier. In this difficult battle, the Duke was preparing to jump
164:57 battle, the Duke was preparing to jump onto a high wall. But a sudden
164:59 onto a high wall. But a sudden premonition of danger made him dodge the
165:01 premonition of danger made him dodge the invisible threat at the last moment. The
165:03 invisible threat at the last moment. The Holy Army surrounded the young warrior,
165:05 Holy Army surrounded the young warrior, pressing him against the wall and
165:06 pressing him against the wall and cutting off all routes of retreat or
165:08 cutting off all routes of retreat or advance. Aaron attacked his enemies with
165:10 advance. Aaron attacked his enemies with the help of the dragon's blessing. But
165:12 the help of the dragon's blessing. But Abel did not stand idly by and began to
165:15 Abel did not stand idly by and began to summon his sacred power for a
165:16 summon his sacred power for a counterattack. The Duke had to show
165:18 counterattack. The Duke had to show exceptional agility, simultaneously
165:21 exceptional agility, simultaneously defending himself from aerial attacks
165:22 defending himself from aerial attacks and dodging the blows of his groundbased
165:25 and dodging the blows of his groundbased enemies. Using his skills and quick
165:27 enemies. Using his skills and quick thinking, the hero waited for the right
165:29 thinking, the hero waited for the right moment and managed to climb the wall
165:30 moment and managed to climb the wall where his main enemy had been all along.
165:32 where his main enemy had been all along. The Archbishop's servants created a
165:34 The Archbishop's servants created a powerful protective barrier, managing to
165:36 powerful protective barrier, managing to stop the hero's swift attack just in
165:38 stop the hero's swift attack just in time. The hero's attempt to break
165:40 time. The hero's attempt to break through the barrier using his mental
165:42 through the barrier using his mental powers was unsuccessful, and his weapon
165:44 powers was unsuccessful, and his weapon broke after the failed attack.
165:46 broke after the failed attack. Archbishop Abel, looking at the confused
165:48 Archbishop Abel, looking at the confused hero, solemnly declared that he would
165:50 hero, solemnly declared that he would pay for such audacity with his own life.
165:53 pay for such audacity with his own life. The threat of retribution extended to
165:54 The threat of retribution extended to all of the hero's subordinates, and this
165:57 all of the hero's subordinates, and this truly frightened him as he understood
165:58 truly frightened him as he understood that he lacked the trump cards needed to
166:00 that he lacked the trump cards needed to win without regaining his strength.
166:02 win without regaining his strength. According to the strategist's plan, the
166:04 According to the strategist's plan, the main goal was to capture Blanch Castle
166:06 main goal was to capture Blanch Castle before the enemy reinforcements arrived
166:08 before the enemy reinforcements arrived and strengthen their defensive positions
166:10 and strengthen their defensive positions there. The success of the plan depended
166:12 there. The success of the plan depended on the quick elimination of the enemy
166:14 on the quick elimination of the enemy leader. But in practice, this task
166:16 leader. But in practice, this task proved to be much more difficult than
166:18 proved to be much more difficult than even the experienced hero had
166:19 even the experienced hero had anticipated. The Duke, who had an
166:21 anticipated. The Duke, who had an unexpected idea, shouted to Raml, who
166:23 unexpected idea, shouted to Raml, who was fighting below, to throw him any
166:25 was fighting below, to throw him any weapon he could find. Receiving the
166:27 weapon he could find. Receiving the mace, the hero filled it with sufficient
166:29 mace, the hero filled it with sufficient mental power and resolutely headed for
166:31 mental power and resolutely headed for Paris's magical hand. The powerful
166:34 Paris's magical hand. The powerful attack not only destroyed the magical
166:36 attack not only destroyed the magical hand, but also demolished the section of
166:38 hand, but also demolished the section of the wall where the holy knights who had
166:40 the wall where the holy knights who had created it were standing. As he
166:42 created it were standing. As he approached his enemy, the hero mused
166:44 approached his enemy, the hero mused that although humans cannot defeat
166:46 that although humans cannot defeat divine power, it was interesting to
166:48 divine power, it was interesting to wonder whether this rule applied to
166:49 wonder whether this rule applied to those who wielded it. The Duke was
166:51 those who wielded it. The Duke was particularly outraged that the
166:53 particularly outraged that the archbishop equated himself with God,
166:55 archbishop equated himself with God, even though he had only borrowed his
166:56 even though he had only borrowed his power, which seemed like a real insult.
166:58 power, which seemed like a real insult. The Archbishop had to retreat for a new
167:00 The Archbishop had to retreat for a new attack. But the hero was too quick and
167:03 attack. But the hero was too quick and dodging the blows fiercely rushed at his
167:05 dodging the blows fiercely rushed at his opponent. The arriving helpers joined
167:07 opponent. The arriving helpers joined forces to attack the hero and some of
167:10 forces to attack the hero and some of them even managed to achieve some
167:11 them even managed to achieve some success. After several missed blows, the
167:14 success. After several missed blows, the hero noticed an interesting pattern.
167:16 hero noticed an interesting pattern. Neither could he break through the
167:18 Neither could he break through the energy barrier, nor could Paris's hands
167:20 energy barrier, nor could Paris's hands overcome his mental powers. Directing
167:22 overcome his mental powers. Directing his attack at the ground, the Duke
167:24 his attack at the ground, the Duke realized that he could easily deal with
167:26 realized that he could easily deal with his opponent's minor attacks,
167:28 his opponent's minor attacks, successfully deflecting and stopping
167:30 successfully deflecting and stopping every blow. Suddenly, the hero noticed
167:32 every blow. Suddenly, the hero noticed that the Archbishop had marked him with
167:34 that the Archbishop had marked him with a special symbol. And when he looked up,
167:36 a special symbol. And when he looked up, he saw a huge magical attack
167:38 he saw a huge magical attack approaching. His legs, bound by magic,
167:41 approaching. His legs, bound by magic, prevented him from dodging the blow. So,
167:43 prevented him from dodging the blow. So, the only possible way out was to try to
167:45 the only possible way out was to try to destroy the approaching attack. The
167:47 destroy the approaching attack. The subjects watching the battle from below
167:48 subjects watching the battle from below believed in the strength of their duke.
167:50 believed in the strength of their duke. But they understood that even he could
167:52 But they understood that even he could not match the power of the divine
167:53 not match the power of the divine attack. All that remained for the loyal
167:56 attack. All that remained for the loyal subjects was to silently watch as their
167:58 subjects was to silently watch as their duke attempted to resist what seemed
168:00 duke attempted to resist what seemed like an inevitable fate. Despite the
168:02 like an inevitable fate. Despite the slim chances of victory, the hero was
168:04 slim chances of victory, the hero was unable to destroy the attack, but
168:06 unable to destroy the attack, but managed to redirect it back at the enemy
168:08 managed to redirect it back at the enemy using the same magical logic. The hero
168:11 using the same magical logic. The hero immediately attacked the stunned
168:12 immediately attacked the stunned archbishop, declaring that his god had
168:14 archbishop, declaring that his god had definitely betrayed him since the
168:16 definitely betrayed him since the invincible Abel had been defeated. The
168:18 invincible Abel had been defeated. The Archbishop was overcome with
168:19 Archbishop was overcome with uncontrollable terror and screamed in
168:21 uncontrollable terror and screamed in fear of the man whose incredible power
168:23 fear of the man whose incredible power he could not comprehend. Preparing to
168:25 he could not comprehend. Preparing to strike again, the hero explained that he
168:27 strike again, the hero explained that he was a man who had risen from the dead
168:29 was a man who had risen from the dead and unlike Abel, had never claimed to be
168:31 and unlike Abel, had never claimed to be invincible. Following Kyno's plan, the
168:34 invincible. Following Kyno's plan, the Duke successfully defeated Abel, the
168:36 Duke successfully defeated Abel, the chief defender of Blanch Castle in the
168:38 chief defender of Blanch Castle in the decisive battle. Despite the limited
168:40 decisive battle. Despite the limited time, the hero managed to establish a
168:42 time, the hero managed to establish a reliable line of defense before the
168:44 reliable line of defense before the arrival of reinforcements from the Holy
168:46 arrival of reinforcements from the Holy Empire. In the evening, everyone
168:48 Empire. In the evening, everyone gathered around a lavishly laid table to
168:50 gathered around a lavishly laid table to celebrate the significant victory and
168:52 celebrate the significant victory and discuss further strategic plans. The
168:54 discuss further strategic plans. The Duke asked Kanos uncertainly whether
168:56 Duke asked Kanos uncertainly whether they should remain in the captured
168:57 they should remain in the captured Blanch castle while the enemy mobilized
168:59 Blanch castle while the enemy mobilized part of its huge army. The wise dragon
169:02 part of its huge army. The wise dragon explained the necessity of remaining in
169:03 explained the necessity of remaining in the castle. As the enemy would try by
169:06 the castle. As the enemy would try by any means to distract them from this
169:07 any means to distract them from this strategic position, the dragon shared a
169:09 strategic position, the dragon shared a plan that could prevent the enemy's
169:11 plan that could prevent the enemy's actions, but warned of serious natural
169:13 actions, but warned of serious natural risks associated with its
169:15 risks associated with its implementation. The plan was to
169:16 implementation. The plan was to intercept the enemy troops by placing
169:18 intercept the enemy troops by placing troops at strategically important points
169:20 troops at strategically important points in advance before the enemy army could
169:22 in advance before the enemy army could be divided. Raml, aware of the enemy's
169:25 be divided. Raml, aware of the enemy's five-fold numerical superiority,
169:27 five-fold numerical superiority, considered the interception tactic to be
169:28 considered the interception tactic to be the only reasonable solution in the
169:30 the only reasonable solution in the current situation. Aaron understood the
169:32 current situation. Aaron understood the need to act quickly while he and his
169:34 need to act quickly while he and his sister were in the captured castle, but
169:36 sister were in the captured castle, but he doubted the possibility of
169:38 he doubted the possibility of successfully completing the task. Kynos
169:40 successfully completing the task. Kynos unexpectedly suggested excluding the
169:43 unexpectedly suggested excluding the hero from the plan, claiming that this
169:45 hero from the plan, claiming that this would bring them much closer to victory
169:46 would bring them much closer to victory in the war. Cyenos confidently promised
169:49 in the war. Cyenos confidently promised to end all military operations in just
169:51 to end all military operations in just one week, even without the main hero's
169:53 one week, even without the main hero's participation in the operation. That
169:55 participation in the operation. That evening, in his room, Aaron pondered the
169:58 evening, in his room, Aaron pondered the dubious nature of the plan, but decided
170:00 dubious nature of the plan, but decided to trust Kanos's unairring intuition, as
170:03 to trust Kanos's unairring intuition, as he had done before. The tired young man
170:05 he had done before. The tired young man was about to rest and recharge his
170:07 was about to rest and recharge his batteries when an unexpected knock on
170:09 batteries when an unexpected knock on the door interrupted his plans for
170:11 the door interrupted his plans for relaxation. Raml had warned in advance
170:14 relaxation. Raml had warned in advance about the possible presence of remnants
170:15 about the possible presence of remnants of the Holy Army in the castle and asked
170:17 of the Holy Army in the castle and asked the Duke to exercise extreme caution.
170:20 the Duke to exercise extreme caution. Aaron quickly calmed down, reasoning
170:22 Aaron quickly calmed down, reasoning that enemy soldiers would have attacked
170:24 that enemy soldiers would have attacked without warning, so he calmly allowed
170:26 without warning, so he calmly allowed the late guest to enter. The late guest
170:28 the late guest to enter. The late guest turned out to be a young nun who had
170:29 turned out to be a young nun who had come to see the Duke despite the late
170:31 come to see the Duke despite the late hour and her simple attire. The
170:32 hour and her simple attire. The embarrassed girl apologized for her late
170:34 embarrassed girl apologized for her late visit and informed him of an important
170:36 visit and informed him of an important request, but the hero awkwardly
170:38 request, but the hero awkwardly suggested postponing the conversation
170:40 suggested postponing the conversation until morning. Sitting down on the edge
170:42 until morning. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, the nun explained the
170:44 of the bed, the nun explained the urgency of her visit, saying that she
170:46 urgency of her visit, saying that she had received a summon from Lord Vivien
170:48 had received a summon from Lord Vivien himself. The hero looked at the girl
170:49 himself. The hero looked at the girl intently, pondering the meaning of her
170:51 intently, pondering the meaning of her words, and Cecilia explained that the
170:54 words, and Cecilia explained that the Lord was summoning them both. The Duke
170:56 Lord was summoning them both. The Duke was confused, wondering if Vivien really
170:58 was confused, wondering if Vivien really existed, and why he had suddenly turned
171:00 existed, and why he had suddenly turned to them. Cecilia explained that Viven's
171:02 to them. Cecilia explained that Viven's order had originated in the ancient
171:04 order had originated in the ancient ruins on the mountain ridge behind
171:05 ruins on the mountain ridge behind Blanch Castle in these sacred lands. The
171:08 Blanch Castle in these sacred lands. The capture of the castle by the order of
171:10 capture of the castle by the order of Paris had prevented Cecilia from
171:12 Paris had prevented Cecilia from approaching the sacred ruins despite
171:14 approaching the sacred ruins despite Lord Vivien's constant calls. Thanks to
171:16 Lord Vivien's constant calls. Thanks to the Duke's victory, a long- aaited
171:19 the Duke's victory, a long- aaited chance to reach the sacred ruins had
171:21 chance to reach the sacred ruins had appeared, for which the girl expressed
171:23 appeared, for which the girl expressed her sincere gratitude. The Duke reminded
171:25 her sincere gratitude. The Duke reminded her of the unfinished military mission,
171:27 her of the unfinished military mission, but Cecilia hugged him and asked if he
171:29 but Cecilia hugged him and asked if he would really refuse the divine request.
171:31 would really refuse the divine request. Not wanting to upset the girl, the Duke
171:33 Not wanting to upset the girl, the Duke promised to visit the chosen place after
171:35 promised to visit the chosen place after the war if Blanch Castle remained under
171:37 the war if Blanch Castle remained under their control. Cecilia, touched by the
171:40 their control. Cecilia, touched by the Duke's promise to fulfill her request,
171:42 Duke's promise to fulfill her request, decided that now it was her turn to
171:44 decided that now it was her turn to return the favor. As she was leaving,
171:46 return the favor. As she was leaving, the girl asked if the gentleman knew the
171:47 the girl asked if the gentleman knew the true nature of Lord Vivien, showing
171:49 true nature of Lord Vivien, showing sincere interest in his knowledge.
171:51 sincere interest in his knowledge. Seeing the confusion in the man's eyes,
171:54 Seeing the confusion in the man's eyes, the embarrassed girl explained that Lord
171:56 the embarrassed girl explained that Lord Vivien was the one and only god of love.
171:58 Vivien was the one and only god of love. Deep into the night, a sudden and
172:00 Deep into the night, a sudden and frightening commotion broke out among
172:02 frightening commotion broke out among the soldiers in the military camp of the
172:03 the soldiers in the military camp of the sacred state's reinforcements.
172:05 sacred state's reinforcements. Archbishop Landa, commander of the holy
172:08 Archbishop Landa, commander of the holy state's reinforcements, slept peacefully
172:10 state's reinforcements, slept peacefully in his bed, unaware of the impending
172:12 in his bed, unaware of the impending danger. Loud cries of fire woke the
172:14 danger. Loud cries of fire woke the Archbishop. Frightened horses were
172:16 Archbishop. Frightened horses were running around in panic, and helpless
172:18 running around in panic, and helpless soldiers were dying in the fiery trap.
172:20 soldiers were dying in the fiery trap. Quickly dressing, the archbishop
172:22 Quickly dressing, the archbishop demanded a report and learned that the
172:24 demanded a report and learned that the fire had started near important food
172:26 fire had started near important food carts. Cheryl sent her a powerful fire
172:28 carts. Cheryl sent her a powerful fire spirit who mercilessly burned everything
172:30 spirit who mercilessly burned everything in his destructive path. Seeing the fire
172:32 in his destructive path. Seeing the fire spirit, the terrified people mistook it
172:34 spirit, the terrified people mistook it for a demon and tried to extinguish it
172:36 for a demon and tried to extinguish it with water. But the enraged spirit
172:38 with water. But the enraged spirit turned its fury against them. Archbishop
172:41 turned its fury against them. Archbishop Landa realized with horror that all the
172:42 Landa realized with horror that all the food supplies had been completely
172:44 food supplies had been completely destroyed. Understanding the
172:46 destroyed. Understanding the catastrophic consequences for the army.
172:48 catastrophic consequences for the army. Under cover of night, a well-trained
172:50 Under cover of night, a well-trained army of holy warriors and the Duke's
172:52 army of holy warriors and the Duke's soldiers led by Raml la la la la la la
172:53 la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la
172:53 la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la launched a decisive
172:54 la la la la la la la launched a decisive attack. The warriors clearly divided the
172:56 attack. The warriors clearly divided the combat tasks among themselves and
172:58 combat tasks among themselves and methodically destroyed the enemy acting
173:01 methodically destroyed the enemy acting as a single welloiled machine. The
173:03 as a single welloiled machine. The archbishop watched the chaos unfold and
173:05 archbishop watched the chaos unfold and could not believe the audacity of Duke
173:07 could not believe the audacity of Duke Aaron who dared to treat the servants of
173:09 Aaron who dared to treat the servants of the god Paris in such a manner. The
173:11 the god Paris in such a manner. The experienced Kynos watched the battle,
173:14 experienced Kynos watched the battle, knowing that even the most
173:15 knowing that even the most well-thoughtout counterattack strategy
173:17 well-thoughtout counterattack strategy was useless without reliable and loyal
173:19 was useless without reliable and loyal warriors. Deprived of food, the enemy
173:22 warriors. Deprived of food, the enemy would inevitably begin to lose strength.
173:24 would inevitably begin to lose strength. And now they needed to hold out for just
173:26 And now they needed to hold out for just one week to have a real chance of
173:28 one week to have a real chance of victory. An attentive observer could see
173:30 victory. An attentive observer could see that both the wise Kanos and the
173:32 that both the wise Kanos and the experienced archbishop had made one
173:33 experienced archbishop had made one important strategic mistake. The dragon
173:36 important strategic mistake. The dragon believed that destroying the enemy's
173:37 believed that destroying the enemy's food supplies would significantly slow
173:39 food supplies would significantly slow down their offensive. No one foresaw
173:41 down their offensive. No one foresaw that this blow to the supplies would
173:43 that this blow to the supplies would only fan the flames of faith in the
173:45 only fan the flames of faith in the enemy, giving them unexpected strength
173:47 enemy, giving them unexpected strength to resist. Inspired by their faith, the
173:49 to resist. Inspired by their faith, the warriors were able to overcome hunger
173:51 warriors were able to overcome hunger and continue the battle to fulfill the
173:53 and continue the battle to fulfill the sacred will of their deity Paris. The
173:56 sacred will of their deity Paris. The opposing orders clashed with Aaron's
173:57 opposing orders clashed with Aaron's troops much earlier than planned,
173:59 troops much earlier than planned, disrupting the original battle plan.
174:01 disrupting the original battle plan. Archbishop Land's strategy based on
174:03 Archbishop Land's strategy based on numerical superiority proved ineffective
174:06 numerical superiority proved ineffective in the situation that had developed.
174:08 in the situation that had developed. Unexpected news shook the command. Avent
174:10 Unexpected news shook the command. Avent Castle had been captured and all supply
174:12 Castle had been captured and all supply routes to Paris's holy warriors were
174:14 routes to Paris's holy warriors were completely cut off. The Archbishop was
174:16 completely cut off. The Archbishop was confused, not understanding how the
174:18 confused, not understanding how the enemy could have captured new territory
174:20 enemy could have captured new territory when all their forces were in Blanch
174:21 when all their forces were in Blanch Castle. It turned out that the Duke had
174:23 Castle. It turned out that the Duke had successfully led a secret operation to
174:25 successfully led a secret operation to capture the new city even before the
174:27 capture the new city even before the arrival of the main reinforcements from
174:29 arrival of the main reinforcements from the Holy State. The brilliant strategist
174:31 the Holy State. The brilliant strategist Kynos divided his military forces into
174:33 Kynos divided his military forces into two specialized units with different
174:35 two specialized units with different combat missions. The first unit was
174:37 combat missions. The first unit was tasked with delaying enemy
174:38 tasked with delaying enemy reinforcements, while the second was
174:40 reinforcements, while the second was assigned the critical mission of
174:42 assigned the critical mission of capturing Avent Castle and its strategic
174:44 capturing Avent Castle and its strategic supplies. Despite successfully
174:46 supplies. Despite successfully destroying the enemy's supplies, the
174:48 destroying the enemy's supplies, the intercepting unit was unable to
174:49 intercepting unit was unable to completely stop the enemy's advance
174:51 completely stop the enemy's advance toward its intended target. The bloody
174:53 toward its intended target. The bloody battles resulted in huge losses among
174:55 battles resulted in huge losses among the soldiers, significantly weakening
174:57 the soldiers, significantly weakening the combat potential of both sides. The
175:00 the combat potential of both sides. The exhausted interception unit, despite
175:02 exhausted interception unit, despite heavy losses, still managed to stop the
175:04 heavy losses, still managed to stop the further advance of the warriors of the
175:06 further advance of the warriors of the sacred state. The special operations
175:08 sacred state. The special operations unit under Aaron's command crossed the
175:10 unit under Aaron's command crossed the mountain range and successfully captured
175:12 mountain range and successfully captured the strategically important castle of
175:14 the strategically important castle of event. Archbishop Landa, finding himself
175:16 event. Archbishop Landa, finding himself in a desperate situation, decided to
175:18 in a desperate situation, decided to continue the attack on Blanch Castle and
175:21 continue the attack on Blanch Castle and urgently requested additional resources.
175:23 urgently requested additional resources. The far-sighted Kanos had anticipated
175:25 The far-sighted Kanos had anticipated this turn of events and successfully
175:27 this turn of events and successfully prevented the enemy from receiving help.
175:29 prevented the enemy from receiving help. Seeing the suffering of his soldiers
175:31 Seeing the suffering of his soldiers dying of hunger, the archbishop made the
175:33 dying of hunger, the archbishop made the difficult decision to surrender to the
175:35 difficult decision to surrender to the enemy in exchange for food. Duke Gran
175:37 enemy in exchange for food. Duke Gran hurried to the emperor with important
175:39 hurried to the emperor with important news. Unaware of his true intentions in
175:41 news. Unaware of his true intentions in the current situation. When servants
175:43 the current situation. When servants tried to prevent the meeting, the Duke
175:45 tried to prevent the meeting, the Duke reported that Aaron had captured two
175:47 reported that Aaron had captured two strategically important castles, Blancha
175:49 strategically important castles, Blancha and Aventa. The enraged emperor could
175:51 and Aventa. The enraged emperor could not believe that his powerful army of
175:53 not believe that his powerful army of Paris had failed to defeat a relatively
175:55 Paris had failed to defeat a relatively weak enemy. The experienced ruler sensed
175:57 weak enemy. The experienced ruler sensed that the news he had received was not
175:59 that the news he had received was not limited to information about the
176:00 limited to information about the military defeats of his army. The
176:02 military defeats of his army. The emperor's premonition proved correct.
176:05 emperor's premonition proved correct. The Pope officially appealed to him to
176:06 The Pope officially appealed to him to intervene in the protracted conflict.
176:08 intervene in the protracted conflict. Duke Gran explained that the Pope,
176:10 Duke Gran explained that the Pope, unwilling to surrender to heretics, was
176:13 unwilling to surrender to heretics, was asking the emperor to use his power to
176:15 asking the emperor to use his power to end the bloody war. The emperor flew
176:17 end the bloody war. The emperor flew into a rage, remembering his agreement
176:19 into a rage, remembering his agreement with the Pope to neutralize Duke Aaron,
176:21 with the Pope to neutralize Duke Aaron, which had ended in a humiliating defeat.
176:23 which had ended in a humiliating defeat. Upon hearing the news of the emperor's
176:25 Upon hearing the news of the emperor's intervention, the enraged Aaron realized
176:27 intervention, the enraged Aaron realized that all his carefully laid plans were
176:29 that all his carefully laid plans were in jeopardy, the wise Kynos considered
176:31 in jeopardy, the wise Kynos considered this turn of events favorable. Realizing
176:33 this turn of events favorable. Realizing that it was impossible to continue the
176:35 that it was impossible to continue the war due to the enormous losses, although
176:38 war due to the enormous losses, although Kanos considered the situation a defeat,
176:40 Kanos considered the situation a defeat, he understood the danger of conflict
176:42 he understood the danger of conflict with the emperor and suggested taking
176:44 with the emperor and suggested taking advantage of the upcoming negotiations.
176:47 advantage of the upcoming negotiations. A week later, important rulers gathered
176:49 A week later, important rulers gathered in the spacious conference hall of Avent
176:51 in the spacious conference hall of Avent Castle for complex peace negotiations.
176:53 Castle for complex peace negotiations. The Pope understood the Duke's anger as
176:56 The Pope understood the Duke's anger as the emperor's intervention in a war that
176:57 the emperor's intervention in a war that was almost won could have provoked a
176:59 was almost won could have provoked a similar reaction from any commander. The
177:02 similar reaction from any commander. The Pope considered the emperor's help in
177:03 Pope considered the emperor's help in allowing the war to begin a better
177:05 allowing the war to begin a better solution than losing the pride of the
177:07 solution than losing the pride of the order through a humiliating surrender.
177:09 order through a humiliating surrender. The Holy Father solemnly announced Lord
177:11 The Holy Father solemnly announced Lord Pah's mercy toward the hero, asserting
177:13 Pah's mercy toward the hero, asserting that it was the deity who had ordered
177:15 that it was the deity who had ordered the end of the military confrontation.
177:17 the end of the military confrontation. The Pope confidently declared that
177:19 The Pope confidently declared that continuing the purification of the lands
177:21 continuing the purification of the lands would inevitably lead to their final
177:22 would inevitably lead to their final victory over the enemy. The Duke watched
177:25 victory over the enemy. The Duke watched the Pope with derision, who realizing
177:27 the Pope with derision, who realizing the impossibility of continuing the
177:29 the impossibility of continuing the struggle, tried to maintain the
177:30 struggle, tried to maintain the appearance of a victor. The Duke
177:32 appearance of a victor. The Duke ironically asked his adviser if he had
177:34 ironically asked his adviser if he had ever met such a boastful fool on the
177:36 ever met such a boastful fool on the battlefield. The archbishops were
177:38 battlefield. The archbishops were horrified by the Duke's insulent
177:39 horrified by the Duke's insulent treatment of the pope of the Holy Sea,
177:41 treatment of the pope of the Holy Sea, whom they revered as much as the king of
177:43 whom they revered as much as the king of an entire nation. The hero mockingly
177:45 an entire nation. The hero mockingly remarked that the archbishop, who had
177:47 remarked that the archbishop, who had recently surrendered for food, had
177:49 recently surrendered for food, had plucked up his courage and explained to
177:51 plucked up his courage and explained to the pope his ignorance of the real state
177:53 the pope his ignorance of the real state of affairs. The Duke pointed out the
177:55 of affairs. The Duke pointed out the hypocrisy of talk of mercy, reminding
177:57 hypocrisy of talk of mercy, reminding them that it was they, not Paris, who
178:00 them that it was they, not Paris, who had shown mercy to the starving
178:01 had shown mercy to the starving heretics. The Duke imperiously ordered
178:04 heretics. The Duke imperiously ordered an end to empty talk and demanded that
178:06 an end to empty talk and demanded that the Pope listen carefully to his demands
178:08 the Pope listen carefully to his demands if he wanted his captive soldiers back.
178:11 if he wanted his captive soldiers back. The Pope remained surprisingly calm and
178:13 The Pope remained surprisingly calm and even smiled, convinced of the truth of
178:15 even smiled, convinced of the truth of the rumors about the young Duke's
178:16 the rumors about the young Duke's warlike character. The Duke made a bold
178:18 warlike character. The Duke made a bold demand that the capital of the holy
178:20 demand that the capital of the holy state of Regal be handed over to them,
178:22 state of Regal be handed over to them, to which the Pope rebuked him for
178:24 to which the Pope rebuked him for excessive self-confidence. Enraged,
178:26 excessive self-confidence. Enraged, Aaron ordered that all prisoners be sent
178:28 Aaron ordered that all prisoners be sent to forced labor or sold at a slave
178:30 to forced labor or sold at a slave market in case of disobedience. The
178:32 market in case of disobedience. The tense negotiations were interrupted by
178:34 tense negotiations were interrupted by the arrival of the emperor and his
178:35 the arrival of the emperor and his entourage, whose faces clearly showed
178:38 entourage, whose faces clearly showed their dissatisfaction with what was
178:39 their dissatisfaction with what was happening. Emperor Giron, restraining
178:42 happening. Emperor Giron, restraining his hostility, noted how his nephew had
178:44 his hostility, noted how his nephew had matured since their last important
178:46 matured since their last important meeting. The Duke and his loyal subjects
178:48 meeting. The Duke and his loyal subjects immediately bowed deeply, paying the
178:50 immediately bowed deeply, paying the emperor the honors due to him. The
178:52 emperor the honors due to him. The emperor ordered the Duke to raise his
178:54 emperor ordered the Duke to raise his head, and at that moment, an armed
178:56 head, and at that moment, an armed knight rushed toward him, but only
178:58 knight rushed toward him, but only destroyed the table. The emperor
178:59 destroyed the table. The emperor explained his reluctance to sit at
179:01 explained his reluctance to sit at tables on grounds of security and the
179:03 tables on grounds of security and the need for a complete view of what was
179:05 need for a complete view of what was happening around him. The Duke tried to
179:07 happening around him. The Duke tried to flatter the emperor, noting the
179:09 flatter the emperor, noting the similarity of their thinking on matters
179:11 similarity of their thinking on matters of security and observation of the
179:13 of security and observation of the surrounding environment. After
179:14 surrounding environment. After completing all the necessary
179:16 completing all the necessary preparations, the negotiators gathered
179:18 preparations, the negotiators gathered together to discuss important state
179:20 together to discuss important state matters. The emperor looked at Lord
179:21 matters. The emperor looked at Lord Paris's representative with obvious
179:23 Paris's representative with obvious displeasure and demanded an explanation
179:25 displeasure and demanded an explanation for the loud argument he had heard on
179:27 for the loud argument he had heard on his way to the hall. The Pope briefly
179:29 his way to the hall. The Pope briefly outlined the essence of the conflict,
179:31 outlined the essence of the conflict, informing the emperor of the Duke's
179:33 informing the emperor of the Duke's demand that the capital of the Holy
179:34 demand that the capital of the Holy State be handed over as military
179:36 State be handed over as military compensation. The Duke objected,
179:38 compensation. The Duke objected, clarifying that he had merely criticized
179:40 clarifying that he had merely criticized the Pope for violating his own rules
179:42 the Pope for violating his own rules regarding marriage and having children.
179:44 regarding marriage and having children. Noticing the reaction of those present,
179:46 Noticing the reaction of those present, the Duke realized that the time was
179:48 the Duke realized that the time was right to begin serious negotiations on
179:50 right to begin serious negotiations on the compensation he deserved. Observing
179:52 the compensation he deserved. Observing the Pope, the Duke foresaw the spread of
179:54 the Pope, the Duke foresaw the spread of compromising rumors that would force him
179:56 compromising rumors that would force him to leave his high office. The Duke
179:58 to leave his high office. The Duke planned that Archbishop Landa, who had
180:00 planned that Archbishop Landa, who had been deliberately left alive, would
180:02 been deliberately left alive, would become the next pope, carefully
180:04 become the next pope, carefully preparing the ground for change. The
180:06 preparing the ground for change. The emperor closely watched Lord Paris
180:07 emperor closely watched Lord Paris representative. Noticing his obvious
180:10 representative. Noticing his obvious fear of the exposure of some carefully
180:11 fear of the exposure of some carefully hidden secret. Realizing the
180:13 hidden secret. Realizing the disadvantage of his current position,
180:15 disadvantage of his current position, the emperor sought to minimize possible
180:17 the emperor sought to minimize possible losses from the upcoming negotiations.
180:20 losses from the upcoming negotiations. The emperor suggested postponing the
180:21 The emperor suggested postponing the delicate topic and focusing on
180:23 delicate topic and focusing on discussing the compensation the Duke
180:25 discussing the compensation the Duke wanted. The Duke spoke as a
180:26 wanted. The Duke spoke as a representative of the empire, declaring
180:28 representative of the empire, declaring the harm caused by a religion controlled
180:30 the harm caused by a religion controlled by a manipulator who was spreading his
180:32 by a manipulator who was spreading his influence among the citizens. The Duke
180:34 influence among the citizens. The Duke proposed moving the Order of Paris to
180:36 proposed moving the Order of Paris to the western part of the continent to
180:38 the western part of the continent to reduce their influence on the empire's
180:40 reduce their influence on the empire's population. The outraged pope jumped up
180:42 population. The outraged pope jumped up from his seat, demanding an explanation
180:44 from his seat, demanding an explanation from the Duke regarding his excessive
180:46 from the Duke regarding his excessive demands. The emperor called on the Pope
180:48 demands. The emperor called on the Pope to calm down and pointed out to the Duke
180:50 to calm down and pointed out to the Duke that his demands were excessive in the
180:52 that his demands were excessive in the current situation. The Duke was aware of
180:54 current situation. The Duke was aware of the scale of his demands, but hoped for
180:56 the scale of his demands, but hoped for the emperor's support in defending the
180:57 the emperor's support in defending the imperial honor. The emperor,
180:59 imperial honor. The emperor, understanding the Duke's desire to
181:01 understanding the Duke's desire to protect his country, demanded that the
181:03 protect his country, demanded that the Pope confirm or refute the accusations
181:05 Pope confirm or refute the accusations that had been made. The Pope, agitated,
181:08 that had been made. The Pope, agitated, rose from his seat and began to deny all
181:10 rose from his seat and began to deny all the accusations, citing the
181:11 the accusations, citing the incompatibility of family life with his
181:13 incompatibility of family life with his position. The Duke, with a sly smile,
181:16 position. The Duke, with a sly smile, asked the Pope how he would react if his
181:18 asked the Pope how he would react if his granddaughter were found and enslaved.
181:20 granddaughter were found and enslaved. The Pope firmly rejected the possibility
181:22 The Pope firmly rejected the possibility of searching for a non-existent person
181:24 of searching for a non-existent person and turning her into a slave, trying to
181:26 and turning her into a slave, trying to keep his secret. Confident in his
181:28 keep his secret. Confident in his knowledge, the Duke ordered Raml to send
181:30 knowledge, the Duke ordered Raml to send men to search for the Pope's
181:31 men to search for the Pope's granddaughter in the Winter Villa Alpus.
181:34 granddaughter in the Winter Villa Alpus. Raml reported that the operation to find
181:36 Raml reported that the operation to find the girl was almost complete. Awaiting
181:38 the girl was almost complete. Awaiting only the final order to proceed, the
181:40 only the final order to proceed, the visibly nervous Pope demanded that the
181:42 visibly nervous Pope demanded that the search be stopped, to which the Duke
181:44 search be stopped, to which the Duke ironically reminded him that he had no
181:46 ironically reminded him that he had no descendants. The emperor tried to smooth
181:48 descendants. The emperor tried to smooth things over, suggesting that the Duke
181:50 things over, suggesting that the Duke might have made a mistake considering
181:52 might have made a mistake considering the Pope's service to the church. The
181:54 the Pope's service to the church. The Pope hastily agreed with the emperor's
181:55 Pope hastily agreed with the emperor's suggestion, continuing to insist that
181:57 suggestion, continuing to insist that there were no family ties. The Duke
182:00 there were no family ties. The Duke slightly inquired about the possibility
182:01 slightly inquired about the possibility of turning the found girl into a slave.
182:04 of turning the found girl into a slave. Continuing to pressure the nervous pope,
182:06 Continuing to pressure the nervous pope, the Pope finally admitted the existence
182:07 the Pope finally admitted the existence of a family, justifying himself with
182:10 of a family, justifying himself with mistakes made in the past before taking
182:11 mistakes made in the past before taking holy orders. Thanks to the emperor's
182:13 holy orders. Thanks to the emperor's intervention, the final negotiations
182:15 intervention, the final negotiations satisfied only part of Aaron's initial
182:18 satisfied only part of Aaron's initial demands. The parties signed a two-year
182:20 demands. The parties signed a two-year truce conditional on the release of
182:22 truce conditional on the release of prisoners and Aaron's promise not to
182:24 prisoners and Aaron's promise not to spread compromising rumors. Aaron
182:26 spread compromising rumors. Aaron received the castle of Blanch, the
182:28 received the castle of Blanch, the territory of the Order of Viven, and
182:30 territory of the Order of Viven, and compensation of 5,000 gold coins,
182:32 compensation of 5,000 gold coins, officially recognizing him as the
182:34 officially recognizing him as the victor. Watching the prisoners leave,
182:36 victor. Watching the prisoners leave, Kanos rejoiced at the end of the war.
182:38 Kanos rejoiced at the end of the war. But he was tormented by an unresolved
182:40 But he was tormented by an unresolved question for his master. Kanos wondered
182:43 question for his master. Kanos wondered how the Duke had learned of the Pope's
182:44 how the Duke had learned of the Pope's granddaughter's existence and when he
182:46 granddaughter's existence and when he had managed to organize her search.
182:48 had managed to organize her search. Aaron admitted his own interest in the
182:50 Aaron admitted his own interest in the matter, suggesting that it could be
182:52 matter, suggesting that it could be another of Raml's tricks. The hero asked
182:54 another of Raml's tricks. The hero asked Kynos to personally ask the knight for
182:56 Kynos to personally ask the knight for details of his ingenious plan to clarify
182:58 details of his ingenious plan to clarify the situation. Upon returning to the
183:00 the situation. Upon returning to the sacred land, the Pope immediately set
183:02 sacred land, the Pope immediately set off for the port city of Alpus to meet
183:04 off for the port city of Alpus to meet his granddaughter. Upon meeting his
183:06 his granddaughter. Upon meeting his granddaughter, the worried Pope
183:07 granddaughter, the worried Pope questioned her about possible threats
183:09 questioned her about possible threats and suspicious contacts. Upon learning
183:11 and suspicious contacts. Upon learning that there had been no contact with his
183:13 that there had been no contact with his granddaughter, the Pope realized that
183:15 granddaughter, the Pope realized that the Duke had deceived him and vowed that
183:17 the Duke had deceived him and vowed that Lord Paris would punish the deceiver.
183:19 Lord Paris would punish the deceiver. Aaron, unaware of the Pope's anger,
183:21 Aaron, unaware of the Pope's anger, prepared for his journey with Cecilia to
183:23 prepared for his journey with Cecilia to the promised sacred place. Cecilia
183:25 the promised sacred place. Cecilia confidently stated that she did not need
183:27 confidently stated that she did not need an escort for a simple climb up the
183:29 an escort for a simple climb up the mountains. Cecilia instructed Lady
183:31 mountains. Cecilia instructed Lady Bianca to find Viven's oppressed
183:33 Bianca to find Viven's oppressed followers in the castle to restore their
183:35 followers in the castle to restore their church. An unexpected addition to the
183:37 church. An unexpected addition to the journey was Kynos, invited by Lord
183:39 journey was Kynos, invited by Lord Vivien himself, which Cecilia kept
183:41 Vivien himself, which Cecilia kept secret. By evening, the travelers
183:43 secret. By evening, the travelers reached an ancient temple separated from
183:45 reached an ancient temple separated from the outside world by a deep precipice in
183:47 the outside world by a deep precipice in the snow-covered mountains. The Duke
183:49 the snow-covered mountains. The Duke noted that it was impossible to cross
183:51 noted that it was impossible to cross the cliff without wings and that strong
183:53 the cliff without wings and that strong winds made it difficult to build a
183:55 winds made it difficult to build a crossing. Cecilia explained the special
183:57 crossing. Cecilia explained the special nature of access to the temple which was
183:59 nature of access to the temple which was inaccessible even to flying creatures
184:01 inaccessible even to flying creatures and required a different approach.
184:03 and required a different approach. Cecilia knelt down and began to pray to
184:05 Cecilia knelt down and began to pray to the Lord, asking him to open the way to
184:07 the Lord, asking him to open the way to the sacred temple. A mystical road
184:09 the sacred temple. A mystical road appeared above the cliff and Cecilia
184:12 appeared above the cliff and Cecilia overjoyed invited her companions to
184:14 overjoyed invited her companions to follow her. Inside the spacious temple,
184:16 follow her. Inside the spacious temple, the Duke noticed a strange emptiness and
184:18 the Duke noticed a strange emptiness and abandonment. Despite the impressive size
184:21 abandonment. Despite the impressive size of the building, an unexpected discovery
184:23 of the building, an unexpected discovery was the presence of a little girl
184:24 was the presence of a little girl praying on her knees by the sacred
184:26 praying on her knees by the sacred water. Cecilia respectfully greeted Lord
184:28 water. Cecilia respectfully greeted Lord Viven, apologizing for the long absence
184:31 Viven, apologizing for the long absence of contact between them. The girl took
184:33 of contact between them. The girl took off her cloak and reproached Cecilia for
184:35 off her cloak and reproached Cecilia for her excessive slowness, hinting at her
184:37 her excessive slowness, hinting at her long wait. The little goddess agreed to
184:39 long wait. The little goddess agreed to forgive Cecilia for the delay,
184:41 forgive Cecilia for the delay, considering the important people she had
184:43 considering the important people she had brought with her. The Duke looked at the
184:45 brought with her. The Duke looked at the approaching child goddess with surprise,
184:47 approaching child goddess with surprise, amazed at the absence of her usual
184:49 amazed at the absence of her usual magical aura. Kanos knelt before Lord
184:51 magical aura. Kanos knelt before Lord Viven, asking him to explain the reason
184:53 Viven, asking him to explain the reason for their gathering in the temple. Lord
184:55 for their gathering in the temple. Lord Vivien rebuked Kanos for his impatience,
184:58 Vivien rebuked Kanos for his impatience, which was uncharacteristic of a dragon,
185:00 which was uncharacteristic of a dragon, insisting on his right to choose the
185:02 insisting on his right to choose the time for revelations. The goddess
185:03 time for revelations. The goddess approached the Duke, asked him to close
185:05 approached the Duke, asked him to close his eyes, and then they instantly
185:07 his eyes, and then they instantly disappeared from the temple without a
185:09 disappeared from the temple without a trace. Finding themselves on the
185:11 trace. Finding themselves on the mountain in front of the temple, the
185:12 mountain in front of the temple, the girl calmed the frightened Duke and
185:14 girl calmed the frightened Duke and asked him what he thought had caused the
185:15 asked him what he thought had caused the summons. Vivien began a philosophical
185:18 summons. Vivien began a philosophical discourse on the cyclical nature of
185:19 discourse on the cyclical nature of life, comparing it to a stone lying
185:21 life, comparing it to a stone lying nearby on the mountain. The goddess
185:23 nearby on the mountain. The goddess demonstratively dropped the huge stone,
185:25 demonstratively dropped the huge stone, which destroyed the temple in half,
185:27 which destroyed the temple in half, presumably killing the people inside.
185:29 presumably killing the people inside. The Duke was horrified at the thought of
185:31 The Duke was horrified at the thought of Kynos and Cecilia possibly dying under
185:33 Kynos and Cecilia possibly dying under the rubble of the ruined temple. The
185:35 the rubble of the ruined temple. The angry Duke lashed out at Viven for her
185:37 angry Duke lashed out at Viven for her divine games with human lives. The young
185:39 divine games with human lives. The young goddess calmly pointed to the huge rock
185:41 goddess calmly pointed to the huge rock that now stood at the very top of the
185:43 that now stood at the very top of the mountain. And with this simple gesture,
185:46 mountain. And with this simple gesture, she made it clear to the Duke that the
185:48 she made it clear to the Duke that the ancient temple was intact and that their
185:50 ancient temple was intact and that their lives were in no danger. This heavy
185:52 lives were in no danger. This heavy stone on the top of the mountain was a
185:54 stone on the top of the mountain was a special sign for the steward gale. The
185:56 special sign for the steward gale. The goddess had used it as a symbol of the
185:58 goddess had used it as a symbol of the new life she had given to the man,
186:01 new life she had given to the man, transporting his soul through time and
186:03 transporting his soul through time and space. The confused man finally realized
186:05 space. The confused man finally realized the whole truth about his miraculous
186:07 the whole truth about his miraculous rescue and understood why he had begun
186:09 rescue and understood why he had begun his new life in the body of the Duke for
186:11 his new life in the body of the Duke for which he was sincerely grateful to the
186:13 which he was sincerely grateful to the wise Vivien. The little goddess
186:15 wise Vivien. The little goddess patiently explained to her confused
186:17 patiently explained to her confused guest that his appearance in a new body
186:19 guest that his appearance in a new body was not accidental for every person has
186:21 was not accidental for every person has a special destiny and she asked him to
186:24 a special destiny and she asked him to live this life to the fullest. The
186:25 live this life to the fullest. The frightened and confused man could not
186:27 frightened and confused man could not calm down because he wanted to
186:29 calm down because he wanted to immediately find out the true reason for
186:31 immediately find out the true reason for his appearance here and understand where
186:33 his appearance here and understand where the real owner of this body was now. The
186:35 the real owner of this body was now. The wise goddess advised the traveler to
186:37 wise goddess advised the traveler to continue on his life's journey without
186:38 continue on his life's journey without fear or doubt, promising that one day he
186:41 fear or doubt, promising that one day he would surely meet the real Duke,
186:42 would surely meet the real Duke, although he would be completely
186:44 although he would be completely different. When the time allotted for
186:46 different. When the time allotted for conversation came to an end, the goddess
186:48 conversation came to an end, the goddess used her divine power and directed the
186:50 used her divine power and directed the Duke toward the cliff, noticing his last
186:52 Duke toward the cliff, noticing his last attentive glance before he fell. When he
186:54 attentive glance before he fell. When he awoke from his deep slumber, the Duke
186:56 awoke from his deep slumber, the Duke was surprised to find himself not within
186:58 was surprised to find himself not within the walls of the ancient temple, but
187:00 the walls of the ancient temple, but outside, where an alarmed nun was trying
187:03 outside, where an alarmed nun was trying to revive him with her caring actions.
187:06 to revive him with her caring actions. After waking up, the Duke looked around
187:08 After waking up, the Duke looked around in confusion, trying to understand where
187:10 in confusion, trying to understand where he was because he clearly remembered the
187:12 he was because he clearly remembered the moment of his fall. But now they were
187:14 moment of his fall. But now they were right in front of the entrance to the
187:15 right in front of the entrance to the majestic temple. The agitated duke began
187:18 majestic temple. The agitated duke began to ask about the mysterious goddess, but
187:20 to ask about the mysterious goddess, but the attentive Cecilia gently explained
187:22 the attentive Cecilia gently explained that they were not yet destined to meet
187:24 that they were not yet destined to meet her because the time for that meeting
187:25 her because the time for that meeting had not yet come. The man was absolutely
187:28 had not yet come. The man was absolutely certain that they had indeed entered the
187:30 certain that they had indeed entered the ancient temple and met an amazing girl
187:32 ancient temple and met an amazing girl there who looked exactly like the
187:33 there who looked exactly like the beautiful Cecilia. Trying to tell those
187:35 beautiful Cecilia. Trying to tell those around him about his unusual
187:37 around him about his unusual experiences, the hero was met with
187:39 experiences, the hero was met with Cecilia's firm conviction that they had
187:41 Cecilia's firm conviction that they had remained outside the temple the whole
187:43 remained outside the temple the whole time and that he had simply lost
187:45 time and that he had simply lost consciousness. Calm Cecilia suggested
187:47 consciousness. Calm Cecilia suggested that everything they had seen might have
187:49 that everything they had seen might have been just a vision. And since the great
187:51 been just a vision. And since the great lord did not wish to see them yet, they
187:53 lord did not wish to see them yet, they had better return home and try to come
187:55 had better return home and try to come to the temple another time. Climbing
187:57 to the temple another time. Climbing onto his trusty horse, the alarmed kynos
187:59 onto his trusty horse, the alarmed kynos could not understand why the others had
188:01 could not understand why the others had no memory of the amazing events that had
188:03 no memory of the amazing events that had taken place within the walls of the
188:04 taken place within the walls of the ancient temple. Enraged, Viven began to
188:07 ancient temple. Enraged, Viven began to severely reprimand the insulent dragon
188:09 severely reprimand the insulent dragon for his unauthorized interference in the
188:11 for his unauthorized interference in the affairs of mere mortals and decided to
188:14 affairs of mere mortals and decided to devise a just punishment for his
188:15 devise a just punishment for his misdeed. Using her divine power, she
188:18 misdeed. Using her divine power, she restricted the dragon's magical power in
188:20 restricted the dragon's magical power in his chest, significantly weakening his
188:22 his chest, significantly weakening his abilities and forbidding him to use any
188:24 abilities and forbidding him to use any magic in human form. The goddess warned
188:26 magic in human form. The goddess warned her servant that any attempt to break
188:28 her servant that any attempt to break the ban would bring him such suffering
188:30 the ban would bring him such suffering that he would prefer a quick and easy
188:31 that he would prefer a quick and easy death. The mighty Kanos was deeply upset
188:34 death. The mighty Kanos was deeply upset that his simple desire to have some fun
188:36 that his simple desire to have some fun in the land of humans had led to such
188:38 in the land of humans had led to such serious consequences and now his life
188:40 serious consequences and now his life was in danger. Looking at the pensive
188:42 was in danger. Looking at the pensive duke, the dragon acknowledged that all
188:44 duke, the dragon acknowledged that all his adventures had been worth it. For
188:46 his adventures had been worth it. For thanks to his bold actions, he had
188:48 thanks to his bold actions, he had gained many incredible experiences. In
188:51 gained many incredible experiences. In the majestic capital, life went on as
188:53 the majestic capital, life went on as usual, and the ordinary towns people had
188:55 usual, and the ordinary towns people had long since ceased to pay attention to
188:57 long since ceased to pay attention to the poor beggars who begged for alms
188:59 the poor beggars who begged for alms every day on the noisy streets. The
189:01 every day on the noisy streets. The unexpected appearance of Duke Reinan's
189:02 unexpected appearance of Duke Reinan's luxurious carriage attracted the
189:04 luxurious carriage attracted the attention of curious towns people,
189:06 attention of curious towns people, disrupting the usual flow of everyday
189:08 disrupting the usual flow of everyday life in the bustling capital. The
189:10 life in the bustling capital. The satisfied Duke, comfortably seated in
189:12 satisfied Duke, comfortably seated in his carriage, rejoiced at Aaron's
189:14 his carriage, rejoiced at Aaron's victory over the holy state. But he was
189:16 victory over the holy state. But he was troubled by the emperor's close
189:17 troubled by the emperor's close attention to their actions. A sudden
189:20 attention to their actions. A sudden stop caused the carriage to sway
189:21 stop caused the carriage to sway violently, forcing the alarmed Duke to
189:23 violently, forcing the alarmed Duke to leave his comfortable seat to find out
189:25 leave his comfortable seat to find out the reason for the unexpected delay.
189:27 the reason for the unexpected delay. Standing in front of the luxurious
189:28 Standing in front of the luxurious carriage was an unfamiliar man who
189:30 carriage was an unfamiliar man who confidently declared to the surprised
189:32 confidently declared to the surprised travelers that he was none other than
189:33 travelers that he was none other than Duke Aaron himself returned from
189:35 Duke Aaron himself returned from oblivion. The mysterious stranger stood
189:37 oblivion. The mysterious stranger stood very seriously and confidently silently
189:40 very seriously and confidently silently waiting for the moment when the real
189:41 waiting for the moment when the real Duke would dain to listen to his amazing
189:43 Duke would dain to listen to his amazing story. Despite his obvious doubts, the
189:46 story. Despite his obvious doubts, the Duke decided to listen to the strange
189:48 Duke decided to listen to the strange man. Although he found it difficult to
189:50 man. Although he found it difficult to believe in the possibility of
189:51 believe in the possibility of resurrection after being killed by the
189:53 resurrection after being killed by the emperor 20 years ago. Realizing the
189:56 emperor 20 years ago. Realizing the improbability of his story, Aaron
189:58 improbability of his story, Aaron deliberately set out in search of Renan,
190:00 deliberately set out in search of Renan, a distant relative of the crown and a
190:02 a distant relative of the crown and a loyal servant of the former emperor,
190:03 loyal servant of the former emperor, hoping to find understanding. Having
190:06 hoping to find understanding. Having lost his former appearance, the Duke
190:07 lost his former appearance, the Duke chose Rayon as his only confidant.
190:10 chose Rayon as his only confidant. Realizing that anyone else would
190:11 Realizing that anyone else would immediately notice his striking
190:13 immediately notice his striking difference from the former Duke, the
190:14 difference from the former Duke, the angry coachman rudely pushed the
190:16 angry coachman rudely pushed the imposttor out of the expensive carriage,
190:18 imposttor out of the expensive carriage, outraged that a commoner dared to lie to
190:20 outraged that a commoner dared to lie to a nobleman for so long. Despite the
190:22 a nobleman for so long. Despite the strange man's insistent assurances that
190:24 strange man's insistent assurances that his words were true, Renan could not
190:26 his words were true, Renan could not believe such an incredible story and
190:28 believe such an incredible story and ordered his men to continue on their
190:30 ordered his men to continue on their way. With a heavy heart, Aaron
190:32 way. With a heavy heart, Aaron acknowledged that his fears were
190:33 acknowledged that his fears were justified. Realizing that no one would
190:35 justified. Realizing that no one would believe his amazing story when he
190:37 believe his amazing story when he himself had difficulty accepting the
190:39 himself had difficulty accepting the changes that had happened to him. Deep
190:41 changes that had happened to him. Deep in his heart, he was determined not to
190:43 in his heart, he was determined not to let the tragic events of his past life,
190:45 let the tragic events of his past life, which still weighed heavily on his
190:47 which still weighed heavily on his conscience, repeat themselves.
190:49 conscience, repeat themselves. Renouncing the long-held promise he had
190:50 Renouncing the long-held promise he had made to his father, the determined hero
190:53 made to his father, the determined hero resolved to strike first against the
190:54 resolved to strike first against the treacherous emperor to prevent future
190:56 treacherous emperor to prevent future misfortune. Despite the absence of the
190:58 misfortune. Despite the absence of the dragon's blessing, powerful RCGA
191:01 dragon's blessing, powerful RCGA technology, and any material resources,
191:03 technology, and any material resources, he was determined to find a way to
191:05 he was determined to find a way to regain his former strength. At this
191:07 regain his former strength. At this time, the energetic leader of the
191:08 time, the energetic leader of the crusaders, Bianca, was seriously
191:10 crusaders, Bianca, was seriously concerned about a number of urgent
191:12 concerned about a number of urgent problems that required immediate
191:13 problems that required immediate solutions. In order to successfully
191:16 solutions. In order to successfully expand the territo's influence, Blanch
191:18 expand the territo's influence, Blanch needed to urgently increase the size of
191:20 needed to urgently increase the size of her army. But much to the commander's
191:22 her army. But much to the commander's dismay, there were no volunteers willing
191:24 dismay, there were no volunteers willing to join the ranks. Bianca felt a special
191:27 to join the ranks. Bianca felt a special responsibility to lord herself for
191:28 responsibility to lord herself for raising an army. As she had voluntarily
191:31 raising an army. As she had voluntarily taken on this important task and made a
191:33 taken on this important task and made a solemn promise after carefully studying
191:35 solemn promise after carefully studying the terms of service, she suddenly
191:38 the terms of service, she suddenly realized the reason for the failure. The
191:40 realized the reason for the failure. The proposed payment of two gold coins was
191:42 proposed payment of two gold coins was simply ridiculously low for military
191:44 simply ridiculously low for military service. Such a modest salary was barely
191:47 service. Such a modest salary was barely enough for a simple sack of flour, let
191:49 enough for a simple sack of flour, let alone to feed an entire family during a
191:51 alone to feed an entire family during a long month of service. Enraged, Bianca
191:54 long month of service. Enraged, Bianca smashed the shameful plaque, indicating
191:56 smashed the shameful plaque, indicating her pay in a fit of anger. Greatly
191:58 her pay in a fit of anger. Greatly embarrassing the modest Cecilia and
192:00 embarrassing the modest Cecilia and further charming the enamored Arthur.
192:02 further charming the enamored Arthur. Observant Aaron noticing the problem
192:04 Observant Aaron noticing the problem calmly approached the strategist to find
192:06 calmly approached the strategist to find out the cause of the concern since the
192:08 out the cause of the concern since the payment was supposed to remain the same.
192:10 payment was supposed to remain the same. The attentive Kynos cautiously pointed
192:12 The attentive Kynos cautiously pointed out to the hero some suspicious people
192:14 out to the hero some suspicious people who were strangely loitering in a narrow
192:16 who were strangely loitering in a narrow dark alley nearby. Glancing cautiously
192:18 dark alley nearby. Glancing cautiously in the indicated direction. The hero
192:20 in the indicated direction. The hero immediately realized that these
192:22 immediately realized that these mysterious individuals were indeed
192:23 mysterious individuals were indeed arousing serious suspicion with their
192:25 arousing serious suspicion with their unusual behavior. The experienced
192:27 unusual behavior. The experienced strategist confidently explained that
192:29 strategist confidently explained that these people were Imperial spies sent by
192:31 these people were Imperial spies sent by the ruler to keep a close watch after
192:33 the ruler to keep a close watch after their recent victory. The perceptive
192:35 their recent victory. The perceptive hero quickly realized that the reduced
192:37 hero quickly realized that the reduced payment was a clever diversionary tactic
192:39 payment was a clever diversionary tactic designed to deceive the enemy spies. He
192:41 designed to deceive the enemy spies. He was worried about the possibility of
192:43 was worried about the possibility of recruiting troops in such difficult
192:45 recruiting troops in such difficult conditions. But Kanos explained that
192:47 conditions. But Kanos explained that despite the official ban, they needed to
192:49 despite the official ban, they needed to gather 10,000 warriors. A hidden city
192:52 gather 10,000 warriors. A hidden city had been discovered in the recently
192:54 had been discovered in the recently captured territory where Viven's loyal
192:56 captured territory where Viven's loyal followers, fleeing persecution by the
192:58 followers, fleeing persecution by the Pope, were hiding, and Raml was already
193:01 Pope, were hiding, and Raml was already recruiting them for 10 gold pieces. The
193:04 recruiting them for 10 gold pieces. The Duke approved the sensible decision for
193:05 Duke approved the sensible decision for organizing the defense. But observing
193:08 organizing the defense. But observing the alarmed Cyenos, he clearly
193:10 the alarmed Cyenos, he clearly understood that this was far from the
193:11 understood that this was far from the only problem. The wise adviser began to
193:13 only problem. The wise adviser began to explain that they had already achieved
193:15 explain that they had already achieved significant success by capturing the
193:17 significant success by capturing the important castle of Bloun and the
193:19 important castle of Bloun and the surrounding lands to expand their
193:21 surrounding lands to expand their influence. After carefully assessing the
193:23 influence. After carefully assessing the current situation, he concluded that
193:25 current situation, he concluded that despite the high costs, their main goal
193:27 despite the high costs, their main goal should be to create a powerful army of
193:29 should be to create a powerful army of 50,000 soldiers. The stunned Duke could
193:32 50,000 soldiers. The stunned Duke could hardly imagine how such a huge army of
193:34 hardly imagine how such a huge army of 50,000 well-trained soldiers could be
193:36 50,000 well-trained soldiers could be assembled. The experienced Kanos
193:38 assembled. The experienced Kanos insisted that the goal was correct,
193:40 insisted that the goal was correct, explaining that without a strong army,
193:42 explaining that without a strong army, their vast territories would remain
193:44 their vast territories would remain defenseless and lose all influence. The
193:46 defenseless and lose all influence. The adviser warned of the danger of the Holy
193:48 adviser warned of the danger of the Holy Nation's influence, reminded them of
193:50 Nation's influence, reminded them of their lack of economic and military
193:51 their lack of economic and military power, and suggested focusing on earning
193:53 power, and suggested focusing on earning money to hire soldiers. The weary hero,
193:56 money to hire soldiers. The weary hero, realizing the magnitude of the task
193:58 realizing the magnitude of the task ahead, asked everyone to take a day off
194:00 ahead, asked everyone to take a day off before returning to the castle to
194:02 before returning to the castle to resolve important financial matters. At
194:04 resolve important financial matters. At that time, Moria was traveling through
194:06 that time, Moria was traveling through the Duke's lands with a young companion
194:08 the Duke's lands with a young companion who was carefully examining the traces
194:10 who was carefully examining the traces of recent heavy battles in the area. The
194:12 of recent heavy battles in the area. The talkative Moria told his companion about
194:14 talkative Moria told his companion about the ruthless nature of the local Duke,
194:16 the ruthless nature of the local Duke, adding that the visible destruction was
194:18 adding that the visible destruction was only a small part of his capabilities.
194:20 only a small part of his capabilities. The curious girl asked with interest
194:22 The curious girl asked with interest about the length of the Duke's reign and
194:24 about the length of the Duke's reign and the truth of the rumors about his cruel
194:26 the truth of the rumors about his cruel methods of ruling the conquered lands.
194:28 methods of ruling the conquered lands. Moria was surprised that even on the
194:30 Moria was surprised that even on the distant western continent where his
194:31 distant western continent where his companion had come from, people knew so
194:34 companion had come from, people knew so much about Duke Bran. Soon, the young
194:36 much about Duke Bran. Soon, the young traveler appeared before the powerful
194:38 traveler appeared before the powerful ruler of the north, who was clearly
194:39 ruler of the north, who was clearly puzzled by such an unusual approach to
194:41 puzzled by such an unusual approach to his person. The courteous girl told of
194:43 his person. The courteous girl told of the legendary glory of the Duke, who had
194:46 the legendary glory of the Duke, who had conquered many enemies and subjugated
194:47 conquered many enemies and subjugated the lands of the powerful holy nation,
194:50 the lands of the powerful holy nation, earning the proud title of ruler of the
194:51 earning the proud title of ruler of the north. Tired of long speeches, Aaron
194:54 north. Tired of long speeches, Aaron decisively interrupted his talkative
194:56 decisively interrupted his talkative guest, insisting that she get to the
194:58 guest, insisting that she get to the main purpose of her unexpected visit.
195:00 main purpose of her unexpected visit. When the girl ignored his request, the
195:02 When the girl ignored his request, the irritated Duke drew his sharp sword,
195:04 irritated Duke drew his sharp sword, annoyed that people constantly needed
195:06 annoyed that people constantly needed the threat of weapons to understand
195:08 the threat of weapons to understand simple requests. The experienced Moria
195:10 simple requests. The experienced Moria noted with satisfaction the success of
195:12 noted with satisfaction the success of his strategy, for it was he who had
195:14 his strategy, for it was he who had advised the Duke to use the formidable
195:16 advised the Duke to use the formidable rumors about himself to gain an
195:17 rumors about himself to gain an advantage in the negotiations. The
195:19 advantage in the negotiations. The frightened girl finally introduced
195:21 frightened girl finally introduced herself as a princess from the distant
195:23 herself as a princess from the distant kingdom of Samode who had come to the
195:26 kingdom of Samode who had come to the powerful duke with an important business
195:27 powerful duke with an important business proposal. Everyone was familiar with
195:30 proposal. Everyone was familiar with this rich island kingdom conveniently
195:32 this rich island kingdom conveniently located between the bustling central and
195:34 located between the bustling central and western continents. Despite its small
195:36 western continents. Despite its small population, the kingdom was famous for
195:38 population, the kingdom was famous for its influential trading groups which
195:40 its influential trading groups which controlled all important commodity flows
195:42 controlled all important commodity flows between the continents. It was no
195:44 between the continents. It was no coincidence that the young princess
195:46 coincidence that the young princess headed the most powerful royal trade
195:48 headed the most powerful royal trade association which controlled the most
195:50 association which controlled the most important trade routes. The pence of
195:52 important trade routes. The pence of Aaron bitterly realized that the
195:53 Aaron bitterly realized that the beautiful kingdom of Samod was doomed to
195:55 beautiful kingdom of Samod was doomed to disappear in 10 years during the brutal
195:57 disappear in 10 years during the brutal conquest of the western continent. After
196:00 conquest of the western continent. After listening attentively to the agitated
196:01 listening attentively to the agitated princess, the Duke calmly suggested that
196:04 princess, the Duke calmly suggested that she continue her story about the purpose
196:06 she continue her story about the purpose of her important visit. The determined
196:08 of her important visit. The determined Louvia presented her proposal to build a
196:10 Louvia presented her proposal to build a large warehouse on the Duke's land for
196:12 large warehouse on the Duke's land for goods arriving from the western
196:13 goods arriving from the western continent. The surprised Duke did not
196:16 continent. The surprised Duke did not understand the need for a new warehouse,
196:18 understand the need for a new warehouse, as merchants already had enough storage
196:20 as merchants already had enough storage facilities throughout the empire. The
196:22 facilities throughout the empire. The wise princess explained that the former
196:24 wise princess explained that the former owners of the castle from the Holy
196:25 owners of the castle from the Holy Empire had refused to allow them to
196:27 Empire had refused to allow them to build, considering them dangerous
196:29 build, considering them dangerous heretics. The perceptive Aaron quickly
196:31 heretics. The perceptive Aaron quickly understood the true purpose of the
196:33 understood the true purpose of the visit, to obtain permission from the new
196:35 visit, to obtain permission from the new rulers to build a warehouse on the lands
196:37 rulers to build a warehouse on the lands of Blanch Castle. The cunning Louvia
196:39 of Blanch Castle. The cunning Louvia emphasized the mutual benefits of such a
196:41 emphasized the mutual benefits of such a proposal, promising the Duke a
196:43 proposal, promising the Duke a significant increase in tax revenues
196:45 significant increase in tax revenues from trade flows through his lands.
196:47 from trade flows through his lands. Indifferent to the proposal, the Duke
196:49 Indifferent to the proposal, the Duke rose from his seat and ordered his loyal
196:51 rose from his seat and ordered his loyal strategist to escort the uninvited
196:53 strategist to escort the uninvited guests out, to which Kanos respectfully
196:55 guests out, to which Kanos respectfully agreed. Persistent Louvia, realizing
196:58 agreed. Persistent Louvia, realizing that she was losing a valuable partner,
197:00 that she was losing a valuable partner, resolutely resorted to her last trump
197:02 resolutely resorted to her last trump card in the difficult negotiations, she
197:04 card in the difficult negotiations, she offered a lucrative 15% of profits in
197:06 offered a lucrative 15% of profits in exchange for a 20% tax on goods and
197:09 exchange for a 20% tax on goods and complete control over the distribution
197:11 complete control over the distribution of the miraculous holy water. The
197:13 of the miraculous holy water. The interested Duke listened carefully to
197:14 interested Duke listened carefully to the unusual proposal, trying to
197:16 the unusual proposal, trying to understand the true meaning of the
197:18 understand the true meaning of the request for control over the holy water.
197:20 request for control over the holy water. The cunning Louvia decided to start her
197:22 The cunning Louvia decided to start her explanation from afar, asking the Duke
197:24 explanation from afar, asking the Duke if he remembered a brave adventurer
197:25 if he remembered a brave adventurer named Gerald. The pens of Aaron could
197:28 named Gerald. The pens of Aaron could not remember this man until the
197:29 not remember this man until the attentive strategist reminded him of the
197:31 attentive strategist reminded him of the first traveler he had met in the ancient
197:33 first traveler he had met in the ancient temple of Atun. Excited, Luia recounted
197:35 temple of Atun. Excited, Luia recounted how she had searched all continents for
197:37 how she had searched all continents for a miraculous cure for her sick father
197:39 a miraculous cure for her sick father until holy water healed him. It turned
197:41 until holy water healed him. It turned out that the precious water had been
197:43 out that the precious water had been created by special order of the order of
197:45 created by special order of the order of Viven, and the princess had obtained
197:47 Viven, and the princess had obtained this secret information from the
197:48 this secret information from the talkative Moria. Frightened, Moria
197:51 talkative Moria. Frightened, Moria immediately realized his unforgivable
197:53 immediately realized his unforgivable mistake when he met the Duke's stern
197:54 mistake when he met the Duke's stern gaze for information about the holy
197:57 gaze for information about the holy water was to remain a closely guarded
197:59 water was to remain a closely guarded secret. The suspicious Duke inquired
198:01 secret. The suspicious Duke inquired about Luvia's true intentions,
198:03 about Luvia's true intentions, suspecting her desire to resell the holy
198:05 suspecting her desire to resell the holy water on the wealthy central continent.
198:07 water on the wealthy central continent. The clever Louvia acknowledged the
198:09 The clever Louvia acknowledged the wisdom of the Duke's decision to conceal
198:11 wisdom of the Duke's decision to conceal the value of the holy water in order to
198:13 the value of the holy water in order to preserve the fragile peace with the
198:15 preserve the fragile peace with the powerful emperor. She revealed her plan
198:17 powerful emperor. She revealed her plan to control the distribution of water on
198:19 to control the distribution of water on the western continent in order to help
198:21 the western continent in order to help the emperor's enemies and quietly weaken
198:23 the emperor's enemies and quietly weaken his power. The calculating Aaron
198:25 his power. The calculating Aaron understood the financial benefits of the
198:27 understood the financial benefits of the proposal, but saw no reason to give up
198:29 proposal, but saw no reason to give up control over such an important product,
198:31 control over such an important product, preferring direct cooperation. The wise
198:34 preferring direct cooperation. The wise duke realized that selling holy water to
198:35 duke realized that selling holy water to the central continent would bring more
198:37 the central continent would bring more profit, but risked it falling into the
198:39 profit, but risked it falling into the hands of the Imperial army. Carefully
198:41 hands of the Imperial army. Carefully observing Louvia, he appreciated her
198:44 observing Louvia, he appreciated her brilliant trading skills and her amazing
198:46 brilliant trading skills and her amazing ability to accurately determine the
198:47 ability to accurately determine the desires of buyers. With a heavy heart,
198:50 desires of buyers. With a heavy heart, he thought about the sad fate of this
198:52 he thought about the sad fate of this beautiful country, which was destined to
198:54 beautiful country, which was destined to turn into lifeless ruins. The determined
198:56 turn into lifeless ruins. The determined Duke was firmly resolved to change the
198:58 Duke was firmly resolved to change the future and prevent the disappearance of
199:00 future and prevent the disappearance of an entire country as had happened in his
199:02 an entire country as had happened in his past life. After much deliberation, he
199:05 past life. After much deliberation, he allowed the princess to dispose of the
199:06 allowed the princess to dispose of the holy water, but warned that the deal
199:08 holy water, but warned that the deal would be immediately terminated if any
199:10 would be immediately terminated if any shipments were discovered on the central
199:12 shipments were discovered on the central continent. Surprised, Kanos did not
199:14 continent. Surprised, Kanos did not expect such a decision. But the
199:16 expect such a decision. But the confident duke ordered all the necessary
199:18 confident duke ordered all the necessary documents to be prepared by the end of
199:20 documents to be prepared by the end of the day. Grateful, Louvia performed the
199:22 the day. Grateful, Louvia performed the traditional court gesture of her
199:24 traditional court gesture of her country, expressing her sincere hope for
199:26 country, expressing her sincere hope for a long and fruitful cooperation. The
199:29 a long and fruitful cooperation. The polite Duke tried to repeat the
199:30 polite Duke tried to repeat the unfamiliar gesture out of respect for
199:32 unfamiliar gesture out of respect for tradition, although he doubted the
199:34 tradition, although he doubted the correctness of his performance. The
199:36 correctness of his performance. The smiling princess explained the deep
199:38 smiling princess explained the deep meaning of this gesture in her culture,
199:40 meaning of this gesture in her culture, a symbol of openness and honesty of
199:42 a symbol of openness and honesty of intent. After the guest left, the
199:44 intent. After the guest left, the alarmed Kanos expressed his concern
199:46 alarmed Kanos expressed his concern about the hastiness of the decision to
199:48 about the hastiness of the decision to entrust the princess with control over
199:50 entrust the princess with control over the precious holy water. Despite the
199:52 the precious holy water. Despite the strategist's reasonable fears, the Duke
199:54 strategist's reasonable fears, the Duke understood the need to find the means to
199:56 understood the need to find the means to maintain an army of 50,000 on the
199:58 maintain an army of 50,000 on the territory of Bran. Confident in his
200:00 territory of Bran. Confident in his choice, the Duke knew that Kinos would
200:02 choice, the Duke knew that Kinos would not understand his decision, which was
200:04 not understand his decision, which was based on his life experience. It was
200:06 based on his life experience. It was time to pay attention to the ever busy
200:08 time to pay attention to the ever busy guest who had surely traveled a long
200:10 guest who had surely traveled a long way, not only to meet the princess. The
200:12 way, not only to meet the princess. The mysterious Moria decided to present the
200:14 mysterious Moria decided to present the Duke with an amazing new product known
200:16 Duke with an amazing new product known as the mysterious black gold. Taking out
200:18 as the mysterious black gold. Taking out a small bag, he poured black pepper onto
200:21 a small bag, he poured black pepper onto his palm and invited the Duke to
200:22 his palm and invited the Duke to appreciate the unusual aroma of the
200:24 appreciate the unusual aroma of the mysterious spice. The unfamiliar smell
200:27 mysterious spice. The unfamiliar smell made the Duke sneeze, and he couldn't
200:29 made the Duke sneeze, and he couldn't understand why this simple spice was
200:31 understand why this simple spice was called precious black gold. The
200:33 called precious black gold. The experienced merchant smiled and
200:35 experienced merchant smiled and explained that such a reaction was quite
200:36 explained that such a reaction was quite normal for a first encounter, but that
200:38 normal for a first encounter, but that the true value of the spice could only
200:40 the true value of the spice could only be appreciated in cooked dishes. The
200:42 be appreciated in cooked dishes. The perceptive Duke and Kynos quickly
200:44 perceptive Duke and Kynos quickly figured out Moria's real plan to find
200:46 figured out Moria's real plan to find the source of the valuable black gold on
200:48 the source of the valuable black gold on the mysterious black continent. The
200:50 the mysterious black continent. The amazing black continent remained a
200:52 amazing black continent remained a mysterious land known only from ancient
200:54 mysterious land known only from ancient books. Although the valuable spice was
200:56 books. Although the valuable spice was usually brought from the eastern
200:58 usually brought from the eastern continent, the observant Moria noticed
201:00 continent, the observant Moria noticed Kinos's awareness of rumors about a
201:02 Kinos's awareness of rumors about a month-long sea voyage from the central
201:04 month-long sea voyage from the central to the eastern continent. However, there
201:06 to the eastern continent. However, there was a serious obstacle. Huge sea
201:08 was a serious obstacle. Huge sea monsters that prevented ships from
201:10 monsters that prevented ships from reaching the shores of the distant
201:11 reaching the shores of the distant eastern continent. These dangerous
201:13 eastern continent. These dangerous waters belong to the powerful seadragon
201:15 waters belong to the powerful seadragon Leviathan, who guarded his domain from
201:18 Leviathan, who guarded his domain from any uninvited guests. The enterprising
201:20 any uninvited guests. The enterprising Moria acquired valuable samples on the
201:22 Moria acquired valuable samples on the black market of the kingdom of Rumian.
201:24 black market of the kingdom of Rumian. found in the wreckage of a mysterious
201:26 found in the wreckage of a mysterious ship off the distant shores. The
201:28 ship off the distant shores. The precious spices were stored in a strange
201:30 precious spices were stored in a strange box of unknown origin, leading them to
201:32 box of unknown origin, leading them to conclude that the ship had probably come
201:34 conclude that the ship had probably come from the mysterious black continent. The
201:36 from the mysterious black continent. The determined hero entrusted his loyal
201:38 determined hero entrusted his loyal Kinos with gathering all possible
201:40 Kinos with gathering all possible information about this mysterious place
201:42 information about this mysterious place using any available sources. The loyal
201:44 using any available sources. The loyal strategist promised to make every effort
201:46 strategist promised to make every effort to gather valuable information, although
201:49 to gather valuable information, although he understood that this would take a
201:50 he understood that this would take a considerable amount of time. Late at
201:52 considerable amount of time. Late at night in his chambers, the pens of Kynos
201:54 night in his chambers, the pens of Kynos sent an urgent letter to Kesh, asking
201:56 sent an urgent letter to Kesh, asking him to find any information about the
201:58 him to find any information about the mysterious black continent. Watching the
202:01 mysterious black continent. Watching the dragon bird fly away, he thought
202:02 dragon bird fly away, he thought bitterly about his lost ability to use
202:04 bitterly about his lost ability to use magic to travel on his own. Desperate,
202:07 magic to travel on his own. Desperate, Kynos turned to the powerful Lord Viven
202:09 Kynos turned to the powerful Lord Viven with a request to allow him a brief
202:11 with a request to allow him a brief return to his homeland. A falling star
202:13 return to his homeland. A falling star clearly signaled the stubborn goddess's
202:15 clearly signaled the stubborn goddess's refusal, forcing Kanos to accept her
202:17 refusal, forcing Kanos to accept her unyielding decision. Two months after
202:20 unyielding decision. Two months after the completion of the warehouse, the
202:21 the completion of the warehouse, the attentive Aaron met with the treasurer
202:23 attentive Aaron met with the treasurer to summarize important results. The
202:25 to summarize important results. The alarmed Duke watched with concern the
202:27 alarmed Duke watched with concern the strange behavior of the old man, who
202:29 strange behavior of the old man, who hunched over did not take his eyes off
202:32 hunched over did not take his eyes off the important documents. The excited
202:34 the important documents. The excited treasurer confessed to the Duke that the
202:35 treasurer confessed to the Duke that the profits from the sale of holy water had
202:37 profits from the sale of holy water had exceeded all his expectations, bringing
202:40 exceeded all his expectations, bringing millions of gold coins into the
202:41 millions of gold coins into the treasury, more money than he had ever
202:43 treasury, more money than he had ever seen in his entire life. The Duke looked
202:46 seen in his entire life. The Duke looked at the treasurer in surprise and asked
202:48 at the treasurer in surprise and asked why this money caused him such
202:49 why this money caused him such excitement, since after military
202:51 excitement, since after military victories, they received no less from
202:53 victories, they received no less from the captured spoils. The experienced
202:55 the captured spoils. The experienced treasurer explained the important
202:56 treasurer explained the important difference. A steady monthly income was
202:59 difference. A steady monthly income was much more useful than a one-time
203:00 much more useful than a one-time military spoils because it allowed for
203:03 military spoils because it allowed for proper planning of all expenses for the
203:04 proper planning of all expenses for the land. The Duke tried to calm the
203:06 land. The Duke tried to calm the agitated treasurer and asked about his
203:08 agitated treasurer and asked about his plans for using the money, reminding him
203:10 plans for using the money, reminding him of the important need to assemble a
203:12 of the important need to assemble a large army. The elderly treasurer was
203:14 large army. The elderly treasurer was very angry that the Duke did not
203:16 very angry that the Duke did not understand how much gold was needed to
203:17 understand how much gold was needed to maintain order throughout the lands and
203:19 maintain order throughout the lands and pay for important work. The treasurer
203:22 pay for important work. The treasurer could not understand the Duke's desire
203:23 could not understand the Duke's desire to raise a new army when he already had
203:25 to raise a new army when he already had 10,000 soldiers and warned that a large
203:28 10,000 soldiers and warned that a large army would take all the money needed for
203:29 army would take all the money needed for the lands. The Duke did not argue with
203:31 the lands. The Duke did not argue with the old treasurer and decided to return
203:33 the old treasurer and decided to return to his castle to calmly consider what he
203:35 to his castle to calmly consider what he had heard and find the right solution
203:37 had heard and find the right solution for their lands. On the way to the
203:39 for their lands. On the way to the castle, the Duke noticed how well the
203:41 castle, the Duke noticed how well the treasurer had managed the money. The
203:43 treasurer had managed the money. The road had been repaired, and new
203:45 road had been repaired, and new buildings and well- tended fields had
203:46 buildings and well- tended fields had appeared along it. The Duke nevertheless
203:48 appeared along it. The Duke nevertheless asked his companion whether it was
203:50 asked his companion whether it was really true that their treasury could
203:51 really true that their treasury could not support an army of 50,000 soldiers
203:53 not support an army of 50,000 soldiers to defend all their lands from enemies.
203:56 to defend all their lands from enemies. The wise adviser sadly confirmed that
203:58 The wise adviser sadly confirmed that such a large army would now ruin their
204:00 such a large army would now ruin their lands and lead to major problems with
204:02 lands and lead to major problems with paying salaries and purchasing supplies.
204:04 paying salaries and purchasing supplies. The Duke was greatly distressed,
204:06 The Duke was greatly distressed, realizing that the treasurer was telling
204:08 realizing that the treasurer was telling the truth about the difficult financial
204:10 the truth about the difficult financial situation and was not exaggerating the
204:12 situation and was not exaggerating the problems for his own benefit or out of
204:14 problems for his own benefit or out of caution. Unexpectedly, the clever
204:16 caution. Unexpectedly, the clever adviser added that although the task was
204:18 adviser added that although the task was very difficult, he had never said it was
204:20 very difficult, he had never said it was completely impossible to raise a large
204:22 completely impossible to raise a large army to defend the lands. The adviser
204:25 army to defend the lands. The adviser suggested creating an army that would be
204:26 suggested creating an army that would be subordinate to the territory of Bran,
204:28 subordinate to the territory of Bran, but located on another continent where
204:30 but located on another continent where maintaining troops would be much
204:32 maintaining troops would be much cheaper. The Duke listened carefully to
204:34 cheaper. The Duke listened carefully to this idea and realized that creating a
204:36 this idea and realized that creating a dependent state on another continent
204:38 dependent state on another continent could indeed solve their problem with a
204:40 could indeed solve their problem with a large army. After calculating all the
204:42 large army. After calculating all the costs of maintaining the army, it became
204:44 costs of maintaining the army, it became clear that moving the army to another
204:46 clear that moving the army to another continent would save a lot of money from
204:48 continent would save a lot of money from the treasury. However, in order to
204:50 the treasury. However, in order to create a new state, it was first
204:52 create a new state, it was first necessary to reach the unexplored black
204:54 necessary to reach the unexplored black continent, and the Duke doubted whether
204:56 continent, and the Duke doubted whether it was worth risking for an unknown
204:57 it was worth risking for an unknown benefit. In an old book, the Duke read
205:00 benefit. In an old book, the Duke read the story of a traveler whom everyone
205:01 the story of a traveler whom everyone considered insane for his decision to go
205:03 considered insane for his decision to go to the distant and mysterious black
205:05 to the distant and mysterious black continent. After 10 years of absence,
205:08 continent. After 10 years of absence, even his wife and children declared the
205:09 even his wife and children declared the traveler insane because of his amazing
205:11 traveler insane because of his amazing stories about the riches and wonders of
205:13 stories about the riches and wonders of the black continent. Despite the
205:15 the black continent. Despite the ridicule and disbelief of everyone
205:16 ridicule and disbelief of everyone around him, the traveler continued to
205:18 around him, the traveler continued to tell the truth and recorded his
205:20 tell the truth and recorded his discoveries for future explorers of
205:22 discoveries for future explorers of distant lands. In his notes, he
205:24 distant lands. In his notes, he described unseen treasures, rare spices,
205:27 described unseen treasures, rare spices, and precious stones that he had never
205:29 and precious stones that he had never encountered before on the familiar
205:31 encountered before on the familiar central continent. The traveler noted
205:33 central continent. The traveler noted the complete absence of magicians on the
205:35 the complete absence of magicians on the black continent and wrote that even a
205:37 black continent and wrote that even a small army of 10,000 warriors from the
205:39 small army of 10,000 warriors from the central continent could easily conquer
205:41 central continent could easily conquer these rich lands. In his diary, he
205:43 these rich lands. In his diary, he revealed an important secret about the
205:45 revealed an important secret about the round shape of the world, refuting old
205:47 round shape of the world, refuting old tales of a flat earth with a cliff at
205:49 tales of a flat earth with a cliff at the edge, and warned of a large sea
205:51 the edge, and warned of a large sea monster. After studying the old book for
205:54 monster. After studying the old book for a long time, the Duke decided that even
205:56 a long time, the Duke decided that even a dangerous sea monster and other
205:58 a dangerous sea monster and other difficulties would not stop him from
206:00 difficulties would not stop him from taking advantage of such a rare
206:02 taking advantage of such a rare opportunity. The Duke had a clear plan
206:04 opportunity. The Duke had a clear plan of action in his head that needed to be
206:05 of action in his head that needed to be carried out immediately. So, he
206:07 carried out immediately. So, he immediately began preparing for his
206:08 immediately began preparing for his important journey. First, the Duke
206:11 important journey. First, the Duke wanted to verify the merchant Moria's
206:12 wanted to verify the merchant Moria's words about the unusual properties of
206:14 words about the unusual properties of black gold and its amazing effect on the
206:16 black gold and its amazing effect on the taste of ordinary food. The Duke
206:18 taste of ordinary food. The Duke hesitated for a long time before trying
206:20 hesitated for a long time before trying the unfamiliar seasoning. But his bad
206:23 the unfamiliar seasoning. But his bad feeling did not stop him from wanting to
206:24 feeling did not stop him from wanting to learn the truth about the mysterious
206:26 learn the truth about the mysterious spice. After cautiously trying the new
206:28 spice. After cautiously trying the new spice, the Duke was amazed at how much
206:30 spice, the Duke was amazed at how much the familiar taste of food had changed.
206:32 the familiar taste of food had changed. It became much tastier and more aromatic
206:35 It became much tastier and more aromatic than ordinary food. Then the Duke
206:37 than ordinary food. Then the Duke realized that selling unusual spices
206:39 realized that selling unusual spices from the Black Continent would bring
206:41 from the Black Continent would bring them enormous wealth and make their
206:43 them enormous wealth and make their lands even richer and more influential.
206:45 lands even richer and more influential. Calling his loyal servant Kynos to him,
206:47 Calling his loyal servant Kynos to him, the Duke asked him directly what would
206:49 the Duke asked him directly what would be needed for a successful journey to
206:51 be needed for a successful journey to the distant black continent. Delighted,
206:53 the distant black continent. Delighted, Kynos immediately began to talk about
206:55 Kynos immediately began to talk about the need to capture a port in the
206:57 the need to capture a port in the kingdom of Rumon on the eastern
206:58 kingdom of Rumon on the eastern continent in order to organize a sea
207:00 continent in order to organize a sea voyage. Since they had no compelling
207:03 voyage. Since they had no compelling reason to attack Rumon, the Duke decided
207:05 reason to attack Rumon, the Duke decided to deliver an important speech to the
207:07 to deliver an important speech to the people in a few weeks. The people feared
207:09 people in a few weeks. The people feared bad news about an attack by monsters
207:11 bad news about an attack by monsters from the Black Forest or the appearance
207:12 from the Black Forest or the appearance of new enemies. But the Duke was going
207:14 of new enemies. But the Duke was going to tell them something completely
207:16 to tell them something completely different. In his speech, the Duke
207:18 different. In his speech, the Duke announced that he had received alarming
207:20 announced that he had received alarming news about the insulting treatment of
207:21 news about the insulting treatment of their followers by the kingdom of Rumon
207:23 their followers by the kingdom of Rumon in the east. This news angered the
207:25 in the east. This news angered the church-loving residents, but Kinos
207:27 church-loving residents, but Kinos explained the need for compelling
207:28 explained the need for compelling reasons for war and the gathering of
207:30 reasons for war and the gathering of additional defense troops. Continuing
207:32 additional defense troops. Continuing his speech with tears in his eyes, the
207:34 his speech with tears in his eyes, the Duke told the people about the cruel
207:36 Duke told the people about the cruel treatment of their brothers and sisters
207:38 treatment of their brothers and sisters who were being held in slavery in the
207:39 who were being held in slavery in the neighboring kingdom. The Duke announced
207:41 neighboring kingdom. The Duke announced his intention to negotiate with the
207:43 his intention to negotiate with the rulers of Rumon for the return of his
207:45 rulers of Rumon for the return of his fellow countrymen to their families. Now
207:47 fellow countrymen to their families. Now they had to assemble a strong army and
207:49 they had to assemble a strong army and wait for the right moment to regroup
207:51 wait for the right moment to regroup their troops in order to create a worthy
207:53 their troops in order to create a worthy cause for the start of military
207:54 cause for the start of military operations. After the Duke's impassion
207:57 operations. After the Duke's impassion speech, Kanos noted that it had made a
207:59 speech, Kanos noted that it had made a strong impression on the people,
208:01 strong impression on the people, although the ruler himself doubted the
208:02 although the ruler himself doubted the sufficiency of his words. A dissatisfied
208:05 sufficiency of his words. A dissatisfied treasurer appeared in the crowd, who
208:07 treasurer appeared in the crowd, who immediately understood that the recent
208:08 immediately understood that the recent lull in affairs was a harbinger of new
208:11 lull in affairs was a harbinger of new large expenditures for military needs.
208:13 large expenditures for military needs. The Duke quickly led the indignant
208:15 The Duke quickly led the indignant treasurer away from the crowd, promising
208:17 treasurer away from the crowd, promising to explain everything later and ordered
208:20 to explain everything later and ordered preparations to begin for new armor for
208:21 preparations to begin for new armor for the soldiers. The treasurer was shocked
208:24 the soldiers. The treasurer was shocked by the need for new military
208:25 by the need for new military expenditures. Recalling the recently
208:27 expenditures. Recalling the recently purchased armor for 10,000 of the Duke's
208:30 purchased armor for 10,000 of the Duke's warriors, instead of giving a long
208:32 warriors, instead of giving a long explanation, Aaron gave the treasurer a
208:34 explanation, Aaron gave the treasurer a taste of the meat with the mysterious
208:36 taste of the meat with the mysterious spices, and he immediately sensed an
208:38 spices, and he immediately sensed an amazing new flavor. The Duke understood
208:40 amazing new flavor. The Duke understood from the treasurer's reaction that he
208:42 from the treasurer's reaction that he had never tasted such spices before, and
208:44 had never tasted such spices before, and explained that it was precisely for them
208:45 explained that it was precisely for them that they must capture Rumian. The old
208:48 that they must capture Rumian. The old treasurer immediately changed his mind,
208:50 treasurer immediately changed his mind, imagining the huge profits from the sale
208:52 imagining the huge profits from the sale of the unusual spices, and agreed to
208:54 of the unusual spices, and agreed to support his master's plan. Before
208:56 support his master's plan. Before leaving, the treasurer asked the Duke
208:58 leaving, the treasurer asked the Duke and Kanos for the exact number of suits
209:00 and Kanos for the exact number of suits of armor that needed to be ordered for
209:02 of armor that needed to be ordered for the new military campaign. The Duke's
209:04 the new military campaign. The Duke's next target was the small kingdom of
209:05 next target was the small kingdom of Rumion, located on the eastern edge of
209:08 Rumion, located on the eastern edge of the central continent under the rule of
209:09 the central continent under the rule of the empire. The Duke noted that the
209:11 the empire. The Duke noted that the lands of the kingdom of Rumon were
209:13 lands of the kingdom of Rumon were significantly smaller than their
209:15 significantly smaller than their territory of Bran in terms of size and
209:17 territory of Bran in terms of size and population. Rumors spread across the
209:20 population. Rumors spread across the continent about the incredible wealth of
209:21 continent about the incredible wealth of Rumon, where even dogs wore gold collars
209:24 Rumon, where even dogs wore gold collars thanks to its developed trade. An
209:26 thanks to its developed trade. An important message arrived in the rich
209:27 important message arrived in the rich and peaceful kingdom, which greatly
209:29 and peaceful kingdom, which greatly surprised the king with the unexpected
209:31 surprised the king with the unexpected visit of representatives of the empire.
209:33 visit of representatives of the empire. The king was informed of the arrival of
209:35 The king was informed of the arrival of Duke Aaron, who although a vassel of the
209:37 Duke Aaron, who although a vassel of the empire, had no direct connection to the
209:39 empire, had no direct connection to the royal court. The king knew of the Duke's
209:42 royal court. The king knew of the Duke's fame for defeating the armies of the
209:43 fame for defeating the armies of the Holy Nation and did not understand the
209:45 Holy Nation and did not understand the reason for his personal visit to their
209:47 reason for his personal visit to their peaceful kingdom. The advisers told him
209:49 peaceful kingdom. The advisers told him about the Duke's demand to return his
209:51 about the Duke's demand to return his subjects, which greatly alarmed the king
209:53 subjects, which greatly alarmed the king with the question of possible prisoners
209:55 with the question of possible prisoners from the empire. It became known that
209:57 from the empire. It became known that the Duke was interested in the fate of
209:58 the Duke was interested in the fate of the followers of their faith who were
210:00 the followers of their faith who were listed as criminals in the kingdom. The
210:02 listed as criminals in the kingdom. The king was frightened, realizing that the
210:04 king was frightened, realizing that the Duke was talking about the followers
210:05 Duke was talking about the followers whom they had sent into slavery for
210:07 whom they had sent into slavery for violating the laws of the kingdom. The
210:09 violating the laws of the kingdom. The Duke's demand was simple. Return all
210:11 Duke's demand was simple. Return all prisoners of their faith to their
210:12 prisoners of their faith to their homeland without any conditions or
210:14 homeland without any conditions or delay. The king urgently convened a
210:16 delay. The king urgently convened a council in the main hall where his
210:18 council in the main hall where his advisers were already heatedly
210:19 advisers were already heatedly discussing the powerful duke's
210:21 discussing the powerful duke's unexpected demand. Some advisers wanted
210:23 unexpected demand. Some advisers wanted to keep the slaves and get new ones
210:25 to keep the slaves and get new ones during the war. But most understood that
210:27 during the war. But most understood that any refusal would lead to conflict with
210:29 any refusal would lead to conflict with the empire. Upon his arrival, Duke Aaron
210:32 the empire. Upon his arrival, Duke Aaron immediately noticed the kingdom's wealth
210:34 immediately noticed the kingdom's wealth from the lavishly decorated gates and
210:35 from the lavishly decorated gates and walls of the royal palace. The observant
210:38 walls of the royal palace. The observant Kanos noted that the palace's beautiful
210:40 Kanos noted that the palace's beautiful walls served more for decoration than
210:42 walls served more for decoration than for protection, as they had no
210:44 for protection, as they had no protective spells. The Duke was annoyed
210:46 protective spells. The Duke was annoyed by the king's slowness in receiving him.
210:48 by the king's slowness in receiving him. For as a representative of the empire,
210:50 For as a representative of the empire, he expected a more respectful and prompt
210:53 he expected a more respectful and prompt reception. Armed soldiers of the kingdom
210:55 reception. Armed soldiers of the kingdom of Rumon instantly surrounded Aaron in a
210:57 of Rumon instantly surrounded Aaron in a tight circle as soon as the gates swung
211:00 tight circle as soon as the gates swung open before the travelers on this sunny
211:01 open before the travelers on this sunny day. The commander-in-chief of the
211:03 day. The commander-in-chief of the cavalry loudly ordered his soldiers to
211:05 cavalry loudly ordered his soldiers to line up in even rows and stand at
211:07 line up in even rows and stand at attention before the important guests of
211:09 attention before the important guests of the kingdom. Aaron carefully examined
211:11 the kingdom. Aaron carefully examined the soldiers gathered around him and
211:13 the soldiers gathered around him and came to the conclusion that the local
211:14 came to the conclusion that the local ruler was too wary of the ambassadors
211:16 ruler was too wary of the ambassadors arriving at the gates. The commander
211:18 arriving at the gates. The commander rode up to the travelers on his warhorse
211:20 rode up to the travelers on his warhorse and asked the young man to confirm that
211:22 and asked the young man to confirm that he was indeed the Duke of the Bronn
211:24 he was indeed the Duke of the Bronn Empire named Aaron and to show his seal.
211:26 Empire named Aaron and to show his seal. Confused, Aaron had no idea what seal
211:29 Confused, Aaron had no idea what seal the commander was talking about. So the
211:31 the commander was talking about. So the soldier patiently explained that a real
211:32 soldier patiently explained that a real duke never travels without this symbol.
211:35 duke never travels without this symbol. The soldiers watched in amazement as the
211:37 The soldiers watched in amazement as the strangers dared to enter the kingdom of
211:39 strangers dared to enter the kingdom of Rumon without proof of identity and
211:41 Rumon without proof of identity and claimed to be the Duke of the Brun
211:43 claimed to be the Duke of the Brun Empire. The knight loudly ordered the
211:45 Empire. The knight loudly ordered the guards to seize the imposters. But
211:47 guards to seize the imposters. But suddenly the Duke's authoritative voice
211:49 suddenly the Duke's authoritative voice made all the soldiers stop and freeze in
211:51 made all the soldiers stop and freeze in place. The real Duke could not
211:52 place. The real Duke could not understand the reason for the demand for
211:54 understand the reason for the demand for the seal or the knight's strange
211:56 the seal or the knight's strange confidence that someone was trying to
211:58 confidence that someone was trying to impersonate the ruler of the lands of
212:00 impersonate the ruler of the lands of Brun. The smiling commander shared some
212:02 Brun. The smiling commander shared some surprising news. The real Duke Aaron had
212:05 surprising news. The real Duke Aaron had already passed through the kingdom's
212:06 already passed through the kingdom's gates before these travelers showed up.
212:08 gates before these travelers showed up. The guards took Aaron and Kanos to the
212:10 The guards took Aaron and Kanos to the dungeon despite the young man's loud
212:12 dungeon despite the young man's loud assurances that he was indeed the
212:14 assurances that he was indeed the legitimate Duke of the Brun Empire. The
212:16 legitimate Duke of the Brun Empire. The prison guard mockingly advised the
212:18 prison guard mockingly advised the prisoner to stop making noise and accept
212:20 prisoner to stop making noise and accept that he would soon become an ordinary
212:22 that he would soon become an ordinary slave in the kingdom of Rumon. At an
212:24 slave in the kingdom of Rumon. At an important council, the king expressed
212:26 important council, the king expressed his gratitude to Duke Aaron for his help
212:28 his gratitude to Duke Aaron for his help in capturing the imposters who had dared
212:30 in capturing the imposters who had dared to assume his glorious name and title.
212:32 to assume his glorious name and title. The distinguished guest politely thanked
212:34 The distinguished guest politely thanked the ruler for his support and assured
212:36 the ruler for his support and assured him of his loyalty to the empire and his
212:38 him of his loyalty to the empire and his readiness to serve it. A man named Rex
212:40 readiness to serve it. A man named Rex told the king about the important role
212:42 told the king about the important role played by his clever strategist, who had
212:44 played by his clever strategist, who had done serious work to identify and
212:46 done serious work to identify and capture the treacherous imposters. The
212:48 capture the treacherous imposters. The modest false explained to those gathered
212:50 modest false explained to those gathered that the arrest of the imposters had
212:52 that the arrest of the imposters had been an easy task, as they did not even
212:54 been an easy task, as they did not even have the Duke's seal with them. The
212:56 have the Duke's seal with them. The satisfied king noted the extraordinary
212:58 satisfied king noted the extraordinary intelligence and modesty of his guests,
213:00 intelligence and modesty of his guests, admitting that he immediately felt a
213:02 admitting that he immediately felt a special atmosphere when communicating
213:04 special atmosphere when communicating with such important people. Rex
213:06 with such important people. Rex expressed interest in the future fate of
213:08 expressed interest in the future fate of the captured imposters and asked the
213:10 the captured imposters and asked the king what punishment awaited these
213:12 king what punishment awaited these audacious lawbreakers. The ruler
213:14 audacious lawbreakers. The ruler explained that due to a shortage of
213:15 explained that due to a shortage of labor in the kingdom, all criminals were
213:18 labor in the kingdom, all criminals were sent to hard labor and this fate awaited
213:20 sent to hard labor and this fate awaited the captured imposters. Rex disagreed
213:23 the captured imposters. Rex disagreed with such a lenient punishment for such
213:24 with such a lenient punishment for such a serious crime and suggested
213:26 a serious crime and suggested considering a more severe punishment for
213:28 considering a more severe punishment for the imposters. The Duke explained to the
213:30 the imposters. The Duke explained to the king his position that people who had
213:32 king his position that people who had endangered the safety of the entire
213:34 endangered the safety of the entire kingdom deserved only the death penalty.
213:36 kingdom deserved only the death penalty. After carefully calculating the days
213:38 After carefully calculating the days remaining in his stay in the kingdom,
213:40 remaining in his stay in the kingdom, the Duke determined that he would spend
213:42 the Duke determined that he would spend about a week in this land. The honored
213:44 about a week in this land. The honored guest asked the king to carry out the
213:46 guest asked the king to carry out the execution before his departure as he
213:48 execution before his departure as he wished to be present at the execution of
213:49 wished to be present at the execution of the imposters. The concerned ruler
213:51 the imposters. The concerned ruler explained that the death penalty was
213:53 explained that the death penalty was rarely used in his kingdom due to
213:55 rarely used in his kingdom due to frequent unrest among the population
213:56 frequent unrest among the population following such harsh punishments. The
213:59 following such harsh punishments. The king, noticing the determination of his
214:01 king, noticing the determination of his important guest, agreed to grant his
214:03 important guest, agreed to grant his wish for a public execution of the
214:04 wish for a public execution of the criminals. The ruler put forward a
214:06 criminals. The ruler put forward a counter condition that the request for
214:08 counter condition that the request for the return of Viven's followers be
214:09 the return of Viven's followers be withdrawn. Promising to immediately
214:12 withdrawn. Promising to immediately comply with the Duke's request upon
214:13 comply with the Duke's request upon receiving his consent, a large crowd
214:15 receiving his consent, a large crowd gathered in the main square of the
214:17 gathered in the main square of the kingdom a few days later to witness an
214:19 kingdom a few days later to witness an event rare in these lands, the renowned
214:21 event rare in these lands, the renowned merchant Moria appeared among the
214:23 merchant Moria appeared among the honored guests and respectfully greeted
214:25 honored guests and respectfully greeted the ruler of the kingdom of Ruman with a
214:27 the ruler of the kingdom of Ruman with a low bow. The joyful king warmly welcomed
214:29 low bow. The joyful king warmly welcomed his old friend and began to ask him
214:31 his old friend and began to ask him about his current business affairs and
214:33 about his current business affairs and successes in developing his business.
214:35 successes in developing his business. Moria told him about his new currency
214:37 Moria told him about his new currency exchange office in the kingdom and
214:39 exchange office in the kingdom and expressed his sincere gratitude to the
214:41 expressed his sincere gratitude to the ruler for his support in this endeavor.
214:43 ruler for his support in this endeavor. The king smiled and asked the merchant
214:44 The king smiled and asked the merchant to raise his head, noting his
214:46 to raise his head, noting his irreplaceable role in currency exchange
214:48 irreplaceable role in currency exchange for all the kingdoms inhabitants. The
214:50 for all the kingdoms inhabitants. The ruler highly praised Moria's managerial
214:53 ruler highly praised Moria's managerial skills and invited him to continue the
214:55 skills and invited him to continue the conversation later, after which the
214:57 conversation later, after which the merchant headed back to his place. The
214:59 merchant headed back to his place. The experienced merchant's attention was
215:00 experienced merchant's attention was drawn to an unfamiliar man dressed as
215:02 drawn to an unfamiliar man dressed as Duke Aaron, whose face seemed completely
215:04 Duke Aaron, whose face seemed completely unrecognizable to Moria. A herald loudly
215:07 unrecognizable to Moria. A herald loudly announced the beginning of the
215:08 announced the beginning of the execution, and guards led the condemned
215:11 execution, and guards led the condemned criminals accused of treason, into the
215:13 criminals accused of treason, into the square. An official read out a list of
215:15 square. An official read out a list of crimes, including attempts to deceive
215:17 crimes, including attempts to deceive the government and intentions to destroy
215:19 the government and intentions to destroy the good relations between the kingdom
215:21 the good relations between the kingdom and the empire. King Nicholas II,
215:23 and the empire. King Nicholas II, supreme ruler of the kingdom of Rumian,
215:26 supreme ruler of the kingdom of Rumian, pronounced the final sentence of death
215:27 pronounced the final sentence of death for the captured criminals. The guards
215:29 for the captured criminals. The guards removed the masks from the faces of the
215:31 removed the masks from the faces of the condemned and gave them the opportunity
215:33 condemned and gave them the opportunity to say their last words before the
215:35 to say their last words before the assembled crowd. Aaron loudly announced
215:37 assembled crowd. Aaron loudly announced to all present his true status as a
215:39 to all present his true status as a titled nobleman of the empire and the
215:41 titled nobleman of the empire and the rightful owner of the territory of Brun.
215:43 rightful owner of the territory of Brun. The merchant Moria, looking closely at
215:45 The merchant Moria, looking closely at the face of the condemned man, became
215:47 the face of the condemned man, became very agitated, instantly recognizing him
215:50 very agitated, instantly recognizing him as the real Duke Aaron. The alarmed
215:52 as the real Duke Aaron. The alarmed king, noticing Moria's reaction, began
215:54 king, noticing Moria's reaction, began to question the merchant about the
215:56 to question the merchant about the reasons for his agitation and the
215:57 reasons for his agitation and the truthfulness of the condemned man's
215:59 truthfulness of the condemned man's words. Frightened, Moria demanded an
216:01 words. Frightened, Moria demanded an explanation from the king as to why the
216:03 explanation from the king as to why the true Duke Aaron had been sentenced to
216:05 true Duke Aaron had been sentenced to death. The ruler realized his mistake
216:07 death. The ruler realized his mistake and began to doubt the identity of the
216:08 and began to doubt the identity of the man who had been standing next to him
216:10 man who had been standing next to him all this time as an honored guest.
216:12 all this time as an honored guest. Turning to where Duke Aaron had been
216:13 Turning to where Duke Aaron had been standing, the king was horrified to
216:15 standing, the king was horrified to discover that the impostor had already
216:17 discover that the impostor had already managed to slip away unnoticed during
216:19 managed to slip away unnoticed during the commotion. The false duke calmly
216:21 the commotion. The false duke calmly walked away from the walls of the
216:22 walked away from the walls of the kingdom of Rumon, removing the fake seal
216:25 kingdom of Rumon, removing the fake seal and leaving behind a commotion among the
216:27 and leaving behind a commotion among the confused courters. The advisers split
216:30 confused courters. The advisers split into two groups during the discussion of
216:32 into two groups during the discussion of what had happened. Some justified the
216:34 what had happened. Some justified the king while others blamed him for being
216:36 king while others blamed him for being too trusting of the impostor. Some of
216:38 too trusting of the impostor. Some of the advisers insisted that a thorough
216:40 the advisers insisted that a thorough investigation could have prevented this
216:41 investigation could have prevented this unpleasant incident with the false duke.
216:44 unpleasant incident with the false duke. The frightened king trembled with fear,
216:46 The frightened king trembled with fear, realizing the horror of his actions,
216:48 realizing the horror of his actions, imprisoning the true Duke Aaron. The
216:50 imprisoning the true Duke Aaron. The ruler understood that simply releasing
216:51 ruler understood that simply releasing the prisoners would not end the matter
216:54 the prisoners would not end the matter and that this mistake could lead to war
216:55 and that this mistake could lead to war between the kingdom and the empire. A
216:57 between the kingdom and the empire. A knock on the door interrupted the king's
216:59 knock on the door interrupted the king's anxious thoughts, and the herald
217:01 anxious thoughts, and the herald announced the arrival of the real Duke
217:02 announced the arrival of the real Duke Aaron, causing everyone present to
217:04 Aaron, causing everyone present to freeze. The ruler realized the need to
217:06 freeze. The ruler realized the need to protect the royal family from
217:08 protect the royal family from interruption and preserve the throne for
217:10 interruption and preserve the throne for future generations. The old king decided
217:12 future generations. The old king decided to use the only way to protect his
217:14 to use the only way to protect his kingdom from a possible war caused by
217:15 kingdom from a possible war caused by the misunderstanding. The king prepared
217:17 the misunderstanding. The king prepared to beg forgiveness on his knees, but the
217:20 to beg forgiveness on his knees, but the duke beat him to it, kneeling first and
217:22 duke beat him to it, kneeling first and respectfully asking for an audience. The
217:24 respectfully asking for an audience. The confused ruler tried to lift the Duke
217:26 confused ruler tried to lift the Duke from his knees, insisting that only he
217:28 from his knees, insisting that only he should ask for forgiveness for his
217:30 should ask for forgiveness for his unforgivable mistake. The Duke remained
217:32 unforgivable mistake. The Duke remained kneeling and with a warm smile thanked
217:35 kneeling and with a warm smile thanked the king for his kindness toward him
217:37 the king for his kindness toward him despite the misunderstanding. The king,
217:39 despite the misunderstanding. The king, moved by the Duke's words, said he'd
217:41 moved by the Duke's words, said he'd take any anger the Duke had and praised
217:43 take any anger the Duke had and praised his kindness, which proved all the
217:45 his kindness, which proved all the legends were true. The calm Duke
217:47 legends were true. The calm Duke explained that there was no reason for
217:48 explained that there was no reason for anger, emphasizing the importance of
217:50 anger, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling his mission while preserving
217:52 fulfilling his mission while preserving peace. The guest reminded them of his
217:54 peace. The guest reminded them of his intention to return Viven's followers
217:56 intention to return Viven's followers and other residents of Bran, mentioning
217:58 and other residents of Bran, mentioning the message he had sent earlier about
217:59 the message he had sent earlier about this. The indignant advisers expressed
218:01 this. The indignant advisers expressed their disagreement with the Duke's
218:03 their disagreement with the Duke's demand to take away the followers of the
218:05 demand to take away the followers of the Order of Viven and other subjects of the
218:07 Order of Viven and other subjects of the kingdom. Aaron reminded those present of
218:09 kingdom. Aaron reminded those present of the long-standing religious war between
218:11 the long-standing religious war between the orders of Viven and Perin, which had
218:13 the orders of Viven and Perin, which had taken place several decades earlier. The
218:15 taken place several decades earlier. The advisers confirmed that the conflict
218:17 advisers confirmed that the conflict began after the exiled followers of
218:19 began after the exiled followers of Viven took refuge in their kingdom from
218:20 Viven took refuge in their kingdom from the Order of Fres. The Duke pointed out
218:22 the Order of Fres. The Duke pointed out the injustice of turning refugees into
218:24 the injustice of turning refugees into slaves instead of granting them full
218:26 slaves instead of granting them full citizenship of the kingdom. The Duke
218:28 citizenship of the kingdom. The Duke decided to get straight to the point as
218:30 decided to get straight to the point as everyone present remembered the events
218:32 everyone present remembered the events of the past well and did not need
218:34 of the past well and did not need further explanation. The confident Duke
218:36 further explanation. The confident Duke reminded those gathered of an important
218:38 reminded those gathered of an important document found in the order's archives,
218:40 document found in the order's archives, which everyone present, including the
218:42 which everyone present, including the king, knew about. The ancient document
218:44 king, knew about. The ancient document guaranteed all exiled followers of the
218:46 guaranteed all exiled followers of the Order of Viven the status of full
218:48 Order of Viven the status of full citizens of the Kingdom of Rumion
218:50 citizens of the Kingdom of Rumion without any restrictions. The important
218:52 without any restrictions. The important document signed personally by King
218:54 document signed personally by King Nicholas contained a special provision
218:56 Nicholas contained a special provision on the right of followers to return to
218:58 on the right of followers to return to the lands where they would be welcomed
219:00 the lands where they would be welcomed with open arms. The Duke emphasized that
219:02 with open arms. The Duke emphasized that the only territory open to the followers
219:04 the only territory open to the followers of the order of Viven was the lands of
219:06 of the order of Viven was the lands of Bran under his control. Outraged, the
219:09 Bran under his control. Outraged, the advisers rejected the old document as a
219:11 advisers rejected the old document as a basis, pointing to the families of
219:13 basis, pointing to the families of Viven's followers who had been granted
219:15 Viven's followers who had been granted civil rights in the kingdom. Tired of
219:17 civil rights in the kingdom. Tired of fruitless arguments, Duke Aaron
219:19 fruitless arguments, Duke Aaron interrupted his advisers and addressed
219:20 interrupted his advisers and addressed the king directly, asking for his final
219:22 the king directly, asking for his final decision. The confused ruler asked the
219:24 decision. The confused ruler asked the Duke to restate all the circumstances of
219:26 Duke to restate all the circumstances of the case so that he could better
219:28 the case so that he could better understand the situation. The Duke
219:30 understand the situation. The Duke looked intently at the king, expecting
219:32 looked intently at the king, expecting an offer of monetary compensation.
219:34 an offer of monetary compensation. Although he was interested in a
219:36 Although he was interested in a completely different solution to the
219:37 completely different solution to the problem, Aaron firmly stated his final
219:39 problem, Aaron firmly stated his final decision and his unwillingness to waste
219:41 decision and his unwillingness to waste time while his people were enslaved in a
219:43 time while his people were enslaved in a foreign land. The frightened king asked
219:45 foreign land. The frightened king asked for a week to think it over, explaining
219:47 for a week to think it over, explaining that the situation was complicated for
219:49 that the situation was complicated for everyone in the kingdom, including
219:51 everyone in the kingdom, including himself. Finding himself in a hopeless
219:53 himself. Finding himself in a hopeless situation, Nicholas II sent an urgent
219:56 situation, Nicholas II sent an urgent request to the empire, asking them to
219:58 request to the empire, asking them to stop Duke Aaron's actions. News of the
220:00 stop Duke Aaron's actions. News of the Duke's intention to free 10,000 slaves
220:02 Duke's intention to free 10,000 slaves quickly spread throughout the kingdom,
220:04 quickly spread throughout the kingdom, causing great unrest among the
220:06 causing great unrest among the population. Enraged slave owners
220:08 population. Enraged slave owners rebelled against the crown, refusing to
220:10 rebelled against the crown, refusing to recognize the Duke's rights to the
220:12 recognize the Duke's rights to the people they considered their lawful
220:13 people they considered their lawful property. In a fit of unbridled rage,
220:16 property. In a fit of unbridled rage, the cruel masters began to beat even the
220:18 the cruel masters began to beat even the children of Viven's followers, accusing
220:20 children of Viven's followers, accusing them of all the unrest. The timely
220:22 them of all the unrest. The timely arrival of Duke Aaron stopped the
220:24 arrival of Duke Aaron stopped the violent actions of Rian's citizens, who
220:26 violent actions of Rian's citizens, who had clearly exceeded their rights
220:27 had clearly exceeded their rights against defenseless people. Climbing
220:29 against defenseless people. Climbing onto a platform in front of the crowd,
220:31 onto a platform in front of the crowd, the Duke addressed the kingdom's
220:32 the Duke addressed the kingdom's residents, giving them the opportunity
220:34 residents, giving them the opportunity to voice their grievances directly. The
220:37 to voice their grievances directly. The Duke solemnly announced to the followers
220:38 Duke solemnly announced to the followers of the order that they would soon be
220:40 of the order that they would soon be freed from slavery and that he intended
220:42 freed from slavery and that he intended to remove their heavy shackles forever.
220:44 to remove their heavy shackles forever. Hidden in the crowd, the impostor Rex
220:47 Hidden in the crowd, the impostor Rex chose a convenient moment and suddenly
220:49 chose a convenient moment and suddenly threw a heavy stone directly at the head
220:51 threw a heavy stone directly at the head of the speaking Duke. Unprepared for the
220:53 of the speaking Duke. Unprepared for the attack, the Duke lost consciousness,
220:55 attack, the Duke lost consciousness, which the enraged crowd immediately took
220:57 which the enraged crowd immediately took advantage of, intending to kill the
220:59 advantage of, intending to kill the helpless ruler. The loyal Kynos made
221:01 helpless ruler. The loyal Kynos made incredible efforts to protect the
221:02 incredible efforts to protect the unconscious Duke from the angry mob and
221:04 unconscious Duke from the angry mob and take him to safety, pretending to be
221:06 take him to safety, pretending to be unconscious. The Duke allowed the crowd
221:08 unconscious. The Duke allowed the crowd to beat him, then calmly asked Kanos
221:11 to beat him, then calmly asked Kanos what they should do next. Rex, who
221:13 what they should do next. Rex, who appeared unexpectedly, advised them to
221:15 appeared unexpectedly, advised them to temporarily hide in a secluded place and
221:18 temporarily hide in a secluded place and create the appearance of their own death
221:20 create the appearance of their own death to calm the situation. An important
221:22 to calm the situation. An important message from the kingdom of Ruman
221:23 message from the kingdom of Ruman arrived at the imperial palace,
221:25 arrived at the imperial palace, demanding the emperor's immediate
221:27 demanding the emperor's immediate attention to the situation. The
221:28 attention to the situation. The perplexed emperor did not understand the
221:30 perplexed emperor did not understand the reasons for the kingdom's appeal since
221:32 reasons for the kingdom's appeal since all mandatory payments had been
221:34 all mandatory payments had been delivered to the treasury on time.
221:36 delivered to the treasury on time. Bowing deeply, the envoy conveyed his
221:38 Bowing deeply, the envoy conveyed his king's request to stop Duke Aaron's
221:40 king's request to stop Duke Aaron's destructive actions against the kingdom.
221:42 destructive actions against the kingdom. The angry emperor expressed his outrage
221:44 The angry emperor expressed his outrage at the audacity of the kingdom, which
221:46 at the audacity of the kingdom, which had recently attempted to execute a
221:48 had recently attempted to execute a noble imperial nobleman. Trembling with
221:50 noble imperial nobleman. Trembling with fear, the ambassador tried to explain
221:52 fear, the ambassador tried to explain the misunderstanding, assuring the
221:54 the misunderstanding, assuring the emperor that the Duke was now being
221:56 emperor that the Duke was now being treated with due respect. The emperor
221:58 treated with due respect. The emperor did not understand the logic of ignoring
222:00 did not understand the logic of ignoring past crimes simply because the Duke was
222:02 past crimes simply because the Duke was now being treated properly. The ruler of
222:04 now being treated properly. The ruler of the empire openly expressed his doubts
222:06 the empire openly expressed his doubts about the wisdom of the king's demands.
222:08 about the wisdom of the king's demands. Noting the complete lack of sound logic
222:10 Noting the complete lack of sound logic in such requests, the frightened adviser
222:12 in such requests, the frightened adviser shouted loudly for help, reminding
222:14 shouted loudly for help, reminding everyone that the kingdom belonged to
222:16 everyone that the kingdom belonged to the empire and had suffered from the
222:18 the empire and had suffered from the Duke's actions. The emperor proposed to
222:20 Duke's actions. The emperor proposed to decide the fate of the kingdom by
222:21 decide the fate of the kingdom by tossing a coin. Tales meant help from
222:24 tossing a coin. Tales meant help from the empire and heads left the decision
222:26 the empire and heads left the decision to the kingdom itself. The stunned
222:28 to the kingdom itself. The stunned ambassador could not believe the
222:29 ambassador could not believe the emperor's desire to entrust such an
222:31 emperor's desire to entrust such an important state decision to the flip of
222:33 important state decision to the flip of a coin. The stern ruler silenced the
222:35 a coin. The stern ruler silenced the ambassador, explaining that he was
222:37 ambassador, explaining that he was giving the kingdom, which had been
222:39 giving the kingdom, which had been deprived of common sense, a chance to
222:41 deprived of common sense, a chance to resolve a meaningless problem. The
222:43 resolve a meaningless problem. The emperor handed the coin to the
222:44 emperor handed the coin to the ambassador to toss himself, reminding
222:46 ambassador to toss himself, reminding him of the importance of the moment
222:48 him of the importance of the moment which would decide the fate of an entire
222:50 which would decide the fate of an entire country with a single movement. Later,
222:52 country with a single movement. Later, the ruler gathered his closest adviser,
222:54 the ruler gathered his closest adviser, Duke Gran, and Prince Philip for a
222:56 Duke Gran, and Prince Philip for a serious discussion of all the events
222:57 serious discussion of all the events that had taken place. The skeptical Gran
223:00 that had taken place. The skeptical Gran expressed doubt about the emperor's
223:01 expressed doubt about the emperor's seriousness in making important
223:03 seriousness in making important decisions based on the flip of a coin.
223:05 decisions based on the flip of a coin. The emperor revealed his plan,
223:07 The emperor revealed his plan, explaining that the result of the toss
223:08 explaining that the result of the toss was irrelevant, as he had no intention
223:10 was irrelevant, as he had no intention of interfering in the affairs of the
223:12 of interfering in the affairs of the kingdom. The ruler explained to the
223:14 kingdom. The ruler explained to the perplexed Duke that despite the lack of
223:16 perplexed Duke that despite the lack of warm relations, Aaron remained a
223:18 warm relations, Aaron remained a full-fledged nobleman of the empire. The
223:20 full-fledged nobleman of the empire. The wise emperor emphasized that interfering
223:22 wise emperor emphasized that interfering in the actions of the aristocracy would
223:24 in the actions of the aristocracy would only weaken the empire's influence and
223:26 only weaken the empire's influence and damage its international reputation.
223:29 damage its international reputation. Duke Gran recalled the Empire's past
223:31 Duke Gran recalled the Empire's past involvement in the war against the Holy
223:33 involvement in the war against the Holy Nation, failing to understand the
223:35 Nation, failing to understand the differences between those events and the
223:37 differences between those events and the current situation. The emperor explained
223:39 current situation. The emperor explained the danger of the disappearance of the
223:41 the danger of the disappearance of the sacred state, as many followers of the
223:43 sacred state, as many followers of the Order of Paris could blame Aaron for
223:45 Order of Paris could blame Aaron for everything. The ruler noted the fairness
223:47 everything. The ruler noted the fairness of Aaron's demands, who politely asked
223:49 of Aaron's demands, who politely asked for his people to be returned after they
223:51 for his people to be returned after they were tried without a proper trial. The
223:53 were tried without a proper trial. The emperor expressed his unwillingness to
223:55 emperor expressed his unwillingness to stop the Duke, who had no plans to
223:56 stop the Duke, who had no plans to create an army from the freed people,
223:58 create an army from the freed people, but was simply defending their rights.
224:00 but was simply defending their rights. Duke Gran admiringly noted the wisdom of
224:03 Duke Gran admiringly noted the wisdom of the natural-born ruler, who was able to
224:05 the natural-born ruler, who was able to use even minor events to strengthen his
224:07 use even minor events to strengthen his power, the cheerful emperor admitted
224:09 power, the cheerful emperor admitted that he had devised the coin trick
224:10 that he had devised the coin trick solely for entertainment. Enjoying the
224:12 solely for entertainment. Enjoying the amusing reaction of the frightened
224:14 amusing reaction of the frightened ambassador, an urgent report informed
224:16 ambassador, an urgent report informed the emperor of an attack on Duke Aaron
224:18 the emperor of an attack on Duke Aaron in an alley in the kingdom of Rumon and
224:20 in an alley in the kingdom of Rumon and his subsequent mysterious disappearance.
224:23 his subsequent mysterious disappearance. The shocked king could not believe that
224:24 The shocked king could not believe that his subjects had attacked the Duke and
224:26 his subjects had attacked the Duke and that he had disappeared. Realizing the
224:28 that he had disappeared. Realizing the scale of the impending disaster, the
224:30 scale of the impending disaster, the ruler tried to make sense of the series
224:32 ruler tried to make sense of the series of tragic events, including the
224:34 of tragic events, including the attempted execution and mysterious
224:36 attempted execution and mysterious disappearance of the noble Duke Aaron,
224:38 disappearance of the noble Duke Aaron, the confused king looked intently at the
224:40 the confused king looked intently at the faces of his advisers, trying to
224:42 faces of his advisers, trying to understand who could have dealt such a
224:43 understand who could have dealt such a terrible blow to the prosperity of his
224:45 terrible blow to the prosperity of his kingdom. A sudden thought occurred to
224:47 kingdom. A sudden thought occurred to the king about the possible involvement
224:49 the king about the possible involvement of Duke Aaron himself in organizing all
224:51 of Duke Aaron himself in organizing all the events that had taken place in the
224:53 the events that had taken place in the kingdom. The ruler realized how perfect
224:55 kingdom. The ruler realized how perfect the plan would be if the Duke had indeed
224:57 the plan would be if the Duke had indeed orchestrated everything to justify a
224:58 orchestrated everything to justify a future attack on the kingdom. The
225:00 future attack on the kingdom. The intense emotion overwhelmed the elderly
225:02 intense emotion overwhelmed the elderly king's health, causing him to suddenly
225:04 king's health, causing him to suddenly collapse onto the stone floor of the
225:06 collapse onto the stone floor of the throne room. The frightened son of the
225:08 throne room. The frightened son of the king immediately rushed to his fallen
225:10 king immediately rushed to his fallen father, trying to provide him with the
225:12 father, trying to provide him with the necessary assistance. At this critical
225:13 necessary assistance. At this critical moment, the young heir tearfully begged
225:15 moment, the young heir tearfully begged his father not to abandon them at such a
225:17 his father not to abandon them at such a difficult time for the kingdom, which
225:19 difficult time for the kingdom, which required wise leadership. The dying king
225:21 required wise leadership. The dying king gathered his last strength and ordered
225:23 gathered his last strength and ordered his son to protect their possessions at
225:25 his son to protect their possessions at all costs and not to allow the loss of
225:27 all costs and not to allow the loss of their slaves. The aristocrats present
225:29 their slaves. The aristocrats present bowed their heads in mourning for the
225:31 bowed their heads in mourning for the deceased king. Realizing that his death
225:33 deceased king. Realizing that his death would create additional problems, Duke
225:35 would create additional problems, Duke Aaron remained calm in his secret
225:37 Aaron remained calm in his secret hideout, safely hidden from the prying
225:39 hideout, safely hidden from the prying eyes of the kingdom's inhabitants. Tired
225:41 eyes of the kingdom's inhabitants. Tired of inaction, the Duke asked Rex about
225:43 of inaction, the Duke asked Rex about the possibility of leaving his tedious
225:45 the possibility of leaving his tedious hiding place and returning to active
225:47 hiding place and returning to active duty. Rex reminded the Duke of the
225:49 duty. Rex reminded the Duke of the danger of new attacks and advised him to
225:51 danger of new attacks and advised him to remain in a safe place to maintain his
225:53 remain in a safe place to maintain his advantage in the current situation. The
225:55 advantage in the current situation. The curious Aaron asked Rex about his
225:57 curious Aaron asked Rex about his possible return to Bran Castle, assuming
225:59 possible return to Bran Castle, assuming he wanted to meet Raml and the other
226:01 he wanted to meet Raml and the other residents. The weary Rex complained
226:03 residents. The weary Rex complained about the many difficult tasks assigned
226:05 about the many difficult tasks assigned to him by Kinos, including gathering
226:07 to him by Kinos, including gathering information and stirring up conflict, as
226:09 information and stirring up conflict, as well as his excessive interference.
226:11 well as his excessive interference. Aaron sincerely apologized to Rex for
226:13 Aaron sincerely apologized to Rex for assigning him such a difficult task,
226:15 assigning him such a difficult task, explaining that there were no other
226:17 explaining that there were no other reliable people to do it. The
226:19 reliable people to do it. The experienced Rex acknowledged that he was
226:20 experienced Rex acknowledged that he was ideally suited for the task, but asked
226:23 ideally suited for the task, but asked that he be spared meaningless
226:24 that he be spared meaningless assignments and that his work be given
226:26 assignments and that his work be given more appreciation. Understanding Aaron
226:28 more appreciation. Understanding Aaron promised to change his attitude toward
226:30 promised to change his attitude toward Rex's work in the near future and asked
226:33 Rex's work in the near future and asked for a little patience to complete the
226:34 for a little patience to complete the current mission. Excited, Kanes suddenly
226:37 current mission. Excited, Kanes suddenly burst in with important news about his
226:39 burst in with important news about his conversation with Cheryl regarding her
226:40 conversation with Cheryl regarding her upcoming assignment. The upset young man
226:42 upcoming assignment. The upset young man reported that the girl had agreed to
226:44 reported that the girl had agreed to come, but that she was unable to
226:46 come, but that she was unable to complete the task, which caused him
226:48 complete the task, which caused him great concern. The young horsewoman rode
226:50 great concern. The young horsewoman rode at the head of her army, constantly
226:52 at the head of her army, constantly thinking about the frightening task she
226:54 thinking about the frightening task she had received from her older brother. The
226:55 had received from her older brother. The insecure girl could not convincingly
226:57 insecure girl could not convincingly portray the deep grief of a sister who
226:59 portray the deep grief of a sister who had lost the closest person in her life.
227:01 had lost the closest person in her life. The frightened new king of Rumon
227:03 The frightened new king of Rumon demanded immediate explanations from his
227:05 demanded immediate explanations from his subordinates about the prolonged search
227:07 subordinates about the prolonged search for the missing Duke. The powerful ruler
227:09 for the missing Duke. The powerful ruler gave strict orders to find the Duke as
227:10 gave strict orders to find the Duke as soon as possible, regardless of his
227:12 soon as possible, regardless of his condition, dead or alive. The exhausted
227:15 condition, dead or alive. The exhausted commander reported that the maximum
227:16 commander reported that the maximum number of search parties had been
227:18 number of search parties had been dispatched, but complained of serious
227:20 dispatched, but complained of serious interference from angry towns people.
227:22 interference from angry towns people. The enraged king expressed his
227:23 The enraged king expressed his indignation at the stupidity of the
227:25 indignation at the stupidity of the town's people who were hindering the
227:27 town's people who were hindering the search for a man whose disappearance
227:28 search for a man whose disappearance they themselves were responsible for.
227:31 they themselves were responsible for. The loyal knight explained to the king
227:32 The loyal knight explained to the king the reason for the popular unrest, which
227:34 the reason for the popular unrest, which was linked to the rapid spread of rumors
227:36 was linked to the rapid spread of rumors about the liberation of all slaves in
227:38 about the liberation of all slaves in the kingdom. The confused advisers
227:40 the kingdom. The confused advisers turned to the young prince for guidance,
227:42 turned to the young prince for guidance, assuming that the situation would be
227:44 assuming that the situation would be quickly resolved once the Duke was
227:45 quickly resolved once the Duke was found. The worried advisers insisted on
227:48 found. The worried advisers insisted on an urgent decision on the issue of
227:49 an urgent decision on the issue of freeing the slaves, pointing out that it
227:51 freeing the slaves, pointing out that it would be impossible to compensate for
227:53 would be impossible to compensate for the loss of labor. The noisy discussion
227:55 the loss of labor. The noisy discussion among the advisers gradually came to an
227:57 among the advisers gradually came to an agreement to make a final decision after
227:59 agreement to make a final decision after hearing all opinions. The hot-teered
228:01 hearing all opinions. The hot-teered heir abruptly interrupted the adviser,
228:04 heir abruptly interrupted the adviser, reminding him of his new status as king
228:06 reminding him of his new status as king and demanding that he stop addressing
228:08 and demanding that he stop addressing him as prince. A breathless messenger
228:10 him as prince. A breathless messenger brought alarming news of the emperor's
228:12 brought alarming news of the emperor's refusal to intervene in the affairs of
228:13 refusal to intervene in the affairs of the kingdom of Ruman, depriving them of
228:15 the kingdom of Ruman, depriving them of any hope of outside help. The alarmed
228:18 any hope of outside help. The alarmed adviser immediately reported even more
228:19 adviser immediately reported even more frightening news about the Duke's
228:21 frightening news about the Duke's planned attack on the kingdom. The
228:22 planned attack on the kingdom. The worried emperor urgently summoned Graina
228:24 worried emperor urgently summoned Graina and Prince Philip to discuss the
228:26 and Prince Philip to discuss the information they had received about the
228:27 information they had received about the impending attack. The perceptive Duke
228:30 impending attack. The perceptive Duke suggested that Duke Aaron had carefully
228:31 suggested that Duke Aaron had carefully planned a series of events to seize the
228:33 planned a series of events to seize the kingdom of Ruman. The pensive emperor
228:35 kingdom of Ruman. The pensive emperor realized the seriousness of the
228:37 realized the seriousness of the situation if Aaron's intentions to seize
228:39 situation if Aaron's intentions to seize the kingdom by force were confirmed. The
228:42 the kingdom by force were confirmed. The experienced Grand suggested that the
228:43 experienced Grand suggested that the empire interveneed to protect the
228:45 empire interveneed to protect the kingdom of Rumion. Comparing it to a hen
228:48 kingdom of Rumion. Comparing it to a hen laying golden eggs, the wise ruler
228:50 laying golden eggs, the wise ruler expressed doubts about the correctness
228:52 expressed doubts about the correctness of his decision. Fearing that he would
228:53 of his decision. Fearing that he would appear weak and uncertain, the
228:55 appear weak and uncertain, the perceptive Prince Philip supported the
228:57 perceptive Prince Philip supported the idea of an attack, pointing out the
228:59 idea of an attack, pointing out the benefits of expanding the empire's lands
229:01 benefits of expanding the empire's lands through Duke Aaron's territory. The
229:03 through Duke Aaron's territory. The advisers figuratively compared the
229:05 advisers figuratively compared the increase in profits to getting more
229:06 increase in profits to getting more golden eggs from the imperial goose.
229:08 golden eggs from the imperial goose. Resourceful courters suggested using the
229:10 Resourceful courters suggested using the situation to increase tax revenues and
229:13 situation to increase tax revenues and put more financial pressure on the Duke.
229:15 put more financial pressure on the Duke. The resolute emperor approved the
229:16 The resolute emperor approved the proposal and ordered the prince to
229:18 proposal and ordered the prince to prepare the central army to patrol the
229:20 prepare the central army to patrol the kingdom's borders. The perplexed ruler
229:22 kingdom's borders. The perplexed ruler pondered Duke Aaron's next moves and the
229:24 pondered Duke Aaron's next moves and the possibility that he might follow a
229:26 possibility that he might follow a similar plan. The weakened king lay in
229:28 similar plan. The weakened king lay in his luxurious chambers under the
229:30 his luxurious chambers under the watchful eye of a caring young woman,
229:32 watchful eye of a caring young woman, waiting for him to awaken. The beautiful
229:34 waiting for him to awaken. The beautiful devilless Elellanena gently informed the
229:36 devilless Elellanena gently informed the awakened king of his loss of
229:37 awakened king of his loss of consciousness in the throne room. The
229:39 consciousness in the throne room. The surprised ruler gratefully accepted the
229:40 surprised ruler gratefully accepted the girl's offer to rest as long as
229:42 girl's offer to rest as long as necessary to fully recover his strength.
229:44 necessary to fully recover his strength. The embarrassed king overcame the
229:46 The embarrassed king overcame the magical influence of the girl's words
229:48 magical influence of the girl's words and tried to stand up. Worried about the
229:50 and tried to stand up. Worried about the fate of the kingdom without his
229:51 fate of the kingdom without his leadership, the responsible ruler
229:53 leadership, the responsible ruler remembered the many urgent matters that
229:55 remembered the many urgent matters that required his immediate attention and
229:57 required his immediate attention and resolution, the persistent Elena gently
229:59 resolution, the persistent Elena gently stopped the king from getting up and
230:01 stopped the king from getting up and asked him to listen to her best proposal
230:02 asked him to listen to her best proposal for solving the problems. The attentive
230:05 for solving the problems. The attentive Duke watched from his hiding place as
230:06 Duke watched from his hiding place as the common people of the kingdom rose up
230:08 the common people of the kingdom rose up in rebellion against his plans. The
230:10 in rebellion against his plans. The angry town's people sought to kill the
230:12 angry town's people sought to kill the Duke, fearing the loss of their familiar
230:14 Duke, fearing the loss of their familiar way of life after the slaves were freed.
230:16 way of life after the slaves were freed. Disappointed, Aaron realized the
230:18 Disappointed, Aaron realized the selfishness of the empire's inhabitants,
230:20 selfishness of the empire's inhabitants, who thought only of their own
230:22 who thought only of their own well-being, even in a critical
230:23 well-being, even in a critical situation. The Duke's hopes rested on
230:26 situation. The Duke's hopes rested on Elena's ability to influence the prince.
230:28 Elena's ability to influence the prince. Understanding the difficulty of the
230:30 Understanding the difficulty of the emperor accepting his control over the
230:32 emperor accepting his control over the kingdom. The unexpected appearance of
230:34 kingdom. The unexpected appearance of Rex, who threw a bag in the Duke's face,
230:36 Rex, who threw a bag in the Duke's face, interrupted his deep thoughts about the
230:38 interrupted his deep thoughts about the situation. Encouraged, Rex announced
230:40 situation. Encouraged, Rex announced that the time was right for Aaron, who
230:42 that the time was right for Aaron, who had grown weary, to emerge from his long
230:45 had grown weary, to emerge from his long hiding place. Alarmed, Raml urged
230:47 hiding place. Alarmed, Raml urged Cheryl, who had arrived at the palace
230:49 Cheryl, who had arrived at the palace walls, to feain sincere tears before the
230:51 walls, to feain sincere tears before the guards. Confident in her brother's
230:53 guards. Confident in her brother's abilities, Cheryl could not imagine his
230:55 abilities, Cheryl could not imagine his death. Knowing his incredible ability to
230:58 death. Knowing his incredible ability to overcome any obstacle, the responsible
231:00 overcome any obstacle, the responsible Raml took the distraught Cheryl aside to
231:02 Raml took the distraught Cheryl aside to prepare for an important part of their
231:04 prepare for an important part of their joint mission. Unhappy, Cheryl would
231:06 joint mission. Unhappy, Cheryl would have preferred to practice her usual
231:08 have preferred to practice her usual magic instead of engaging in complicated
231:09 magic instead of engaging in complicated pretense and portraying unimaginable
231:12 pretense and portraying unimaginable grief. The determined girl introduced
231:14 grief. The determined girl introduced herself to the guards and demanded that
231:15 herself to the guards and demanded that they return her brother, but her speech
231:18 they return her brother, but her speech failed to make the desired impression.
231:20 failed to make the desired impression. Angry Cheryl felt genuine hatred toward
231:22 Angry Cheryl felt genuine hatred toward her brother for forcing her to humiliate
231:24 her brother for forcing her to humiliate herself in front of strangers. The upset
231:26 herself in front of strangers. The upset girl began to cry out of hurt and
231:27 girl began to cry out of hurt and confusion, wondering why she was
231:29 confusion, wondering why she was constantly being forced to perform such
231:31 constantly being forced to perform such tasks. Enraged, Cheryl ordered the
231:34 tasks. Enraged, Cheryl ordered the soldiers through her tears to bring her
231:36 soldiers through her tears to bring her brother back, threatening them with
231:37 brother back, threatening them with cruel punishment if they refused. The
231:39 cruel punishment if they refused. The concerned king immediately ordered the
231:41 concerned king immediately ordered the captive slaves to be brought out to meet
231:43 captive slaves to be brought out to meet the crying girl. Attentive Cheryl did
231:45 the crying girl. Attentive Cheryl did not see her brother among the first
231:46 not see her brother among the first group of slaves led out of the open
231:48 group of slaves led out of the open gates. The powerful ruler announced that
231:50 gates. The powerful ruler announced that the slaves would be handed over as
231:52 the slaves would be handed over as requested and demanded that the
231:53 requested and demanded that the petitioners leave immediately. The cruel
231:55 petitioners leave immediately. The cruel king threatened to execute the remaining
231:57 king threatened to execute the remaining slaves if they disobeyed his order to
231:59 slaves if they disobeyed his order to leave the territory immediately. The
232:01 leave the territory immediately. The cunning Elena cast a spell on the king,
232:03 cunning Elena cast a spell on the king, instilling in him thoughts of the Duke's
232:05 instilling in him thoughts of the Duke's concern for Viven's followers and the
232:07 concern for Viven's followers and the need to stop the executions. The
232:09 need to stop the executions. The doubting prince, even under the spell,
232:11 doubting prince, even under the spell, was worried about Aaron's reaction and
232:13 was worried about Aaron's reaction and the aristocrats dissatisfaction with his
232:15 the aristocrats dissatisfaction with his decision. The persuasive Elena reminded
232:18 decision. The persuasive Elena reminded the king of his absolute power over all
232:20 the king of his absolute power over all the inhabitants of the kingdom,
232:21 the inhabitants of the kingdom, including the aristocracy and slaves.
232:24 including the aristocracy and slaves. Inspired, the king remembered his high
232:26 Inspired, the king remembered his high position and unlimited possibilities.
232:28 position and unlimited possibilities. Agreeing to follow Helena's advice, the
232:30 Agreeing to follow Helena's advice, the kind girl embraced the ruler and asked
232:32 kind girl embraced the ruler and asked him to show the strength of character of
232:34 him to show the strength of character of a true lord of the kingdom. The
232:36 a true lord of the kingdom. The confident king publicly declared his
232:38 confident king publicly declared his indifference to the fate of Duke Aaron
232:39 indifference to the fate of Duke Aaron and ordered Cheryl to stop crying and
232:41 and ordered Cheryl to stop crying and leave the kingdom. The young ruler
232:43 leave the kingdom. The young ruler watched the girl's emotional reaction
232:45 watched the girl's emotional reaction closely and rejoiced at the successful
232:47 closely and rejoiced at the successful negotiations.
232:48 negotiations. But Cheryl's magical blow unexpectedly
232:51 But Cheryl's magical blow unexpectedly destroyed part of the gate and wounded
232:53 destroyed part of the gate and wounded many soldiers. The straightforward and
232:55 many soldiers. The straightforward and determined girl regretted wasting time
232:56 determined girl regretted wasting time on empty talk and tears when she could
232:58 on empty talk and tears when she could have immediately set about the important
233:00 have immediately set about the important task and achieved the desired result.
233:02 task and achieved the desired result. The angry king loudly ordered the
233:04 The angry king loudly ordered the immediate execution of all heretics
233:06 immediate execution of all heretics according to the old law. But before his
233:08 according to the old law. But before his death, the first condemned managed to
233:10 death, the first condemned managed to shout important words to all those
233:12 shout important words to all those gathered. The frightened man declared
233:14 gathered. The frightened man declared himself Duke Aaron and demanded that his
233:16 himself Duke Aaron and demanded that his execution be stopped immediately to
233:18 execution be stopped immediately to avoid serious consequences for the
233:20 avoid serious consequences for the entire kingdom. The guards quickly
233:22 entire kingdom. The guards quickly removed the bag from the prisoner's head
233:24 removed the bag from the prisoner's head and saw the tear stained face of the
233:26 and saw the tear stained face of the real Duke, who angrily asked the king
233:28 real Duke, who angrily asked the king why he had tried to execute him again.
233:30 why he had tried to execute him again. The surprised king looked confusedly at
233:32 The surprised king looked confusedly at what was happening and could not
233:34 what was happening and could not understand the strange appearance of the
233:35 understand the strange appearance of the noble duke among simple slaves at such
233:37 noble duke among simple slaves at such an inopportune moment. The experienced
233:40 an inopportune moment. The experienced knights understood the seriousness of
233:41 knights understood the seriousness of the situation and knew that the death of
233:43 the situation and knew that the death of the Duke would inevitably lead to a long
233:45 the Duke would inevitably lead to a long and bloody war with all its
233:47 and bloody war with all its consequences. Iglulius almost gave the
233:49 consequences. Iglulius almost gave the order to release the Duke, but suddenly
233:51 order to release the Duke, but suddenly remembered the important instructions of
233:53 remembered the important instructions of the wise Helena and decided to firmly
233:55 the wise Helena and decided to firmly defend his position before the others.
233:56 defend his position before the others. The confident king considered the Duke
233:58 The confident king considered the Duke his property with no right to give
234:00 his property with no right to give orders to the ruler and understood the
234:02 orders to the ruler and understood the inevitability of a war that threatened
234:04 inevitability of a war that threatened the destruction of all the inhabitants
234:06 the destruction of all the inhabitants of the kingdom. His father's magically
234:08 of the kingdom. His father's magically distorted words suddenly came back to
234:10 distorted words suddenly came back to the king, reminding him of the need to
234:11 the king, reminding him of the need to free all the slaves to protect the
234:13 free all the slaves to protect the kingdom from the impending danger. The
234:15 kingdom from the impending danger. The man wanted to free all the slaves
234:17 man wanted to free all the slaves immediately and send them away with the
234:19 immediately and send them away with the Duke to protect his homeland, but
234:21 Duke to protect his homeland, but precious time had been irretrievably
234:23 precious time had been irretrievably lost. The loud clatter of hooves
234:25 lost. The loud clatter of hooves announced the approach of the local
234:27 announced the approach of the local residents, who quickly surrounded the
234:29 residents, who quickly surrounded the Duke with their strong ropes and
234:30 Duke with their strong ropes and successfully knocked him to the ground.
234:32 successfully knocked him to the ground. Cheryl and Agulius, who were closely
234:34 Cheryl and Agulius, who were closely watching what was happening, instantly
234:36 watching what was happening, instantly gave the same order to all troops to
234:38 gave the same order to all troops to immediately protect the defeated Duke
234:39 immediately protect the defeated Duke from the angry crowd. Igulius quickly
234:41 from the angry crowd. Igulius quickly dispatched military units to intercept
234:43 dispatched military units to intercept the approaching residents. Realizing the
234:46 the approaching residents. Realizing the serious threat of revenge from the
234:47 serious threat of revenge from the powerful empire in the event of the
234:49 powerful empire in the event of the death of the important Duke, the
234:51 death of the important Duke, the attentive king ordered that the only
234:53 attentive king ordered that the only bridge be guarded especially carefully
234:55 bridge be guarded especially carefully after the main gate had been destroyed
234:56 after the main gate had been destroyed by Cheryl's powerful magic, leaving the
234:58 by Cheryl's powerful magic, leaving the castle virtually defenseless. The Duke's
235:01 castle virtually defenseless. The Duke's well-armed army moved quickly toward the
235:03 well-armed army moved quickly toward the destroyed gates under Raml's precise
235:04 destroyed gates under Raml's precise command, preparing for an important
235:06 command, preparing for an important rescue operation for their ruler. Raml
235:09 rescue operation for their ruler. Raml confidently continued the advance even
235:11 confidently continued the advance even under a hail of burning cans filled with
235:13 under a hail of burning cans filled with an explosive mixture. Throwing his
235:15 an explosive mixture. Throwing his enemies into the cold river water
235:16 enemies into the cold river water without hesitation. The advancing troops
235:18 without hesitation. The advancing troops were forced to retreat before the
235:20 were forced to retreat before the unexpected defensive barriers that
235:22 unexpected defensive barriers that reliably blocked the path of Duke
235:24 reliably blocked the path of Duke Aaron's war horses. The attentive king
235:26 Aaron's war horses. The attentive king constantly urged his warriors to remain
235:28 constantly urged his warriors to remain on high alert while defending the castle
235:30 on high alert while defending the castle until they found the missing Duke among
235:32 until they found the missing Duke among the numerous prisoners. The powerful
235:34 the numerous prisoners. The powerful Cheryl wasted no time and diligently
235:36 Cheryl wasted no time and diligently cast a new powerful spell capable of
235:38 cast a new powerful spell capable of making another large hole in the strong
235:40 making another large hole in the strong castle walls. The king quickly ordered
235:42 castle walls. The king quickly ordered all troops to descend immediately.
235:44 all troops to descend immediately. Realizing that the old walls would not
235:46 Realizing that the old walls would not be able to withstand the destructive
235:47 be able to withstand the destructive force of Cheryl's magical attacks for
235:49 force of Cheryl's magical attacks for long, the ruined walls buried many
235:51 long, the ruined walls buried many people under the rubble. So, the
235:52 people under the rubble. So, the confused king raised the white flag of
235:54 confused king raised the white flag of surrender, acknowledging the final
235:56 surrender, acknowledging the final defeat of his army. The completely
235:58 defeat of his army. The completely destroyed wall beneath the king's feet
236:00 destroyed wall beneath the king's feet suddenly collapsed along with him.
236:02 suddenly collapsed along with him. Despite his attempt to surrender,
236:04 Despite his attempt to surrender, sending the ruler straight into the
236:05 sending the ruler straight into the raging fiery chaos, the dying king
236:08 raging fiery chaos, the dying king managed to grab the leg of a passing
236:09 managed to grab the leg of a passing knight before his last breath to pass on
236:11 knight before his last breath to pass on an important order to all the remaining
236:13 an important order to all the remaining court nobles. The frightened knight
236:15 court nobles. The frightened knight quickly ran away after receiving the
236:17 quickly ran away after receiving the king's order to find Duke Aaron and free
236:19 king's order to find Duke Aaron and free all the slaves. Seeing the terrible
236:21 all the slaves. Seeing the terrible state of his ruler, the king, who had
236:23 state of his ruler, the king, who had lost a lot of blood, saw the shadow of
236:25 lost a lot of blood, saw the shadow of his late father, who had come to
236:27 his late father, who had come to accompany his son on his final journey
236:29 accompany his son on his final journey amid the ruins of the once magnificent
236:31 amid the ruins of the once magnificent castle. Surveying the destruction, Duke
236:33 castle. Surveying the destruction, Duke Aaron understood the success of the
236:35 Aaron understood the success of the conquest of the kingdom. But the
236:37 conquest of the kingdom. But the unexpected death of the king was
236:39 unexpected death of the king was completely unexpected in his original
236:41 completely unexpected in his original military plans. The pensive duke
236:43 military plans. The pensive duke compared himself to a cruel emperor.
236:45 compared himself to a cruel emperor. Realizing the danger of becoming a
236:47 Realizing the danger of becoming a similarly ruthless ruler if he achieved
236:49 similarly ruthless ruler if he achieved his goals through constant murder, the
236:51 his goals through constant murder, the wise adviser Kanos explained to the Duke
236:53 wise adviser Kanos explained to the Duke that there was no reason to feel pity
236:55 that there was no reason to feel pity for defeated enemies, reminding him of
236:57 for defeated enemies, reminding him of the importance of making difficult
236:58 the importance of making difficult decisions as a true ruler. The common
237:01 decisions as a true ruler. The common people would willingly become citizens
237:02 people would willingly become citizens of a powerful empire. Preferring new
237:05 of a powerful empire. Preferring new rule to life under an inexperienced
237:07 rule to life under an inexperienced prince with the old ways of the past,
237:09 prince with the old ways of the past, the Duke listened carefully to his
237:10 the Duke listened carefully to his adviser's strange conclusions. But Kanos
237:13 adviser's strange conclusions. But Kanos urged him not to dwell on the reasons,
237:15 urged him not to dwell on the reasons, but to focus on more important matters.
237:17 but to focus on more important matters. The experienced adviser strongly
237:19 The experienced adviser strongly recommended that the Duke concentrate on
237:21 recommended that the Duke concentrate on the results achieved so that the sad
237:22 the results achieved so that the sad events of the day would not cloud his
237:24 events of the day would not cloud his mind with doubts. Kanos reminded the
237:26 mind with doubts. Kanos reminded the Duke of the importance of continuing the
237:28 Duke of the importance of continuing the work he had begun. Otherwise, all the
237:30 work he had begun. Otherwise, all the sacrifices and bloodshed would be in
237:32 sacrifices and bloodshed would be in vain without any meaningful result. Deep
237:35 vain without any meaningful result. Deep in thought, the Duke understood
237:36 in thought, the Duke understood perfectly well that his adviser was
237:38 perfectly well that his adviser was right and tried to force himself to
237:40 right and tried to force himself to continue with his plan to capture the
237:42 continue with his plan to capture the enemy kingdom. The prudent Kanos led the
237:44 enemy kingdom. The prudent Kanos led the changed duke away before the arrival of
237:46 changed duke away before the arrival of the imperial troops, planning to capture
237:48 the imperial troops, planning to capture the nobles under the pretext of
237:49 the nobles under the pretext of searching for the missing Aaron. The
237:51 searching for the missing Aaron. The departing hero additionally asked his
237:53 departing hero additionally asked his loyal Kinos to fulfill one important
237:55 loyal Kinos to fulfill one important personal request which could seriously
237:57 personal request which could seriously affect the outcome of future military
237:59 affect the outcome of future military events. The advancing troops gradually
238:01 events. The advancing troops gradually moved deeper into the kingdom of Rumon
238:04 moved deeper into the kingdom of Rumon until they were suddenly halted before a
238:06 until they were suddenly halted before a bridge by the cautious Raml. Impatient,
238:08 bridge by the cautious Raml. Impatient, Cheryl loudly protested the inexplicable
238:10 Cheryl loudly protested the inexplicable halt of the troops as they had to
238:12 halt of the troops as they had to continue their active search for her
238:14 continue their active search for her missing brother and the escaped local
238:16 missing brother and the escaped local aristocrats. The girl quickly understood
238:18 aristocrats. The girl quickly understood the reason for the army's halt when she
238:20 the reason for the army's halt when she saw a huge cage with many locked people
238:22 saw a huge cage with many locked people desperately begging for help from
238:24 desperately begging for help from passing soldiers. The approaching Raml
238:26 passing soldiers. The approaching Raml received a warning shot from the bridge
238:28 received a warning shot from the bridge defenders, showing the seriousness of
238:30 defenders, showing the seriousness of their intentions to hold the prisoners
238:32 their intentions to hold the prisoners by any means necessary. Local
238:34 by any means necessary. Local aristocrats loudly warned the enemy that
238:36 aristocrats loudly warned the enemy that all slaves on the bridge and in the
238:37 all slaves on the bridge and in the castle sellers would be killed
238:38 castle sellers would be killed immediately if enemy troops attempted to
238:40 immediately if enemy troops attempted to advance. The captives loudly begged Raml
238:43 advance. The captives loudly begged Raml to halt the advance and try to save at
238:45 to halt the advance and try to save at least their children who were being held
238:47 least their children who were being held hostage by the ruthless aristocrats. The
238:49 hostage by the ruthless aristocrats. The experienced commander Raml agreed to
238:51 experienced commander Raml agreed to listen carefully to the enemy's demands,
238:53 listen carefully to the enemy's demands, understanding the hopelessness of the
238:55 understanding the hopelessness of the situation with numerous hostages. The
238:57 situation with numerous hostages. The confident aristocrats demanded the
238:59 confident aristocrats demanded the complete withdrawal of enemy troops from
239:01 complete withdrawal of enemy troops from the kingdom's territory and that the
239:03 the kingdom's territory and that the disappearance of Duke Aaron, which was
239:04 disappearance of Duke Aaron, which was in no way connected to the conflict, be
239:07 in no way connected to the conflict, be forgotten. An enraged Cheryl understood
239:09 forgotten. An enraged Cheryl understood the possibility of quickly rescuing the
239:11 the possibility of quickly rescuing the unfortunate prisoners from their iron
239:13 unfortunate prisoners from their iron cage with the help of her enormous
239:15 cage with the help of her enormous magical abilities. The confident
239:17 magical abilities. The confident sorceress doubted the enemy's ability to
239:19 sorceress doubted the enemy's ability to quickly kill 3,000 slaves before the
239:21 quickly kill 3,000 slaves before the army broke through the defenders of the
239:23 army broke through the defenders of the bridge to the walls of the besieged
239:24 bridge to the walls of the besieged castle. Determined, Cheryl began to cast
239:27 castle. Determined, Cheryl began to cast a powerful spell, preparing to rescue as
239:30 a powerful spell, preparing to rescue as many prisoners as possible despite the
239:32 many prisoners as possible despite the inevitable losses among the hostages.
239:34 inevitable losses among the hostages. Kyno suddenly appeared and stopped the
239:36 Kyno suddenly appeared and stopped the sorceress before she could cast her
239:38 sorceress before she could cast her spell, asking her to immediately
239:40 spell, asking her to immediately withdraw her troops, despite the rescue
239:42 withdraw her troops, despite the rescue plan already in place. The experienced
239:45 plan already in place. The experienced strategist explained to the dissatisfied
239:47 strategist explained to the dissatisfied Cheryl that the main goal of the army's
239:49 Cheryl that the main goal of the army's presence was to subjugate the kingdom of
239:51 presence was to subjugate the kingdom of Rumon, so unnecessary problems were
239:54 Rumon, so unnecessary problems were completely unnecessary at this time. The
239:56 completely unnecessary at this time. The surprised girl could not understand the
239:58 surprised girl could not understand the strategist's decision until he informed
240:00 strategist's decision until he informed her of the Duke's direct order to
240:02 her of the Duke's direct order to retreat without unnecessary bloodshed.
240:04 retreat without unnecessary bloodshed. The angry sister loudly protested the
240:06 The angry sister loudly protested the strange behavior of the Duke, who had
240:08 strange behavior of the Duke, who had forced her to participate in a military
240:10 forced her to participate in a military spectacle and then abruptly changed the
240:12 spectacle and then abruptly changed the rules of the game. Thoughtful Kynos
240:14 rules of the game. Thoughtful Kynos recalled an important conversation with
240:16 recalled an important conversation with the Duke about the clear unwillingness
240:18 the Duke about the clear unwillingness of the people of Rumon to recognize a
240:20 of the people of Rumon to recognize a new leader after the military invasion
240:22 new leader after the military invasion by a foreign army. The far-sighted Duke
240:24 by a foreign army. The far-sighted Duke was reluctant to use military force
240:26 was reluctant to use military force against his future subjects. Remembering
240:28 against his future subjects. Remembering the sad experience of the past conflict
240:30 the sad experience of the past conflict with the aggressive Holy Nation. The
240:32 with the aggressive Holy Nation. The attentive Aaron emphasized the special
240:34 attentive Aaron emphasized the special importance of Bran Castle to his loyal
240:36 importance of Bran Castle to his loyal followers. Wanting to make the local
240:38 followers. Wanting to make the local residents part of the growing duche, the
240:40 residents part of the growing duche, the wise duke recognized the legitimate
240:42 wise duke recognized the legitimate right of the inhabitants of Rumon to own
240:44 right of the inhabitants of Rumon to own their native land. Understanding the
240:46 their native land. Understanding the wrongfulness of seizing foreign
240:47 wrongfulness of seizing foreign territory by force. Initially wanting to
240:49 territory by force. Initially wanting to resolve the issue by force, the Duke
240:52 resolve the issue by force, the Duke suddenly realized the need to pacify the
240:54 suddenly realized the need to pacify the local residents before an important
240:56 local residents before an important campaign to the distant black continent.
240:58 campaign to the distant black continent. the understanding Kano's promise to help
241:00 the understanding Kano's promise to help the Duke and to take care of his weward
241:02 the Duke and to take care of his weward sister whose difficult character was
241:04 sister whose difficult character was causing unnecessary problems for the
241:06 causing unnecessary problems for the army. In the evening, the angry
241:07 army. In the evening, the angry residents demanded that the enemy army
241:09 residents demanded that the enemy army withdraw from their native lands,
241:11 withdraw from their native lands, wanting to return to their peaceful
241:13 wanting to return to their peaceful former lives and retain their lawful
241:15 former lives and retain their lawful property. The troops assembled by Duke
241:17 property. The troops assembled by Duke Bran suddenly parted, allowing the ruler
241:19 Bran suddenly parted, allowing the ruler himself to pass, carrying a large stone
241:22 himself to pass, carrying a large stone for an important conversation with the
241:24 for an important conversation with the people. Placing the stone on the ground
241:25 people. Placing the stone on the ground and climbing onto it, the Duke loudly
241:28 and climbing onto it, the Duke loudly declared himself to be the invader,
241:29 declared himself to be the invader, Aaron, and expressed his readiness for a
241:31 Aaron, and expressed his readiness for a serious conversation with the residents
241:33 serious conversation with the residents of Rumion. Confident, the Duke loudly
241:36 of Rumion. Confident, the Duke loudly announced to the people that he had
241:37 announced to the people that he had complete control over the military
241:39 complete control over the military forces of the territory of Bran and
241:41 forces of the territory of Bran and openly admitted that he had invaded to
241:43 openly admitted that he had invaded to free the loyal followers of the Order of
241:44 free the loyal followers of the Order of Viven. Outraged locals demanded the
241:47 Viven. Outraged locals demanded the immediate departure of the
241:48 immediate departure of the self-proclaimed invader instead of
241:50 self-proclaimed invader instead of meaningless public speeches before the
241:52 meaningless public speeches before the discontented people. The determined Duke
241:54 discontented people. The determined Duke interrupted the angry cries of the crowd
241:56 interrupted the angry cries of the crowd with a loud announcement that he was
241:57 with a loud announcement that he was willing to pay each slave owner a
241:59 willing to pay each slave owner a significant sum of 300 gold coins. The
242:02 significant sum of 300 gold coins. The attentive ruler clarified the terms of
242:03 attentive ruler clarified the terms of his generous offer to redeem Viven's
242:05 his generous offer to redeem Viven's followers and asked the owners of the
242:07 followers and asked the owners of the slaves he needed to come forward. An
242:09 slaves he needed to come forward. An uncertain man slowly raised his
242:11 uncertain man slowly raised his trembling hand and cautiously brought
242:13 trembling hand and cautiously brought forward a small slave boy, watching the
242:15 forward a small slave boy, watching the rich duke's reaction closely. The
242:17 rich duke's reaction closely. The determined Duke immediately threw a
242:18 determined Duke immediately threw a heavy bag containing 300 gold coins to
242:21 heavy bag containing 300 gold coins to the first owner and kindly beckoned the
242:23 the first owner and kindly beckoned the frightened boy closer to him. The Duke's
242:25 frightened boy closer to him. The Duke's loud voice announced to the gathered
242:27 loud voice announced to the gathered crowd that the freed child belonged to
242:28 crowd that the freed child belonged to the territory of Bran and offered the
242:30 the territory of Bran and offered the other owners a generous reward. A
242:33 other owners a generous reward. A multitude of greedy hands immediately
242:35 multitude of greedy hands immediately reached out to the Duke in the hope of
242:36 reached out to the Duke in the hope of receiving the promised gold for selling
242:38 receiving the promised gold for selling their own slaves without giving much
242:40 their own slaves without giving much thought to the consequences. The
242:42 thought to the consequences. The attentive duke took a particular
242:44 attentive duke took a particular interest in the prisoners in the large
242:45 interest in the prisoners in the large cage whom the local aristocrats
242:47 cage whom the local aristocrats threatened to kill immediately if anyone
242:49 threatened to kill immediately if anyone attempted to free them. The cunning
242:50 attempted to free them. The cunning ruler explained to the people that it
242:52 ruler explained to the people that it was impossible to control someone else's
242:54 was impossible to control someone else's property and completely shifted the
242:56 property and completely shifted the blame for what was happening onto the
242:58 blame for what was happening onto the greedy nobles inside the palace. The
243:00 greedy nobles inside the palace. The clever duke suggested that the people
243:02 clever duke suggested that the people decide for themselves who the real
243:04 decide for themselves who the real invader was, the generous ruler who
243:06 invader was, the generous ruler who rewarded the people with gold for their
243:08 rewarded the people with gold for their help and cooperation. The outraged
243:10 help and cooperation. The outraged residents began to loudly discuss the
243:12 residents began to loudly discuss the behavior of the local aristocrats who
243:14 behavior of the local aristocrats who had hidden the stolen property of
243:15 had hidden the stolen property of ordinary people behind the impenetrable
243:17 ordinary people behind the impenetrable walls of the palace. The angry crowd
243:20 walls of the palace. The angry crowd quickly shifted their anger from the
243:21 quickly shifted their anger from the foreign duke to their own rulers who had
243:23 foreign duke to their own rulers who had betrayed the trust of the common people
243:25 betrayed the trust of the common people for personal gain. The Duke's generous
243:27 for personal gain. The Duke's generous offer to redeem the slaves and the
243:29 offer to redeem the slaves and the despicable theft by the local nobility
243:31 despicable theft by the local nobility led to a complete change in the mood of
243:33 led to a complete change in the mood of the citizens in favor of the far-sighted
243:35 the citizens in favor of the far-sighted invader. The outraged residents
243:37 invader. The outraged residents immediately headed for the palace walls
243:39 immediately headed for the palace walls with loud demands to return the stolen
243:41 with loud demands to return the stolen property and explained the reasons for
243:42 property and explained the reasons for the betrayal. The frightened aristocrats
243:44 the betrayal. The frightened aristocrats watched anxiously from behind the high
243:46 watched anxiously from behind the high palace walls as the people's discontent
243:48 palace walls as the people's discontent grew. Unsure of how to resolve the
243:51 grew. Unsure of how to resolve the complex situation. The alarmed nobles
243:53 complex situation. The alarmed nobles discussed disturbing rumors about the
243:55 discussed disturbing rumors about the Duke's generous payments for each slave
243:57 Duke's generous payments for each slave and understood why the residents had
243:59 and understood why the residents had sided with the wealthy invader. The
244:01 sided with the wealthy invader. The confused authorities realized that they
244:03 confused authorities realized that they needed to maintain the image of the Duke
244:05 needed to maintain the image of the Duke as an enemy of the people in order to
244:07 as an enemy of the people in order to preserve their own influence over the
244:08 preserve their own influence over the commoners of the kingdom. Attentive
244:10 commoners of the kingdom. Attentive advisers understood the inevitability of
244:12 advisers understood the inevitability of popular anger if the slaves were kept by
244:15 popular anger if the slaves were kept by force and the impossibility of winning
244:17 force and the impossibility of winning the war without the support of their own
244:18 the war without the support of their own people. Curious nobles asked an
244:21 people. Curious nobles asked an experienced adviser to share his
244:22 experienced adviser to share his thoughts, noticing his pensive
244:24 thoughts, noticing his pensive expression during an important
244:25 expression during an important discussion of the situation. The
244:27 discussion of the situation. The confident adviser had indeed devised a
244:29 confident adviser had indeed devised a cunning plan of action to save the
244:31 cunning plan of action to save the situation and was about to share his
244:33 situation and was about to share his important thoughts with the others. The
244:35 important thoughts with the others. The far-sighted strategist managed to send a
244:37 far-sighted strategist managed to send a trusted spy through a secret underground
244:39 trusted spy through a secret underground passage to the nobles supporters outside
244:41 passage to the nobles supporters outside the besieged castle to gather important
244:43 the besieged castle to gather important information. An attentive scout reported
244:46 information. An attentive scout reported the approach of powerful Imperial forces
244:48 the approach of powerful Imperial forces ready to unofficially support the local
244:50 ready to unofficially support the local nobility despite their public refusal to
244:52 nobility despite their public refusal to intervene. A cunning adviser suggested
244:54 intervene. A cunning adviser suggested preparing a lucrative offer for the
244:56 preparing a lucrative offer for the Empire, significantly exceeding the
244:58 Empire, significantly exceeding the initial conditions for receiving serious
245:00 initial conditions for receiving serious military assistance. The weary knight
245:02 military assistance. The weary knight Arthur, who had successfully played the
245:04 Arthur, who had successfully played the role of Cyenos in a complex performance,
245:07 role of Cyenos in a complex performance, slept peacefully in the comfortable bed
245:08 slept peacefully in the comfortable bed of his spacious palace bedroom. Pleasant
245:11 of his spacious palace bedroom. Pleasant dreams filled the mind of the resting
245:12 dreams filled the mind of the resting warrior as his body basked in the soft
245:14 warrior as his body basked in the soft pillows of the luxurious bed in the
245:16 pillows of the luxurious bed in the beautiful room. The pensive Arthur
245:18 beautiful room. The pensive Arthur dreamed of staying in this wonderful
245:20 dreamed of staying in this wonderful place with his beloved girl, but he was
245:22 place with his beloved girl, but he was ashamed of his own weakness in front of
245:24 ashamed of his own weakness in front of his strong lover. The knight woke up and
245:26 his strong lover. The knight woke up and looked closely at Kanos's wig and
245:28 looked closely at Kanos's wig and decided to develop his mental abilities
245:30 decided to develop his mental abilities instead of physical strength to achieve
245:32 instead of physical strength to achieve his goals. The ambitious warrior dreamed
245:34 his goals. The ambitious warrior dreamed of earning more money as a clever
245:36 of earning more money as a clever strategist without having to constantly
245:38 strategist without having to constantly risk his life in dangerous military
245:40 risk his life in dangerous military battles. Concerned, Kynos called an
245:43 battles. Concerned, Kynos called an important meeting to discuss further
245:44 important meeting to discuss further strategy. Doubting the wisdom of
245:46 strategy. Doubting the wisdom of spending huge sums of money to ransom
245:48 spending huge sums of money to ransom each slave, the Tacetern Aaron quickly
245:51 each slave, the Tacetern Aaron quickly handed over the right to explain the
245:53 handed over the right to explain the situation to the experienced Rex, who
245:55 situation to the experienced Rex, who was able to convey important information
245:57 was able to convey important information more clearly to everyone present. The
245:59 more clearly to everyone present. The attentive Rex shared the results of his
246:01 attentive Rex shared the results of his investigation into the distribution of
246:03 investigation into the distribution of profits from the sale of slaves between
246:05 profits from the sale of slaves between the common people and the aristocracy,
246:07 the common people and the aristocracy, discussing the necessary amount. Cheryl,
246:10 discussing the necessary amount. Cheryl, who was worried, was more concerned
246:12 who was worried, was more concerned about the fate of the 8,000 captive
246:14 about the fate of the 8,000 captive slaves inside the castle than about the
246:16 slaves inside the castle than about the amount of gold coins spent on their
246:17 amount of gold coins spent on their ransom. The wise Aaron explained the
246:20 ransom. The wise Aaron explained the need to convince the locals to give up
246:21 need to convince the locals to give up their slaves. Knowing how important it
246:23 their slaves. Knowing how important it was to avoid a bloody battle, the tense
246:25 was to avoid a bloody battle, the tense military leaders were aware of the lack
246:27 military leaders were aware of the lack of time for negotiations with the
246:29 of time for negotiations with the aristocracy. Due to the approach of the
246:31 aristocracy. Due to the approach of the formidable Imperial Army to the borders
246:33 formidable Imperial Army to the borders of the kingdom, an agitated Raml
246:35 of the kingdom, an agitated Raml informed the command that the funds for
246:37 informed the command that the funds for ransoming the slaves were running out
246:39 ransoming the slaves were running out and asked for further instructions from
246:40 and asked for further instructions from his master. Raml's face lit up at the
246:43 his master. Raml's face lit up at the sight of his longlost brother, Rex,
246:45 sight of his longlost brother, Rex, causing the warrior to rush toward his
246:47 causing the warrior to rush toward his loved one with open arms. The cold Rex
246:49 loved one with open arms. The cold Rex slowly rose from his seat and
246:51 slowly rose from his seat and indifferently walked past the excited
246:53 indifferently walked past the excited Raml, harshly reminding him of the
246:55 Raml, harshly reminding him of the absence of family ties between them. The
246:57 absence of family ties between them. The angry man slammed the heavy door behind
246:59 angry man slammed the heavy door behind him, leaving the confused knight
247:01 him, leaving the confused knight standing in the middle of the room in
247:02 standing in the middle of the room in complete bewilderment. Attentive Kanos
247:05 complete bewilderment. Attentive Kanos heard a soft knock on the window and
247:07 heard a soft knock on the window and noticed a carrier pigeon delivering an
247:08 noticed a carrier pigeon delivering an important message for the command of
247:10 important message for the command of Bran Castle. The strategist's pale face
247:12 Bran Castle. The strategist's pale face contorted with horror as he read the
247:14 contorted with horror as he read the frightening letter containing the worst
247:16 frightening letter containing the worst news in recent memory. The worried Duke
247:18 news in recent memory. The worried Duke approached to find out the reason for
247:20 approached to find out the reason for his adviser's agitation, but was only
247:22 his adviser's agitation, but was only asked to leave the room again for a
247:24 asked to leave the room again for a short while. A satisfied night, Arthur
247:26 short while. A satisfied night, Arthur informed the Duke of the successful
247:27 informed the Duke of the successful tracking down of the desired military
247:29 tracking down of the desired military commander, earning an approving glance
247:31 commander, earning an approving glance from his master. Armed guards brought
247:33 from his master. Armed guards brought into the room a bound man who had been
247:35 into the room a bound man who had been sent earlier to an important meeting
247:36 sent earlier to an important meeting with the emperor himself for
247:37 with the emperor himself for negotiations. The stubborn prisoner
247:40 negotiations. The stubborn prisoner refused to speak until the Duke used
247:41 refused to speak until the Duke used force, after which he immediately
247:43 force, after which he immediately confessed all the details of his
247:45 confessed all the details of his important secret mission. The frightened
247:47 important secret mission. The frightened envoy told of the secret connection
247:48 envoy told of the secret connection between the local aristocrats and the
247:50 between the local aristocrats and the outside world to obtain military support
247:52 outside world to obtain military support from the powerful emperor. The surprised
247:54 from the powerful emperor. The surprised prisoner did not understand the
247:56 prisoner did not understand the stubbornness of the nobles who continued
247:58 stubbornness of the nobles who continued to resist despite the extremely
248:00 to resist despite the extremely unfavorable conditions of a popular
248:02 unfavorable conditions of a popular uprising against the local authorities.
248:04 uprising against the local authorities. The impatient Duke considered the
248:06 The impatient Duke considered the possibility of physically eliminating
248:07 possibility of physically eliminating the aristocrats, but he understood that
248:10 the aristocrats, but he understood that there was not enough time before the
248:11 there was not enough time before the arrival of the formidable imperial
248:13 arrival of the formidable imperial troops. The determined ruler ordered
248:15 troops. The determined ruler ordered troops to be gathered for a complete
248:16 troops to be gathered for a complete blockade of the castle, preventing any
248:19 blockade of the castle, preventing any attempts by the enemy to leave the
248:20 attempts by the enemy to leave the besieged fortress unnoticed. The cunning
248:23 besieged fortress unnoticed. The cunning Duke offered the enemy attempting
248:24 Duke offered the enemy attempting proposal to pay a huge sum of 300
248:26 proposal to pay a huge sum of 300 million gold coins for a peaceful
248:28 million gold coins for a peaceful resolution of the conflict. The
248:30 resolution of the conflict. The perceptive Cheryl tried to explain to
248:32 perceptive Cheryl tried to explain to her brother the unreality of such
248:33 her brother the unreality of such payments, but suddenly realized the true
248:36 payments, but suddenly realized the true purpose of the clever Duke's cunning
248:38 purpose of the clever Duke's cunning plan. Aaron was pleased with his
248:40 plan. Aaron was pleased with his sister's growing understanding. But she
248:42 sister's growing understanding. But she categorically refused to participate in
248:44 categorically refused to participate in another performance in front of the
248:45 another performance in front of the local residents. The caring brother
248:47 local residents. The caring brother reassured his sister with a promise of
248:49 reassured his sister with a promise of minimal involvement, limiting her role
248:51 minimal involvement, limiting her role to simply announcing the terms of the
248:52 to simply announcing the terms of the truce before the unrest began. The
248:55 truce before the unrest began. The observant Arthur saw an excellent
248:56 observant Arthur saw an excellent opportunity to demonstrate his strategic
248:58 opportunity to demonstrate his strategic skills in the dispute between the young
249:00 skills in the dispute between the young lords and offered his help in resolving
249:02 lords and offered his help in resolving the problem. The resourceful knight
249:04 the problem. The resourceful knight volunteered to accompany Lady Cheryl on
249:06 volunteered to accompany Lady Cheryl on her difficult mission, earning the
249:07 her difficult mission, earning the approval of the Duke, who was pleased
249:09 approval of the Duke, who was pleased with the turn of events. Excited, Kanos
249:12 with the turn of events. Excited, Kanos quickly rode to Bran Castle after
249:14 quickly rode to Bran Castle after receiving an alarming notification of an
249:16 receiving an alarming notification of an unexpected enemy invasion of his secret
249:18 unexpected enemy invasion of his secret hideout. The alarmed strategist hurried
249:20 hideout. The alarmed strategist hurried to personally verify the information
249:22 to personally verify the information received from Kesh about a serious
249:23 received from Kesh about a serious threat to the security of an important
249:25 threat to the security of an important strategic point. The frightened dragon
249:27 strategic point. The frightened dragon suffered from the inability to use his
249:29 suffered from the inability to use his magical powers, which had been sealed by
249:32 magical powers, which had been sealed by a powerful goddess at the most
249:33 a powerful goddess at the most inopportune moment. Desperate, Kynos
249:36 inopportune moment. Desperate, Kynos decided to test the painful consequences
249:38 decided to test the painful consequences of using sealed magic in the critical
249:40 of using sealed magic in the critical situation of defending his hideout. The
249:42 situation of defending his hideout. The cautious dragon rushed into the dark
249:44 cautious dragon rushed into the dark forest. Planning to use a simple
249:46 forest. Planning to use a simple transformation into his true form
249:48 transformation into his true form instead of complex spells to reduce the
249:50 instead of complex spells to reduce the pain. The bold attempt to use ancient
249:52 pain. The bold attempt to use ancient magic bathed the adviser's body in a
249:54 magic bathed the adviser's body in a bright golden light of dragon power. But
249:57 bright golden light of dragon power. But the sealed abilities immediately
249:58 the sealed abilities immediately responded with serious consequences.
250:00 responded with serious consequences. Excruciating pain reminiscent of a
250:03 Excruciating pain reminiscent of a powerful lightning strike rapidly spread
250:05 powerful lightning strike rapidly spread throughout the unfortunate adviser's
250:07 throughout the unfortunate adviser's body, causing him to suffer from the
250:08 body, causing him to suffer from the forbidden magic. Determined, Cheryl
250:11 forbidden magic. Determined, Cheryl arrived in the morning for important
250:12 arrived in the morning for important negotiations, accompanied by her loyal
250:15 negotiations, accompanied by her loyal knight, Arthur, surprised by the
250:17 knight, Arthur, surprised by the unexpectedly large number of guards
250:19 unexpectedly large number of guards surrounding the ambassador. The
250:21 surrounding the ambassador. The satisfied sorceress approved of her
250:23 satisfied sorceress approved of her enemy's serious attitude toward the
250:24 enemy's serious attitude toward the meeting, knowing that any number of
250:26 meeting, knowing that any number of ordinary warriors would be useless
250:28 ordinary warriors would be useless against her powerful magic. The cunning
250:30 against her powerful magic. The cunning girl secretly created two small
250:32 girl secretly created two small invisible spirits who secretly followed
250:34 invisible spirits who secretly followed her, remaining completely unnoticed by
250:37 her, remaining completely unnoticed by ordinary people. The frightened
250:38 ordinary people. The frightened aristocrats were horrified by the
250:40 aristocrats were horrified by the conditions the girl had set. Realizing
250:42 conditions the girl had set. Realizing that it would be completely impossible
250:44 that it would be completely impossible to gather such a huge sum of money
250:45 to gather such a huge sum of money before sunset, the outraged nobles
250:47 before sunset, the outraged nobles called the demand for an annual budget
250:49 called the demand for an annual budget of 300 million gold coins an outright
250:51 of 300 million gold coins an outright threat. Considering the Duke's
250:53 threat. Considering the Duke's conditions to be complete madness,
250:55 conditions to be complete madness, patient Cheryl listened attentively to
250:57 patient Cheryl listened attentively to all the cries and insults, pitying the
250:59 all the cries and insults, pitying the ignorant aristocrats who were completely
251:01 ignorant aristocrats who were completely unaware of the seriousness of their
251:03 unaware of the seriousness of their situation. The angry sorceress
251:05 situation. The angry sorceress restrained her desire to immediately
251:06 restrained her desire to immediately teach all her offenders a lesson.
251:08 teach all her offenders a lesson. Remembering the important rules of
251:10 Remembering the important rules of conduct during official diplomatic
251:12 conduct during official diplomatic negotiations, the attentive Arthur
251:14 negotiations, the attentive Arthur suddenly intervened in the tense
251:16 suddenly intervened in the tense conversation, demanding the immediate
251:18 conversation, demanding the immediate return of all the slaves being held
251:20 return of all the slaves being held instead of a monetary payment. The
251:22 instead of a monetary payment. The observant knight listened carefully to
251:23 observant knight listened carefully to the responses of his interlocutors,
251:25 the responses of his interlocutors, gradually becoming convinced that greed
251:27 gradually becoming convinced that greed prevailed over common sense among the
251:29 prevailed over common sense among the local nobility. The resolute warrior
251:31 local nobility. The resolute warrior offered the nobles a choice between
251:33 offered the nobles a choice between releasing the captive residents and
251:35 releasing the captive residents and accurately assessing the value of their
251:37 accurately assessing the value of their own lives in the current situation. Most
251:39 own lives in the current situation. Most of the frightened aristocrats preferred
251:41 of the frightened aristocrats preferred to accept the duke's demands for a huge
251:43 to accept the duke's demands for a huge sum of money rather than risk waiting
251:45 sum of money rather than risk waiting for the arrival of imperial troops. The
251:48 for the arrival of imperial troops. The nobles who agreed asked for additional
251:50 nobles who agreed asked for additional time to collect the necessary sum,
251:52 time to collect the necessary sum, hoping to fully satisfy the persistent
251:54 hoping to fully satisfy the persistent duke's financial demands. The more
251:56 duke's financial demands. The more determined aristocrats chose to escape
251:58 determined aristocrats chose to escape through secret tunnels, fearing a
252:00 through secret tunnels, fearing a possible reduction in their social
252:01 possible reduction in their social status by a special decision of the
252:03 status by a special decision of the local council. The attentive Rex
252:05 local council. The attentive Rex carefully watched all the movements of
252:07 carefully watched all the movements of the fugitives, hiding in the thick
252:09 the fugitives, hiding in the thick shadows of the unlit corridors of the
252:11 shadows of the unlit corridors of the old castle. The loyal scout immediately
252:13 old castle. The loyal scout immediately reported important information to Duke
252:15 reported important information to Duke Aaron about the mass movement of nobles
252:17 Aaron about the mass movement of nobles into underground tunnels beneath the
252:19 into underground tunnels beneath the castle. Confident Raml reported the
252:21 castle. Confident Raml reported the successful search of all the local
252:23 successful search of all the local aristocrats property within the royal
252:25 aristocrats property within the royal walls as ordered. The satisfied duke
252:27 walls as ordered. The satisfied duke announced to his sister that decisive
252:29 announced to his sister that decisive action was about to begin, causing the
252:31 action was about to begin, causing the girl to express her clear
252:32 girl to express her clear dissatisfaction with the unexpected
252:34 dissatisfaction with the unexpected changes to the planned course of action.
252:36 changes to the planned course of action. The royal castle of Ruman was plunged
252:38 The royal castle of Ruman was plunged into complete chaos due to loud
252:40 into complete chaos due to loud arguments between confused aristocrats
252:42 arguments between confused aristocrats accusing each other of the current
252:43 accusing each other of the current situation. Surprised guards watched the
252:46 situation. Surprised guards watched the rare gathering of all the local
252:47 rare gathering of all the local nobility, remembering similar meetings
252:49 nobility, remembering similar meetings only when important decisions were made
252:51 only when important decisions were made by the late king. Experienced knights
252:53 by the late king. Experienced knights understood the complete futility of
252:55 understood the complete futility of prolonged disputes among aristocrats who
252:57 prolonged disputes among aristocrats who were unable to make important decisions
252:59 were unable to make important decisions in a critical situation. Patrolling
253:01 in a critical situation. Patrolling warriors suddenly discovered a small
253:03 warriors suddenly discovered a small fire spirit that had been successfully
253:04 fire spirit that had been successfully hiding all this time in the old walls of
253:06 hiding all this time in the old walls of the ancient castle. The smiling Duke
253:08 the ancient castle. The smiling Duke Aaron suddenly appeared in the corridor
253:10 Aaron suddenly appeared in the corridor when the cunning spirit began to spew
253:12 when the cunning spirit began to spew bright flames, quickly starting a fierce
253:14 bright flames, quickly starting a fierce fire. Distracted by arguments over
253:16 fire. Distracted by arguments over money, the aristocrats missed an
253:18 money, the aristocrats missed an important warning from their loyal
253:20 important warning from their loyal knights about the unexpected invasion of
253:22 knights about the unexpected invasion of dangerous enemies into the castle. A
253:24 dangerous enemies into the castle. A powerful explosion destroyed the sturdy
253:26 powerful explosion destroyed the sturdy doors, allowing the young sorceress
253:28 doors, allowing the young sorceress Cheryl to enter the spacious room with
253:30 Cheryl to enter the spacious room with her determined brother. The frightened
253:32 her determined brother. The frightened aristocrats froze in terror at the sight
253:34 aristocrats froze in terror at the sight of the unexpectedly appearing Duke.
253:36 of the unexpectedly appearing Duke. Unable to comprehend how he had managed
253:38 Unable to comprehend how he had managed to enter the well-guarded castle, the
253:40 to enter the well-guarded castle, the smiling Duke reminded those gathered of
253:42 smiling Duke reminded those gathered of the importance of paying 300 million
253:44 the importance of paying 300 million gold coins before the next sunrise, the
253:46 gold coins before the next sunrise, the cunning aristocrats pointed to the
253:48 cunning aristocrats pointed to the darkness outside the windows as proof
253:50 darkness outside the windows as proof that there was still plenty of time
253:51 that there was still plenty of time before dawn, asking the Duke to wait
253:54 before dawn, asking the Duke to wait until morning. The satisfied Duke
253:56 until morning. The satisfied Duke apologized for his premature appearance
253:57 apologized for his premature appearance with a figned smile, preparing for the
254:00 with a figned smile, preparing for the next stage of his carefully thoughtout
254:01 next stage of his carefully thoughtout plan. The attentive Cheryl understood
254:04 plan. The attentive Cheryl understood her brother's secret signal and
254:05 her brother's secret signal and immediately began to create a large
254:07 immediately began to create a large water ball, directing powerful magic
254:09 water ball, directing powerful magic directly at the window. The artificial
254:11 directly at the window. The artificial darkness was the result of the joint
254:13 darkness was the result of the joint efforts of Cheryl's fire and earth
254:14 efforts of Cheryl's fire and earth spirits, which completely covered all
254:16 spirits, which completely covered all the palace windows with magic. The
254:18 the palace windows with magic. The perceptive Duke looked around at the
254:20 perceptive Duke looked around at the confused crowd and announced that the
254:22 confused crowd and announced that the real sunrise was about to begin,
254:24 real sunrise was about to begin, demanding an immediate response. The
254:26 demanding an immediate response. The enraged aristocrats rushed at the young
254:28 enraged aristocrats rushed at the young duke, who merely smiled and raised his
254:30 duke, who merely smiled and raised his fist to strike, announcing the end of
254:32 fist to strike, announcing the end of the important negotiations. When Kynos
254:35 the important negotiations. When Kynos awoke in the morning, he found himself
254:36 awoke in the morning, he found himself in the form of a dragon and realized how
254:39 in the form of a dragon and realized how much precious time had been lost on the
254:41 much precious time had been lost on the dangerous transformation. The satisfied
254:43 dangerous transformation. The satisfied dragon finally returned to his true form
254:45 dragon finally returned to his true form and immediately took flight, heading for
254:47 and immediately took flight, heading for his native nest to resolve important
254:48 his native nest to resolve important issues. An attempt to speed up his
254:50 issues. An attempt to speed up his flight with magic caused a new wave of
254:52 flight with magic caused a new wave of unbearable pain, forcing the dragon to
254:55 unbearable pain, forcing the dragon to crash to the ground. But the stubborn
254:56 crash to the ground. But the stubborn Kanos rose again. The arriving dragon
254:59 Kanos rose again. The arriving dragon was horrified to discover numerous
255:01 was horrified to discover numerous wounded dwarves, their mangled bodies
255:03 wounded dwarves, their mangled bodies scattered throughout the territory of
255:04 scattered throughout the territory of their native nest. The tearful Keshi
255:07 their native nest. The tearful Keshi fell to her knees before her master,
255:09 fell to her knees before her master, begging him to explain the reason for
255:10 begging him to explain the reason for his long absence at such a difficult
255:12 his long absence at such a difficult time. The stern dragon ignored the
255:14 time. The stern dragon ignored the girl's questions, demanding to know
255:16 girl's questions, demanding to know immediately who was responsible for the
255:18 immediately who was responsible for the terrible crime against his loyal
255:19 terrible crime against his loyal subjects. The sobbing girl told her
255:21 subjects. The sobbing girl told her master about the brutal attack by the
255:23 master about the brutal attack by the northern giants on the defenseless nest
255:25 northern giants on the defenseless nest during his absence. The shocked dragon
255:27 during his absence. The shocked dragon ordered his loyal Kishi to gather
255:29 ordered his loyal Kishi to gather accurate information about the amount of
255:30 accurate information about the amount of stolen treasure. Not noticing the state
255:33 stolen treasure. Not noticing the state of his servant, a careful look at the
255:35 of his servant, a careful look at the hysterical dwarf made the dragon realize
255:37 hysterical dwarf made the dragon realize his mistake and awkwardly ask about the
255:39 his mistake and awkwardly ask about the fate of her family. Grieving, Kanos
255:41 fate of her family. Grieving, Kanos acknowledged the fatal mistake of his
255:43 acknowledged the fatal mistake of his long absence. Realizing that regular
255:45 long absence. Realizing that regular signs of his presence would have
255:46 signs of his presence would have deterred the insulent invaders, the
255:48 deterred the insulent invaders, the sympathetic dragon offered the
255:50 sympathetic dragon offered the inconsolable girl his help in avenging
255:52 inconsolable girl his help in avenging her dead family, acknowledging the
255:54 her dead family, acknowledging the impossibility of bringing the dead back
255:55 impossibility of bringing the dead back to life. The distraught Kishi looked
255:57 to life. The distraught Kishi looked intently at the mighty dragon and
255:59 intently at the mighty dragon and confessed her intense desire to avenge
256:02 confessed her intense desire to avenge the cruel murderers of her family. The
256:04 the cruel murderers of her family. The determined dragon activated his magical
256:06 determined dragon activated his magical powers to search for traces of the
256:08 powers to search for traces of the giants, accepting the girl's sincere
256:10 giants, accepting the girl's sincere desire to punish the criminals. The
256:12 desire to punish the criminals. The traces they found pointed in the
256:14 traces they found pointed in the direction of Duke Aaron's lands, where
256:16 direction of Duke Aaron's lands, where the mighty dragon decided to set off
256:18 the mighty dragon decided to set off immediately with his companion.
256:20 immediately with his companion. Surprised, Keshi expected her master to
256:22 Surprised, Keshi expected her master to first check the safety of the remaining
256:24 first check the safety of the remaining treasures in the ransacked nest before
256:26 treasures in the ransacked nest before setting off in pursuit. Indifferent to
256:28 setting off in pursuit. Indifferent to the loss of riches, the dragon calmed
256:30 the loss of riches, the dragon calmed the agitated girl and swiftly soared
256:32 the agitated girl and swiftly soared into the sky, preparing for a long
256:34 into the sky, preparing for a long pursuit. The skilled duke was completely
256:37 pursuit. The skilled duke was completely satisfied with the results of the
256:38 satisfied with the results of the difficult negotiations with the local
256:40 difficult negotiations with the local aristocrats. Having achieved all his
256:42 aristocrats. Having achieved all his goals, a fortunate turn of events
256:44 goals, a fortunate turn of events allowed Aaron to seize control of the
256:46 allowed Aaron to seize control of the state without bloodshed, gathering all
256:48 state without bloodshed, gathering all the nobles in one place. The attentive
256:50 the nobles in one place. The attentive duke received an important letter from
256:51 duke received an important letter from the emperor himself, containing
256:53 the emperor himself, containing unexpected news about the fate of the
256:55 unexpected news about the fate of the captured kingdom. The powerful ruler
256:57 captured kingdom. The powerful ruler congratulated the Duke on his military
256:59 congratulated the Duke on his military successes and expressed his full support
257:01 successes and expressed his full support for his decisions regarding the future
257:03 for his decisions regarding the future of the kingdom of Rumon. The strict
257:05 of the kingdom of Rumon. The strict emperor demanded the timely payment of a
257:07 emperor demanded the timely payment of a significant tribute from the conquered
257:09 significant tribute from the conquered kingdom along with an additional tax on
257:11 kingdom along with an additional tax on the acquisition of territory. The harsh
257:13 the acquisition of territory. The harsh conditions stipulated that the kingdom
257:15 conditions stipulated that the kingdom would come under the complete control of
257:17 would come under the complete control of the empire if the Duke refused to accept
257:19 the empire if the Duke refused to accept the demands within 2 weeks. The
257:21 the demands within 2 weeks. The disheartened duke realized the excessive
257:23 disheartened duke realized the excessive nature of the emperor's demands for huge
257:25 nature of the emperor's demands for huge sums as attacks on the acquisition and
257:27 sums as attacks on the acquisition and annual tribute. His well-thoughtout plan
257:29 annual tribute. His well-thoughtout plan to obtain compelling arguments for
257:31 to obtain compelling arguments for governing the new lands was met with an
257:33 governing the new lands was met with an unexpected demand for exorbitant
257:35 unexpected demand for exorbitant payments to the emperor. The pensive
257:37 payments to the emperor. The pensive duke pondered the emperor's strange
257:39 duke pondered the emperor's strange behavior who had deployed troops at the
257:41 behavior who had deployed troops at the borders of the kingdom instead of the
257:42 borders of the kingdom instead of the promised easy transfer of power. The
257:44 promised easy transfer of power. The attentive ruler understood that the real
257:46 attentive ruler understood that the real desire to stop the seizure of territory
257:48 desire to stop the seizure of territory would force the imperial troops to
257:50 would force the imperial troops to immediately cross the border of the
257:52 immediately cross the border of the kingdom. The Duke finally realized the
257:54 kingdom. The Duke finally realized the true reason for what was happening when
257:56 true reason for what was happening when he understood that all the actions were
257:57 he understood that all the actions were part of the emperor's carefully thought
257:58 part of the emperor's carefully thought out plan for the future of the kingdom.
258:00 out plan for the future of the kingdom. The imperial advisers planned to demand
258:02 The imperial advisers planned to demand a large tax payment from the Duke in the
258:04 a large tax payment from the Duke in the event of victory and if they failed,
258:06 event of victory and if they failed, they would simply continue to maintain
258:08 they would simply continue to maintain the previous trade relations with the
258:10 the previous trade relations with the kingdom. The imperial troops were
258:12 kingdom. The imperial troops were deliberately positioned in such a way
258:13 deliberately positioned in such a way that the Duke would focus entirely on
258:15 that the Duke would focus entirely on conquering new territories and not think
258:18 conquering new territories and not think about the upcoming tax collection.
258:20 about the upcoming tax collection. Irritated by the old emperor's cunning
258:22 Irritated by the old emperor's cunning plan, the Duke made a firm decision to
258:24 plan, the Duke made a firm decision to make every effort to make the kingdom of
258:25 make every effort to make the kingdom of Rumon an integral part of his
258:27 Rumon an integral part of his possessions. In just one week, the Duke
258:30 possessions. In just one week, the Duke successfully established his authority
258:32 successfully established his authority over the territory and seized all
258:33 over the territory and seized all valuables and funds, but the total
258:35 valuables and funds, but the total amount amounted to just over 200
258:37 amount amounted to just over 200 million. Desperate to find a solution to
258:40 million. Desperate to find a solution to his financial problem on his own, the
258:41 his financial problem on his own, the Duke turned to his sister Cheryl for
258:43 Duke turned to his sister Cheryl for advice. But she was also unable to offer
258:46 advice. But she was also unable to offer any useful ideas. The Duke decided to
258:48 any useful ideas. The Duke decided to remind his sister of the numerous large
258:50 remind his sister of the numerous large loans she had taken from him in the past
258:52 loans she had taken from him in the past and inquired about the possibility of
258:54 and inquired about the possibility of repaying at least part of the debt. The
258:56 repaying at least part of the debt. The Duke's reminder of the debts caused the
258:57 Duke's reminder of the debts caused the girl real indignation as she had no
258:59 girl real indignation as she had no money left even for ordinary everyday
259:01 money left even for ordinary everyday purchases. After another unsuccessful
259:04 purchases. After another unsuccessful attempt to find a solution, the Duke
259:06 attempt to find a solution, the Duke advised his sister to learn to save
259:07 advised his sister to learn to save money and remembered with longing Kanos,
259:10 money and remembered with longing Kanos, who always found solutions to difficult
259:12 who always found solutions to difficult problems. Unexpectedly for everyone
259:14 problems. Unexpectedly for everyone present, Arthur stepped forward and
259:16 present, Arthur stepped forward and announced that he had some interesting
259:17 announced that he had some interesting proposals for resolving the situation.
259:20 proposals for resolving the situation. Despite his limited understanding of the
259:22 Despite his limited understanding of the situation, Arthur suggested starting
259:24 situation, Arthur suggested starting negotiations with the Empire to reduce
259:26 negotiations with the Empire to reduce the amount of tax or offer alternative
259:28 the amount of tax or offer alternative forms of payment. Cheryl sighed heavily
259:31 forms of payment. Cheryl sighed heavily and explained that the empire had
259:32 and explained that the empire had imposed such impossible conditions
259:34 imposed such impossible conditions precisely because it did not want to
259:36 precisely because it did not want to recognize their rule over the conquered
259:37 recognize their rule over the conquered lands. The girl pointed out that there
259:39 lands. The girl pointed out that there were no suitable alternatives for
259:41 were no suitable alternatives for payment as neither holy water nor the
259:43 payment as neither holy water nor the dungeons could be a worthy substitute
259:45 dungeons could be a worthy substitute for the gold demanded. The Duke's
259:47 for the gold demanded. The Duke's thoughts were interrupted by Rex, who
259:48 thoughts were interrupted by Rex, who burst into the room with urgent news of
259:50 burst into the room with urgent news of the appearance of a group of giants near
259:52 the appearance of a group of giants near the northern side of Bran Castle. The
259:54 the northern side of Bran Castle. The news of the giant's appearance near the
259:56 news of the giant's appearance near the northern part of Bran Castle took
259:58 northern part of Bran Castle took everyone by surprise and caused serious
260:01 everyone by surprise and caused serious concern. The Duke had serious doubts
260:03 concern. The Duke had serious doubts about the report's veracity, as the
260:05 about the report's veracity, as the giants would have had to cross the
260:07 giants would have had to cross the impassible black mountains to reach the
260:08 impassible black mountains to reach the castle. After a moment's thought, the
260:11 castle. After a moment's thought, the Duke suggested that the giants might
260:12 Duke suggested that the giants might have found a way to pass through the
260:14 have found a way to pass through the iron wall, which seemed a more realistic
260:16 iron wall, which seemed a more realistic option. The strategically important iron
260:18 option. The strategically important iron barrier was located in the northeastern
260:20 barrier was located in the northeastern part of the continent and served as the
260:22 part of the continent and served as the main defense against invasion by giants
260:24 main defense against invasion by giants from the north. The ancient castle in
260:26 from the north. The ancient castle in the Icelands, built by the first
260:27 the Icelands, built by the first emperor, had been considered an
260:29 emperor, had been considered an insurmountable obstacle for giants for
260:31 insurmountable obstacle for giants for many generations. Imperial troops
260:33 many generations. Imperial troops constantly guarded the iron walls,
260:35 constantly guarded the iron walls, allocating 20% of their military forces
260:38 allocating 20% of their military forces for this purpose. For 50 years after the
260:40 for this purpose. For 50 years after the walls were erected, not a single giant
260:42 walls were erected, not a single giant managed to penetrate the continent,
260:44 managed to penetrate the continent, making the likelihood of a breakthrough
260:45 making the likelihood of a breakthrough extremely low. The Duke immediately
260:47 extremely low. The Duke immediately ordered his sister and Raml to gather
260:49 ordered his sister and Raml to gather troops to return to Bran Castle, warning
260:51 troops to return to Bran Castle, warning them to exercise extreme caution. Arthur
260:54 them to exercise extreme caution. Arthur was tasked with organizing patrols
260:55 was tasked with organizing patrols throughout the kingdom of Rumion to
260:57 throughout the kingdom of Rumion to prevent possible uprisings among the
260:59 prevent possible uprisings among the local population. An additional task for
261:01 local population. An additional task for Arthur was to prepare alternative
261:03 Arthur was to prepare alternative payment options that they could offer
261:05 payment options that they could offer the empire in place of the gold they
261:06 the empire in place of the gold they demanded. Prince Philip left the
261:08 demanded. Prince Philip left the imperial castle and looking out the
261:10 imperial castle and looking out the carriage window, pondered Duke Aaron's
261:12 carriage window, pondered Duke Aaron's ability to raise the required 500
261:14 ability to raise the required 500 million gold coins. The prince's
261:16 million gold coins. The prince's companion noted Philip's unusual
261:18 companion noted Philip's unusual calmness as he was traveling without his
261:20 calmness as he was traveling without his usual guards, which seemed like a very
261:23 usual guards, which seemed like a very strange decision. Philip confidently
261:25 strange decision. Philip confidently explained the absence of guards by his
261:26 explained the absence of guards by his status as a prince and the fact that the
261:29 status as a prince and the fact that the trip was taking place in the safe
261:30 trip was taking place in the safe territory of his own empire. Noticing
261:32 territory of his own empire. Noticing Duke Gran's concern, Prince Philip
261:35 Duke Gran's concern, Prince Philip personally promised to ensure his
261:36 personally promised to ensure his safety, emphasizing the importance of
261:38 safety, emphasizing the importance of preserving the life of such an important
261:40 preserving the life of such an important person. Despite the apparent calm after
261:42 person. Despite the apparent calm after the prince's words, the Duke continued
261:45 the prince's words, the Duke continued to feel uneasy about the upcoming
261:47 to feel uneasy about the upcoming journey. The assembled courters eagerly
261:49 journey. The assembled courters eagerly discussed among themselves the possible
261:51 discussed among themselves the possible reasons for the unexpected meeting,
261:53 reasons for the unexpected meeting, which had been organized by order of the
261:54 which had been organized by order of the Duke. Arthur was in a depressed mood as
261:57 Duke. Arthur was in a depressed mood as his hopes of obtaining a high position
261:59 his hopes of obtaining a high position had not been fulfilled and he remained a
262:01 had not been fulfilled and he remained a simple officer. The Duke's arrival
262:03 simple officer. The Duke's arrival prompted Rex to immediately order the
262:05 prompted Rex to immediately order the soldiers to line up to greet the ruler
262:06 soldiers to line up to greet the ruler of the territory of Bran according to
262:08 of the territory of Bran according to military protocol. After greeting the
262:11 military protocol. After greeting the knights, the Duke announced the existing
262:13 knights, the Duke announced the existing problem of insufficient patrolling of
262:14 problem of insufficient patrolling of the kingdom's territory and the need to
262:16 the kingdom's territory and the need to resolve it. The Duke announced his
262:18 resolve it. The Duke announced his decision to devote time to organizing
262:20 decision to devote time to organizing effective defense forces and to
262:22 effective defense forces and to introduce a new commander of the patrol
262:24 introduce a new commander of the patrol unit. Surprised, Arthur held his breath,
262:27 unit. Surprised, Arthur held his breath, hoping to hear his name as the new
262:28 hoping to hear his name as the new captain, although he was internally
262:30 captain, although he was internally prepared for any decision. The Duke
262:32 prepared for any decision. The Duke invited Bianca to enter and introduced
262:34 invited Bianca to enter and introduced her to the soldiers as an experienced
262:35 her to the soldiers as an experienced captain who had previously commanded a
262:37 captain who had previously commanded a patrol unit of 500 men. The new captain
262:40 patrol unit of 500 men. The new captain of the squad, Bianca, knelt before the
262:42 of the squad, Bianca, knelt before the Duke and formerly asked him to assign
262:44 Duke and formerly asked him to assign her first task. Arthur felt deeply
262:46 her first task. Arthur felt deeply disappointed by his latest failure.
262:48 disappointed by his latest failure. Noting the goddess's growing success in
262:50 Noting the goddess's growing success in military affairs. As if sensing Arthur's
262:53 military affairs. As if sensing Arthur's mood, the Duke decided to appoint him to
262:55 mood, the Duke decided to appoint him to the additional position of assistant
262:56 the additional position of assistant captain of the patrol forces. The Duke
262:59 captain of the patrol forces. The Duke appointed Arthur as Bianca's personal
263:01 appointed Arthur as Bianca's personal assistant and asked him to show the
263:03 assistant and asked him to show the utmost diligence in carrying out his new
263:05 utmost diligence in carrying out his new duties. After all the appointments were
263:07 duties. After all the appointments were made, Rex insisted on an immediate
263:09 made, Rex insisted on an immediate departure for the Iron Barrier,
263:10 departure for the Iron Barrier, emphasizing the importance of arriving
263:12 emphasizing the importance of arriving before nightfall. The Duke's thoughts
263:14 before nightfall. The Duke's thoughts were torn between the problem of the
263:16 were torn between the problem of the giant's attack and the need to find the
263:18 giant's attack and the need to find the missing 300 million to pay the Imperial
263:20 missing 300 million to pay the Imperial tax. After carefully analyzing the
263:22 tax. After carefully analyzing the situation, the Duke decided to offer the
263:25 situation, the Duke decided to offer the Empire the use of his military forces as
263:27 Empire the use of his military forces as an alternative form of tax payment, the
263:30 an alternative form of tax payment, the Duke's best troops were stationed in the
263:32 Duke's best troops were stationed in the northeast near the Iron Barrier and
263:34 northeast near the Iron Barrier and could be a valuable asset to the
263:35 could be a valuable asset to the Imperial Army. The Duke was confident
263:37 Imperial Army. The Duke was confident that his plan to offer the Empire 2
263:39 that his plan to offer the Empire 2 years of protection in exchange for the
263:41 years of protection in exchange for the cancellation of 200 million gold in debt
263:44 cancellation of 200 million gold in debt would be successful. Rex's sudden halt
263:46 would be successful. Rex's sudden halt interrupted the Duke's thoughts on
263:48 interrupted the Duke's thoughts on possible ways to solve the territo's
263:50 possible ways to solve the territo's financial problems. The Duke hurried to
263:52 financial problems. The Duke hurried to Rex and asked him in a friendly manner
263:54 Rex and asked him in a friendly manner why he had stopped so suddenly and where
263:55 why he had stopped so suddenly and where he was looking. Following Rex's pointing
263:58 he was looking. Following Rex's pointing hand, the Duke saw a horrific scene of
264:00 hand, the Duke saw a horrific scene of the castle walls, docks, and ships
264:02 the castle walls, docks, and ships completely burned to the ground. The
264:04 completely burned to the ground. The pirate attack was led by Vice Captain
264:06 pirate attack was led by Vice Captain Miller of the Blue Hammer Gang, known
264:08 Miller of the Blue Hammer Gang, known for his cruelty and ruthlessness. Miller
264:10 for his cruelty and ruthlessness. Miller mocked the weakness of the inhabitants
264:12 mocked the weakness of the inhabitants of the kingdom of Rumon and ordered his
264:14 of the kingdom of Rumon and ordered his men to continue throwing burning torches
264:16 men to continue throwing burning torches at the ships. The captain of the Blue
264:18 at the ships. The captain of the Blue Hammer unexpectedly defended the
264:20 Hammer unexpectedly defended the remaining ships of Rumion from the final
264:22 remaining ships of Rumion from the final attack, which puzzled Miller. The female
264:24 attack, which puzzled Miller. The female captain explained that setting fire to
264:26 captain explained that setting fire to buildings was understandable, but she
264:28 buildings was understandable, but she strictly forbade harming the ships.
264:30 strictly forbade harming the ships. Miller expressed his incomprehension of
264:32 Miller expressed his incomprehension of the prohibition on destroying enemy
264:34 the prohibition on destroying enemy ships, which provoked a new wave of
264:36 ships, which provoked a new wave of anger in Jquelin. Upon receiving word of
264:38 anger in Jquelin. Upon receiving word of the approaching Imperial forces,
264:40 the approaching Imperial forces, Jacqueline ordered Miller to return to
264:42 Jacqueline ordered Miller to return to the ship immediately to avoid capture.
264:44 the ship immediately to avoid capture. Jacqueline was relatively satisfied with
264:46 Jacqueline was relatively satisfied with the results of the raid, but the burning
264:48 the results of the raid, but the burning of the ships caused her serious
264:49 of the ships caused her serious dissatisfaction with Miller's actions.
264:52 dissatisfaction with Miller's actions. When the Duke and his men reached the
264:53 When the Duke and his men reached the scene of the attack, they only managed
264:55 scene of the attack, they only managed to see the pirate ship disappearing into
264:57 to see the pirate ship disappearing into the distance. The observant Arthur was
264:59 the distance. The observant Arthur was the first to notice a powerful
265:00 the first to notice a powerful projectile flying toward them, launched
265:02 projectile flying toward them, launched from the departing pirate ship. Miller
265:04 from the departing pirate ship. Miller watched the projectiles flight with
265:06 watched the projectiles flight with glee, anticipating a successful hit.
265:08 glee, anticipating a successful hit. Enraged by the pirates's audacity, the
265:10 Enraged by the pirates's audacity, the Duke drew his sword and rushed
265:12 Duke drew his sword and rushed decisively toward the approaching
265:14 decisively toward the approaching projectile. The Duke managed to cut the
265:16 projectile. The Duke managed to cut the projectile in two, but the force of the
265:18 projectile in two, but the force of the blow was so powerful that it caused a
265:20 blow was so powerful that it caused a huge cloud of dust and partially
265:22 huge cloud of dust and partially destroyed the bridge. Satisfied with the
265:24 destroyed the bridge. Satisfied with the results of the devastating raid, Miller
265:26 results of the devastating raid, Miller ceased his attacks and began to retreat,
265:28 ceased his attacks and began to retreat, while Jacqueline coldly told the Duke
265:30 while Jacqueline coldly told the Duke that luck was on his side today. Enraged
265:32 that luck was on his side today. Enraged by the pirates's insolent words, the
265:34 by the pirates's insolent words, the Duke immediately ordered Rex to conduct
265:36 Duke immediately ordered Rex to conduct a thorough investigation and identify
265:38 a thorough investigation and identify the attackers. Prince Philip and the
265:40 the attackers. Prince Philip and the Duke calmly continued their journey in
265:42 Duke calmly continued their journey in the carriage until the prince's
265:44 the carriage until the prince's attention was drawn to an unusual and
265:46 attention was drawn to an unusual and disturbing smell. Alarmed by the
265:48 disturbing smell. Alarmed by the suspicious smell, the prince quickly
265:50 suspicious smell, the prince quickly jumped out of the carriage window and
265:52 jumped out of the carriage window and nimblely climbed onto the roof for a
265:54 nimblely climbed onto the roof for a better view of the surroundings. Feeling
265:56 better view of the surroundings. Feeling the strange smell intensify, the prince
265:58 the strange smell intensify, the prince immediately ordered the coachman to
265:59 immediately ordered the coachman to increase speed and continue driving
266:01 increase speed and continue driving without stopping. Recognizing the
266:03 without stopping. Recognizing the distinctive smell of blood, Philip noted
266:05 distinctive smell of blood, Philip noted with alarm the absence of the escort
266:07 with alarm the absence of the escort that should have met them much earlier.
266:09 that should have met them much earlier. A group of giants lurking in the nearby
266:11 A group of giants lurking in the nearby forest watched the prince's carriage
266:13 forest watched the prince's carriage closely and prepared to attack. Philip
266:15 closely and prepared to attack. Philip reacted with lightning speed and managed
266:17 reacted with lightning speed and managed to fend off a battle axe that suddenly
266:19 to fend off a battle axe that suddenly flew out of the thicket. Following the
266:21 flew out of the thicket. Following the first ax, a hail of throwing weapons
266:23 first ax, a hail of throwing weapons rained down on the carriage, which even
266:25 rained down on the carriage, which even an experienced warrior would have found
266:27 an experienced warrior would have found difficult to deal with. Despite the
266:29 difficult to deal with. Despite the prince's skillful defense, one of the
266:31 prince's skillful defense, one of the throwing axes reached its target and
266:33 throwing axes reached its target and mortally wounded the coachman, who
266:35 mortally wounded the coachman, who instantly lost control of the carriage.
266:37 instantly lost control of the carriage. The frightened horses, left without
266:39 The frightened horses, left without control, began to run wildly along the
266:41 control, began to run wildly along the road, causing the heavy carriage to
266:43 road, causing the heavy carriage to overturn. After the carriage fell, a
266:45 overturn. After the carriage fell, a group of giants led by Sven began to
266:47 group of giants led by Sven began to approach the scene, intending to plunder
266:49 approach the scene, intending to plunder their next victim. Philip, who had
266:51 their next victim. Philip, who had survived, quickly identified the
266:53 survived, quickly identified the attackers as northern giants by their
266:55 attackers as northern giants by their enormous height and characteristic
266:57 enormous height and characteristic combat gear. The prince could not
266:58 combat gear. The prince could not understand how the giants had managed to
267:00 understand how the giants had managed to penetrate the continent through the iron
267:02 penetrate the continent through the iron barrier, which was considered
267:03 barrier, which was considered impenetrable. A sudden thought occurred
267:05 impenetrable. A sudden thought occurred to Philillip. Perhaps their unquenchable
267:07 to Philillip. Perhaps their unquenchable thirst for blood had given the giants
267:09 thirst for blood had given the giants enough strength to overcome the
267:10 enough strength to overcome the protective barrier. Lost in thought, the
267:13 protective barrier. Lost in thought, the prince did not notice the huge giant
267:15 prince did not notice the huge giant Sven sneaking up behind him and raising
267:17 Sven sneaking up behind him and raising his deadly weapon above him. An
267:19 his deadly weapon above him. An experienced warrior, Philip easily
267:20 experienced warrior, Philip easily dodged the attack, prompting the giants
267:22 dodged the attack, prompting the giants to mock the short prince, comparing him
267:24 to mock the short prince, comparing him to a small rat. A terrifying sight met
267:26 to a small rat. A terrifying sight met Philip's eyes behind the giants. A pile
267:29 Philip's eyes behind the giants. A pile of bodies of his escorting knights,
267:31 of bodies of his escorting knights, completely destroyed by the enemies. The
267:33 completely destroyed by the enemies. The alarmed prince immediately inspected the
267:35 alarmed prince immediately inspected the overturned carriage and was horrified to
267:37 overturned carriage and was horrified to discover that Duke Gran was missing from
267:38 discover that Duke Gran was missing from the wreckage. The angry giants were
267:40 the wreckage. The angry giants were outraged by Philip's calm demeanor in
267:42 outraged by Philip's calm demeanor in the presence of Lord Sven himself and
267:44 the presence of Lord Sven himself and demanded his immediate execution. The
267:47 demanded his immediate execution. The prince easily dodged the attack and
267:48 prince easily dodged the attack and mockingly remarked that he had long
267:50 mockingly remarked that he had long awaited a meeting with living giants,
267:52 awaited a meeting with living giants, descendants of the god of war, Yuman,
267:56 descendants of the god of war, Yuman, but their fighting skills had
267:57 but their fighting skills had disappointed him. The giant Sven flew
267:59 disappointed him. The giant Sven flew into a rage that a mere mortal dared to
268:01 into a rage that a mere mortal dared to mock the legacy of Yumunan and utter his
268:04 mock the legacy of Yumunan and utter his sacred name without due respect. The
268:06 sacred name without due respect. The prince's confident laughter rang out in
268:08 prince's confident laughter rang out in response to the threats as he declared
268:10 response to the threats as he declared himself the only being capable of
268:11 himself the only being capable of teaching the arrogant giants a lesson.
268:13 teaching the arrogant giants a lesson. Philip solemnly introduced himself as
268:15 Philip solemnly introduced himself as the crown prince of the empire and
268:17 the crown prince of the empire and declared his intention to pass fair
268:19 declared his intention to pass fair judgment on the border violators. The
268:21 judgment on the border violators. The giant's puzzled looks turned to horror
268:23 giant's puzzled looks turned to horror when Philip, with a lightning fast swing
268:25 when Philip, with a lightning fast swing of his sword, cut the mighty Sven in
268:27 of his sword, cut the mighty Sven in two, demonstrating his strength. The
268:29 two, demonstrating his strength. The prince resolutely advanced toward the
268:31 prince resolutely advanced toward the remaining giants, reminding them of the
268:33 remaining giants, reminding them of the inevitable death penalty for insulting
268:35 inevitable death penalty for insulting the future emperor. After dealing with
268:37 the future emperor. After dealing with the giants, the prince's attention was
268:39 the giants, the prince's attention was drawn to an unusual bird, a black raven
268:42 drawn to an unusual bird, a black raven with distinctive white markings on its
268:43 with distinctive white markings on its beak. The appearance of the ghostly
268:45 beak. The appearance of the ghostly black bird was an unmistakable sign of
268:47 black bird was an unmistakable sign of the giant's presence in the vicinity,
268:49 the giant's presence in the vicinity, requiring immediate action. Realizing
268:52 requiring immediate action. Realizing the fall of the Iron Barrier, Philip
268:54 the fall of the Iron Barrier, Philip pondered the need to report to the
268:56 pondered the need to report to the emperor and request military support to
268:58 emperor and request military support to clear the territory. Watching the
269:00 clear the territory. Watching the sunset, the prince devised his own plan
269:02 sunset, the prince devised his own plan of action, deciding not to involve his
269:04 of action, deciding not to involve his father, the emperor, in the situation.
269:06 father, the emperor, in the situation. The next morning, the Duke held a
269:08 The next morning, the Duke held a meeting in Rumon, instructing Rex to
269:10 meeting in Rumon, instructing Rex to investigate the pirate attack and Bianca
269:13 investigate the pirate attack and Bianca to strengthen the defenses of the port
269:14 to strengthen the defenses of the port facilities. Knight Arthur unexpectedly
269:17 facilities. Knight Arthur unexpectedly addressed the gathering with a proposal
269:18 addressed the gathering with a proposal to use the situation with the pirates to
269:20 to use the situation with the pirates to the advantage of the kingdom. Arthur
269:22 the advantage of the kingdom. Arthur proposed to compensate for the lack of
269:24 proposed to compensate for the lack of gold for raising troops by taking
269:26 gold for raising troops by taking decisive action against the intruders at
269:28 decisive action against the intruders at the Iron Barrier and establishing
269:30 the Iron Barrier and establishing control over the sea. Arthur's proposal
269:32 control over the sea. Arthur's proposal was to organize a military campaign
269:34 was to organize a military campaign against the pirates and inform the
269:36 against the pirates and inform the emperor of the successes achieved in
269:38 emperor of the successes achieved in order to revise the tax requirements.
269:40 order to revise the tax requirements. Noticing the Duke's intense gaze, Arthur
269:43 Noticing the Duke's intense gaze, Arthur began to doubt the wisdom of his
269:44 began to doubt the wisdom of his proposal and tried to take back his
269:46 proposal and tried to take back his words. The Duke highly appreciated the
269:48 words. The Duke highly appreciated the young knight's resourcefulness and
269:50 young knight's resourcefulness and decided to put the proposed plan into
269:52 decided to put the proposed plan into action, promising a generous reward for
269:54 action, promising a generous reward for success. Immediately after making his
269:56 success. Immediately after making his decision, the Duke ordered the cavalry
269:58 decision, the Duke ordered the cavalry to advance toward the Iron Barrier. Left
270:00 to advance toward the Iron Barrier. Left alone with Bianca after the departure of
270:02 alone with Bianca after the departure of the Duke and Rex, Arthur rejoiced at the
270:04 the Duke and Rex, Arthur rejoiced at the opportunity to talk privately with the
270:06 opportunity to talk privately with the beautiful warrior. Bianca felt growing
270:09 beautiful warrior. Bianca felt growing irritation at the constant presence of
270:10 irritation at the constant presence of admirers trying to win her favor in
270:12 admirers trying to win her favor in various ways. The girl's thoughts were
270:14 various ways. The girl's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of approaching
270:16 interrupted by the sound of approaching horsemen, which she initially took for
270:18 horsemen, which she initially took for the return of the Duke with an important
270:19 the return of the Duke with an important message. Everyone was astonished to see
270:21 message. Everyone was astonished to see Crown Prince Philip leading a squadron
270:23 Crown Prince Philip leading a squadron of mounted infantry approaching the
270:25 of mounted infantry approaching the fortress. Undercover of night, the
270:27 fortress. Undercover of night, the mighty giant was busy destroying orcs on
270:29 mighty giant was busy destroying orcs on Bran's territory when he received an
270:31 Bran's territory when he received an urgent message from his raven. The
270:33 urgent message from his raven. The unusual bird belonged to the giant's
270:35 unusual bird belonged to the giant's brother, so its appearance alone caused
270:37 brother, so its appearance alone caused an ominous premonition of impending
270:39 an ominous premonition of impending doom. Upon learning of his brother's
270:41 doom. Upon learning of his brother's tragic death, the giant lost all
270:43 tragic death, the giant lost all interest in the ongoing battle with the
270:44 interest in the ongoing battle with the orcs. Rage filled the giant, who was
270:47 orcs. Rage filled the giant, who was eager to learn the name of his brother's
270:49 eager to learn the name of his brother's killer and his warriors in order to
270:50 killer and his warriors in order to avenge the blood that had been shed.
270:52 avenge the blood that had been shed. After gathering all the giants, the
270:54 After gathering all the giants, the chief ordered them to prepare for a
270:56 chief ordered them to prepare for a large-scale attack and personally set
270:58 large-scale attack and personally set about sharpening his battle axe. One of
271:00 about sharpening his battle axe. One of his assistants informed the chief of a
271:02 his assistants informed the chief of a village located to the south where
271:04 village located to the south where representatives of the elven people were
271:05 representatives of the elven people were believed to be. Intrigued by the
271:07 believed to be. Intrigued by the information, the giant immediately
271:09 information, the giant immediately ordered his assistant to bring him the
271:10 ordered his assistant to bring him the head of an elf as a trophy. The giant's
271:13 head of an elf as a trophy. The giant's thoughts were interrupted by the
271:14 thoughts were interrupted by the desperate cries of a captive woman in a
271:16 desperate cries of a captive woman in a cage with other captured villagers.
271:18 cage with other captured villagers. Enraged by the captives insulting
271:20 Enraged by the captives insulting shouts, the giant unleashed his fury on
271:22 shouts, the giant unleashed his fury on the cage with the people inside,
271:24 the cage with the people inside, threatening them with violence for their
271:25 threatening them with violence for their disrespectful treatment. The
271:27 disrespectful treatment. The intervention of the mighty chieftain
271:29 intervention of the mighty chieftain Herald stopped the giants's aggression
271:31 Herald stopped the giants's aggression and he was immediately removed from
271:33 and he was immediately removed from guarding the captives. Herald, the
271:35 guarding the captives. Herald, the recognized leader of the northern
271:36 recognized leader of the northern giants, enjoyed unquestioned authority
271:39 giants, enjoyed unquestioned authority among his tribesmen. Frightened by the
271:41 among his tribesmen. Frightened by the power of his ruler, the giant hastily
271:43 power of his ruler, the giant hastily left the scene, fearing further
271:44 left the scene, fearing further punishment. Herald gathered all the
271:46 punishment. Herald gathered all the giants of his tribe and ordered them to
271:48 giants of his tribe and ordered them to prepare for a large-scale campaign into
271:50 prepare for a large-scale campaign into the southern territories. The continent
271:52 the southern territories. The continent of Karen was considered by the giants to
271:54 of Karen was considered by the giants to be a land of abundance and prosperity.
271:56 be a land of abundance and prosperity. attracting their attention for many
271:58 attracting their attention for many generations. 30 years ago, the young
272:01 generations. 30 years ago, the young herald had sworn to conquer the fertile
272:02 herald had sworn to conquer the fertile lands. And now the opportunity to
272:04 lands. And now the opportunity to fulfill his ancient vow had arrived. The
272:07 fulfill his ancient vow had arrived. The death of his brother Sven, who
272:09 death of his brother Sven, who sacrificed himself for the sake of their
272:10 sacrificed himself for the sake of their shared dream, only strengthened Herald's
272:13 shared dream, only strengthened Herald's resolve to see the task through to the
272:15 resolve to see the task through to the end. The news of the kidnapping of the
272:17 end. The news of the kidnapping of the inhabitants of the Brun lands drove Raml
272:19 inhabitants of the Brun lands drove Raml into a state of uncontrollable rage.
272:22 into a state of uncontrollable rage. Raml fiercely questioned Max about the
272:24 Raml fiercely questioned Max about the identities of the kidnappers. Although
272:26 identities of the kidnappers. Although he seemed to already know the answer to
272:28 he seemed to already know the answer to his question, only thanks to the wise
272:30 his question, only thanks to the wise intervention of the elder did Raml
272:31 intervention of the elder did Raml manage to curb his anger and release the
272:34 manage to curb his anger and release the frightened messenger Max. The desperate
272:36 frightened messenger Max. The desperate man collapsed to his knees upon hearing
272:38 man collapsed to his knees upon hearing the terrible news that his beloved wife
272:40 the terrible news that his beloved wife and young children had been captured by
272:41 and young children had been captured by giants from the north. RML, in helpless
272:44 giants from the north. RML, in helpless rage, pounded the ground with his fists,
272:47 rage, pounded the ground with his fists, cursing himself for his inability to
272:48 cursing himself for his inability to protect his family and prevent this
272:50 protect his family and prevent this unthinkable tragedy. Suddenly worried
272:52 unthinkable tragedy. Suddenly worried about his daughter's fate, Raml asked
272:54 about his daughter's fate, Raml asked his adviser about her whereabouts, and
272:57 his adviser about her whereabouts, and he was relieved to hear that she was
272:58 he was relieved to hear that she was safe. Cheryl's appearance interrupted
273:00 safe. Cheryl's appearance interrupted his painful thoughts as she resolutely
273:02 his painful thoughts as she resolutely led Max away to check the important
273:04 led Max away to check the important intelligence they had received.
273:06 intelligence they had received. Disturbing rumors of an attack by the
273:07 Disturbing rumors of an attack by the northern giants on the orcs, and the
273:10 northern giants on the orcs, and the capture of Bran's inhabitants as
273:11 capture of Bran's inhabitants as hostages were bitterly confirmed by Max.
273:14 hostages were bitterly confirmed by Max. Two precious hours had passed since the
273:16 Two precious hours had passed since the first reports of the attack, but no new
273:18 first reports of the attack, but no new messages had arrived. Having learned of
273:20 messages had arrived. Having learned of Cheryl's arrival in advance, the command
273:22 Cheryl's arrival in advance, the command managed to assemble a detachment of
273:24 managed to assemble a detachment of armed knights and send scouts to search
273:26 armed knights and send scouts to search for information. There was serious
273:28 for information. There was serious concern for the fate of Koroka, who had
273:30 concern for the fate of Koroka, who had immediately set out for the castle with
273:32 immediately set out for the castle with a group of orcs after receiving news of
273:34 a group of orcs after receiving news of the attack. The excited scout knight
273:36 the attack. The excited scout knight rode up to Cheryl with an urgent report.
273:38 rode up to Cheryl with an urgent report. But the girl calmly asked him to gather
273:40 But the girl calmly asked him to gather himself and report on the situation. The
273:42 himself and report on the situation. The knight reported a frightening silence in
273:44 knight reported a frightening silence in the night forest, suggesting that the
273:46 the night forest, suggesting that the giants had deliberately settled outside
273:48 giants had deliberately settled outside the castle for the night. The complete
273:50 the castle for the night. The complete absence of any signs of movement on all
273:52 absence of any signs of movement on all the paths leading to the castle was
273:54 the paths leading to the castle was particularly alarming and seemed highly
273:56 particularly alarming and seemed highly suspicious. Cheryl decided to seize the
273:58 suspicious. Cheryl decided to seize the moment and ordered half of the infantry
274:00 moment and ordered half of the infantry and all of the cavalry to follow her to
274:02 and all of the cavalry to follow her to the orc castle. Reaching out to the
274:04 the orc castle. Reaching out to the weeping knight, Cheryl sincerely offered
274:06 weeping knight, Cheryl sincerely offered him to join the rescue mission to free
274:07 him to join the rescue mission to free Diana, who was waiting for him. As they
274:10 Diana, who was waiting for him. As they approached the walls of Bran Castle,
274:12 approached the walls of Bran Castle, Kuruk caught an unfamiliar and
274:14 Kuruk caught an unfamiliar and disturbing smell completely
274:15 disturbing smell completely uncharacteristic of these territories.
274:18 uncharacteristic of these territories. The experienced warrior immediately
274:19 The experienced warrior immediately warned his orcs of suspicious activity
274:22 warned his orcs of suspicious activity coming from the elven village and
274:23 coming from the elven village and ordered them to advance silently. Upon
274:25 ordered them to advance silently. Upon reaching the gate, the squad discovered
274:27 reaching the gate, the squad discovered a horrific scene. The mighty herald was
274:30 a horrific scene. The mighty herald was strangling the leader of the elven
274:31 strangling the leader of the elven village while the rest of the elves
274:33 village while the rest of the elves remained trapped. A quick assessment of
274:35 remained trapped. A quick assessment of the situation showed Kuroka that the
274:37 the situation showed Kuroka that the enemy had a clear advantage in strength,
274:39 enemy had a clear advantage in strength, which meant that the entire squad would
274:41 which meant that the entire squad would inevitably be killed in open combat.
274:43 inevitably be killed in open combat. Kuro ordered his warriors to retreat
274:45 Kuro ordered his warriors to retreat immediately to the castle, deciding to
274:47 immediately to the castle, deciding to delay the giants himself and buy time to
274:49 delay the giants himself and buy time to rescue the squad. The brave orc rushed
274:51 rescue the squad. The brave orc rushed at Harold. But even while busy dealing
274:53 at Harold. But even while busy dealing with the elves, the giant easily noticed
274:56 with the elves, the giant easily noticed and stopped the enemy's swift attack.
274:58 and stopped the enemy's swift attack. Cheryl and her army finally reached the
275:00 Cheryl and her army finally reached the orc castle and hid, listening carefully
275:02 orc castle and hid, listening carefully to what was happening inside the
275:03 to what was happening inside the fortification. Suddenly, a deafening
275:06 fortification. Suddenly, a deafening beastly roar shattered the night's
275:08 beastly roar shattered the night's silence, and a huge dragon appeared in
275:10 silence, and a huge dragon appeared in the dark sky, rapidly approaching the
275:12 the dark sky, rapidly approaching the village. Terror froze on the faces of
275:14 village. Terror froze on the faces of the knights as the mighty dragon began
275:16 the knights as the mighty dragon began to spew flames, completely destroying
275:18 to spew flames, completely destroying the village along with the giants hiding
275:20 the village along with the giants hiding there. Shortly before the fiery attack
275:22 there. Shortly before the fiery attack began, Kanos carefully studied the
275:24 began, Kanos carefully studied the situation around the castle, trying to
275:26 situation around the castle, trying to determine the location of its
275:28 determine the location of its inhabitants. His keen dragon vision
275:30 inhabitants. His keen dragon vision allowed him to make out strange
275:31 allowed him to make out strange silhouettes of creatures unlike orcs,
275:33 silhouettes of creatures unlike orcs, indicating that the local inhabitants
275:35 indicating that the local inhabitants had either fled or been captured.
275:37 had either fled or been captured. Descending, Kynos turned to Keshi,
275:40 Descending, Kynos turned to Keshi, announcing that the long- awaited moment
275:41 announcing that the long- awaited moment of revenge had arrived and offering her
275:43 of revenge had arrived and offering her the chance to witness the destruction of
275:45 the chance to witness the destruction of their enemies. Amidst the raging flames,
275:47 their enemies. Amidst the raging flames, the dragon suddenly halted its attack,
275:49 the dragon suddenly halted its attack, catching a familiar voice amid the
275:51 catching a familiar voice amid the sounds of the burning village. Peering
275:53 sounds of the burning village. Peering into the darkness of the night, Kanos
275:55 into the darkness of the night, Kanos made out the silhouettes of Cheryl and
275:57 made out the silhouettes of Cheryl and Raml, allowing him to leave part of the
275:59 Raml, allowing him to leave part of the castle untouched under their protection.
276:01 castle untouched under their protection. The dragon's sole purpose was the
276:03 The dragon's sole purpose was the complete destruction of the northern
276:04 complete destruction of the northern descendants in revenge for Kesha's
276:06 descendants in revenge for Kesha's suffering. Having completed the first
276:07 suffering. Having completed the first part of his plan for revenge, the
276:09 part of his plan for revenge, the dragon, with the crying quishi in his
276:11 dragon, with the crying quishi in his jaws, rushed toward the elven village to
276:13 jaws, rushed toward the elven village to continue his punitive mission. Raml
276:16 continue his punitive mission. Raml could not hold back his tears as he
276:17 could not hold back his tears as he watched the dragon fly away. Realizing
276:20 watched the dragon fly away. Realizing that his beloved Diana was unlikely to
276:22 that his beloved Diana was unlikely to have survived such a powerful fiery
276:23 have survived such a powerful fiery attack, the determined Cheryl did not
276:25 attack, the determined Cheryl did not lose hope and immediately ordered the
276:28 lose hope and immediately ordered the infantry to search the ruins of the
276:29 infantry to search the ruins of the castle and the cavalry to pursue the
276:31 castle and the cavalry to pursue the dragon. Firmly believing in Diana's
276:33 dragon. Firmly believing in Diana's survival, Cheryl vowed to help RML
276:36 survival, Cheryl vowed to help RML avenge her if the worst were confirmed.
276:38 avenge her if the worst were confirmed. Summoning the power of the fiery
276:40 Summoning the power of the fiery phoenix, Cheryl soared into the night
276:42 phoenix, Cheryl soared into the night sky in pursuit of the dragon, unable to
276:44 sky in pursuit of the dragon, unable to hide the silent tears rolling down her
276:46 hide the silent tears rolling down her cheeks. Unaware of the events unfolding,
276:49 cheeks. Unaware of the events unfolding, the Duke was at that moment holding an
276:51 the Duke was at that moment holding an important meeting with Prince Philip.
276:52 important meeting with Prince Philip. Philip offered the Duke the position of
276:54 Philip offered the Duke the position of commander of the Northeast in exchange
276:56 commander of the Northeast in exchange for a significant tax reduction of 300
276:58 for a significant tax reduction of 300 million. The Duke pondered the
277:00 million. The Duke pondered the unexpected appointment. Realizing that
277:02 unexpected appointment. Realizing that it coincided with his own plans to send
277:04 it coincided with his own plans to send troops to the Iron Barrier, suspecting a
277:06 troops to the Iron Barrier, suspecting a hidden motive behind the prince's
277:08 hidden motive behind the prince's proposal, the Duke decided to clarify
277:10 proposal, the Duke decided to clarify the duration of his command over the
277:12 the duration of his command over the northeastern lands. Prince Philip
277:13 northeastern lands. Prince Philip clearly stated the condition of his
277:15 clearly stated the condition of his command. It would last until the
277:17 command. It would last until the northern threat to the empire was
277:19 northern threat to the empire was completely eliminated. The Duke
277:20 completely eliminated. The Duke instantly understood the true meaning of
277:22 instantly understood the true meaning of the prince's words. His service would
277:24 the prince's words. His service would continue until all the giants were
277:26 continue until all the giants were completely destroyed. Realizing Philip's
277:28 completely destroyed. Realizing Philip's intention to tie him to the northeast,
277:30 intention to tie him to the northeast, the Duke began to consider ways to
277:32 the Duke began to consider ways to counter these plans. Outwardly agreeing
277:34 counter these plans. Outwardly agreeing to the conditions for the sake of
277:35 to the conditions for the sake of serving the empire, the Duke prepared
277:37 serving the empire, the Duke prepared the ground for changing the situation in
277:39 the ground for changing the situation in his favor. The Duke put forward a
277:41 his favor. The Duke put forward a counter condition. He would help fight
277:43 counter condition. He would help fight the pirates and establish a naval base
277:45 the pirates and establish a naval base to protect the kingdom. Looking at the
277:47 to protect the kingdom. Looking at the prince's pensive face, the Duke urged
277:49 prince's pensive face, the Duke urged him to agree to the proposed conditions
277:51 him to agree to the proposed conditions and conclude the negotiations. Philip
277:54 and conclude the negotiations. Philip postponed his decision until Duke Gran's
277:56 postponed his decision until Duke Gran's recovery. Unable to give an immediate
277:58 recovery. Unable to give an immediate answer to the proposal, the Duke's
278:00 answer to the proposal, the Duke's spirits rose, realizing that a
278:02 spirits rose, realizing that a successful resolution of the pirate
278:03 successful resolution of the pirate problem could secure favorable terms for
278:05 problem could secure favorable terms for the deal. Philip looked at the Duke with
278:07 the deal. Philip looked at the Duke with sympathy, wondering at his indecision in
278:10 sympathy, wondering at his indecision in expanding his territories and doubting
278:11 expanding his territories and doubting his ability to deal with two threats.
278:13 his ability to deal with two threats. Rex spent another unsuccessful day
278:15 Rex spent another unsuccessful day drinking alcohol at a local bar, trying
278:17 drinking alcohol at a local bar, trying to forget about his fruitless search.
278:19 to forget about his fruitless search. Rex's attentive gaze caught a strange
278:21 Rex's attentive gaze caught a strange detail. The unusual absence of the usual
278:24 detail. The unusual absence of the usual criminal elements in the drinking
278:25 criminal elements in the drinking establishment. Rex's surprise grew when
278:28 establishment. Rex's surprise grew when he saw Queen Louvia descending from the
278:30 he saw Queen Louvia descending from the upper floor of the bar. The situation
278:32 upper floor of the bar. The situation became clear when Rex noticed the pirate
278:34 became clear when Rex noticed the pirate Miller laughing cheerfully in the
278:36 Miller laughing cheerfully in the company of the young queen as they left
278:37 company of the young queen as they left the bar. The unusual alliance between
278:39 the bar. The unusual alliance between Queen Louvia and the notorious pirate
278:42 Queen Louvia and the notorious pirate aroused Rex's well-founded suspicions of
278:44 aroused Rex's well-founded suspicions of a secret conspiracy. Rex's assistants
278:47 a secret conspiracy. Rex's assistants began to secretly follow the strange
278:48 began to secretly follow the strange couple, but a sudden powerful explosion
278:51 couple, but a sudden powerful explosion disrupted their plans. Rex immediately
278:53 disrupted their plans. Rex immediately ran out into the street to pursue them
278:55 ran out into the street to pursue them on his own and found Miller and Louvia
278:57 on his own and found Miller and Louvia talking near a pirate ship. Miller
278:59 talking near a pirate ship. Miller reacted angrily to Rex's appearance,
279:01 reacted angrily to Rex's appearance, annoyed by the constant interference
279:02 annoyed by the constant interference from his pesky pursuers. The cunning
279:05 from his pesky pursuers. The cunning pirate used a combination of gunpowder
279:07 pirate used a combination of gunpowder and a torch to create a fiery trap for
279:09 and a torch to create a fiery trap for his persistent pursuer. Despite his
279:11 his persistent pursuer. Despite his outstanding combat skills, Rex was
279:13 outstanding combat skills, Rex was unable to avoid the cunning trap, and
279:15 unable to avoid the cunning trap, and his clothes instantly caught fire. Upon
279:17 his clothes instantly caught fire. Upon hearing of the incident, the alarmed
279:19 hearing of the incident, the alarmed Duke immediately rushed to the hospital
279:21 Duke immediately rushed to the hospital and began searching for his wounded
279:22 and began searching for his wounded friend. Rex calmed the agitated Duke,
279:25 friend. Rex calmed the agitated Duke, assuring him that he was relatively
279:27 assuring him that he was relatively unharmed after the unfortunate
279:29 unharmed after the unfortunate encounter. During their conversation,
279:31 encounter. During their conversation, the Duke learned of Princess Lovia's
279:33 the Duke learned of Princess Lovia's strange escort, which aroused his
279:35 strange escort, which aroused his serious suspicions. A careful analysis
279:37 serious suspicions. A careful analysis of the situation convinced the Duke that
279:39 of the situation convinced the Duke that this unusual couple had known each other
279:41 this unusual couple had known each other for a long time. Judging by the nature
279:43 for a long time. Judging by the nature of their interaction, the Duke pondered
279:45 of their interaction, the Duke pondered the princess's unusual friendship with
279:47 the princess's unusual friendship with the pirates, as the calculating Louvia
279:49 the pirates, as the calculating Louvia would never have collaborated with
279:50 would never have collaborated with enemies solely for the sake of revenge.
279:53 enemies solely for the sake of revenge. Rex emphasized the strangeness of the
279:55 Rex emphasized the strangeness of the situation, noting that thanks to the
279:57 situation, noting that thanks to the princess's intervention, many wounded
279:59 princess's intervention, many wounded soldiers received proper medical care
280:00 soldiers received proper medical care instead of execution. Leaving his
280:02 instead of execution. Leaving his thoughts about the princess behind, Rex
280:05 thoughts about the princess behind, Rex handed the Duke an important letter that
280:07 handed the Duke an important letter that required immediate attention and careful
280:09 required immediate attention and careful study. Wanting to keep the contents of
280:11 study. Wanting to keep the contents of the letter secret from prying ears, Rex
280:14 the letter secret from prying ears, Rex handed the document to the Duke so he
280:15 handed the document to the Duke so he could read the serious information for
280:17 could read the serious information for himself. The letter contained alarming
280:19 himself. The letter contained alarming news about the capture of an old castle
280:21 news about the capture of an old castle by 500 northern giants who had taken
280:23 by 500 northern giants who had taken dozens of people hostage, including the
280:25 dozens of people hostage, including the commander's family. The Duke had mixed
280:27 commander's family. The Duke had mixed feelings, knowing that Cheryl and Raml
280:29 feelings, knowing that Cheryl and Raml were in control of the situation. But
280:31 were in control of the situation. But the news of the Orc castle being
280:33 the news of the Orc castle being captured by northern giants seemed
280:35 captured by northern giants seemed unbelievable. The new position of
280:37 unbelievable. The new position of commander of the northeast required the
280:39 commander of the northeast required the Duke to plan his actions carefully and
280:41 Duke to plan his actions carefully and be present in the captured region
280:42 be present in the captured region immediately. Understanding the
280:44 immediately. Understanding the complexity of the Duke's departure
280:45 complexity of the Duke's departure during the prince's visit, Rex offered
280:47 during the prince's visit, Rex offered his services to carry out the mission in
280:49 his services to carry out the mission in the northeast. Duke Aaron expressed
280:51 the northeast. Duke Aaron expressed concern for his friend's health,
280:53 concern for his friend's health, insisting on the need for proper
280:55 insisting on the need for proper treatment of his wounds instead of a
280:56 treatment of his wounds instead of a dangerous journey. The persistent Rex
280:58 dangerous journey. The persistent Rex reminded Aaron of Diana's captivity,
281:01 reminded Aaron of Diana's captivity, emphasizing the special importance of
281:02 emphasizing the special importance of this girl in his life and the need to
281:04 this girl in his life and the need to rescue her. Diana's history included
281:07 rescue her. Diana's history included many rejected marriage proposals from
281:09 many rejected marriage proposals from various men, including Rex. But her
281:11 various men, including Rex. But her heart belonged to his brother. Rex made
281:13 heart belonged to his brother. Rex made the difficult decision to stay away from
281:15 the difficult decision to stay away from his beloved, trying to suppress his true
281:17 his beloved, trying to suppress his true feelings for her happiness. Sincerely
281:19 feelings for her happiness. Sincerely trying to come to terms with the
281:20 trying to come to terms with the situation, Rex hoped to find the
281:22 situation, Rex hoped to find the strength to congratulate the newlyweds
281:24 strength to congratulate the newlyweds at their wedding with an open heart. The
281:26 at their wedding with an open heart. The internal struggle proved too much, and
281:28 internal struggle proved too much, and Rex realized that he could not suppress
281:30 Rex realized that he could not suppress his deep feelings for Diana. Driven to
281:32 his deep feelings for Diana. Driven to despair, Rex struck his own brother for
281:34 despair, Rex struck his own brother for the first time and left his family home,
281:36 the first time and left his family home, seeking to protect Diana's feelings from
281:38 seeking to protect Diana's feelings from his own torment. Years of wandering and
281:40 his own torment. Years of wandering and working as a spy became Rex's new life,
281:43 working as a spy became Rex's new life, creating an insurmountable distance
281:45 creating an insurmountable distance between him and his brother.
281:46 between him and his brother. Understanding the whole story, Duke
281:48 Understanding the whole story, Duke Aaron allowed Rex to go on the mission.
281:50 Aaron allowed Rex to go on the mission. Promising to exercise extreme caution
281:53 Promising to exercise extreme caution and wait for his support. Leaving the
281:55 and wait for his support. Leaving the chamber to prepare for his departure,
281:57 chamber to prepare for his departure, Rex advised the Duke to ask Louvia
281:59 Rex advised the Duke to ask Louvia directly about her connections with the
282:00 directly about her connections with the pirates. Following Rex's advice, the
282:03 pirates. Following Rex's advice, the Duke invited the princess to talk, where
282:05 Duke invited the princess to talk, where she calmly explained the business nature
282:06 she calmly explained the business nature of her relationship with the pirates.
282:08 of her relationship with the pirates. Lou revealed the essence of her
282:10 Lou revealed the essence of her cooperation with the Blue Hammer
282:11 cooperation with the Blue Hammer pirates, who supplied goods from the
282:13 pirates, who supplied goods from the Western Continent, not understanding the
282:15 Western Continent, not understanding the Duke's concern. The Duke expressed
282:17 Duke's concern. The Duke expressed sincere surprise at the princess's
282:19 sincere surprise at the princess's involvement in smuggling operations,
282:21 involvement in smuggling operations, which seemed incompatible with her
282:23 which seemed incompatible with her position. The princess confidently
282:25 position. The princess confidently explained the advantages of cooperating
282:27 explained the advantages of cooperating with the pirates, emphasizing their
282:29 with the pirates, emphasizing their ability to deliver rare goods to the
282:31 ability to deliver rare goods to the eastern continent, the Duke decided to
282:33 eastern continent, the Duke decided to take advantage of Louvia's good
282:34 take advantage of Louvia's good relations with the pirates. Planning to
282:37 relations with the pirates. Planning to ask her for an important favor to
282:38 ask her for an important favor to resolve the current problems, the Duke's
282:40 resolve the current problems, the Duke's request was to arrange urgent
282:42 request was to arrange urgent negotiations with the pirate captain to
282:44 negotiations with the pirate captain to discuss important issues. The princess
282:46 discuss important issues. The princess accepted the Duke's request, but put
282:48 accepted the Duke's request, but put forward her own conditions for helping
282:49 forward her own conditions for helping to organize the meeting. Louvia's main
282:52 to organize the meeting. Louvia's main demand was that the pirate group be
282:53 demand was that the pirate group be granted free access to the port city at
282:55 granted free access to the port city at their discretion. Observing the
282:57 their discretion. Observing the calculating princess, the Duke
282:59 calculating princess, the Duke recognized his own character traits in
283:00 recognized his own character traits in her desire to take advantage of any
283:02 her desire to take advantage of any situation. The need to stop the pirate
283:04 situation. The need to stop the pirate raids forced the Duke to accept Luvia's
283:06 raids forced the Duke to accept Luvia's terms. Despite the obvious shortcomings
283:09 terms. Despite the obvious shortcomings of the agreement, the time for
283:10 of the agreement, the time for negotiations had come, and the Duke
283:12 negotiations had come, and the Duke waited alone for the pirate ship to
283:14 waited alone for the pirate ship to arrive. According to the agreed terms,
283:16 arrive. According to the agreed terms, Louvia conveyed the pirates demand for a
283:18 Louvia conveyed the pirates demand for a meeting with the Duke alone without his
283:20 meeting with the Duke alone without his knights or guards. The Duke analyzed the
283:22 knights or guards. The Duke analyzed the possible reasons for these conditions,
283:24 possible reasons for these conditions, wondering whether the pirates intended
283:26 wondering whether the pirates intended to impress him with their numbers or
283:28 to impress him with their numbers or test his honesty. The ship's arrival was
283:30 test his honesty. The ship's arrival was marked by the appearance of the female
283:32 marked by the appearance of the female captain of the Blue Hammer, who greeted
283:34 captain of the Blue Hammer, who greeted the Duke with obvious interest. The
283:36 the Duke with obvious interest. The captain's first question was to clarify
283:38 captain's first question was to clarify the Duke's allegiance to the Empire,
283:40 the Duke's allegiance to the Empire, which determined the further course of
283:42 which determined the further course of the negotiations. The Duke's honest
283:44 the negotiations. The Duke's honest answer about his formal allegiance to
283:45 answer about his formal allegiance to the empire led to the immediate
283:47 the empire led to the immediate termination of negotiations and an order
283:49 termination of negotiations and an order to open fire. Enraged, the Duke drew his
283:52 to open fire. Enraged, the Duke drew his sword to repel the attack, vowing not to
283:54 sword to repel the attack, vowing not to let the pirates go unpunished after such
283:56 let the pirates go unpunished after such treachery. The pirates unsuccessful
283:58 treachery. The pirates unsuccessful first attack caused concern among the
284:00 first attack caused concern among the crew, prompting them to open fire again
284:02 crew, prompting them to open fire again with equally unsuccessful results. The
284:04 with equally unsuccessful results. The Duke's powerful counterattack reached
284:06 Duke's powerful counterattack reached the pirate ship, forcing the crew to
284:08 the pirate ship, forcing the crew to prepare for a serious battle with a
284:09 prepare for a serious battle with a skilled opponent. Prince Philip, who was
284:12 skilled opponent. Prince Philip, who was watching the battle, recognized Aaron's
284:14 watching the battle, recognized Aaron's mastery of the sword's energy, a skill
284:16 mastery of the sword's energy, a skill unique to the Imperial Blade, Philip
284:18 unique to the Imperial Blade, Philip watched the events unfold with interest.
284:20 watched the events unfold with interest. Realizing that Aaron had deliberately
284:22 Realizing that Aaron had deliberately concealed his true abilities all this
284:24 concealed his true abilities all this time, Rex reached the lands of Bran,
284:26 time, Rex reached the lands of Bran, where a raging fire signaled mortal
284:29 where a raging fire signaled mortal danger for the hostages, forcing him to
284:31 danger for the hostages, forcing him to rush to Diana's aid. Shortly before
284:33 rush to Diana's aid. Shortly before that, the giant spotted an approaching
284:35 that, the giant spotted an approaching dragon and began preparing for the
284:36 dragon and began preparing for the inevitable clash with the mighty
284:38 inevitable clash with the mighty creature. Kano saw the elven city
284:40 creature. Kano saw the elven city captured by the northern creatures.
284:42 captured by the northern creatures. Assessing the situation from the height
284:44 Assessing the situation from the height of his flight. Limited forces and the
284:46 of his flight. Limited forces and the risk of destroying all life prevented
284:48 risk of destroying all life prevented the dragon from launching a direct
284:49 the dragon from launching a direct attack on the invaders. An additional
284:51 attack on the invaders. An additional factor holding back the attack was the
284:53 factor holding back the attack was the need to ensure the safety of Kesh, who
284:55 need to ensure the safety of Kesh, who was nearby. Despite the limitations, the
284:58 was nearby. Despite the limitations, the dragon was determined to fulfill his
284:59 dragon was determined to fulfill his promise of revenge against the invaders.
285:02 promise of revenge against the invaders. The dragon used its last strength to
285:04 The dragon used its last strength to cast the dragon's fear spell, creating a
285:06 cast the dragon's fear spell, creating a terrifying roar that paralyzed all
285:08 terrifying roar that paralyzed all living creatures. The spell's effect
285:10 living creatures. The spell's effect immobilized all creatures within its
285:12 immobilized all creatures within its range for 10 full minutes after it was
285:14 range for 10 full minutes after it was cast. Having exhausted its strength on
285:16 cast. Having exhausted its strength on the spell, the dragon entrusted the
285:18 the spell, the dragon entrusted the completion of the operation to the
285:19 completion of the operation to the approaching human army. The unexpected
285:21 approaching human army. The unexpected backlash of the magic caused
285:23 backlash of the magic caused excruciating pain throughout the
285:24 excruciating pain throughout the dragon's body, temporarily paralyzing
285:27 dragon's body, temporarily paralyzing it. This moment of weakness allowed a
285:29 it. This moment of weakness allowed a fiery attack to pass, seriously wounding
285:31 fiery attack to pass, seriously wounding the dragon and knocking Kesh off its
285:33 the dragon and knocking Kesh off its back. The attack came from an enraged
285:36 back. The attack came from an enraged Cheryl, who mistook the dragon for an
285:38 Cheryl, who mistook the dragon for an enemy, forcing Kanos to immediately rush
285:40 enemy, forcing Kanos to immediately rush to save the falling Keshi. After
285:42 to save the falling Keshi. After rescuing Keshi, the dragon realized the
285:44 rescuing Keshi, the dragon realized the severity of his injuries. Feeling
285:46 severity of his injuries. Feeling completely exhausted for the first time
285:48 completely exhausted for the first time in a long time, Keshi calmed the wounded
285:50 in a long time, Keshi calmed the wounded dragon, assuring him that the giants had
285:52 dragon, assuring him that the giants had been punished enough and asking him to
285:54 been punished enough and asking him to stop his revenge for the sake of his
285:56 stop his revenge for the sake of his health. Grateful for her understanding,
285:58 health. Grateful for her understanding, Kanos rose higher into the sky,
286:00 Kanos rose higher into the sky, acknowledging his poor health to the
286:02 acknowledging his poor health to the caring Kishi. Cheryl watched the dragon
286:04 caring Kishi. Cheryl watched the dragon retreat with fierce determination,
286:06 retreat with fierce determination, vowing not to let him escape the next
286:08 vowing not to let him escape the next time they met. The leader of the giants,
286:11 time they met. The leader of the giants, under the influence of the dragon's
286:12 under the influence of the dragon's roar, immediately recognized the ancient
286:15 roar, immediately recognized the ancient spell used against them. Herald noticed
286:17 spell used against them. Herald noticed the approaching human army and the
286:19 the approaching human army and the inability of his immobilized warriors to
286:21 inability of his immobilized warriors to withstand the looming threat. Overcoming
286:23 withstand the looming threat. Overcoming the spell's effect, the leader
286:25 the spell's effect, the leader deliberately inflicted severe pain on
286:26 deliberately inflicted severe pain on himself by striking a wall, regaining
286:29 himself by striking a wall, regaining control of his body. The sudden closing
286:31 control of his body. The sudden closing of the gates halted the knight's
286:32 of the gates halted the knight's advance, forcing them to wait for
286:34 advance, forcing them to wait for further orders from their commanders.
286:36 further orders from their commanders. Harold immediately began to awaken the
286:38 Harold immediately began to awaken the other giants, using physical pain to
286:40 other giants, using physical pain to break the magical paralysis. After
286:42 break the magical paralysis. After completing all preparations, the
286:44 completing all preparations, the commander loudly warned his warriors
286:46 commander loudly warned his warriors that their enemy had already penetrated
286:48 that their enemy had already penetrated the fortress walls. So, each fighter had
286:50 the fortress walls. So, each fighter had to take up their battle position. The
286:52 to take up their battle position. The young sorceress Cheryl quickly descended
286:54 young sorceress Cheryl quickly descended the stone steps, created a powerful
286:56 the stone steps, created a powerful fireball to destroy the massive gates.
286:59 fireball to destroy the massive gates. But inside, she found only a group of
287:00 But inside, she found only a group of elves caught in the nets that had been
287:02 elves caught in the nets that had been set up. Cheryl faced a serious obstacle
287:05 set up. Cheryl faced a serious obstacle because she had never studied magical
287:06 because she had never studied magical methods of locating enemies before, so
287:09 methods of locating enemies before, so she had to resort to other available
287:10 she had to resort to other available methods. The determined sorceress turned
287:12 methods. The determined sorceress turned to her loyal knights and gave a clear
287:14 to her loyal knights and gave a clear order to split into small groups of four
287:17 order to split into small groups of four warriors to thoroughly search the area
287:19 warriors to thoroughly search the area and protect each other. The brave
287:20 and protect each other. The brave knights immediately obeyed the order and
287:22 knights immediately obeyed the order and scattered in different directions to
287:24 scattered in different directions to search for the enemy, suspecting that
287:25 search for the enemy, suspecting that the formidable herald was watching them
287:27 the formidable herald was watching them from above. The mighty giant herald
287:29 from above. The mighty giant herald suddenly leaped down and with one
287:32 suddenly leaped down and with one powerful blow of his huge battle axe
287:34 powerful blow of his huge battle axe split the body of the unfortunate knight
287:36 split the body of the unfortunate knight in two, who did not even have time to
287:38 in two, who did not even have time to cry out. The remaining three knights
287:40 cry out. The remaining three knights froze in shock at the horrific sight,
287:42 froze in shock at the horrific sight, trying to comprehend what had happened,
287:44 trying to comprehend what had happened, while the merciless giant decided to
287:46 while the merciless giant decided to deal with them in the same cruel manner.
287:48 deal with them in the same cruel manner. The sounds of the fierce battle reached
287:50 The sounds of the fierce battle reached the ears of Cheryl, who was standing
287:52 the ears of Cheryl, who was standing nearby, and the young sorceress
287:54 nearby, and the young sorceress panicked, realizing that her warriors
287:56 panicked, realizing that her warriors were dying. But she did not know what to
287:58 were dying. But she did not know what to do. Until that important moment, Cheryl
288:00 do. Until that important moment, Cheryl had only dealt with magical battles and
288:02 had only dealt with magical battles and always thought out her plan of action in
288:04 always thought out her plan of action in advance. But now, when an urgent
288:07 advance. But now, when an urgent decision was needed, she realized her
288:09 decision was needed, she realized her lack of combat experience. Confused, the
288:12 lack of combat experience. Confused, the sorceress began to mentally turn to the
288:14 sorceress began to mentally turn to the experience of her older brother and the
288:16 experience of her older brother and the wise RML. Trying to imagine what actions
288:19 wise RML. Trying to imagine what actions they would have taken in such a
288:20 they would have taken in such a difficult situation. The surviving
288:22 difficult situation. The surviving soldiers began to show clear signs of
288:24 soldiers began to show clear signs of panic, shouting that their comrades were
288:26 panic, shouting that their comrades were in mortal danger and needed immediate
288:28 in mortal danger and needed immediate help. Cheryl quickly gave new orders to
288:30 help. Cheryl quickly gave new orders to her warriors to secure the injured squad
288:32 her warriors to secure the injured squad and conduct a thorough search of the
288:34 and conduct a thorough search of the village to find any other hidden giants.
288:36 village to find any other hidden giants. A loyal soldier suggested leaving a
288:38 A loyal soldier suggested leaving a small guard to protect Lady Cheryl in
288:40 small guard to protect Lady Cheryl in case the giant attacked. But the brave
288:42 case the giant attacked. But the brave sorceress sent all the soldiers to help
288:44 sorceress sent all the soldiers to help their comrades. Watching the departing
288:46 their comrades. Watching the departing soldiers, the young sorceress continued
288:48 soldiers, the young sorceress continued to doubt the wisdom of her decision. But
288:50 to doubt the wisdom of her decision. But now she needed to focus all her strength
288:52 now she needed to focus all her strength on rescuing the attacked squad.
288:54 on rescuing the attacked squad. Confident in her magical abilities, the
288:56 Confident in her magical abilities, the girl knew she could handle any ordinary
288:58 girl knew she could handle any ordinary enemy. But the encounter with the giants
289:00 enemy. But the encounter with the giants caused her serious concern. The
289:02 caused her serious concern. The observant herald noticed that the leader
289:04 observant herald noticed that the leader of the human army was left completely
289:06 of the human army was left completely alone, considered this an extremely
289:08 alone, considered this an extremely unwise decision, and began to silently
289:11 unwise decision, and began to silently descend for a surprise attack.
289:12 descend for a surprise attack. Inexperienced Cheryl made a serious
289:15 Inexperienced Cheryl made a serious mistake by underestimating the physical
289:16 mistake by underestimating the physical superiority of giants over humans. And
289:19 superiority of giants over humans. And the giant leader, Herald, possessed the
289:21 the giant leader, Herald, possessed the greatest strength among his kind. The
289:23 greatest strength among his kind. The young sorceress instantly realized the
289:25 young sorceress instantly realized the extraordinary speed of the giant's
289:26 extraordinary speed of the giant's movements as soon as their eyes met at
289:28 movements as soon as their eyes met at the start of the unequal battle. Cheryl
289:30 the start of the unequal battle. Cheryl fired a barrage of bright fireballs at
289:32 fired a barrage of bright fireballs at her rapidly approaching enemy, but none
289:34 her rapidly approaching enemy, but none of her magical strikes reached their
289:36 of her magical strikes reached their target. The desperate sorceress cast a
289:38 target. The desperate sorceress cast a particularly powerful fireball spell at
289:40 particularly powerful fireball spell at the giant, but even this strong magic
289:42 the giant, but even this strong magic proved useless, and the enemy got
289:43 proved useless, and the enemy got dangerously close. The frightened girl
289:46 dangerously close. The frightened girl tried to escape on her magical phoenix,
289:48 tried to escape on her magical phoenix, but the mighty giant managed to reach
289:49 but the mighty giant managed to reach her leg with his long arm and threw the
289:51 her leg with his long arm and threw the sorceress to the ground. Before the
289:53 sorceress to the ground. Before the decisive blow, Harold noted the youth of
289:56 decisive blow, Harold noted the youth of the enemy commander and suggested that
289:58 the enemy commander and suggested that the Duke had made a mistake in
289:59 the Duke had made a mistake in appointing an inexperienced mage to this
290:01 appointing an inexperienced mage to this important position. The brave Cheryl
290:03 important position. The brave Cheryl raised an angry gaze at the enemy and
290:05 raised an angry gaze at the enemy and firmly declared that the reason for her
290:07 firmly declared that the reason for her possible death would not be her choice.
290:10 possible death would not be her choice. But Harold's cruel decision to take her
290:12 But Harold's cruel decision to take her life. The unyielding giant remained
290:13 life. The unyielding giant remained indifferent to the girl's words, and
290:15 indifferent to the girl's words, and raising his huge battle axe, began to
290:17 raising his huge battle axe, began to recite a solemn prayer to his great god
290:19 recite a solemn prayer to his great god of warriors. The sudden appearance of a
290:21 of warriors. The sudden appearance of a mysterious warrior with a sword stopped
290:23 mysterious warrior with a sword stopped the giant's deadly blow at the last
290:25 the giant's deadly blow at the last moment, forcing the mighty enemy to
290:27 moment, forcing the mighty enemy to retreat several steps back. The brave
290:30 retreat several steps back. The brave Raml stood up to defend the surprised
290:31 Raml stood up to defend the surprised Cheryl. Realizing that searching for
290:34 Cheryl. Realizing that searching for Diana alone would be useless in the
290:36 Diana alone would be useless in the current situation, the experienced
290:38 current situation, the experienced warrior decided to trust his hope that
290:39 warrior decided to trust his hope that his beloved wife was still alive and
290:42 his beloved wife was still alive and focused all his strength on achieving
290:43 focused all his strength on achieving victory in this important battle. Raml
290:46 victory in this important battle. Raml asked the exhausted Cheryl to rest a
290:47 asked the exhausted Cheryl to rest a little and regain her strength, then
290:49 little and regain her strength, then confidently headed toward the giant
290:51 confidently headed toward the giant Gerald, promising to resolve the
290:52 Gerald, promising to resolve the problem. The impatient giant immediately
290:55 problem. The impatient giant immediately launched a swift attack, but the
290:57 launched a swift attack, but the experienced knight easily dealt with the
290:59 experienced knight easily dealt with the onslaught, and his body was suddenly
291:00 onslaught, and his body was suddenly enveloped in a mysterious magical glow.
291:03 enveloped in a mysterious magical glow. The nimble herald dodged another blow
291:05 The nimble herald dodged another blow and noted the apparent slowness of his
291:06 and noted the apparent slowness of his opponent's attacks, believing that a
291:08 opponent's attacks, believing that a simple sword could not bring victory to
291:10 simple sword could not bring victory to a human warrior. The overconfident giant
291:13 a human warrior. The overconfident giant realized his mistake too late when he
291:14 realized his mistake too late when he noticed a serious bleeding wound on his
291:16 noticed a serious bleeding wound on his own shoulder inflicted by the skilled
291:18 own shoulder inflicted by the skilled swordsman. Calm Raml maintained his
291:21 swordsman. Calm Raml maintained his confident fighting stance and explained
291:23 confident fighting stance and explained to his defeated enemy that all he needed
291:25 to his defeated enemy that all he needed to win was unwavering faith in his own
291:27 to win was unwavering faith in his own strength. The enraged giant attempted
291:30 strength. The enraged giant attempted another powerful blow, but Cheryl
291:32 another powerful blow, but Cheryl suddenly intervened and successfully
291:33 suddenly intervened and successfully knocked him off his feet with a precise
291:35 knocked him off his feet with a precise fire spell. Satisfied with her success,
291:38 fire spell. Satisfied with her success, the sorceress laughed wearily and
291:40 the sorceress laughed wearily and informed her defeated opponent that he
291:42 informed her defeated opponent that he had shown true stupidity in this battle.
291:44 had shown true stupidity in this battle. The wounded herald quickly assessed his
291:46 The wounded herald quickly assessed his dire situation with his damaged shoulder
291:48 dire situation with his damaged shoulder and the impossibility of fighting two
291:50 and the impossibility of fighting two experienced opponents. So he summoned
291:52 experienced opponents. So he summoned his faithful raven. The black raven
291:54 his faithful raven. The black raven soared high into the sky with an
291:56 soared high into the sky with an important message. After which all the
291:58 important message. After which all the remaining giants immediately began an
292:00 remaining giants immediately began an organized retreat following their
292:01 organized retreat following their leader. The retreating giant made a
292:03 leader. The retreating giant made a solemn promise to return and present the
292:05 solemn promise to return and present the souls of the brave Raml and the daring
292:08 souls of the brave Raml and the daring sorceress as a valuable gift to his
292:10 sorceress as a valuable gift to his powerful god. After the fierce battle
292:12 powerful god. After the fierce battle was over, a moved Raml met his beloved
292:14 was over, a moved Raml met his beloved wife and little son with tears of joy,
292:16 wife and little son with tears of joy, unable to believe his luck at seeing
292:18 unable to believe his luck at seeing them alive. The excited husband
292:20 them alive. The excited husband carefully examined his loved ones for
292:22 carefully examined his loved ones for possible injuries. While the calm Diana
292:25 possible injuries. While the calm Diana assured him that they were all well and
292:26 assured him that they were all well and asked about Rex's whereabouts, the
292:28 asked about Rex's whereabouts, the worried knight told his wife that Rex
292:30 worried knight told his wife that Rex must be safe in the kingdom. But she
292:32 must be safe in the kingdom. But she told him an amazing story that disproved
292:34 told him an amazing story that disproved this assumption. Diana recounted how at
292:37 this assumption. Diana recounted how at the critical moment when the giant was
292:38 the critical moment when the giant was about to deliver a fatal blow, Rex
292:41 about to deliver a fatal blow, Rex suddenly appeared and saved their lives
292:43 suddenly appeared and saved their lives by striking the enemy with his sharp
292:45 by striking the enemy with his sharp sword. The grateful woman insisted that
292:47 sword. The grateful woman insisted that despite the smoke obscuring the
292:49 despite the smoke obscuring the mysterious savior's face, she was
292:51 mysterious savior's face, she was absolutely certain that it was Rex who
292:52 absolutely certain that it was Rex who had come to their rescue. After saving
292:54 had come to their rescue. After saving their lives, the mysterious warrior
292:56 their lives, the mysterious warrior uttered a few words and quickly
292:58 uttered a few words and quickly departed, leaving a strange feeling of
293:00 departed, leaving a strange feeling of incompleteness in this amazing
293:02 incompleteness in this amazing encounter. Thoughtful, Rex stood at top
293:04 encounter. Thoughtful, Rex stood at top a high mountain, watching the castle
293:06 a high mountain, watching the castle almost completely destroyed by flames
293:08 almost completely destroyed by flames and remembering his important
293:10 and remembering his important conversation with the wise Aaron. The
293:12 conversation with the wise Aaron. The understanding hero listened carefully to
293:14 understanding hero listened carefully to all the explanations and gave Rex the
293:16 all the explanations and gave Rex the necessary permission to leave his post
293:18 necessary permission to leave his post to carry out an important task. The
293:20 to carry out an important task. The far-sighted Duke stopped the departing
293:22 far-sighted Duke stopped the departing warrior for a last piece of friendly
293:24 warrior for a last piece of friendly advice, asking him not to attach too
293:26 advice, asking him not to attach too much importance to his meeting with the
293:27 much importance to his meeting with the girl. The wise Aaron advised the
293:29 girl. The wise Aaron advised the embarrassed Rex to explain to the girl
293:31 embarrassed Rex to explain to the girl that his appearance was simply an order
293:33 that his appearance was simply an order from the Duke, who never left his
293:35 from the Duke, who never left his subjects without help. Lost in thought,
293:37 subjects without help. Lost in thought, Rex felt extremely embarrassed.
293:40 Rex felt extremely embarrassed. Realizing that even following the Duke's
293:42 Realizing that even following the Duke's advice to the letter had still led to an
293:44 advice to the letter had still led to an awkward situation, the alarmed Duke of
293:46 awkward situation, the alarmed Duke of Romania received extremely disturbing
293:48 Romania received extremely disturbing news of mass disobedience of his strict
293:50 news of mass disobedience of his strict orders and the beginning of a popular
293:52 orders and the beginning of a popular uprising. The short-sighted residents
293:54 uprising. The short-sighted residents openly expressed their dissatisfaction
293:56 openly expressed their dissatisfaction with the necessary measures to close the
293:58 with the necessary measures to close the city gates and through their reckless
294:01 city gates and through their reckless behavior exposed themselves to the
294:03 behavior exposed themselves to the danger of attack by cruel pirates. The
294:05 danger of attack by cruel pirates. The shocked Duke was deeply outraged by such
294:08 shocked Duke was deeply outraged by such short-sightedness on the part of the
294:09 short-sightedness on the part of the town's people, for all his strict
294:11 town's people, for all his strict measures were aimed solely at protecting
294:13 measures were aimed solely at protecting their own property. Attentive Arthur,
294:15 their own property. Attentive Arthur, noticing his ruler's confusion, offered
294:17 noticing his ruler's confusion, offered the wise suggestion that the absence of
294:19 the wise suggestion that the absence of anything of value to steal would force
294:21 anything of value to steal would force the pirates to leave. Although this plan
294:23 the pirates to leave. Although this plan had its drawbacks, the determined
294:25 had its drawbacks, the determined warrior suggested organizing a surprise
294:27 warrior suggested organizing a surprise attack on the pirate base since peaceful
294:30 attack on the pirate base since peaceful negotiations seemed useless and a
294:32 negotiations seemed useless and a surprise attack could completely destroy
294:34 surprise attack could completely destroy the enemy force. The experienced Duke
294:36 the enemy force. The experienced Duke recognized the wisdom of a counterattack
294:38 recognized the wisdom of a counterattack and decided to pretend to be a
294:40 and decided to pretend to be a consiliatory ruler, announcing to the
294:42 consiliatory ruler, announcing to the protesting residents that the city
294:44 protesting residents that the city harbor would be temporarily closed. The
294:46 harbor would be temporarily closed. The wise ruler promised his dissatisfied
294:48 wise ruler promised his dissatisfied subjects full reimbursement of all
294:50 subjects full reimbursement of all living expenses during the restrictions
294:52 living expenses during the restrictions to calm the angry people. The
294:53 to calm the angry people. The far-sighted Duke, sending Arthur to
294:55 far-sighted Duke, sending Arthur to carry out an important order, urged him
294:57 carry out an important order, urged him to remain vigilant throughout the period
294:59 to remain vigilant throughout the period of closure of the city port. The
295:01 of closure of the city port. The obedient Arthur took up his position in
295:03 obedient Arthur took up his position in front of his commander, preparing to
295:04 front of his commander, preparing to give the important signal of readiness
295:06 give the important signal of readiness to the other soldiers to begin the
295:08 to the other soldiers to begin the planned operation. The alarmed knight
295:10 planned operation. The alarmed knight was greatly surprised when the Duke
295:11 was greatly surprised when the Duke revealed his true plan, according to
295:13 revealed his true plan, according to which the two of them were to attack the
295:14 which the two of them were to attack the dangerous pirates. Determined, Aaron
295:17 dangerous pirates. Determined, Aaron closed the city port a few days later,
295:19 closed the city port a few days later, after which he and loyal Arthur secretly
295:21 after which he and loyal Arthur secretly boarded the pirate ship and set sail for
295:23 boarded the pirate ship and set sail for the Blue Hammer's hideout. Arthur was
295:25 the Blue Hammer's hideout. Arthur was stunned when he arrived on the island
295:28 stunned when he arrived on the island because instead of the expected pirate
295:29 because instead of the expected pirate settlement, he found many ordinary
295:31 settlement, he found many ordinary peaceful residents. The perceptive duke
295:34 peaceful residents. The perceptive duke also noticed the unexpected presence of
295:36 also noticed the unexpected presence of the peaceful population which
295:38 the peaceful population which significantly complicated his original
295:39 significantly complicated his original plan to destroy the sea robbers. The
295:42 plan to destroy the sea robbers. The thoughtful ruler had serious doubts
295:44 thoughtful ruler had serious doubts about the correctness of his plan due to
295:45 about the correctness of his plan due to the presence of civilians. Realizing the
295:48 the presence of civilians. Realizing the need to find a special solution for the
295:49 need to find a special solution for the local population, a sudden strange noise
295:52 local population, a sudden strange noise caught the attention of the Duke and his
295:54 caught the attention of the Duke and his loyal knight. After which the observant
295:56 loyal knight. After which the observant Arthur suggested that the sounds were
295:57 Arthur suggested that the sounds were coming from the construction of a new
295:59 coming from the construction of a new ship. The curious Duke took a keen
296:01 ship. The curious Duke took a keen interest in the construction of the new
296:02 interest in the construction of the new vessel, hoping either to win the pirates
296:05 vessel, hoping either to win the pirates over to his side or to commission them
296:06 over to his side or to commission them to build a powerful ship for his
296:08 to build a powerful ship for his travels. A vigilant local resident
296:10 travels. A vigilant local resident noticed the presence of the unfamiliar
296:12 noticed the presence of the unfamiliar Duke and Arthur and immediately demanded
296:14 Duke and Arthur and immediately demanded that the suspicious strangers explain
296:16 that the suspicious strangers explain the reason for their appearance on the
296:17 the reason for their appearance on the island. Arthur, who was worried, tried
296:20 island. Arthur, who was worried, tried to come up with a believable explanation
296:22 to come up with a believable explanation for their presence, but the wise Aaron
296:24 for their presence, but the wise Aaron realized that empty excuses wouldn't
296:26 realized that empty excuses wouldn't work in this situation. The determined
296:28 work in this situation. The determined Duke removed the bandanna from his head
296:30 Duke removed the bandanna from his head and loudly announced to the gathered
296:32 and loudly announced to the gathered crowd that Duke Aaron himself had
296:34 crowd that Duke Aaron himself had arrived for important negotiations.
296:36 arrived for important negotiations. Jacqueline, who was nearby, was not
296:38 Jacqueline, who was nearby, was not pleased and immediately reminded the
296:39 pleased and immediately reminded the uninvited guests of her firm refusal to
296:42 uninvited guests of her firm refusal to negotiate with any representatives of
296:43 negotiate with any representatives of the authorities. The resourceful Duke
296:45 the authorities. The resourceful Duke calmly responded to the hostile
296:47 calmly responded to the hostile reception and offered the pirates to
296:49 reception and offered the pirates to discuss alternative terms for a mutually
296:51 discuss alternative terms for a mutually beneficial agreement between the
296:52 beneficial agreement between the parties. The far-sighted ruler made the
296:55 parties. The far-sighted ruler made the pirates an attractive offer of a year's
296:57 pirates an attractive offer of a year's free entry into the port city in
296:58 free entry into the port city in exchange for a certain service. The
297:00 exchange for a certain service. The self-confident pirates demonstratively
297:02 self-confident pirates demonstratively rejected the Duke's offer, declaring
297:04 rejected the Duke's offer, declaring their complete independence and lack of
297:07 their complete independence and lack of food supply problems. The observant Duke
297:09 food supply problems. The observant Duke quickly recognized the pirates lie,
297:11 quickly recognized the pirates lie, noticing the unnaturally high prices of
297:13 noticing the unnaturally high prices of fish, meat, and alcoholic beverages,
297:15 fish, meat, and alcoholic beverages, indicating high demand. The attentive
297:18 indicating high demand. The attentive ruler also noted the complete absence of
297:20 ruler also noted the complete absence of drunk people that morning, which also
297:22 drunk people that morning, which also caught the attention of the puzzled
297:23 caught the attention of the puzzled Jacqueline and Miller. The determined
297:25 Jacqueline and Miller. The determined Duke took advantage of the moment of
297:26 Duke took advantage of the moment of confusion and declared the city a
297:28 confusion and declared the city a territory of Bran, backing up his words
297:31 territory of Bran, backing up his words with a threat to close the port or
297:32 with a threat to close the port or physically eliminate the pirates. The
297:34 physically eliminate the pirates. The hotheaded miller made a rash attack on
297:36 hotheaded miller made a rash attack on the Duke in the night, showering them
297:38 the Duke in the night, showering them with explosive powder and preparing a
297:40 with explosive powder and preparing a torch to set fire to the dangerous
297:42 torch to set fire to the dangerous substance. The level-headed Jacqueline
297:44 substance. The level-headed Jacqueline quickly stopped the reckless miller,
297:46 quickly stopped the reckless miller, dousing him with water and reminding him
297:48 dousing him with water and reminding him of the danger of an explosion to
297:50 of the danger of an explosion to everyone around them. The determined
297:51 everyone around them. The determined pirate leader stepped forward and asked
297:53 pirate leader stepped forward and asked the Duke directly about his true
297:54 the Duke directly about his true intentions and what service he wanted
297:56 intentions and what service he wanted from the sea robbers. The Duke's
297:58 from the sea robbers. The Duke's shocking demand to organize a pirate
298:00 shocking demand to organize a pirate attack on his own castle caused general
298:02 attack on his own castle caused general astonishment and particular horror among
298:04 astonishment and particular horror among the loyal Arthur. The determined Duke
298:06 the loyal Arthur. The determined Duke later arranged an important meeting with
298:08 later arranged an important meeting with the prince and Duke Gran to discuss his
298:10 the prince and Duke Gran to discuss his serious demands in detail. The confident
298:12 serious demands in detail. The confident prince explained to Gran Aaron's special
298:14 prince explained to Gran Aaron's special position, having received from the
298:16 position, having received from the emperor complete freedom of action in
298:18 emperor complete freedom of action in negotiations and in making independent
298:20 negotiations and in making independent decisions. The perceptive Duke noticed
298:22 decisions. The perceptive Duke noticed Gran's obvious discomfort and inability
298:24 Gran's obvious discomfort and inability to take active action, but he was
298:26 to take active action, but he was determined to achieve a positive outcome
298:28 determined to achieve a positive outcome in the negotiations. The business-like
298:30 in the negotiations. The business-like Aaron, wishing to save precious time,
298:33 Aaron, wishing to save precious time, informed Gran of his preliminary
298:35 informed Gran of his preliminary negotiations with the emperor and
298:36 negotiations with the emperor and suggested moving straight on to
298:38 suggested moving straight on to discussing the main issues. Grateful,
298:41 discussing the main issues. Grateful, Gran bowed to the Duke and expressed his
298:42 Gran bowed to the Duke and expressed his sincere gratitude for the medicine,
298:44 sincere gratitude for the medicine, which had indeed helped him recover
298:46 which had indeed helped him recover quickly. The calculating Aaron
298:48 quickly. The calculating Aaron understood that providing medicine was
298:50 understood that providing medicine was just a way to speed up the departure of
298:52 just a way to speed up the departure of unwanted guests from his domain. The
298:54 unwanted guests from his domain. The puzzled hero did not understand the true
298:56 puzzled hero did not understand the true motives behind the Duke's actions. But
298:58 motives behind the Duke's actions. But after formally expressing his gratitude,
299:00 after formally expressing his gratitude, Gran proposed to begin business
299:01 Gran proposed to begin business discussions. The stubborn Aaron began a
299:04 discussions. The stubborn Aaron began a heated argument, arguing the benefits of
299:06 heated argument, arguing the benefits of his offer of 200 million immediately in
299:08 his offer of 200 million immediately in service as commander until the remaining
299:10 service as commander until the remaining amount was paid. Concerned, Gran
299:13 amount was paid. Concerned, Gran expressed serious fears about the
299:14 expressed serious fears about the increased vulnerability of the brand
299:16 increased vulnerability of the brand territory after the breach of the Iron
299:18 territory after the breach of the Iron Barrier and the need to extend the term
299:21 Barrier and the need to extend the term of military service. The prudent Duke
299:23 of military service. The prudent Duke reminded him of the need for Imperial
299:25 reminded him of the need for Imperial support to strengthen the Iron Barrier
299:27 support to strengthen the Iron Barrier and establish an important naval base in
299:29 and establish an important naval base in the port city. The cautious Duke Gran
299:31 the port city. The cautious Duke Gran explained that the Iron Barrier belonged
299:33 explained that the Iron Barrier belonged to the Empire and promised support, but
299:35 to the Empire and promised support, but insisted that the new ruler resolved the
299:37 insisted that the new ruler resolved the pirate problem independently. The
299:39 pirate problem independently. The persistent Aaron pointed out that the
299:41 persistent Aaron pointed out that the city of Leto belonged to the crown and
299:43 city of Leto belonged to the crown and expressed bewilderment at the Empire's
299:45 expressed bewilderment at the Empire's strange disregard for the existing
299:46 strange disregard for the existing pirate threat. The evasive Gran
299:48 pirate threat. The evasive Gran acknowledged his awareness of the
299:50 acknowledged his awareness of the problem, but insisted on the
299:51 problem, but insisted on the responsibility of the local Duke,
299:54 responsibility of the local Duke, considering the damage caused by the
299:55 considering the damage caused by the pirates insufficient to justify the
299:57 pirates insufficient to justify the creation of a military base. The angry
300:00 creation of a military base. The angry Duke was deeply outraged by Gran's
300:02 Duke was deeply outraged by Gran's indifference to the serious security
300:03 indifference to the serious security problem facing the coastal territories.
300:05 problem facing the coastal territories. The impatient ruler was worried about
300:07 The impatient ruler was worried about the lack of the promised attack by
300:09 the lack of the promised attack by Jacqueline's ships, which should have
300:10 Jacqueline's ships, which should have already happened according to the
300:12 already happened according to the original plan. Tense Aaron, awaiting
300:14 original plan. Tense Aaron, awaiting help from Jquelin, persistently urged
300:16 help from Jquelin, persistently urged Gran to change his approach to the
300:18 Gran to change his approach to the negotiations in order to reach a
300:20 negotiations in order to reach a mutually beneficial agreement between
300:22 mutually beneficial agreement between the parties. The resolute Prince Philip
300:24 the parties. The resolute Prince Philip unexpectedly interrupted the protracted
300:26 unexpectedly interrupted the protracted dispute by throwing his sword between
300:28 dispute by throwing his sword between the arguing men and proposing to resolve
300:30 the arguing men and proposing to resolve the conflict in a fair duel. Alarmed,
300:33 the conflict in a fair duel. Alarmed, Gran showed obvious concern at the
300:34 Gran showed obvious concern at the prince's unexpected proposal. But Philip
300:37 prince's unexpected proposal. But Philip quickly reassured his agitated
300:38 quickly reassured his agitated interlocutor with his explanations. The
300:41 interlocutor with his explanations. The confident prince picked up the discarded
300:43 confident prince picked up the discarded sword and challenged Aaron to fight him
300:44 sword and challenged Aaron to fight him directly as the rightful heir to the
300:47 directly as the rightful heir to the imperial throne. The cautious Aaron
300:49 imperial throne. The cautious Aaron immediately bowed before the prince and
300:51 immediately bowed before the prince and tried to explain that such a duel was
300:53 tried to explain that such a duel was impossible according to the rules in
300:54 impossible according to the rules in force. The angry prince began to openly
300:57 force. The angry prince began to openly threatened the Duke with placing the
300:58 threatened the Duke with placing the kingdom of Rumine under the direct
301:00 kingdom of Rumine under the direct control of the empire if he resigned
301:02 control of the empire if he resigned from his position. Concerned, Duke Gran
301:04 from his position. Concerned, Duke Gran tried to calm the angry prince,
301:06 tried to calm the angry prince, reminding him of the existing imperial
301:08 reminding him of the existing imperial laws prohibiting unprovoked duels with
301:10 laws prohibiting unprovoked duels with dukes. The resourceful Philip calmly
301:12 dukes. The resourceful Philip calmly explained a simple solution to the
301:14 explained a simple solution to the problem, suggesting that a plausible
301:16 problem, suggesting that a plausible legend be created about an attack by a
301:18 legend be created about an attack by a northern giant on a loyal subject of the
301:20 northern giant on a loyal subject of the country. The inventive prince continued
301:22 country. The inventive prince continued to develop the story, according to which
301:24 to develop the story, according to which Duke Gran had been mysteriously killed
301:26 Duke Gran had been mysteriously killed while undergoing treatment at the Bran
301:28 while undergoing treatment at the Bran estate. The cunning heir to the throne
301:30 estate. The cunning heir to the throne unambiguously hinted to both of his
301:32 unambiguously hinted to both of his interlocutors at the possibility of
301:34 interlocutors at the possibility of their elimination, for which he would
301:35 their elimination, for which he would easily find a suitable explanation.
301:38 easily find a suitable explanation. Cornered, the Duke realized he had no
301:40 Cornered, the Duke realized he had no choice and drew his trusty sword for the
301:42 choice and drew his trusty sword for the inevitable duel. Eager to entertain the
301:44 inevitable duel. Eager to entertain the noble prince. Confident Philip announced
301:47 noble prince. Confident Philip announced the terms of the duel, promising the
301:49 the terms of the duel, promising the winner 300 million command of the region
301:51 winner 300 million command of the region until the threat was eliminated and
301:53 until the threat was eliminated and support for the construction of a
301:54 support for the construction of a military base. The cautious Duke tried
301:57 military base. The cautious Duke tried to negotiate a reduction in the term of
301:58 to negotiate a reduction in the term of service, but received only an
302:00 service, but received only an indifferent smile from the prince and an
302:02 indifferent smile from the prince and an offer to discuss the matter with Duke
302:04 offer to discuss the matter with Duke Gran. The impatient prince, wasting no
302:07 Gran. The impatient prince, wasting no time on further conversation, rose
302:09 time on further conversation, rose decisively with his sword in his hands
302:11 decisively with his sword in his hands to begin a serious duel. The experienced
302:13 to begin a serious duel. The experienced Duke, parrying his opponent's powerful
302:15 Duke, parrying his opponent's powerful attack, instantly assessed the prince's
302:17 attack, instantly assessed the prince's incredible strength and was forced to
302:19 incredible strength and was forced to constantly dodge his swift blows.
302:22 constantly dodge his swift blows. Exhausted, Aaron could not avoid his
302:24 Exhausted, Aaron could not avoid his opponent's attacks indefinitely and
302:25 opponent's attacks indefinitely and missed a serious blow. While Philip,
302:28 missed a serious blow. While Philip, puzzled, wondered why he was not meeting
302:30 puzzled, wondered why he was not meeting any worthy resistance. The irritated
302:32 any worthy resistance. The irritated Duke only smiled bitterly in response,
302:35 Duke only smiled bitterly in response, surprised by the prince's inability to
302:37 surprised by the prince's inability to notice his sincere efforts in this
302:38 notice his sincere efforts in this unequal duel. The determined warrior had
302:41 unequal duel. The determined warrior had trained hard to build his strength after
302:42 trained hard to build his strength after the last battle, but he had never before
302:45 the last battle, but he had never before engaged in deadly combat with people who
302:47 engaged in deadly combat with people who were not his enemies. The skilled
302:49 were not his enemies. The skilled swordsman had previously relied on
302:51 swordsman had previously relied on imperial combat techniques and the
302:53 imperial combat techniques and the blessing of a dragon to achieve victory.
302:55 blessing of a dragon to achieve victory. Having had insufficient time to perfect
302:57 Having had insufficient time to perfect his skills, the experienced Duke found
302:59 his skills, the experienced Duke found himself in a difficult situation against
303:01 himself in a difficult situation against the crown prince. With his only option
303:03 the crown prince. With his only option being to block his opponent's relentless
303:05 being to block his opponent's relentless attacks. Disappointed and losing
303:07 attacks. Disappointed and losing interest in the protracted duel, the
303:09 interest in the protracted duel, the prince suddenly activated his sword's
303:11 prince suddenly activated his sword's energy and swiftly attacked the Duke,
303:13 energy and swiftly attacked the Duke, demanding that he show his true
303:14 demanding that he show his true strength. Shocked, Aaron suddenly
303:16 strength. Shocked, Aaron suddenly realized that the perceptive Philip had
303:18 realized that the perceptive Philip had probably been watching his last battle
303:20 probably been watching his last battle with the pirates and had uncovered his
303:22 with the pirates and had uncovered his important secret. The formidable prince,
303:24 important secret. The formidable prince, looking his opponent straight in the
303:25 looking his opponent straight in the eye, unequivocally ordered the Duke to
303:27 eye, unequivocally ordered the Duke to demonstrate the energy of his sword
303:29 demonstrate the energy of his sword under threat of immediate and deadly
303:31 under threat of immediate and deadly punishment. The enraged heir prepared to
303:33 punishment. The enraged heir prepared to deliver a fatal blow to the Duke,
303:35 deliver a fatal blow to the Duke, prompting the alarmed Gran to intervene
303:37 prompting the alarmed Gran to intervene with a desperate plea to stop the duel.
303:39 with a desperate plea to stop the duel. The determined Aaron gathered all his
303:41 The determined Aaron gathered all his strength to deliver the third blow of
303:43 strength to deliver the third blow of his sword's energy, but was unable to
303:45 his sword's energy, but was unable to complete the move due to an unexpected
303:47 complete the move due to an unexpected fiery explosion nearby. True to their
303:49 fiery explosion nearby. True to their word, the pirates launched an all-out
303:51 word, the pirates launched an all-out attack on the building. With the
303:52 attack on the building. With the confident Miller loudly boasting about
303:54 confident Miller loudly boasting about his impressive fireworks, the perceptive
303:57 his impressive fireworks, the perceptive Duke, observing the pirates actions,
303:59 Duke, observing the pirates actions, surmised that their sudden attack was
304:01 surmised that their sudden attack was revenge for the recent sinking of their
304:03 revenge for the recent sinking of their ship. Aaron, noticing the right moment,
304:05 ship. Aaron, noticing the right moment, activated the bright energy in his
304:07 activated the bright energy in his damaged sword and rushed toward the
304:08 damaged sword and rushed toward the confident prince. At the decisive moment
304:11 confident prince. At the decisive moment of the attack, the Duke was just a few
304:13 of the attack, the Duke was just a few centimeters short of seriously wounding
304:15 centimeters short of seriously wounding his arrogant opponent due to his broken
304:17 his arrogant opponent due to his broken blade. After his failed attempt, the
304:20 blade. After his failed attempt, the Duke made a faint with his sword toward
304:21 Duke made a faint with his sword toward the pirate ships and loudly threatened
304:23 the pirate ships and loudly threatened the sea robbers with the complete
304:25 the sea robbers with the complete destruction of their fleet. Miller
304:26 destruction of their fleet. Miller immediately turned to his leader with
304:28 immediately turned to his leader with obvious confusion, reminding her that
304:30 obvious confusion, reminding her that their agreement did not include a clause
304:32 their agreement did not include a clause about tolerating threats and insults. At
304:34 about tolerating threats and insults. At that moment, Jacquine completely ignored
304:37 that moment, Jacquine completely ignored her assistant's words, carefully
304:38 her assistant's words, carefully observing the young Duke's mysterious
304:40 observing the young Duke's mysterious guests through her spy glass. Seeing an
304:42 guests through her spy glass. Seeing an excellent opportunity for a new attack,
304:45 excellent opportunity for a new attack, Miller prepared his weapon. But
304:46 Miller prepared his weapon. But Jacqueline unexpectedly ordered all the
304:48 Jacqueline unexpectedly ordered all the pirates to retreat immediately. After
304:50 pirates to retreat immediately. After the retreat, Jacqueline mechanically
304:52 the retreat, Jacqueline mechanically rubbed her sore hand, remembering the
304:54 rubbed her sore hand, remembering the hateful face of her old enemy,
304:56 hateful face of her old enemy, Philillip, who had brought so much grief
304:58 Philillip, who had brought so much grief to her family. After the battle ended,
305:00 to her family. After the battle ended, the Duke immediately knelt before the
305:02 the Duke immediately knelt before the prince, acknowledging defeat and
305:04 prince, acknowledging defeat and expressing his willingness to comply
305:05 expressing his willingness to comply with any conditions the victor might
305:07 with any conditions the victor might impose. Philip, pleased with the prudent
305:09 impose. Philip, pleased with the prudent decision of his defeated enemy,
305:11 decision of his defeated enemy, appointed him commander of the
305:12 appointed him commander of the northeastern region until the threat was
305:14 northeastern region until the threat was completely eliminated. Deep down, Aaron
305:17 completely eliminated. Deep down, Aaron bitterly reproached himself for agreeing
305:18 bitterly reproached himself for agreeing to this dangerous duel, which had
305:20 to this dangerous duel, which had allowed the enemy to learn of the
305:22 allowed the enemy to learn of the existence of the sword's energy and gain
305:24 existence of the sword's energy and gain complete control. To Aaron's surprise,
305:26 complete control. To Aaron's surprise, the prince expressed his support for the
305:28 the prince expressed his support for the construction of a naval base to defend
305:30 construction of a naval base to defend the coastal territories from attacks.
305:32 the coastal territories from attacks. After careful consideration, Philip
305:35 After careful consideration, Philip recognized the seriousness of the pirate
305:37 recognized the seriousness of the pirate threat and decided to support the
305:38 threat and decided to support the strategic plans of the experienced
305:40 strategic plans of the experienced military leader. Deep down, the prince
305:42 military leader. Deep down, the prince understood the Duke's pretense, but
305:44 understood the Duke's pretense, but decided to allow him to carry out some
305:46 decided to allow him to carry out some of his plans after he demonstrated the
305:48 of his plans after he demonstrated the necessary abilities. On the way home,
305:51 necessary abilities. On the way home, Philip's thoughts kept returning to the
305:53 Philip's thoughts kept returning to the amazing energy the Duke had shown at the
305:55 amazing energy the Duke had shown at the decisive moment of their tense duel. In
305:57 decisive moment of their tense duel. In the privacy of his chambers, the prince
305:59 the privacy of his chambers, the prince made a tremendous effort to replicate
306:01 made a tremendous effort to replicate the technique he had seen with a combat
306:02 the technique he had seen with a combat knife. After numerous unsuccessful
306:05 knife. After numerous unsuccessful attempts, Philip burst into hysterical
306:07 attempts, Philip burst into hysterical laughter when his efforts produced only
306:08 laughter when his efforts produced only a faint flicker of energy from the
306:10 a faint flicker of energy from the blade. After a week of tense
306:12 blade. After a week of tense negotiations, the territory of Bran
306:14 negotiations, the territory of Bran officially became part of the vast
306:16 officially became part of the vast kingdom of Rumin. In search of new
306:18 kingdom of Rumin. In search of new allies, Aaron set off for a pirate
306:20 allies, Aaron set off for a pirate island with supplies of food and offers
306:21 island with supplies of food and offers of peace. Upon seeing the Duke,
306:24 of peace. Upon seeing the Duke, Jacqueline immediately ordered that all
306:25 Jacqueline immediately ordered that all the food be destroyed as a sign of open
306:27 the food be destroyed as a sign of open defiance. In a fit of rage, the pirate
306:30 defiance. In a fit of rage, the pirate leader lashed out at the Duke for
306:31 leader lashed out at the Duke for concealing his true intentions and
306:33 concealing his true intentions and important details of his strategic plan.
306:35 important details of his strategic plan. After witnessing the meeting with the
306:36 After witnessing the meeting with the prince, Jacqueline flew into a rage and
306:39 prince, Jacqueline flew into a rage and demanded an explanation for Philip's
306:40 demanded an explanation for Philip's collaboration with Aaron. At the mention
306:42 collaboration with Aaron. At the mention of the prince's name, Miller instantly
306:44 of the prince's name, Miller instantly lost his composure as his past was
306:47 lost his composure as his past was closely intertwined with the history of
306:48 closely intertwined with the history of the royal family. At this tense moment,
306:51 the royal family. At this tense moment, a sharp phantom pain shot through the
306:53 a sharp phantom pain shot through the girl's arm, bringing back painful
306:55 girl's arm, bringing back painful memories of events from years past.
306:57 memories of events from years past. Jacqueline remembered the moment when
306:58 Jacqueline remembered the moment when Philip wounded her and coldly declared
307:00 Philip wounded her and coldly declared that she would inevitably pay for her
307:02 that she would inevitably pay for her sins. On the brink of death, the young
307:04 sins. On the brink of death, the young girl wept in despair, unable to
307:06 girl wept in despair, unable to understand the reasons for the brutal
307:08 understand the reasons for the brutal massacre of all the members of her
307:10 massacre of all the members of her innocent family. With icy calm, Philip
307:12 innocent family. With icy calm, Philip explained that the mark on Jacqueline's
307:14 explained that the mark on Jacqueline's hand was irrefutable proof of their
307:16 hand was irrefutable proof of their family's betrayal. In the difficult
307:18 family's betrayal. In the difficult times of 5 years ago, the Empire set an
307:20 times of 5 years ago, the Empire set an ambitious goal of conquering the West by
307:22 ambitious goal of conquering the West by creating a huge military fleet. Due to
307:25 creating a huge military fleet. Due to their inexperience and arrogance, the
307:27 their inexperience and arrogance, the young aristocrats ignored the wise
307:29 young aristocrats ignored the wise advice of their military leaders and
307:31 advice of their military leaders and lost almost the entire fleet in an
307:33 lost almost the entire fleet in an unequal battle. After the crushing
307:35 unequal battle. After the crushing defeat, those responsible for the
307:36 defeat, those responsible for the disaster shifted all the blame onto
307:38 disaster shifted all the blame onto Admiral Miller, who possessed dangerous
307:40 Admiral Miller, who possessed dangerous information about their miscalculations.
307:43 information about their miscalculations. To conceal the shameful truth,
307:45 To conceal the shameful truth, high-ranking conspirators accused Miller
307:47 high-ranking conspirators accused Miller and his loyal subordinates of secretly
307:48 and his loyal subordinates of secretly colluding with the enemy. At the
307:50 colluding with the enemy. At the beginning of his reign, the young Prince
307:52 beginning of his reign, the young Prince Philip ruthlessly dealt with all of
307:54 Philip ruthlessly dealt with all of Admiral Miller's subordinates and their
307:55 Admiral Miller's subordinates and their families. Before their supposed
307:57 families. Before their supposed execution, the prince gave a monstrous
307:59 execution, the prince gave a monstrous order not to remove the bodies of those
308:01 order not to remove the bodies of those executed with special markings, planning
308:04 executed with special markings, planning to feed their remains to animals. At the
308:06 to feed their remains to animals. At the moment of her inevitable death, the
308:08 moment of her inevitable death, the exhausted girl was unable to resist the
308:10 exhausted girl was unable to resist the sword raised to strike her and humbly
308:12 sword raised to strike her and humbly accepted her fate. In the last moment
308:14 accepted her fate. In the last moment before the fatal blow, an unknown
308:16 before the fatal blow, an unknown horseman rushed through the flames of
308:18 horseman rushed through the flames of the fire, picked up the girl, and rode
308:20 the fire, picked up the girl, and rode away from her pursuers. After these
308:22 away from her pursuers. After these painful memories, Jacqueline's anger
308:24 painful memories, Jacqueline's anger only intensified, and she demanded that
308:26 only intensified, and she demanded that the Duke give her a truthful explanation
308:28 the Duke give her a truthful explanation of his secret plans with the prince. In
308:30 of his secret plans with the prince. In the midst of the tense conversation, Rex
308:32 the midst of the tense conversation, Rex ran to the scene, offered his help, and
308:35 ran to the scene, offered his help, and greeted Jacquine, whom he had known for
308:37 greeted Jacquine, whom he had known for a long time with joy. The angry pirate
308:39 a long time with joy. The angry pirate leader responded to the friendly
308:41 leader responded to the friendly greeting with a puzzled look, not
308:43 greeting with a puzzled look, not recognizing the young man in front of
308:44 recognizing the young man in front of her. Understanding the girl's
308:46 her. Understanding the girl's forgetfulness, Rex covered his face in
308:48 forgetfulness, Rex covered his face in the same way as on the day of their
308:50 the same way as on the day of their first meeting, and gently asked her who
308:52 first meeting, and gently asked her who he was. At that crucial moment, Miller
308:54 he was. At that crucial moment, Miller suddenly recognized his savior.
308:56 suddenly recognized his savior. Remembering the dramatic events of the
308:58 Remembering the dramatic events of the day when young Jacqueline was rescued
309:00 day when young Jacqueline was rescued from certain death. After rescuing the
309:02 from certain death. After rescuing the girl, Rex carefully handed her over to
309:04 girl, Rex carefully handed her over to the frightened Miller, who was
309:06 the frightened Miller, who was desperately trying to revive her. When
309:08 desperately trying to revive her. When the first signs of life appeared, the
309:10 the first signs of life appeared, the moved Miller could not hold back tears
309:11 moved Miller could not hold back tears of joy. Realizing the miraculous rescue
309:14 of joy. Realizing the miraculous rescue of Jacqueline from a brutal murder with
309:16 of Jacqueline from a brutal murder with unexpected directness, Rex reminded
309:19 unexpected directness, Rex reminded Miller of his status as a mercenary and
309:21 Miller of his status as a mercenary and demanded a decent reward for saving the
309:23 demanded a decent reward for saving the young girl. Seeing the plight of the
309:24 young girl. Seeing the plight of the rescued people, the noble mercenary
309:26 rescued people, the noble mercenary thought about how to soften the terms of
309:28 thought about how to soften the terms of payment for his help. To confirm his
309:30 payment for his help. To confirm his intentions, Rex showed them a special
309:32 intentions, Rex showed them a special pair of glasses and warned them that he
309:34 pair of glasses and warned them that he would inevitably return to collect his
309:35 would inevitably return to collect his debt with interest. In a burst of
309:37 debt with interest. In a burst of gratitude, Miller promised to fulfill
309:39 gratitude, Miller promised to fulfill any wish of the mercenary upon his
309:41 any wish of the mercenary upon his return and provide everything he needed
309:43 return and provide everything he needed without restriction. Rex reacted with
309:46 without restriction. Rex reacted with skepticism to such a frivolous promise.
309:48 skepticism to such a frivolous promise. But Miller backed up his words with a
309:50 But Miller backed up his words with a solemn oath on his own life. When they
309:52 solemn oath on his own life. When they met again many years later, the aged
309:54 met again many years later, the aged miller instantly remembered his promise
309:56 miller instantly remembered his promise and begged Rex not to make any demands
309:58 and begged Rex not to make any demands on the current captain. With a
310:00 on the current captain. With a mysterious smile, Rex asked for the
310:02 mysterious smile, Rex asked for the parchment and sharp scissors he needed
310:03 parchment and sharp scissors he needed for his work. The unexpected request for
310:06 for his work. The unexpected request for tools caused genuine astonishment to
310:08 tools caused genuine astonishment to appear on the old pirates's face. In
310:10 appear on the old pirates's face. In response to his interlocutor's
310:11 response to his interlocutor's confusion, Rex smiled and reminded him
310:14 confusion, Rex smiled and reminded him of a promise he had once made to fulfill
310:16 of a promise he had once made to fulfill any of his demands without objection.
310:18 any of his demands without objection. Thanks to Rex's unexpected intervention,
310:21 Thanks to Rex's unexpected intervention, who had once saved the life of the brave
310:23 who had once saved the life of the brave Jacqueline, the waring parties were
310:25 Jacqueline, the waring parties were finally able to overcome their
310:26 finally able to overcome their differences and sign the long- awaited
310:28 differences and sign the long- awaited peace agreements. On a quiet, starry
310:30 peace agreements. On a quiet, starry night, Jacqueline sat with the Duke on
310:32 night, Jacqueline sat with the Duke on an old wooden pier and watched her
310:34 an old wooden pier and watched her pirates joyfully celebrate the
310:36 pirates joyfully celebrate the successful conclusion of the long
310:37 successful conclusion of the long negotiations. Jacqueline thoughtfully
310:39 negotiations. Jacqueline thoughtfully shared her thoughts about the uncertain
310:41 shared her thoughts about the uncertain future with the Duke, admitting that she
310:43 future with the Duke, admitting that she did not know what to do next. But
310:45 did not know what to do next. But looking at the joyful mood of the crew,
310:47 looking at the joyful mood of the crew, she understood their desire to take
310:49 she understood their desire to take revenge on the prince. The Duke suddenly
310:51 revenge on the prince. The Duke suddenly remembered his main enemy, the emperor,
310:53 remembered his main enemy, the emperor, and decided to offer Jacqueline an
310:55 and decided to offer Jacqueline an alliance for mutual assistance.
310:57 alliance for mutual assistance. Realizing that together they could
310:59 Realizing that together they could achieve much more in their struggle,
311:01 achieve much more in their struggle, Jacqueline listened carefully to the
311:02 Jacqueline listened carefully to the Duke's proposal for joint revenge
311:04 Duke's proposal for joint revenge against their enemies and saw in it an
311:06 against their enemies and saw in it an excellent opportunity to strengthen the
311:08 excellent opportunity to strengthen the positions of both sides in the upcoming
311:10 positions of both sides in the upcoming struggle. The pirate captain pondered
311:12 struggle. The pirate captain pondered the Duke's lucrative offer of
311:13 the Duke's lucrative offer of cooperation, but she was troubled by the
311:16 cooperation, but she was troubled by the thought of how exactly she could be
311:17 thought of how exactly she could be useful in this risky alliance. The Duke
311:19 useful in this risky alliance. The Duke convincingly explained to Jacqueline
311:21 convincingly explained to Jacqueline that together they would be much
311:23 that together they would be much stronger than alone, pointing to her
311:25 stronger than alone, pointing to her magnificent ship as proof of her
311:26 magnificent ship as proof of her considerable power and influence. After
311:28 considerable power and influence. After a month of difficult negotiations with
311:30 a month of difficult negotiations with the pirates, Aaron finally took command
311:33 the pirates, Aaron finally took command of all the military forces in the region
311:35 of all the military forces in the region and began actively preparing to fulfill
311:37 and began actively preparing to fulfill his duties. The Duke immediately sent
311:39 his duties. The Duke immediately sent all the troops under his command to the
311:41 all the troops under his command to the Iron Wall to strengthen the defenses of
311:43 Iron Wall to strengthen the defenses of the northeastern borders and ensure the
311:45 the northeastern borders and ensure the reliable protection of the territories
311:46 reliable protection of the territories entrusted to him. The giants noticed the
311:49 entrusted to him. The giants noticed the approach of a new threat with alarm when
311:51 approach of a new threat with alarm when instead of the usual human warriors,
311:53 instead of the usual human warriors, their walls began to be attacked by
311:54 their walls began to be attacked by countless hordes of reanimated
311:56 countless hordes of reanimated skeletons. It became clear to all the
311:58 skeletons. It became clear to all the defenders of the fortress that this
312:00 defenders of the fortress that this unusual army of the undead had appeared
312:03 unusual army of the undead had appeared thanks to the dark magic of a
312:04 thanks to the dark magic of a necromancer who had arrived with the new
312:06 necromancer who had arrived with the new duke of these lands. The giants
312:08 duke of these lands. The giants understood the special importance of
312:10 understood the special importance of capturing the sorceress Cheryl and the
312:12 capturing the sorceress Cheryl and the knight Raml who were accompanying the
312:14 knight Raml who were accompanying the Duke as their capture could
312:15 Duke as their capture could significantly influence the outcome of
312:17 significantly influence the outcome of the upcoming battle. The alarmed
312:19 the upcoming battle. The alarmed warriors informed the enraged Haroldson
312:21 warriors informed the enraged Haroldson that the giants could no longer hold
312:23 that the giants could no longer hold back the enemy's relentless attacks and
312:25 back the enemy's relentless attacks and asked for permission to leave the
312:27 asked for permission to leave the fortress pending further instructions.
312:29 fortress pending further instructions. Consumed with rage, Herold seized the
312:31 Consumed with rage, Herold seized the frightened giant and roared that 30
312:33 frightened giant and roared that 30 years of waiting for this moment was too
312:35 years of waiting for this moment was too long to simply give the castle to the
312:37 long to simply give the castle to the enemy. The loyal servant tried to
312:39 enemy. The loyal servant tried to explain to his enraged master that
312:40 explain to his enraged master that retreating now would help preserve their
312:42 retreating now would help preserve their strength for future battles and avoid
312:44 strength for future battles and avoid unnecessary losses. Harold flew into an
312:47 unnecessary losses. Harold flew into an indescribable rage at the suggestion of
312:49 indescribable rage at the suggestion of surrendering the fortress and declared
312:51 surrendering the fortress and declared that the loss of this strategically
312:52 that the loss of this strategically important castle would be worse than
312:54 important castle would be worse than death itself. Duke Aaron addressed the
312:56 death itself. Duke Aaron addressed the besieged giants resolutely and explained
312:58 besieged giants resolutely and explained clearly that their defeat was
313:00 clearly that their defeat was inevitable, but that he sincerely wanted
313:02 inevitable, but that he sincerely wanted to avoid unnecessary casualties in this
313:04 to avoid unnecessary casualties in this battle. Aaron offered Haroldson an
313:06 battle. Aaron offered Haroldson an honorable surrender that would spare the
313:08 honorable surrender that would spare the lives of his warriors, but the leader of
313:10 lives of his warriors, but the leader of the giants categorically rejected this
313:12 the giants categorically rejected this opportunity. Through the thick
313:14 opportunity. Through the thick snowstorm, Harold could not see his
313:16 snowstorm, Harold could not see his opponent and loudly demanded that the
313:18 opponent and loudly demanded that the cowardly enemy show himself and stop
313:20 cowardly enemy show himself and stop hiding from his gaze. The Duke
313:21 hiding from his gaze. The Duke immediately took a burning torch from
313:23 immediately took a burning torch from Raml and raising it high above his head,
313:25 Raml and raising it high above his head, illuminated his face, demonstrating his
313:28 illuminated his face, demonstrating his readiness to meet his enemy face to
313:29 readiness to meet his enemy face to face. Before the decisive battle with
313:31 face. Before the decisive battle with the giants, the Duke gathered Raml and
313:34 the giants, the Duke gathered Raml and Cheryl, who had experience fighting
313:35 Cheryl, who had experience fighting these creatures, to discuss the details
313:37 these creatures, to discuss the details of the upcoming battle. Raml shared
313:39 of the upcoming battle. Raml shared intelligence that there were
313:40 intelligence that there were approximately 500 giants in the northern
313:43 approximately 500 giants in the northern fortress, although their numbers may
313:45 fortress, although their numbers may have been reduced due to previous
313:46 have been reduced due to previous battles. The Duke listened with
313:48 battles. The Duke listened with disbelief to the information about how
313:50 disbelief to the information about how Gerald had managed to capture the
313:51 Gerald had managed to capture the stronghold with only a thousand
313:53 stronghold with only a thousand warriors. But Cheryl confirmed the
313:55 warriors. But Cheryl confirmed the reality of this success. Cheryl
313:57 reality of this success. Cheryl described in detail the incredible
313:59 described in detail the incredible physical strength of the northern giants
314:01 physical strength of the northern giants who, even without weapons or magic, far
314:04 who, even without weapons or magic, far surpassed the capabilities of ordinary
314:06 surpassed the capabilities of ordinary people. The girl convincingly explained
314:08 people. The girl convincingly explained to everyone present that the speed and
314:10 to everyone present that the speed and power of the giants were far beyond
314:11 power of the giants were far beyond human capabilities and should not be
314:13 human capabilities and should not be underestimated. Raml fully supported
314:16 underestimated. Raml fully supported Cheryl's words and acknowledged that
314:18 Cheryl's words and acknowledged that only the giants's arrogance had allowed
314:19 only the giants's arrogance had allowed her and the girl to survive their last
314:21 her and the girl to survive their last encounter with them. The military
314:23 encounter with them. The military leaders were seriously concerned by the
314:25 leaders were seriously concerned by the fact that a small group of giants had
314:27 fact that a small group of giants had managed to capture a well-fortified
314:28 managed to capture a well-fortified fortress and defeat such strong warriors
314:31 fortress and defeat such strong warriors as Cheryl and Raml. Cheryl noted with
314:33 as Cheryl and Raml. Cheryl noted with concern that as long as the threat from
314:35 concern that as long as the threat from the north remained, their presence in
314:37 the north remained, their presence in the region was necessary and that magic
314:39 the region was necessary and that magic was ineffective against the giants, who
314:41 was ineffective against the giants, who were able to recover quickly. Suddenly,
314:43 were able to recover quickly. Suddenly, an important thought struck the Duke,
314:45 an important thought struck the Duke, and he immediately ordered Elellanena to
314:47 and he immediately ordered Elellanena to be brought to him to discuss a new
314:49 be brought to him to discuss a new research project in the castle's
314:50 research project in the castle's underground laboratories. Aaron devised
314:52 underground laboratories. Aaron devised a clever plan to use the huge monsters
314:54 a clever plan to use the huge monsters to counter the northern giants. While
314:56 to counter the northern giants. While taking care not to damage the fortress's
314:58 taking care not to damage the fortress's important defensive fortifications, the
315:00 important defensive fortifications, the command decided to use the successful
315:02 command decided to use the successful strategies of past battles to finally
315:04 strategies of past battles to finally eliminate the northern threat and pacify
315:06 eliminate the northern threat and pacify the warlike giants. An enraged giant
315:09 the warlike giants. An enraged giant suddenly lunged at the Duke with a huge
315:11 suddenly lunged at the Duke with a huge battle axe, but Aaron, thanks to his
315:13 battle axe, but Aaron, thanks to his experience, managed to successfully
315:15 experience, managed to successfully repel the enemy's swift attack. The
315:17 repel the enemy's swift attack. The giant leader flew into a rage at the
315:19 giant leader flew into a rage at the Duke's arrogance, who dared to challenge
315:20 Duke's arrogance, who dared to challenge him after victory had already been won
315:22 him after victory had already been won by the giant army. The Duke confidently
315:24 by the giant army. The Duke confidently told the giant that his warriors were
315:26 told the giant that his warriors were not yet defeated and that using the
315:28 not yet defeated and that using the magic sword would definitely lead to the
315:30 magic sword would definitely lead to the death of all the giants left alive.
315:32 death of all the giants left alive. Aaron decided to show respect for
315:34 Aaron decided to show respect for Haroldson's military achievements and
315:36 Haroldson's military achievements and offered him a quick death in a fair
315:38 offered him a quick death in a fair fight as a sign of recognition of his
315:40 fight as a sign of recognition of his military accomplishments. Carefully
315:42 military accomplishments. Carefully watching his opponent's movements, the
315:44 watching his opponent's movements, the Duke noticed a striking similarity
315:46 Duke noticed a striking similarity between Herold's fighting style and the
315:48 between Herold's fighting style and the techniques used by Knight Raml in
315:49 techniques used by Knight Raml in training. Confident in his superiority,
315:52 training. Confident in his superiority, the giant decided to end the fight with
315:54 the giant decided to end the fight with one crushing blow and hurled his battle
315:56 one crushing blow and hurled his battle axe at the Duke with tremendous force.
315:58 axe at the Duke with tremendous force. Harold attempted to deceive his
316:00 Harold attempted to deceive his opponent, using the throne ax as a
316:02 opponent, using the throne ax as a diversionary tactic to get behind the
316:04 diversionary tactic to get behind the Duke and deliver a decisive blow with
316:05 Duke and deliver a decisive blow with his weapon. Aaron masterfully
316:07 his weapon. Aaron masterfully anticipated the giant's treacherous
316:09 anticipated the giant's treacherous plan, and using a combination of magical
316:11 plan, and using a combination of magical blessings and combat skills, easily
316:13 blessings and combat skills, easily dodged the deadly attack. Enraged by his
316:16 dodged the deadly attack. Enraged by his failure, Harold intensified his attack
316:18 failure, Harold intensified his attack and began to strike with increasing
316:20 and began to strike with increasing force, forcing the Duke to constantly
316:22 force, forcing the Duke to constantly dodge and look for an opportunity to
316:24 dodge and look for an opportunity to counterattack. During the fierce battle,
316:26 counterattack. During the fierce battle, the Duke remembered the grueling
316:28 the Duke remembered the grueling training sessions with Raml, who had
316:30 training sessions with Raml, who had asked his master to moderate his
316:31 asked his master to moderate his enthusiasm and not overexert himself
316:34 enthusiasm and not overexert himself during practice. The Duke persisted with
316:36 during practice. The Duke persisted with the grueling training despite the blows
316:38 the grueling training despite the blows he took and the pain, demanding that
316:40 he took and the pain, demanding that Raml maintain the maximum intensity of
316:42 Raml maintain the maximum intensity of the training fights. The participants in
316:44 the training fights. The participants in the training fight were surprised to
316:45 the training fight were surprised to notice that ordinary stones began to
316:47 notice that ordinary stones began to glow with a strange light during Raml's
316:49 glow with a strange light during Raml's attacks on his master. Thanks to regular
316:52 attacks on his master. Thanks to regular training with Prince Philip, the Duke
316:53 training with Prince Philip, the Duke significantly increased his speed and
316:55 significantly increased his speed and improved his close combat techniques
316:57 improved his close combat techniques against strong opponents. Persistent
316:59 against strong opponents. Persistent training allowed the Duke to overcome
317:01 training allowed the Duke to overcome his previous limitations and achieve
317:03 his previous limitations and achieve such a level of skill that he even
317:04 such a level of skill that he even managed to strike the experienced Raml.
317:07 managed to strike the experienced Raml. Despite significant progress in
317:08 Despite significant progress in training, the Duke still could not match
317:10 training, the Duke still could not match the swift attacks of the mighty
317:12 the swift attacks of the mighty Haroldson in real combat. Taking
317:14 Haroldson in real combat. Taking advantage of his opponent's moment of
317:15 advantage of his opponent's moment of overconfidence, the Duke chose the
317:17 overconfidence, the Duke chose the perfect time for a decisive attack when
317:19 perfect time for a decisive attack when Haroldson temporarily lost his
317:21 Haroldson temporarily lost his concentration in battle. The giant
317:23 concentration in battle. The giant managed to raise his swords in defense,
317:25 managed to raise his swords in defense, but he was completely unprepared for the
317:27 but he was completely unprepared for the Duke to use a powerful fourthclass
317:29 Duke to use a powerful fourthclass combat spell called Cyclone. The
317:31 combat spell called Cyclone. The devastating magic spell inflicted
317:33 devastating magic spell inflicted serious wounds on the giant's torso,
317:35 serious wounds on the giant's torso, after which the Duke calmly declared the
317:37 after which the Duke calmly declared the successful completion of his combat
317:39 successful completion of his combat combination before the wounded heralds
317:41 combination before the wounded heralds eyes flashed memories of how he had
317:43 eyes flashed memories of how he had fulfilled his cherished dream.
317:45 fulfilled his cherished dream. Overcoming the wall and capturing these
317:46 Overcoming the wall and capturing these lands, but lost everything because of
317:49 lands, but lost everything because of one man. Unbridled fury consumed the
317:51 one man. Unbridled fury consumed the mighty giant when he realized that the
317:53 mighty giant when he realized that the Duke had dared to destroy all his years
317:55 Duke had dared to destroy all his years of achievements and dreams with a single
317:57 of achievements and dreams with a single crushing blow. Despite serious bleeding
318:00 crushing blow. Despite serious bleeding and a weakened body, the enraged herald
318:02 and a weakened body, the enraged herald launched a final desperate attack. But
318:04 launched a final desperate attack. But the Duke easily parried his inaccurate
318:06 the Duke easily parried his inaccurate blows. With a lightning fast movement,
318:09 blows. With a lightning fast movement, the Duke knocked the weapon out of the
318:10 the Duke knocked the weapon out of the weakened giant's hands and placing the
318:12 weakened giant's hands and placing the sharp blade of his sword against his
318:14 sharp blade of his sword against his throat, declared his rights to these
318:16 throat, declared his rights to these ancient lands. The Duke offered
318:18 ancient lands. The Duke offered Haroldson to spare the lives of his
318:19 Haroldson to spare the lives of his warriors and give them a new place to
318:21 warriors and give them a new place to settle on the condition that they leave
318:22 settle on the condition that they leave these conquered territories forever. The
318:25 these conquered territories forever. The defeated giant unexpectedly demanded
318:27 defeated giant unexpectedly demanded immediate death from his victor.
318:29 immediate death from his victor. Refusing to break the sacred oath he had
318:30 Refusing to break the sacred oath he had made to his god to protect these lands.
318:33 made to his god to protect these lands. Heroldson solemnly explained to the Duke
318:35 Heroldson solemnly explained to the Duke that he had bound his life with an
318:36 that he had bound his life with an unbreakable oath to protect this land
318:38 unbreakable oath to protect this land for his god and would prefer death to
318:40 for his god and would prefer death to breaking his promise. The Duke was
318:42 breaking his promise. The Duke was genuinely surprised to realize that his
318:44 genuinely surprised to realize that his defeated enemy was consciously seeking
318:46 defeated enemy was consciously seeking death instead of accepting a generous
318:47 death instead of accepting a generous offer of peace. The wounded giant
318:49 offer of peace. The wounded giant mockingly explained to the Duke his
318:51 mockingly explained to the Duke his inability to understand the true value
318:53 inability to understand the true value of these lands to the giant people,
318:55 of these lands to the giant people, calling the victor an unenlightened
318:57 calling the victor an unenlightened stranger. The Duke wisely noted the
318:59 stranger. The Duke wisely noted the impossibility of mutual understanding
319:01 impossibility of mutual understanding between their peoples since the giants
319:03 between their peoples since the giants were also strangers in these lands to
319:05 were also strangers in these lands to the local inhabitants. Instead of
319:07 the local inhabitants. Instead of continuing the fruitless dispute, the
319:09 continuing the fruitless dispute, the Duke proposed clear terms for a treaty
319:12 Duke proposed clear terms for a treaty according to which he, as the legitimate
319:14 according to which he, as the legitimate ruler, would designate new lands for the
319:16 ruler, would designate new lands for the giants to settle. The wounded herald
319:18 giants to settle. The wounded herald smiled in surprise at the sincerity of
319:20 smiled in surprise at the sincerity of the Duke's proposal, but explained that
319:22 the Duke's proposal, but explained that his people worshiped the god of war and
319:24 his people worshiped the god of war and considered death in battle to be the
319:26 considered death in battle to be the highest blessing. The giant asked the
319:28 highest blessing. The giant asked the Duke to prove the seriousness of his
319:30 Duke to prove the seriousness of his intentions regarding the alliance by
319:32 intentions regarding the alliance by granting him an honorable warrior's
319:33 granting him an honorable warrior's death, which would be a blessing for all
319:36 death, which would be a blessing for all his people. Watching closely from a
319:38 his people. Watching closely from a distance, Cheryl noted with concern the
319:40 distance, Cheryl noted with concern the unexpected delay in the negotiations
319:42 unexpected delay in the negotiations between the Duke and the leader of the
319:43 between the Duke and the leader of the giants. The experienced Raml understood
319:46 giants. The experienced Raml understood perfectly well the importance of
319:48 perfectly well the importance of military pride for the giant people and
319:50 military pride for the giant people and realized how difficult it would be to
319:52 realized how difficult it would be to reach a peaceful agreement in such a
319:54 reach a peaceful agreement in such a situation. Unexpectedly for all
319:56 situation. Unexpectedly for all observers, the Duke abruptly interrupted
319:58 observers, the Duke abruptly interrupted the protracted negotiations,
320:00 the protracted negotiations, decapitating the defeated leader of the
320:02 decapitating the defeated leader of the giants with a single powerful blow of
320:04 giants with a single powerful blow of his sword. Raising his bloodied sword to
320:06 his sword. Raising his bloodied sword to the sky, the Duke loudly proclaimed his
320:09 the sky, the Duke loudly proclaimed his victory over the enemy leader and
320:10 victory over the enemy leader and demanded the immediate surrender of the
320:12 demanded the immediate surrender of the remaining giants. Cheryl froze in
320:14 remaining giants. Cheryl froze in bewilderment, unable to understand why
320:17 bewilderment, unable to understand why her brother, who had been seeking
320:18 her brother, who had been seeking peaceful negotiations, had suddenly made
320:21 peaceful negotiations, had suddenly made such a cruel decision to kill his
320:22 such a cruel decision to kill his defeated enemy. The Duke silently passed
320:25 defeated enemy. The Duke silently passed by his stunned sister, advising everyone
320:27 by his stunned sister, advising everyone to immediately go to where they could
320:29 to immediately go to where they could finally eliminate the northern threat.
320:31 finally eliminate the northern threat. Cheryl immediately created a magical
320:33 Cheryl immediately created a magical portal, and the squad set off exactly as
320:35 portal, and the squad set off exactly as Harold had instructed before his heroic
320:37 Harold had instructed before his heroic death. According to the last words of
320:39 death. According to the last words of the fallen leader, they were to follow
320:41 the fallen leader, they were to follow the northern lights to the village where
320:43 the northern lights to the village where his brother, the loyal servant of the
320:45 his brother, the loyal servant of the powerful Hugan, was located. Even the
320:47 powerful Hugan, was located. Even the fearless knight Raml felt an
320:48 fearless knight Raml felt an inexplicable tension as the squad
320:50 inexplicable tension as the squad entered the mysterious village. Feeling
320:52 entered the mysterious village. Feeling anything but safe. The determined Duke,
320:55 anything but safe. The determined Duke, ignoring the general unease, resolutely
320:57 ignoring the general unease, resolutely began searching for a giant named
320:59 began searching for a giant named Regnum, who had been warned by an old
321:01 Regnum, who had been warned by an old raven. The wise leader of the giants had
321:03 raven. The wise leader of the giants had already ordered generous gifts to be
321:05 already ordered generous gifts to be prepared for the blind raven to
321:06 prepared for the blind raven to demonstrate the sincerity of his
321:08 demonstrate the sincerity of his peaceful intentions. The majestic giant
321:11 peaceful intentions. The majestic giant demanded to see the gifts immediately.
321:13 demanded to see the gifts immediately. But the first offerings clearly did not
321:14 But the first offerings clearly did not impress him. The Duke took out a
321:16 impress him. The Duke took out a precious vessel containing holy water
321:18 precious vessel containing holy water with the power to prolong life, which
321:20 with the power to prolong life, which instantly attracted the attention of the
321:22 instantly attracted the attention of the wise blind raven. The mysterious old man
321:25 wise blind raven. The mysterious old man smiled contentedly. Recognizing in the
321:27 smiled contentedly. Recognizing in the Duke the man whose image had appeared to
321:29 Duke the man whose image had appeared to him in prophetic visions the previous
321:31 him in prophetic visions the previous night, the ancient sage thanked his
321:33 night, the ancient sage thanked his guests for their openness and offered in
321:35 guests for their openness and offered in return to share an important prophecy
321:37 return to share an important prophecy about coming events. The blind raven
321:39 about coming events. The blind raven solemnly raised his hands to the heavens
321:41 solemnly raised his hands to the heavens and began to recite an ancient spell
321:43 and began to recite an ancient spell about a ruler walking alongside a dragon
321:45 about a ruler walking alongside a dragon and the enemies who had risen up against
321:47 and the enemies who had risen up against him. The starry sky suddenly lit up with
321:49 him. The starry sky suddenly lit up with an unusually bright light, causing even
321:51 an unusually bright light, causing even the experienced Duke to freeze in awe at
321:54 the experienced Duke to freeze in awe at this miracle. Suddenly, Cheryl
321:56 this miracle. Suddenly, Cheryl approached and brought her brother out
321:57 approached and brought her brother out of his deep thought. Asking him
321:59 of his deep thought. Asking him anxiously about the reasons for his
322:01 anxiously about the reasons for his unusual behavior, having missed the
322:03 unusual behavior, having missed the moment when the raven disappeared, the
322:05 moment when the raven disappeared, the Duke passionately convinced his sister
322:06 Duke passionately convinced his sister of the reality of the miraculous sign he
322:09 of the reality of the miraculous sign he had seen with stars scattered across the
322:11 had seen with stars scattered across the sky. Before setting off for the
322:13 sky. Before setting off for the dangerous Black Continent, the Duke
322:15 dangerous Black Continent, the Duke formed an important alliance with the
322:17 formed an important alliance with the Blind Raven, a powerful giant of the
322:19 Blind Raven, a powerful giant of the North, whose search had taken a long
322:21 North, whose search had taken a long time. Large-scale preparations began for
322:23 time. Large-scale preparations began for the final stage of the long journey, on
322:25 the final stage of the long journey, on whose success the fate of many lands
322:27 whose success the fate of many lands depended. The treasurer expressed
322:29 depended. The treasurer expressed serious concern about the Duke's
322:31 serious concern about the Duke's promises to provide the pirates with
322:32 promises to provide the pirates with food and regular supplies of holy water.
322:35 food and regular supplies of holy water. The Duke convincingly explained the
322:37 The Duke convincingly explained the necessity of fulfilling these promises,
322:39 necessity of fulfilling these promises, emphasizing that the pirates help was
322:41 emphasizing that the pirates help was essential for the success of their
322:42 essential for the success of their important expedition. The wise elder
322:44 important expedition. The wise elder acknowledged the wisdom of the Duke's
322:46 acknowledged the wisdom of the Duke's decisions, but continued to feel uneasy
322:48 decisions, but continued to feel uneasy about the need to support the former sea
322:50 about the need to support the former sea robbers. The worried elder shared some
322:52 robbers. The worried elder shared some shocking news about a sudden drop in
322:54 shocking news about a sudden drop in holy water production, explaining that
322:56 holy water production, explaining that he got this info from Cecilia. Upon
322:58 he got this info from Cecilia. Upon hearing the alarming news about
322:59 hearing the alarming news about Cecilia's problems, the Duke immediately
323:02 Cecilia's problems, the Duke immediately rushed to find the girl to personally
323:03 rushed to find the girl to personally investigate the cause of the situation.
323:06 investigate the cause of the situation. Watching the Duke's hasty departure, the
323:08 Watching the Duke's hasty departure, the elders sadly noted the absence of an
323:10 elders sadly noted the absence of an experienced strategist who had long
323:12 experienced strategist who had long since left their lands. Young Cecilia
323:14 since left their lands. Young Cecilia stepped out onto the snow-covered street
323:16 stepped out onto the snow-covered street to test her ability to use her divine
323:18 to test her ability to use her divine power in solitude. The girl realized
323:20 power in solitude. The girl realized with alarm that her magical abilities
323:22 with alarm that her magical abilities had significantly weakened and noticed
323:24 had significantly weakened and noticed that her prayers were increasingly going
323:26 that her prayers were increasingly going unanswered by the divine. Cecilia
323:28 unanswered by the divine. Cecilia resolutely headed for the ancient temple
323:30 resolutely headed for the ancient temple of Viven, hoping to find answers to the
323:32 of Viven, hoping to find answers to the questions that tormented her. Kneeling
323:34 questions that tormented her. Kneeling before the sacred temple, the girl
323:37 before the sacred temple, the girl prayed fervently to the goddess Viven to
323:38 prayed fervently to the goddess Viven to allow her to enter the closed gates of
323:40 allow her to enter the closed gates of the mansion. Overcome with horror,
323:42 the mansion. Overcome with horror, Cecilia realized that her pleas had gone
323:44 Cecilia realized that her pleas had gone unanswered and that divine power was
323:47 unanswered and that divine power was completely absent, even near the sacred
323:49 completely absent, even near the sacred temple. Suddenly, the ancient temple
323:51 temple. Suddenly, the ancient temple began to crumble beneath the girl's
323:53 began to crumble beneath the girl's feet, and she fell rapidly into the
323:54 feet, and she fell rapidly into the bottomless abyss surrounding the
323:56 bottomless abyss surrounding the sanctuary. Desperate Cecilia, unable to
323:59 sanctuary. Desperate Cecilia, unable to use her divine power to save herself,
324:01 use her divine power to save herself, began to pray fervently to her patroness
324:03 began to pray fervently to her patroness for a miraculous deliverance. Salvation
324:05 for a miraculous deliverance. Salvation came in an unexpected way. The mighty
324:08 came in an unexpected way. The mighty Kinos in the form of a dragon swiftly
324:10 Kinos in the form of a dragon swiftly caught the falling girl and carefully
324:12 caught the falling girl and carefully returned her to safety. Strangely calm,
324:15 returned her to safety. Strangely calm, Cecilia confessed that the dragon's
324:17 Cecilia confessed that the dragon's appearance did not surprise her, but
324:19 appearance did not surprise her, but annoyed her because it resembled the
324:20 annoyed her because it resembled the mercy shown by her goddess, Viven.
324:22 mercy shown by her goddess, Viven. Weakened, Kanos mistook Cecilia for a
324:25 Weakened, Kanos mistook Cecilia for a goddess and imperiously demanded that
324:27 goddess and imperiously demanded that she immediately kneel before his power.
324:28 she immediately kneel before his power. The alarmed girl confidently explained
324:30 The alarmed girl confidently explained her true nature to the dragon and firmly
324:33 her true nature to the dragon and firmly refused to comply with his demand to
324:34 refused to comply with his demand to kneel. The dragon noted the girl's
324:36 kneel. The dragon noted the girl's strength of will, but explained that
324:38 strength of will, but explained that serving a god would be fruitless, for he
324:40 serving a god would be fruitless, for he himself had devoted all his strength to
324:42 himself had devoted all his strength to useless service, losing the ability to
324:44 useless service, losing the ability to use his power. Cecilia, focusing on her
324:47 use his power. Cecilia, focusing on her senses, felt the presence of the goddess
324:49 senses, felt the presence of the goddess and realized that she was in the temple
324:51 and realized that she was in the temple behind the dragon, which gave her
324:53 behind the dragon, which gave her confidence in her actions. She sensed
324:55 confidence in her actions. She sensed another presence and approaching the
324:57 another presence and approaching the dragon, pointed to his chest, where a
324:59 dragon, pointed to his chest, where a chain of light blocked the flow of his
325:01 chain of light blocked the flow of his mana and prevented him from using his
325:03 mana and prevented him from using his powers. Kanos realized that Cecilia had
325:05 powers. Kanos realized that Cecilia had figured everything out and asked her to
325:07 figured everything out and asked her to try to do something about the chain, but
325:09 try to do something about the chain, but she knew her abilities weren't enough.
325:11 she knew her abilities weren't enough. Despite this, she had some ideas. With
325:14 Despite this, she had some ideas. With the goddess's powers weakened, it might
325:16 the goddess's powers weakened, it might be possible to do something. But the
325:18 be possible to do something. But the dragon would have to return to its
325:19 dragon would have to return to its previous form. The dragon realized that
325:21 previous form. The dragon realized that in order to remove the chains, he needed
325:23 in order to remove the chains, he needed to return to the form he had been in
325:25 to return to the form he had been in when he was bound. Despite all the risks
325:27 when he was bound. Despite all the risks and consequences, Kanos did not hide his
325:29 and consequences, Kanos did not hide his irritation at this necessity. But he
325:32 irritation at this necessity. But he realized that there was no choice. So he
325:34 realized that there was no choice. So he asked Cecilia to keep his secret and not
325:37 asked Cecilia to keep his secret and not tell anyone. The nun was shocked that
325:39 tell anyone. The nun was shocked that the dragon who had suddenly appeared
325:40 the dragon who had suddenly appeared before her knew her personally, which
325:42 before her knew her personally, which added even more questions to the
325:44 added even more questions to the situation. Her surprise turned to horror
325:46 situation. Her surprise turned to horror when she realized that Kynos had been
325:48 when she realized that Kynos had been the dragon all along, which explained
325:50 the dragon all along, which explained his actions and words, but left her
325:52 his actions and words, but left her confused. At that moment in the dungeons
325:55 confused. At that moment in the dungeons of the capital, Cheryl was walking with
325:57 of the capital, Cheryl was walking with a crowd of people hidden under cloaks
325:58 a crowd of people hidden under cloaks like her. Trying to remain inconspicuous
326:01 like her. Trying to remain inconspicuous in the flow of people, peering into the
326:03 in the flow of people, peering into the faces of the crowd, Cheryl began to
326:05 faces of the crowd, Cheryl began to think about the rumors of a seer who
326:07 think about the rumors of a seer who supposedly lived here and wondered if it
326:09 supposedly lived here and wondered if it was true or just a legend. Suddenly, she
326:12 was true or just a legend. Suddenly, she noticed something that surprised her and
326:14 noticed something that surprised her and began to stare intently, trying to
326:16 began to stare intently, trying to figure out if it was really someone she
326:17 figure out if it was really someone she knew. Soon, Cheryl noticed that her
326:19 knew. Soon, Cheryl noticed that her mother was among the crowd, and this
326:21 mother was among the crowd, and this shocked her even more, causing her to
326:23 shocked her even more, causing her to freeze in surprise. When the massive
326:25 freeze in surprise. When the massive gates swung open and two guards invited
326:27 gates swung open and two guards invited the next visitor in, it became clear
326:29 the next visitor in, it became clear that it was Cheryl and Aaron's mother.
326:31 that it was Cheryl and Aaron's mother. Because of this, she couldn't go up to
326:33 Because of this, she couldn't go up to her and talk, as her mother was already
326:35 her and talk, as her mother was already standing in front of the wise man,
326:37 standing in front of the wise man, waiting for his words and instructions.
326:39 waiting for his words and instructions. The sage immediately demanded that she
326:41 The sage immediately demanded that she tell him why she had come and what she
326:43 tell him why she had come and what she wanted to know so that he could begin
326:44 wanted to know so that he could begin his work. The woman replied that she
326:46 his work. The woman replied that she wanted to know the fate of her children,
326:49 wanted to know the fate of her children, and the sage warned her that such
326:50 and the sage warned her that such information could be very costly. The
326:52 information could be very costly. The woman did not hesitate, placing a bag
326:54 woman did not hesitate, placing a bag full of gold before him, which confirmed
326:57 full of gold before him, which confirmed her determination and willingness to
326:59 her determination and willingness to learn the truth. Seeing the bag, the
327:01 learn the truth. Seeing the bag, the wise man realized that he was dealing
327:02 wise man realized that he was dealing with a difficult person and said that a
327:04 with a difficult person and said that a special session would be required for an
327:06 special session would be required for an accurate prediction. He explained that
327:08 accurate prediction. He explained that reality constantly changes the future,
327:10 reality constantly changes the future, so time was needed to give the most
327:12 so time was needed to give the most accurate prediction, and the woman
327:14 accurate prediction, and the woman agreed to wait. The wise man listened
327:16 agreed to wait. The wise man listened carefully to the woman, but he needed to
327:18 carefully to the woman, but he needed to know her name and the names of her
327:19 know her name and the names of her children to continue. As soon as he
327:21 children to continue. As soon as he heard that her children were Aaron and
327:23 heard that her children were Aaron and Cheryl Karen, he became very agitated,
327:26 Cheryl Karen, he became very agitated, which was noticeable even under his
327:27 which was noticeable even under his robe. Despite his attempts to hide his
327:29 robe. Despite his attempts to hide his emotions, the sage looked tense, and the
327:32 emotions, the sage looked tense, and the woman realized that her appearance had
327:33 woman realized that her appearance had caused him concern. He asked her to
327:35 caused him concern. He asked her to remove her hood and touch the crystal
327:37 remove her hood and touch the crystal ball that stood on the table in front of
327:38 ball that stood on the table in front of them. Isabelle complied and as soon as
327:41 them. Isabelle complied and as soon as her hand touched the ball, it instantly
327:43 her hand touched the ball, it instantly glowed with a golden light illuminating
327:45 glowed with a golden light illuminating the room. The light was so bright that
327:46 the room. The light was so bright that it filled the entire room, including the
327:49 it filled the entire room, including the sage himself, bathing him in a glow. He
327:52 sage himself, bathing him in a glow. He explained that he had seen something
327:53 explained that he had seen something important, and the woman, frightened,
327:56 important, and the woman, frightened, began to question him about what he had
327:57 began to question him about what he had seen and what the fate of her children
327:59 seen and what the fate of her children would be. Her insistent gaze clearly
328:02 would be. Her insistent gaze clearly showed that she wanted to know only
328:03 showed that she wanted to know only this, and the sage understood how
328:05 this, and the sage understood how unusual her request was. He realized
328:07 unusual her request was. He realized that the mother had come to learn of her
328:09 that the mother had come to learn of her children's death, not their lives, which
328:11 children's death, not their lives, which made him fearful and wary. Even Isabelle
328:13 made him fearful and wary. Even Isabelle herself was frightened by the wise man's
328:15 herself was frightened by the wise man's stern and appraising gaze, which made it
328:17 stern and appraising gaze, which made it clear to her that her desire seemed
328:19 clear to her that her desire seemed strange. Fearing further questions, she
328:22 strange. Fearing further questions, she added a pile of gold coins to the table,
328:24 added a pile of gold coins to the table, saying that she wanted to know
328:26 saying that she wanted to know everything about her children, whatever
328:27 everything about her children, whatever the cost. This saddened the wise man,
328:30 the cost. This saddened the wise man, but such money made him willing to
328:31 but such money made him willing to answer even such a grim and unusual
328:33 answer even such a grim and unusual question from a woman. Looking into the
328:35 question from a woman. Looking into the ball, he saw that in 20 years her
328:38 ball, he saw that in 20 years her children would meet their deaths at the
328:39 children would meet their deaths at the hands of the emperor, and he told her
328:41 hands of the emperor, and he told her so. Upon receiving his answer, the woman
328:43 so. Upon receiving his answer, the woman quickly left, and the sage, removing his
328:46 quickly left, and the sage, removing his robe, was amazed that she had survived
328:48 robe, was amazed that she had survived the overthrow of her father. It turned
328:50 the overthrow of her father. It turned out that this was Gail, a philosopher
328:52 out that this was Gail, a philosopher from the Zabin Empire with the soul of
328:54 from the Zabin Empire with the soul of the former Duke Aaron, who had
328:56 the former Duke Aaron, who had encountered the same visions. Recalling
328:58 encountered the same visions. Recalling the past, Gail remembered how he had
329:00 the past, Gail remembered how he had turned to the Duke for help. But the
329:02 turned to the Duke for help. But the Duke did not believe his words and
329:04 Duke did not believe his words and refused to help him. He had to fend for
329:06 refused to help him. He had to fend for himself. So he joined forces with the
329:08 himself. So he joined forces with the emperor and began to earn a living by
329:10 emperor and began to earn a living by making prophecies for people. Most of
329:12 making prophecies for people. Most of his predictions came true and his fame
329:14 his predictions came true and his fame quickly spread among the people, making
329:16 quickly spread among the people, making him popular and respected. Before he
329:18 him popular and respected. Before he knew it, he had become known as a sage
329:20 knew it, he had become known as a sage of the future and a philosopher
329:22 of the future and a philosopher throughout the empire, which surprised
329:23 throughout the empire, which surprised even him. One day, Isabelle heard about
329:26 even him. One day, Isabelle heard about him and decided to find him. But he was
329:28 him and decided to find him. But he was puzzled by the fact that according to
329:30 puzzled by the fact that according to rumors, she had died and had come to
329:32 rumors, she had died and had come to find out the fate of her children.
329:34 find out the fate of her children. Isabelle was already leaving when she
329:35 Isabelle was already leaving when she suddenly heard footsteps behind her and
329:37 suddenly heard footsteps behind her and realized that someone was following her,
329:39 realized that someone was following her, forcing her to be on guard and prepare
329:41 forcing her to be on guard and prepare to defend herself. She quickly pulled
329:43 to defend herself. She quickly pulled out a dagger hidden in the folds of her
329:45 out a dagger hidden in the folds of her cloak and quickened her pace, hoping to
329:47 cloak and quickened her pace, hoping to escape her pursuer, who clearly had no
329:49 escape her pursuer, who clearly had no intention of stopping. Soon, Cheryl
329:52 intention of stopping. Soon, Cheryl caught up with her, and as soon as her
329:54 caught up with her, and as soon as her hand touched her mother's shoulder,
329:55 hand touched her mother's shoulder, Isabelle immediately turned around,
329:57 Isabelle immediately turned around, ready to attack, but recognized her
329:59 ready to attack, but recognized her daughter in time. Instantly calming
330:01 daughter in time. Instantly calming down, she hid the dagger and tried to
330:03 down, she hid the dagger and tried to leave, but Cheryl had already seen her
330:05 leave, but Cheryl had already seen her face and loudly demanded that she stop.
330:07 face and loudly demanded that she stop. Isabelle insisted that Cheryl was
330:09 Isabelle insisted that Cheryl was mistaken, but she continued to hug her
330:11 mistaken, but she continued to hug her mother tearfully, unable to believe that
330:13 mother tearfully, unable to believe that she was alive and had been hiding from
330:15 she was alive and had been hiding from them for so long. Isabelle did not
330:17 them for so long. Isabelle did not respond to her daughter's embrace, but
330:19 respond to her daughter's embrace, but coldly asked her if she was ready to
330:21 coldly asked her if she was ready to hear the whole truth, which would not be
330:23 hear the whole truth, which would not be easy. Turning to her daughter, she
330:25 easy. Turning to her daughter, she explained that she had avoided them on
330:26 explained that she had avoided them on purpose, because she believed that this
330:28 purpose, because she believed that this way they would be able to survive and
330:29 way they would be able to survive and avoid danger. Cheryl, not understanding
330:32 avoid danger. Cheryl, not understanding the meaning of these words, begged
330:34 the meaning of these words, begged Isabelle to reveal at least part of the
330:36 Isabelle to reveal at least part of the truth and explain why she had abandoned
330:38 truth and explain why she had abandoned them. Isabelle gently freed herself from
330:40 them. Isabelle gently freed herself from her daughter's embrace and ran away,
330:42 her daughter's embrace and ran away, adding that she couldn't say anything
330:43 adding that she couldn't say anything more, but promised to meet again in a
330:45 more, but promised to meet again in a year. As she left, she cried, hearing
330:48 year. As she left, she cried, hearing Cheryl's desperate sobs. But she knew
330:50 Cheryl's desperate sobs. But she knew that it was her duty to prevent terrible
330:52 that it was her duty to prevent terrible events from happening and that they
330:53 events from happening and that they would definitely see each other again.
330:55 would definitely see each other again. One of Gail's loyal assistants, who had
330:58 One of Gail's loyal assistants, who had been tasked with watching Isabelle and
330:59 been tasked with watching Isabelle and gathering as much information as
331:01 gathering as much information as possible about her life and activities,
331:03 possible about her life and activities, observed what was happening. He had
331:05 observed what was happening. He had received clear instructions from Gail.
331:07 received clear instructions from Gail. Find out everything possible about her
331:09 Find out everything possible about her whereabouts, meetings, and connections
331:11 whereabouts, meetings, and connections in order to prepare a report on her
331:13 in order to prepare a report on her activities and intentions. After meeting
331:15 activities and intentions. After meeting with her mother, Cheryl rushed to her
331:17 with her mother, Cheryl rushed to her brother to tell him the incredible news
331:18 brother to tell him the incredible news that their mother, Isabelle, was
331:20 that their mother, Isabelle, was actually alive. However, Aaron met his
331:23 actually alive. However, Aaron met his sister's story with indifference. It
331:25 sister's story with indifference. It seemed that it did not bother him at
331:27 seemed that it did not bother him at all, and he only asked Cheryl to calm
331:29 all, and he only asked Cheryl to calm down and not waste her energy on
331:30 down and not waste her energy on unnecessary emotions. Instead, he
331:33 unnecessary emotions. Instead, he pointed to the impressive warships that
331:35 pointed to the impressive warships that had recently been completed and were
331:37 had recently been completed and were ready to set sail, which was more
331:39 ready to set sail, which was more important to him at that moment. It was
331:41 important to him at that moment. It was obvious that Aaron was no longer the
331:42 obvious that Aaron was no longer the same Duke. He was concerned with only
331:45 same Duke. He was concerned with only one thing, the expedition to the
331:47 one thing, the expedition to the mysterious black continent, which he had
331:49 mysterious black continent, which he had been planning with particular zeal. He
331:51 been planning with particular zeal. He had no idea that the appearance of
331:52 had no idea that the appearance of Isabelle and the real owner of the body,
331:54 Isabelle and the real owner of the body, would affect his plans and throw their
331:56 would affect his plans and throw their carefully planned expedition into chaos.
331:59 carefully planned expedition into chaos. 3 weeks had passed since their
332:00 3 weeks had passed since their reconnaissance team set sail for the
332:02 reconnaissance team set sail for the unknown black continent, moving forward
332:04 unknown black continent, moving forward through unpredictable waters. One of the
332:06 through unpredictable waters. One of the ships was captained by Jacqueline, and
332:08 ships was captained by Jacqueline, and the Duke regularly asked her if she
332:10 the Duke regularly asked her if she could see any signs of land or possible
332:12 could see any signs of land or possible dangers ahead. Three weeks had passed
332:14 dangers ahead. Three weeks had passed since the start of the voyage, and there
332:16 since the start of the voyage, and there was still no sign of land, which was
332:18 was still no sign of land, which was causing concern for the Duke and the
332:20 causing concern for the Duke and the captain. Aaron was beginning to get
332:21 captain. Aaron was beginning to get nervous, suspecting that the map might
332:23 nervous, suspecting that the map might be false, and that the records he
332:25 be false, and that the records he believed to be true could lead them
332:27 believed to be true could lead them astray. Cheryl, tired and disappointed
332:29 astray. Cheryl, tired and disappointed with the journey, appeared on deck and
332:32 with the journey, appeared on deck and complained about the tedious sailing,
332:34 complained about the tedious sailing, saying she would have preferred to stay
332:35 saying she would have preferred to stay home if she had known about it. The Duke
332:37 home if she had known about it. The Duke irritably reminded his sister of their
332:39 irritably reminded his sister of their agreement that exploring the black
332:40 agreement that exploring the black continent was their top priority and
332:43 continent was their top priority and asked her to be patient. Cheryl, in
332:45 asked her to be patient. Cheryl, in turn, thought that there was no point in
332:47 turn, thought that there was no point in this since Aaron himself was not sure
332:50 this since Aaron himself was not sure that they would find the continent and
332:52 that they would find the continent and it could still turn out to be a giant
332:53 it could still turn out to be a giant sea monster. Aaron sharply reminded her
332:56 sea monster. Aaron sharply reminded her that he had already paid for her
332:57 that he had already paid for her participation in the expedition, and in
332:59 participation in the expedition, and in case of danger, she would be obliged to
333:01 case of danger, she would be obliged to fight the monster as she had promised.
333:03 fight the monster as she had promised. Cheryl was clearly unhappy, so she
333:05 Cheryl was clearly unhappy, so she frowned, turned away, and decided to end
333:07 frowned, turned away, and decided to end the pointless conversation with Aaron,
333:09 the pointless conversation with Aaron, asking him to wake her up as soon as
333:11 asking him to wake her up as soon as they arrived. Aaron watched his sister
333:13 they arrived. Aaron watched his sister leave, feeling annoyed, and wondering
333:15 leave, feeling annoyed, and wondering why she so often behaved strangely, as
333:17 why she so often behaved strangely, as if her mind was constantly in turmoil,
333:19 if her mind was constantly in turmoil, which he couldn't understand. Although
333:21 which he couldn't understand. Although Cheryl had already received her
333:22 Cheryl had already received her well-deserved payment, she still
333:24 well-deserved payment, she still continued to behave as if she was being
333:26 continued to behave as if she was being forced to participate against her will
333:28 forced to participate against her will and was forced to endure it. The Duke
333:30 and was forced to endure it. The Duke hadn't had time to finish thinking about
333:31 hadn't had time to finish thinking about it and get really angry, and Cheryl
333:33 it and get really angry, and Cheryl hadn't gotten far away when the ship
333:35 hadn't gotten far away when the ship shook violently. With a frightened
333:37 shook violently. With a frightened expression on his face, the Duke
333:38 expression on his face, the Duke instantly turned his head toward
333:40 instantly turned his head toward Jacqueline, who reported that something
333:42 Jacqueline, who reported that something large was happening under the stern and
333:44 large was happening under the stern and that it looked like a whirlpool. Hearing
333:46 that it looked like a whirlpool. Hearing the news, Cheryl felt uneasy. Realizing
333:49 the news, Cheryl felt uneasy. Realizing that if it was a sea monster, it would
333:51 that if it was a sea monster, it would certainly not leave them alone and would
333:53 certainly not leave them alone and would pursue them. Jacqueline immediately
333:55 pursue them. Jacqueline immediately ordered the pirates to take their places
333:56 ordered the pirates to take their places and told Miller to prepare the cannons
333:58 and told Miller to prepare the cannons for battle so that they would be ready
334:00 for battle so that they would be ready to attack. When everyone was in
334:02 to attack. When everyone was in position, Jacqueline as captain took the
334:04 position, Jacqueline as captain took the helm to keep the ship steady and prevent
334:06 helm to keep the ship steady and prevent it from veering off course. At that
334:08 it from veering off course. At that moment, Aaron and Cheryl were at their
334:10 moment, Aaron and Cheryl were at their posts and he asked his sister to
334:12 posts and he asked his sister to distract the monster as soon as the
334:13 distract the monster as soon as the right moment for their plan arrived.
334:15 right moment for their plan arrived. Cheryl knew her task, so she created a
334:18 Cheryl knew her task, so she created a fiery phoenix and soared into the sky to
334:20 fiery phoenix and soared into the sky to get a better look at the monster and
334:21 get a better look at the monster and assessed the situation from above.
334:23 assessed the situation from above. Jacqueline watched the flying sorceress
334:25 Jacqueline watched the flying sorceress in surprise, not understanding her
334:27 in surprise, not understanding her actions. But the girl had no intention
334:30 actions. But the girl had no intention of explaining herself and remained
334:32 of explaining herself and remained focused. Cheryl hovered in the air,
334:34 focused. Cheryl hovered in the air, thinking about the size of the creature
334:36 thinking about the size of the creature capable of causing such a huge whirlpool
334:38 capable of causing such a huge whirlpool because the foaming water made it
334:39 because the foaming water made it difficult to see it clearly. Finally,
334:42 difficult to see it clearly. Finally, she noticed the glint of scales in the
334:44 she noticed the glint of scales in the water and directed a spell of fiery
334:46 water and directed a spell of fiery thunder spears there, hoping to strike
334:48 thunder spears there, hoping to strike and weaken her opponent. Cheryl's spell
334:50 and weaken her opponent. Cheryl's spell hit its target and the monster stopped
334:53 hit its target and the monster stopped as she had mastered the magic of
334:54 as she had mastered the magic of electricity at a high level and used it
334:57 electricity at a high level and used it successfully. However, this was not
334:59 successfully. However, this was not enough to defeat the monster completely,
335:01 enough to defeat the monster completely, and it turned toward its attacker in
335:03 and it turned toward its attacker in anger to attack. Cheryl narrowly avoided
335:05 anger to attack. Cheryl narrowly avoided the blow, but Jacqueline and the pirates
335:07 the blow, but Jacqueline and the pirates managed to arrive in time and fight
335:09 managed to arrive in time and fight back, ordering them to open fire on the
335:11 back, ordering them to open fire on the monster immediately. The first attack
335:13 monster immediately. The first attack was successful and hit its target, but
335:15 was successful and hit its target, but Miller did not give the order to stop
335:17 Miller did not give the order to stop and ordered the pirates to continue
335:19 and ordered the pirates to continue firing to consolidate their success. The
335:21 firing to consolidate their success. The rising waves made the pirates think that
335:23 rising waves made the pirates think that the monster had been defeated, as it did
335:25 the monster had been defeated, as it did not appear on the surface for some time
335:27 not appear on the surface for some time and showed no signs of life. It was
335:29 and showed no signs of life. It was clear from Jacqueline's face that the
335:31 clear from Jacqueline's face that the danger was not over and that something
335:33 danger was not over and that something far more terrifying and unpredictable
335:35 far more terrifying and unpredictable than before awaited them. A huge monster
335:38 than before awaited them. A huge monster emerged from the water, taller than
335:39 emerged from the water, taller than several ships, and instantly destroyed
335:41 several ships, and instantly destroyed one of the vessels, causing terror on
335:43 one of the vessels, causing terror on everyone's faces. Jacqueline was worried
335:45 everyone's faces. Jacqueline was worried about her drowning people. But the Duke
335:48 about her drowning people. But the Duke asked her to bring the ship closer, even
335:50 asked her to bring the ship closer, even though she feared that this could lead
335:51 though she feared that this could lead to their own demise. Aaron understood
335:53 to their own demise. Aaron understood that the chances of victory were slim,
335:55 that the chances of victory were slim, but he knew that they couldn't give up,
335:57 but he knew that they couldn't give up, and he urged everyone to do everything
336:00 and he urged everyone to do everything possible to defeat the monster. The
336:02 possible to defeat the monster. The pirate, despite her fear, remained
336:04 pirate, despite her fear, remained determined and accepted the Duke's
336:05 determined and accepted the Duke's words, steering the ship straight toward
336:07 words, steering the ship straight toward the monster, trusting in his fighting
336:09 the monster, trusting in his fighting spirit. Aaron on the deck and Cheryl in
336:12 spirit. Aaron on the deck and Cheryl in the air joined forces, unleashing a
336:14 the air joined forces, unleashing a powerful combined attack, putting all
336:16 powerful combined attack, putting all their magical power into the final blow.
336:18 their magical power into the final blow. Their combined magical energy engulfed
336:20 Their combined magical energy engulfed the monster, causing a terrifying
336:22 the monster, causing a terrifying explosion that sent waves crashing and
336:24 explosion that sent waves crashing and shook the air above the sea. Looking at
336:26 shook the air above the sea. Looking at the churning foam and waves, Aaron and
336:29 the churning foam and waves, Aaron and Cheryl hoped that this was the end, and
336:31 Cheryl hoped that this was the end, and that they had defeated the dragon. But
336:33 that they had defeated the dragon. But their belief was shattered when the
336:35 their belief was shattered when the creature reappeared unharmed. As soon as
336:37 creature reappeared unharmed. As soon as the magic faded, it became clear that
336:39 the magic faded, it became clear that the dragon had not only survived, but it
336:41 the dragon had not only survived, but it completely repelled their attack. It
336:44 completely repelled their attack. It began to gather energy for a
336:45 began to gather energy for a counterattack. Preparing for the
336:47 counterattack. Preparing for the decisive blow, the dragon began to
336:49 decisive blow, the dragon began to gather strength for a powerful attack.
336:51 gather strength for a powerful attack. And Cheryl, frightened, hurried to fly
336:53 And Cheryl, frightened, hurried to fly away from the ship to avoid the
336:55 away from the ship to avoid the devastating blow that could destroy
336:56 devastating blow that could destroy them. The attack was so powerful that
336:58 them. The attack was so powerful that the entire ship was engulfed by water.
337:01 the entire ship was engulfed by water. And Cheryl barely managed to pull Aaron
337:02 And Cheryl barely managed to pull Aaron into the air, saving him from a blow
337:04 into the air, saving him from a blow that could have swallowed them both.
337:06 that could have swallowed them both. Aaron shouted at his sister to fly
337:08 Aaron shouted at his sister to fly higher and avoid the blows. But Cheryl
337:10 higher and avoid the blows. But Cheryl remained motionless, not following his
337:12 remained motionless, not following his instructions. And he, not understanding
337:14 instructions. And he, not understanding the reason, was angry at her behavior.
337:17 the reason, was angry at her behavior. In a rage, Aaron continued to yell at
337:19 In a rage, Aaron continued to yell at Cheryl, trying to understand her
337:21 Cheryl, trying to understand her behavior, but soon realized that his
337:23 behavior, but soon realized that his concern was useless and decided to act
337:25 concern was useless and decided to act on his own without waiting for her
337:27 on his own without waiting for her reaction. Suddenly, they noticed another
337:29 reaction. Suddenly, they noticed another dragon approaching them in addition to
337:31 dragon approaching them in addition to the sea monster. Cheryl immediately
337:34 the sea monster. Cheryl immediately prepared for a possible attack, but the
337:36 prepared for a possible attack, but the dragon unexpectedly did not attack.
337:38 dragon unexpectedly did not attack. Cheryl was surprised when the dragon
337:40 Cheryl was surprised when the dragon flew past them without attacking, paying
337:42 flew past them without attacking, paying no attention to them, and she quickly
337:44 no attention to them, and she quickly realized that something was wrong with
337:46 realized that something was wrong with this creature's behavior. As she
337:47 this creature's behavior. As she exchanged glances with the dragon,
337:49 exchanged glances with the dragon, Cheryl managed to see its wound and
337:51 Cheryl managed to see its wound and realized that it was the same dragon
337:53 realized that it was the same dragon they had encountered earlier in the
337:55 they had encountered earlier in the battle with the giants. It was seriously
337:57 battle with the giants. It was seriously injured. Unexpectedly, the dragon began
338:00 injured. Unexpectedly, the dragon began to attack its fellow creature and bit it
338:01 to attack its fellow creature and bit it hard on the neck, demonstrating its fury
338:04 hard on the neck, demonstrating its fury and strength. But this did not solve
338:06 and strength. But this did not solve their problems, only complicating the
338:08 their problems, only complicating the situation. Kynos turned to his friend
338:10 situation. Kynos turned to his friend and begged Leviathan to calm down. But
338:12 and begged Leviathan to calm down. But the dragon did not respond, having lost
338:15 the dragon did not respond, having lost control after spending too long in the
338:16 control after spending too long in the depths, unaware of the consequences of
338:18 depths, unaware of the consequences of his actions. Kinos desperately tried to
338:21 his actions. Kinos desperately tried to talk to Leviathan, but the dragon seemed
338:23 talk to Leviathan, but the dragon seemed to have completely lost his mind after
338:25 to have completely lost his mind after being in hibernation for too long. And
338:27 being in hibernation for too long. And now it was difficult to stop his
338:29 now it was difficult to stop his destructive actions. Kanos had no choice
338:31 destructive actions. Kanos had no choice but to attack his son with flames,
338:33 but to attack his son with flames, trying to bring him back to his senses.
338:36 trying to bring him back to his senses. He spewed jets of fire directly at
338:38 He spewed jets of fire directly at Leviathan, hoping to influence his
338:40 Leviathan, hoping to influence his condition. Cheryl couldn't understand
338:42 condition. Cheryl couldn't understand why the dragon, instead of attacking
338:44 why the dragon, instead of attacking them, was fighting the sea monster, but
338:46 them, was fighting the sea monster, but she suggested that Aaron take advantage
338:47 she suggested that Aaron take advantage of the moment and try to save whoever
338:49 of the moment and try to save whoever they could. Aaron insisted that Cheryl
338:52 they could. Aaron insisted that Cheryl attack the dragons, but it seemed crazy.
338:54 attack the dragons, but it seemed crazy. They had barely managed to deal with one
338:56 They had barely managed to deal with one monster, and now two dragons were
338:58 monster, and now two dragons were attacking them, and they were risking
339:00 attacking them, and they were risking everything. Aaron was determined,
339:02 everything. Aaron was determined, knowing there would be no second chance.
339:04 knowing there would be no second chance. He wanted to save everyone, and this
339:06 He wanted to save everyone, and this last opportunity demanded immediate
339:08 last opportunity demanded immediate action despite all the dangers that
339:10 action despite all the dangers that awaited them. Seeing her brother's
339:12 awaited them. Seeing her brother's determination, Cheryl directed her
339:14 determination, Cheryl directed her Phoenix straight toward the two fighting
339:16 Phoenix straight toward the two fighting dragons, realizing that this was their
339:18 dragons, realizing that this was their chance to prevent the monsters from
339:19 chance to prevent the monsters from winning and save the rest. Aaron
339:22 winning and save the rest. Aaron analyzing the situation realized that
339:24 analyzing the situation realized that magic had no effect on sea dragons and
339:27 magic had no effect on sea dragons and they had to find a way to destroy their
339:28 they had to find a way to destroy their protective shields in order to break
339:30 protective shields in order to break through their defenses and defeat them.
339:32 through their defenses and defeat them. Both dragons were already seriously
339:34 Both dragons were already seriously damaged. Kynos had severely injured
339:36 damaged. Kynos had severely injured Leviathan's eyes and the latter in pain
339:40 Leviathan's eyes and the latter in pain roared, giving them a chance, but the
339:42 roared, giving them a chance, but the situation remained extremely tense.
339:44 situation remained extremely tense. Aaron and Cheryl had already flown close
339:47 Aaron and Cheryl had already flown close when the dragon began to spew flames at
339:49 when the dragon began to spew flames at its fellow. But Aaron realized that
339:51 its fellow. But Aaron realized that Leviathan's strength had increased
339:53 Leviathan's strength had increased significantly and that he needed to wait
339:55 significantly and that he needed to wait for the right moment. Realizing that
339:57 for the right moment. Realizing that Leviathan's strength had increased
339:59 Leviathan's strength had increased significantly, Aaron changed his
340:01 significantly, Aaron changed his tactics, deciding to wait until the
340:03 tactics, deciding to wait until the dragon's strength was depleted before
340:05 dragon's strength was depleted before making his decisive move to attack.
340:07 making his decisive move to attack. Cyenos flew closer and delivered several
340:09 Cyenos flew closer and delivered several powerful blows with his sharp claws,
340:11 powerful blows with his sharp claws, trying to damage Leviathan enough to
340:13 trying to damage Leviathan enough to stop his destructive actions, but this
340:15 stop his destructive actions, but this only angered him. Cheryl and Aaron
340:17 only angered him. Cheryl and Aaron rushed toward the dragons at full speed.
340:19 rushed toward the dragons at full speed. and Cheryl, so as not to interfere with
340:21 and Cheryl, so as not to interfere with her brother, jumped off Phoenix, grabbed
340:24 her brother, jumped off Phoenix, grabbed a sword, and delivered a decisive blow,
340:26 a sword, and delivered a decisive blow, splitting the dragon's skull. But even
340:28 splitting the dragon's skull. But even after such a blow, the dragon did not
340:30 after such a blow, the dragon did not die, but only became even more
340:32 die, but only became even more ferocious. Aaron had to jump back
340:35 ferocious. Aaron had to jump back quickly to avoid another attack, which
340:37 quickly to avoid another attack, which could have been fatal. By this time,
340:39 could have been fatal. By this time, Kynos had flown up to Leviathan,
340:41 Kynos had flown up to Leviathan, realizing that his friend would not
340:43 realizing that his friend would not survive, and decided to pull him out of
340:45 survive, and decided to pull him out of the dragon's body, hoping to end it as
340:47 the dragon's body, hoping to end it as quickly as possible. Kinos mercilessly
340:49 quickly as possible. Kinos mercilessly spewed flames at Leviathan, setting his
340:52 spewed flames at Leviathan, setting his body on fire. The flames were so intense
340:54 body on fire. The flames were so intense that they began to destroy him, turning
340:56 that they began to destroy him, turning the dragon into ruins, engulfed in fire.
340:59 the dragon into ruins, engulfed in fire. This attack was so powerful that Cheryl
341:00 This attack was so powerful that Cheryl and Aaron's magic couldn't withstand it.
341:02 and Aaron's magic couldn't withstand it. And they were both knocked off their
341:04 And they were both knocked off their feet, falling into the water and
341:05 feet, falling into the water and beginning to drown, unable to resist
341:07 beginning to drown, unable to resist such power. Despite the fact that they
341:09 such power. Despite the fact that they were drowning, Aaron smiled weakly,
341:12 were drowning, Aaron smiled weakly, realizing that they had done everything
341:14 realizing that they had done everything they could. And then he closed his eyes
341:16 they could. And then he closed his eyes preparing to meet his fate. Aaron
341:18 preparing to meet his fate. Aaron thought he would never open his eyes
341:20 thought he would never open his eyes again. But a miracle happened. And when
341:22 again. But a miracle happened. And when he came to, he found himself washed
341:25 he came to, he found himself washed ashore where he was met not only by his
341:27 ashore where he was met not only by his sister, but also by the other survivors.
341:29 sister, but also by the other survivors. As soon as he came to, he looked around
341:32 As soon as he came to, he looked around the nearest shore and found not only his
341:34 the nearest shore and found not only his sister, but also the other survivors.
341:36 sister, but also the other survivors. Aaron ran up to the motionless girl and
341:38 Aaron ran up to the motionless girl and began to shake her, trying to get Cheryl
341:40 began to shake her, trying to get Cheryl to cough up the water. And only after
341:42 to cough up the water. And only after some time did he succeed. With trembling
341:44 some time did he succeed. With trembling hands, Aaron hugged his sister,
341:46 hands, Aaron hugged his sister, rejoicing that she was still alive
341:48 rejoicing that she was still alive despite her injuries and that she had
341:50 despite her injuries and that she had managed to survive this terrible moment,
341:52 managed to survive this terrible moment, even though she had suffered greatly.
341:54 even though she had suffered greatly. But as soon as he did, a familiar voice
341:56 But as soon as he did, a familiar voice greeted the Duke with a welcome. And
341:58 greeted the Duke with a welcome. And when Aaron turned around, he was
341:59 when Aaron turned around, he was surprised to see who it was. Shocked, he
342:02 surprised to see who it was. Shocked, he saw the strategist standing before him,
342:04 saw the strategist standing before him, completely calm, as if nothing unusual
342:07 completely calm, as if nothing unusual had happened. And this surprised him
342:08 had happened. And this surprised him immensely. At that moment, the
342:10 immensely. At that moment, the strategist bowed and introduced the
342:11 strategist bowed and introduced the young gentleman to the black continent.
342:13 young gentleman to the black continent. And Aaron, although stunned, realized
342:16 And Aaron, although stunned, realized that their rescue was part of a much
342:17 that their rescue was part of a much larger plan than they had thought.
342:19 larger plan than they had thought. Later, the Duke and Kanos had a serious
342:22 Later, the Duke and Kanos had a serious conversation, during which Aaron found
342:24 conversation, during which Aaron found it hard to believe that Kanos had
342:25 it hard to believe that Kanos had arrived here by boat, having heard the
342:28 arrived here by boat, having heard the latest news so late and managed to
342:30 latest news so late and managed to rescue them in time. However, Kanos had
342:32 rescue them in time. However, Kanos had not only managed to reach them, but had
342:34 not only managed to reach them, but had also managed to find them among the
342:36 also managed to find them among the endless expanses of the continent, which
342:38 endless expanses of the continent, which amazed Aaron even more, surprising him
342:40 amazed Aaron even more, surprising him with his abilities. Kanos just smiled
342:42 with his abilities. Kanos just smiled calmly, explaining that if he had been
342:44 calmly, explaining that if he had been even a little late, the sea would have
342:46 even a little late, the sea would have spared no one, and it was only at the
342:48 spared no one, and it was only at the last moment that he managed to rescue
342:50 last moment that he managed to rescue them in time. Aaron decided not to
342:52 them in time. Aaron decided not to question the strategist any further,
342:54 question the strategist any further, although it was obvious that finding
342:56 although it was obvious that finding them in the middle of such a vast sea
342:58 them in the middle of such a vast sea was an almost impossible task. and yet
343:00 was an almost impossible task. and yet he had managed to do it. Instead, Aaron
343:03 he had managed to do it. Instead, Aaron began to ask Kanos if he knew anything
343:05 began to ask Kanos if he knew anything about what was happening on the island,
343:07 about what was happening on the island, trying to find out more information
343:08 trying to find out more information about what this continent was hiding.
343:10 about what this continent was hiding. Cyenos explained that almost the entire
343:12 Cyenos explained that almost the entire continent was covered with dense forests
343:15 continent was covered with dense forests and mines. But somewhere deep within it
343:17 and mines. But somewhere deep within it was a castle that could be a key point
343:19 was a castle that could be a key point for further exploration. Aaron
343:21 for further exploration. Aaron immediately realized that if there was a
343:22 immediately realized that if there was a castle on the continent, there must also
343:24 castle on the continent, there must also be a king. But the reconnaissance report
343:27 be a king. But the reconnaissance report said that there was no ruler here, which
343:29 said that there was no ruler here, which complicated further investigation. If
343:31 complicated further investigation. If the intelligence was wrong, exploring
343:33 the intelligence was wrong, exploring the island would be extremely difficult,
343:35 the island would be extremely difficult, as the tribes were likely loyal to their
343:37 as the tribes were likely loyal to their king, which would greatly complicate the
343:39 king, which would greatly complicate the task. Now, Aaron felt that the decision
343:41 task. Now, Aaron felt that the decision to take a small reconnaissance team with
343:43 to take a small reconnaissance team with him was not such a good idea, as great
343:46 him was not such a good idea, as great difficulties could await them on the
343:47 difficulties could await them on the island. Suddenly, Aaron stood up and
343:49 island. Suddenly, Aaron stood up and loudly ordered everyone to begin
343:51 loudly ordered everyone to begin reconnaissance at dawn, dividing them
343:53 reconnaissance at dawn, dividing them into groups of three to explore the area
343:55 into groups of three to explore the area and try to find traces of the castle in
343:57 and try to find traces of the castle in the woods. In the morning, as ordered,
343:59 the woods. In the morning, as ordered, everyone divided into groups of three,
344:02 everyone divided into groups of three, and Cheryl found herself in a group with
344:03 and Cheryl found herself in a group with Jacqueline and Miller, although it was
344:05 Jacqueline and Miller, although it was obvious that she was completely
344:07 obvious that she was completely dissatisfied with this decision. Cheryl
344:09 dissatisfied with this decision. Cheryl was clearly unhappy that she had to obey
344:11 was clearly unhappy that she had to obey her brother's decisions, although she
344:13 her brother's decisions, although she understood that it was pointless to
344:14 understood that it was pointless to resist him, for he remained her lord and
344:16 resist him, for he remained her lord and commander. Cheryl was angry that instead
344:18 commander. Cheryl was angry that instead of resting, she had to search for a
344:20 of resting, she had to search for a castle in these woods, and she couldn't
344:22 castle in these woods, and she couldn't understand why her brother hadn't given
344:24 understand why her brother hadn't given her at least a little time to rest.
344:26 her at least a little time to rest. Miller understood that Cheryl was a
344:28 Miller understood that Cheryl was a difficult person. But that only annoyed
344:30 difficult person. But that only annoyed Jqueline, and she didn't miss the
344:31 Jqueline, and she didn't miss the opportunity to remind her that they had
344:33 opportunity to remind her that they had lost their ship, but weren't
344:34 lost their ship, but weren't complaining. Jacqueline reminded Cheryl
344:36 complaining. Jacqueline reminded Cheryl that they had recently lost her ship,
344:38 that they had recently lost her ship, but the pirate had not complained or
344:40 but the pirate had not complained or expressed her dissatisfaction with her
344:42 expressed her dissatisfaction with her fate. Cheryl smiled indifferently and
344:44 fate. Cheryl smiled indifferently and congratulated Jacqueline on how calmly
344:46 congratulated Jacqueline on how calmly she had taken the loss of the ship and
344:48 she had taken the loss of the ship and continued to remain calm in such
344:49 continued to remain calm in such circumstances. This angered the pirate
344:52 circumstances. This angered the pirate who reminded Cheryl that she had to pay
344:54 who reminded Cheryl that she had to pay for the lost ship and that her arrogant
344:56 for the lost ship and that her arrogant behavior in such circumstances was
344:58 behavior in such circumstances was unacceptable. Cheryl made it clear to
345:00 unacceptable. Cheryl made it clear to the captain that she wanted to find a
345:02 the captain that she wanted to find a place to create a portal as soon as
345:03 place to create a portal as soon as possible and that she was no longer
345:05 possible and that she was no longer concerned about the ship or Jacqueline's
345:07 concerned about the ship or Jacqueline's words. Cheryl sighed discontentedly,
345:10 words. Cheryl sighed discontentedly, wondering why the pirate thought
345:11 wondering why the pirate thought creating a portal was so simple when it
345:13 creating a portal was so simple when it was actually much more complicated than
345:14 was actually much more complicated than building a ship. This greatly angered
345:17 building a ship. This greatly angered Miller, who knew how difficult it was to
345:19 Miller, who knew how difficult it was to build ships and couldn't understand how
345:21 build ships and couldn't understand how Cheryl could so easily dismiss all that
345:23 Cheryl could so easily dismiss all that work. Seeing his anger, Jacqueline
345:25 work. Seeing his anger, Jacqueline stopped him, implying that it was
345:27 stopped him, implying that it was pointless to argue with the sorceress
345:28 pointless to argue with the sorceress because she wouldn't understand or admit
345:30 because she wouldn't understand or admit she was wrong. Instead of continuing the
345:32 she was wrong. Instead of continuing the argument with Cheryl, Jacqueline
345:34 argument with Cheryl, Jacqueline approached the girl and asked her what
345:35 approached the girl and asked her what the difficulty was in creating a portal.
345:38 the difficulty was in creating a portal. Trying to understand the problems the
345:39 Trying to understand the problems the sorceress was facing. Cheryl explained
345:41 sorceress was facing. Cheryl explained that there was a lot of magic on the
345:43 that there was a lot of magic on the continent, but it was extremely
345:44 continent, but it was extremely unstable, which complicated any magical
345:47 unstable, which complicated any magical actions, including creating a portal in
345:49 actions, including creating a portal in such conditions. Cheryl also sensed the
345:52 such conditions. Cheryl also sensed the magic of the magical forest they were
345:53 magic of the magical forest they were in, and wondered why, despite the
345:55 in, and wondered why, despite the abundance of magic, there were no
345:57 abundance of magic, there were no monsters or other dangers. Suddenly,
345:59 monsters or other dangers. Suddenly, Cheryl sensed a strange presence and
346:02 Cheryl sensed a strange presence and turning around noticed an unusual glow
346:04 turning around noticed an unusual glow behind her companions emanating from an
346:06 behind her companions emanating from an elderly man standing nearby. Cheryl
346:09 elderly man standing nearby. Cheryl quickly cast a precise spell that
346:10 quickly cast a precise spell that greatly frightened the uninvited guests,
346:13 greatly frightened the uninvited guests, causing them to scatter and put up a
346:15 causing them to scatter and put up a magical defense. The spell struck the
346:17 magical defense. The spell struck the old man, immediately binding him. But
346:19 old man, immediately binding him. But despite this, he showed no concern and
346:21 despite this, he showed no concern and watched the newcomers with admiration,
346:23 watched the newcomers with admiration, as if he had been waiting for them.
346:25 as if he had been waiting for them. Easily dispelling the magic, the old man
346:28 Easily dispelling the magic, the old man declared that the prophecy had come true
346:30 declared that the prophecy had come true and that they had finally arrived, which
346:32 and that they had finally arrived, which only confirmed his suspicions about the
346:34 only confirmed his suspicions about the appearance of the chosen ones. Realizing
346:36 appearance of the chosen ones. Realizing that magic had no effect on the old man,
346:38 that magic had no effect on the old man, the three decided to listen to him,
346:40 the three decided to listen to him, deciding that it was better to find out
346:41 deciding that it was better to find out his intentions first rather than act
346:43 his intentions first rather than act hastily, the old man explained that the
346:46 hastily, the old man explained that the locals had a prophecy that a certain man
346:48 locals had a prophecy that a certain man would appear who would free their
346:49 would appear who would free their slaves, and he believed that these
346:51 slaves, and he believed that these people were the ones. Jacqueline,
346:53 people were the ones. Jacqueline, observing the old man's unusual behavior
346:56 observing the old man's unusual behavior and reactions to the situation, was
346:58 and reactions to the situation, was inclined to doubt his sincerity and
347:00 inclined to doubt his sincerity and willingness to cooperate. Cheryl shared
347:02 willingness to cooperate. Cheryl shared her doubts, but she understood that they
347:04 her doubts, but she understood that they had nothing to lose. So, she decided it
347:06 had nothing to lose. So, she decided it would be best to learn more from this
347:08 would be best to learn more from this man to understand his true intentions.
347:10 man to understand his true intentions. Approaching the old man with a gentle
347:12 Approaching the old man with a gentle smile, she frightened him even more, but
347:14 smile, she frightened him even more, but tried to be friendly and asked him to
347:15 tried to be friendly and asked him to tell her more about the prophecy.
347:17 tell her more about the prophecy. Despite her persistence, the man began
347:19 Despite her persistence, the man began to evade specific answers, which only
347:21 to evade specific answers, which only heightened Cheryl's suspicions and made
347:24 heightened Cheryl's suspicions and made his intentions even more mysterious.
347:26 his intentions even more mysterious. When Cheryl's patience ran out, she
347:28 When Cheryl's patience ran out, she grabbed the old man firmly and began to
347:30 grabbed the old man firmly and began to literally squeeze the information out of
347:32 literally squeeze the information out of him, particularly interested in the
347:34 him, particularly interested in the prophecy about the warrior with the
347:35 prophecy about the warrior with the sword. The old man finally came to his
347:37 sword. The old man finally came to his senses and revealed that the warrior
347:39 senses and revealed that the warrior must possess a relic, a sword, and to
347:42 must possess a relic, a sword, and to obtain it, he must find ancient ruins
347:44 obtain it, he must find ancient ruins where he would meet his enemy. He
347:46 where he would meet his enemy. He explained that only by finding these
347:47 explained that only by finding these ruins would the warrior be able to meet
347:49 ruins would the warrior be able to meet the lord of these lands and punish him
347:50 the lord of these lands and punish him for all the evil deeds he had committed
347:52 for all the evil deeds he had committed over a long period of time. After the
347:54 over a long period of time. After the old man finished his story, he laughed
347:56 old man finished his story, he laughed and ran away, leaving Cheryl completely
347:59 and ran away, leaving Cheryl completely baffled and convinced that he was just a
348:01 baffled and convinced that he was just a local madman. Jacqueline, who had long
348:03 local madman. Jacqueline, who had long since realized that this old man was of
348:05 since realized that this old man was of no importance, suggested they continue
348:07 no importance, suggested they continue on their way, reminding her that they
348:09 on their way, reminding her that they had not come here for no reason. At that
348:11 had not come here for no reason. At that moment in her castle, the owner of these
348:13 moment in her castle, the owner of these lands watched all the travelers through
348:15 lands watched all the travelers through a crystal ball. Seeing their progress,
348:17 a crystal ball. Seeing their progress, she watched their movements closely,
348:19 she watched their movements closely, especially Aaron's. She immediately
348:21 especially Aaron's. She immediately sensed the dragon's blessing, which
348:23 sensed the dragon's blessing, which aroused her particular interest and
348:25 aroused her particular interest and desire to learn more about him. Feeling
348:27 desire to learn more about him. Feeling Aaron's strong magical influence, the
348:30 Aaron's strong magical influence, the woman turned to her assistant, Logan,
348:31 woman turned to her assistant, Logan, and asked him to invite him to the
348:33 and asked him to invite him to the castle to learn more about the
348:34 castle to learn more about the mysterious man. Logan, having received
348:36 mysterious man. Logan, having received the order, instantly disappeared into
348:38 the order, instantly disappeared into thin air, heading toward Aaron to
348:40 thin air, heading toward Aaron to fulfill his mistress's request, who was
348:42 fulfill his mistress's request, who was ready to find out all the details. The
348:44 ready to find out all the details. The woman continued to watch the hero
348:46 woman continued to watch the hero intently through the crystal ball,
348:48 intently through the crystal ball, smiling and dreaming of how she would
348:49 smiling and dreaming of how she would make Aaron her beloved slave, subjecting
348:52 make Aaron her beloved slave, subjecting him to her will. By this time, Aaron had
348:54 him to her will. By this time, Aaron had advanced deep into the black continent
348:56 advanced deep into the black continent and found himself in an ancient
348:57 and found himself in an ancient abandoned settlement, which immediately
348:59 abandoned settlement, which immediately surprised him with its unusual silence
349:01 surprised him with its unusual silence and emptiness. He was surprised by the
349:03 and emptiness. He was surprised by the silence and began to ask the strategist
349:06 silence and began to ask the strategist if he was sure they had arrived at the
349:07 if he was sure they had arrived at the right place, if they had made a mistake,
349:09 right place, if they had made a mistake, because there were no sounds or signs of
349:11 because there were no sounds or signs of life around them. Kanos, not surprised
349:14 life around them. Kanos, not surprised by the question, confidently confirmed
349:16 by the question, confidently confirmed that they were definitely on the right
349:17 that they were definitely on the right road and that this was the path that
349:19 road and that this was the path that should lead them straight to the castle
349:20 should lead them straight to the castle of the local ruler. At that moment,
349:22 of the local ruler. At that moment, something appeared in the distance, and
349:24 something appeared in the distance, and Rex, noticing it, called everyone closer
349:27 Rex, noticing it, called everyone closer so that they would not miss the
349:28 so that they would not miss the opportunity to see what was happening
349:29 opportunity to see what was happening and who might meet them. When they
349:31 and who might meet them. When they looked back, they saw a huge castle,
349:34 looked back, they saw a huge castle, majestic and luxurious, towering over
349:36 majestic and luxurious, towering over the village, which seemed completely out
349:38 the village, which seemed completely out of place in this location. Everyone was
349:40 of place in this location. Everyone was surprised that such a luxurious castle
349:42 surprised that such a luxurious castle was in such a deserted place, and they
349:44 was in such a deserted place, and they began to wonder why there were no
349:46 began to wonder why there were no guards, and why everything looked so
349:48 guards, and why everything looked so strange. The Duke had an idea that there
349:50 strange. The Duke had an idea that there might be treasures in this castle that
349:52 might be treasures in this castle that they could take for themselves, and that
349:54 they could take for themselves, and that capturing it would be easier than he had
349:56 capturing it would be easier than he had initially thought. He thought that
349:58 initially thought. He thought that capturing the castle might not be as
349:59 capturing the castle might not be as difficult as they had imagined, and if
350:01 difficult as they had imagined, and if they could seize the moment, it would be
350:03 they could seize the moment, it would be advantageous for them. Turning to his
350:05 advantageous for them. Turning to his companions, Aaron suggested that they
350:07 companions, Aaron suggested that they waste no time and go straight to the
350:09 waste no time and go straight to the castle to explore it and assess what
350:11 castle to explore it and assess what they might find inside. At that moment,
350:13 they might find inside. At that moment, everyone turned around in fear, not
350:15 everyone turned around in fear, not understanding who was approaching them,
350:17 understanding who was approaching them, not knowing who these people rushing
350:18 not knowing who these people rushing toward them were or what they could
350:20 toward them were or what they could expect from them. Finally, Aaron could
350:23 expect from them. Finally, Aaron could make out people who looked like
350:24 make out people who looked like peasants, miners, tired and exhausted
350:27 peasants, miners, tired and exhausted from hard labor, which they had
350:28 from hard labor, which they had apparently been doing for a long time.
350:30 apparently been doing for a long time. Aaron wondered where these people were
350:32 Aaron wondered where these people were being taken, and Rex suggested they go
350:34 being taken, and Rex suggested they go around them and asked the locals what
350:35 around them and asked the locals what was going on and what their intentions
350:37 was going on and what their intentions might be. Approaching one of the locals,
350:40 might be. Approaching one of the locals, Rex tried to talk to him, but the man
350:42 Rex tried to talk to him, but the man just glanced at him indifferently and
350:44 just glanced at him indifferently and continued on his way, paying no
350:46 continued on his way, paying no attention to him. This alarmed Rex and
350:48 attention to him. This alarmed Rex and he decided to take more serious action
350:50 he decided to take more serious action with the next passer by. He grabbed the
350:52 with the next passer by. He grabbed the man by the arm to stop him, but the man
350:54 man by the arm to stop him, but the man pushed him away with irritation. Kinos,
350:57 pushed him away with irritation. Kinos, noticing the behavior of the locals,
350:59 noticing the behavior of the locals, explained that it was unlikely they
351:00 explained that it was unlikely they would be able to establish contact with
351:02 would be able to establish contact with these people, but he himself was clearly
351:05 these people, but he himself was clearly concerned, feeling strange and
351:06 concerned, feeling strange and disturbing emotions. He realized that
351:08 disturbing emotions. He realized that this feeling was connected to something
351:10 this feeling was connected to something familiar to him. It was the energy of
351:12 familiar to him. It was the energy of another dragon which greatly surprised
351:14 another dragon which greatly surprised him and made him feel that danger was
351:16 him and made him feel that danger was near. Suddenly, as if by magic, Logan
351:19 near. Suddenly, as if by magic, Logan appeared behind them and greeted them
351:21 appeared behind them and greeted them with a smile. Despite the weariness and
351:23 with a smile. Despite the weariness and anxiety they felt from what was
351:25 anxiety they felt from what was happening around them, the travelers
351:26 happening around them, the travelers immediately became alert and prepared
351:28 immediately became alert and prepared their weapons for possible defense. But
351:30 their weapons for possible defense. But Logan held his hands out in front of
351:32 Logan held his hands out in front of him, showing that he posed no threat and
351:34 him, showing that he posed no threat and apologized for scaring them. Logan
351:36 apologized for scaring them. Logan introduced himself as the butler of
351:38 introduced himself as the butler of Mission Castle and said that his
351:40 Mission Castle and said that his mistress, the ruler of the Black
351:42 mistress, the ruler of the Black Continent, had been kind enough to
351:43 Continent, had been kind enough to invite them to her castle. He explained
351:46 invite them to her castle. He explained that his mistress was eagerly awaiting
351:47 that his mistress was eagerly awaiting their arrival and had invited them to
351:49 their arrival and had invited them to the castle to meet her in person and
351:51 the castle to meet her in person and discuss their possible stay on her
351:53 discuss their possible stay on her territory. The travelers followed Logan
351:55 territory. The travelers followed Logan to the castle. But at the foot of the
351:57 to the castle. But at the foot of the hill, Aaron noticed many workers who
351:59 hill, Aaron noticed many workers who were behaving strangely and could not
352:01 were behaving strangely and could not understand what was happening in this
352:03 understand what was happening in this place. Kanos, as if reading Aaron's
352:05 place. Kanos, as if reading Aaron's thoughts, explained that the behavior of
352:07 thoughts, explained that the behavior of these creatures was related to magic
352:09 these creatures was related to magic that stole the soul of the enemy and
352:11 that stole the soul of the enemy and subjugated them to its power. Such magic
352:14 subjugated them to its power. Such magic was quite common, much more so than
352:16 was quite common, much more so than Aaron could have imagined, although he
352:17 Aaron could have imagined, although he had never encountered a creature that
352:19 had never encountered a creature that could subjugate an entire country. The
352:21 could subjugate an entire country. The Duke exhaled heavily, realizing that
352:24 Duke exhaled heavily, realizing that having faced many difficulties on his
352:25 having faced many difficulties on his way to the continent, he would now have
352:27 way to the continent, he would now have to deal with unknown and deadly magic.
352:30 to deal with unknown and deadly magic. Moreover, he now had to fight some
352:32 Moreover, he now had to fight some unknown evil that could prove to be far
352:34 unknown evil that could prove to be far more dangerous than anything he had seen
352:35 more dangerous than anything he had seen before. Kanos understood this too and
352:38 before. Kanos understood this too and warned the Duke to be extremely careful,
352:40 warned the Duke to be extremely careful, for the ruler of these lands was a
352:41 for the ruler of these lands was a powerful and dangerous enemy who would
352:43 powerful and dangerous enemy who would be difficult to defeat. Upon entering
352:46 be difficult to defeat. Upon entering the castle, Kanos could already guess
352:48 the castle, Kanos could already guess who really ruled this black continent
352:49 who really ruled this black continent and what forces stood behind her. After
352:52 and what forces stood behind her. After a long journey across velvet carpets,
352:54 a long journey across velvet carpets, Aaron and his companions finally found
352:56 Aaron and his companions finally found themselves before the queen of these
352:57 themselves before the queen of these lands, who was already waiting for her
352:59 lands, who was already waiting for her guests. The queen looked over her
353:01 guests. The queen looked over her guests, paying particular attention to
353:04 guests, paying particular attention to Kynos, surprised that a creature that
353:06 Kynos, surprised that a creature that usually walked on wings, was stepping on
353:08 usually walked on wings, was stepping on her land. Aaron, not understanding who
353:10 her land. Aaron, not understanding who his strategist really was, began to
353:12 his strategist really was, began to worry that the local queen had decided
353:14 worry that the local queen had decided to insult him without realizing it.
353:16 to insult him without realizing it. However, gathering his thoughts, Aaron
353:18 However, gathering his thoughts, Aaron introduced himself and said that he was
353:20 introduced himself and said that he was the lord of the land of Bran in the
353:21 the lord of the land of Bran in the empire and had come to pay his respects
353:23 empire and had come to pay his respects to the queen, observing all the
353:25 to the queen, observing all the necessary formalities. But the queen
353:27 necessary formalities. But the queen immediately ordered all formalities to
353:29 immediately ordered all formalities to be dispensed with because she had never
353:31 be dispensed with because she had never been interested in western traditions
353:33 been interested in western traditions and preferred to do things her own way.
353:35 and preferred to do things her own way. Looking at the queen's face, Aaron
353:38 Looking at the queen's face, Aaron suggested that they follow the laws of
353:39 suggested that they follow the laws of this land, which clearly displeased the
353:41 this land, which clearly displeased the woman, and she thought mockingly that
353:44 woman, and she thought mockingly that his self-confidence would lead him to
353:45 his self-confidence would lead him to defeat. The queen believed that Aaron
353:47 defeat. The queen believed that Aaron would easily submit to her will, as in
353:49 would easily submit to her will, as in her opinion, he was too arrogant and did
353:52 her opinion, he was too arrogant and did not realize who he was dealing with,
353:54 not realize who he was dealing with, which only exacerbated his situation.
353:56 which only exacerbated his situation. With a mysterious smile, she turned to
353:58 With a mysterious smile, she turned to Logan and ordered him to bring
354:00 Logan and ordered him to bring everything necessary. Her gaze
354:01 everything necessary. Her gaze indicating that everything was in her
354:03 indicating that everything was in her hands and she was in control of the
354:05 hands and she was in control of the situation. Logan silently obeyed her
354:07 situation. Logan silently obeyed her order while the queen turned to the
354:09 order while the queen turned to the guests, offering them drinks and saying
354:11 guests, offering them drinks and saying that it was customary in her house to
354:12 that it was customary in her house to welcome strangers in this way. She added
354:14 welcome strangers in this way. She added that since they had come from such a
354:16 that since they had come from such a distant and unusual land, she wanted to
354:18 distant and unusual land, she wanted to make not just a toast, but a special
354:20 make not just a toast, but a special toast to celebrate their presence there.
354:22 toast to celebrate their presence there. There was a deep and strange
354:24 There was a deep and strange significance in her voice when she said
354:25 significance in her voice when she said that thanks to their visit, she was able
354:27 that thanks to their visit, she was able to meet a long-lost friend again, which
354:29 to meet a long-lost friend again, which seemed mysterious and unusual. This
354:32 seemed mysterious and unusual. This immediately alarmed Kanos, who sensed
354:34 immediately alarmed Kanos, who sensed that something was a miss. But the Duke
354:36 that something was a miss. But the Duke was so preoccupied with the glass that
354:38 was so preoccupied with the glass that had been presented to him that he did
354:40 had been presented to him that he did not pay attention to the queen's strange
354:41 not pay attention to the queen's strange words. At that moment, Kruella uttered a
354:44 words. At that moment, Kruella uttered a spell, filling the drinks with magic
354:46 spell, filling the drinks with magic capable of subjugating the will of
354:48 capable of subjugating the will of whoever drank them, forcing them to
354:50 whoever drank them, forcing them to submit to her power and become her slave
354:52 submit to her power and become her slave forever. She knew that as soon as the
354:54 forever. She knew that as soon as the Duke took even one sip, he would be
354:56 Duke took even one sip, he would be completely under her control, and she
354:58 completely under her control, and she would be able to manipulate him as she
355:00 would be able to manipulate him as she pleased, turning him into her servant.
355:02 pleased, turning him into her servant. However, Aaron surprised her when he
355:04 However, Aaron surprised her when he poured his drink onto the ground without
355:06 poured his drink onto the ground without taking a single sip, which came as a
355:08 taking a single sip, which came as a complete surprise to her and made her
355:09 complete surprise to her and made her wonder about his actions. He explained
355:11 wonder about his actions. He explained that he did not want to show disrespect
355:13 that he did not want to show disrespect for the culture of this land. But as a
355:15 for the culture of this land. But as a stranger, he could not trust the drink
355:17 stranger, he could not trust the drink as he did not know whether it contained
355:19 as he did not know whether it contained poison or ordinary alcohol. Aaron
355:21 poison or ordinary alcohol. Aaron believed that this was a reasonable
355:23 believed that this was a reasonable decision as he did not know who had
355:25 decision as he did not know who had offered him the drink and whether this
355:26 offered him the drink and whether this person was a friend or an enemy ready to
355:29 person was a friend or an enemy ready to harm him. In any case, he had no
355:31 harm him. In any case, he had no intention of drinking because his goal
355:33 intention of drinking because his goal was completely different. and he refused
355:35 was completely different. and he refused the drink, considering it an important
355:37 the drink, considering it an important step in his plan. Despite the strange
355:40 step in his plan. Despite the strange circumstances, Kruella, though she did
355:42 circumstances, Kruella, though she did not want to appear arrogant, could no
355:44 not want to appear arrogant, could no longer contain her anger, realizing that
355:46 longer contain her anger, realizing that she was facing a fool, and in her rage
355:49 she was facing a fool, and in her rage crushed the glass without noticing how
355:51 crushed the glass without noticing how it happened. Her furious laughter made
355:53 it happened. Her furious laughter made the ground beneath Aaron and his
355:54 the ground beneath Aaron and his companions tremble, and it grew so loud
355:56 companions tremble, and it grew so loud and eerie that the entire castle was
355:58 and eerie that the entire castle was filled with tension and fear. Kruella
356:00 filled with tension and fear. Kruella came closer and closer to them, and with
356:03 came closer and closer to them, and with each step she took, the walls of the
356:04 each step she took, the walls of the castle shook as if the earth itself
356:06 castle shook as if the earth itself could not withstand her power, and
356:08 could not withstand her power, and everything around them began to descend
356:10 everything around them began to descend into chaos. Aaron immediately realized
356:12 into chaos. Aaron immediately realized that this woman was no ordinary queen,
356:14 that this woman was no ordinary queen, but probably a witch. And for the first
356:17 but probably a witch. And for the first time in his life, he felt her magical
356:19 time in his life, he felt her magical power overwhelming him, as if he had
356:21 power overwhelming him, as if he had become defenseless. Kruella laughed as
356:24 become defenseless. Kruella laughed as if reading the Duke's thoughts and
356:25 if reading the Duke's thoughts and wondering why he had only now realized
356:27 wondering why he had only now realized how great her power was, which had
356:29 how great her power was, which had subjugated the entire castle and
356:31 subjugated the entire castle and everything happening around it. Aaron
356:33 everything happening around it. Aaron tried to focus all his strength to at
356:34 tried to focus all his strength to at least withstand this magical pressure,
356:36 least withstand this magical pressure, which seemed so powerful that her every
356:38 which seemed so powerful that her every step felt like a threat to his life. At
356:40 step felt like a threat to his life. At that moment, the witch transformed into
356:42 that moment, the witch transformed into a powerful five-headed dragon, which
356:45 a powerful five-headed dragon, which immediately began attacking the Duke,
356:47 immediately began attacking the Duke, seeking to destroy him on the spot spot,
356:49 seeking to destroy him on the spot spot, leaving him no chance of escape. At the
356:51 leaving him no chance of escape. At the last moment, Kanos came to the Duke's
356:53 last moment, Kanos came to the Duke's aid, taking the form of a dragon and
356:55 aid, taking the form of a dragon and attacking his sister to protect Aaron
356:57 attacking his sister to protect Aaron and stop her destructive fury. The witch
356:59 and stop her destructive fury. The witch was clearly enraged, for in her opinion,
357:02 was clearly enraged, for in her opinion, the dragon had stooped so low as to
357:04 the dragon had stooped so low as to protect a mere human, and she decided to
357:06 protect a mere human, and she decided to punish him for it, using all her magical
357:09 punish him for it, using all her magical power. A fierce battle ensued, and the
357:11 power. A fierce battle ensued, and the Duke, watching the dragons, suddenly
357:13 Duke, watching the dragons, suddenly realized that this dragon was exactly
357:15 realized that this dragon was exactly the same as the one who had helped them
357:17 the same as the one who had helped them earlier in their hour of need. Then
357:19 earlier in their hour of need. Then Aaron realized that all this time this
357:21 Aaron realized that all this time this dragon had been his strategist, Kanos,
357:24 dragon had been his strategist, Kanos, hiding his true nature under the power
357:26 hiding his true nature under the power of his magical appearance. Aaron
357:28 of his magical appearance. Aaron realized that he could figure this out
357:29 realized that he could figure this out later and now he needed to focus on
357:31 later and now he needed to focus on something else. He rushed to Rex, who
357:34 something else. He rushed to Rex, who unlike him was much weaker and badly
357:36 unlike him was much weaker and badly injured. While Aaron tried to help his
357:38 injured. While Aaron tried to help his friend to his feet, Kruella noticed
357:40 friend to his feet, Kruella noticed their movement and began to head in
357:42 their movement and began to head in their direction, ready to attack again
357:44 their direction, ready to attack again with a force capable of destroying
357:46 with a force capable of destroying everything in its path. However, Kanos
357:48 everything in its path. However, Kanos noticed this in time and acting quickly
357:51 noticed this in time and acting quickly covered them with his tail, giving them
357:52 covered them with his tail, giving them a chance to escape and allowing them to
357:54 a chance to escape and allowing them to break free from the dangerous situation.
357:56 break free from the dangerous situation. When they got out, fear gripped them,
357:58 When they got out, fear gripped them, for they realized that they were in a
358:00 for they realized that they were in a confusing, huge labyrinth, and now they
358:03 confusing, huge labyrinth, and now they had to find a way out of this magical
358:04 had to find a way out of this magical hell. The Duke realized that the escape
358:07 hell. The Duke realized that the escape would be much more difficult than they
358:08 would be much more difficult than they had expected, and that their path to
358:10 had expected, and that their path to salvation was just beginning, full of
358:13 salvation was just beginning, full of unexpected obstacles and unclear
358:15 unexpected obstacles and unclear threats. The situation worsened when
358:17 threats. The situation worsened when creatures covered in powerful armor and
358:19 creatures covered in powerful armor and resembling demons began to approach them
358:21 resembling demons began to approach them from the darkness, ready to attack at
358:23 from the darkness, ready to attack at any moment. Aaron realized that Rex
358:25 any moment. Aaron realized that Rex would not be able to withstand the
358:26 would not be able to withstand the monsters in battle and decided to join
358:28 monsters in battle and decided to join the fight himself to protect his friend
358:31 the fight himself to protect his friend and prevent him from dying. But Rex,
358:33 and prevent him from dying. But Rex, despite the Duke's warnings, couldn't
358:35 despite the Duke's warnings, couldn't stay away and rushed into battle himself
358:37 stay away and rushed into battle himself to cover Aaron's back and help him in
358:39 to cover Aaron's back and help him in this brutal fight. After a long and
358:41 this brutal fight. After a long and exhausting battle in which both men had
358:43 exhausting battle in which both men had almost exhausted their strength, they
358:45 almost exhausted their strength, they finally managed to defeat all the
358:47 finally managed to defeat all the monsters, but both were clearly on the
358:49 monsters, but both were clearly on the verge of collapse. Rex hoped that their
358:51 verge of collapse. Rex hoped that their battle was over. But Aaron did not
358:52 battle was over. But Aaron did not believe that it was all behind them and
358:54 believe that it was all behind them and continued to peer wearily into the dark
358:56 continued to peer wearily into the dark void, waiting for new threats. Just
358:58 void, waiting for new threats. Just then, winged dragon monsters flew out of
359:01 then, winged dragon monsters flew out of the darkness, ready to attack again. And
359:03 the darkness, ready to attack again. And the Duke realized that their battle was
359:05 the Duke realized that their battle was far from over and that they had even
359:07 far from over and that they had even more trials ahead of them. Aaron was
359:10 more trials ahead of them. Aaron was exhausted and tired of these endless
359:11 exhausted and tired of these endless battles, but he knew they had to keep
359:13 battles, but he knew they had to keep going if they wanted to survive. And his
359:15 going if they wanted to survive. And his patience was running out. Deciding to
359:17 patience was running out. Deciding to end the battle quickly, he used his
359:19 end the battle quickly, he used his blessing to increase his strength and
359:21 blessing to increase his strength and directed the great swordsman's attack
359:22 directed the great swordsman's attack straight at the flying dragons, hoping
359:24 straight at the flying dragons, hoping for a quick outcome. Finally, after
359:27 for a quick outcome. Finally, after victory, the Duke and Rex continued on
359:29 victory, the Duke and Rex continued on their way. But Aaron noticed that his
359:31 their way. But Aaron noticed that his friend was not responding to his words,
359:33 friend was not responding to his words, which was an alarming sign that caused
359:35 which was an alarming sign that caused him concern. Rex's behavior seemed
359:37 him concern. Rex's behavior seemed strange to Aaron, and he immediately
359:39 strange to Aaron, and he immediately turned to study his face closely, trying
359:41 turned to study his face closely, trying to understand what had happened to his
359:43 to understand what had happened to his friend that had caused him to change so
359:44 friend that had caused him to change so much. Aaron noticed dark marks spreading
359:46 much. Aaron noticed dark marks spreading across Rex's face, and his eyes rolled
359:49 across Rex's face, and his eyes rolled back, and it became clear that he had
359:51 back, and it became clear that he had been consumed by darkness and had lost
359:53 been consumed by darkness and had lost control of himself. The Duke looked up
359:55 control of himself. The Duke looked up and saw a giant centipede monster, its
359:57 and saw a giant centipede monster, its clawed paws already reaching toward
359:59 clawed paws already reaching toward them, ready to grab and tear them to
360:01 them, ready to grab and tear them to pieces, threatening imminent death.
360:04 pieces, threatening imminent death. Seeing this horrific sight, Aaron
360:05 Seeing this horrific sight, Aaron panicked, for he not only had to save
360:07 panicked, for he not only had to save Rex, but also break through all these
360:10 Rex, but also break through all these dangers to get out of there as quickly
360:11 dangers to get out of there as quickly as possible. He knew that fighting this
360:13 as possible. He knew that fighting this monster would be much more difficult
360:15 monster would be much more difficult than all the previous battles. But he
360:17 than all the previous battles. But he gathered all his strength and
360:18 gathered all his strength and determination, preparing to destroy it
360:20 determination, preparing to destroy it with one powerful blow. With the power
360:23 with one powerful blow. With the power of his sword and the dragon's blessing,
360:25 of his sword and the dragon's blessing, Aaron delivered a powerful attack that
360:27 Aaron delivered a powerful attack that cut the centipede in half. But it was
360:29 cut the centipede in half. But it was clear that this was not the end. After
360:31 clear that this was not the end. After the blow, the hero rushed to Rex, who
360:33 the blow, the hero rushed to Rex, who was barely standing, to help him up and
360:35 was barely standing, to help him up and carry him away from the area before
360:36 carry him away from the area before another threat arrived. Rex was still
360:38 another threat arrived. Rex was still unconscious, and Aaron, realizing that
360:40 unconscious, and Aaron, realizing that something was wrong, turned around and
360:43 something was wrong, turned around and saw with horror that the monster was
360:44 saw with horror that the monster was regenerating and ready to fight again.
360:46 regenerating and ready to fight again. It became clear that the centipede had
360:48 It became clear that the centipede had not only survived, but had grown even
360:50 not only survived, but had grown even larger and more dangerous, making it an
360:52 larger and more dangerous, making it an even more formidable opponent for the
360:54 even more formidable opponent for the heroes. Aaron saw no other way out to
360:56 heroes. Aaron saw no other way out to destroy this monster again and again.
360:59 destroy this monster again and again. But with each fall, the monster split
361:01 But with each fall, the monster split and divided into even larger creatures.
361:03 and divided into even larger creatures. At the same time, Kinos was engaged in a
361:06 At the same time, Kinos was engaged in a fierce battle as Kruella had already
361:08 fierce battle as Kruella had already managed to throw him against the wall,
361:10 managed to throw him against the wall, inflicting severe wounds, and he felt
361:12 inflicting severe wounds, and he felt his strength, leaving him. Approaching,
361:14 his strength, leaving him. Approaching, the dragonist sank her sharp claws into
361:16 the dragonist sank her sharp claws into her brother's body and promised that she
361:18 her brother's body and promised that she would make him regret his decision to
361:20 would make him regret his decision to try to stop her, unaware of the full
361:22 try to stop her, unaware of the full danger. When Kruella clamped her jaws
361:25 danger. When Kruella clamped her jaws around Kanos's throat, he managed to say
361:27 around Kanos's throat, he managed to say that they had bought enough time for the
361:29 that they had bought enough time for the humans to leave. And now they could talk
361:31 humans to leave. And now they could talk in peace without fear of attack.
361:33 in peace without fear of attack. However, the dragonist clearly did not
361:35 However, the dragonist clearly did not believe her brother's words and began to
361:37 believe her brother's words and began to doubt his intentions. Then Kanos
361:40 doubt his intentions. Then Kanos reminded her that she had always dreamed
361:41 reminded her that she had always dreamed of controlling the western continent. He
361:44 of controlling the western continent. He offered his help in carrying out this
361:45 offered his help in carrying out this plan as the man he had brought with him
361:47 plan as the man he had brought with him was an excellent opportunity to seize
361:49 was an excellent opportunity to seize power on the continent since he would
361:51 power on the continent since he would soon become king. Kinos continued that
361:54 soon become king. Kinos continued that by returning to the west and starting a
361:56 by returning to the west and starting a war, they would be able to expand their
361:58 war, they would be able to expand their influence and then with the chaos in the
362:00 influence and then with the chaos in the region seize power over the entire
362:02 region seize power over the entire continent. This way, Kruella would be
362:05 continent. This way, Kruella would be able to achieve what she had wanted for
362:06 able to achieve what she had wanted for so long. But her reaction was far from
362:09 so long. But her reaction was far from what her brother had expected, and she
362:11 what her brother had expected, and she was not ready to trust his promises. She
362:13 was not ready to trust his promises. She laughed, not believing Kanos's words.
362:16 laughed, not believing Kanos's words. Realizing that his plans and
362:17 Realizing that his plans and manipulations had not changed, and now
362:20 manipulations had not changed, and now she saw no reason to trust him, Kruella
362:22 she saw no reason to trust him, Kruella gradually began to bind him with chains.
362:24 gradually began to bind him with chains. Amazed at how many times she had already
362:26 Amazed at how many times she had already been deceived by him and how he was
362:28 been deceived by him and how he was trying to manipulate her again. Kinos,
362:30 trying to manipulate her again. Kinos, indignant, begged his sister to stop,
362:32 indignant, begged his sister to stop, but she continued to bind him until she
362:34 but she continued to bind him until she took on human form, expressing her
362:36 took on human form, expressing her disappointment in his actions. And at
362:38 disappointment in his actions. And at that moment, Kruella promised that she
362:40 that moment, Kruella promised that she would release Aaron as Kinos had wished.
362:42 would release Aaron as Kinos had wished. but that the dragon himself would suffer
362:45 but that the dragon himself would suffer eternally, watching her rule over the
362:47 eternally, watching her rule over the man he had brought to her. The scene
362:49 man he had brought to her. The scene shifts to the monsters Aaron had been
362:51 shifts to the monsters Aaron had been fighting endlessly. And although his
362:53 fighting endlessly. And although his strength was beginning to wne, he
362:54 strength was beginning to wne, he continued to fight relentlessly.
362:56 continued to fight relentlessly. Determined to see it through to the end
362:58 Determined to see it through to the end despite his exhaustion. Suddenly, at
363:00 despite his exhaustion. Suddenly, at Kruella's command, the monsters began to
363:02 Kruella's command, the monsters began to disappear and evaporate. And when all
363:04 disappear and evaporate. And when all the puppets were gone, only one
363:06 the puppets were gone, only one remained, a huge and terrifying monster
363:09 remained, a huge and terrifying monster that Aaron had to face. Aaron
363:11 that Aaron had to face. Aaron immediately realized that this creature
363:13 immediately realized that this creature was real, unlike the others created by
363:15 was real, unlike the others created by black magic. And this realization
363:17 black magic. And this realization enraged him, making him even more
363:19 enraged him, making him even more determined to win the battle. This
363:21 determined to win the battle. This revelation enraged the knight so much
363:23 revelation enraged the knight so much that he immediately raised his sword and
363:25 that he immediately raised his sword and was about to rush at the monster. But
363:27 was about to rush at the monster. But Rex's hand suddenly stopped him,
363:29 Rex's hand suddenly stopped him, preventing him from continuing his
363:31 preventing him from continuing his attack on the beast. The frightened
363:33 attack on the beast. The frightened assistant grabbed him by the arm and
363:34 assistant grabbed him by the arm and begged him to stop and leave, explaining
363:37 begged him to stop and leave, explaining that all the battles they had fought
363:38 that all the battles they had fought were just an illusion created by
363:40 were just an illusion created by Kruella's magic, not a real threat.
363:42 Kruella's magic, not a real threat. Aaron couldn't believe it, but he
363:44 Aaron couldn't believe it, but he assumed that everything that was
363:45 assumed that everything that was happening was connected to Kanos's help
363:47 happening was connected to Kanos's help in his dragon form, which explained the
363:49 in his dragon form, which explained the strange visions and magical power. At
363:52 strange visions and magical power. At that moment, Aaron realized that their
363:53 that moment, Aaron realized that their main task now was to leave because that
363:56 main task now was to leave because that was what their dragon, who had protected
363:57 was what their dragon, who had protected them, wanted, and they decided to use
363:59 them, wanted, and they decided to use his powerful help to escape. However,
364:02 his powerful help to escape. However, Aaron swore that if their friend did not
364:04 Aaron swore that if their friend did not return, he would gather his strength and
364:06 return, he would gather his strength and come back for him despite the danger,
364:08 come back for him despite the danger, promising that he would not leave him in
364:09 promising that he would not leave him in trouble and would fight to the end. When
364:11 trouble and would fight to the end. When late evening came, Cheryl finally
364:13 late evening came, Cheryl finally managed to open the portal that would
364:15 managed to open the portal that would take them to their destination. After
364:17 take them to their destination. After work, she looked very tired. But when
364:20 work, she looked very tired. But when she looked into the portal, she
364:21 she looked into the portal, she immediately realized that she was in a
364:23 immediately realized that she was in a completely unfamiliar and strange place,
364:25 completely unfamiliar and strange place, and Miller noticed that it was different
364:27 and Miller noticed that it was different from what he had seen before. Cheryl
364:29 from what he had seen before. Cheryl thought that this discrepancy might be
364:31 thought that this discrepancy might be caused by unstable magic in the forest.
364:33 caused by unstable magic in the forest. But not wanting to guess, she decided to
364:36 But not wanting to guess, she decided to check if this place really belonged to
364:37 check if this place really belonged to the empire. Without wasting time on
364:39 the empire. Without wasting time on guesswork, the girl ran to the portal to
364:41 guesswork, the girl ran to the portal to make sure that this place was indeed
364:43 make sure that this place was indeed within the empire. Miller laughed,
364:45 within the empire. Miller laughed, considering Cheryl to be nothing more
364:47 considering Cheryl to be nothing more than a half mage who could only destroy
364:49 than a half mage who could only destroy but not create. Insulted by this remark,
364:52 but not create. Insulted by this remark, Cheryl replied that at least she
364:53 Cheryl replied that at least she possessed magic and knew how to create,
364:56 possessed magic and knew how to create, unlike Miller, who could only get upset
364:58 unlike Miller, who could only get upset about anything and everything. Miller
365:00 about anything and everything. Miller was clearly angry, but thanks to
365:01 was clearly angry, but thanks to Jqualene's principles, he restrained
365:03 Jqualene's principles, he restrained himself and did not attack the girl,
365:05 himself and did not attack the girl, although he sincerely wanted to. Cheryl
365:08 although he sincerely wanted to. Cheryl smiled as she watched Miller, realizing
365:10 smiled as she watched Miller, realizing that a simpleton like him could hardly
365:12 that a simpleton like him could hardly understand magic, even if he tried very
365:14 understand magic, even if he tried very hard. Waving goodbye, Cheryl headed for
365:17 hard. Waving goodbye, Cheryl headed for the portal, knowing that if it led to
365:19 the portal, knowing that if it led to the Empire, she would always find a way
365:21 the Empire, she would always find a way to get to the palace. Miller continued
365:23 to get to the palace. Miller continued to shout and rant, but Cheryl was no
365:25 to shout and rant, but Cheryl was no longer listening to him, as she had
365:27 longer listening to him, as she had almost completely dissolved into the
365:28 almost completely dissolved into the portal. Jacqueline laughed quietly as
365:30 portal. Jacqueline laughed quietly as she watched, urging Miller to calm down
365:32 she watched, urging Miller to calm down and reminding him that they had to focus
365:34 and reminding him that they had to focus on their real mission on the Black
365:36 on their real mission on the Black Continent. Miller understood that the
365:38 Continent. Miller understood that the captain was right, so he turned around
365:40 captain was right, so he turned around and started to leave, promising that as
365:42 and started to leave, promising that as soon as they could, he would definitely
365:44 soon as they could, he would definitely have a beer to relieve the stress of the
365:45 have a beer to relieve the stress of the situation. As they left, they didn't
365:47 situation. As they left, they didn't notice the strange things happening to
365:49 notice the strange things happening to the portal, which was surrounded by a
365:51 the portal, which was surrounded by a mysterious force that was clearly
365:53 mysterious force that was clearly altering its nature and the space around
365:55 altering its nature and the space around it. Cheryl, already out of the portal,
365:57 it. Cheryl, already out of the portal, noticed a purple glow on the other side
365:59 noticed a purple glow on the other side that resembled the presence of a ghost,
366:01 that resembled the presence of a ghost, which alarmed her and made her think.
366:03 which alarmed her and made her think. Annoyed by what was happening, Cheryl
366:05 Annoyed by what was happening, Cheryl decided to leave. Confident that the
366:07 decided to leave. Confident that the pirates could handle the ghosts without
366:09 pirates could handle the ghosts without her and that her presence was pointless.
366:11 her and that her presence was pointless. She had already done everything she
366:13 She had already done everything she could and now wanted to return home to
366:15 could and now wanted to return home to focus on investigating the case of her
366:16 focus on investigating the case of her mother whom she had met in the dungeons
366:18 mother whom she had met in the dungeons of the empire. In the dungeons, the
366:20 of the empire. In the dungeons, the situation remained unchanged. People
366:23 situation remained unchanged. People continued to arrive hoping to learn the
366:25 continued to arrive hoping to learn the truth despite all the difficulties and
366:26 truth despite all the difficulties and obstacles they had to overcome.
366:28 obstacles they had to overcome. Suddenly, the sage's assistants ordered
366:30 Suddenly, the sage's assistants ordered everyone to leave, saying that the
366:32 everyone to leave, saying that the sorcerer was no longer receiving
366:33 sorcerer was no longer receiving visitors, disappointing those who had
366:35 visitors, disappointing those who had waited so long for their turn. The
366:37 waited so long for their turn. The people were upset because they had spent
366:39 people were upset because they had spent the whole day standing in line, and now
366:41 the whole day standing in line, and now they learned that their expectations
366:42 they learned that their expectations were in vain, which made them even
366:44 were in vain, which made them even angrier. The mercenary calmly but
366:46 angrier. The mercenary calmly but sternly informed them that the sage
366:48 sternly informed them that the sage would not be seeing anyone else and
366:50 would not be seeing anyone else and ordered everyone to return, leaving them
366:52 ordered everyone to return, leaving them no choice. The people had no other
366:55 no choice. The people had no other choice because if they disobeyed, they
366:57 choice because if they disobeyed, they would not be given a second chance to
366:58 would not be given a second chance to meet the sage. And they left the place
367:00 meet the sage. And they left the place feeling helpless. Turning around, they
367:03 feeling helpless. Turning around, they left. Realizing that they could not
367:05 left. Realizing that they could not change anything, despite all their
367:07 change anything, despite all their efforts and the injustice of the
367:08 efforts and the injustice of the situation that had been presented to
367:10 situation that had been presented to them, when everyone had left, the sage
367:12 them, when everyone had left, the sage began to question his mercenaries about
367:14 began to question his mercenaries about what they had learned about the woman
367:15 what they had learned about the woman who had come and what traces she had
367:17 who had come and what traces she had left behind. As it turned out, she was
367:20 left behind. As it turned out, she was quite skilled at hiding, and the
367:22 quite skilled at hiding, and the mercenaries were unable to find out
367:23 mercenaries were unable to find out where she was currently living, which
367:25 where she was currently living, which upset them and left them with no
367:27 upset them and left them with no clarity. Moreover, they were unable to
367:30 clarity. Moreover, they were unable to find any of her acquaintances, as
367:32 find any of her acquaintances, as Isabelle was wandering the land without
367:33 Isabelle was wandering the land without a permanent place of residence, which
367:35 a permanent place of residence, which complicated the search. This answer did
367:38 complicated the search. This answer did not satisfy Gail, who had expected
367:40 not satisfy Gail, who had expected precise information about the person he
367:42 precise information about the person he was looking for, and he was disappointed
367:44 was looking for, and he was disappointed that the mercenaries had been unable to
367:46 that the mercenaries had been unable to obtain more information. Despite the
367:48 obtain more information. Despite the difficulties, the mercenary noticed
367:50 difficulties, the mercenary noticed Isabelle heading to a temple where she
367:52 Isabelle heading to a temple where she walked around for a long time, carefully
367:54 walked around for a long time, carefully examining everything around her and then
367:56 examining everything around her and then approached a gazebo. She tried to take
367:58 approached a gazebo. She tried to take the fragment of the monument, but was
368:00 the fragment of the monument, but was unable to do so because it was protected
368:02 unable to do so because it was protected by magic and she had to use her power to
368:04 by magic and she had to use her power to overcome the protection. Summoning the
368:06 overcome the protection. Summoning the power of Avarak, the lord of the gods,
368:09 power of Avarak, the lord of the gods, she ordered the lesser god to destroy
368:11 she ordered the lesser god to destroy the seal, allowing her to take the
368:12 the seal, allowing her to take the fragment and move toward her goal. After
368:15 fragment and move toward her goal. After the seal was broken, she used a capture
368:17 the seal was broken, she used a capture spell and the fragment magically
368:18 spell and the fragment magically vanished into thin air, bringing her
368:20 vanished into thin air, bringing her satisfaction. This success strengthened
368:22 satisfaction. This success strengthened Isabelle's confidence as each fragment
368:25 Isabelle's confidence as each fragment she obtained brought her closer to
368:26 she obtained brought her closer to achieving her ultimate goal, which was
368:28 achieving her ultimate goal, which was getting closer and closer. All this
368:31 getting closer and closer. All this time, the mercenary had been watching
368:32 time, the mercenary had been watching her actions. And when he saw her vanish,
368:35 her actions. And when he saw her vanish, he realized that she had used magic. But
368:37 he realized that she had used magic. But he couldn't figure out how she had done
368:39 he couldn't figure out how she had done it. The mercenary hurried away to report
368:41 it. The mercenary hurried away to report what he had seen to the sage, wasting no
368:43 what he had seen to the sage, wasting no time in thinking about what he would
368:44 time in thinking about what he would say, not realizing what exactly he was
368:47 say, not realizing what exactly he was about to tell him. Gail couldn't
368:49 about to tell him. Gail couldn't understand what Isabelle had done to the
368:50 understand what Isabelle had done to the relic and why it had disappeared after
368:52 relic and why it had disappeared after she had examined it. But the mercenary
368:54 she had examined it. But the mercenary told him that she had used a spell to
368:56 told him that she had used a spell to break the seal. When Gail learned of the
368:58 break the seal. When Gail learned of the spell Isabelle had used in the name of
369:00 spell Isabelle had used in the name of Avarak, the supreme god, he was
369:02 Avarak, the supreme god, he was concerned as this god had been worshiped
369:04 concerned as this god had been worshiped long before the advent of the pope's
369:06 long before the advent of the pope's religion, the man was puzzled, not
369:08 religion, the man was puzzled, not understanding why Isabelle had used the
369:10 understanding why Isabelle had used the power of a deity to steal a relic of
369:12 power of a deity to steal a relic of another religion or where she had gotten
369:14 another religion or where she had gotten such power. Gail couldn't understand
369:16 such power. Gail couldn't understand what Isabelle was up to, deciding to
369:18 what Isabelle was up to, deciding to destroy the relic of a god, which put
369:20 destroy the relic of a god, which put her in a completely different category
369:22 her in a completely different category and complicated all further plans. Gail
369:25 and complicated all further plans. Gail then asked the mercenaries where
369:26 then asked the mercenaries where Isabelle was now and learned that she
369:28 Isabelle was now and learned that she was staying at a hotel not far from the
369:30 was staying at a hotel not far from the capital, probably planning to lie low.
369:32 capital, probably planning to lie low. The mercenaries were surprised to learn
369:34 The mercenaries were surprised to learn that there was no need to bring Isabelle
369:36 that there was no need to bring Isabelle to the sage as Gail wanted them to keep
369:38 to the sage as Gail wanted them to keep an eye on her and not lose sight of her
369:40 an eye on her and not lose sight of her using the blood sucker. The blood sucker
369:42 using the blood sucker. The blood sucker is a huge private intelligence
369:44 is a huge private intelligence organization founded by the sage Gail.
369:46 organization founded by the sage Gail. Usually, the blood suckers gather
369:48 Usually, the blood suckers gather information, but if necessary, they can
369:50 information, but if necessary, they can also kill or kidnap to fulfill the
369:52 also kill or kidnap to fulfill the sage's prophecy and strengthen his
369:54 sage's prophecy and strengthen his power. The blood suckers exist solely to
369:56 power. The blood suckers exist solely to be Gail's eyes and ears, helping him
369:58 be Gail's eyes and ears, helping him maintain his reputation as a prophet,
370:00 maintain his reputation as a prophet, believed by all who do not see his true
370:02 believed by all who do not see his true goals. That is why Gail was certain that
370:05 goals. That is why Gail was certain that he would meet Isabel again and that this
370:07 he would meet Isabel again and that this meeting would happen very soon, as soon
370:09 meeting would happen very soon, as soon as he was ready for the next step in his
370:10 as he was ready for the next step in his plans. Meanwhile, Miller and Jacqueline
370:13 plans. Meanwhile, Miller and Jacqueline were calmly returning home. But tired,
370:15 were calmly returning home. But tired, Miller suggested stopping to spend the
370:17 Miller suggested stopping to spend the night and get some rest. Feeling the
370:18 night and get some rest. Feeling the need for a break. Jquelyn smiled and
370:21 need for a break. Jquelyn smiled and asked Miller to be patient, explaining
370:23 asked Miller to be patient, explaining that they needed to be back by midnight,
370:25 that they needed to be back by midnight, which meant they had to speed up and not
370:27 which meant they had to speed up and not stop to rest. She quickened her pace and
370:29 stop to rest. She quickened her pace and reminded Miller that the faster they
370:30 reminded Miller that the faster they moved, the sooner they would reach their
370:32 moved, the sooner they would reach their destination and finally be able to rest
370:34 destination and finally be able to rest after the long journey. Suddenly, the
370:37 after the long journey. Suddenly, the pirate stopped, noticing a mark on a
370:39 pirate stopped, noticing a mark on a tree, and realized that they had started
370:41 tree, and realized that they had started walking in circles again, which made him
370:43 walking in circles again, which made him wary and wonder if they had made a
370:45 wary and wonder if they had made a mistake along the way. Jacqueline was
370:47 mistake along the way. Jacqueline was unsure at first, but then she remembered
370:49 unsure at first, but then she remembered that they had indeed left that mark, and
370:51 that they had indeed left that mark, and she realized that they had lost their
370:53 she realized that they had lost their way, which left her confused and
370:55 way, which left her confused and surprised. Shocked, she began to survey
370:57 surprised. Shocked, she began to survey the area, trying to understand how they
370:59 the area, trying to understand how they could have lost their way since they
371:01 could have lost their way since they should have been much closer to their
371:02 should have been much closer to their destination. Suddenly, Jacqueline heard
371:04 destination. Suddenly, Jacqueline heard a rustling in the trees, which was
371:06 a rustling in the trees, which was unusual for this area and realized that
371:09 unusual for this area and realized that danger was waiting for them, causing her
371:11 danger was waiting for them, causing her to be on guard. She ordered Miller to
371:13 to be on guard. She ordered Miller to prepare for a possible threat and saw
371:15 prepare for a possible threat and saw shadows approaching, ready to clash with
371:17 shadows approaching, ready to clash with those who were waiting for them in the
371:19 those who were waiting for them in the forest. When the shadow appeared, a
371:21 forest. When the shadow appeared, a silhouette with demonic horns and a
371:22 silhouette with demonic horns and a hammer emerged before her, frightening
371:24 hammer emerged before her, frightening Jacqueline, who immediately rushed into
371:26 Jacqueline, who immediately rushed into attack without hesitation. However, when
371:29 attack without hesitation. However, when Jacqueline managed to strike her target,
371:31 Jacqueline managed to strike her target, she realized with horror that her blow
371:33 she realized with horror that her blow had done no harm as the ghost vanished
371:35 had done no harm as the ghost vanished as soon as it was attacked. Frightened,
371:37 as soon as it was attacked. Frightened, Miller rushed to pull Jeline toward him,
371:39 Miller rushed to pull Jeline toward him, hoping to protect her, feeling that only
371:41 hoping to protect her, feeling that only together could they deal with what
371:42 together could they deal with what surrounded them. Their enemy was not
371:44 surrounded them. Their enemy was not alone. A whole crowd of monsters stood
371:47 alone. A whole crowd of monsters stood before them, forcing them to prepare for
371:48 before them, forcing them to prepare for battle, as the situation was far more
371:51 battle, as the situation was far more serious than they could have expected.
371:53 serious than they could have expected. Miller realized that they were to blame
371:54 Miller realized that they were to blame for getting lost and armed with a sword,
371:57 for getting lost and armed with a sword, he fiercely rushed to attack the ghosts,
372:00 he fiercely rushed to attack the ghosts, even though he knew that their blows did
372:01 even though he knew that their blows did little to change the situation. Despite
372:04 little to change the situation. Despite this, Miller did not give up and
372:05 this, Miller did not give up and continued to strike, not allowing the
372:07 continued to strike, not allowing the monsters to approach him, relying on his
372:09 monsters to approach him, relying on his willpower and hope for luck. Suddenly, a
372:12 willpower and hope for luck. Suddenly, a strange magical veil made him realize
372:15 strange magical veil made him realize that physical attacks had no effect on
372:17 that physical attacks had no effect on these creatures, and he decided to use
372:19 these creatures, and he decided to use his secret weapon, gunpowder. While
372:22 his secret weapon, gunpowder. While Miller was preparing the gunpowder,
372:24 Miller was preparing the gunpowder, Jacqueline noticed a monster in the
372:25 Jacqueline noticed a monster in the crowd that clearly stood out and seemed
372:27 crowd that clearly stood out and seemed peaceful, as if inviting them to follow
372:29 peaceful, as if inviting them to follow him. She saw that the other monsters did
372:31 him. She saw that the other monsters did not try to attack, but instead held out
372:34 not try to attack, but instead held out their hands, showing that they were not
372:36 their hands, showing that they were not a threat and wanted to communicate
372:38 a threat and wanted to communicate something. Miller, unaware of these
372:40 something. Miller, unaware of these details, was already ready to scatter
372:42 details, was already ready to scatter the gunpowder and light it, relying on
372:44 the gunpowder and light it, relying on his preparedness. But Jacqueline stopped
372:47 his preparedness. But Jacqueline stopped him, realizing that the situation could
372:49 him, realizing that the situation could be different. She feared that further
372:51 be different. She feared that further action could aggravate the situation and
372:53 action could aggravate the situation and quickly explained to Miller that these
372:55 quickly explained to Miller that these monsters clearly did not want to harm
372:57 monsters clearly did not want to harm them, but wanted to show them something.
372:59 them, but wanted to show them something. Jacquine took a step forward, approached
373:01 Jacquine took a step forward, approached the monster with outstretched arms, and
373:03 the monster with outstretched arms, and asked why they had come here and what
373:05 asked why they had come here and what exactly they wanted from the travelers,
373:07 exactly they wanted from the travelers, preparing herself for any answer. The
373:09 preparing herself for any answer. The ghosts explained that they had lived
373:11 ghosts explained that they had lived here many years ago before the dragon
373:13 here many years ago before the dragon wanted to take over these lands, and now
373:15 wanted to take over these lands, and now they wanted to show the travelers
373:16 they wanted to show the travelers something important. After these words,
373:18 something important. After these words, the ghost vanished and led Jacqueline
373:20 the ghost vanished and led Jacqueline and Miller away as if inviting them to
373:22 and Miller away as if inviting them to see something that could change their
373:24 see something that could change their understanding of what was happening.
373:26 understanding of what was happening. Soon they found themselves in the
373:27 Soon they found themselves in the ancient village of Rra, where a festive
373:29 ancient village of Rra, where a festive atmosphere reigned. People were having
373:31 atmosphere reigned. People were having fun, singing and laughing, creating an
373:34 fun, singing and laughing, creating an impression of comfort and warmth. Seeing
373:36 impression of comfort and warmth. Seeing this, Miller's mood improved
373:38 this, Miller's mood improved considerably. He was amazed that even on
373:40 considerably. He was amazed that even on the black continent, there could be such
373:42 the black continent, there could be such places full of joy, and he wanted to
373:44 places full of joy, and he wanted to stay here, at least for a while. But
373:46 stay here, at least for a while. But Jacqueline, looking around and giving
373:48 Jacqueline, looking around and giving Miller a stern look, reminded him that
373:50 Miller a stern look, reminded him that they couldn't stay here because it was
373:52 they couldn't stay here because it was all too unbelievable and the place was
373:55 all too unbelievable and the place was clearly not real. Considering what the
373:57 clearly not real. Considering what the ghost had said, Jacqueline was sure that
373:59 ghost had said, Jacqueline was sure that this place was just an illusion of the
374:01 this place was just an illusion of the Black Continent's past and that they
374:03 Black Continent's past and that they were being deceived. However, Miller
374:06 were being deceived. However, Miller paid no attention to her words and
374:07 paid no attention to her words and eagerly headed for the nearest counter,
374:10 eagerly headed for the nearest counter, where he began to devour the food
374:11 where he began to devour the food greedily, forgetting her warnings. He
374:14 greedily, forgetting her warnings. He laughed, enjoying the taste of the food
374:16 laughed, enjoying the taste of the food sprinkled with black gold, and
374:18 sprinkled with black gold, and immediately understood why Duke Aaron
374:20 immediately understood why Duke Aaron wanted to conquer this continent so
374:22 wanted to conquer this continent so badly. The food was incredibly
374:24 badly. The food was incredibly delicious. Miller offered Jacqueline a
374:27 delicious. Miller offered Jacqueline a bite, but she reacted angrily, asking
374:29 bite, but she reacted angrily, asking him not to get distracted and to
374:31 him not to get distracted and to continue following the ghost without
374:33 continue following the ghost without losing sight of their goal. But to their
374:35 losing sight of their goal. But to their horror, when they looked in the
374:36 horror, when they looked in the direction of the ghost, they realized
374:38 direction of the ghost, they realized that it had disappeared. In addition,
374:40 that it had disappeared. In addition, there were many people in similar masks
374:42 there were many people in similar masks in the crowd, making it difficult to
374:44 in the crowd, making it difficult to recognize their guide. Miller began to
374:46 recognize their guide. Miller began to blame himself, but Jacqueline quickly
374:48 blame himself, but Jacqueline quickly calmed him down. Realizing that the
374:50 calmed him down. Realizing that the ghost probably couldn't have gotten very
374:52 ghost probably couldn't have gotten very far and suggested they walk around the
374:54 far and suggested they walk around the area to look for him. At that moment,
374:56 area to look for him. At that moment, they heard a loud cheer from the crowd
374:58 they heard a loud cheer from the crowd and a gesture appeared on the stage in
375:00 and a gesture appeared on the stage in front of them thanking everyone for
375:02 front of them thanking everyone for waiting. He wanted to tell everyone the
375:04 waiting. He wanted to tell everyone the story that had brought them all to this
375:05 story that had brought them all to this place. It was the story of a man, a hero
375:08 place. It was the story of a man, a hero of the black continent and a dragon
375:10 of the black continent and a dragon slayer. Jacqueline was clearly nervous.
375:13 slayer. Jacqueline was clearly nervous. Remembering the old man they had met
375:14 Remembering the old man they had met with Cheryl because he had also talked
375:16 with Cheryl because he had also talked about a hero who had defeated a dragon
375:19 about a hero who had defeated a dragon and now it didn't seem so crazy anymore.
375:21 and now it didn't seem so crazy anymore. She guessed that the ghost had probably
375:23 She guessed that the ghost had probably brought them here and wanted to show
375:24 brought them here and wanted to show them something. And perhaps this
375:26 them something. And perhaps this performance was the original purpose of
375:28 performance was the original purpose of their arrival. The jester began his
375:30 their arrival. The jester began his story about the notsodistant past. When
375:33 story about the notsodistant past. When the black continent was rich in
375:34 the black continent was rich in resources, and the dragons coveted their
375:37 resources, and the dragons coveted their lands. After many years of invasion and
375:39 lands. After many years of invasion and exploitation by the dragons, the
375:41 exploitation by the dragons, the inhabitants of the black continent were
375:43 inhabitants of the black continent were completely exhausted. However, in a
375:45 completely exhausted. However, in a world of chaos, there is always a
375:47 world of chaos, there is always a fearless hero. He found the dragon's
375:49 fearless hero. He found the dragon's lair and went to the very edge of the
375:50 lair and went to the very edge of the continent to defeat the dragon with his
375:52 continent to defeat the dragon with his mighty sword. Thanks to him, their
375:54 mighty sword. Thanks to him, their continent regained the peace and
375:56 continent regained the peace and happiness they could enjoy. The jester
375:58 happiness they could enjoy. The jester decided to introduce the people to the
375:59 decided to introduce the people to the hero and guardian of the black continent
376:02 hero and guardian of the black continent who was about to appear on stage. At
376:04 who was about to appear on stage. At first, the people burst into joyful
376:06 first, the people burst into joyful cheers and shouts, but then their cries
376:08 cheers and shouts, but then their cries turned to screams of horror and despair,
376:10 turned to screams of horror and despair, for they saw another dragon in the sky.
376:12 for they saw another dragon in the sky. The dragon, showing no mercy, descended
376:15 The dragon, showing no mercy, descended on the village and began to destroy
376:16 on the village and began to destroy everything around it with its
376:17 everything around it with its all-consuming fire, leaving no one
376:20 all-consuming fire, leaving no one alive. People burned to death and
376:22 alive. People burned to death and screamed in terror as they tried to save
376:24 screamed in terror as they tried to save their children. While Miller and
376:25 their children. While Miller and Jacqueline watched in amazement, not
376:28 Jacqueline watched in amazement, not understanding what was happening, Miller
376:30 understanding what was happening, Miller wanted to rush forward and kill the
376:31 wanted to rush forward and kill the dragon. But Jacqueline reminded him that
376:33 dragon. But Jacqueline reminded him that it was just a vision that the ghosts who
376:35 it was just a vision that the ghosts who had brought them here wanted to show
376:36 had brought them here wanted to show them because these events had happened
376:38 them because these events had happened to the Black Continent in the past.
376:41 to the Black Continent in the past. Miller still found it hard to believe
376:43 Miller still found it hard to believe that something so realistic was just an
376:45 that something so realistic was just an illusion. But Jacqueline felt deep down
376:47 illusion. But Jacqueline felt deep down that this was not the end and that
376:49 that this was not the end and that something else was about to happen.
376:51 something else was about to happen. Looking straight into their eyes, one of
376:53 Looking straight into their eyes, one of the locals addressed them, begging the
376:55 the locals addressed them, begging the travelers to call the Dragon Slayer. But
376:57 travelers to call the Dragon Slayer. But he was quickly crushed by Kruella, who
376:59 he was quickly crushed by Kruella, who only laughed at how she had destroyed
377:01 only laughed at how she had destroyed humanity's hope, for she had long since
377:04 humanity's hope, for she had long since gained power over the continent. The
377:06 gained power over the continent. The Dragon Slayer had been defeated, and the
377:08 Dragon Slayer had been defeated, and the only thing the people of the Black
377:09 only thing the people of the Black Continent could do now was to continue
377:11 Continent could do now was to continue living in the darkness of her power and
377:13 living in the darkness of her power and wait for their deaths. At that moment,
377:15 wait for their deaths. At that moment, she couldn't take it anymore and began
377:17 she couldn't take it anymore and began to lose consciousness, falling to her
377:19 to lose consciousness, falling to her knees. She explained that even
377:21 knees. She explained that even understanding the unreality of what was
377:23 understanding the unreality of what was happening did not bring her any relief,
377:25 happening did not bring her any relief, for what she had seen was truly
377:27 for what she had seen was truly horrific. The spirit that appeared
377:29 horrific. The spirit that appeared against the backdrop of the burned
377:30 against the backdrop of the burned village explained that he wanted them to
377:32 village explained that he wanted them to know how the dragon had taken over the
377:34 know how the dragon had taken over the land. All those who survived the dragon
377:36 land. All those who survived the dragon invasion became its slaves, and their
377:38 invasion became its slaves, and their souls were bound by its curse. All the
377:40 souls were bound by its curse. All the people did during this time was bring
377:42 people did during this time was bring her jewels as offerings, and when they
377:43 her jewels as offerings, and when they became useless, they were driven away.
377:46 became useless, they were driven away. Jacqueline immediately realized that
377:48 Jacqueline immediately realized that this must have something to do with the
377:49 this must have something to do with the old man they had seen. He had also been
377:51 old man they had seen. He had also been banished like the rest of the useless
377:54 banished like the rest of the useless people. She was right. He had been a
377:57 people. She was right. He had been a child when Kruella had conquered this
377:58 child when Kruella had conquered this land. And now this old man was one of
378:01 land. And now this old man was one of the few who still remembered the dragon
378:03 the few who still remembered the dragon slayer. Jacqueline immediately
378:04 slayer. Jacqueline immediately remembered the prophecy the old man had
378:06 remembered the prophecy the old man had spoken of that a hero would appear in
378:08 spoken of that a hero would appear in these lands who would be able to defeat
378:10 these lands who would be able to defeat the black dragon. But as it turned out,
378:13 the black dragon. But as it turned out, this prophecy had never existed. All
378:15 this prophecy had never existed. All that was known was that dragons or those
378:17 that was known was that dragons or those with powers similar to dragons could
378:19 with powers similar to dragons could open the gates of the ancient ruins.
378:22 open the gates of the ancient ruins. Inside these ruins where people once
378:23 Inside these ruins where people once prayed to ancient gods, a dragon slayer
378:26 prayed to ancient gods, a dragon slayer was imprisoned. And once the gates were
378:28 was imprisoned. And once the gates were closed, it would be impossible to open
378:30 closed, it would be impossible to open them. The ghost asked the pirates to
378:32 them. The ghost asked the pirates to tell Aaron everything so that he could
378:34 tell Aaron everything so that he could save the dragon slayer. For only then
378:36 save the dragon slayer. For only then would they be able to defeat the dragon
378:38 would they be able to defeat the dragon and solve all the problems facing them.
378:41 and solve all the problems facing them. After the ghost uttered these words, he
378:43 After the ghost uttered these words, he instantly disappeared. and with him the
378:45 instantly disappeared. and with him the vision of the ruined city dissolved,
378:48 vision of the ruined city dissolved, leaving behind only a feeling of anxiety
378:50 leaving behind only a feeling of anxiety and uncertainty. The travelers, still in
378:53 and uncertainty. The travelers, still in shock from what they had just heard,
378:54 shock from what they had just heard, tried to collect themselves when an
378:56 tried to collect themselves when an agitated Jacqueline pointed to something
378:57 agitated Jacqueline pointed to something important they had noticed. When they
378:59 important they had noticed. When they got closer, they realized that they had
379:01 got closer, they realized that they had accidentally found themselves right at
379:03 accidentally found themselves right at the entrance to a temple, which might be
379:05 the entrance to a temple, which might be the key to solving their problems. And
379:07 the key to solving their problems. And this couldn't help but surprise them.
379:09 this couldn't help but surprise them. Jacqueline suggested they waste no time
379:11 Jacqueline suggested they waste no time and head to the temple as soon as
379:13 and head to the temple as soon as possible to report what had happened
379:15 possible to report what had happened because every minute was precious for
379:17 because every minute was precious for their mission. Aaron and Rex continued
379:19 their mission. Aaron and Rex continued on their way to the camp and Rex, who
379:21 on their way to the camp and Rex, who was still reeling from the events,
379:22 was still reeling from the events, couldn't calm down. He felt that they
379:25 couldn't calm down. He felt that they needed to discuss what had happened in
379:26 needed to discuss what had happened in order to figure out what to do next. As
379:28 order to figure out what to do next. As soon as Rex uttered the name Aaron, he
379:31 soon as Rex uttered the name Aaron, he realized that the conversation would not
379:33 realized that the conversation would not be easy and suggested that they not
379:35 be easy and suggested that they not discuss what had happened in order to
379:36 discuss what had happened in order to avoid unnecessary talk and focus on what
379:39 avoid unnecessary talk and focus on what was important. But Rex did not give up,
379:41 was important. But Rex did not give up, arguing that they were in the land of
379:43 arguing that they were in the land of dragons, and one of these dragons had
379:45 dragons, and one of these dragons had five heads, which made their chances of
379:48 five heads, which made their chances of defeating such a creature almost zero.
379:50 defeating such a creature almost zero. Aaron, despite Rex's confidence, said
379:52 Aaron, despite Rex's confidence, said that he no longer cared whether he could
379:54 that he no longer cared whether he could capture the Black Continent because
379:56 capture the Black Continent because right now the most important thing for
379:58 right now the most important thing for him was to save Kanos, whom he had
380:00 him was to save Kanos, whom he had promised to rescue from trouble. Rex
380:02 promised to rescue from trouble. Rex tried to convince Aaron that Kanos was
380:04 tried to convince Aaron that Kanos was also a dragon, and that he was familiar
380:06 also a dragon, and that he was familiar with the dragon who owned this land,
380:08 with the dragon who owned this land, which could complicate their task,
380:09 which could complicate their task, because confronting dragons was always
380:11 because confronting dragons was always dangerous. Rex suggested that they deal
380:14 dangerous. Rex suggested that they deal with the situation themselves without
380:16 with the situation themselves without getting involved in dangerous conflicts
380:18 getting involved in dangerous conflicts that could cost them their lives. But
380:20 that could cost them their lives. But Aaron, unable to contain himself, told
380:23 Aaron, unable to contain himself, told Rex not to say such foolish things.
380:26 Rex not to say such foolish things. Aaron put his sword to Rex's throat and
380:28 Aaron put his sword to Rex's throat and declared that if he continued to speak
380:29 declared that if he continued to speak like that, he would no longer consider
380:31 like that, he would no longer consider him a friend. Rex, frightened, silently
380:35 him a friend. Rex, frightened, silently accepted this gesture and understood
380:36 accepted this gesture and understood that he must obey. At that moment,
380:38 that he must obey. At that moment, Jacqueline and Miller approached them,
380:40 Jacqueline and Miller approached them, and Jacqueline expressed her
380:42 and Jacqueline expressed her dissatisfaction with the Duke
380:43 dissatisfaction with the Duke threatening his subordinate in order to
380:44 threatening his subordinate in order to save another, considering it unfair and
380:47 save another, considering it unfair and cruel. Jacqueline was deeply
380:48 cruel. Jacqueline was deeply disappointed by this behavior. But
380:51 disappointed by this behavior. But realizing that the Duke was on edge, she
380:53 realizing that the Duke was on edge, she hoped that it would not happen again.
380:55 hoped that it would not happen again. Otherwise, she would have to intervene
380:56 Otherwise, she would have to intervene in Aaron's upbringing. She vowed that if
380:59 in Aaron's upbringing. She vowed that if the Duke ever threatened his people
381:00 the Duke ever threatened his people again for the sake of others, she would
381:02 again for the sake of others, she would teach him to be a true ruler who
381:04 teach him to be a true ruler who protects his people and does not make
381:06 protects his people and does not make such threats. After they laughed a
381:08 such threats. After they laughed a little and dispelled the tension,
381:09 little and dispelled the tension, Jacqueline led Aaron to the temple where
381:12 Jacqueline led Aaron to the temple where he could find a way to defeat the dragon
381:13 he could find a way to defeat the dragon and find a solution to save Kinos. Aaron
381:16 and find a solution to save Kinos. Aaron took out his sword and began to gather
381:18 took out his sword and began to gather energy in it to activate the spell of
381:19 energy in it to activate the spell of momentum, hoping that this spell would
381:21 momentum, hoping that this spell would help them open the gates and move
381:23 help them open the gates and move forward in their search. But despite all
381:25 forward in their search. But despite all the effort Aaron put into the spell, the
381:28 the effort Aaron put into the spell, the gate remained immovable, not budging
381:30 gate remained immovable, not budging even a millimeter, leaving the Duke
381:32 even a millimeter, leaving the Duke completely baffled and confused. Aaron
381:34 completely baffled and confused. Aaron awkwardly ran up and tried to open the
381:36 awkwardly ran up and tried to open the door on his own, but his efforts were in
381:38 door on his own, but his efforts were in vain. And Miller, watching his pathetic
381:41 vain. And Miller, watching his pathetic attempts, laughed at his skills. After
381:43 attempts, laughed at his skills. After carefully examining the door, Miller
381:45 carefully examining the door, Miller realized that it was too sturdy and
381:47 realized that it was too sturdy and could not be opened without gunpowder,
381:49 could not be opened without gunpowder, as even his efforts could not overcome
381:51 as even his efforts could not overcome its incredible strength. He began to
381:53 its incredible strength. He began to scatter gunpowder to try to open the
381:54 scatter gunpowder to try to open the door, but Jacqueline stopped him,
381:56 door, but Jacqueline stopped him, thinking that there was a better way
381:58 thinking that there was a better way that could work without causing
381:59 that could work without causing unnecessary damage. Jacqueline suggested
382:01 unnecessary damage. Jacqueline suggested that the door could be opened not with
382:03 that the door could be opened not with physical force but with magic and
382:05 physical force but with magic and thought that the spell cast on it could
382:07 thought that the spell cast on it could open it without destruction. She
382:09 open it without destruction. She remembered the ghost's words that Aaron
382:11 remembered the ghost's words that Aaron was able to open the door because he had
382:13 was able to open the door because he had a special power and thought that this
382:15 a special power and thought that this might be the key to solving their
382:16 might be the key to solving their problem. She came to the conclusion that
382:18 problem. She came to the conclusion that Aaron had the power of a dragon that
382:20 Aaron had the power of a dragon that should help. But Rex hearing this only
382:22 should help. But Rex hearing this only sighed discontentedly believing that
382:24 sighed discontentedly believing that Aaron could not possess such power.
382:26 Aaron could not possess such power. Aaron smiled, surprised by Rex's
382:29 Aaron smiled, surprised by Rex's opinion, and said that Jacqueline should
382:30 opinion, and said that Jacqueline should have told him about this earlier because
382:32 have told him about this earlier because he had wasted his energy trying to open
382:34 he had wasted his energy trying to open the door. At that moment, Cheryl finally
382:36 the door. At that moment, Cheryl finally reached the nearest town within the
382:37 reached the nearest town within the empire and felt relieved that she had at
382:39 empire and felt relieved that she had at least returned. But she did not
382:41 least returned. But she did not understand why she had ended up here.
382:43 understand why she had ended up here. She was happy to be back in the city,
382:44 She was happy to be back in the city, but couldn't understand why this
382:46 but couldn't understand why this particular city had become her
382:48 particular city had become her destination. And the night passed with
382:50 destination. And the night passed with discomfort, preventing her from getting
382:52 discomfort, preventing her from getting a good night's sleep. Cheryl suffered
382:54 a good night's sleep. Cheryl suffered from her brother's ambitions and tried
382:55 from her brother's ambitions and tried to escape with the help of Phoenix, but
382:57 to escape with the help of Phoenix, but her strength was exhausted and she
382:59 her strength was exhausted and she couldn't even use the simplest magic to
383:01 couldn't even use the simplest magic to escape. Her stomach growled loudly,
383:03 escape. Her stomach growled loudly, reminding Cheryl that she urgently
383:05 reminding Cheryl that she urgently needed to eat as her strength was
383:07 needed to eat as her strength was running out and she didn't have enough
383:08 running out and she didn't have enough energy to find a place to sleep or food.
383:10 energy to find a place to sleep or food. Arriving in the city, she noticed a
383:12 Arriving in the city, she noticed a large wooden door, knocked loudly on it,
383:14 large wooden door, knocked loudly on it, demanding to be led in and fed as she
383:17 demanding to be led in and fed as she had no strength left to continue on her
383:18 had no strength left to continue on her way. A woman came out of the neighboring
383:20 way. A woman came out of the neighboring house, surprised by the sudden
383:22 house, surprised by the sudden appearance of the lady, and looked at
383:24 appearance of the lady, and looked at her in bewilderment, not understanding
383:25 her in bewilderment, not understanding what had brought her here at such a
383:27 what had brought her here at such a strange time. The woman explained that
383:29 strange time. The woman explained that the place had become uninhabitable
383:30 the place had become uninhabitable because everyone had left, and her
383:32 because everyone had left, and her family would also soon leave, unwilling
383:34 family would also soon leave, unwilling to remain in such a deserted town. After
383:37 to remain in such a deserted town. After saying this, the woman tried to leave,
383:39 saying this, the woman tried to leave, but Cheryl stopped her and began asking
383:41 but Cheryl stopped her and began asking questions about what had happened to the
383:43 questions about what had happened to the town and why it had become
383:44 town and why it had become uninhabitable. The woman realized that
383:46 uninhabitable. The woman realized that Cheryl was not a local and noticing her
383:49 Cheryl was not a local and noticing her suspicious behavior, Cheryl explained
383:51 suspicious behavior, Cheryl explained that she had once lived here with a
383:52 that she had once lived here with a relative with whom she had lost contact.
383:55 relative with whom she had lost contact. The woman clearly didn't believe Cheryl
383:57 The woman clearly didn't believe Cheryl but decided to show her rather than try
383:59 but decided to show her rather than try to explain the situation, thus giving
384:01 to explain the situation, thus giving her the opportunity to learn more about
384:03 her the opportunity to learn more about what was happening in this abandoned
384:04 what was happening in this abandoned place. They approached the well, and the
384:07 place. They approached the well, and the woman drew some water. But as soon as
384:09 woman drew some water. But as soon as she pulled it out, Cheryl smelled a
384:11 she pulled it out, Cheryl smelled a terrible stench, which immediately
384:13 terrible stench, which immediately became an obvious sign of trouble to
384:14 became an obvious sign of trouble to her. The local resident explained that
384:16 her. The local resident explained that the smell came from the town's drinking
384:18 the smell came from the town's drinking water, which had long since lost its
384:20 water, which had long since lost its beneficial properties and become
384:22 beneficial properties and become dangerous to consume. Initially, some
384:24 dangerous to consume. Initially, some residents thought it was just a change
384:26 residents thought it was just a change in the color of the water. But no one
384:28 in the color of the water. But no one dared to drink it because the smell was
384:29 dared to drink it because the smell was so awful that it immediately put them
384:31 so awful that it immediately put them off. This happened half a month ago when
384:33 off. This happened half a month ago when rumors began to spread about a red river
384:35 rumors began to spread about a red river flowing in a distant city. And these
384:37 flowing in a distant city. And these rumors soon led to serious changes that
384:39 rumors soon led to serious changes that no one had suspected. At that time, the
384:42 no one had suspected. At that time, the villagers thought it was just a rumor.
384:44 villagers thought it was just a rumor. But within a week, it became clear that
384:45 But within a week, it became clear that the river had indeed changed color. And
384:48 the river had indeed changed color. And now it was not only the river, but all
384:50 now it was not only the river, but all the drinking water. In the end, everyone
384:52 the drinking water. In the end, everyone left to find a safer place to live, as
384:55 left to find a safer place to live, as it had become impossible to stay there,
384:57 it had become impossible to stay there, and people had no choice but to leave
384:59 and people had no choice but to leave their homes. Cheryl realized that the
385:01 their homes. Cheryl realized that the events that were taking place here were
385:02 events that were taking place here were connected to the start of their
385:04 connected to the start of their expedition to the Black Continent, and
385:06 expedition to the Black Continent, and this greatly disturbed her, causing her
385:08 this greatly disturbed her, causing her to think about what to do next. She
385:10 to think about what to do next. She grabbed the woman by the shoulder and
385:12 grabbed the woman by the shoulder and began asking her questions about what
385:14 began asking her questions about what was happening in other regions of the
385:15 was happening in other regions of the empire, trying to understand the scale
385:17 empire, trying to understand the scale of the problem that had engulfed the
385:19 of the problem that had engulfed the entire country. The woman said she knew
385:21 entire country. The woman said she knew nothing about what was happening. But
385:23 nothing about what was happening. But all the talk in the village was about
385:24 all the talk in the village was about people heading northwest where the land
385:26 people heading northwest where the land was under God's protection. The village
385:29 was under God's protection. The village was in the south and people believed
385:31 was in the south and people believed that the sacred state in the north was
385:33 that the sacred state in the north was the best place to live. As it was there
385:36 the best place to live. As it was there in their opinion that salvation and
385:38 in their opinion that salvation and protection could be found. Cheryl
385:40 protection could be found. Cheryl concerned continued to question the
385:42 concerned continued to question the town's woman trying to understand if
385:44 town's woman trying to understand if similar events were happening in other
385:46 similar events were happening in other parts of the empire. But the woman
385:48 parts of the empire. But the woman clearly knew nothing about it. After she
385:50 clearly knew nothing about it. After she had received all the answers, Cheryl
385:52 had received all the answers, Cheryl gave the woman a gold coin, feeling that
385:54 gave the woman a gold coin, feeling that it would help her and her family in
385:55 it would help her and her family in their move to find a new place to live.
385:58 their move to find a new place to live. The woman, surprised by such generosity,
386:00 The woman, surprised by such generosity, fell to her knees and began to thank
386:02 fell to her knees and began to thank Cheryl, who quickly bowed and left.
386:04 Cheryl, who quickly bowed and left. Realizing that her time there had come
386:06 Realizing that her time there had come to an end, Cheryl realized that the
386:08 to an end, Cheryl realized that the situation was critical and that she
386:10 situation was critical and that she needed to put her search for her mother
386:12 needed to put her search for her mother on hold to attend to more important
386:14 on hold to attend to more important matters, for the entire Imperial world
386:17 matters, for the entire Imperial world was on the brink of disaster. Her main
386:19 was on the brink of disaster. Her main task now was to get to the Duche of Bran
386:22 task now was to get to the Duche of Bran and find out what was happening in the
386:23 and find out what was happening in the Empire so that she could understand what
386:25 Empire so that she could understand what actions needed to be taken to resolve
386:27 actions needed to be taken to resolve the situation. Soon, Cheryl realized
386:30 the situation. Soon, Cheryl realized that the source of all the disasters was
386:31 that the source of all the disasters was the Red River, which had begun to make
386:33 the Red River, which had begun to make its way across the empire, leaving
386:35 its way across the empire, leaving destruction and misery in its wake. The
386:37 destruction and misery in its wake. The first to suffer were small villages that
386:39 first to suffer were small villages that had no access to drinking water, and
386:41 had no access to drinking water, and people left their homes and became
386:43 people left their homes and became refugees, gathering in nearby towns in
386:45 refugees, gathering in nearby towns in search of salvation. Soon, the supplies
386:48 search of salvation. Soon, the supplies of drinking water and food stored in the
386:50 of drinking water and food stored in the castle ran out. And against this
386:52 castle ran out. And against this backdrop, an epidemic broke out, which
386:54 backdrop, an epidemic broke out, which only exacerbated the situation, leaving
386:56 only exacerbated the situation, leaving no hope for survival. Castles that had
386:58 no hope for survival. Castles that had previously managed to provide for the
387:00 previously managed to provide for the population were no longer accepting
387:01 population were no longer accepting refugees, as their resources were
387:03 refugees, as their resources were exhausted, and they themselves found
387:05 exhausted, and they themselves found themselves in dire straits. But this was
387:08 themselves in dire straits. But this was only the beginning. Even castles that
387:10 only the beginning. Even castles that had previously refused to help refugees
387:12 had previously refused to help refugees soon fell victim to disasters and rumors
387:14 soon fell victim to disasters and rumors of God's wrath spread throughout the
387:16 of God's wrath spread throughout the kingdom. At this time in the holy state,
387:18 kingdom. At this time in the holy state, upon hearing the latest news, the Pope
387:21 upon hearing the latest news, the Pope did not seem concerned as he was
387:23 did not seem concerned as he was convinced that all this was due to the
387:24 convinced that all this was due to the wrath of the pagan god. He ordered an
387:27 wrath of the pagan god. He ordered an envoy to be prepared and sent to the
387:28 envoy to be prepared and sent to the capital of the empire to meet with the
387:30 capital of the empire to meet with the emperor and the lords to discuss ways to
387:32 emperor and the lords to discuss ways to resolve the crisis that threatened the
387:34 resolve the crisis that threatened the entire empire. The envoys were to
387:36 entire empire. The envoys were to contact the emperor as soon as possible
387:38 contact the emperor as soon as possible to suggest a way to resolve the
387:39 to suggest a way to resolve the situation and find a solution to save
387:42 situation and find a solution to save the people from the ongoing disasters.
387:44 the people from the ongoing disasters. The pope firmly believed that the only
387:46 The pope firmly believed that the only way to save the empire from impending
387:48 way to save the empire from impending disaster was to convert all its
387:50 disaster was to convert all its inhabitants to the faith of God Perez
387:52 inhabitants to the faith of God Perez and this conviction grew stronger with
387:54 and this conviction grew stronger with each passing day. The faithful servants
387:56 each passing day. The faithful servants admired the wisdom of their pope who had
387:58 admired the wisdom of their pope who had conceived the plan to propose to the
388:00 conceived the plan to propose to the emperor that the church of Paris become
388:02 emperor that the church of Paris become the main religion throughout the empire.
388:04 the main religion throughout the empire. Considering this plan truly ingenious, a
388:06 Considering this plan truly ingenious, a smile appeared on the Pope's face as he
388:08 smile appeared on the Pope's face as he sent his fastest knights to spread the
388:10 sent his fastest knights to spread the news of his decision to all corners of
388:12 news of his decision to all corners of the vast empire. After everyone had
388:14 the vast empire. After everyone had left, the Pope realized that the perfect
388:16 left, the Pope realized that the perfect moment had come to restore justice and
388:18 moment had come to restore justice and defend his granddaughter's honor from
388:20 defend his granddaughter's honor from recent threats and humiliations. The
388:22 recent threats and humiliations. The noble opposition to Duke Aaron had
388:24 noble opposition to Duke Aaron had reached unprecedented levels. So the
388:26 reached unprecedented levels. So the pope was confident that his proposal
388:28 pope was confident that his proposal would be accepted without any major
388:30 would be accepted without any major obstacles. Establishing the church of
388:32 obstacles. Establishing the church of pars as the state religion would
388:34 pars as the state religion would inevitably force Duke Aaron to submit to
388:36 inevitably force Duke Aaron to submit to the new laws and rules established by
388:38 the new laws and rules established by the supreme authority of the empire. The
388:40 the supreme authority of the empire. The pope understood that after the new law
388:42 pope understood that after the new law was passed, Duke Aaron would gradually
388:44 was passed, Duke Aaron would gradually lose the support of his followers and
388:46 lose the support of his followers and find himself completely alone without
388:48 find himself completely alone without help or protection. Sincere gratitude
388:51 help or protection. Sincere gratitude filled the Pope's heart when he thought
388:52 filled the Pope's heart when he thought of the great guardian of Pars, who had
388:54 of the great guardian of Pars, who had given this world a chance to punish
388:56 given this world a chance to punish Aaron for all his sins. The emperor
388:58 Aaron for all his sins. The emperor gathered all the powerful lords for an
389:00 gathered all the powerful lords for an important council to discuss the
389:02 important council to discuss the mysterious events that had begun to
389:03 mysterious events that had begun to occur in all corners of the great
389:05 occur in all corners of the great empire. The imperial capital had so far
389:08 empire. The imperial capital had so far remained untouched by disaster. But the
389:10 remained untouched by disaster. But the ruler wanted to hear a detailed report
389:12 ruler wanted to hear a detailed report from each duke on the state of the
389:14 from each duke on the state of the territories entrusted to them. One of
389:16 territories entrusted to them. One of the dukes reported on the critical
389:17 the dukes reported on the critical situation in his lands where huge
389:20 situation in his lands where huge streams of refugees had depleted all
389:22 streams of refugees had depleted all resources and turned once rich areas
389:24 resources and turned once rich areas into poverty-stricken regions. Another
389:26 into poverty-stricken regions. Another ruler shared an even sadder story of a
389:28 ruler shared an even sadder story of a complete crop failure that had forced
389:30 complete crop failure that had forced farmers to abandon their lands, leaving
389:33 farmers to abandon their lands, leaving the treasury without tax revenue. Duke
389:35 the treasury without tax revenue. Duke Gran warned those gathered of the
389:36 Gran warned those gathered of the inevitable threat to the capital as
389:38 inevitable threat to the capital as desperate vagrants could turn to crime
389:40 desperate vagrants could turn to crime and suggested using force to restore
389:42 and suggested using force to restore order. Duke Reaan expressed serious
389:45 order. Duke Reaan expressed serious concern that internal conflicts within
389:47 concern that internal conflicts within the empire could lead to even more
389:48 the empire could lead to even more serious problems for the entire state.
389:50 serious problems for the entire state. Rean openly rebuked Duke Gran's proposal
389:53 Rean openly rebuked Duke Gran's proposal to send military forces against starving
389:55 to send military forces against starving citizens, calling such an approach
389:57 citizens, calling such an approach inhumane and unacceptable. Duke Gran
389:59 inhumane and unacceptable. Duke Gran vehemently denied any intention to
390:01 vehemently denied any intention to attack the local population, but
390:03 attack the local population, but insisted on the need to establish strict
390:05 insisted on the need to establish strict control over citizens amid growing
390:08 control over citizens amid growing chaos. Many lords condemned Rayon's
390:10 chaos. Many lords condemned Rayon's distrust of the Imperial army, but the
390:12 distrust of the Imperial army, but the Duke himself understood perfectly well
390:14 Duke himself understood perfectly well how easily control could escalate into
390:16 how easily control could escalate into open aggression. The emperor interrupted
390:18 open aggression. The emperor interrupted the growing dispute between the lords
390:20 the growing dispute between the lords with a loud reminder of the main purpose
390:22 with a loud reminder of the main purpose of their meeting. To overcome the
390:24 of their meeting. To overcome the crisis, not to fuel internal conflicts.
390:27 crisis, not to fuel internal conflicts. The Holy Father supported the emperor's
390:29 The Holy Father supported the emperor's words with a heartfelt speech about the
390:31 words with a heartfelt speech about the need to unite the great empire in the
390:33 need to unite the great empire in the face of serious trials and tribulations.
390:35 face of serious trials and tribulations. The wise clergymen pointed out to those
390:37 The wise clergymen pointed out to those gathered the similarity of the positions
390:39 gathered the similarity of the positions of the Dukes of Gran and Rainon.
390:41 of the Dukes of Gran and Rainon. Although at first glance their proposals
390:43 Although at first glance their proposals seemed completely opposite, the dukes
390:45 seemed completely opposite, the dukes sought the welfare of the empire in
390:47 sought the welfare of the empire in different ways. One proposed to
390:49 different ways. One proposed to strengthen the protection of citizens
390:51 strengthen the protection of citizens while the other insisted on establishing
390:53 while the other insisted on establishing strict control over the population. The
390:55 strict control over the population. The Holy Father offered those gathered a new
390:57 Holy Father offered those gathered a new solution to the problem to recognize the
390:59 solution to the problem to recognize the church of pars as the only state
391:01 church of pars as the only state religion throughout the great empire.
391:03 religion throughout the great empire. Over the past 15 days, when disasters
391:06 Over the past 15 days, when disasters had struck various parts of the empire,
391:08 had struck various parts of the empire, only the Holy Kingdom had remained
391:09 only the Holy Kingdom had remained untouched by all the calamities and
391:11 untouched by all the calamities and misfortunes. The inhabitants of the Holy
391:14 misfortunes. The inhabitants of the Holy Kingdom firmly believed that it was the
391:15 Kingdom firmly believed that it was the powerful God of Pars who was protecting
391:17 powerful God of Pars who was protecting their lands from all the calamities and
391:19 their lands from all the calamities and misfortunes that had befallen the
391:21 misfortunes that had befallen the empire. Most of the empires inhabitants
391:23 empire. Most of the empires inhabitants sincerely believed in the protection of
391:25 sincerely believed in the protection of the god of Pars. So, a huge number of
391:27 the god of Pars. So, a huge number of refugees flocked to the safe lands of
391:29 refugees flocked to the safe lands of the Holy Kingdom. The Holy Father warned
391:31 the Holy Kingdom. The Holy Father warned those gathered that without proper
391:33 those gathered that without proper control, the Holy Kingdom could become
391:35 control, the Holy Kingdom could become overpopulated, leading to the decline of
391:37 overpopulated, leading to the decline of the other territories. According to
391:39 the other territories. According to divine revelation, the God of Pars
391:41 divine revelation, the God of Pars wished to extend his protection to the
391:42 wished to extend his protection to the entire empire, demanding only universal
391:45 entire empire, demanding only universal worship and service in return. The Dukes
391:47 worship and service in return. The Dukes recognized the effectiveness of religion
391:49 recognized the effectiveness of religion in governing the people, but expressed
391:51 in governing the people, but expressed concern about the difficulties of
391:53 concern about the difficulties of converting people who already had their
391:55 converting people who already had their own faith to the religion of Pars. The
391:57 own faith to the religion of Pars. The emperor listened carefully to all the
391:59 emperor listened carefully to all the suggestions and opinions but decided to
392:01 suggestions and opinions but decided to take time to reflect in order to make a
392:03 take time to reflect in order to make a balanced and wise decision. During a
392:06 balanced and wise decision. During a private meeting with the Pope, the
392:07 private meeting with the Pope, the emperor directly expressed his
392:09 emperor directly expressed his suspicions that the religious initiative
392:10 suspicions that the religious initiative was linked to a desire to take revenge
392:12 was linked to a desire to take revenge on Aaron for the castle he had taken
392:14 on Aaron for the castle he had taken away. Smiling, the Pope assured the
392:17 away. Smiling, the Pope assured the emperor of the purity of his intentions,
392:19 emperor of the purity of his intentions, claiming that he was acting solely on
392:21 claiming that he was acting solely on divine command and the call of his
392:22 divine command and the call of his heart. The emperor immediately sensed
392:24 heart. The emperor immediately sensed insincerity in the Holy Father's words
392:27 insincerity in the Holy Father's words and was deeply outraged that he dared to
392:29 and was deeply outraged that he dared to lie to the Supreme Ruler of the Empire.
392:31 lie to the Supreme Ruler of the Empire. The ruler expressed sympathy for the
392:33 The ruler expressed sympathy for the Holy Father because of his problems with
392:35 Holy Father because of his problems with Aaron, but admitted that he saw no
392:37 Aaron, but admitted that he saw no sufficient grounds for expelling the
392:38 sufficient grounds for expelling the Duke from the empire. The emperor
392:40 Duke from the empire. The emperor understood that recognizing Pars as the
392:42 understood that recognizing Pars as the state religion would significantly
392:44 state religion would significantly strengthen the influence and power of
392:46 strengthen the influence and power of the Holy Kingdom throughout the empire.
392:48 the Holy Kingdom throughout the empire. A new decree on the state religion would
392:50 A new decree on the state religion would inevitably lead to the weakening and
392:51 inevitably lead to the weakening and suppression of the Viven church,
392:53 suppression of the Viven church, depriving it of its former influence and
392:55 depriving it of its former influence and power. Aaron will face a difficult
392:57 power. Aaron will face a difficult choice. Either renounce Viven's church
392:59 choice. Either renounce Viven's church or openly oppose the state religion of
393:01 or openly oppose the state religion of Parse. The emperor realized that the
393:03 Parse. The emperor realized that the adoption of a new law on religion would
393:05 adoption of a new law on religion would permanently deprive Aaron of the
393:07 permanently deprive Aaron of the opportunity to expand his holdings
393:08 opportunity to expand his holdings within the empire. The plan to eliminate
393:10 within the empire. The plan to eliminate his troublesome nephew seemed ideal to
393:12 his troublesome nephew seemed ideal to the emperor and he decided to find out
393:14 the emperor and he decided to find out if the holy father was willing to help
393:16 if the holy father was willing to help him carry it out. The emperor announced
393:18 him carry it out. The emperor announced to the assembly of dukes his decision to
393:20 to the assembly of dukes his decision to make the church of pars the only state
393:22 make the church of pars the only state religion throughout the empire. The
393:24 religion throughout the empire. The emperor's strict decree demanded that
393:25 emperor's strict decree demanded that all pagan churches be closed and allowed
393:27 all pagan churches be closed and allowed the use of force to suppress any
393:29 the use of force to suppress any protests against the new law. The news
393:31 protests against the new law. The news of the emperor's religious decree caused
393:33 of the emperor's religious decree caused a mass evacuation of followers of the
393:35 a mass evacuation of followers of the church of Viven from Blanch Castle in
393:37 church of Viven from Blanch Castle in the brand domain. Arthur watched the
393:40 the brand domain. Arthur watched the stream of refugees with concern,
393:42 stream of refugees with concern, realizing that religious persecution had
393:44 realizing that religious persecution had become a real disaster for ordinary
393:46 become a real disaster for ordinary believers. Bianca could barely contain
393:48 believers. Bianca could barely contain her anger as she watched Par's followers
393:50 her anger as she watched Par's followers persecute and harass the hiding
393:52 persecute and harass the hiding believers of the Viven Church. The
393:54 believers of the Viven Church. The presence of the castle, which served as
393:56 presence of the castle, which served as a reliable refuge, calmed Bianca
393:58 a reliable refuge, calmed Bianca somewhat, and her outward calmness
394:00 somewhat, and her outward calmness aroused the sincere admiration of the
394:02 aroused the sincere admiration of the enamored Arthur. An alarming message
394:04 enamored Arthur. An alarming message from a sentry about the approach of a
394:06 from a sentry about the approach of a squad of Pars's paladins instantly
394:08 squad of Pars's paladins instantly shattered the fragile piece of the
394:09 shattered the fragile piece of the castle's inhabitants. Bianca immediately
394:12 castle's inhabitants. Bianca immediately grabbed her sword, ready to fight off
394:13 grabbed her sword, ready to fight off the insulent paladins of Pars who dared
394:15 the insulent paladins of Pars who dared to appear on their territory. Arthur had
394:18 to appear on their territory. Arthur had to exert considerable effort to stop
394:19 to exert considerable effort to stop Bianca, explaining to her the danger of
394:22 Bianca, explaining to her the danger of military conflict in the current tense
394:24 military conflict in the current tense situation. One of the paladins solemnly
394:26 situation. One of the paladins solemnly read out the Imperial decree demanding
394:28 read out the Imperial decree demanding the immediate expulsion of all followers
394:30 the immediate expulsion of all followers of the Church of Viven from these lands.
394:32 of the Church of Viven from these lands. Bianca firmly told the paladins that
394:34 Bianca firmly told the paladins that these lands belonged to the church of
394:36 these lands belonged to the church of Viven and that she would never obey an
394:38 Viven and that she would never obey an unjust order to persecute believers. The
394:41 unjust order to persecute believers. The paladins, not getting the obedience they
394:43 paladins, not getting the obedience they wanted, drew their weapons and moved to
394:45 wanted, drew their weapons and moved to arrest the protesting followers of the
394:47 arrest the protesting followers of the church of Viven. Outnumbered, the
394:49 church of Viven. Outnumbered, the paladins began to bind the local
394:50 paladins began to bind the local residents while Bianca drew her sword
394:53 residents while Bianca drew her sword and held it to the throat of an enemy
394:54 and held it to the throat of an enemy warrior. The paladin coldly declared
394:57 warrior. The paladin coldly declared that by law they were obliged to arrest
394:58 that by law they were obliged to arrest anyone who helped Viven's followers
395:00 anyone who helped Viven's followers escape justice. The paladin's
395:02 escape justice. The paladin's threatening tone emphasized the
395:04 threatening tone emphasized the seriousness of the situation. Bianca's
395:06 seriousness of the situation. Bianca's attack on the royal guards was grounds
395:08 attack on the royal guards was grounds for her immediate arrest. Bianca
395:10 for her immediate arrest. Bianca realized the paladin's insidious plan to
395:12 realized the paladin's insidious plan to use her resistance as a pretext to
395:14 use her resistance as a pretext to launch a campaign against Duke Aaron. A
395:16 launch a campaign against Duke Aaron. A bitter realization of her own
395:18 bitter realization of her own powerlessness overwhelmed Bianca when
395:20 powerlessness overwhelmed Bianca when she understood that her only option was
395:21 she understood that her only option was to allow herself to be arrested. Bianca
395:24 to allow herself to be arrested. Bianca obediently sheathed her sword and
395:25 obediently sheathed her sword and allowed the paladins to bind her.
395:27 allowed the paladins to bind her. Knowing that her arrest was inevitable
395:29 Knowing that her arrest was inevitable in the current situation, the paladin
395:31 in the current situation, the paladin sent a stern warning to the owner of
395:33 sent a stern warning to the owner of Blanch Castle through Arthur. Either he
395:36 Blanch Castle through Arthur. Either he expelled Viven's followers himself or
395:38 expelled Viven's followers himself or they would return with a search warrant.
395:40 they would return with a search warrant. Aaron continued to ponder the mystery of
395:42 Aaron continued to ponder the mystery of the mysterious door. And a new idea came
395:44 the mysterious door. And a new idea came to his mind, one that seemed quite
395:46 to his mind, one that seemed quite reasonable and promising. The Duke
395:48 reasonable and promising. The Duke introduced himself as the ruler of the
395:50 introduced himself as the ruler of the lands of Bran and tried to open the door
395:52 lands of Bran and tried to open the door with the power of his title and
395:53 with the power of his title and blessing, but his attempt ended in
395:55 blessing, but his attempt ended in complete failure. Miller couldn't help
395:57 complete failure. Miller couldn't help but laugh as he watched the self-
395:59 but laugh as he watched the self- assured aristocrat sincerely believe
396:01 assured aristocrat sincerely believe that the ancient doors would open before
396:03 that the ancient doors would open before him simply because of his lofty title.
396:05 him simply because of his lofty title. Aaron was overcome with shame and anger,
396:07 Aaron was overcome with shame and anger, but he knew he had to collect his
396:09 but he knew he had to collect his thoughts and find the right way to open
396:10 thoughts and find the right way to open the mysterious door. Watching closely,
396:13 the mysterious door. Watching closely, Jacqueline suggested that Aaron would
396:15 Jacqueline suggested that Aaron would need to prove his rights in some way to
396:16 need to prove his rights in some way to open the door. Jacqueline pondered that
396:18 open the door. Jacqueline pondered that a power like that of a dragon must have
396:20 a power like that of a dragon must have some unique manifestation capable of
396:22 some unique manifestation capable of proving the authenticity of the dragon's
396:24 proving the authenticity of the dragon's blessing. Proof could come in the form
396:26 blessing. Proof could come in the form of special items accessible only to
396:28 of special items accessible only to those chosen by the dragon, or
396:29 those chosen by the dragon, or exceptional sword skills unavailable to
396:31 exceptional sword skills unavailable to ordinary warriors. Lost in thought, the
396:34 ordinary warriors. Lost in thought, the hero recalled all the facts he knew.
396:37 hero recalled all the facts he knew. Only Cheryl and Aaron had been marked by
396:39 Only Cheryl and Aaron had been marked by the dragon's blessing in the entire
396:41 the dragon's blessing in the entire known world. The difference in their
396:43 known world. The difference in their abilities seemed obvious. Aaron was a
396:45 abilities seemed obvious. Aaron was a master swordsman, while Cheryl wielded
396:47 master swordsman, while Cheryl wielded magic, and it seemed that they had
396:49 magic, and it seemed that they had nothing in common. Suddenly, a thought
396:51 nothing in common. Suddenly, a thought flashed through the hero's mind that
396:53 flashed through the hero's mind that there might indeed be something in the
396:55 there might indeed be something in the history of Cheryl and the Duke that
396:56 history of Cheryl and the Duke that united their powers. With a decisive
396:58 united their powers. With a decisive movement, Aaron ran the blade of his
397:00 movement, Aaron ran the blade of his sword across his palm, allowing the
397:02 sword across his palm, allowing the blood to flow freely from the wound. The
397:04 blood to flow freely from the wound. The touch of his bloodied hand on the
397:06 touch of his bloodied hand on the ancient door activated a complex
397:08 ancient door activated a complex mechanism. There was a grinding sound,
397:10 mechanism. There was a grinding sound, and the massive barrier slowly opened.
397:12 and the massive barrier slowly opened. Satisfied with his guess, Aaron
397:14 Satisfied with his guess, Aaron confidently told his companions that he
397:16 confidently told his companions that he would return soon and urged them not to
397:18 would return soon and urged them not to follow him into the mysterious dungeon.
397:20 follow him into the mysterious dungeon. The heavy door slammed shut behind the
397:22 The heavy door slammed shut behind the hero with a loud bang, making it clear
397:24 hero with a loud bang, making it clear that there was no way back until the
397:26 that there was no way back until the mysterious dragon slayer was found.
397:28 mysterious dragon slayer was found. Wandering through the winding corridors
397:30 Wandering through the winding corridors of the underground labyrinth, Aaron
397:32 of the underground labyrinth, Aaron couldn't shake the oppressive feeling
397:34 couldn't shake the oppressive feeling caused by the frightening silence of the
397:35 caused by the frightening silence of the place, the absence of monsters and traps
397:38 place, the absence of monsters and traps greatly surprised the Duke, who had
397:40 greatly surprised the Duke, who had expected to encounter many dangerous
397:42 expected to encounter many dangerous creatures and unusual phenomena in this
397:43 creatures and unusual phenomena in this mysterious place. Suddenly, Aaron's gaze
397:46 mysterious place. Suddenly, Aaron's gaze caught sight of an unusual passageway in
397:48 caught sight of an unusual passageway in the semi-d darkness, where a giant
397:50 the semi-d darkness, where a giant dragon skull lay with a mysterious sword
397:52 dragon skull lay with a mysterious sword piercing its ancient bones. The Duke
397:54 piercing its ancient bones. The Duke immediately noticed the unusual nature
397:56 immediately noticed the unusual nature of the blade, which was shrouded in a
397:58 of the blade, which was shrouded in a strange magical energy unlike any
398:00 strange magical energy unlike any magical sword he had ever seen before.
398:02 magical sword he had ever seen before. The surprising ease with which he found
398:04 The surprising ease with which he found the sword both delighted and alarmed
398:06 the sword both delighted and alarmed Aaron, causing him to doubt his own
398:08 Aaron, causing him to doubt his own luck. Reaching out his hands toward the
398:10 luck. Reaching out his hands toward the mysterious blade, Aaron thought about
398:12 mysterious blade, Aaron thought about the upcoming battle with the five-headed
398:13 the upcoming battle with the five-headed dragon in which this sword could be the
398:15 dragon in which this sword could be the decisive advantage. A sudden flash of
398:18 decisive advantage. A sudden flash of pain pierced Aaron's heart. The real
398:20 pain pierced Aaron's heart. The real dragon slayer had struck a fatal blow,
398:22 dragon slayer had struck a fatal blow, mockingly offering him a chance to try
398:24 mockingly offering him a chance to try to take his legendary sword. The hero's
398:27 to take his legendary sword. The hero's consciousness rapidly faded from blood
398:29 consciousness rapidly faded from blood loss, and a bitter thought of his own
398:30 loss, and a bitter thought of his own carelessness and missed opportunity
398:32 carelessness and missed opportunity raced through his mind. Instead of the
398:34 raced through his mind. Instead of the expected death, Aaron awoke at the
398:36 expected death, Aaron awoke at the starting point of his journey. Realizing
398:38 starting point of his journey. Realizing that he would have to repeat this path
398:40 that he would have to repeat this path over and over again until victory. The
398:43 over and over again until victory. The second time around, Aaron acted more
398:45 second time around, Aaron acted more cautiously, keeping his naked blade at
398:47 cautiously, keeping his naked blade at the ready and peering intently into the
398:49 the ready and peering intently into the darkness as he made his way toward the
398:51 darkness as he made his way toward the dragon's skull. His determination to
398:53 dragon's skull. His determination to fulfill the dragon slayer's will and
398:55 fulfill the dragon slayer's will and obtain his legendary blade gave the Duke
398:57 obtain his legendary blade gave the Duke the strength to press on despite the
398:59 the strength to press on despite the danger. Reaching the familiar spot,
399:01 danger. Reaching the familiar spot, Aaron found the empty dragon skull
399:03 Aaron found the empty dragon skull without the sword and began cautiously
399:05 without the sword and began cautiously scanning the area for his hidden enemy.
399:07 scanning the area for his hidden enemy. His readiness for attack helped Aaron.
399:09 His readiness for attack helped Aaron. When the killer struck, the Duke managed
399:11 When the killer struck, the Duke managed to confidently parry the blow, much to
399:13 to confidently parry the blow, much to the surprise of his mysterious opponent.
399:16 the surprise of his mysterious opponent. The mysterious warrior expressed his
399:18 The mysterious warrior expressed his approval of Aaron's increased vigilance
399:20 approval of Aaron's increased vigilance and his ability to block unexpected
399:22 and his ability to block unexpected attacks in conditions of limited
399:24 attacks in conditions of limited visibility. The ensuing battle showed
399:26 visibility. The ensuing battle showed the Duke the true difference in their
399:27 the Duke the true difference in their strength. He could barely keep up with
399:29 strength. He could barely keep up with his opponent's lightning fast movements
399:30 his opponent's lightning fast movements and the energy of his magical sword.
399:32 and the energy of his magical sword. Particularly striking was the warrior's
399:34 Particularly striking was the warrior's ability to instantly gather energy in
399:36 ability to instantly gather energy in his sword without any preliminary
399:38 his sword without any preliminary movements, which seemed to Aaron to be
399:40 movements, which seemed to Aaron to be an incredible feat of skill. The
399:42 an incredible feat of skill. The knight's relaxed posture and calm
399:44 knight's relaxed posture and calm movements clearly showed that he was
399:46 movements clearly showed that he was fighting at half strength, not even
399:47 fighting at half strength, not even making a serious effort to defeat the
399:49 making a serious effort to defeat the Duke. The Dragon Slayer noticed the fear
399:51 Duke. The Dragon Slayer noticed the fear in his opponent's eyes and expressed
399:53 in his opponent's eyes and expressed clear dissatisfaction that the Duke had
399:55 clear dissatisfaction that the Duke had shown the limits of his current fighting
399:57 shown the limits of his current fighting abilities. Disappearing from Aaron's
399:59 abilities. Disappearing from Aaron's sight, the Dragon Slayer stated that
400:00 sight, the Dragon Slayer stated that with such a level of training, the Duke
400:02 with such a level of training, the Duke would not last even a few minutes
400:04 would not last even a few minutes against Kruella. Backing up his words
400:06 against Kruella. Backing up his words with action, the mysterious warrior once
400:09 with action, the mysterious warrior once again took Aaron's life with a single
400:11 again took Aaron's life with a single precise strike of his deadly blade. Time
400:13 precise strike of his deadly blade. Time lost all meaning for Aaron, who died and
400:16 lost all meaning for Aaron, who died and was reborn time and time again. Unaware
400:18 was reborn time and time again. Unaware of how long this endless cycle of
400:20 of how long this endless cycle of training battles would continue. Every
400:22 training battles would continue. Every time the Duke thought he had figured out
400:24 time the Duke thought he had figured out his opponent's tactics, the Dragon
400:26 his opponent's tactics, the Dragon Slayer demonstrated the vast gap between
400:28 Slayer demonstrated the vast gap between their levels of skill. The realization
400:31 their levels of skill. The realization of the futility of endless deaths
400:33 of the futility of endless deaths strengthened Aaron's resolve to find a
400:34 strengthened Aaron's resolve to find a way to break this exhausting cycle of
400:36 way to break this exhausting cycle of rebirth and move on. Gathering all his
400:39 rebirth and move on. Gathering all his resolve and courage, Aaron rushed at his
400:41 resolve and courage, Aaron rushed at his opponent with the firm intention of
400:43 opponent with the firm intention of surviving this battle, no matter what it
400:45 surviving this battle, no matter what it took. The observant assassin noted the
400:47 took. The observant assassin noted the young man's increased skill. His sword
400:50 young man's increased skill. His sword movements had become more precise and
400:52 movements had become more precise and confident, taking his opponent's style
400:54 confident, taking his opponent's style into account. The dragon slayer's
400:56 into account. The dragon slayer's arrogant tone irritated Aaron. But
400:58 arrogant tone irritated Aaron. But during their endless battles, the Duke
401:00 during their endless battles, the Duke had indeed learned a great deal from his
401:03 had indeed learned a great deal from his opponent. Careful observation allowed
401:05 opponent. Careful observation allowed Aaron to notice an important detail. His
401:07 Aaron to notice an important detail. His opponent always used the energy of his
401:09 opponent always used the energy of his sword immediately after dodging an
401:11 sword immediately after dodging an attack. Choosing the perfect moment to
401:13 attack. Choosing the perfect moment to attack when the assassin was gathering
401:14 attack when the assassin was gathering energy. Aaron used his signature
401:16 energy. Aaron used his signature technique, piercing wind with maximum
401:19 technique, piercing wind with maximum concentration. The powerful blow raised
401:21 concentration. The powerful blow raised a cloud of dust, and Aaron stared
401:23 a cloud of dust, and Aaron stared intently at the swirling dust, hoping to
401:26 intently at the swirling dust, hoping to see his defeated opponent.
401:27 see his defeated opponent. Disappointment washed over Aaron as the
401:29 Disappointment washed over Aaron as the dust cleared to reveal the unharmed
401:31 dust cleared to reveal the unharmed dragon slayer, who had easily parried
401:33 dragon slayer, who had easily parried what had seemed like an unstoppable
401:35 what had seemed like an unstoppable attack. Deciding to teach the Duke an
401:37 attack. Deciding to teach the Duke an important lesson, the knight warned
401:39 important lesson, the knight warned Aaron of the impending demonstration of
401:41 Aaron of the impending demonstration of true power hidden within his legendary
401:42 true power hidden within his legendary blade. Ignoring the warning, Aaron
401:45 blade. Ignoring the warning, Aaron rushed into another attack, but suddenly
401:47 rushed into another attack, but suddenly noticed a strange dark energy beginning
401:49 noticed a strange dark energy beginning to envelop the space around him.
401:51 to envelop the space around him. Shocked, Aaron realized that his
401:53 Shocked, Aaron realized that his opponent's sword was absorbing the
401:54 opponent's sword was absorbing the energy of his own blade, turning the
401:56 energy of his own blade, turning the Duke's attack against him. Using the
401:58 Duke's attack against him. Using the accumulated energy, the Dragon Slayer
402:00 accumulated energy, the Dragon Slayer delivered a crushing blow with the blunt
402:02 delivered a crushing blow with the blunt side of his sword, sending Aaron
402:04 side of his sword, sending Aaron crashing into the stone wall of the
402:05 crashing into the stone wall of the dungeon. The blow was so powerful that
402:07 dungeon. The blow was so powerful that blood gushed from Aaron's mouth as he
402:09 blood gushed from Aaron's mouth as he collided with the wall and he finally
402:11 collided with the wall and he finally realized the true power of his
402:13 realized the true power of his mysterious mentor. Empowered by the
402:15 mysterious mentor. Empowered by the absorbed energy, the Slayer stopped a
402:17 absorbed energy, the Slayer stopped a few steps away from the defeated Duke to
402:19 few steps away from the defeated Duke to see if he had noticed the peculiarities
402:20 see if he had noticed the peculiarities of his last attack. The Dragon Slayer
402:23 of his last attack. The Dragon Slayer confirmed Aaron's guess about energy
402:25 confirmed Aaron's guess about energy absorption and informed him that the
402:27 absorption and informed him that the Duke was also capable of mastering this
402:29 Duke was also capable of mastering this impressive technique. Watching the next
402:31 impressive technique. Watching the next demonstration of the technique closely,
402:33 demonstration of the technique closely, Aaron realized the key element. The
402:35 Aaron realized the key element. The warrior was using a special power of
402:37 warrior was using a special power of will to control the energy. Memories
402:39 will to control the energy. Memories took Aaron back several months when he
402:41 took Aaron back several months when he had tried to master a similar spell on
402:43 had tried to master a similar spell on the training grounds of Bran Castle. At
402:45 the training grounds of Bran Castle. At that time, the Duke had been
402:47 that time, the Duke had been experimenting with combining the
402:48 experimenting with combining the dragon's blessing and his willpower to
402:50 dragon's blessing and his willpower to achieve complete control over his
402:52 achieve complete control over his magical sword. His first and only
402:54 magical sword. His first and only successful attempt to use his willpower
402:56 successful attempt to use his willpower to control the dragon's blessing left a
402:58 to control the dragon's blessing left a lasting impression on Aaron. Despite the
403:00 lasting impression on Aaron. Despite the obvious progress, Aaron understood the
403:02 obvious progress, Aaron understood the inadequacy of his control over the
403:04 inadequacy of his control over the powerful force and the need for further
403:06 powerful force and the need for further improvement. Reflecting on the
403:08 improvement. Reflecting on the possibilities for development, Aaron
403:10 possibilities for development, Aaron wondered about the ability to absorb not
403:12 wondered about the ability to absorb not only external energy, but also his own
403:15 only external energy, but also his own power and the energy of his enemies.
403:17 power and the energy of his enemies. Cheryl explained to Aaron the important
403:19 Cheryl explained to Aaron the important difference between willpower and
403:20 difference between willpower and ordinary mana. The ability to create new
403:23 ordinary mana. The ability to create new energy vessels opened the way to
403:24 energy vessels opened the way to unlimited development. The Duke realized
403:27 unlimited development. The Duke realized that he needed to achieve a high level
403:28 that he needed to achieve a high level of mastery to unlock the new
403:30 of mastery to unlock the new possibilities of his unique power. To
403:32 possibilities of his unique power. To perfect his technique, he needed a
403:34 perfect his technique, he needed a worthy opponent capable of withstanding
403:36 worthy opponent capable of withstanding Aaron's powerful attacks. But ordinary
403:38 Aaron's powerful attacks. But ordinary knights were not up to the task.
403:40 knights were not up to the task. Initially, Aaron considered training
403:42 Initially, Aaron considered training with Raml, the strongest knight he knew.
403:44 with Raml, the strongest knight he knew. But he understood the risk of seriously
403:46 But he understood the risk of seriously injuring even such a master. Unable to
403:48 injuring even such a master. Unable to find a suitable sparring partner, the
403:50 find a suitable sparring partner, the Duke decided to continue honing his
403:52 Duke decided to continue honing his skills in solitary training. Numerous
403:54 skills in solitary training. Numerous duels with the dragon slayer finally
403:56 duels with the dragon slayer finally allowed Aaron to understand the
403:58 allowed Aaron to understand the principle of using willpower and the
404:00 principle of using willpower and the reason for his constant defeats. After
404:02 reason for his constant defeats. After being resurrected once again, the hero
404:04 being resurrected once again, the hero resolutely headed toward his opponent,
404:06 resolutely headed toward his opponent, intending to use the newly learned
404:08 intending to use the newly learned technique of absorbing the dragon
404:10 technique of absorbing the dragon slayer's sword energy. The dragon
404:12 slayer's sword energy. The dragon slayer's experienced eye immediately
404:14 slayer's experienced eye immediately noticed the striking changes in Aaron.
404:16 noticed the striking changes in Aaron. His hidden strength began to manifest,
404:18 His hidden strength began to manifest, demonstrating the results of his
404:20 demonstrating the results of his diligent training. Ignoring his
404:21 diligent training. Ignoring his opponent's praise, the hero resolutely
404:24 opponent's praise, the hero resolutely demanded that the knight stop talking
404:25 demanded that the knight stop talking and demonstrate the true power of his
404:27 and demonstrate the true power of his legendary blade. Carefully observing the
404:29 legendary blade. Carefully observing the sparkling power of his opponent's sword.
404:32 sparkling power of his opponent's sword. Aaron quickly figured out the technique
404:33 Aaron quickly figured out the technique and repeated the action, directing the
404:36 and repeated the action, directing the tip of his blade toward the knight's
404:37 tip of his blade toward the knight's weapon, the hero concentrated on filling
404:39 weapon, the hero concentrated on filling his body with willpower. Trying to
404:41 his body with willpower. Trying to absorb every particle of energy
404:43 absorb every particle of energy emanating from his opponent's sword.
404:45 emanating from his opponent's sword. Having accumulated enough energy, Aaron
404:47 Having accumulated enough energy, Aaron prepared to perform an improved version
404:49 prepared to perform an improved version of the fourth form of sword mastery. The
404:51 of the fourth form of sword mastery. The piercing wind technique had undergone
404:53 piercing wind technique had undergone significant improvements thanks to new
404:55 significant improvements thanks to new knowledge, allowing it to finally
404:57 knowledge, allowing it to finally achieve incredible destructive power.
404:59 achieve incredible destructive power. The powerful blow hit its target. The
405:01 The powerful blow hit its target. The dragon slayer's body began to
405:03 dragon slayer's body began to disintegrate, gradually dissolving into
405:05 disintegrate, gradually dissolving into the air of the underground chamber. In
405:07 the air of the underground chamber. In place of the vanished enemy, the hero
405:09 place of the vanished enemy, the hero was surprised to discover something far
405:11 was surprised to discover something far more sinister and mysterious. Before
405:13 more sinister and mysterious. Before Aaron's eyes appeared a huge magical
405:16 Aaron's eyes appeared a huge magical symbol, which upon closer inspection
405:18 symbol, which upon closer inspection turned out to be not just a circle, but
405:20 turned out to be not just a circle, but a real ancient altar. Inside the altar,
405:23 a real ancient altar. Inside the altar, the hero saw a child playing carefree
405:25 the hero saw a child playing carefree with butterflies. Unaware that this was
405:27 with butterflies. Unaware that this was a vision of the very old man encountered
405:29 a vision of the very old man encountered by Jacqueline and Miller. A disturbing
405:31 by Jacqueline and Miller. A disturbing premonition told the Duke that the child
405:33 premonition told the Duke that the child in the center of the altar was doomed to
405:35 in the center of the altar was doomed to die after the ritual was completed, and
405:37 die after the ritual was completed, and he rushed toward the magical structure.
405:39 he rushed toward the magical structure. Disappointment and anger overwhelmed the
405:42 Disappointment and anger overwhelmed the Duke, who had hoped that defeating the
405:43 Duke, who had hoped that defeating the Dragon Slayer would put an end to all
405:45 Dragon Slayer would put an end to all the trials in this mysterious place.
405:47 the trials in this mysterious place. Aaron's irritation grew with every
405:49 Aaron's irritation grew with every passing second. He shouted into the
405:51 passing second. He shouted into the void, sensing the invisible presence of
405:53 void, sensing the invisible presence of the night, but receiving no response.
405:55 the night, but receiving no response. Realizing the critical nature of the
405:57 Realizing the critical nature of the situation, the Duke reached out to the
405:59 situation, the Duke reached out to the child without hesitation. But he was too
406:02 child without hesitation. But he was too late. The mysterious darkness completely
406:04 late. The mysterious darkness completely engulfed the small figure. Suddenly, the
406:07 engulfed the small figure. Suddenly, the alarmed knight materialized in the space
406:09 alarmed knight materialized in the space and immediately rushed to the altar,
406:10 and immediately rushed to the altar, sealed by dark energy. The knight's
406:12 sealed by dark energy. The knight's silence and detachment from what was
406:14 silence and detachment from what was happening around him led Aaron to
406:16 happening around him led Aaron to believe that he was watching a scene
406:18 believe that he was watching a scene from the distant past of his mysterious
406:20 from the distant past of his mysterious opponent. With a decisive blow of his
406:22 opponent. With a decisive blow of his sword, the hero managed to dispel the
406:24 sword, the hero managed to dispel the dark energy, freeing the frightened boy
406:26 dark energy, freeing the frightened boy from its magical captivity. Removing his
406:28 from its magical captivity. Removing his protective mask, the hero allowed the
406:30 protective mask, the hero allowed the child to recognize him and insisted that
406:32 child to recognize him and insisted that he flee immediately, warning him that
406:34 he flee immediately, warning him that the massive doors were about to close.
406:36 the massive doors were about to close. Despite the seriousness of the
406:37 Despite the seriousness of the situation, the frightened boy continued
406:39 situation, the frightened boy continued to cry, refusing to leave his brave
406:41 to cry, refusing to leave his brave savior in this gloomy place. The knight
406:43 savior in this gloomy place. The knight understood that the ancient ruins would
406:45 understood that the ancient ruins would be completely destroyed only after every
406:47 be completely destroyed only after every last soul had left. So, the boy had to
406:50 last soul had left. So, the boy had to be saved. Seeing the child's indecision
406:52 be saved. Seeing the child's indecision and tears, the knight resorted to a last
406:54 and tears, the knight resorted to a last resort. He shouted menacingly, ordering
406:56 resort. He shouted menacingly, ordering the boy to leave the dangerous place
406:58 the boy to leave the dangerous place immediately. The frightened boy ran
407:00 immediately. The frightened boy ran toward the exit, but before the doors
407:02 toward the exit, but before the doors closed, he swore that he would gather
407:04 closed, he swore that he would gather the villagers and returned to save his
407:07 the villagers and returned to save his hero. The heavy doors slammed shut with
407:09 hero. The heavy doors slammed shut with a crash. And in the ensuing silence, the
407:12 a crash. And in the ensuing silence, the hero heard the familiar voice of the
407:14 hero heard the familiar voice of the mysterious inhabitant of the castle. The
407:16 mysterious inhabitant of the castle. The dragonist from the castle mockingly
407:18 dragonist from the castle mockingly reproached the knight for his stupidity,
407:20 reproached the knight for his stupidity, congratulating herself on the successful
407:22 congratulating herself on the successful implementation of her cunning trap.
407:24 implementation of her cunning trap. Enraged by the presence of the dragon,
407:26 Enraged by the presence of the dragon, the knight swung his sword furiously,
407:28 the knight swung his sword furiously, demanding that his invisible enemy show
407:31 demanding that his invisible enemy show himself and fight a fair battle. The
407:33 himself and fight a fair battle. The knight was particularly outraged by the
407:35 knight was particularly outraged by the dragon's use of the forbidden power of
407:37 dragon's use of the forbidden power of the ancient gods to carry out her
407:38 the ancient gods to carry out her treacherous plan. The dragon explained
407:41 treacherous plan. The dragon explained that this power was necessary to
407:42 that this power was necessary to successfully imprison the hero, for
407:45 successfully imprison the hero, for which she had risked appearing in person
407:46 which she had risked appearing in person despite his superiority. The bitter
407:49 despite his superiority. The bitter realization of his mistake came too late
407:51 realization of his mistake came too late for the hero. His carelessness allowed
407:54 for the hero. His carelessness allowed his enemy to successfully carry out her
407:56 his enemy to successfully carry out her treacherous plan. Kruella coldly watched
407:58 treacherous plan. Kruella coldly watched the hero's furious attempts to free
408:00 the hero's furious attempts to free himself, reminding him that his kind
408:02 himself, reminding him that his kind heart and desire to protect people had
408:04 heart and desire to protect people had become his greatest weakness. The
408:06 become his greatest weakness. The dragonist maliciously predicted eternal
408:08 dragonist maliciously predicted eternal imprisonment in the impenetrable
408:10 imprisonment in the impenetrable darkness of the dungeon, where he was
408:12 darkness of the dungeon, where he was destined to spend the rest of his days
408:13 destined to spend the rest of his days in complete solitude. What he saw deeply
408:16 in complete solitude. What he saw deeply affected Aaron. He had not expected to
408:19 affected Aaron. He had not expected to meet such a noble warrior. Willing to
408:21 meet such a noble warrior. Willing to sacrifice himself to save the
408:23 sacrifice himself to save the inhabitants of the continent. When the
408:24 inhabitants of the continent. When the vision faded, the knight asked Aaron the
408:27 vision faded, the knight asked Aaron the most important question about the
408:28 most important question about the existence of man, for whom he was
408:30 existence of man, for whom he was willing to sacrifice his own life. The
408:33 willing to sacrifice his own life. The answer came instantly. Aaron was
408:35 answer came instantly. Aaron was determined to save Kanos, who was
408:36 determined to save Kanos, who was languishing in captivity at the hands of
408:38 languishing in captivity at the hands of his own sister and in need of immediate
408:40 his own sister and in need of immediate help. The legendary sword sensed Aaron's
408:43 help. The legendary sword sensed Aaron's sincere willingness to sacrifice himself
408:45 sincere willingness to sacrifice himself for others and responded with a bright
408:47 for others and responded with a bright glow, acknowledging the purity of his
408:49 glow, acknowledging the purity of his intentions. The hero realized that only
408:51 intentions. The hero realized that only by mastering the power of this ancient
408:53 by mastering the power of this ancient blade could he achieve the strength
408:55 blade could he achieve the strength necessary to free the knight and the
408:57 necessary to free the knight and the people of the continent. Before making
408:59 people of the continent. Before making his fateful decision, Aaron addressed
409:01 his fateful decision, Aaron addressed the dragon slayer with words of
409:02 the dragon slayer with words of farewell, but received no response from
409:04 farewell, but received no response from the mysterious warrior. Taking the
409:07 the mysterious warrior. Taking the silence as a sign of approval, Aaron
409:09 silence as a sign of approval, Aaron proudly took the legendary sword and
409:10 proudly took the legendary sword and headed for the exit where his loyal
409:12 headed for the exit where his loyal comrades were waiting impatiently.
409:14 comrades were waiting impatiently. Alarmed, Rex immediately rushed toward
409:16 Alarmed, Rex immediately rushed toward the Duke, but stopped when he noticed
409:18 the Duke, but stopped when he noticed clear signs of fatigue and tension on
409:20 clear signs of fatigue and tension on his pale face. Aaron silently drew the
409:22 his pale face. Aaron silently drew the shining blade, which blinded everyone
409:24 shining blade, which blinded everyone present and gave the decisive order to
409:27 present and gave the decisive order to return to the castle for the final
409:28 return to the castle for the final battle with the mad dragon. Kruella
409:30 battle with the mad dragon. Kruella watched all the events unfold closely
409:32 watched all the events unfold closely using a magical crystal ball in her
409:34 using a magical crystal ball in her impregnable castle. Rage filled the
409:36 impregnable castle. Rage filled the dragoness at the thought that the man
409:38 dragoness at the thought that the man she had graciously allowed to escape had
409:40 she had graciously allowed to escape had dared to return for an open
409:42 dared to return for an open confrontation. Her confidence in her own
409:44 confrontation. Her confidence in her own power strengthened Kruella's resolve to
409:46 power strengthened Kruella's resolve to destroy the insulent Aaron so that no
409:49 destroy the insulent Aaron so that no one would ever dare to challenge her
409:50 one would ever dare to challenge her again. Casting an ancient spell, the
409:53 again. Casting an ancient spell, the dragonist ordered all the enslaved
409:54 dragonist ordered all the enslaved inhabitants to immediately punish the
409:56 inhabitants to immediately punish the daredevil who had dared to oppose their
409:58 daredevil who had dared to oppose their mistress. Following the words of the
410:00 mistress. Following the words of the spell, huge monster dragons soared into
410:02 spell, huge monster dragons soared into the sky, rushing toward Aaron and his
410:04 the sky, rushing toward Aaron and his squad. By this time, the Duke had
410:07 squad. By this time, the Duke had managed to gather all the soldiers he
410:08 managed to gather all the soldiers he had prudently brought to this mysterious
410:10 had prudently brought to this mysterious island in the village of Rantra.
410:12 island in the village of Rantra. Addressing the assembled warriors, Aaron
410:14 Addressing the assembled warriors, Aaron explained the importance of the upcoming
410:15 explained the importance of the upcoming battle for their future and identified
410:17 battle for their future and identified the main target, the powerful dragon.
410:20 the main target, the powerful dragon. Uncertainty gripped the soldiers, who
410:22 Uncertainty gripped the soldiers, who openly expressed doubts about the
410:24 openly expressed doubts about the possibility of defeating the legendary
410:26 possibility of defeating the legendary creature that surpassed their strength.
410:28 creature that surpassed their strength. Miller couldn't help but laugh mockingly
410:30 Miller couldn't help but laugh mockingly when he heard the frank expressions of
410:31 when he heard the frank expressions of fear from the vaunted Imperial soldiers.
410:34 fear from the vaunted Imperial soldiers. The pirate offered a simple solution.
410:36 The pirate offered a simple solution. Use his powerful bombs to destroy the
410:38 Use his powerful bombs to destroy the castle, allowing the knights to deal
410:40 castle, allowing the knights to deal with the remaining enemies. The Duke
410:42 with the remaining enemies. The Duke calmly rejected the pirates proposal,
410:44 calmly rejected the pirates proposal, explaining his plan to lure Kruella out
410:46 explaining his plan to lure Kruella out of her fortified castle instead of
410:48 of her fortified castle instead of risking an assault on enemy territory.
410:50 risking an assault on enemy territory. As if in response to the Duke's words,
410:52 As if in response to the Duke's words, the sky lit up with bright red
410:54 the sky lit up with bright red lightning, heralding the beginning of a
410:56 lightning, heralding the beginning of a grand battle. The appearance of dragon
410:58 grand battle. The appearance of dragon monsters in the sky served as a signal
411:00 monsters in the sky served as a signal for the Duke to call upon all
411:01 for the Duke to call upon all able-bodied warriors to cast aside their
411:03 able-bodied warriors to cast aside their fear and take up arms. Aaron had no
411:06 fear and take up arms. Aaron had no doubt that Kruella was watching the
411:07 doubt that Kruella was watching the unfolding battle closely from her
411:09 unfolding battle closely from her impregnable castle. The Duke's new
411:11 impregnable castle. The Duke's new strategy was to stage an impressive
411:13 strategy was to stage an impressive battle that would provoke the dragonist
411:14 battle that would provoke the dragonist to leave her castle and engage him in
411:16 to leave her castle and engage him in combat. Miller fought resolutely
411:18 combat. Miller fought resolutely alongside Aaron, unwilling to let the
411:20 alongside Aaron, unwilling to let the self-confident Duke enjoy the thrilling
411:22 self-confident Duke enjoy the thrilling battle alone. Jacqueline actively
411:24 battle alone. Jacqueline actively participated in the battle while
411:26 participated in the battle while simultaneously reprimanding Miller for
411:28 simultaneously reprimanding Miller for his reckless attitude toward the serious
411:30 his reckless attitude toward the serious fight which exposed him to unnecessary
411:32 fight which exposed him to unnecessary danger. Completely trusting the support
411:34 danger. Completely trusting the support of his loyal comrades, Aaron boldly
411:37 of his loyal comrades, Aaron boldly threw himself into the thick of the
411:38 threw himself into the thick of the battle where the greatest number of
411:40 battle where the greatest number of enemies were concentrated. Suddenly, the
411:43 enemies were concentrated. Suddenly, the situation became more complicated. In
411:45 situation became more complicated. In addition to the huge number of enemies,
411:47 addition to the huge number of enemies, the Duke heard a mysterious sound
411:48 the Duke heard a mysterious sound calling people to gather in the city.
411:50 calling people to gather in the city. Aaron's uneasy premonition was confirmed
411:52 Aaron's uneasy premonition was confirmed when he noticed groups of miners calmly
411:54 when he noticed groups of miners calmly heading straight for the dangerous
411:56 heading straight for the dangerous dragons. The Duke remembered the solemn
411:58 dragons. The Duke remembered the solemn oath he had sworn to the legendary sword
412:00 oath he had sworn to the legendary sword to free the entire Black Continent from
412:02 to free the entire Black Continent from the oppressive rule of the dragons.
412:04 the oppressive rule of the dragons. Realizing that the dragon's attack would
412:06 Realizing that the dragon's attack would prevent him from fulfilling his promise
412:08 prevent him from fulfilling his promise to the knight, Aaron resolutely decided
412:10 to the knight, Aaron resolutely decided to distract the dangerous creatures.
412:12 to distract the dangerous creatures. Powerful magical energy burst from the
412:14 Powerful magical energy burst from the hero's body as he let out a loud cry,
412:17 hero's body as he let out a loud cry, attracting the dragon's attention and
412:18 attracting the dragon's attention and distracting them from the defenseless
412:20 distracting them from the defenseless locals. Rushing forward, Aaron blinded
412:23 locals. Rushing forward, Aaron blinded the monsters with the bright glow of his
412:24 the monsters with the bright glow of his power and methodically cut them into
412:26 power and methodically cut them into small pieces with his new blade.
412:28 small pieces with his new blade. Watching the battle closely, Jacqueline
412:31 Watching the battle closely, Jacqueline realized that the legendary sword was
412:33 realized that the legendary sword was not the dragon slayer's only gift, for
412:35 not the dragon slayer's only gift, for the Duke's power had grown noticeably.
412:37 the Duke's power had grown noticeably. The perceptive Rex noticed the Duke's
412:39 The perceptive Rex noticed the Duke's new ability to absorb dragon mana.
412:41 new ability to absorb dragon mana. Worrying about how Aaron would use the
412:43 Worrying about how Aaron would use the accumulated energy. Having accumulated
412:45 accumulated energy. Having accumulated enough mana, the Duke created a powerful
412:48 enough mana, the Duke created a powerful air vortex that sucked in all the
412:50 air vortex that sucked in all the dragons and mercilessly ground them into
412:52 dragons and mercilessly ground them into fine dust. The new technique, borrowed
412:54 fine dust. The new technique, borrowed from the dragon slayer, demonstrated
412:56 from the dragon slayer, demonstrated incredible effectiveness, but required
412:58 incredible effectiveness, but required enormous energy expenditure and a long
413:00 enormous energy expenditure and a long recovery time. To Aaron's surprise, the
413:03 recovery time. To Aaron's surprise, the local residents appeared and gratefully
413:04 local residents appeared and gratefully recognized him as their brave savior.
413:07 recognized him as their brave savior. Kruella watched in fury as her dragon
413:09 Kruella watched in fury as her dragon monsters were destroyed, cursing them
413:11 monsters were destroyed, cursing them for their complete uselessness in
413:12 for their complete uselessness in battle. The dragon's fury at the defeat
413:14 battle. The dragon's fury at the defeat of her creations was so strong that even
413:17 of her creations was so strong that even the magical crystal ball in her hands
413:19 the magical crystal ball in her hands began to crack. What particularly
413:21 began to crack. What particularly alarmed Kruella was that Aaron had not
413:23 alarmed Kruella was that Aaron had not only seized the legendary sword, but had
413:25 only seized the legendary sword, but had also quickly mastered its powerful
413:27 also quickly mastered its powerful force. The Dragonness bitterly realized
413:30 force. The Dragonness bitterly realized the obvious fact that none of her
413:31 the obvious fact that none of her magical puppets could stand up to the
413:33 magical puppets could stand up to the Duke's increased power. Having decided
413:35 Duke's increased power. Having decided to fight the hero herself, Kruella gave
413:37 to fight the hero herself, Kruella gave Logan her final instructions to complete
413:40 Logan her final instructions to complete all preparations for the important
413:41 all preparations for the important summoning ritual. While the hero
413:43 summoning ritual. While the hero recovered from the exhausting battle,
413:45 recovered from the exhausting battle, Jacqueline and Miller focused their
413:47 Jacqueline and Miller focused their attention on the island's numerous
413:48 attention on the island's numerous mines. Following his plan, Miller filled
413:51 mines. Following his plan, Miller filled a minecart with explosives and sent it
413:53 a minecart with explosives and sent it down the tracks deep into the mine,
413:54 down the tracks deep into the mine, intending to cause a massive collapse.
413:56 intending to cause a massive collapse. The successful completion of the
413:58 The successful completion of the demolition filled Miller with pride at
414:00 demolition filled Miller with pride at the accuracy of his calculations of the
414:02 the accuracy of his calculations of the amount of explosives required. Jacquine
414:05 amount of explosives required. Jacquine was puzzled by the Duke's strange
414:06 was puzzled by the Duke's strange behavior. Destroying the mines seemed
414:08 behavior. Destroying the mines seemed illogical for someone seeking to gain
414:10 illogical for someone seeking to gain control over the continent's resources.
414:12 control over the continent's resources. Aaron explained that the destruction of
414:14 Aaron explained that the destruction of the mines was a temporary measure aimed
414:16 the mines was a temporary measure aimed at luring Kruella out of the castle by
414:17 at luring Kruella out of the castle by destroying the resources coveted by the
414:19 destroying the resources coveted by the dragons. Unlike Kinos, the Duke
414:22 dragons. Unlike Kinos, the Duke understood that blocking the mine
414:23 understood that blocking the mine entrances would prevent the dragon from
414:25 entrances would prevent the dragon from using the enslaved people to extract
414:27 using the enslaved people to extract valuable minerals. Jacqueline realized
414:29 valuable minerals. Jacqueline realized that even the appearance of the air to
414:31 that even the appearance of the air to the legendary dragon slayer was not
414:33 the legendary dragon slayer was not enough to completely destroy the
414:35 enough to completely destroy the powerful dragon magic. The terrifying
414:37 powerful dragon magic. The terrifying power of the dragon spell continued to
414:39 power of the dragon spell continued to take effect, forcing the enslaved people
414:41 take effect, forcing the enslaved people to descend again and again into the
414:43 to descend again and again into the dangerous mines in search of precious
414:45 dangerous mines in search of precious ore. The sudden appearance of the
414:47 ore. The sudden appearance of the panting rex brought important news. The
414:49 panting rex brought important news. The dragon had finally left her impregnable
414:51 dragon had finally left her impregnable castle and was heading toward them.
414:53 castle and was heading toward them. Aaron's joy at the successful
414:55 Aaron's joy at the successful provocation quickly turned to alarm when
414:57 provocation quickly turned to alarm when he saw that all the enslaved inhabitants
414:59 he saw that all the enslaved inhabitants of the continent were following Kruella.
415:01 of the continent were following Kruella. Meanwhile, in the main castle of the
415:03 Meanwhile, in the main castle of the duche, the continuous process of
415:05 duche, the continuous process of receiving refugees fleeing persecution
415:07 receiving refugees fleeing persecution and disaster continued. Raml, who was
415:10 and disaster continued. Raml, who was controlling the flow of refugees, was
415:12 controlling the flow of refugees, was outraged by the actions of the fanatics
415:14 outraged by the actions of the fanatics from the Holy Kingdom, who were
415:16 from the Holy Kingdom, who were persecuting Viven's followers instead of
415:18 persecuting Viven's followers instead of helping them in their time of need. The
415:20 helping them in their time of need. The absence of the Duke at such a critical
415:22 absence of the Duke at such a critical moment greatly complicated Raml's task
415:24 moment greatly complicated Raml's task of managing the rapidly deteriorating
415:26 of managing the rapidly deteriorating situation. The unexpected appearance of
415:28 situation. The unexpected appearance of an elder interrupted Raml's thoughts.
415:31 an elder interrupted Raml's thoughts. The old man was persistently interested
415:33 The old man was persistently interested in how long the new refugees would be
415:35 in how long the new refugees would be accepted. Raml patiently explained the
415:37 accepted. Raml patiently explained the necessity of providing refuge to the
415:39 necessity of providing refuge to the members of Viven's church, emphasizing
415:41 members of Viven's church, emphasizing the importance of supporting persecuted
415:43 the importance of supporting persecuted believers. The elder expressed serious
415:45 believers. The elder expressed serious concern that such actions could
415:46 concern that such actions could jeopardize the well-being of Bran's
415:48 jeopardize the well-being of Bran's indigenous population. The treasurer
415:50 indigenous population. The treasurer shared the concern about the refugee
415:52 shared the concern about the refugee situation, warning of the real threat of
415:54 situation, warning of the real threat of mass starvation if the influx of people
415:56 mass starvation if the influx of people continued. Confident in his position,
415:58 continued. Confident in his position, Raml insisted that the territory was
416:00 Raml insisted that the territory was still far from reaching a critical
416:02 still far from reaching a critical level. Refusing to sacrifice Viven's
416:04 level. Refusing to sacrifice Viven's followers for selfish goals, the tense
416:07 followers for selfish goals, the tense discussion was interrupted by the
416:08 discussion was interrupted by the appearance of an alarmed knight who had
416:10 appearance of an alarmed knight who had spotted a messenger approaching from
416:12 spotted a messenger approaching from Blanch Castle. The messenger's
416:14 Blanch Castle. The messenger's appearance was alarming. Both he and his
416:16 appearance was alarming. Both he and his horse were covered in a thick layer of
416:17 horse were covered in a thick layer of dirt, evidence of a long, uninterrupted
416:20 dirt, evidence of a long, uninterrupted journey. Kneeling, the exhausted
416:22 journey. Kneeling, the exhausted messenger delivered shocking news. All
416:24 messenger delivered shocking news. All followers of Viven's church had been
416:26 followers of Viven's church had been arrested at Blanch Castle by the guards
416:28 arrested at Blanch Castle by the guards of Pars. The guards of Par issued an
416:30 of Pars. The guards of Par issued an ultimatum demanding the expulsion of the
416:32 ultimatum demanding the expulsion of the church members and a few days later
416:34 church members and a few days later returned with a search warrant carrying
416:36 returned with a search warrant carrying out their threats. The arrest of
416:37 out their threats. The arrest of Commander Bianca, whom no one was able
416:39 Commander Bianca, whom no one was able to prevent, was a particularly heavy
416:41 to prevent, was a particularly heavy blow, causing Raml to express deep
416:44 blow, causing Raml to express deep outrage at the actions of the fanatics.
416:46 outrage at the actions of the fanatics. The grim picture was compounded by the
416:48 The grim picture was compounded by the fact that Blanch Castle was deserted
416:49 fact that Blanch Castle was deserted after the arrest of most of the garrison
416:51 after the arrest of most of the garrison soldiers, who turned out to be followers
416:53 soldiers, who turned out to be followers of the Viven Church. Realizing the
416:55 of the Viven Church. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, the elder
416:57 seriousness of the situation, the elder insisted on immediately closing the
416:59 insisted on immediately closing the gates of the fortress until the arrival
417:01 gates of the fortress until the arrival of the formidable paladins of Pars. Raml
417:04 of the formidable paladins of Pars. Raml resolutely rejected the elers's
417:05 resolutely rejected the elers's proposal, firmly stating his refusal to
417:07 proposal, firmly stating his refusal to obey the orders of the representatives
417:09 obey the orders of the representatives of the holy kingdom. Showing
417:10 of the holy kingdom. Showing determination, Raml gave orders to form
417:13 determination, Raml gave orders to form a detachment of a 100 soldiers to
417:15 a detachment of a 100 soldiers to immediately come to the aid of the
417:16 immediately come to the aid of the besieged Blanch Castle. Despite his
417:18 besieged Blanch Castle. Despite his uncertainty about the correctness of his
417:20 uncertainty about the correctness of his actions, Raml understood the need to
417:22 actions, Raml understood the need to protect the people and stabilize the
417:24 protect the people and stabilize the situation before the Duke's return.
417:26 situation before the Duke's return. Within a month of devastating natural
417:28 Within a month of devastating natural disasters, half of the once powerful
417:30 disasters, half of the once powerful empire was reduced to lifeless ruins,
417:33 empire was reduced to lifeless ruins, according to the treacherous plan of the
417:34 according to the treacherous plan of the empire and the Holy Kingdom. The masses
417:37 empire and the Holy Kingdom. The masses began to accuse the Church of Viven of
417:39 began to accuse the Church of Viven of involvement in the terrible disasters.
417:41 involvement in the terrible disasters. Even former friends and neighbors who
417:43 Even former friends and neighbors who had previously sheltered Viven's
417:44 had previously sheltered Viven's followers now willingly handed them over
417:46 followers now willingly handed them over to the merciless guards. Even those
417:48 to the merciless guards. Even those members of the church who sought refuge
417:50 members of the church who sought refuge in complete isolation from the outside
417:52 in complete isolation from the outside world did not escape their sad fate.
417:55 world did not escape their sad fate. Arrests and persecution brought no
417:57 Arrests and persecution brought no relief. The red waters did not clear,
417:59 relief. The red waters did not clear, and the parched lands did not return to
418:01 and the parched lands did not return to their former fertile state. The
418:03 their former fertile state. The worsening consequences of natural
418:05 worsening consequences of natural disasters led to increased persecution
418:07 disasters led to increased persecution of Viven's followers. Desperate people
418:09 of Viven's followers. Desperate people sincerely believe that their cruel
418:11 sincerely believe that their cruel actions would help them earn divine
418:13 actions would help them earn divine protection and salvation from all
418:14 protection and salvation from all calamities. Blinded by fear and despair,
418:17 calamities. Blinded by fear and despair, people willingly killed Viven's
418:19 people willingly killed Viven's followers, remaining blind to the true
418:21 followers, remaining blind to the true causes of the disaster. Wrapped in a
418:23 causes of the disaster. Wrapped in a dark cloak, Duke Aaron cautiously made
418:25 dark cloak, Duke Aaron cautiously made his way through the forest, approaching
418:27 his way through the forest, approaching one of the villages in Bran's lands. As
418:29 one of the villages in Bran's lands. As he prepared to descend to the people,
418:31 he prepared to descend to the people, the Duke suddenly heard a suspicious
418:33 the Duke suddenly heard a suspicious rustling and noticed many glowing eyes
418:35 rustling and noticed many glowing eyes of monsters watching from the darkness.
418:37 of monsters watching from the darkness. Enraged, Gail demanded that the monsters
418:39 Enraged, Gail demanded that the monsters show themselves and was surprised to
418:41 show themselves and was surprised to find that their numbers far exceeded his
418:43 find that their numbers far exceeded his initial estimates. The first to emerge
418:45 initial estimates. The first to emerge from hiding was a large goblin, followed
418:47 from hiding was a large goblin, followed by a whole pack of monsters rushing
418:49 by a whole pack of monsters rushing toward the alarmed Gail. Drawing his
418:51 toward the alarmed Gail. Drawing his sword, the experienced warrior
418:53 sword, the experienced warrior immediately noticed that these goblins
418:54 immediately noticed that these goblins were unusual, but he was determined not
418:57 were unusual, but he was determined not to let them enter the defenseless
418:58 to let them enter the defenseless village. To Gail's surprise, the goblins
419:00 village. To Gail's surprise, the goblins ran right through him, and his own body
419:03 ran right through him, and his own body began to turn transparent like a
419:04 began to turn transparent like a shapeless shadow. Despite the
419:06 shapeless shadow. Despite the inexplicable changes in his body, the
419:09 inexplicable changes in his body, the determined Gail grabbed his weapon,
419:11 determined Gail grabbed his weapon, intending to pursue the goblins to
419:12 intending to pursue the goblins to protect the village. The chilling horror
419:14 protect the village. The chilling horror of what was happening caused Gail to
419:16 of what was happening caused Gail to wake up abruptly in his own bed. Covered
419:18 wake up abruptly in his own bed. Covered in cold sweat from the nightmare he had
419:20 in cold sweat from the nightmare he had just experienced. Jumping out of bed,
419:23 just experienced. Jumping out of bed, the agitated Gail tried to convince
419:24 the agitated Gail tried to convince himself that it was just a dream. But
419:27 himself that it was just a dream. But his inner instincts told him that the
419:28 his inner instincts told him that the vision was prophetic. His uneasy
419:30 vision was prophetic. His uneasy premonitions were intensified by
419:32 premonitions were intensified by memories of the mysterious appearance of
419:34 memories of the mysterious appearance of a sinister red river that had changed
419:35 a sinister red river that had changed its usual course. Similar prophetic
419:38 its usual course. Similar prophetic dreams had visited Gail several days
419:40 dreams had visited Gail several days before the catastrophic flood in the
419:41 before the catastrophic flood in the distant village, warning of the coming
419:43 distant village, warning of the coming disaster. The unusual nature of this
419:45 disaster. The unusual nature of this dream disturbed Gail. A strange force
419:48 dream disturbed Gail. A strange force held him down, preventing him from
419:49 held him down, preventing him from waking up or moving, which was very
419:51 waking up or moving, which was very different from his previous visions. A
419:53 different from his previous visions. A sudden fear gripped the man when he
419:55 sudden fear gripped the man when he noticed behind him a multitude of black
419:57 noticed behind him a multitude of black silhouettes swirling like a huge swarm
419:59 silhouettes swirling like a huge swarm of gnats in the night air. The
420:01 of gnats in the night air. The restraining force from the dream became
420:02 restraining force from the dream became reality, causing unbearable pain to
420:05 reality, causing unbearable pain to every cell in Gail's body, paralyzing
420:07 every cell in Gail's body, paralyzing all his movements and intentions.
420:09 all his movements and intentions. Gathering the last of his will and
420:11 Gathering the last of his will and courage, Gail firmly resolved to resist
420:13 courage, Gail firmly resolved to resist the mysterious force despite the
420:16 the mysterious force despite the agonizing pain and growing weakness. A
420:18 agonizing pain and growing weakness. A mysterious voice praised Gail's bravery
420:20 mysterious voice praised Gail's bravery as he overcame the pain and reached for
420:22 as he overcame the pain and reached for his weapon, then introduced itself as
420:24 his weapon, then introduced itself as the all-encompassing force that
420:26 the all-encompassing force that permeated the universe. A ghostly
420:28 permeated the universe. A ghostly silhouette appeared before the exhausted
420:30 silhouette appeared before the exhausted man, ordering Gail to go in search of
420:32 man, ordering Gail to go in search of his mother, who had conceived him with
420:34 his mother, who had conceived him with this mysterious being. Irritated by the
420:36 this mysterious being. Irritated by the enigmatic hints, Gail demanded an
420:38 enigmatic hints, Gail demanded an explanation of his origins, but in
420:40 explanation of his origins, but in response received only a quiet
420:42 response received only a quiet repetition of the order to find the
420:43 repetition of the order to find the woman. A worried assistant rushed into
420:45 woman. A worried assistant rushed into the room immediately after the vision
420:47 the room immediately after the vision disappeared, wanting to make sure his
420:49 disappeared, wanting to make sure his master was safe and sound. The assistant
420:51 master was safe and sound. The assistant confirmed that he had heard Gail's
420:52 confirmed that he had heard Gail's cries, but had not heard any other
420:54 cries, but had not heard any other voices, despite their apparent loudness,
420:57 voices, despite their apparent loudness, which confirmed the personal nature of
420:58 which confirmed the personal nature of the vision. Having regained his
421:00 the vision. Having regained his composure, Gail inquired about the
421:02 composure, Gail inquired about the latest information regarding the
421:04 latest information regarding the mysterious woman in the red dress who
421:06 mysterious woman in the red dress who had visited their estate. Close
421:07 had visited their estate. Close surveillance of the mysterious woman
421:09 surveillance of the mysterious woman continued, and the assistant was certain
421:11 continued, and the assistant was certain that she was still staying at an inn
421:13 that she was still staying at an inn near the imperial capital. Realizing the
421:15 near the imperial capital. Realizing the inevitability of action, Gail resolutely
421:18 inevitability of action, Gail resolutely ordered that the mysterious woman be
421:19 ordered that the mysterious woman be brought to his chambers immediately for
421:21 brought to his chambers immediately for an important conversation. Following
421:23 an important conversation. Following their master's orders, the mercenaries
421:25 their master's orders, the mercenaries kidnapped the woman, placing a bag over
421:27 kidnapped the woman, placing a bag over Isabel's head so she could not determine
421:29 Isabel's head so she could not determine their direction. The mercenaries
421:31 their direction. The mercenaries reported to Lord Gail that the mission
421:32 reported to Lord Gail that the mission had been successfully completed.
421:34 had been successfully completed. Receiving his gratitude and an immediate
421:36 Receiving his gratitude and an immediate order to leave. Despite the thick sack
421:39 order to leave. Despite the thick sack covering her head, Isabelle recognized
421:41 covering her head, Isabelle recognized the distinctive voice giving orders,
421:43 the distinctive voice giving orders, Gail approached the captive, apologized
421:45 Gail approached the captive, apologized for the rough treatment of his men and
421:47 for the rough treatment of his men and carefully removed the bag from her head.
421:49 carefully removed the bag from her head. An unexpected revelation came from Gail
421:51 An unexpected revelation came from Gail when he called the woman his mother and
421:53 when he called the woman his mother and introduced himself as Aaron Karen. The
421:55 introduced himself as Aaron Karen. The lack of recognition in his mother's eyes
421:57 lack of recognition in his mother's eyes did not surprise Aaron, who admitted
421:59 did not surprise Aaron, who admitted that he himself had taken a long time to
422:01 that he himself had taken a long time to get used to the incredible changes in
422:03 get used to the incredible changes in his life. An important revelation came
422:05 his life. An important revelation came in Aaron's words about an ancient
422:07 in Aaron's words about an ancient prophecy of the emperor, who had
422:08 prophecy of the emperor, who had foretold his death in 20 years. After
422:11 foretold his death in 20 years. After his death, he was reborn in a new body,
422:14 his death, he was reborn in a new body, gaining the amazing ability to foresee
422:15 gaining the amazing ability to foresee the future and the wisdom of ancient
422:17 the future and the wisdom of ancient seers. Noticing the woman's skeptical
422:20 seers. Noticing the woman's skeptical look, Gail approached her, trying to
422:21 look, Gail approached her, trying to convince his mother of the truth of his
422:23 convince his mother of the truth of his incredible words. He reminded her of the
422:25 incredible words. He reminded her of the last night before her disappearance when
422:27 last night before her disappearance when she came to his room and swore to
422:29 she came to his room and swore to protect the children, even from the
422:31 protect the children, even from the depths of hell. Gail's words were made
422:33 depths of hell. Gail's words were made all the more convincing by his mention
422:35 all the more convincing by his mention of the tears and pain in Isabelle's
422:36 of the tears and pain in Isabelle's voice during their last conversation,
422:38 voice during their last conversation, known only to the two of them. The
422:40 known only to the two of them. The memories transported those present back
422:42 memories transported those present back several years to the majestic halls of
422:44 several years to the majestic halls of the Imperial Palace, where the young
422:46 the Imperial Palace, where the young Aaron had lived. Isabelle crept quietly
422:49 Aaron had lived. Isabelle crept quietly to her sleeping son and sat down
422:51 to her sleeping son and sat down carefully on the edge of his bed, trying
422:53 carefully on the edge of his bed, trying not to disturb his deep sleep. Bitter
422:55 not to disturb his deep sleep. Bitter tears rolled down her cheeks as she
422:56 tears rolled down her cheeks as she silently begged her son for forgiveness
422:58 silently begged her son for forgiveness for having to leave him. A decision
423:00 for having to leave him. A decision necessary to free him from a mysterious
423:02 necessary to free him from a mysterious force. A gentle touch woke Aaron, and
423:05 force. A gentle touch woke Aaron, and his anxious gaze immediately noticed the
423:07 his anxious gaze immediately noticed the traces of tears on his mother's pale
423:08 traces of tears on his mother's pale face. Deciding that his mother was
423:10 face. Deciding that his mother was worried about his father's safety, young
423:12 worried about his father's safety, young Aaron tried to reassure her with sincere
423:15 Aaron tried to reassure her with sincere words of support. The boy promised to
423:17 words of support. The boy promised to protect his mother and sister Cheryl,
423:18 protect his mother and sister Cheryl, even if his father lost his crown or
423:20 even if his father lost his crown or died in political intrigues. The
423:22 died in political intrigues. The sincerity and selflessness of young
423:24 sincerity and selflessness of young Aaron deeply touched his mother's heart,
423:26 Aaron deeply touched his mother's heart, causing her to hug her beloved son
423:28 causing her to hug her beloved son tightly. Gratefully hugging her son,
423:30 tightly. Gratefully hugging her son, Isabelle explained that protecting her
423:32 Isabelle explained that protecting her children was her sacred maternal duty,
423:34 children was her sacred maternal duty, not young Aaron's responsibility. After
423:36 not young Aaron's responsibility. After making a solemn promise to protect her
423:38 making a solemn promise to protect her children, even from the depths of hell,
423:40 children, even from the depths of hell, Isabelle gently kissed her son on the
423:42 Isabelle gently kissed her son on the forehead and asked him to return to
423:44 forehead and asked him to return to sleep. The caring Aaron wanted to
423:46 sleep. The caring Aaron wanted to accompany his mother to her chambers,
423:48 accompany his mother to her chambers, but she reassured him, reminding him of
423:50 but she reassured him, reminding him of her high position as mistress of the
423:51 her high position as mistress of the imperial palace. The return to reality
423:54 imperial palace. The return to reality brought a bitter realization. After that
423:56 brought a bitter realization. After that memorable night, everyone believed that
423:58 memorable night, everyone believed that Isabelle had committed suicide by
424:00 Isabelle had committed suicide by jumping out of a palace window. For many
424:02 jumping out of a palace window. For many years, Aaron believed in his mother's
424:04 years, Aaron believed in his mother's tragic death until an unexpected
424:06 tragic death until an unexpected encounter in an underground corridor
424:08 encounter in an underground corridor shattered this sad illusion. Exile from
424:10 shattered this sad illusion. Exile from the palace and flight to the lands of
424:12 the palace and flight to the lands of Bran followed Isabelle's disappearance
424:14 Bran followed Isabelle's disappearance when their father was stripped of the
424:16 when their father was stripped of the Imperial throne. The bitterness of
424:18 Imperial throne. The bitterness of misunderstanding tormented Aaron. His
424:20 misunderstanding tormented Aaron. His living mother had watched her children
424:22 living mother had watched her children suffer all these years without taking
424:24 suffer all these years without taking any action. The broken promise to
424:26 any action. The broken promise to protect the children forced them to
424:28 protect the children forced them to fight for survival on their own and
424:29 fight for survival on their own and build a new life in a foreign land.
424:31 build a new life in a foreign land. Distraught, Isabelle tried to explain
424:33 Distraught, Isabelle tried to explain that all her actions had been aimed at
424:35 that all her actions had been aimed at saving Aaron, promising to reveal the
424:38 saving Aaron, promising to reveal the details at the appropriate time. Gail
424:40 details at the appropriate time. Gail interrupted his mother's excuses,
424:42 interrupted his mother's excuses, demanding an explanation for the theft
424:44 demanding an explanation for the theft of the sacred relic from the castle and
424:46 of the sacred relic from the castle and its connection to the children's
424:47 its connection to the children's well-being. Isabelle's astonishment at
424:49 well-being. Isabelle's astonishment at her son's knowledge of the relic's theft
424:51 her son's knowledge of the relic's theft turned to disappointment when he
424:53 turned to disappointment when he admitted that he had no other important
424:54 admitted that he had no other important information. Gail explained the reason
424:56 information. Gail explained the reason for the meeting. A shadow that had
424:59 for the meeting. A shadow that had appeared during the night claimed that
425:00 appeared during the night claimed that Isabelle had given birth to him and
425:02 Isabelle had given birth to him and Cheryl with the help of a mysterious
425:04 Cheryl with the help of a mysterious force. Isabelle's anxious gaze studied
425:06 force. Isabelle's anxious gaze studied her changed son, trying to understand
425:08 her changed son, trying to understand how long the dark force had been in
425:10 how long the dark force had been in contact with him. Gail was tormented by
425:12 contact with him. Gail was tormented by agonizing questions about his own nature
425:14 agonizing questions about his own nature and Cheryl's essence. Although he
425:16 and Cheryl's essence. Although he already suspected a connection between
425:17 already suspected a connection between his transformation and the mysterious
425:19 his transformation and the mysterious force, sudden horror distorted
425:21 force, sudden horror distorted Isabelle's face as dark shadows
425:23 Isabelle's face as dark shadows completely enveloped the former Duke's
425:25 completely enveloped the former Duke's body, causing unbearable pain and making
425:27 body, causing unbearable pain and making it difficult to breathe. Rushing to her
425:29 it difficult to breathe. Rushing to her son, Isabelle saw his face contort into
425:32 son, Isabelle saw his face contort into an inhuman grimace of horror, after
425:34 an inhuman grimace of horror, after which Gail lost consciousness. The
425:36 which Gail lost consciousness. The materialized darkness unleashed its fury
425:38 materialized darkness unleashed its fury on the loyal servant, accusing Isabel of
425:40 on the loyal servant, accusing Isabel of an unforgivable delay. Kneeling,
425:43 an unforgivable delay. Kneeling, Isabelle explained her unwillingness to
425:44 Isabelle explained her unwillingness to break the seal due to the unexpected
425:46 break the seal due to the unexpected catastrophe in the Empire and the rise
425:48 catastrophe in the Empire and the rise of the Church of Par. The dark entity
425:51 of the Church of Par. The dark entity expressed outrage that a minor religion
425:53 expressed outrage that a minor religion of an insignificant deity dared to
425:55 of an insignificant deity dared to interfere with his grand plans. A dire
425:57 interfere with his grand plans. A dire warning rang out in the entity's words.
425:59 warning rang out in the entity's words. Only temporary weakness was keeping it
426:01 Only temporary weakness was keeping it from punishing Isabel immediately. The
426:03 from punishing Isabel immediately. The restriction on its ability to appear in
426:05 restriction on its ability to appear in human form forced the entity to
426:07 human form forced the entity to disappear, but not without threatening
426:09 disappear, but not without threatening severe punishment for delaying the seal.
426:11 severe punishment for delaying the seal. When Gail came too, he saw Isabelle
426:13 When Gail came too, he saw Isabelle kneeling and was finally convinced of
426:15 kneeling and was finally convinced of the truth of the mysterious force's
426:16 the truth of the mysterious force's words. Gathering his last strength, Gail
426:19 words. Gathering his last strength, Gail demanded a full explanation from
426:20 demanded a full explanation from Isabelle of what was happening and her
426:22 Isabelle of what was happening and her future intentions. Approaching her
426:24 future intentions. Approaching her exhausted son, Isabelle confessed that
426:26 exhausted son, Isabelle confessed that she had planned to reveal this in the
426:28 she had planned to reveal this in the future, but circumstances had forced her
426:30 future, but circumstances had forced her to act immediately. The secret was
426:32 to act immediately. The secret was revealed in Isabelle's words. Aaron and
426:34 revealed in Isabelle's words. Aaron and Cheryl had been born with unique innate
426:36 Cheryl had been born with unique innate abilities. Aaron's initial assumption
426:38 abilities. Aaron's initial assumption that their abilities were connected to a
426:40 that their abilities were connected to a dragon's blessing turned out to be only
426:41 dragon's blessing turned out to be only part of a complex truth. The true source
426:44 part of a complex truth. The true source of their power was Vtor and Isis. The
426:46 of their power was Vtor and Isis. The powerful energy that Avarak, Lord of the
426:48 powerful energy that Avarak, Lord of the gods, had implanted through Isabel. A
426:51 gods, had implanted through Isabel. A sudden realization dawned on Gail. He
426:54 sudden realization dawned on Gail. He finally understood the true reason
426:55 finally understood the true reason behind the theft of the sacred relic
426:57 behind the theft of the sacred relic from the temple of Enan. Gail's mistaken
426:59 from the temple of Enan. Gail's mistaken assumption that Isabel intended to
427:01 assumption that Isabel intended to fulfill Avarak's will and destroy the
427:03 fulfill Avarak's will and destroy the restraining seal needed to be
427:04 restraining seal needed to be reconsidered. The unexpected revelation
427:06 reconsidered. The unexpected revelation showed the opposite. Isabel sought to
427:09 showed the opposite. Isabel sought to completely block Avarak's power,
427:11 completely block Avarak's power, preventing him from entering the earthly
427:13 preventing him from entering the earthly world. At the very beginning of the
427:15 world. At the very beginning of the universe, absolute chaos reigned, and no
427:18 universe, absolute chaos reigned, and no one could say with certainty whether it
427:19 one could say with certainty whether it arose naturally or was created
427:21 arose naturally or was created intentionally. The primordial chaos
427:24 intentionally. The primordial chaos known as Avarak transformed into the
427:26 known as Avarak transformed into the orderly world of nature, and all the
427:28 orderly world of nature, and all the ancient tribes recognized it as the
427:30 ancient tribes recognized it as the supreme deity, granting it power over
427:32 supreme deity, granting it power over the heavens. The development of human
427:34 the heavens. The development of human civilization led to the emergence of new
427:36 civilization led to the emergence of new deities representing love, protection,
427:38 deities representing love, protection, wealth, and human desires. The loss of
427:41 wealth, and human desires. The loss of humanity's universal devotion forced
427:43 humanity's universal devotion forced Avarak to divide his divine power among
427:46 Avarak to divide his divine power among the lesser gods, significantly weakening
427:48 the lesser gods, significantly weakening his power. Insulted by the loss of his
427:51 his power. Insulted by the loss of his power, Ava decided to return to his
427:53 power, Ava decided to return to his original form of chaos to punish
427:55 original form of chaos to punish unfaithful humanity and the insolent
427:58 unfaithful humanity and the insolent lesser gods. To carry out his plan for
428:00 lesser gods. To carry out his plan for revenge, Ava created special seeds of
428:03 revenge, Ava created special seeds of divine power, Valter and Isis. The
428:05 divine power, Valter and Isis. The sacred seeds were placed in the body of
428:07 sacred seeds were placed in the body of a young girl from an ancient family that
428:09 a young girl from an ancient family that had remained loyal to Avarak for many
428:11 had remained loyal to Avarak for many generations. The divine plan was brought
428:14 generations. The divine plan was brought to fruition through Isabel, the 1200th
428:16 to fruition through Isabel, the 1200th heir of the ancient family, who passed
428:18 heir of the ancient family, who passed the seeds of vengeance on to Aaron and
428:20 the seeds of vengeance on to Aaron and Cheryl. The divine seeds began to
428:22 Cheryl. The divine seeds began to develop unnoticed by those around them
428:24 develop unnoticed by those around them in the infant bodies of Aaron and
428:25 in the infant bodies of Aaron and Cheryl, gradually gaining strength.
428:28 Cheryl, gradually gaining strength. According to Avarak's plan, when the
428:30 According to Avarak's plan, when the global catastrophe reached its peak,
428:32 global catastrophe reached its peak, Isabel would awaken Valter and Isis,
428:34 Isabel would awaken Valter and Isis, allowing the god to unleash his
428:36 allowing the god to unleash his punishment. A sudden realization dawned
428:38 punishment. A sudden realization dawned on Gail. All his tormenting nightmares
428:41 on Gail. All his tormenting nightmares were harbingers of the coming events
428:42 were harbingers of the coming events connected with the awakening of an
428:44 connected with the awakening of an ancient power. The cause of the
428:46 ancient power. The cause of the disturbing visions turned out to be the
428:47 disturbing visions turned out to be the powerful energy of Vtor mysteriously
428:50 powerful energy of Vtor mysteriously trapped within his mortal body. Gail was
428:52 trapped within his mortal body. Gail was troubled by the question of why Isabelle
428:54 troubled by the question of why Isabelle had made such desperate attempts to
428:55 had made such desperate attempts to block the divine power despite the
428:57 block the divine power despite the deadly danger of Avarak's wrath. Isabel
429:00 deadly danger of Avarak's wrath. Isabel Avaraku's initial devotion was absolute,
429:02 Avaraku's initial devotion was absolute, compelling her to unquestioningly carry
429:04 compelling her to unquestioningly carry out the will of the ancient deity.
429:06 out the will of the ancient deity. Following the divine plan, she
429:08 Following the divine plan, she purposefully sought the favor of the
429:10 purposefully sought the favor of the emperor, the future father of Aaron and
429:12 emperor, the future father of Aaron and Cheryl. Using cunning and deceit, Isabel
429:15 Cheryl. Using cunning and deceit, Isabel managed to outmaneuver many worthy
429:17 managed to outmaneuver many worthy contenders and take the place of
429:18 contenders and take the place of empress. The sole purpose of all her
429:20 empress. The sole purpose of all her actions during that period was the
429:22 actions during that period was the flawless execution of the grand plan of
429:25 flawless execution of the grand plan of the great Avarak. The birth and
429:26 the great Avarak. The birth and upbringing of Aaron and Cheryl
429:28 upbringing of Aaron and Cheryl completely changed Isabelle's worldview.
429:30 completely changed Isabelle's worldview. Awakening her maternal feelings, a
429:32 Awakening her maternal feelings, a mother's heart could not accept the idea
429:34 mother's heart could not accept the idea of her beloved children being used as
429:36 of her beloved children being used as tools to destroy the human world. Faking
429:38 tools to destroy the human world. Faking her own death, Isabelle left the
429:40 her own death, Isabelle left the Imperial Castle and set out in search of
429:42 Imperial Castle and set out in search of a sacred relic to seal the dangerous
429:44 a sacred relic to seal the dangerous power. The tragic discovery was that
429:46 power. The tragic discovery was that Valter's energy had already taken
429:47 Valter's energy had already taken control of Aaron's body, outpacing his
429:50 control of Aaron's body, outpacing his mother's attempts to protect him. The
429:52 mother's attempts to protect him. The sudden manifestation of divine power
429:54 sudden manifestation of divine power could be linked to Aaron's unusual
429:55 could be linked to Aaron's unusual rebirth in a foreign body. Gail was
429:58 rebirth in a foreign body. Gail was overcome with horror at the thought of
429:59 overcome with horror at the thought of his body being completely subjugated by
430:01 his body being completely subjugated by an evil supernatural force. Particularly
430:04 an evil supernatural force. Particularly bitter was the prospect of losing
430:05 bitter was the prospect of losing himself before he could exact revenge on
430:07 himself before he could exact revenge on the emperor responsible for the
430:09 the emperor responsible for the suffering of his people. Desperately
430:10 suffering of his people. Desperately clutching his mother's shoulders, Gail
430:13 clutching his mother's shoulders, Gail begged her to share the method she had
430:14 begged her to share the method she had discovered over years of searching to
430:16 discovered over years of searching to stop the destructive process. Weeping on
430:18 stop the destructive process. Weeping on his knees, he begged his mother to seal
430:21 his knees, he begged his mother to seal away the dangerous power, allowing him
430:23 away the dangerous power, allowing him to remain himself. With deep sorrow,
430:25 to remain himself. With deep sorrow, Isabelle admitted her powerlessness. The
430:27 Isabelle admitted her powerlessness. The relic she had found was not enough to
430:29 relic she had found was not enough to completely seal the power. The only hope
430:31 completely seal the power. The only hope left was the possibility of returning
430:33 left was the possibility of returning Gail to his former body, which possessed
430:35 Gail to his former body, which possessed special protection. The dragon's
430:37 special protection. The dragon's blessing possessed enough power to
430:38 blessing possessed enough power to temporarily restrain Vtor's destructive
430:41 temporarily restrain Vtor's destructive energy. Returning to a body with the
430:43 energy. Returning to a body with the dragon's blessing could give Isabelle
430:44 dragon's blessing could give Isabelle the time she needed to search for
430:46 the time she needed to search for additional sacred relics. Isabel told
430:48 additional sacred relics. Isabel told them about the current owner of Aaron's
430:50 them about the current owner of Aaron's body, a warlike man who had started
430:52 body, a warlike man who had started conflicts with neighboring lands and was
430:54 conflicts with neighboring lands and was ready to challenge the emperor. Despite
430:56 ready to challenge the emperor. Despite the difficulty of approaching such a
430:58 the difficulty of approaching such a dangerous man, Isabelle saw a chance for
431:00 dangerous man, Isabelle saw a chance for success with Cheryl's help. At that very
431:02 success with Cheryl's help. At that very moment, Cheryl used a magical portal to
431:04 moment, Cheryl used a magical portal to travel to a remote village on the
431:06 travel to a remote village on the borders of Bran's territory. Exhausted
431:08 borders of Bran's territory. Exhausted after the journey, Cheryl was surprised
431:10 after the journey, Cheryl was surprised by the difficulty of finding inhabited
431:12 by the difficulty of finding inhabited villages, even in areas untouched by the
431:15 villages, even in areas untouched by the disaster. The random kindness of some
431:17 disaster. The random kindness of some refugees she met who shared a potato
431:19 refugees she met who shared a potato with her saved Cheryl from complete
431:21 with her saved Cheryl from complete magical exhaustion. Overcoming her
431:23 magical exhaustion. Overcoming her fatigue, Cheryl got to her feet and
431:25 fatigue, Cheryl got to her feet and began to look around, trying to
431:27 began to look around, trying to determine her exact location. Upon
431:29 determine her exact location. Upon reaching the borders of Bran, Cheryl
431:31 reaching the borders of Bran, Cheryl wondered why the portal had opened near
431:33 wondered why the portal had opened near an ordinary village, which was usually
431:35 an ordinary village, which was usually poor in magical energy. Putting aside
431:38 poor in magical energy. Putting aside her complex thoughts, the exhausted
431:39 her complex thoughts, the exhausted Cheryl was simply happy to have
431:41 Cheryl was simply happy to have successfully reached the territory of
431:43 successfully reached the territory of her native Bran, the hope of satisfying
431:45 her native Bran, the hope of satisfying her hunger led Cheryl to decide to visit
431:47 her hunger led Cheryl to decide to visit the nearest village in search of food. A
431:49 the nearest village in search of food. A shocking discovery awaited the girl in
431:51 shocking discovery awaited the girl in the village. The once bustling
431:53 the village. The once bustling settlement had been completely abandoned
431:55 settlement had been completely abandoned by its inhabitants. An unexpected quiet
431:57 by its inhabitants. An unexpected quiet sob drew Cheryl's attention to a wounded
431:59 sob drew Cheryl's attention to a wounded man whom she immediately rushed to help.
432:02 man whom she immediately rushed to help. The dying peasant recognized his duchess
432:04 The dying peasant recognized his duchess and managed to tell her about the attack
432:06 and managed to tell her about the attack on the village by unusually strong
432:07 on the village by unusually strong goblins. Cheryl was overcome with
432:09 goblins. Cheryl was overcome with horror. Such monster attacks were
432:11 horror. Such monster attacks were completely uncharacteristic of the
432:13 completely uncharacteristic of the peaceful lands of Bran. The wounded man
432:15 peaceful lands of Bran. The wounded man told of the goblins temporary retreat
432:17 told of the goblins temporary retreat into the forest, expressing confidence
432:19 into the forest, expressing confidence that they would return. Particularly
432:21 that they would return. Particularly alarming was the description of the
432:23 alarming was the description of the extraordinary strength of the attacking
432:24 extraordinary strength of the attacking monsters, which far exceeded that of
432:26 monsters, which far exceeded that of ordinary goblins. The terrifying
432:28 ordinary goblins. The terrifying obsession and ruthlessness of the
432:30 obsession and ruthlessness of the monsters who killed indiscriminately,
432:32 monsters who killed indiscriminately, pointed to their supernatural nature.
432:34 pointed to their supernatural nature. Despite Cheryl's attempts to stop the
432:36 Despite Cheryl's attempts to stop the internal bleeding with magic, the dying
432:38 internal bleeding with magic, the dying man continued to speak, relaying
432:40 man continued to speak, relaying important information. The last words of
432:42 important information. The last words of the unfortunate man contained a plea for
432:44 the unfortunate man contained a plea for protection for the surviving villagers,
432:47 protection for the surviving villagers, after which he breathed his last.
432:49 after which he breathed his last. Closing the eyes of the deceased, Cheryl
432:51 Closing the eyes of the deceased, Cheryl made a solemn vow to return and take
432:53 made a solemn vow to return and take care of the fate of the devastated
432:54 care of the fate of the devastated village. Cheryl's inner instinct told
432:56 village. Cheryl's inner instinct told her that the goblin attack was not
432:58 her that the goblin attack was not accidental, but part of a growing
433:00 accidental, but part of a growing catastrophe. An uneasy premonition told
433:02 catastrophe. An uneasy premonition told her that similar attacks would
433:04 her that similar attacks would inevitably spread throughout the great
433:05 inevitably spread throughout the great empire. Awareness of her responsibility
433:08 empire. Awareness of her responsibility as the sole ruler of these lands
433:10 as the sole ruler of these lands strengthened Cheryl's resolve to defend
433:11 strengthened Cheryl's resolve to defend them at any cost. Upon reaching Bran
433:14 them at any cost. Upon reaching Bran Castle, an enraged Cheryl slammed her
433:16 Castle, an enraged Cheryl slammed her fist on the table, outraged by the
433:18 fist on the table, outraged by the treacherous actions of the Holy Kingdom.
433:20 treacherous actions of the Holy Kingdom. The attack on Blanch Castle, carried out
433:22 The attack on Blanch Castle, carried out in the absence of its rightful rulers,
433:25 in the absence of its rightful rulers, Cheryl and Aaron, was particularly
433:26 Cheryl and Aaron, was particularly upsetting. Cheryl's demanding gaze
433:29 upsetting. Cheryl's demanding gaze turned to Raml, awaiting a detailed
433:30 turned to Raml, awaiting a detailed explanation of what had happened. Raml's
433:33 explanation of what had happened. Raml's report revealed a sad picture. The
433:35 report revealed a sad picture. The guards of Pars had imprisoned all of
433:37 guards of Pars had imprisoned all of Viven's followers, leaving only their
433:39 Viven's followers, leaving only their own supporters in the castle. RML was
433:41 own supporters in the castle. RML was seriously concerned about the
433:42 seriously concerned about the vulnerability of the deserted castle to
433:44 vulnerability of the deserted castle to possible attempts at capture by hostile
433:46 possible attempts at capture by hostile forces. The soldiers stationed there to
433:48 forces. The soldiers stationed there to guard the castle might prove powerless
433:50 guard the castle might prove powerless against the Holy Kingdom's new cunning
433:52 against the Holy Kingdom's new cunning plans. Cheryl understood that Bianca's
433:54 plans. Cheryl understood that Bianca's arrest had significantly complicated the
433:56 arrest had significantly complicated the situation, forcing Raml to divide his
433:58 situation, forcing Raml to divide his attention between many urgent duties.
434:01 attention between many urgent duties. Realizing the need to return to the
434:02 Realizing the need to return to the Black Continent as soon as possible,
434:04 Black Continent as soon as possible, Cheryl understood the importance of
434:06 Cheryl understood the importance of Bianca's immediate release in order to
434:08 Bianca's immediate release in order to restore order in Blanch Castle. A
434:10 restore order in Blanch Castle. A charming smile appeared on the girl's
434:12 charming smile appeared on the girl's face when she asked the treasurer about
434:13 face when she asked the treasurer about the state of the treasury and the
434:15 the state of the treasury and the possibility of ransoming Bianca from
434:17 possibility of ransoming Bianca from captivity. The dissatisfied treasurer
434:19 captivity. The dissatisfied treasurer explained the critical situation. Sales
434:22 explained the critical situation. Sales of Holy Water had fallen by half, and
434:24 of Holy Water had fallen by half, and global chaos had reduced revenues to an
434:26 global chaos had reduced revenues to an all-time low. The situation was so dire
434:29 all-time low. The situation was so dire that without tax revenues, the
434:31 that without tax revenues, the population of the duche would be on the
434:32 population of the duche would be on the brink of starvation. Cheryl reminded him
434:34 brink of starvation. Cheryl reminded him of the significant income from previous
434:36 of the significant income from previous sales of holy water, expressing doubt
434:39 sales of holy water, expressing doubt that such an impressive capital could
434:40 that such an impressive capital could have completely disappeared. The
434:42 have completely disappeared. The treasurer's irritation was compounded by
434:44 treasurer's irritation was compounded by the lady's lack of understanding of the
434:46 the lady's lack of understanding of the enormous costs of maintaining Bronna's
434:48 enormous costs of maintaining Bronna's ever expanding territories. Tax revenues
434:51 ever expanding territories. Tax revenues were barely enough to maintain and
434:53 were barely enough to maintain and restore the numerous new lands annexed
434:54 restore the numerous new lands annexed to the duche. An additional burden on
434:56 to the duche. An additional burden on the budget was Raml's insistent demand
434:58 the budget was Raml's insistent demand to continue accepting refugees from the
435:00 to continue accepting refugees from the affected regions. The final blow came
435:02 affected regions. The final blow came when the magical power that produced the
435:04 when the magical power that produced the holy water was depleted, completely
435:06 holy water was depleted, completely depriving the duche of its main source
435:08 depriving the duche of its main source of income. Shocked by the news, Cheryl
435:11 of income. Shocked by the news, Cheryl shifted her incredulous gaze from the
435:12 shifted her incredulous gaze from the treasurer to Raml, demanding a detailed
435:15 treasurer to Raml, demanding a detailed explanation of the situation with the
435:16 explanation of the situation with the holy water. Instead of verbal
435:18 holy water. Instead of verbal explanations, the attendants led Cheryl
435:20 explanations, the attendants led Cheryl to the empty place where Cecilia had
435:22 to the empty place where Cecilia had previously performed the water blessing
435:24 previously performed the water blessing rituals. The treasurer confirmed that
435:26 rituals. The treasurer confirmed that the export of holy water had been
435:28 the export of holy water had been completely stopped and that the sacred
435:29 completely stopped and that the sacred territory had been forced to close due
435:31 territory had been forced to close due to the loss of its source of blessing.
435:33 to the loss of its source of blessing. Cheryl's indignation boiled over into a
435:35 Cheryl's indignation boiled over into a demand to find Cecilia immediately.
435:37 demand to find Cecilia immediately. Unable to understand how the nun could
435:39 Unable to understand how the nun could have allowed such a situation to happen,
435:41 have allowed such a situation to happen, it turned out that Cecilia had reported
435:43 it turned out that Cecilia had reported a weakening of her divine power and the
435:45 a weakening of her divine power and the need to go in search of a solution. But
435:47 need to go in search of a solution. But she never returned. The true scale of
435:49 she never returned. The true scale of the crisis gradually dawned on Cheryl,
435:51 the crisis gradually dawned on Cheryl, surpassing even her darkest
435:53 surpassing even her darkest expectations. A multitude of problems
435:55 expectations. A multitude of problems descended upon her at once. The search
435:58 descended upon her at once. The search for her mother, catastrophic disasters,
436:00 for her mother, catastrophic disasters, Cecilia's disappearance, and the Holy
436:03 Cecilia's disappearance, and the Holy Kingdom's aggressive plans. The prospect
436:05 Kingdom's aggressive plans. The prospect of the expedition returning from the
436:07 of the expedition returning from the Black Continent seemed too distant, and
436:09 Black Continent seemed too distant, and the duchy's territory was rapidly
436:11 the duchy's territory was rapidly approaching complete devastation. The
436:13 approaching complete devastation. The Elder demanded that Cheryl immediately
436:15 Elder demanded that Cheryl immediately close the gates to reduce the number of
436:17 close the gates to reduce the number of hungry mouths among the arriving
436:18 hungry mouths among the arriving refugees. The elder considered it a
436:21 refugees. The elder considered it a priority to provide the people already
436:22 priority to provide the people already in the territory with the necessary food
436:24 in the territory with the necessary food and shelter. Cheryl's resolute refusal
436:27 and shelter. Cheryl's resolute refusal was based on her unwillingness to betray
436:28 was based on her unwillingness to betray the church and its followers to whom the
436:30 the church and its followers to whom the duche owed so much. Surpassing even
436:33 duche owed so much. Surpassing even Aaron in generosity, Cheryl dreamed of
436:35 Aaron in generosity, Cheryl dreamed of earning her brother's praise by handling
436:37 earning her brother's praise by handling the difficult situation on her own. The
436:39 the difficult situation on her own. The treasurer's dissatisfaction contrasted
436:41 treasurer's dissatisfaction contrasted with RML's deep gratitude for the young
436:43 with RML's deep gratitude for the young duchess's support of his position.
436:45 duchess's support of his position. Cheryl announced the start of active
436:46 Cheryl announced the start of active work to restore the territory, beginning
436:48 work to restore the territory, beginning with the search and gathering of
436:50 with the search and gathering of followers of the Viven church who were
436:51 followers of the Viven church who were in hiding. Raml organized troops to
436:54 in hiding. Raml organized troops to conduct a thorough search for followers
436:55 conduct a thorough search for followers of Viven's church, dividing them into
436:58 of Viven's church, dividing them into small groups to investigate all possible
437:00 small groups to investigate all possible hiding places. The treasurer expressed
437:02 hiding places. The treasurer expressed his incomprehension of Cheryl's
437:04 his incomprehension of Cheryl's strategy, which involved increasing the
437:06 strategy, which involved increasing the population instead of the necessary
437:08 population instead of the necessary reduction in spending on maintaining
437:10 reduction in spending on maintaining people. Cheryl emphasized the global
437:12 people. Cheryl emphasized the global nature of the problem of natural
437:13 nature of the problem of natural disasters affecting the entire empire,
437:16 disasters affecting the entire empire, not just Bran's territory. In Cheryl's
437:18 not just Bran's territory. In Cheryl's opinion, the current situation required
437:20 opinion, the current situation required strengthening the protection of
437:21 strengthening the protection of residents. Not refusing to help those in
437:24 residents. Not refusing to help those in need, Cheryl's concerns were about the
437:26 need, Cheryl's concerns were about the possibility of spreading the opinion
437:27 possibility of spreading the opinion that Bran's territory was unsuitable for
437:30 that Bran's territory was unsuitable for life under the influence of the Holy
437:31 life under the influence of the Holy Kingdom. The treasurer saw the situation
437:34 Kingdom. The treasurer saw the situation as a compelling reason to close the
437:35 as a compelling reason to close the gates. Fearing that the territory would
437:38 gates. Fearing that the territory would go bankrupt due to an excessive influx
437:40 go bankrupt due to an excessive influx of people, Cheryl understood that
437:42 of people, Cheryl understood that closing the borders would condemn people
437:43 closing the borders would condemn people to death at the hands of monsters and
437:46 to death at the hands of monsters and that isolating the territory would lead
437:47 that isolating the territory would lead to the inevitable death of all its
437:49 to the inevitable death of all its inhabitants. The treasurer's puzzled
437:51 inhabitants. The treasurer's puzzled look betrayed his complete ignorance of
437:53 look betrayed his complete ignorance of the affforementioned threat from the
437:54 the affforementioned threat from the monsters. Embarrassed, Cheryl realized
437:57 monsters. Embarrassed, Cheryl realized that she had forgotten to mention the
437:58 that she had forgotten to mention the impending nighttime attack by a huge
438:00 impending nighttime attack by a huge number of monsters. Raml, who overheard
438:03 number of monsters. Raml, who overheard the conversation, inquired about the
438:05 the conversation, inquired about the reason for the late disclosure of such
438:07 reason for the late disclosure of such important information about the
438:08 important information about the impending threat. Cheryl stopped Raml,
438:10 impending threat. Cheryl stopped Raml, who was ready to mobilize the troops,
438:13 who was ready to mobilize the troops, assuring him that she had her own plan
438:14 assuring him that she had her own plan to confront the monsters. Cheryl's
438:17 to confront the monsters. Cheryl's strategy was a clever trap for the
438:18 strategy was a clever trap for the approaching monsters preparing to
438:20 approaching monsters preparing to attack. Raml, recognizing Cheryl's
438:22 attack. Raml, recognizing Cheryl's magical power, was still concerned about
438:24 magical power, was still concerned about the safety of a lone confrontation with
438:26 the safety of a lone confrontation with the monsters. Cheryl's mysterious smile
438:29 the monsters. Cheryl's mysterious smile accompanied a reminder of her first
438:30 accompanied a reminder of her first demonstration of her magical abilities
438:32 demonstration of her magical abilities and hidden potential. Cheryl identified
438:35 and hidden potential. Cheryl identified two main objectives: ensuring the safety
438:38 two main objectives: ensuring the safety of the residents and drawing the
438:39 of the residents and drawing the attention of the Holy Kingdom to the
438:41 attention of the Holy Kingdom to the threat posed by the monsters. The plan
438:43 threat posed by the monsters. The plan involves secretly directing the monsters
438:45 involves secretly directing the monsters toward the Holy Kingdom, which should
438:47 toward the Holy Kingdom, which should facilitate Bianca's rescue. Seeing
438:49 facilitate Bianca's rescue. Seeing Raml's confusion, Cheryl decided to cut
438:51 Raml's confusion, Cheryl decided to cut short her lengthy explanation of the
438:53 short her lengthy explanation of the complex plan. She urged him to trust her
438:56 complex plan. She urged him to trust her decisions and reminded him of the main
438:58 decisions and reminded him of the main task of searching for people while she
438:59 task of searching for people while she regained her strength. As Cheryl had
439:01 regained her strength. As Cheryl had foreseen, the monsters began their
439:03 foreseen, the monsters began their attack on a village near Bran's
439:05 attack on a village near Bran's territory. The monsters attempt to break
439:07 territory. The monsters attempt to break through the gates was stopped by a
439:09 through the gates was stopped by a magical fire barrier created by the
439:10 magical fire barrier created by the prepared Cheryl. The confirmation of the
439:12 prepared Cheryl. The confirmation of the deceased peasants's words about the
439:14 deceased peasants's words about the unusual nature of the goblins
439:16 unusual nature of the goblins strengthened Cheryl's resolve to protect
439:17 strengthened Cheryl's resolve to protect the territory. The first stage of
439:19 the territory. The first stage of defense was the creation of a wall of
439:21 defense was the creation of a wall of fire that effectively blocked the
439:23 fire that effectively blocked the goblins advance into the village.
439:25 goblins advance into the village. Watching the panicking goblins, the
439:27 Watching the panicking goblins, the witch, now in high spirits, resisted the
439:30 witch, now in high spirits, resisted the urge to destroy all the monsters with a
439:32 urge to destroy all the monsters with a single powerful spell. Following her
439:34 single powerful spell. Following her plan, Cheryl used binding fire to
439:36 plan, Cheryl used binding fire to capture several goblins and force the
439:38 capture several goblins and force the rest to follow her. The strategy worked.
439:41 rest to follow her. The strategy worked. The goblins captured by the fire magic
439:43 The goblins captured by the fire magic attracted the attention of their
439:44 attracted the attention of their comrades, forcing them to move in the
439:46 comrades, forcing them to move in the desired direction. The peaceful duty of
439:48 desired direction. The peaceful duty of the guards of Pars was disrupted by the
439:50 the guards of Pars was disrupted by the appearance of suspicious movement in the
439:52 appearance of suspicious movement in the distance, which alarmed even the weary
439:54 distance, which alarmed even the weary knights. The discovery of the
439:55 knights. The discovery of the approaching horde of goblins caused
439:57 approaching horde of goblins caused alarm among the guards, who demanded the
439:59 alarm among the guards, who demanded the immediate intervention of Archbishop
440:01 immediate intervention of Archbishop Abel. The delay proved fatal. The first
440:03 Abel. The delay proved fatal. The first goblins successfully breached the walls
440:05 goblins successfully breached the walls and attacked the servants of the holy
440:07 and attacked the servants of the holy state. The timely arrival of Cheryl, who
440:09 state. The timely arrival of Cheryl, who destroyed the monsters she had brought
440:11 destroyed the monsters she had brought with her, made her appear as a savior in
440:13 with her, made her appear as a savior in the eyes of the defenders. Introducing
440:15 the eyes of the defenders. Introducing herself as the best mage in the
440:17 herself as the best mage in the territory of Bran, Cheryl demonstrated
440:19 territory of Bran, Cheryl demonstrated her impressive abilities to the Knights
440:21 her impressive abilities to the Knights of the Holy State. The Archbishop's
440:23 of the Holy State. The Archbishop's arrival was met with outrage at the
440:24 arrival was met with outrage at the presence of a heathen on sacred ground.
440:27 presence of a heathen on sacred ground. An annoyed Cheryl reminded them of how
440:29 An annoyed Cheryl reminded them of how she had just saved the lives of the
440:30 she had just saved the lives of the Archbishop and his warriors, which was
440:32 Archbishop and his warriors, which was confirmed by eyewitnesses. Taking
440:34 confirmed by eyewitnesses. Taking advantage of the archbishop's forced
440:36 advantage of the archbishop's forced silence, Cheryl demanded that the
440:38 silence, Cheryl demanded that the hostility towards her cease, pointing to
440:40 hostility towards her cease, pointing to the approaching horde of goblins, Cheryl
440:42 the approaching horde of goblins, Cheryl suggested focusing on the pressing issue
440:44 suggested focusing on the pressing issue of defense. The offer of help was
440:46 of defense. The offer of help was arrogantly rejected by the Archbishop,
440:48 arrogantly rejected by the Archbishop, who declared that the participation of
440:50 who declared that the participation of such a girl would be useless. The
440:52 such a girl would be useless. The arrogant Archbishop raised his golden
440:54 arrogant Archbishop raised his golden scepter, invoking divine power to summon
440:57 scepter, invoking divine power to summon the sacred iron hammer. The lack of a
440:59 the sacred iron hammer. The lack of a divine response to his prayer elicited
441:01 divine response to his prayer elicited mocking laughter from Cheryl, who began
441:03 mocking laughter from Cheryl, who began to parody the hapless servant. The
441:05 to parody the hapless servant. The enraged archbishop discovered that the
441:06 enraged archbishop discovered that the mocking Cheryl was already seated on the
441:08 mocking Cheryl was already seated on the majestic fiery phoenix. Rushing toward
441:11 majestic fiery phoenix. Rushing toward the approaching goblins, pondering the
441:13 the approaching goblins, pondering the stranges of the situation, Cheryl noted
441:15 stranges of the situation, Cheryl noted the inexplicable zeal of Pars's
441:17 the inexplicable zeal of Pars's followers in pursuing the church of
441:19 followers in pursuing the church of Viven amid the general chaos. Putting
441:21 Viven amid the general chaos. Putting aside her thoughts about the politics of
441:23 aside her thoughts about the politics of the Holy State, the young sorceress
441:25 the Holy State, the young sorceress focused on her main mission.
441:27 focused on her main mission. Methodically destroying the goblins one
441:29 Methodically destroying the goblins one by one, Cheryl created a reliable
441:31 by one, Cheryl created a reliable defensive perimeter around the walls of
441:33 defensive perimeter around the walls of the Holy State's castle. The news of
441:35 the Holy State's castle. The news of Cheryl's unexpected help caused deep
441:37 Cheryl's unexpected help caused deep distrust in the Holy Father, who doubted
441:39 distrust in the Holy Father, who doubted the veracity of the reports. The
441:41 the veracity of the reports. The Archbishop explained the circumstances
441:43 Archbishop explained the circumstances of Cheryl's arrival, saying she had been
441:45 of Cheryl's arrival, saying she had been patrolling the borders of Bran and
441:47 patrolling the borders of Bran and noticed suspicious movements of
441:48 noticed suspicious movements of monsters. The pursuit led the sorceress
441:51 monsters. The pursuit led the sorceress to the walls of the holy state where she
441:53 to the walls of the holy state where she discovered an impending attack by
441:54 discovered an impending attack by climbing monsters. Concern for the
441:56 climbing monsters. Concern for the safety of innocent people compelled
441:58 safety of innocent people compelled Cheryl to put aside old feuds and come
442:00 Cheryl to put aside old feuds and come to the rescue, preventing numerous
442:02 to the rescue, preventing numerous casualties. A disturbing warning was
442:04 casualties. A disturbing warning was contained in the dying mutterings of the
442:06 contained in the dying mutterings of the goblins about the imminent return of
442:07 goblins about the imminent return of their mysterious master. The archbishop
442:09 their mysterious master. The archbishop linked the monster attack to a series of
442:12 linked the monster attack to a series of disasters that had recently struck the
442:13 disasters that had recently struck the land. The archbishop's embarrassed
442:15 land. The archbishop's embarrassed confession revealed a bitter truth. The
442:18 confession revealed a bitter truth. The divine powers of pars had ceased to
442:20 divine powers of pars had ceased to respond to prayers. Impatient Cheryl,
442:22 respond to prayers. Impatient Cheryl, weary from the long wait, resolutely
442:24 weary from the long wait, resolutely made her way through the guards to the
442:26 made her way through the guards to the holy father's chambers. The girl's
442:28 holy father's chambers. The girl's indignation was caused by the
442:29 indignation was caused by the disrespectful treatment she received
442:31 disrespectful treatment she received after her selfless help to former
442:33 after her selfless help to former enemies. Dissatisfied with the
442:35 enemies. Dissatisfied with the reception, Cheryl demanded fair
442:37 reception, Cheryl demanded fair compensation for her assistance. In an
442:39 compensation for her assistance. In an effort to diffuse the tense situation,
442:41 effort to diffuse the tense situation, the Holy Father apologized for the delay
442:43 the Holy Father apologized for the delay in expressing his gratitude, explaining
442:45 in expressing his gratitude, explaining that it was due to the numerous
442:46 that it was due to the numerous enthusiastic reports he had received.
442:49 enthusiastic reports he had received. With an impatient gesture, Cheryl
442:50 With an impatient gesture, Cheryl interrupted the ceremonial greetings,
442:52 interrupted the ceremonial greetings, wanting to get to the heart of the
442:54 wanting to get to the heart of the matter. The reminder of the family's
442:56 matter. The reminder of the family's business acumen was accompanied by a
442:57 business acumen was accompanied by a clear demand for an equivalent exchange
442:59 clear demand for an equivalent exchange for the assistance provided. The
443:01 for the assistance provided. The unexpected demand to release Captain
443:03 unexpected demand to release Captain Bianca caught the Holy Father offg
443:04 Bianca caught the Holy Father offg guard. Despite his willingness to
443:06 guard. Despite his willingness to negotiate, the Archbishop objected to
443:08 negotiate, the Archbishop objected to the release of the Holy Knights, citing
443:10 the release of the Holy Knights, citing divine predestination for their
443:12 divine predestination for their imprisonment. Cheryl's mocking response
443:14 imprisonment. Cheryl's mocking response reminded him of the great god's inaction
443:16 reminded him of the great god's inaction during the monster attack and her
443:18 during the monster attack and her decisive role in the rescue. The Holy
443:20 decisive role in the rescue. The Holy Father hastened to calm the indignant
443:22 Father hastened to calm the indignant Archbishop, calling for patience and
443:24 Archbishop, calling for patience and restraint. The Archbishop's inner
443:26 restraint. The Archbishop's inner struggle reflected the conflict between
443:28 struggle reflected the conflict between his wounded pride and his recognition of
443:30 his wounded pride and his recognition of the enormous debt he owed to Cheryl. The
443:32 the enormous debt he owed to Cheryl. The Holy Father's decision was based on the
443:34 Holy Father's decision was based on the mercy of their god, allowing them to
443:36 mercy of their god, allowing them to accept Cheryl's offer. The agreement was
443:38 accept Cheryl's offer. The agreement was accompanied by a promise to immediately
443:40 accompanied by a promise to immediately return all prisoners to Bronna's
443:42 return all prisoners to Bronna's territory. Cheryl's sincere joy was
443:44 territory. Cheryl's sincere joy was expressed in gratitude for the wisdom
443:46 expressed in gratitude for the wisdom shown by the Holy Father. Cheryl's
443:47 shown by the Holy Father. Cheryl's farewell words contained polite thanks
443:50 farewell words contained polite thanks and an ironic wish that they would never
443:51 and an ironic wish that they would never meet again. The Archbishop was puzzled
443:54 meet again. The Archbishop was puzzled by the Holy Father's unusual willingness
443:56 by the Holy Father's unusual willingness to yield to the sorceress's demands. The
443:58 to yield to the sorceress's demands. The wise pope viewed the monster attack as
444:00 wise pope viewed the monster attack as part of a general catastrophe, requiring
444:02 part of a general catastrophe, requiring the strengthening of the castle's
444:04 the strengthening of the castle's defenses. The Pope's reasoning
444:05 defenses. The Pope's reasoning emphasized the limited influence of the
444:07 emphasized the limited influence of the freed knights. The foresight that Bran's
444:10 freed knights. The foresight that Bran's territory would become a gathering place
444:11 territory would become a gathering place for monsters made the knights help
444:13 for monsters made the knights help useless. The Pope's cunning plan was to
444:16 useless. The Pope's cunning plan was to direct the monsters to Bran's territory
444:17 direct the monsters to Bran's territory to completely isolate it. The evening
444:20 to completely isolate it. The evening portal transported Cheryl to the
444:21 portal transported Cheryl to the familiar icy outpost of the land of
444:23 familiar icy outpost of the land of giants. The lonely journey was
444:25 giants. The lonely journey was unsettling, but her status as Lord of
444:27 unsettling, but her status as Lord of the Duchy of Bran gave her confidence.
444:29 the Duchy of Bran gave her confidence. Cheryl's outward calm hit her inner
444:31 Cheryl's outward calm hit her inner turmoil as she passed through the
444:32 turmoil as she passed through the parting giants. The blind raven awaited
444:34 parting giants. The blind raven awaited the girl's arrival, trusting in the
444:36 the girl's arrival, trusting in the infallibility of his prophetic dreams.
444:39 infallibility of his prophetic dreams. The warm welcome from Bran's second in
444:41 The warm welcome from Bran's second in command was accompanied by a willingness
444:42 command was accompanied by a willingness to listen to her request. The blind
444:44 to listen to her request. The blind raven's foresight gave Cheryl hope for
444:46 raven's foresight gave Cheryl hope for successful negotiations. The request for
444:49 successful negotiations. The request for warriors to confront the impending
444:50 warriors to confront the impending invasion of monsters was clearly
444:52 invasion of monsters was clearly formulated. Despite the existing
444:54 formulated. Despite the existing alliance, the giant emphasized the
444:56 alliance, the giant emphasized the inadequacy of military aid to solve the
444:58 inadequacy of military aid to solve the empire's problems. The future of the
445:00 empire's problems. The future of the territory depended on Cheryl and her
445:02 territory depended on Cheryl and her brother's ability to overcome the
445:03 brother's ability to overcome the disasters that had befallen them.
445:05 disasters that had befallen them. Understanding the situation led Cheryl
445:07 Understanding the situation led Cheryl to decide to personally ask the blind
445:09 to decide to personally ask the blind raven for help. The wise giant noted the
445:11 raven for help. The wise giant noted the significant increase in the girl's
445:13 significant increase in the girl's determination since their last meeting.
445:15 determination since their last meeting. He cautioned against repeating the
445:16 He cautioned against repeating the mistake made in the battle with Raven's
445:18 mistake made in the battle with Raven's brother. The generous offer included a
445:20 brother. The generous offer included a 100 mighty giants, each of whom could
445:22 100 mighty giants, each of whom could replace 10 knights. Cheryl's triumphant
445:25 replace 10 knights. Cheryl's triumphant return to Bran was accompanied by an
445:27 return to Bran was accompanied by an impressive contingent of giants. The
445:29 impressive contingent of giants. The freed paladins of Viven finally returned
445:31 freed paladins of Viven finally returned to their homeland. The reunion of the
445:33 to their homeland. The reunion of the freed warriors with Bran's defenders
445:35 freed warriors with Bran's defenders formed a strong force of a hundred
445:36 formed a strong force of a hundred fighters. Cheryl's clear strategy
445:38 fighters. Cheryl's clear strategy focused on isolating the monsters in the
445:40 focused on isolating the monsters in the dark forest. The determination to defend
445:43 dark forest. The determination to defend every inch of Bran's land from the
445:44 every inch of Bran's land from the monster invasion guided their actions.
445:47 monster invasion guided their actions. Reaching the designated position allowed
445:49 Reaching the designated position allowed them to begin surveying the area. The
445:51 them to begin surveying the area. The Fire Phoenix gave Cheryl the opportunity
445:53 Fire Phoenix gave Cheryl the opportunity to spot monsters approaching Bran's
445:55 to spot monsters approaching Bran's borders. Understanding the scale of the
445:57 borders. Understanding the scale of the disaster did not weaken their resolve to
445:59 disaster did not weaken their resolve to fight for the protection of their lands.
446:01 fight for the protection of their lands. The sacred duty to protect citizens and
446:03 The sacred duty to protect citizens and the disadvantaged determined the actions
446:05 the disadvantaged determined the actions of the defenders. A tactical order
446:07 of the defenders. A tactical order directed Raml's cavalry to hold back the
446:09 directed Raml's cavalry to hold back the enemy on the forest roads. The giants
446:11 enemy on the forest roads. The giants were tasked with supporting the cavalry
446:12 were tasked with supporting the cavalry by moving between the trees. Paladins
446:15 by moving between the trees. Paladins and infantry formed a ring around the
446:16 and infantry formed a ring around the forest to destroy any monsters that
446:18 forest to destroy any monsters that broke through. The strategic objective
446:20 broke through. The strategic objective was to completely destroy the monsters
446:22 was to completely destroy the monsters isolated in the open. Cheryl raised her
446:24 isolated in the open. Cheryl raised her fiery scepter, signaling the start of
446:27 fiery scepter, signaling the start of the operation to defend their homeland.
446:29 the operation to defend their homeland. The bloodthirsty goblins moved with the
446:31 The bloodthirsty goblins moved with the sole purpose of totally destroying the
446:32 sole purpose of totally destroying the people and capturing the castle. The
446:35 people and capturing the castle. The sudden fiery attack of the sorceress
446:36 sudden fiery attack of the sorceress caught the monsters offg guard as they
446:38 caught the monsters offg guard as they paused for a moment. Powerful cavalry
446:40 paused for a moment. Powerful cavalry swiftly broke through the enemy lines
446:42 swiftly broke through the enemy lines and methodically destroyed the goblins
446:44 and methodically destroyed the goblins one by one, creating chaos in the enemy
446:46 one by one, creating chaos in the enemy ranks and leaving them no chance of
446:48 ranks and leaving them no chance of escape. Huge giants, following a
446:50 escape. Huge giants, following a pre-arranged plan of attack, entered the
446:52 pre-arranged plan of attack, entered the battle behind the cavalry and began to
446:54 battle behind the cavalry and began to round up the surviving goblins, turning
446:57 round up the surviving goblins, turning the battlefield into a veritable trap.
446:59 the battlefield into a veritable trap. The talented commander Bianca led her
447:01 The talented commander Bianca led her infantry into battle and quickly
447:03 infantry into battle and quickly organized a successful encirclement of a
447:05 organized a successful encirclement of a large group of goblins, demonstrating
447:08 large group of goblins, demonstrating excellent military tactics. The
447:10 excellent military tactics. The experienced mage Cheryl watched the
447:11 experienced mage Cheryl watched the battle unfold from a safe distance.
447:14 battle unfold from a safe distance. Ready to support her warriors with
447:15 Ready to support her warriors with powerful combat spells at any moment.
447:18 powerful combat spells at any moment. Seeing how smoothly the battle was
447:19 Seeing how smoothly the battle was going, Cheryl decided to speed up her
447:21 going, Cheryl decided to speed up her troops victory and started getting ready
447:23 troops victory and started getting ready to use a powerful battle spell to
447:24 to use a powerful battle spell to support the army. The young sorceress
447:26 support the army. The young sorceress had not yet finished gathering the
447:28 had not yet finished gathering the magical energy for her spell when a
447:30 magical energy for her spell when a terrifying monster with incredible
447:32 terrifying monster with incredible strength appeared right behind her. The
447:34 strength appeared right behind her. The terrifying spider monster with a face
447:36 terrifying spider monster with a face resembling that of an elf grabbed the
447:38 resembling that of an elf grabbed the confused Cheryl with its huge claws
447:40 confused Cheryl with its huge claws before she could react to the attack.
447:42 before she could react to the attack. The attentive Bianca immediately noticed
447:44 The attentive Bianca immediately noticed the danger to Cheryl and threw her sharp
447:46 the danger to Cheryl and threw her sharp sword right at the monster's head,
447:48 sword right at the monster's head, successfully distracting it. The enraged
447:50 successfully distracting it. The enraged spider threw Cheryl aside and rushed
447:52 spider threw Cheryl aside and rushed toward Bianca, quickly moving its long,
447:54 toward Bianca, quickly moving its long, powerful legs and preparing for a new
447:56 powerful legs and preparing for a new attack on the brave warrior. Helplessly
447:58 attack on the brave warrior. Helplessly hanging from the tree, Cheryl couldn't
448:00 hanging from the tree, Cheryl couldn't understand the nature of this unusual
448:02 understand the nature of this unusual monster, which was significantly
448:04 monster, which was significantly stronger than all of the other enemies.
448:06 stronger than all of the other enemies. The courageous Cheryl realized that she
448:08 The courageous Cheryl realized that she couldn't just stand there and rest on
448:09 couldn't just stand there and rest on the tree when her savior, Bianca, needed
448:11 the tree when her savior, Bianca, needed urgent help and support. Freeing herself
448:14 urgent help and support. Freeing herself from the sticky web, Cheryl immediately
448:16 from the sticky web, Cheryl immediately attacked the monster with a powerful
448:18 attacked the monster with a powerful fire spell. trying to distract it and
448:20 fire spell. trying to distract it and inflict serious damage. The skilled
448:22 inflict serious damage. The skilled warrior Bianca took advantage of the
448:24 warrior Bianca took advantage of the monster's moment of blindness and
448:26 monster's moment of blindness and performed a deadly jumping attack,
448:28 performed a deadly jumping attack, delivering a decisive blow with her
448:29 delivering a decisive blow with her sword directly to the spider's head.
448:31 sword directly to the spider's head. After her victory, the experienced
448:33 After her victory, the experienced Bianca noted the exceptional strangeness
448:36 Bianca noted the exceptional strangeness of the defeated monster, which looked
448:37 of the defeated monster, which looked like an unusual combination of two
448:39 like an unusual combination of two different creatures in one body. After
448:41 different creatures in one body. After carefully studying the unusual creature,
448:44 carefully studying the unusual creature, Bianca shared her suspicions about a
448:46 Bianca shared her suspicions about a possible connection between the
448:47 possible connection between the monster's appearance and the recent
448:49 monster's appearance and the recent disaster in these lands. Frightened,
448:51 disaster in these lands. Frightened, Cheryl realized the serious mistake she
448:53 Cheryl realized the serious mistake she had made in assuming that the forest was
448:55 had made in assuming that the forest was inhabited only by goblins. Now
448:57 inhabited only by goblins. Now understanding the scale of the real
448:58 understanding the scale of the real threat to their lands. Alarmed, Raml
449:01 threat to their lands. Alarmed, Raml arrived at Cheryl's side with an urgent
449:03 arrived at Cheryl's side with an urgent report that it was impossible to
449:04 report that it was impossible to maintain battle order due to the
449:06 maintain battle order due to the appearance of previously unknown
449:08 appearance of previously unknown monsters, awaiting immediate
449:09 monsters, awaiting immediate instructions. Confused, Cheryl watched
449:12 instructions. Confused, Cheryl watched as her valiant knights fell one by one
449:14 as her valiant knights fell one by one under the onslaught of countless
449:16 under the onslaught of countless monsters. Unable to comprehend how the
449:18 monsters. Unable to comprehend how the situation could have changed so rapidly,
449:20 situation could have changed so rapidly, the wise commander understood that
449:22 the wise commander understood that retreat was now impossible, as this
449:24 retreat was now impossible, as this action would seriously threaten the
449:26 action would seriously threaten the safety of all the territories they were
449:27 safety of all the territories they were defending. The brave Cheryl strained all
449:30 defending. The brave Cheryl strained all her mental faculties in search of an
449:32 her mental faculties in search of an effective solution that could save their
449:33 effective solution that could save their troops and protect the lands entrusted
449:35 troops and protect the lands entrusted to them from invasion. Suddenly,
449:38 to them from invasion. Suddenly, memories of her training days came
449:39 memories of her training days came flooding back to Cheryl when the
449:41 flooding back to Cheryl when the persistent Raml, despite her resistance,
449:43 persistent Raml, despite her resistance, had stubbornly trained her in sword
449:45 had stubbornly trained her in sword fighting. The stubborn sorceress
449:46 fighting. The stubborn sorceress considered fencing training a waste of
449:48 considered fencing training a waste of time for a mage of her level. But the
449:51 time for a mage of her level. But the wise Raml insisted on the importance of
449:53 wise Raml insisted on the importance of mastering close combat skills. The
449:55 mastering close combat skills. The self-confident Cheryl relied exclusively
449:57 self-confident Cheryl relied exclusively on long range attacks with fire spells.
450:00 on long range attacks with fire spells. Considering such a strategy completely
450:02 Considering such a strategy completely safe and invulnerable to any opponent,
450:04 safe and invulnerable to any opponent, the inexperienced sorceress made a
450:06 the inexperienced sorceress made a typical beginner's mistake, which was
450:08 typical beginner's mistake, which was hardly surprising given her complete
450:10 hardly surprising given her complete lack of real combat experience on the
450:12 lack of real combat experience on the battlefield. Her wise mentor patiently
450:14 battlefield. Her wise mentor patiently explained to his student the limitations
450:16 explained to his student the limitations of magic, which required the use of
450:18 of magic, which required the use of elements from the environment and time
450:20 elements from the environment and time to cast spells. Despite her magical
450:22 to cast spells. Despite her magical gift, the talented sorceress Cheryl
450:24 gift, the talented sorceress Cheryl could not help but acknowledge the
450:26 could not help but acknowledge the wisdom of her experienced teacher in
450:27 wisdom of her experienced teacher in matters of combat training and battle
450:29 matters of combat training and battle tactics. Practical magicians had
450:31 tactics. Practical magicians had followed the tradition of teaming up
450:32 followed the tradition of teaming up with experienced swordsmen for centuries
450:35 with experienced swordsmen for centuries to create an effective defense system
450:36 to create an effective defense system and increase their chances of survival
450:38 and increase their chances of survival in battle. The far-sighted Raml
450:40 in battle. The far-sighted Raml persistently urged Cheryl to pay due
450:42 persistently urged Cheryl to pay due attention to fencing training.
450:44 attention to fencing training. Understanding the importance of this
450:45 Understanding the importance of this skill for the full development of a
450:47 skill for the full development of a mage. Diligent fencing training combined
450:49 mage. Diligent fencing training combined with magical abilities could turn Cheryl
450:51 with magical abilities could turn Cheryl into an invincible mage capable of
450:53 into an invincible mage capable of effectively defending herself in any
450:55 effectively defending herself in any situation. Enlightened by a sudden
450:57 situation. Enlightened by a sudden realization, Cheryl finally understood
450:59 realization, Cheryl finally understood an effective way to defend their lands
451:01 an effective way to defend their lands from the looming threat of monsters from
451:03 from the looming threat of monsters from the dark and dangerous forest. The
451:05 the dark and dangerous forest. The resourceful sorceress decided to change
451:07 resourceful sorceress decided to change her strategy and instead of isolating
451:09 her strategy and instead of isolating the monsters in the forest, allow them
451:11 the monsters in the forest, allow them to follow her. Using their aggression to
451:13 to follow her. Using their aggression to her tactical advantage, the determined
451:15 her tactical advantage, the determined Cheryl soared into the sky above the
451:17 Cheryl soared into the sky above the battlefield and gave a clear order to
451:19 battlefield and gave a clear order to all commanders to immediately gather
451:20 all commanders to immediately gather their troops for an organized retreat.
451:22 their troops for an organized retreat. The experienced military leaders Raml,
451:25 The experienced military leaders Raml, Bianca, and the leader of the giants
451:26 Bianca, and the leader of the giants were stunned by the unexpected order to
451:28 were stunned by the unexpected order to retreat after such an exhausting and
451:30 retreat after such an exhausting and difficult battle. Focused on her plan,
451:33 difficult battle. Focused on her plan, Cheryl did not explain her decision, but
451:35 Cheryl did not explain her decision, but instead rushed into battle, destroying
451:37 instead rushed into battle, destroying the monsters with powerful fire spells.
451:39 the monsters with powerful fire spells. The perceptive Raml quickly figured out
451:41 The perceptive Raml quickly figured out his mistress's plan to lure the monsters
451:43 his mistress's plan to lure the monsters into a trap. Watching as she skillfully
451:46 into a trap. Watching as she skillfully led them away from the retreating
451:47 led them away from the retreating knights, confident in his mistress's
451:49 knights, confident in his mistress's actions, Raml immediately gave the order
451:51 actions, Raml immediately gave the order to retreat to his knights, and all the
451:53 to retreat to his knights, and all the troops began to leave their positions in
451:55 troops began to leave their positions in an orderly fashion. The brave Cheryl
451:57 an orderly fashion. The brave Cheryl flew to a safe distance from the
451:58 flew to a safe distance from the monsters pursuing her and began to chant
452:01 monsters pursuing her and began to chant a powerful battle spell for the decisive
452:03 a powerful battle spell for the decisive blow. The powerful spell hellwave
452:06 blow. The powerful spell hellwave crashed down on the gathered monsters
452:07 crashed down on the gathered monsters with incredible force. instantly
452:09 with incredible force. instantly destroying all enemies within its range.
452:12 destroying all enemies within its range. Exhausted from using the powerful spell,
452:14 Exhausted from using the powerful spell, Cheryl underestimated the number of
452:16 Cheryl underestimated the number of monsters remaining and began to lose
452:17 monsters remaining and began to lose consciousness, becoming easy prey for
452:19 consciousness, becoming easy prey for her enemies. Mysterious dark magic
452:22 her enemies. Mysterious dark magic suddenly began to permeate Cheryl's body
452:24 suddenly began to permeate Cheryl's body at the critical moment. Gathering life
452:26 at the critical moment. Gathering life force from the surrounding environment
452:28 force from the surrounding environment to sustain her. A mysterious voice spoke
452:30 to sustain her. A mysterious voice spoke of the need to keep Cheryl's soul and
452:32 of the need to keep Cheryl's soul and body intact until Isis was resurrected,
452:35 body intact until Isis was resurrected, explaining the gift of power from the
452:37 explaining the gift of power from the mighty Avarak. When she came too, Cheryl
452:39 mighty Avarak. When she came too, Cheryl tried to make sense of the strange words
452:41 tried to make sense of the strange words she had heard before waking up. Trying
452:43 she had heard before waking up. Trying to understand their meaning and
452:45 to understand their meaning and connection to the events unfolding
452:46 connection to the events unfolding around her. Convinced that Raml and
452:48 around her. Convinced that Raml and Bianca were rushing to her aid, the
452:50 Bianca were rushing to her aid, the exhausted Cheryl allowed herself to lose
452:52 exhausted Cheryl allowed herself to lose consciousness, knowing that she was now
452:54 consciousness, knowing that she was now safe. The caring Raml anxiously asked
452:56 safe. The caring Raml anxiously asked Cheryl, who had regained consciousness
452:58 Cheryl, who had regained consciousness in his room, how she was feeling, but
453:00 in his room, how she was feeling, but the girl was still in a state of
453:02 the girl was still in a state of confusion. After resting from her long
453:04 confusion. After resting from her long sleep, Cheryl was finally able to recall
453:07 sleep, Cheryl was finally able to recall all the events of that fateful night
453:08 all the events of that fateful night during the fierce battle. Attentive Raml
453:11 during the fierce battle. Attentive Raml watched his pensive mistress closely,
453:13 watched his pensive mistress closely, trying to determine if she had any
453:14 trying to determine if she had any wounds or other health problems after
453:16 wounds or other health problems after the heavy fighting. Embarrassed, Cheryl
453:18 the heavy fighting. Embarrassed, Cheryl loudly reprimanded her knight for his
453:20 loudly reprimanded her knight for his inappropriate presence in her chambers
453:22 inappropriate presence in her chambers while she was dressed only in a night
453:23 while she was dressed only in a night gown, demonstrating a return to her
453:25 gown, demonstrating a return to her usual behavior. Startled by his
453:27 usual behavior. Startled by his mistress's sudden reaction, Raml
453:29 mistress's sudden reaction, Raml hurriedly left the room, secretly glad
453:31 hurriedly left the room, secretly glad that his ward had completely regained
453:33 that his ward had completely regained her former character. Outraged by the
453:35 her former character. Outraged by the knight's inappropriate behavior, Cheryl
453:37 knight's inappropriate behavior, Cheryl rose from her bed, wondering why Raml
453:39 rose from her bed, wondering why Raml had not sent a maid to her instead of
453:41 had not sent a maid to her instead of visiting her himself. Puzzled, Cheryl
453:43 visiting her himself. Puzzled, Cheryl immersed herself in thoughts about the
453:45 immersed herself in thoughts about the events of the previous night, trying to
453:47 events of the previous night, trying to unravel the mystery of Avarak and the
453:49 unravel the mystery of Avarak and the nature of the changes that had come over
453:51 nature of the changes that had come over her. Disturbed, Cheryl decided to put
453:53 her. Disturbed, Cheryl decided to put her troubling thoughts aside for the
453:55 her troubling thoughts aside for the time being and focus on waiting for her
453:57 time being and focus on waiting for her brother's return from a dangerous
453:58 brother's return from a dangerous expedition to the Black Continent. The
454:00 expedition to the Black Continent. The brave Aaron, who had arrived in the
454:02 brave Aaron, who had arrived in the village of Runtra on the Black
454:03 village of Runtra on the Black Continent, was confronted by a huge
454:06 Continent, was confronted by a huge crowd of locals enslaved by the will of
454:08 crowd of locals enslaved by the will of their sinister queen. The experienced
454:10 their sinister queen. The experienced Jacqueline quickly identified the source
454:12 Jacqueline quickly identified the source of the resident's strange behavior and
454:14 of the resident's strange behavior and pointed Aaron to their leader, who stood
454:16 pointed Aaron to their leader, who stood out among the crowd of possessed people.
454:18 out among the crowd of possessed people. The powerful Kruella floated in the air
454:20 The powerful Kruella floated in the air in the middle of the city, surrounded by
454:22 in the middle of the city, surrounded by pulsating energy, demonstrating her
454:24 pulsating energy, demonstrating her incredible magical power to everyone
454:26 incredible magical power to everyone present. A sinister smile appeared on
454:28 present. A sinister smile appeared on Kruella's face as she expressed her
454:30 Kruella's face as she expressed her delight at Aaron's timely arrival,
454:32 delight at Aaron's timely arrival, anticipating the opportunity to brutally
454:34 anticipating the opportunity to brutally punish the hero. The determined Aaron
454:36 punish the hero. The determined Aaron did not wait for Kruella to attack and
454:38 did not wait for Kruella to attack and was the first to strike, swiftly drawing
454:41 was the first to strike, swiftly drawing his sword and rushing at his opponent
454:43 his sword and rushing at his opponent without hesitation. The arrogant witch
454:45 without hesitation. The arrogant witch considered the hero's behavior foolish
454:47 considered the hero's behavior foolish and began to cast a powerful spell,
454:49 and began to cast a powerful spell, summoning the forces of the earth to
454:51 summoning the forces of the earth to suck all the blood from the body of her
454:53 suck all the blood from the body of her careless opponent. The witch's attack
454:55 careless opponent. The witch's attack failed to harm Aaron, but it caused the
454:57 failed to harm Aaron, but it caused the ground to collapse, dragging many
454:59 ground to collapse, dragging many innocent people in the town square with
455:00 innocent people in the town square with it. The angry hero expressed his outrage
455:03 it. The angry hero expressed his outrage at the witch's actions and firmly
455:05 at the witch's actions and firmly declared his intention to stop her cruel
455:07 declared his intention to stop her cruel rampage on the continent. The cunning
455:09 rampage on the continent. The cunning Kruella responded to the approaching
455:11 Kruella responded to the approaching hero with a satisfied smile, knowing
455:13 hero with a satisfied smile, knowing that he had unwittingly fallen into her
455:15 that he had unwittingly fallen into her cleverly laid magical trap. A huge hand
455:18 cleverly laid magical trap. A huge hand suddenly appeared from the depths of the
455:19 suddenly appeared from the depths of the earth, trying to grab Aaron, but the
455:21 earth, trying to grab Aaron, but the warrior showed incredible agility and
455:23 warrior showed incredible agility and easily dodged his enemy's deadly attack.
455:26 easily dodged his enemy's deadly attack. Aaron leaped onto the body of the stone
455:28 Aaron leaped onto the body of the stone golem, but the massive creature managed
455:30 golem, but the massive creature managed to knock the knight off his feet and
455:31 to knock the knight off his feet and throw him forcefully against the nearest
455:33 throw him forcefully against the nearest city wall. The Dragonness watched the
455:35 city wall. The Dragonness watched the battle from a safe distance and wondered
455:37 battle from a safe distance and wondered why Aaron's combat skills were so weak
455:39 why Aaron's combat skills were so weak even after receiving the legendary
455:41 even after receiving the legendary sword. The stone giant continued its
455:43 sword. The stone giant continued its destructive attacks, and each blow from
455:45 destructive attacks, and each blow from the monster, enhanced by the magical
455:47 the monster, enhanced by the magical power of its mistress, shook the ground
455:49 power of its mistress, shook the ground around the battlefield. Aaron remained
455:51 around the battlefield. Aaron remained confident of victory over his stone
455:53 confident of victory over his stone opponent and decided to change his
455:55 opponent and decided to change his battle tactics, preparing for a decisive
455:57 battle tactics, preparing for a decisive counterattack against the massive golem.
456:00 counterattack against the massive golem. The warrior seized the moment to leap
456:01 The warrior seized the moment to leap onto the golem's arm and activated the
456:03 onto the golem's arm and activated the piercing wind technique, rushing toward
456:05 piercing wind technique, rushing toward the stone creature's head. Just as
456:07 the stone creature's head. Just as victory over the golem seemed within
456:09 victory over the golem seemed within reach, the unexpected happened. The
456:11 reach, the unexpected happened. The dragon slayer suddenly absorbed all the
456:13 dragon slayer suddenly absorbed all the energy from Aaron's battle sword. A
456:16 energy from Aaron's battle sword. A strange numbness came over Aaron's body
456:17 strange numbness came over Aaron's body as he tried to understand the nature of
456:19 as he tried to understand the nature of the dragon slayer's mysterious abilities
456:21 the dragon slayer's mysterious abilities and his unexpected behavior in battle.
456:24 and his unexpected behavior in battle. Kruella pointed out an important detail
456:25 Kruella pointed out an important detail with a satisfied smile, one that her
456:28 with a satisfied smile, one that her opponent had failed to notice in the
456:29 opponent had failed to notice in the heat of battle with the stone creature.
456:31 heat of battle with the stone creature. The golem had been created from the
456:33 The golem had been created from the bodies of local residents, and the
456:35 bodies of local residents, and the magical sword refused to attack the very
456:37 magical sword refused to attack the very people Aaron had sworn to protect on
456:39 people Aaron had sworn to protect on this continent. The critical situation
456:41 this continent. The critical situation was resolved by the unexpected
456:42 was resolved by the unexpected intervention of the dragon Kanos, who
456:44 intervention of the dragon Kanos, who broke free and dragged the golem away
456:46 broke free and dragged the golem away from the exhausted hero. Kruella froze
456:49 from the exhausted hero. Kruella froze in horror at Kyno's disobedience. Unable
456:51 in horror at Kyno's disobedience. Unable to believe her eyes that after all her
456:53 to believe her eyes that after all her mockery, her brother continued to resist
456:55 mockery, her brother continued to resist her will. Her brother's stubborn
456:57 her will. Her brother's stubborn resistance forced Kruella to use her
456:59 resistance forced Kruella to use her true power and take on her dragon form
457:01 true power and take on her dragon form for the decisive battle. Aaron blocked
457:03 for the decisive battle. Aaron blocked the dragon's path as she rushed toward
457:05 the dragon's path as she rushed toward his brother, raised his sword to attack,
457:07 his brother, raised his sword to attack, and declared firmly that he would be her
457:09 and declared firmly that he would be her opponent in this battle. The hero's
457:10 opponent in this battle. The hero's powerful attack caught the dragon
457:12 powerful attack caught the dragon offguard and threw her massive body to
457:14 offguard and threw her massive body to the ground with a deafening crash.
457:16 the ground with a deafening crash. Kruella rose and mockingly noted the
457:18 Kruella rose and mockingly noted the hero's arrogance, but Aaron confidently
457:20 hero's arrogance, but Aaron confidently declared his intention to end her reign.
457:22 declared his intention to end her reign. The hero launched a series of swift
457:24 The hero launched a series of swift attacks, managed to get close to the
457:26 attacks, managed to get close to the monster's vulnerable spot and plunged
457:28 monster's vulnerable spot and plunged his sword into the dragon's stomach,
457:30 his sword into the dragon's stomach, beginning to absorb her life energy.
457:32 beginning to absorb her life energy. Fury and terror gripped Kruella as she
457:35 Fury and terror gripped Kruella as she realized that a mere mortal had dared to
457:37 realized that a mere mortal had dared to inflict such serious damage on her
457:39 inflict such serious damage on her powerful body. The Dragonness revealed
457:41 powerful body. The Dragonness revealed her maximum form, increasing her size
457:43 her maximum form, increasing her size and filling the air around her with
457:44 and filling the air around her with pulsating magical energy. An unexpected
457:47 pulsating magical energy. An unexpected suffocation gripped the dragon's throat,
457:49 suffocation gripped the dragon's throat, preventing her from using her deadly
457:51 preventing her from using her deadly flames to their fullest extent. Aaron
457:53 flames to their fullest extent. Aaron successfully depleted a significant
457:55 successfully depleted a significant portion of his opponent's magical energy
457:57 portion of his opponent's magical energy and now rapidly approached the dragon's
457:59 and now rapidly approached the dragon's head for the decisive, piercing wind
458:01 head for the decisive, piercing wind strike. The hero's lightning fast attack
458:03 strike. The hero's lightning fast attack hit its target, and one of the dragon's
458:05 hit its target, and one of the dragon's heads was severed as Aaron landed
458:07 heads was severed as Aaron landed gracefully on the ground. The defeated
458:09 gracefully on the ground. The defeated dragon's body collapsed to the ground,
458:11 dragon's body collapsed to the ground, allowing Aaron to relax a little,
458:13 allowing Aaron to relax a little, although the fatigue from the battle was
458:15 although the fatigue from the battle was gradually clouding his mind. Kinos
458:17 gradually clouding his mind. Kinos expressed his sincere admiration for
458:19 expressed his sincere admiration for Aaron's skill as a dragon slayer. While
458:21 Aaron's skill as a dragon slayer. While the hero struggled to keep his attention
458:23 the hero struggled to keep his attention on his ally, Aaron acknowledged Kyno's
458:25 on his ally, Aaron acknowledged Kyno's decisive role in his rescue at the
458:27 decisive role in his rescue at the castle and understood that without his
458:29 castle and understood that without his help, he would have met his death long
458:31 help, he would have met his death long ago. The dragon explained his assistance
458:33 ago. The dragon explained his assistance as necessary to protect the lineage that
458:36 as necessary to protect the lineage that had received his blessing in order to
458:38 had received his blessing in order to preserve his dragon pride. The hero
458:40 preserve his dragon pride. The hero finally realized the true nature of his
458:42 finally realized the true nature of his abilities, which he had received from
458:43 abilities, which he had received from Kanos himself, an ancient and powerful
458:46 Kanos himself, an ancient and powerful dragon. Kanos thanked Aaron for freeing
458:49 dragon. Kanos thanked Aaron for freeing his sister from slavery. Acknowledging
458:51 his sister from slavery. Acknowledging that without the hero's victory, he
458:53 that without the hero's victory, he would have remained in her power
458:54 would have remained in her power forever. The dragon noted Aaron's
458:56 forever. The dragon noted Aaron's significant increase in strength.
458:58 significant increase in strength. Realizing that words of gratitude could
459:00 Realizing that words of gratitude could no longer express the depth of their
459:02 no longer express the depth of their bond, Kynos took on human form and
459:04 bond, Kynos took on human form and indicated the need to make an important
459:06 indicated the need to make an important decision that they had long postponed,
459:08 decision that they had long postponed, the man knelt before the hero and
459:10 the man knelt before the hero and solemnly revealed his true nature as the
459:12 solemnly revealed his true nature as the dragon Kynos. Kynos swore eternal
459:14 dragon Kynos. Kynos swore eternal allegiance to Aaron Karen, acknowledging
459:16 allegiance to Aaron Karen, acknowledging his victory over the legendary dragon
459:18 his victory over the legendary dragon Kruella and his status as the new master
459:21 Kruella and his status as the new master assassin. A beautiful blue crystal
459:23 assassin. A beautiful blue crystal embodying the soul of the dragon
459:25 embodying the soul of the dragon appeared in the air before the hero.
459:27 appeared in the air before the hero. Kanos asked Aaron to raise his hand to
459:29 Kanos asked Aaron to raise his hand to complete the sacred oath ritual. Aaron's
459:31 complete the sacred oath ritual. Aaron's hesitant touch caused the dragon's soul
459:33 hesitant touch caused the dragon's soul to glow brightly, signifying the
459:35 to glow brightly, signifying the conclusion of an unbreakable contract
459:37 conclusion of an unbreakable contract between the hero and the dragon. Cyenos
459:40 between the hero and the dragon. Cyenos rose to his feet and proposed to the
459:41 rose to his feet and proposed to the Duke that they begin the true conquest
459:43 Duke that they begin the true conquest of the continent under their united
459:45 of the continent under their united leadership. The narrative returns to the
459:47 leadership. The narrative returns to the moment of Kinos's imprisonment in his
459:49 moment of Kinos's imprisonment in his sister's dungeon, where he languished in
459:51 sister's dungeon, where he languished in magical chains. The dragon sensed the
459:53 magical chains. The dragon sensed the approach of a human and warned the
459:55 approach of a human and warned the uninvited guest of the danger posed by
459:57 uninvited guest of the danger posed by his sister. Rex ignored the warning, cut
459:59 his sister. Rex ignored the warning, cut through some of the chains binding the
460:01 through some of the chains binding the dragon, and announced the Duke's order
460:03 dragon, and announced the Duke's order to rescue the prisoner. The dragon
460:05 to rescue the prisoner. The dragon expressed his confusion, realizing that
460:07 expressed his confusion, realizing that Rex had no obligation to the former
460:09 Rex had no obligation to the former adviser of the Duke. Cyenos noted the
460:11 adviser of the Duke. Cyenos noted the Duke's indifference to his true nature
460:12 Duke's indifference to his true nature and former status. Rex relayed the
460:15 and former status. Rex relayed the Duke's question about Kanos's
460:16 Duke's question about Kanos's willingness to continue serving Aaron
460:18 willingness to continue serving Aaron after his release. Anger overwhelmed the
460:20 after his release. Anger overwhelmed the dragon at the thought of having to serve
460:22 dragon at the thought of having to serve humans despite his ancient and powerful
460:24 humans despite his ancient and powerful nature. Kanos expressed his distrust of
460:26 nature. Kanos expressed his distrust of the Duke's intentions. Considering the
460:28 the Duke's intentions. Considering the price of freedom too high, the dragon
460:31 price of freedom too high, the dragon destroyed the remaining chains and
460:32 destroyed the remaining chains and demanded an explanation from Rex for
460:34 demanded an explanation from Rex for such a bold proposal. Rex calmly watched
460:37 such a bold proposal. Rex calmly watched the dragon's fury and explained that
460:38 the dragon's fury and explained that freedom was a reward for the
460:40 freedom was a reward for the strategist's past services. The envoy
460:42 strategist's past services. The envoy clarified the Duke's intention to create
460:44 clarified the Duke's intention to create a new agreement between him and the
460:46 a new agreement between him and the dragon. The proposal included help in
460:48 dragon. The proposal included help in defeating his sister in exchange for
460:50 defeating his sister in exchange for assistance in overthrowing the emperor.
460:52 assistance in overthrowing the emperor. A nervous laugh escaped Kynos upon
460:54 A nervous laugh escaped Kynos upon hearing the arrogant words. The dragon
460:56 hearing the arrogant words. The dragon doubted Aaron's ability to win despite
460:58 doubted Aaron's ability to win despite the blessing he had received. He was
461:00 the blessing he had received. He was particularly concerned about the power
461:02 particularly concerned about the power of his sister, an ancient dragon with a
461:04 of his sister, an ancient dragon with a huge supply of magical energy. The
461:06 huge supply of magical energy. The arrogant proposal intrigued Kanos with
461:09 arrogant proposal intrigued Kanos with its unusual nature and boldness. The
461:11 its unusual nature and boldness. The dragon agreed to the terms, making the
461:13 dragon agreed to the terms, making the successful defeat of Kruella the main
461:15 successful defeat of Kruella the main condition of the deal. The council
461:16 condition of the deal. The council discussed the problem of supplies
461:18 discussed the problem of supplies through Cheryl's portals, acknowledging
461:19 through Cheryl's portals, acknowledging the limitations of magical
461:21 the limitations of magical transportation of goods and people.
461:23 transportation of goods and people. Kanos emphasized the need to build a
461:25 Kanos emphasized the need to build a ship as soon as possible to maintain the
461:27 ship as soon as possible to maintain the planned pace of the operation. Aaron
461:29 planned pace of the operation. Aaron realized that defeating Kruella would
461:30 realized that defeating Kruella would not be enough to achieve all their
461:32 not be enough to achieve all their goals, but acknowledged that there were
461:34 goals, but acknowledged that there were no alternatives. The Duke turned to
461:35 no alternatives. The Duke turned to Jacqueline and Miller for an estimate of
461:37 Jacqueline and Miller for an estimate of the time needed to build a new ship. The
461:39 the time needed to build a new ship. The experts determined that the minimum time
461:41 experts determined that the minimum time required was 6 months, taking into
461:43 required was 6 months, taking into account the need to gather materials and
461:45 account the need to gather materials and hire workers on the black continent. The
461:47 hire workers on the black continent. The exact calculation of the time required
461:49 exact calculation of the time required to build a ship capable of staying at
461:50 to build a ship capable of staying at sea for a month proved difficult for the
461:52 sea for a month proved difficult for the craftsman. The Duke listened carefully
461:54 craftsman. The Duke listened carefully to all the difficulties of production
461:56 to all the difficulties of production and asked Jquelyn to make every effort
461:58 and asked Jquelyn to make every effort to complete the ship in 3 months. The
462:00 to complete the ship in 3 months. The outraged specialists were completely
462:02 outraged specialists were completely baffled by the Duke's demands because
462:04 baffled by the Duke's demands because even the natural process of carrying a
462:06 even the natural process of carrying a child takes 9 months. and now they had
462:09 child takes 9 months. and now they had to build a huge ship in three. Miller
462:11 to build a huge ship in three. Miller expressed concerns that such a hastily
462:13 expressed concerns that such a hastily built ship could fall apart in the
462:14 built ship could fall apart in the middle of the sea. But Jacqueline tried
462:16 middle of the sea. But Jacqueline tried to reassure her colleague, explaining
462:19 to reassure her colleague, explaining the Duke's inexperience in ship
462:20 the Duke's inexperience in ship building. Jacqueline understood that the
462:22 building. Jacqueline understood that the Duke was motivated solely by the desire
462:24 Duke was motivated solely by the desire to take advantage of the favorable
462:26 to take advantage of the favorable location and wondered why Miller, seeing
462:28 location and wondered why Miller, seeing all the advantages, did not want to
462:30 all the advantages, did not want to speed up the work. The Duke expressed
462:32 speed up the work. The Duke expressed his willingness to increase the reward
462:34 his willingness to increase the reward for the accelerated construction of the
462:36 for the accelerated construction of the ship and offered to provide any
462:37 ship and offered to provide any assistance possible in the
462:39 assistance possible in the implementation of this complex project.
462:41 implementation of this complex project. After talking with the craftsman, the
462:43 After talking with the craftsman, the Duke turned to Kanos for information
462:45 Duke turned to Kanos for information about the process of recruiting
462:46 about the process of recruiting soldiers, which Rex was conducting under
462:48 soldiers, which Rex was conducting under his supervision on the continent. Rex
462:50 his supervision on the continent. Rex suddenly appeared and reported alarming
462:52 suddenly appeared and reported alarming news about the strange behavior of the
462:54 news about the strange behavior of the local residents, who continued to work
462:56 local residents, who continued to work as if under a magical spell. Aaron was
462:58 as if under a magical spell. Aaron was confused and trying to figure out what
463:00 confused and trying to figure out what was going on because even after Kruella
463:03 was going on because even after Kruella was taken out, things on the continent
463:05 was taken out, things on the continent were still the same and pretty scary.
463:07 were still the same and pretty scary. Rex added that the locals were totally
463:09 Rex added that the locals were totally ignoring the announcements about
463:10 ignoring the announcements about recruiting soldiers and ship
463:12 recruiting soldiers and ship specialists, showing complete
463:13 specialists, showing complete indifference to what was going on around
463:15 indifference to what was going on around them. The strange behavior of the
463:17 them. The strange behavior of the inhabitants puzzled even Kynos, who was
463:19 inhabitants puzzled even Kynos, who was convinced that Kruella's death should
463:21 convinced that Kruella's death should have freed the people from magical
463:22 have freed the people from magical enslavement and restored their freedom.
463:24 enslavement and restored their freedom. The dragon suggested that the Duke and
463:26 The dragon suggested that the Duke and the strategist personally inspect the
463:28 the strategist personally inspect the situation in the city. Realizing that
463:30 situation in the city. Realizing that simple words could not explain the
463:32 simple words could not explain the mysterious events taking place. Leaving
463:34 mysterious events taking place. Leaving the castle, they found the village
463:36 the castle, they found the village streets completely deserted with not a
463:38 streets completely deserted with not a single living soul to be seen among the
463:40 single living soul to be seen among the abandoned houses and empty alleys.
463:42 abandoned houses and empty alleys. Kanos's keen eye noticed a large crowd
463:45 Kanos's keen eye noticed a large crowd in the distance where many residents had
463:47 in the distance where many residents had gathered at the entrance to the mine and
463:48 gathered at the entrance to the mine and continued their endless work. Aaron
463:51 continued their endless work. Aaron realized with alarm that the locals were
463:53 realized with alarm that the locals were continuing to work in the mines without
463:54 continuing to work in the mines without any need. As if time had stopped and
463:56 any need. As if time had stopped and nothing had changed since the victory.
463:58 nothing had changed since the victory. The Duke tried to get the attention of
464:00 The Duke tried to get the attention of the workers by shouting an order to
464:02 the workers by shouting an order to stop. But his words elicited absolutely
464:04 stop. But his words elicited absolutely no response from the residents who were
464:06 no response from the residents who were immersed in their work. Confused, the
464:09 immersed in their work. Confused, the Duke gently asked the citizens to stop
464:11 Duke gently asked the citizens to stop working in the mines, wondering why his
464:13 working in the mines, wondering why his words were being ignored. The locals
464:15 words were being ignored. The locals struggled to explain that their bodies
464:17 struggled to explain that their bodies were moving against their will, forcing
464:19 were moving against their will, forcing them to perform their usual actions
464:21 them to perform their usual actions regardless of their desires or fatigue.
464:23 regardless of their desires or fatigue. The frightened people fell to their
464:24 The frightened people fell to their knees before the Duke, begging for
464:26 knees before the Duke, begging for forgiveness and assuring him that they
464:28 forgiveness and assuring him that they did not want to provoke his anger with
464:30 did not want to provoke his anger with their strange behavior and disobedience.
464:32 their strange behavior and disobedience. The shocked Duke hurried to calm the
464:34 The shocked Duke hurried to calm the agitated residents, explaining that he
464:37 agitated residents, explaining that he did not blame them for what was
464:38 did not blame them for what was happening and began to consider a
464:40 happening and began to consider a possible solution to this difficult
464:42 possible solution to this difficult situation. Aaron suggested a temporary
464:44 situation. Aaron suggested a temporary solution to gather all the residents in
464:47 solution to gather all the residents in the castle. Realizing that a simple
464:49 the castle. Realizing that a simple conversation would not solve their
464:50 conversation would not solve their mysterious problem of losing control,
464:52 mysterious problem of losing control, Kano suggested that the magic spells
464:54 Kano suggested that the magic spells were still inside the people, not
464:56 were still inside the people, not completely gone even after their creator
464:58 completely gone even after their creator was defeated. Aaron realized the
464:59 was defeated. Aaron realized the seriousness of the situation.
465:01 seriousness of the situation. Understanding that if Kruella's
465:03 Understanding that if Kruella's influence had not truly dissipated, they
465:05 influence had not truly dissipated, they had very few options left to save the
465:07 had very few options left to save the residents. Upon receiving the Duke's
465:09 residents. Upon receiving the Duke's order, the locals immediately began
465:11 order, the locals immediately began moving their carts back to the castle,
465:13 moving their carts back to the castle, showing complete obedience to his
465:14 showing complete obedience to his commands and instructions. After the
465:16 commands and instructions. After the residents had left, the hero turned to
465:18 residents had left, the hero turned to the strategist and asked why the magical
465:20 the strategist and asked why the magical spells remained in place despite the
465:22 spells remained in place despite the apparent death of the powerful dragon.
465:24 apparent death of the powerful dragon. Kinos revealed the secret of dragon
465:26 Kinos revealed the secret of dragon immortality, explaining that after the
465:29 immortality, explaining that after the dragon's body disappears, it is reborn,
465:32 dragon's body disappears, it is reborn, continuing its previous life. The Duke
465:34 continuing its previous life. The Duke expressed his incomprehension of the
465:36 expressed his incomprehension of the complex dragon laws, but Kanos already
465:38 complex dragon laws, but Kanos already understood the main task to find
465:40 understood the main task to find Kruella's dragon egg hidden somewhere on
465:43 Kruella's dragon egg hidden somewhere on the continent. The dragon felt relieved
465:45 the continent. The dragon felt relieved that he already had a clue about the
465:46 that he already had a clue about the possible location of the important egg.
465:49 possible location of the important egg. Recalling the events of his
465:50 Recalling the events of his imprisonment, Kanos remembered a
465:52 imprisonment, Kanos remembered a conversation with his sister during his
465:53 conversation with his sister during his imprisonment when Kruella mocked his
465:55 imprisonment when Kruella mocked his decision to side with humans,
465:57 decision to side with humans, considering it a huge mistake, Kruella
465:59 considering it a huge mistake, Kruella expressed her joy at the opportunity to
466:01 expressed her joy at the opportunity to deal with her brother herself.
466:03 deal with her brother herself. Considering it a fitting end to their
466:05 Considering it a fitting end to their long feud and confrontation, the cruel
466:07 long feud and confrontation, the cruel dragonist planned to prolong her
466:09 dragonist planned to prolong her brother's torment, promising to slowly
466:11 brother's torment, promising to slowly torture and torment him for as long as
466:14 torture and torment him for as long as possible to enjoy his suffering. Kanos
466:16 possible to enjoy his suffering. Kanos remained surprisingly calm despite his
466:18 remained surprisingly calm despite his sister's cruel threats, as if he knew
466:20 sister's cruel threats, as if he knew something beyond her understanding and
466:22 something beyond her understanding and foresight. An inner feeling told the
466:24 foresight. An inner feeling told the dragon that it was his sister who would
466:25 dragon that it was his sister who would meet an inevitable death in their
466:27 meet an inevitable death in their confrontation, which changed the fate of
466:29 confrontation, which changed the fate of the continent. The ancient gods had
466:31 the continent. The ancient gods had witnessed the demise of many dragons who
466:33 witnessed the demise of many dragons who had attempted to harness the power of
466:34 had attempted to harness the power of ancient artifacts, and that same power
466:37 ancient artifacts, and that same power would destroy Kruella. Her brother's
466:39 would destroy Kruella. Her brother's words only made Kruella laugh, reminding
466:41 words only made Kruella laugh, reminding him of the uniqueness of a dragon's
466:43 him of the uniqueness of a dragon's death unlike any other in this vast
466:45 death unlike any other in this vast world. The dragonist boasted of her
466:47 world. The dragonist boasted of her foresight, telling of a hidden dragon
466:49 foresight, telling of a hidden dragon egg protected by powerful spells from
466:51 egg protected by powerful spells from any search. Kruella was certain that as
466:53 any search. Kruella was certain that as long as the egg remained intact and
466:55 long as the egg remained intact and unharmed, her magical power would
466:57 unharmed, her magical power would forever rule the continent, enslaving
466:59 forever rule the continent, enslaving its inhabitants. The secret nest was
467:01 its inhabitants. The secret nest was safely hidden in a place inaccessible
467:03 safely hidden in a place inaccessible even to the allseeing eyes of the
467:05 even to the allseeing eyes of the ancient gods, making it the perfect
467:07 ancient gods, making it the perfect refuge for the dragon egg. After much
467:09 refuge for the dragon egg. After much reflection in captivity, Kanos came to
467:11 reflection in captivity, Kanos came to realize that there was only one place on
467:13 realize that there was only one place on the continent that was unknown even to
467:15 the continent that was unknown even to the powerful gods. Deep within the black
467:17 the powerful gods. Deep within the black continent lay an ancient piece of land
467:19 continent lay an ancient piece of land that had remained untouched since the
467:21 that had remained untouched since the creation of this mysterious world. This
467:23 creation of this mysterious world. This sacred land had never been touched by
467:25 sacred land had never been touched by human feet, remaining unnoticed even by
467:27 human feet, remaining unnoticed even by the ancient gods for countless
467:29 the ancient gods for countless centuries. The nameless place was a huge
467:31 centuries. The nameless place was a huge mountain that exuded impenetrable
467:33 mountain that exuded impenetrable darkness and held many ancient secrets
467:35 darkness and held many ancient secrets within its depths. After carefully
467:37 within its depths. After carefully studying the situation, Aaron came to
467:40 studying the situation, Aaron came to the conclusion that the precious egg
467:41 the conclusion that the precious egg must be hidden somewhere in this
467:43 must be hidden somewhere in this sinister and mysterious place. The hero
467:45 sinister and mysterious place. The hero reasoned that the egg must be in a
467:47 reasoned that the egg must be in a mountain cave. Knowing about the innate
467:49 mountain cave. Knowing about the innate instinct of dragons to care for their
467:51 instinct of dragons to care for their offspring even in the most difficult
467:52 offspring even in the most difficult conditions. Agreeing with the logic of
467:54 conditions. Agreeing with the logic of his reasoning, Aaron urged the group to
467:56 his reasoning, Aaron urged the group to continue on their chosen path so as not
467:58 continue on their chosen path so as not to waste precious time searching. As
468:00 to waste precious time searching. As they approached the mountain, Aaron and
468:02 they approached the mountain, Aaron and Kanos began to hear strange sounds,
468:04 Kanos began to hear strange sounds, causing the hero to draw his sword in
468:06 causing the hero to draw his sword in readiness for possible danger. Kanos
468:08 readiness for possible danger. Kanos remained calm, explaining that it was
468:10 remained calm, explaining that it was the awakening of the ancient spirit of
468:12 the awakening of the ancient spirit of the mountain, which was an unusual event
468:14 the mountain, which was an unusual event for this normally dormant creature. A
468:16 for this normally dormant creature. A huge monster appeared before the
468:18 huge monster appeared before the travelers, woven from living vines and
468:20 travelers, woven from living vines and tree bark, clearly intent on protecting
468:22 tree bark, clearly intent on protecting the dragon's egg from any uninvited
468:24 the dragon's egg from any uninvited guests. A multitude of similar forest
468:27 guests. A multitude of similar forest monsters rushed toward the travelers,
468:29 monsters rushed toward the travelers, intent on either driving away or
468:31 intent on either driving away or destroying those who dared to disturb
468:32 destroying those who dared to disturb the peace of the sacred mountain. Aaron,
468:35 the peace of the sacred mountain. Aaron, experienced in battle and having already
468:37 experienced in battle and having already defeated an ancient dragon, was
468:39 defeated an ancient dragon, was confident in his ability to deal with
468:41 confident in his ability to deal with the spirits of the forest, no matter how
468:43 the spirits of the forest, no matter how strong they seemed. During the battle,
468:46 strong they seemed. During the battle, Kanos in his dragon form shielded Aaron
468:49 Kanos in his dragon form shielded Aaron from invisible enemies, creating perfect
468:51 from invisible enemies, creating perfect combat synergy between warrior and
468:53 combat synergy between warrior and dragon. After defeating the forest
468:55 dragon. After defeating the forest creatures, Kynos warned that the
468:57 creatures, Kynos warned that the defeated enemies were merely puppets of
468:59 defeated enemies were merely puppets of the true spirit of the forest, which
469:01 the true spirit of the forest, which possessed incredible power. The earth
469:03 possessed incredible power. The earth shook in response to the dragon's words,
469:05 shook in response to the dragon's words, and Kanos offered Aaron a place on his
469:07 and Kanos offered Aaron a place on his back, preparing to take to the air for a
469:09 back, preparing to take to the air for a better view. The spirit's giant hand,
469:11 better view. The spirit's giant hand, larger than the dragon itself, reached
469:13 larger than the dragon itself, reached out toward the travelers, trying to grab
469:15 out toward the travelers, trying to grab them with its powerful grip. From their
469:17 them with its powerful grip. From their height, the travelers were able to fully
469:19 height, the travelers were able to fully appreciate the incredible size of the
469:21 appreciate the incredible size of the mountain spirit, whose figure towered
469:23 mountain spirit, whose figure towered above the mountain itself, dwarfing it
469:25 above the mountain itself, dwarfing it with its grandeur. Kanos explained that
469:27 with its grandeur. Kanos explained that the mountain spirit was under the spell
469:29 the mountain spirit was under the spell of Kruella, who had forced it to guard
469:31 of Kruella, who had forced it to guard the mountain, where the dragon's egg was
469:33 the mountain, where the dragon's egg was hidden. Realizing the futility of
469:34 hidden. Realizing the futility of fighting the enraged giant, Kynos
469:36 fighting the enraged giant, Kynos suggested postponing the search until
469:38 suggested postponing the search until the next day, aware of the deadly danger
469:40 the next day, aware of the deadly danger of any blow from the spirit, Aaron
469:42 of any blow from the spirit, Aaron firmly rejected the suggestion to
469:44 firmly rejected the suggestion to retreat. Unwilling to put off until
469:46 retreat. Unwilling to put off until tomorrow what could be done immediately.
469:48 tomorrow what could be done immediately. Jumping off the dragon's back, the hero
469:50 Jumping off the dragon's back, the hero confidently told Kanos that destroying
469:52 confidently told Kanos that destroying mountains had always been his specialty.
469:54 mountains had always been his specialty. During training in his renewed body, the
469:56 During training in his renewed body, the hero managed to absorb a significant
469:58 hero managed to absorb a significant portion of the forest monster's power.
470:01 portion of the forest monster's power. Though he was unable to cut it down with
470:02 Though he was unable to cut it down with his sword, feeling the absorbed power
470:04 his sword, feeling the absorbed power filling every cell of his body, Aaron
470:07 filling every cell of his body, Aaron cast a powerful whirlwind spell,
470:09 cast a powerful whirlwind spell, instantly destroying his giant opponent.
470:11 instantly destroying his giant opponent. The force of the explosion was so great
470:13 The force of the explosion was so great that it threw Aaron himself to the top
470:15 that it threw Aaron himself to the top of the mountain, making him realize the
470:17 of the mountain, making him realize the need for long training to master his new
470:19 need for long training to master his new power. The hero finally reached his goal
470:21 power. The hero finally reached his goal and discovered a precious find.
470:23 and discovered a precious find. Kruella's mysterious egg. Hidden deep
470:25 Kruella's mysterious egg. Hidden deep within an ancient mountain. After a long
470:27 within an ancient mountain. After a long search, the dragon's nest glowed with a
470:30 search, the dragon's nest glowed with a mystical blue light of protective magic.
470:32 mystical blue light of protective magic. Clearly visible in the surrounding
470:34 Clearly visible in the surrounding darkness of the mountain cave with its
470:35 darkness of the mountain cave with its unearly glow. Kinos looked at the nest
470:38 unearly glow. Kinos looked at the nest with awe. Realizing that this was where
470:40 with awe. Realizing that this was where the new lord would appear, whose power
470:42 the new lord would appear, whose power could burn the earth and freeze the
470:44 could burn the earth and freeze the blood in its veins. The dragon began to
470:46 blood in its veins. The dragon began to utter an ancient spell in a language
470:48 utter an ancient spell in a language unknown to Aaron. and the egg responded
470:50 unknown to Aaron. and the egg responded to the magical call, covering itself
470:52 to the magical call, covering itself with a web of tiny cracks. A small
470:54 with a web of tiny cracks. A small dragon emerged from the cracked shell
470:56 dragon emerged from the cracked shell and immediately began to make loud
470:58 and immediately began to make loud noises and look around helplessly in
471:00 noises and look around helplessly in search of its mother's care. After the
471:02 search of its mother's care. After the hatching ceremony was over, Kynos
471:04 hatching ceremony was over, Kynos explained to Aaron that now there was
471:06 explained to Aaron that now there was only one task left, to get rid of the
471:08 only one task left, to get rid of the newborn dragon forever. The Duke watched
471:11 newborn dragon forever. The Duke watched closely as the tiny, helpless creature,
471:13 closely as the tiny, helpless creature, which at that moment posed no threat to
471:15 which at that moment posed no threat to the world around it, struggled to
471:17 the world around it, struggled to breathe. Aaron turned to Kanos with a
471:19 breathe. Aaron turned to Kanos with a question about whether there was another
471:20 question about whether there was another way to dispel Kruella's magic without
471:23 way to dispel Kruella's magic without resorting to killing the innocent
471:24 resorting to killing the innocent dragon. The dragon explained the
471:26 dragon. The dragon explained the complexity of the situation. Even if an
471:28 complexity of the situation. Even if an alternative method could be found, the
471:30 alternative method could be found, the magic would simply transfer to another
471:32 magic would simply transfer to another host, and only the bearer of the
471:34 host, and only the bearer of the dragon's soul would be able to control
471:35 dragon's soul would be able to control it. The hero firmly stated his decision
471:37 it. The hero firmly stated his decision to spare little Kruella's life if there
471:40 to spare little Kruella's life if there was even the slightest chance of
471:41 was even the slightest chance of avoiding the killing of an innocent
471:42 avoiding the killing of an innocent creature. Kanos tried to warn Aaron,
471:45 creature. Kanos tried to warn Aaron, reminding him of Kruella's legacy and
471:47 reminding him of Kruella's legacy and the unknown degree of wickedness in the
471:49 the unknown degree of wickedness in the little dragon's soul. The Duke pondered
471:51 little dragon's soul. The Duke pondered the incredible power contained within
471:53 the incredible power contained within the descendant of an ancient dragon and
471:55 the descendant of an ancient dragon and did not want to miss the opportunity to
471:57 did not want to miss the opportunity to gain such a powerful ally. Aaron offered
472:00 gain such a powerful ally. Aaron offered Cyenos to bind his soul to the dragon
472:01 Cyenos to bind his soul to the dragon for complete control, expressing his
472:03 for complete control, expressing his intention to raise and educate the young
472:05 intention to raise and educate the young creature himself. Evening twilight
472:07 creature himself. Evening twilight enveloped the castle where Jacqueline,
472:09 enveloped the castle where Jacqueline, Miller, and Rex waited patiently on one
472:12 Miller, and Rex waited patiently on one of the balconies for the return of their
472:13 of the balconies for the return of their leader. Miller was particularly
472:15 leader. Miller was particularly concerned about the Duke's prolonged
472:17 concerned about the Duke's prolonged absence. Unable to find peace as he
472:19 absence. Unable to find peace as he waited anxiously for news of his fate.
472:21 waited anxiously for news of his fate. The lack of communication with Aaron
472:23 The lack of communication with Aaron after the promised 2-day return deadline
472:25 after the promised 2-day return deadline made Miller seriously fear for the
472:27 made Miller seriously fear for the Duke's safety. Jacqueline noted with
472:29 Duke's safety. Jacqueline noted with surprise the unusual degree of concern
472:31 surprise the unusual degree of concern the captain showed for the Duke's fate,
472:33 the captain showed for the Duke's fate, which he had never before displayed so
472:35 which he had never before displayed so openly. Rex urged Miller to be patient,
472:38 openly. Rex urged Miller to be patient, expressing his firm confidence that
472:40 expressing his firm confidence that Aaron would return safely from his
472:41 Aaron would return safely from his dangerous journey in the near future.
472:43 dangerous journey in the near future. The agitated captain refused to listen
472:45 The agitated captain refused to listen to his comrad's reassurances and
472:47 to his comrad's reassurances and insisted on organizing a rescue
472:49 insisted on organizing a rescue expedition immediately. A sudden crash
472:51 expedition immediately. A sudden crash of collapsing walls made everyone alert,
472:53 of collapsing walls made everyone alert, and Miller instantly drew his sword,
472:55 and Miller instantly drew his sword, preparing for a possible attack. The
472:57 preparing for a possible attack. The attentive Jacqueline quickly assessed
472:59 attentive Jacqueline quickly assessed the situation and warned her companions
473:01 the situation and warned her companions of the castle's collapse, urging them to
473:03 of the castle's collapse, urging them to evacuate immediately. Watching the
473:05 evacuate immediately. Watching the complete destruction of the castle, Rex
473:08 complete destruction of the castle, Rex concluded that the magical spells that
473:09 concluded that the magical spells that had caused such extensive damage had
473:11 had caused such extensive damage had been successfully removed. Miller noted
473:14 been successfully removed. Miller noted with relief the timeliness of the Duke's
473:16 with relief the timeliness of the Duke's actions, realizing that otherwise he
473:18 actions, realizing that otherwise he would have had to organize a search
473:19 would have had to organize a search operation. Jacqueline pointed to the
473:21 operation. Jacqueline pointed to the horizon where the majestic figure of the
473:23 horizon where the majestic figure of the dragon Kinos appeared in the rays of the
473:25 dragon Kinos appeared in the rays of the setting sun with Aaron on his back.
473:27 setting sun with Aaron on his back. Kruella's little dragon following the
473:29 Kruella's little dragon following the hero symbolized the successful union of
473:32 hero symbolized the successful union of souls and the complete dissipation of
473:33 souls and the complete dissipation of the ancient spell on the black
473:35 the ancient spell on the black continent. After these events, all the
473:37 continent. After these events, all the plans for the black continent began to
473:39 plans for the black continent began to come to fruition with surprising speed
473:41 come to fruition with surprising speed and efficiency. The local residents
473:43 and efficiency. The local residents voluntarily joined Aaron's army,
473:45 voluntarily joined Aaron's army, recognizing him as their liberator and
473:46 recognizing him as their liberator and wishing to serve under his command. The
473:48 wishing to serve under his command. The population actively participated in the
473:50 population actively participated in the construction of ships needed to return
473:52 construction of ships needed to return to the duche of Bran, using their skills
473:55 to the duche of Bran, using their skills and abilities. All that remained for
473:56 and abilities. All that remained for Aaron was to return to his homeland at
473:58 Aaron was to return to his homeland at the head of a powerful army capable of
474:00 the head of a powerful army capable of standing up to the emperor accompanied
474:02 standing up to the emperor accompanied by untold treasures. While the fleet was
474:05 by untold treasures. While the fleet was being built, Aaron and Kanos raised the
474:07 being built, Aaron and Kanos raised the rapidly growing dragonist Aon, marveling
474:10 rapidly growing dragonist Aon, marveling at her rapid development. The young
474:12 at her rapid development. The young dragonist showed sincere affection for
474:14 dragonist showed sincere affection for Aaron and flawlessly obeyed his
474:16 Aaron and flawlessly obeyed his commands, astonishing the man with her
474:18 commands, astonishing the man with her magical abilities. Kinos acknowledged
474:20 magical abilities. Kinos acknowledged Aaron's incredible luck, emphasizing the
474:22 Aaron's incredible luck, emphasizing the rarity of dragons being born with such
474:24 rarity of dragons being born with such innate magical talents and abilities.
474:27 innate magical talents and abilities. Young Aaron showed remarkable obedience,
474:29 Young Aaron showed remarkable obedience, following the hero's instructions with
474:31 following the hero's instructions with such precision that every interaction
474:33 such precision that every interaction between them seemed perfectly
474:34 between them seemed perfectly coordinated. Aaron realized that
474:36 coordinated. Aaron realized that controlling Aaron's actions guaranteed
474:38 controlling Aaron's actions guaranteed the safety of those around him as long
474:40 the safety of those around him as long as the dragon obeyed his guidance and
474:42 as the dragon obeyed his guidance and commands. Raising Aaron reminded Aaron
474:44 commands. Raising Aaron reminded Aaron of caring for his own daughter. Their
474:47 of caring for his own daughter. Their communication had become so natural and
474:49 communication had become so natural and close despite the dragon nature of his
474:51 close despite the dragon nature of his ward. It was time for training and the
474:53 ward. It was time for training and the hero gathered all the participants for
474:55 hero gathered all the participants for special exercises with the young dragon
474:57 special exercises with the young dragon under his guidance. The obedient Iran
474:59 under his guidance. The obedient Iran immediately ran up to her master,
475:01 immediately ran up to her master, allowed him to climb onto her back, and
475:03 allowed him to climb onto her back, and then they soared high into the blue sky
475:05 then they soared high into the blue sky together. Kanos took his true dragon
475:07 together. Kanos took his true dragon form and followed the training pair,
475:09 form and followed the training pair, watching their interaction in the air
475:10 watching their interaction in the air closely. The hero teased his strategist
475:13 closely. The hero teased his strategist with cheerful enthusiasm. Noticing that
475:15 with cheerful enthusiasm. Noticing that he was struggling to keep up with their
475:16 he was struggling to keep up with their rapid pace. Annoyed by the teasing,
475:19 rapid pace. Annoyed by the teasing, Kynos decided to conduct a real training
475:21 Kynos decided to conduct a real training session and rushed forward, intending to
475:23 session and rushed forward, intending to throw off the confident rider. The young
475:25 throw off the confident rider. The young dragonist demonstrated an amazing
475:27 dragonist demonstrated an amazing reaction. Instantly teleporting to
475:29 reaction. Instantly teleporting to another location. As the older dragon's
475:31 another location. As the older dragon's jaws approached, the experienced Kinos
475:34 jaws approached, the experienced Kinos continued the pursuit, using his age and
475:37 continued the pursuit, using his age and speed to his advantage. But Aan slipped
475:39 speed to his advantage. But Aan slipped away each time using teleportation. The
475:42 away each time using teleportation. The rapid development of Iran's abilities
475:44 rapid development of Iran's abilities amazed Kinos. Although he had expected
475:46 amazed Kinos. Although he had expected outstanding talents from the Ays of the
475:48 outstanding talents from the Ays of the powerful Kruella, the training continued
475:50 powerful Kruella, the training continued with a series of teleportations and
475:52 with a series of teleportations and chases until suddenly Aaron froze in
475:54 chases until suddenly Aaron froze in midair, drawn by something unusual.
475:56 midair, drawn by something unusual. Aaron watched anxiously as Kynos
475:58 Aaron watched anxiously as Kynos approached at tremendous speed, trying
476:01 approached at tremendous speed, trying to understand the reason for his ward's
476:02 to understand the reason for his ward's unexpected stop. Ignoring her rider's
476:05 unexpected stop. Ignoring her rider's commands, Irin suddenly dove down and
476:07 commands, Irin suddenly dove down and teleported to the ground, and the
476:09 teleported to the ground, and the worried Kanos followed them. The reason
476:11 worried Kanos followed them. The reason for the Dragonness's strange behavior
476:13 for the Dragonness's strange behavior was revealed when a portal appeared from
476:15 was revealed when a portal appeared from which Cheryl emerged, drawn by a
476:18 which Cheryl emerged, drawn by a familiar magical energy. Cheryl froze in
476:20 familiar magical energy. Cheryl froze in amazement at the sight of her brother in
476:22 amazement at the sight of her brother in the company of two imposing dragons. Not
476:24 the company of two imposing dragons. Not expecting such an unusual encounter,
476:27 expecting such an unusual encounter, Aaron took on human form, helping Cheryl
476:29 Aaron took on human form, helping Cheryl understand the true nature of Kanos and
476:31 understand the true nature of Kanos and his kinship with the young dragoness.
476:33 his kinship with the young dragoness. Shocked, Cheryl recognized Kanos as the
476:35 Shocked, Cheryl recognized Kanos as the very dragon who had come to their aid
476:37 very dragon who had come to their aid during their sea voyage. The girl
476:38 during their sea voyage. The girl curiously asked the dragon about the
476:40 curiously asked the dragon about the reasons for using fire in the orc
476:42 reasons for using fire in the orc fortress and learned about his
476:44 fortress and learned about his confrontation with the giants. Aaron
476:46 confrontation with the giants. Aaron shared information about his
476:47 shared information about his collaboration with Cyenos in the fight
476:49 collaboration with Cyenos in the fight against the black dragon that ruled the
476:50 against the black dragon that ruled the black continent. Cheryl needed time to
476:52 black continent. Cheryl needed time to process the information she had
476:54 process the information she had received, and her brother apologized for
476:56 received, and her brother apologized for not being able to contact her sooner due
476:58 not being able to contact her sooner due to the great distance between them. To
477:00 to the great distance between them. To Aaron's surprise, his sister reacted
477:02 Aaron's surprise, his sister reacted with enthusiasm, rejoicing at the
477:04 with enthusiasm, rejoicing at the successful developments on the Black
477:06 successful developments on the Black Continent. The presence of two powerful
477:08 Continent. The presence of two powerful dragons, in addition to the army from
477:10 dragons, in addition to the army from the Black Continent, significantly
477:12 the Black Continent, significantly strengthened their military potential.
477:14 strengthened their military potential. Cheryl realized that the conquest of the
477:15 Cheryl realized that the conquest of the Holy Kingdom now seemed much more
477:17 Holy Kingdom now seemed much more achievable than it had previously
477:19 achievable than it had previously appeared. Alarmed, Aaron and Kanos
477:21 appeared. Alarmed, Aaron and Kanos approached the girl, fearing new threats
477:23 approached the girl, fearing new threats from the Holy Kingdom to their lands.
477:25 from the Holy Kingdom to their lands. Cheryl shared important news that the
477:26 Cheryl shared important news that the Holy Kingdom was accused of involvement
477:28 Holy Kingdom was accused of involvement in the disasters that had befallen the
477:30 in the disasters that had befallen the continent. The sister warned Aaron of
477:32 continent. The sister warned Aaron of the need to return to the duche
477:33 the need to return to the duche immediately to prevent the situation
477:35 immediately to prevent the situation from escalating. Cheryl expressed
477:37 from escalating. Cheryl expressed concern about the possible actions of
477:39 concern about the possible actions of the Holy Kingdom's pope in alliance with
477:40 the Holy Kingdom's pope in alliance with the emperor, which threatened their
477:42 the emperor, which threatened their interests. Aaron immediately went to
477:44 interests. Aaron immediately went to Jacqueline to discuss the situation, but
477:46 Jacqueline to discuss the situation, but the ship builder expressed clear
477:48 the ship builder expressed clear dissatisfaction with the need to return
477:49 dissatisfaction with the need to return to the duche urgently. Jacqueline
477:52 to the duche urgently. Jacqueline pointed to the unfinished ship,
477:53 pointed to the unfinished ship, explaining that even with maximum
477:55 explaining that even with maximum effort, it would take at least two weeks
477:57 effort, it would take at least two weeks to complete the construction. Rex
477:59 to complete the construction. Rex supported Jacqueline's position,
478:00 supported Jacqueline's position, emphasizing the absurdity of the idea of
478:02 emphasizing the absurdity of the idea of transporting tens of thousands of
478:04 transporting tens of thousands of soldiers across the sea in ordinary
478:06 soldiers across the sea in ordinary wooden boats without proper preparation.
478:08 wooden boats without proper preparation. Cheryl reacted indignantly to their
478:10 Cheryl reacted indignantly to their words, unable to understand how they
478:12 words, unable to understand how they could ignore the seriousness of the
478:14 could ignore the seriousness of the situation when the duche was plunging
478:16 situation when the duche was plunging into complete chaos. The Duke's sister
478:18 into complete chaos. The Duke's sister insisted on immediate action, arguing
478:20 insisted on immediate action, arguing that they had no time for lengthy ship
478:22 that they had no time for lengthy ship building when the situation demanded
478:24 building when the situation demanded urgent intervention. The heated argument
478:26 urgent intervention. The heated argument between the advisers continued until the
478:28 between the advisers continued until the irritated hero interrupted the dispute
478:30 irritated hero interrupted the dispute with a loud call for silence and order.
478:33 with a loud call for silence and order. Aaron acknowledged that haste was
478:34 Aaron acknowledged that haste was undesirable, but he understood that the
478:36 undesirable, but he understood that the loss of the duche would render all their
478:38 loss of the duche would render all their efforts and achievements on the black
478:40 efforts and achievements on the black continent worthless. The hero expressed
478:42 continent worthless. The hero expressed his complete agreement with his sister's
478:44 his complete agreement with his sister's position, emphasizing the need to return
478:46 position, emphasizing the need to return to their possessions as quickly as
478:48 to their possessions as quickly as possible. Kinos, who had been closely
478:50 possible. Kinos, who had been closely following the discussion, proposed a
478:52 following the discussion, proposed a compromise, noting that not everyone was
478:54 compromise, noting that not everyone was obliged to return with Aaron. The dragon
478:56 obliged to return with Aaron. The dragon explained that it was the Duke as the
478:58 explained that it was the Duke as the legitimate heir to the throne, who was
479:00 legitimate heir to the throne, who was of particular concern to the emperor,
479:02 of particular concern to the emperor, who sought to control the growing power.
479:05 who sought to control the growing power. The strategist warned that news of the
479:06 The strategist warned that news of the formation of a large army under the
479:08 formation of a large army under the Duke's command would provoke the emperor
479:10 Duke's command would provoke the emperor into more decisive action. Kanos
479:12 into more decisive action. Kanos emphasized the danger of premature
479:14 emphasized the danger of premature involvement in a large-scale conflict
479:16 involvement in a large-scale conflict for which they were not yet adequately
479:18 for which they were not yet adequately prepared. The hero was aware of the need
479:20 prepared. The hero was aware of the need to maintain control over the course of
479:21 to maintain control over the course of military operations, but he was unsure
479:24 military operations, but he was unsure about the right strategy to counter the
479:26 about the right strategy to counter the threat. Aaron agreed with Cyenos,
479:28 threat. Aaron agreed with Cyenos, realizing that the appearance of a huge
479:30 realizing that the appearance of a huge army would effectively reveal all their
479:31 army would effectively reveal all their plans to the emperor ahead of time.
479:33 plans to the emperor ahead of time. Having made his decision, the hero
479:35 Having made his decision, the hero announced that only a small group,
479:37 announced that only a small group, including himself, Cheryl, Kanos, and
479:39 including himself, Cheryl, Kanos, and Iron, would temporarily return to the
479:41 Iron, would temporarily return to the Duche. Those remaining on the continent
479:43 Duche. Those remaining on the continent were given clear instructions to prepare
479:45 were given clear instructions to prepare and wait either for the hero's return or
479:48 and wait either for the hero's return or for special instructions from the duche.
479:50 for special instructions from the duche. The emperor, concerned by alarming
479:52 The emperor, concerned by alarming rumors, summoned the Holy Father for a
479:54 rumors, summoned the Holy Father for a serious conversation and clarification
479:56 serious conversation and clarification of the situation in the lands under his
479:58 of the situation in the lands under his control. The ruler demanded that the
480:00 control. The ruler demanded that the pope explain and refute all the
480:02 pope explain and refute all the unpleasant rumors that had been
480:03 unpleasant rumors that had been circulating recently in the highest
480:05 circulating recently in the highest circles. The emperor paid particular
480:07 circles. The emperor paid particular attention to information about the
480:08 attention to information about the release of the holy knights of the
480:10 release of the holy knights of the church of Viven and their subsequent
480:12 church of Viven and their subsequent dispatch to the territory of Bran. The
480:14 dispatch to the territory of Bran. The Holy Father nervously explained his
480:16 Holy Father nervously explained his actions as divine intervention, warning
480:18 actions as divine intervention, warning of an invasion of monsters in Bran and
480:20 of an invasion of monsters in Bran and the imminent death of the knights. The
480:22 the imminent death of the knights. The emperor responded with a mocking remark,
480:24 emperor responded with a mocking remark, pointing out the lack of any information
480:26 pointing out the lack of any information about catastrophic events in Bran. The
480:28 about catastrophic events in Bran. The ruler sarcastically suggested that there
480:30 ruler sarcastically suggested that there might have been a mistake either in the
480:32 might have been a mistake either in the divine revelation or in the actions of
480:34 divine revelation or in the actions of the pope himself who had initiated the
480:36 the pope himself who had initiated the intrigue. The agitated holy father
480:38 intrigue. The agitated holy father confessed the true purpose of his
480:40 confessed the true purpose of his actions to take revenge on Bran by any
480:42 actions to take revenge on Bran by any means necessary. The emperor expressed
480:45 means necessary. The emperor expressed his dissatisfaction with the pope's
480:46 his dissatisfaction with the pope's position, asking a direct question about
480:49 position, asking a direct question about his alleged role in these intrigues. The
480:51 his alleged role in these intrigues. The ruler reminded him of his sacred status
480:53 ruler reminded him of his sacred status as the embodiment of divine power which
480:56 as the embodiment of divine power which required appropriate actions, not petty
480:58 required appropriate actions, not petty intrigues. The frightened pope bowed
481:00 intrigues. The frightened pope bowed deeply in apology, but the emperor
481:03 deeply in apology, but the emperor advised him to seek forgiveness from his
481:04 advised him to seek forgiveness from his deity. The ruler offered the holy father
481:07 deity. The ruler offered the holy father a chance to rectify the situation by
481:09 a chance to rectify the situation by entrusting him with the organization of
481:11 entrusting him with the organization of intrigues to create a schism in Bran's
481:13 intrigues to create a schism in Bran's territory. In the evening, Bronna's
481:15 territory. In the evening, Bronna's territory was subjected to a massive
481:17 territory was subjected to a massive attack by goblins who rushed toward the
481:19 attack by goblins who rushed toward the fortress walls like a wave. Commander
481:21 fortress walls like a wave. Commander Raml led the defense, urging the
481:23 Raml led the defense, urging the warriors to repel the monsters attacks
481:25 warriors to repel the monsters attacks and prevent them from penetrating the
481:27 and prevent them from penetrating the castle walls. The defender's first
481:29 castle walls. The defender's first volley proved effective, sending many of
481:31 volley proved effective, sending many of the attacking monsters to their deaths
481:32 the attacking monsters to their deaths as they fell from the walls. Wounded,
481:34 as they fell from the walls. Wounded, but still able to move, the possessed
481:37 but still able to move, the possessed monsters fanatically continued their
481:39 monsters fanatically continued their assault on the walls, ignoring the
481:41 assault on the walls, ignoring the damage they had sustained. Some monsters
481:43 damage they had sustained. Some monsters managed to break through while the
481:44 managed to break through while the boughs were reloading, but Raml's timely
481:47 boughs were reloading, but Raml's timely intervention prevented further
481:48 intervention prevented further penetration. The fierce battle continued
481:51 penetration. The fierce battle continued with increasing intensity, and Raml
481:53 with increasing intensity, and Raml realized that the enemy's numbers could
481:54 realized that the enemy's numbers could lead to the fall of the castle walls.
481:57 lead to the fall of the castle walls. Raml turned to Commander Bianca,
481:59 Raml turned to Commander Bianca, requesting information about the
482:00 requesting information about the situation below and the possibility of
482:02 situation below and the possibility of obtaining additional fighters to
482:04 obtaining additional fighters to strengthen the defense. Bianca,
482:05 strengthen the defense. Bianca, defending the gate, refused to help.
482:07 defending the gate, refused to help. Realizing that the monsters would
482:09 Realizing that the monsters would inevitably break through the gate, which
482:11 inevitably break through the gate, which had been weakened by constant attacks,
482:13 had been weakened by constant attacks, at the critical moment, Bianca ordered
482:15 at the critical moment, Bianca ordered the knights to prepare for a final
482:16 the knights to prepare for a final defense and turned to the goddess Viven
482:18 defense and turned to the goddess Viven with a plea for strength. The knights
482:20 with a plea for strength. The knights holy swords lost their usual golden
482:23 holy swords lost their usual golden glow, demonstrating their patroness'
482:25 glow, demonstrating their patroness' continued inability to help her faithful
482:27 continued inability to help her faithful followers. Suddenly, Raml and Bianca
482:30 followers. Suddenly, Raml and Bianca froze in amazement when they noticed a
482:31 froze in amazement when they noticed a familiar dragon in the sky, one that had
482:34 familiar dragon in the sky, one that had previously participated in the battle
482:36 previously participated in the battle with the giants. Seeing the dragon
482:38 with the giants. Seeing the dragon preparing for a fiery attack, Raml
482:40 preparing for a fiery attack, Raml hastily evacuated the people from the
482:42 hastily evacuated the people from the wall. Fearing friendly fire, the dragon
482:44 wall. Fearing friendly fire, the dragon flew past the fortress and unleashed its
482:46 flew past the fortress and unleashed its flames on the gathered monsters, turning
482:48 flames on the gathered monsters, turning their death cries into eternal silence.
482:51 their death cries into eternal silence. Raml watched in bewilderment, unable to
482:53 Raml watched in bewilderment, unable to understand the reasons for the dragon's
482:55 understand the reasons for the dragon's unexpected help in the fight against the
482:56 unexpected help in the fight against the monsters. The explanation came when the
482:58 monsters. The explanation came when the commander noticed Duke Bran himself on
483:00 commander noticed Duke Bran himself on the dragon's back, which seemed almost
483:02 the dragon's back, which seemed almost impossible. Aaron greeted the astonished
483:04 impossible. Aaron greeted the astonished knight with a cheerful smile, enjoying
483:06 knight with a cheerful smile, enjoying the effect of his unexpected appearance.
483:09 the effect of his unexpected appearance. Without giving Raml time for a joyful
483:11 Without giving Raml time for a joyful greeting, the hero rushed off to
483:12 greeting, the hero rushed off to continue the battle, promising a
483:14 continue the battle, promising a detailed conversation after all the
483:16 detailed conversation after all the monsters had been destroyed. The hero
483:18 monsters had been destroyed. The hero demonstrated not only the effectiveness
483:20 demonstrated not only the effectiveness of dragonfire, but also the impressive
483:22 of dragonfire, but also the impressive sword skills he had acquired on the
483:24 sword skills he had acquired on the black continent. After the battle, at an
483:26 black continent. After the battle, at an emergency council meeting, an angry
483:28 emergency council meeting, an angry Aaron learned of the Holy Kingdom's
483:30 Aaron learned of the Holy Kingdom's actions to grant immunity. Particular
483:32 actions to grant immunity. Particular attention was drawn to official
483:34 attention was drawn to official documents releasing the members of
483:35 documents releasing the members of Viven's church from their previous
483:37 Viven's church from their previous obligations and protecting them from
483:39 obligations and protecting them from arrest. Raml confirmed that the Viven
483:41 arrest. Raml confirmed that the Viven church was free from the need to hide
483:44 church was free from the need to hide and the hero inquired about the city's
483:45 and the hero inquired about the city's reaction to these changes. The commander
483:48 reaction to these changes. The commander reported that opinions were divided.
483:50 reported that opinions were divided. Some had submitted petitions for
483:52 Some had submitted petitions for immunity to avoid persecution by the
483:54 immunity to avoid persecution by the authorities. The majority of Vivian
483:56 authorities. The majority of Vivian church believers rejected the immunity
483:58 church believers rejected the immunity offered, viewing the situation as a test
484:00 offered, viewing the situation as a test of their true faith. Cheryl responded
484:02 of their true faith. Cheryl responded with laughter, expressing understanding
484:04 with laughter, expressing understanding for the position of those who had
484:05 for the position of those who had refused the offered protection. The
484:07 refused the offered protection. The Duke's sister noted the suspicious
484:09 Duke's sister noted the suspicious nature of the sudden display of
484:10 nature of the sudden display of generosity from the kingdom. Known for
484:12 generosity from the kingdom. Known for its desire for enslavement, everyone
484:14 its desire for enslavement, everyone present was aware of the holy kingdom's
484:16 present was aware of the holy kingdom's hidden intentions. Although the exact
484:18 hidden intentions. Although the exact nature of their plans remained unclear,
484:21 nature of their plans remained unclear, Kynos suggested that the protest could
484:22 Kynos suggested that the protest could be used as a pretext for invading their
484:24 be used as a pretext for invading their territory. Draken explained the
484:26 territory. Draken explained the complexity of the situation. Refusing
484:28 complexity of the situation. Refusing immunity made believers easy prey while
484:31 immunity made believers easy prey while forcing them to accept it put the
484:33 forcing them to accept it put the territory in a difficult position. Aaron
484:35 territory in a difficult position. Aaron realized with dismay the hopelessness of
484:37 realized with dismay the hopelessness of the situation described by Kanos.
484:39 the situation described by Kanos. Feeling intense irritation at his own
484:41 Feeling intense irritation at his own powerlessness to change anything. A
484:43 powerlessness to change anything. A knight who had suddenly arrived reported
484:45 knight who had suddenly arrived reported new arrests of members of Viven's church
484:47 new arrests of members of Viven's church who had refused immunity by the Knights
484:49 who had refused immunity by the Knights of Pars. Those present witnessed a
484:51 of Pars. Those present witnessed a brutal scene. Two men roughly dragged a
484:54 brutal scene. Two men roughly dragged a woman across the ground and then threw
484:55 woman across the ground and then threw her down with force. Trembling with pain
484:57 her down with force. Trembling with pain and humiliation, the woman listened to
485:00 and humiliation, the woman listened to the paladin of Pars explain the
485:01 the paladin of Pars explain the punishment for disregarding the mercy of
485:03 punishment for disregarding the mercy of their deity. The paladin ordered his
485:05 their deity. The paladin ordered his knights to continue arresting all
485:07 knights to continue arresting all followers of the Viviian church who were
485:08 followers of the Viviian church who were found resisting. The Duke appeared and
485:10 found resisting. The Duke appeared and ordered the paladins to cease their
485:12 ordered the paladins to cease their actions, demanding an immediate
485:14 actions, demanding an immediate explanation for their inappropriate
485:16 explanation for their inappropriate behavior on his territory. The paladin's
485:18 behavior on his territory. The paladin's representative calmly reported that they
485:20 representative calmly reported that they had received orders to arrest all
485:21 had received orders to arrest all criminals who refused the offered
485:23 criminals who refused the offered pardon. The Duke reminded the uninvited
485:25 pardon. The Duke reminded the uninvited guests of the need to obtain his
485:27 guests of the need to obtain his permission to carry out arrests on the
485:28 permission to carry out arrests on the territory of Bran, where he was the
485:30 territory of Bran, where he was the legitimate ruler. The paladin arrogantly
485:33 legitimate ruler. The paladin arrogantly quoted the command of the god Parsa not
485:34 quoted the command of the god Parsa not to trust rulers who supported pagan
485:36 to trust rulers who supported pagan beliefs on their lands. Enraged, Raml
485:39 beliefs on their lands. Enraged, Raml attempted to attack the insulent paladin
485:41 attempted to attack the insulent paladin for insulting the Duke. But Aaron
485:43 for insulting the Duke. But Aaron stopped the commander. Realizing the
485:45 stopped the commander. Realizing the danger of provocation, Kynos supported
485:47 danger of provocation, Kynos supported the Duke's restraint, noting the
485:49 the Duke's restraint, noting the paladin's obvious desire to provoke a
485:51 paladin's obvious desire to provoke a conflict in order to obtain a formal
485:52 conflict in order to obtain a formal pretext for war, the Duke, restraining
485:55 pretext for war, the Duke, restraining his anger, inquired about the prisoner's
485:57 his anger, inquired about the prisoner's destination and learned of the planned
485:58 destination and learned of the planned mass execution at Osna Castle. Those
486:01 mass execution at Osna Castle. Those present froze in horror at the cruel
486:03 present froze in horror at the cruel sentence, and Viven's followers begged
486:05 sentence, and Viven's followers begged their lord for mercy as he watched
486:07 their lord for mercy as he watched helplessly. Cheryl expressed her
486:08 helplessly. Cheryl expressed her bewilderment at her brother's inaction,
486:11 bewilderment at her brother's inaction, believing that immediate intervention
486:12 believing that immediate intervention was necessary to protect his own
486:14 was necessary to protect his own subjects. After the paladins left, Kanos
486:17 subjects. After the paladins left, Kanos explained to Cheryl that immediate
486:18 explained to Cheryl that immediate action would be feudal as it would not
486:21 action would be feudal as it would not solve the fundamental problem. The
486:22 solve the fundamental problem. The dragon suggested temporarily releasing
486:24 dragon suggested temporarily releasing the paladins and their prisoners,
486:26 the paladins and their prisoners, focusing instead on developing an
486:28 focusing instead on developing an effective plan for their subsequent
486:29 effective plan for their subsequent rescue. Aaron reminded his sister of her
486:32 rescue. Aaron reminded his sister of her story about infiltrating the holy castle
486:34 story about infiltrating the holy castle with the help of monsters, causing her
486:36 with the help of monsters, causing her confusion with his unexpected interest.
486:38 confusion with his unexpected interest. The hero revealed a plan to use a
486:40 The hero revealed a plan to use a similar strategy to free the prisoners,
486:42 similar strategy to free the prisoners, asking Kinos to play the role of the
486:44 asking Kinos to play the role of the monster attacking the castle. The guards
486:46 monster attacking the castle. The guards of Osna Castle noticed a mysterious
486:48 of Osna Castle noticed a mysterious object rapidly approaching in the night
486:50 object rapidly approaching in the night sky, causing serious concern. The
486:52 sky, causing serious concern. The appearance of a dragon in the sky above
486:54 appearance of a dragon in the sky above the castle caused panic among the guards
486:56 the castle caused panic among the guards who began to hastily prepare to defend
486:58 who began to hastily prepare to defend the fortress. Kanos remembered the
487:00 the fortress. Kanos remembered the Duke's request to limit himself to
487:01 Duke's request to limit himself to intimidating the holy knights instead of
487:03 intimidating the holy knights instead of using the dragon's destructive flame.
487:05 using the dragon's destructive flame. The mighty dragon's roar shook the
487:07 The mighty dragon's roar shook the castle walls, striking terror into the
487:10 castle walls, striking terror into the knights and gradually destroying the
487:11 knights and gradually destroying the stonemasonry with powerful sound waves.
487:14 stonemasonry with powerful sound waves. The dragon left the scene of its
487:16 The dragon left the scene of its terrifying display of power, leaving the
487:18 terrifying display of power, leaving the castle garrison in a state of complete
487:20 castle garrison in a state of complete paralysis from the fear they had
487:21 paralysis from the fear they had experienced. The terrifying roar reached
487:24 experienced. The terrifying roar reached the dungeon where the guards watching
487:26 the dungeon where the guards watching over the followers of the church of
487:27 over the followers of the church of Viven were paralyzed by unexpected fear.
487:30 Viven were paralyzed by unexpected fear. The confused guards tried to reassure
487:32 The confused guards tried to reassure each other with the false security of
487:33 each other with the false security of the underground dungeon during the next
487:35 the underground dungeon during the next attack of the monsters. The sudden
487:37 attack of the monsters. The sudden appearance of Little Iran through
487:38 appearance of Little Iran through teleportation caught the guards off
487:40 teleportation caught the guards off guard, who found themselves under attack
487:42 guard, who found themselves under attack by dragonfire. The frightened followers
487:44 by dragonfire. The frightened followers of Viven huddled against the walls of
487:46 of Viven huddled against the walls of their cells, trying to stay away from
487:48 their cells, trying to stay away from the burning bars of the dungeon. A
487:49 the burning bars of the dungeon. A familiar, soothing voice called on the
487:51 familiar, soothing voice called on the prisoners to remain calm and not worry
487:53 prisoners to remain calm and not worry about what was happening around them.
487:55 about what was happening around them. The hero successfully broke down the
487:57 The hero successfully broke down the prison doors and helped the frightened
487:58 prison doors and helped the frightened people escape from their confinement,
488:00 people escape from their confinement, reaching out a helping hand to each one.
488:02 reaching out a helping hand to each one. Aaron, who had infiltrated the castle
488:04 Aaron, who had infiltrated the castle under the guise of a fake monster
488:06 under the guise of a fake monster attack, successfully organized the
488:08 attack, successfully organized the escape of all the captured residents.
488:10 escape of all the captured residents. The prisoner's disappearance was
488:11 The prisoner's disappearance was cleverly disguised as a mass escape
488:13 cleverly disguised as a mass escape during the chaos of the attack, leaving
488:15 during the chaos of the attack, leaving no clues behind for the Holy Kingdom.
488:18 no clues behind for the Holy Kingdom. The Archbishop's report on the incident
488:20 The Archbishop's report on the incident enraged the Pope, who was outraged by
488:22 enraged the Pope, who was outraged by yet another insult to God by the
488:23 yet another insult to God by the insolent Duke. The Holy Father insisted
488:26 insolent Duke. The Holy Father insisted that the Archbishop confirmed that there
488:28 that the Archbishop confirmed that there was no evidence of Aaron's involvement
488:29 was no evidence of Aaron's involvement in the prisoner's release. The
488:31 in the prisoner's release. The Archbishop confirmed that there was no
488:33 Archbishop confirmed that there was no evidence whatsoever, except for reports
488:35 evidence whatsoever, except for reports of a dragon suddenly appearing above the
488:37 of a dragon suddenly appearing above the castle. The Holy Father realized the
488:39 castle. The Holy Father realized the need for urgent action. Unwilling to
488:41 need for urgent action. Unwilling to accept the current state of affairs.
488:43 accept the current state of affairs. Convinced of Aaron's guilt despite the
488:45 Convinced of Aaron's guilt despite the lack of evidence, the Pope decided to
488:47 lack of evidence, the Pope decided to teach the Duke a serious lesson, the
488:49 teach the Duke a serious lesson, the Holy Father decided to appeal to the
488:51 Holy Father decided to appeal to the emperor to conduct a ceremony to purify
488:53 emperor to conduct a ceremony to purify the territory. This decision effectively
488:55 the territory. This decision effectively meant a death sentence for all followers
488:57 meant a death sentence for all followers of the Church of Vivian living in the
488:58 of the Church of Vivian living in the empire. The emperor demanded that the
489:01 empire. The emperor demanded that the Holy Father provide a detailed
489:02 Holy Father provide a detailed explanation of the planned actions
489:04 explanation of the planned actions against these people. The Pope explained
489:06 against these people. The Pope explained that the death penalty was the only way
489:08 that the death penalty was the only way to purify the Church of Viven's
489:10 to purify the Church of Viven's misguided followers. The Holy Father
489:12 misguided followers. The Holy Father proposed a compromise to execute only a
489:14 proposed a compromise to execute only a select few as a warning while waiting
489:16 select few as a warning while waiting for the rest to voluntarily convert to
489:18 for the rest to voluntarily convert to the church of Parasa. The angry emperor
489:21 the church of Parasa. The angry emperor brutally beat the Holy Father, reminding
489:23 brutally beat the Holy Father, reminding him of his absolute power and the
489:25 him of his absolute power and the inadmissibility of instructions to
489:26 inadmissibility of instructions to destroy his subjects. The ruler ordered
489:29 destroy his subjects. The ruler ordered the Pope to remember his place and never
489:31 the Pope to remember his place and never forget the difference in their positions
489:32 forget the difference in their positions and his supreme power. After the brutal
489:35 and his supreme power. After the brutal beating, the frightened Holy Father
489:37 beating, the frightened Holy Father hurriedly left the emperor's office,
489:38 hurriedly left the emperor's office, barely able to move. After the Pope's
489:41 barely able to move. After the Pope's departure, Duke Gran appeared, who had
489:43 departure, Duke Gran appeared, who had been secretly eavesdropping on the
489:44 been secretly eavesdropping on the entire conversation outside the office
489:46 entire conversation outside the office door. The angry emperor demanded that
489:49 door. The angry emperor demanded that Gran express his opinion on the Pope's
489:50 Gran express his opinion on the Pope's insolent proposal. Gran expressed his
489:53 insolent proposal. Gran expressed his bewilderment at the emperor's sudden
489:54 bewilderment at the emperor's sudden change of attitude toward the Holy
489:56 change of attitude toward the Holy Father, whom he had recently used
489:57 Father, whom he had recently used against Aaron. The emperor compared the
489:59 against Aaron. The emperor compared the Holy Father to a hungry dog ready to
490:01 Holy Father to a hungry dog ready to bite its master, acknowledging the
490:03 bite its master, acknowledging the weakness of his small country. Gran
490:05 weakness of his small country. Gran expressed concern about the possible
490:07 expressed concern about the possible consequences of the emperor's rude
490:08 consequences of the emperor's rude treatment of the ruler of another
490:10 treatment of the ruler of another country. The emperor dismissed the
490:11 country. The emperor dismissed the concerns, stating that there was no
490:13 concerns, stating that there was no reason for alarm when he had everything
490:15 reason for alarm when he had everything he desired. The ruler smiled and
490:17 he desired. The ruler smiled and explained his confidence in his control
490:19 explained his confidence in his control over both the holy kingdom and the
490:21 over both the holy kingdom and the duche. Leaving the palace, the enraged
490:23 duche. Leaving the palace, the enraged holy father cursed the emperor, calling
490:25 holy father cursed the emperor, calling down the wrath of the god Parasa upon
490:27 down the wrath of the god Parasa upon his head. The pope felt the bitterness
490:29 his head. The pope felt the bitterness of betrayal by the emperor, who had
490:31 of betrayal by the emperor, who had asked for help against Aaron and now
490:33 asked for help against Aaron and now turned his back on him. The sudden
490:34 turned his back on him. The sudden realization of the widespread support
490:36 realization of the widespread support for the god Parasa among the powerful
490:38 for the god Parasa among the powerful lords of the empire gave the holy father
490:40 lords of the empire gave the holy father confidence. The pope decided to gather
490:42 confidence. The pope decided to gather his forces to demonstrate the true
490:44 his forces to demonstrate the true capabilities of the holy kingdom's king
490:46 capabilities of the holy kingdom's king to the cunning emperor. A month later,
490:49 to the cunning emperor. A month later, the duke felt a strong sense of unease
490:50 the duke felt a strong sense of unease in the negotiating room. Sensing a
490:52 in the negotiating room. Sensing a hidden threat to his position. Kinos,
490:55 hidden threat to his position. Kinos, noticing his master's anxiety, inquired
490:57 noticing his master's anxiety, inquired about the reasons for his restless
490:59 about the reasons for his restless state. The Duke explained his concern
491:00 state. The Duke explained his concern with the unusual calm from the Holy
491:02 with the unusual calm from the Holy Kingdom, which was contrary to their
491:04 Kingdom, which was contrary to their usual aggressive policy. The dragon
491:06 usual aggressive policy. The dragon shared his surprise at the Holy Father's
491:08 shared his surprise at the Holy Father's lack of response to his apparent
491:10 lack of response to his apparent involvement in the followers release.
491:12 involvement in the followers release. The Duke shifted the conversation to the
491:13 The Duke shifted the conversation to the fate of the missing members of Viven's
491:15 fate of the missing members of Viven's church, demanding information about
491:17 church, demanding information about their current whereabouts. Kynos
491:19 their current whereabouts. Kynos reported on the value of these people to
491:20 reported on the value of these people to the army and commander Raml's efforts to
491:22 the army and commander Raml's efforts to return them to Bran territory. Cheryl
491:24 return them to Bran territory. Cheryl tried to calm her brother, pointing out
491:26 tried to calm her brother, pointing out the favorable developments and
491:28 the favorable developments and suggesting that they focus on finding
491:29 suggesting that they focus on finding Cecilia due to financial problems. The
491:32 Cecilia due to financial problems. The Duke acknowledged his concern about
491:33 Duke acknowledged his concern about Cecilia's disappearance, but noted that
491:35 Cecilia's disappearance, but noted that there were no leads to organize a
491:37 there were no leads to organize a search. The financial problems could be
491:39 search. The financial problems could be solved with gold from the Black
491:40 solved with gold from the Black Continent, leaving only the question of
491:42 Continent, leaving only the question of its timely smelting open. Cheryl
491:44 its timely smelting open. Cheryl reported that the construction of the
491:45 reported that the construction of the ships was nearing completion and
491:47 ships was nearing completion and suggested searching for the recently
491:49 suggested searching for the recently discovered mother whose whereabouts were
491:51 discovered mother whose whereabouts were known. The sudden appearance of a
491:53 known. The sudden appearance of a frightened Raml interrupted their
491:54 frightened Raml interrupted their conversation when he reported important
491:56 conversation when he reported important news about the whereabouts of the
491:58 news about the whereabouts of the parishioners of Viven's church, causing
492:00 parishioners of Viven's church, causing everyone to prick up their ears and
492:02 everyone to prick up their ears and listen to his words. The terrible news
492:04 listen to his words. The terrible news that the missing parishioners were in
492:06 that the missing parishioners were in the capital of the holy kingdom of
492:07 the capital of the holy kingdom of Regale plunged everyone into a state of
492:10 Regale plunged everyone into a state of deep anxiety as their rescue now seemed
492:12 deep anxiety as their rescue now seemed an almost impossible task. The holy
492:15 an almost impossible task. The holy father looked at the church members
492:16 father looked at the church members brought by the lords of the empire with
492:18 brought by the lords of the empire with undisguised satisfaction. Rejoicing at
492:20 undisguised satisfaction. Rejoicing at how loyally the imperial rulers had
492:22 how loyally the imperial rulers had followed the instructions of the church
492:24 followed the instructions of the church of Parasa, the archbishop tried to warn
492:26 of Parasa, the archbishop tried to warn the pope about the possible wrath of the
492:28 the pope about the possible wrath of the emperor who would surely react to the
492:30 emperor who would surely react to the secret use of his lords. But his words
492:32 secret use of his lords. But his words were not understood. The Holy Father's
492:34 were not understood. The Holy Father's decisive rejection of any doubts about
492:36 decisive rejection of any doubts about his righteousness led him to strike the
492:38 his righteousness led him to strike the Archbishop in the face, accusing him of
492:40 Archbishop in the face, accusing him of lacking true faith in the correctness of
492:42 lacking true faith in the correctness of the chosen path. In a stern voice, the
492:44 the chosen path. In a stern voice, the Holy Father reminded his subordinate
492:46 Holy Father reminded his subordinate that his words were a direct expression
492:47 that his words were a direct expression of God's will and categorically forbade
492:50 of God's will and categorically forbade any criticism of his decisions. Having
492:52 any criticism of his decisions. Having gathered his courage after the
492:54 gathered his courage after the reprimand, the archbishop went out into
492:56 reprimand, the archbishop went out into the square to the waiting knights and
492:57 the square to the waiting knights and gave a clear order to prepare for the
492:59 gave a clear order to prepare for the ceremony of purification of the
493:01 ceremony of purification of the infidels. Determined, Aaron and his
493:03 infidels. Determined, Aaron and his loyal knights hurried to the holy
493:04 loyal knights hurried to the holy kingdom, directing their horses along
493:06 kingdom, directing their horses along the shortest route to the capital. The
493:08 the shortest route to the capital. The information received from Raml that the
493:10 information received from Raml that the lords of the empire had arbitrarily
493:11 lords of the empire had arbitrarily handed over the followers of the church
493:13 handed over the followers of the church of Viven to the Holy Kingdom made Aaron
493:16 of Viven to the Holy Kingdom made Aaron think deeply about what was happening.
493:18 think deeply about what was happening. The reckless actions of the Holy Father,
493:20 The reckless actions of the Holy Father, who had decided to go against the will
493:22 who had decided to go against the will of the emperor, frightened Aaron with
493:24 of the emperor, frightened Aaron with their unpredictability and made him
493:25 their unpredictability and made him suspect the presence of powerful
493:27 suspect the presence of powerful patrons. A strange premonition gripped
493:30 patrons. A strange premonition gripped the strategist as he moved alongside his
493:32 the strategist as he moved alongside his master, causing him to increase the
493:34 master, causing him to increase the speed of the detachment due to his
493:35 speed of the detachment due to his growing concern for the fate of the
493:37 growing concern for the fate of the captives. Aaron urged his warriors
493:39 captives. Aaron urged his warriors forward, eager to reach the place of
493:41 forward, eager to reach the place of execution before something irreparable
493:43 execution before something irreparable happened to the captured followers of
493:45 happened to the captured followers of his faith. Kanos's intuition proved
493:47 his faith. Kanos's intuition proved correct as an emperor's servant was
493:49 correct as an emperor's servant was already lurking in the forest on the way
493:50 already lurking in the forest on the way to the holy kingdom, using stealth magic
493:53 to the holy kingdom, using stealth magic to observe them. Seeing his suspicions
493:55 to observe them. Seeing his suspicions confirmed, the imperial servant
493:57 confirmed, the imperial servant immediately mounted his horse and rode
493:59 immediately mounted his horse and rode off to report to the ruler, planning to
494:01 off to report to the ruler, planning to continue following the Duke afterwards.
494:03 continue following the Duke afterwards. The final preparations for the ritual
494:05 The final preparations for the ritual were complete. The bound members of the
494:07 were complete. The bound members of the church stood in their places, and the
494:09 church stood in their places, and the first victim was already at the edge,
494:11 first victim was already at the edge, ready for the terrible fall. The
494:13 ready for the terrible fall. The desperate pleas for mercy from the bound
494:15 desperate pleas for mercy from the bound men and their willingness to accept the
494:16 men and their willingness to accept the faith of Parasa did not move the heart
494:18 faith of Parasa did not move the heart of the Holy Father who was completely
494:20 of the Holy Father who was completely immersed in his fanatical beliefs. After
494:22 immersed in his fanatical beliefs. After a long prayer, the Holy Father announced
494:24 a long prayer, the Holy Father announced that he had received a divine revelation
494:27 that he had received a divine revelation according to which the souls of these
494:29 according to which the souls of these unfortunate people could be saved by the
494:30 unfortunate people could be saved by the mercy of the Almighty. The divine
494:32 mercy of the Almighty. The divine message contained a strict condition.
494:35 message contained a strict condition. The physical bodies of the sinners
494:37 The physical bodies of the sinners defiled by false faith must be destroyed
494:39 defiled by false faith must be destroyed to purify their immortal souls. The Holy
494:42 to purify their immortal souls. The Holy Father's attempt to invoke the divine
494:44 Father's attempt to invoke the divine sword of salvation proved unsuccessful.
494:47 sword of salvation proved unsuccessful. Confirming the Archbishop's words about
494:49 Confirming the Archbishop's words about the futility of appealing to the
494:50 the futility of appealing to the Almighty at that moment. Enraged, the
494:53 Almighty at that moment. Enraged, the Pope ordered the priest to immediately
494:55 Pope ordered the priest to immediately throw the first sinner from the walls.
494:57 throw the first sinner from the walls. But an authoritative familiar voice
494:58 But an authoritative familiar voice demanding that they stop interrupted the
495:00 demanding that they stop interrupted the execution of the order. The approach of
495:02 execution of the order. The approach of the Duke with his army caused a wave of
495:04 the Duke with his army caused a wave of irritation in the Pope who
495:06 irritation in the Pope who contemptuously uttered words about the
495:08 contemptuously uttered words about the return of the representatives of the
495:09 return of the representatives of the hated church of Viven. Despite the Holy
495:12 hated church of Viven. Despite the Holy Father's order to continue the
495:13 Father's order to continue the execution, the alarmed Archbishop
495:15 execution, the alarmed Archbishop stopped him, pointing to the approaching
495:17 stopped him, pointing to the approaching Duke Aaron with his sword drawn. The
495:19 Duke Aaron with his sword drawn. The Archbishop watched the Duke's approach
495:21 Archbishop watched the Duke's approach closely, well aware of the destructive
495:23 closely, well aware of the destructive power of his legendary sword and
495:25 power of his legendary sword and understanding the seriousness of the
495:27 understanding the seriousness of the threat. The absence of Paris's holy hand
495:30 threat. The absence of Paris's holy hand left them virtually defenseless against
495:31 left them virtually defenseless against the Duke's extraordinary power, which
495:33 the Duke's extraordinary power, which the Archbishop immediately reported to
495:35 the Archbishop immediately reported to his superior. The archbishop's
495:37 his superior. The archbishop's suggestion to leave the place of
495:38 suggestion to leave the place of execution immediately only provoked the
495:40 execution immediately only provoked the Holy Father's displeasure, who
495:42 Holy Father's displeasure, who reproached his assistant for his lack of
495:44 reproached his assistant for his lack of faith in their strength. Turning to the
495:46 faith in their strength. Turning to the approaching Duke, the Holy Father
495:48 approaching Duke, the Holy Father reminded him that this land belonged to
495:49 reminded him that this land belonged to God Parasa. And Aaron risked bringing
495:52 God Parasa. And Aaron risked bringing divine damnation upon himself. Rushing
495:54 divine damnation upon himself. Rushing forward with his sword raised, Aaron
495:56 forward with his sword raised, Aaron warned the Holy Father of imminent death
495:58 warned the Holy Father of imminent death if he did not immediately release the
496:00 if he did not immediately release the inhabitants of Bran. The Holy Father
496:02 inhabitants of Bran. The Holy Father responded to Aaron's threat with a
496:04 responded to Aaron's threat with a smile, warning him that all the captive
496:06 smile, warning him that all the captive inhabitants would die immediately if the
496:08 inhabitants would die immediately if the Duke did not leave the sacred territory.
496:10 Duke did not leave the sacred territory. Aaron's unwavering determination made
496:12 Aaron's unwavering determination made the Pope marvel at the recklessness of
496:14 the Pope marvel at the recklessness of the Duke, who was willing to sacrifice
496:16 the Duke, who was willing to sacrifice the lives of his subjects to achieve his
496:18 the lives of his subjects to achieve his goal. A sudden insight struck the Holy
496:21 goal. A sudden insight struck the Holy Father, suggesting a way to stop Aaron
496:23 Father, suggesting a way to stop Aaron with one important detail that would
496:25 with one important detail that would seriously frighten the determined Duke.
496:27 seriously frighten the determined Duke. The reminder that the capital was a
496:29 The reminder that the capital was a sacred place of the empire's state
496:31 sacred place of the empire's state religion should have stopped Aaron, who
496:33 religion should have stopped Aaron, who was threatened with being declared a
496:34 was threatened with being declared a traitor. The priest understood the
496:36 traitor. The priest understood the duplicity of his position, using the
496:38 duplicity of his position, using the emperor's name for protection, even
496:40 emperor's name for protection, even though he knew full well that the ruler
496:42 though he knew full well that the ruler would never approve of such an execution
496:44 would never approve of such an execution of innocent people. The Duke shared his
496:46 of innocent people. The Duke shared his plan with Kanos, intending to use the
496:48 plan with Kanos, intending to use the piercing wind to destroy the castle
496:50 piercing wind to destroy the castle walls and create an opportunity to
496:52 walls and create an opportunity to rescue the prisoners. Aaron's request to
496:54 rescue the prisoners. Aaron's request to Kanos was to organize the rescue of the
496:56 Kanos was to organize the rescue of the falling people after the walls were
496:57 falling people after the walls were destroyed using all available means.
497:00 destroyed using all available means. Kanos explained the limitations of his
497:02 Kanos explained the limitations of his ability to rescue all the prisoners from
497:04 ability to rescue all the prisoners from such a distance, but suggested enlisting
497:06 such a distance, but suggested enlisting Cheryl to increase the chances of
497:07 Cheryl to increase the chances of success. The Duke, realizing the wisdom
497:10 success. The Duke, realizing the wisdom of the proposed plan of action, prepared
497:12 of the proposed plan of action, prepared to deliver a powerful blow with a
497:14 to deliver a powerful blow with a piercing wind against the walls of the
497:15 piercing wind against the walls of the enemy fortress. The tense situation was
497:18 enemy fortress. The tense situation was interrupted by the unexpected voice of
497:20 interrupted by the unexpected voice of the emperor's chief scout, which caused
497:22 the emperor's chief scout, which caused both sides of the conflict to turn their
497:24 both sides of the conflict to turn their attention to him. The scout approached
497:26 attention to him. The scout approached the Duke and reported that he had
497:27 the Duke and reported that he had received an important order from the
497:29 received an important order from the emperor himself, requiring Aaron's
497:31 emperor himself, requiring Aaron's immediate attention. The dissatisfied
497:33 immediate attention. The dissatisfied duke unrolled the scroll containing the
497:35 duke unrolled the scroll containing the message in which the emperor reminded
497:37 message in which the emperor reminded him of the holy kingdom status as a key
497:39 him of the holy kingdom status as a key ally of the empire and the foundation of
497:41 ally of the empire and the foundation of the state religion. The emperor's strict
497:43 the state religion. The emperor's strict order forbade any feudal lord of the
497:45 order forbade any feudal lord of the empire from raising arms against the
497:47 empire from raising arms against the holy kingdom, leaving no room for double
497:50 holy kingdom, leaving no room for double interpretations. The imperial decree
497:52 interpretations. The imperial decree provided for severe punishment for
497:54 provided for severe punishment for treason against the state for anyone who
497:56 treason against the state for anyone who dared to violate this strict prohibition
497:58 dared to violate this strict prohibition on military action. Rage overwhelmed the
498:00 on military action. Rage overwhelmed the Duke, who was unable to understand how
498:02 Duke, who was unable to understand how the emperor had foreseen his intentions,
498:05 the emperor had foreseen his intentions, while Kanos warned of the inevitable
498:06 while Kanos warned of the inevitable stigma of treason in the event of an
498:08 stigma of treason in the event of an attack. Kanos reminded him of the
498:10 attack. Kanos reminded him of the inadequacy of their military force to
498:12 inadequacy of their military force to oppose the emperor. But Aaron could not
498:14 oppose the emperor. But Aaron could not accept the idea of the death of the
498:16 accept the idea of the death of the inhabitants of his duche. Realizing the
498:18 inhabitants of his duche. Realizing the impossibility of direct confrontation
498:20 impossibility of direct confrontation with the emperor, the Duke began to look
498:22 with the emperor, the Duke began to look for ways to save the inhabitants without
498:24 for ways to save the inhabitants without violating his majesty's direct order.
498:26 violating his majesty's direct order. Cheryl expressed doubts about the
498:27 Cheryl expressed doubts about the feasibility of such a complex task, and
498:30 feasibility of such a complex task, and Aaron inwardly agreed with the
498:31 Aaron inwardly agreed with the hopelessness of his situation. Despair
498:34 hopelessness of his situation. Despair led Aaron to consider begging the Holy
498:36 led Aaron to consider begging the Holy Father for mercy, even willing to kneel
498:38 Father for mercy, even willing to kneel down to save his subjects. Watching
498:40 down to save his subjects. Watching Aaron's actions, Cheryl realized that he
498:42 Aaron's actions, Cheryl realized that he had no clear plan. But she admired his
498:44 had no clear plan. But she admired his willingness to do everything possible to
498:46 willingness to do everything possible to save the people. The attention of all
498:48 save the people. The attention of all those present turned to the ambassador,
498:50 those present turned to the ambassador, who addressed the dissatisfied Holy
498:52 who addressed the dissatisfied Holy Father, who nevertheless agreed to
498:53 Father, who nevertheless agreed to listen to the Imperial representative.
498:55 listen to the Imperial representative. Hearing the emperor's apology for his
498:57 Hearing the emperor's apology for his previous rudeness, the Holy Father's
498:59 previous rudeness, the Holy Father's spirits rose, believing that the ruler
499:02 spirits rose, believing that the ruler had finally realized the importance of
499:03 had finally realized the importance of his influence on the empire. Satisfied,
499:06 his influence on the empire. Satisfied, the Holy Father graciously accepted the
499:08 the Holy Father graciously accepted the emperor's apology, and the messenger
499:09 emperor's apology, and the messenger respectfully promised to convey his
499:11 respectfully promised to convey his favorable response to the ruler. The
499:13 favorable response to the ruler. The envoy continued his speech, informing
499:16 envoy continued his speech, informing the Holy Father of the Emperor's desire
499:18 the Holy Father of the Emperor's desire to atone for his past wrongdoing by
499:20 to atone for his past wrongdoing by personally mediating negotiations with
499:22 personally mediating negotiations with Duke Aaron. The emperor's demand for the
499:24 Duke Aaron. The emperor's demand for the release of the empire's subjects was
499:26 release of the empire's subjects was accompanied by a warning of serious
499:27 accompanied by a warning of serious consequences for the Holy Kingdom if
499:29 consequences for the Holy Kingdom if harm came to the people. The Holy Father
499:31 harm came to the people. The Holy Father was horrified by what he heard, and the
499:34 was horrified by what he heard, and the Archbishop hastened to explain how the
499:35 Archbishop hastened to explain how the emperor's intervention completely
499:37 emperor's intervention completely deprived Aaron of any ability to act.
499:39 deprived Aaron of any ability to act. The Archbishop proposed a rational
499:41 The Archbishop proposed a rational solution to return the members of
499:43 solution to return the members of Viven's church in exchange for the
499:45 Viven's church in exchange for the return of the castle captured by the
499:46 return of the castle captured by the Duke as fair compensation. Recognizing
499:49 Duke as fair compensation. Recognizing the wisdom of the archbishop's proposal,
499:51 the wisdom of the archbishop's proposal, the Holy Father publicly announced his
499:53 the Holy Father publicly announced his agreement to comply with the emperor's
499:54 agreement to comply with the emperor's demands regarding the release of the
499:56 demands regarding the release of the prisoners. However, the unexpected
499:58 prisoners. However, the unexpected action of one of the Holy Knights, who
500:00 action of one of the Holy Knights, who demonstratively threw the bound prisoner
500:02 demonstratively threw the bound prisoner down, violated the agreement reached on
500:04 down, violated the agreement reached on the peaceful resolution of the conflict.
500:06 the peaceful resolution of the conflict. The horrific sight of a man falling and
500:08 The horrific sight of a man falling and dying. His body sprawled on the ground
500:10 dying. His body sprawled on the ground in a pool of blood shook everyone
500:12 in a pool of blood shook everyone present to the core. The panicked pope
500:15 present to the core. The panicked pope immediately ordered the disobedient
500:16 immediately ordered the disobedient knight to be seized as he had violated
500:18 knight to be seized as he had violated his direct order and jeopardized the
500:20 his direct order and jeopardized the peaceful resolution of the situation.
500:22 peaceful resolution of the situation. The death of the prisoners sparked
500:24 The death of the prisoners sparked uncontrollable anger in Aaron and Cheryl
500:26 uncontrollable anger in Aaron and Cheryl who launched a furious attack on the
500:28 who launched a furious attack on the walls seeking to free the remaining
500:30 walls seeking to free the remaining inhabitants of Bran. During Aaron's
500:32 inhabitants of Bran. During Aaron's powerful attack, Kanos quickly reacted
500:34 powerful attack, Kanos quickly reacted and coordinated with Miss Cheryl to save
500:36 and coordinated with Miss Cheryl to save the falling bound people.
500:37 the falling bound people. Quick-thinking, Cheryl quickly planted
500:39 Quick-thinking, Cheryl quickly planted her staff on the ground and created a
500:41 her staff on the ground and created a powerful tidal wave, directing it toward
500:42 powerful tidal wave, directing it toward Aaron's destructive spell. Carefully
500:45 Aaron's destructive spell. Carefully assessing the speed of the water flow,
500:46 assessing the speed of the water flow, Kinos realized that it was not enough to
500:48 Kinos realized that it was not enough to save the people and reinforced the spell
500:50 save the people and reinforced the spell with a gust of wind. The combined
500:52 with a gust of wind. The combined efforts of the mages allowed the water
500:54 efforts of the mages allowed the water flow to reach the fortress wall before
500:56 flow to reach the fortress wall before the destructive force of Aaron's
500:57 the destructive force of Aaron's piercing wind began to take effect. The
500:59 piercing wind began to take effect. The destruction of the wall was accompanied
501:01 destruction of the wall was accompanied by the fall of people who were
501:03 by the fall of people who were successfully caught in water spheres by
501:05 successfully caught in water spheres by the combined forces of the magicians
501:06 the combined forces of the magicians Cheryl and Kanos. Overcome by panic, the
501:10 Cheryl and Kanos. Overcome by panic, the pope rushed away from the collapsing
501:11 pope rushed away from the collapsing wall, driven by a primal fear of death
501:14 wall, driven by a primal fear of death and a desire to save his life at any
501:16 and a desire to save his life at any cost. Noticing the archbishop
501:18 cost. Noticing the archbishop desperately clinging to the edge of the
501:19 desperately clinging to the edge of the wall, the Holy Father rushed toward him,
501:21 wall, the Holy Father rushed toward him, hoping to use him as a support for his
501:23 hoping to use him as a support for his own rescue. The Holy Father's attempt to
501:25 own rescue. The Holy Father's attempt to order the Archbishop to climb up was
501:27 order the Archbishop to climb up was unsuccessful due to the excessive weight
501:29 unsuccessful due to the excessive weight of the church leader, which prevented
501:31 of the church leader, which prevented their joint rescue. Anger overwhelmed
501:33 their joint rescue. Anger overwhelmed the Holy Father, causing him to shout at
501:35 the Holy Father, causing him to shout at Abel and demand that he climb up
501:36 Abel and demand that he climb up immediately, invoking the name of God to
501:38 immediately, invoking the name of God to reinforce his order. Justice prevailed
501:40 reinforce his order. Justice prevailed when Abel remembered all the instances
501:42 when Abel remembered all the instances of disrespectful treatment he had
501:44 of disrespectful treatment he had received from the Holy Father. Turning
501:46 received from the Holy Father. Turning to the Holy Father, Abel flashed a
501:48 to the Holy Father, Abel flashed a sinister smile and announced that he had
501:50 sinister smile and announced that he had received a completely different divine
501:51 received a completely different divine instruction regarding his fate. Obeying
501:53 instruction regarding his fate. Obeying the order he had received from above,
501:55 the order he had received from above, Abel delivered a powerful kick to the
501:57 Abel delivered a powerful kick to the Holy Father's face, causing him to lose
501:59 Holy Father's face, causing him to lose his balance and weaken his grip. Free
502:02 his balance and weaken his grip. Free from the Holy Father's weight, the
502:03 from the Holy Father's weight, the Archbishop easily climbed to the top of
502:05 Archbishop easily climbed to the top of the wall and burst into laughter as he
502:08 the wall and burst into laughter as he watched his former superior fall. Fate
502:10 watched his former superior fall. Fate had other plans, however, allowing the
502:12 had other plans, however, allowing the Holy Father to avoid a fatal fall thanks
502:15 Holy Father to avoid a fatal fall thanks to a magical spell cast at the last
502:16 to a magical spell cast at the last moment. The saving magic came from the
502:19 moment. The saving magic came from the emperor's assistant, who barely had
502:21 emperor's assistant, who barely had enough strength to hold the heavy body
502:22 enough strength to hold the heavy body of the falling church leader. Leaving
502:24 of the falling church leader. Leaving the saved holy father on the ground, the
502:26 the saved holy father on the ground, the emperor's assistant hurriedly left the
502:28 emperor's assistant hurriedly left the scene, realizing that the death of the
502:30 scene, realizing that the death of the church leader had been postponed until a
502:32 church leader had been postponed until a more opportune moment. The prolonged use
502:34 more opportune moment. The prolonged use of complex magic had drained Cheryl's
502:37 of complex magic had drained Cheryl's strength so much that she was forced to
502:39 strength so much that she was forced to kneel down to recover her energy.
502:41 kneel down to recover her energy. Summing up the rescue operation, Kanos
502:43 Summing up the rescue operation, Kanos noted the successful rescue of all the
502:44 noted the successful rescue of all the captives except for the first victim who
502:47 captives except for the first victim who had been killed by the knights of the
502:48 had been killed by the knights of the Holy Kingdom. Despite the successful
502:50 Holy Kingdom. Despite the successful rescue of the inhabitants, Cheryl was
502:53 rescue of the inhabitants, Cheryl was well aware of the inevitability of
502:54 well aware of the inevitability of severe punishment for disobeying a
502:56 severe punishment for disobeying a direct imperial order. The imperial aids
502:58 direct imperial order. The imperial aids approach to Aaron was accompanied by a
503:00 approach to Aaron was accompanied by a magical message transmitted through a
503:01 magical message transmitted through a special staff used to communicate with
503:03 special staff used to communicate with the ruler. Demonstrating the edict to
503:05 the ruler. Demonstrating the edict to the Duke, the aid used magic to
503:07 the Duke, the aid used magic to transform the document into a bird for
503:09 transform the document into a bird for quick delivery of the message to the
503:10 quick delivery of the message to the emperor. The content of the message
503:12 emperor. The content of the message concerned the Duke's direct disobedience
503:14 concerned the Duke's direct disobedience of the imperial order, which was a
503:16 of the imperial order, which was a serious violation of the established
503:17 serious violation of the established order. The Emperor's assistant expressed
503:20 order. The Emperor's assistant expressed regret at the inevitability of military
503:22 regret at the inevitability of military conflict and predicted their next
503:24 conflict and predicted their next meeting on the battlefield against each
503:25 meeting on the battlefield against each other. Watching the magician disappear
503:27 other. Watching the magician disappear into the portal, Kanos noted his
503:29 into the portal, Kanos noted his impressive magical abilities and
503:31 impressive magical abilities and potential danger. Cheryl shared
503:33 potential danger. Cheryl shared information about the mage's status as
503:35 information about the mage's status as the leader of the emperor's personal
503:36 the leader of the emperor's personal magical team, noting the mystery of his
503:39 magical team, noting the mystery of his true potential. Kanos acknowledged the
503:41 true potential. Kanos acknowledged the Imperial Mage's power, but noted that
503:43 Imperial Mage's power, but noted that his abilities were limited by his human
503:45 his abilities were limited by his human nature, which gave them a certain
503:47 nature, which gave them a certain advantage. The current situation of
503:49 advantage. The current situation of treason was becoming a serious problem,
503:51 treason was becoming a serious problem, foreshadowing the inevitable start of a
503:53 foreshadowing the inevitable start of a war with the emperor earlier than
503:55 war with the emperor earlier than expected. The letter received by the
503:57 expected. The letter received by the emperor confirmed the successful
503:58 emperor confirmed the successful completion of the task by his secret
504:00 completion of the task by his secret agent within the ranks of the holy
504:01 agent within the ranks of the holy father providing the necessary evidence.
504:04 father providing the necessary evidence. The emperor immediately convened a
504:06 The emperor immediately convened a meeting of all the dukes to determine
504:07 meeting of all the dukes to determine Aaron's punishment using the evidence of
504:09 Aaron's punishment using the evidence of his treason. Representatives of the
504:11 his treason. Representatives of the imperial and neutral factions gathered
504:13 imperial and neutral factions gathered to discuss Aaron's fate, seeking to
504:15 to discuss Aaron's fate, seeking to reach a fair decision in the situation
504:17 reach a fair decision in the situation that had arisen. After careful
504:19 that had arisen. After careful consideration of all the circumstances
504:20 consideration of all the circumstances of the case, the assembled feudal lords
504:23 of the case, the assembled feudal lords unanimously found Aaron guilty of
504:25 unanimously found Aaron guilty of treason. The Holy Kingdom's actions in
504:27 treason. The Holy Kingdom's actions in killing citizens of the empire also did
504:29 killing citizens of the empire also did not go unpunished and led to an official
504:32 not go unpunished and led to an official declaration of war. Upon receiving an
504:34 declaration of war. Upon receiving an important message from the imperial
504:36 important message from the imperial messenger, Aaron carefully studied its
504:38 messenger, Aaron carefully studied its contents and immediately sent the
504:39 contents and immediately sent the messenger back with a reply. The tense
504:41 messenger back with a reply. The tense silence of Cheryl and Kanos, who were
504:43 silence of Cheryl and Kanos, who were watching the Duke closely, was broken by
504:46 watching the Duke closely, was broken by his unexpected announcement that he had
504:48 his unexpected announcement that he had to leave immediately. Disturbed, Cheryl
504:50 to leave immediately. Disturbed, Cheryl tried to dissuade her brother from going
504:52 tried to dissuade her brother from going to the imperial palace, considering it
504:54 to the imperial palace, considering it unwise to leave the territory during
504:56 unwise to leave the territory during preparations for war. The opportunity to
504:58 preparations for war. The opportunity to kneel before the emperor and ask for
505:00 kneel before the emperor and ask for forgiveness seemed the only reasonable
505:02 forgiveness seemed the only reasonable way out of the situation. Kanos rightly
505:05 way out of the situation. Kanos rightly pointed out the futility of visiting the
505:06 pointed out the futility of visiting the emperor, understanding that war was
505:08 emperor, understanding that war was inevitable regardless of Aaron's
505:10 inevitable regardless of Aaron's actions. The Duke acknowledged Kanos's
505:12 actions. The Duke acknowledged Kanos's point, but saw an opportunity to use the
505:15 point, but saw an opportunity to use the visit to temporarily delay the advance
505:17 visit to temporarily delay the advance of the Imperial troops. Aaron hoped that
505:19 of the Imperial troops. Aaron hoped that his presence in the capital would delay
505:21 his presence in the capital would delay the start of military operations, giving
505:23 the start of military operations, giving his people time to complete all the
505:25 his people time to complete all the necessary preparations. An additional
505:27 necessary preparations. An additional task for Cheryl was Aaron's request to
505:29 task for Cheryl was Aaron's request to make an important trip during his stay
505:31 make an important trip during his stay in the Imperial capital. Following his
505:33 in the Imperial capital. Following his plan, Aaron immediately set off for the
505:35 plan, Aaron immediately set off for the capital to meet with the emperor, ready
505:37 capital to meet with the emperor, ready to humbly kneel before him. The emperor
505:40 to humbly kneel before him. The emperor expressed clear dissatisfaction with his
505:42 expressed clear dissatisfaction with his nephew's actions, confirming the feudal
505:44 nephew's actions, confirming the feudal lord's decision that he had committed
505:46 lord's decision that he had committed treason and that military action was
505:48 treason and that military action was inevitable. The Duke's response to the
505:50 inevitable. The Duke's response to the emperor's order to rise revealed the
505:52 emperor's order to rise revealed the true reason for his humble posture
505:54 true reason for his humble posture before the ruler of the empire. The Duke
505:56 before the ruler of the empire. The Duke explained that he was asking for
505:57 explained that he was asking for forgiveness, not as a vassel of the
505:59 forgiveness, not as a vassel of the empire, but as a nephew who still
506:02 empire, but as a nephew who still respected his family ties with the
506:03 respected his family ties with the emperor. Aaron pointed out the natural
506:05 emperor. Aaron pointed out the natural desire of other dukes to undermine the
506:07 desire of other dukes to undermine the authority of the brand territory through
506:09 authority of the brand territory through accusations of treason. The feudal
506:11 accusations of treason. The feudal lord's actions aimed at weakening the
506:13 lord's actions aimed at weakening the Imperial family's control over the
506:14 Imperial family's control over the empire threatened the influence of both
506:16 empire threatened the influence of both the emperor himself and all members of
506:19 the emperor himself and all members of the dynasty. The emperor's skepticism
506:21 the dynasty. The emperor's skepticism toward the Duke's professed concern for
506:23 toward the Duke's professed concern for the ruler's well-being reflected his
506:25 the ruler's well-being reflected his deep distrust of his nephew's
506:26 deep distrust of his nephew's intentions. The Duke's real concern was
506:29 intentions. The Duke's real concern was not for the emperor personally, but for
506:31 not for the emperor personally, but for the preservation of their common royal
506:32 the preservation of their common royal bloods power over the empire for
506:34 bloods power over the empire for generations to come. The unusual logic
506:37 generations to come. The unusual logic of Duke Aaron's reasoning aroused the
506:38 of Duke Aaron's reasoning aroused the emperor's sincere interest, prompting
506:40 emperor's sincere interest, prompting him to ask his nephew to continue his
506:42 him to ask his nephew to continue his explanation. The Duke warned of the
506:44 explanation. The Duke warned of the consequences of depriving him of his
506:46 consequences of depriving him of his title, which would open the way to power
506:48 title, which would open the way to power for other feudal lords who did not
506:50 for other feudal lords who did not belong to the imperial dynasty. The
506:52 belong to the imperial dynasty. The absence of feudal lords with the surname
506:54 absence of feudal lords with the surname Karin, apart from the emperor and the
506:56 Karin, apart from the emperor and the prince, posed a threat to the future of
506:58 prince, posed a threat to the future of dynastic rule in the provinces of the
507:00 dynastic rule in the provinces of the empire. The Duke's main concern was the
507:02 empire. The Duke's main concern was the possible loss of the Karan dynasty's
507:04 possible loss of the Karan dynasty's control over the imperial state in the
507:06 control over the imperial state in the long term. After listening carefully to
507:08 long term. After listening carefully to his nephew's arguments, the emperor
507:10 his nephew's arguments, the emperor asked about the Duke's specific wishes
507:11 asked about the Duke's specific wishes regarding the current situation. The
507:13 regarding the current situation. The Duke's direct request was to suspend the
507:16 Duke's direct request was to suspend the advance of the Central Imperial Army on
507:18 advance of the Central Imperial Army on his territory. The emperor was upset and
507:20 his territory. The emperor was upset and flatly rejected the idea of pulling back
507:22 flatly rejected the idea of pulling back the army, saying it wasn't smart to stop
507:24 the army, saying it wasn't smart to stop punishing someone for treason. The Duke
507:26 punishing someone for treason. The Duke clarified his request, explaining that
507:28 clarified his request, explaining that he was not demanding the cancellation of
507:30 he was not demanding the cancellation of military operations, but only asking for
507:32 military operations, but only asking for a delay in their commencement. A
507:34 a delay in their commencement. A detailed analysis of the military
507:35 detailed analysis of the military situation showed that there were 100,000
507:37 situation showed that there were 100,000 soldiers in the main army with a total
507:40 soldiers in the main army with a total of about 200,000 troops under the Duke's
507:42 of about 200,000 troops under the Duke's command. The need to preserve part of
507:44 command. The need to preserve part of the forces to stabilize the situation in
507:46 the forces to stabilize the situation in the regions affected by the epidemic
507:48 the regions affected by the epidemic confirmed the Duke's good awareness of
507:49 confirmed the Duke's good awareness of the state of affairs. The smiling Duke
507:51 the state of affairs. The smiling Duke openly declared his intention to destroy
507:53 openly declared his intention to destroy all 100,000 soldiers of the Imperial
507:55 all 100,000 soldiers of the Imperial Army in the upcoming battle. The Duke's
507:58 Army in the upcoming battle. The Duke's plan was to have him officially declared
507:59 plan was to have him officially declared a traitor and send the central army to
508:01 a traitor and send the central army to punish the territory of Bran. The
508:03 punish the territory of Bran. The implementation of this plan would have
508:05 implementation of this plan would have simultaneously punished the Duke for
508:06 simultaneously punished the Duke for treason and weakened the influence of
508:08 treason and weakened the influence of other feudal lords, strengthening the
508:10 other feudal lords, strengthening the emperor's power. The further fate of
508:12 emperor's power. The further fate of Duke Aaron was of natural interest to
508:14 Duke Aaron was of natural interest to the emperor, causing him to listen
508:16 the emperor, causing him to listen carefully to every word his nephew
508:18 carefully to every word his nephew uttered. The Duke outlined his plan to
508:20 uttered. The Duke outlined his plan to surrender voluntarily after the arrival
508:22 surrender voluntarily after the arrival of the main army, asking to retain
508:24 of the main army, asking to retain control of the northern territory of
508:25 control of the northern territory of Bran and his title as a reward for his
508:28 Bran and his title as a reward for his cooperation. After carefully considering
508:30 cooperation. After carefully considering his nephew's proposal, the emperor
508:32 his nephew's proposal, the emperor confirmed the main army's original plan
508:34 confirmed the main army's original plan of action to capture the Holy Kingdom
508:36 of action to capture the Holy Kingdom and then advance to the territory of
508:37 and then advance to the territory of Bran. The Emperor's wish for a
508:39 Bran. The Emperor's wish for a successful conclusion to the battle with
508:41 successful conclusion to the battle with the feudal lord's troops sounded like a
508:43 the feudal lord's troops sounded like a hidden condition for granting Aaron's
508:45 hidden condition for granting Aaron's request. Realizing that there were no
508:47 request. Realizing that there were no further opportunities for negotiation,
508:49 further opportunities for negotiation, Aaron humbly accepted the emperor's
508:51 Aaron humbly accepted the emperor's terms, bowing his head in agreement. The
508:54 terms, bowing his head in agreement. The Duke was filled with inner satisfaction
508:56 Duke was filled with inner satisfaction as his original plan to delay the battle
508:58 as his original plan to delay the battle had been carried out exactly as he had
509:00 had been carried out exactly as he had intended. The Holy Father's anger was
509:02 intended. The Holy Father's anger was directed at Archbishop Abel, who had
509:04 directed at Archbishop Abel, who had dared to attempt to assassinate the
509:06 dared to attempt to assassinate the highest church hierarchs.
509:09 highest church hierarchs. Furious blows were accompanied by
509:11 Furious blows were accompanied by demands for an explanation of the
509:12 demands for an explanation of the audacious attempt on the life of the
509:14 audacious attempt on the life of the highest representative of the divine
509:16 highest representative of the divine authority of Parasa. Abel's contemptuous
509:18 authority of Parasa. Abel's contemptuous response, calling the Holy Father a
509:20 response, calling the Holy Father a greedy pig instead of a representative
509:22 greedy pig instead of a representative of God, was accompanied by blood
509:24 of God, was accompanied by blood spurting from his broken lips. The
509:26 spurting from his broken lips. The beating of the Archbishop was
509:28 beating of the Archbishop was interrupted by the appearance of an
509:29 interrupted by the appearance of an alarmed knight with an important message
509:31 alarmed knight with an important message requiring the immediate attention of the
509:32 requiring the immediate attention of the Holy Father. Completely consumed by
509:35 Holy Father. Completely consumed by rage, the Holy Father paid no attention
509:37 rage, the Holy Father paid no attention to those around him until he heard a
509:38 to those around him until he heard a familiar female voice. The appearance of
509:41 familiar female voice. The appearance of the disgruntled Cheryl, who called the
509:42 the disgruntled Cheryl, who called the Holy Father pathetic and suggested that
509:44 Holy Father pathetic and suggested that he prepare for war instead of beating
509:46 he prepare for war instead of beating his subordinates, changed the situation.
509:49 his subordinates, changed the situation. A flash of anger prompted the king to
509:51 A flash of anger prompted the king to remind Cheryl that she was on foreign
509:52 remind Cheryl that she was on foreign territory and to order the immediate
509:54 territory and to order the immediate arrest of the insulent visitor. Enraged
509:57 arrest of the insulent visitor. Enraged by the disrespectful treatment, Cheryl
509:59 by the disrespectful treatment, Cheryl decided to teach a harsh lesson to both
510:01 decided to teach a harsh lesson to both the Holy Father himself and his arrogant
510:03 the Holy Father himself and his arrogant knights. A powerful flame reflecting
510:06 knights. A powerful flame reflecting Cheryl's inner rage flared up behind
510:08 Cheryl's inner rage flared up behind her, instantly forcing the Holy Knights
510:10 her, instantly forcing the Holy Knights to cease any attempts at resistance.
510:12 to cease any attempts at resistance. After calming down following her display
510:14 After calming down following her display of power, Cheryl explained the real
510:16 of power, Cheryl explained the real reason for her visit. She needed to
510:18 reason for her visit. She needed to deliver an important message to the Holy
510:20 deliver an important message to the Holy Father. The demand to listen carefully
510:22 Father. The demand to listen carefully to the proposal for a temporary alliance
510:25 to the proposal for a temporary alliance sounded like an order that borked no
510:27 sounded like an order that borked no objection from the church authorities.
510:28 objection from the church authorities. Cheryl explained the commonality of
510:30 Cheryl explained the commonality of their position as enemies of the Empire,
510:32 their position as enemies of the Empire, proposing to join forces to jointly
510:34 proposing to join forces to jointly confront the looming threat. A careful
510:36 confront the looming threat. A careful analysis of the situation showed the
510:38 analysis of the situation showed the Holy Father that the capital would
510:40 Holy Father that the capital would inevitably fall without Aaron's support,
510:42 inevitably fall without Aaron's support, forcing him to seriously consider the
510:44 forcing him to seriously consider the Alliance proposal. Despite the obvious
510:46 Alliance proposal. Despite the obvious advantages of an alliance, the Holy
510:48 advantages of an alliance, the Holy Father categorically rejected
510:50 Father categorically rejected cooperation with Viven's church, citing
510:52 cooperation with Viven's church, citing religious beliefs. The sudden request to
510:55 religious beliefs. The sudden request to wait made by the frightened holy father
510:57 wait made by the frightened holy father irritated Cheryl with its obvious
510:59 irritated Cheryl with its obvious insincerity and indecisiveness. The
511:01 insincerity and indecisiveness. The proposal to return Blanch Castle was
511:03 proposal to return Blanch Castle was presented as a condition for considering
511:04 presented as a condition for considering a temporary alliance between the waring
511:06 a temporary alliance between the waring religious groups. The unexpected
511:08 religious groups. The unexpected condition seemed strange to Cheryl, but
511:11 condition seemed strange to Cheryl, but she agreed. Understanding the importance
511:13 she agreed. Understanding the importance of forming an alliance in the current
511:15 of forming an alliance in the current situation. Leaving the castle on a
511:17 situation. Leaving the castle on a majestic phoenix, Cheryl promised to
511:19 majestic phoenix, Cheryl promised to provide the details of the agreement in
511:21 provide the details of the agreement in writing, officially cementing their
511:22 writing, officially cementing their alliance. The Holy Father watched the
511:25 alliance. The Holy Father watched the receding figure in confusion, not
511:27 receding figure in confusion, not understanding Duke Aaron's plans, but
511:29 understanding Duke Aaron's plans, but realizing that he could not refuse the
511:31 realizing that he could not refuse the proposed alliance. Former Archbishop
511:33 proposed alliance. Former Archbishop Abel laughed, announcing a divine
511:35 Abel laughed, announcing a divine revelation that predicted a curse on the
511:37 revelation that predicted a curse on the Holy Father for his alliance with the
511:38 Holy Father for his alliance with the enemies of the True Faith. A new
511:40 enemies of the True Faith. A new outburst of rage from the Holy Father
511:43 outburst of rage from the Holy Father led to the continuation of the
511:44 led to the continuation of the Archbishop's beating, interrupted only
511:46 Archbishop's beating, interrupted only by the arrival of another urgent report.
511:48 by the arrival of another urgent report. An alarming report of the mysterious
511:50 An alarming report of the mysterious disappearance of the main religious
511:52 disappearance of the main religious relic, caused the Holy Father to
511:54 relic, caused the Holy Father to temporarily forget about punishing the
511:55 temporarily forget about punishing the Archbishop. The investigation into the
511:58 Archbishop. The investigation into the theft quickly pointed to Isabel as the
512:00 theft quickly pointed to Isabel as the main culprit, and the Holy Knights
512:02 main culprit, and the Holy Knights immediately set off in pursuit. An
512:04 immediately set off in pursuit. An inaccurate blow from the Holy Knights
512:06 inaccurate blow from the Holy Knights accidentally damaged the bag containing
512:07 accidentally damaged the bag containing the relic, causing the precious object
512:09 the relic, causing the precious object to fall to the ground during the chase.
512:11 to fall to the ground during the chase. The pursuit of the thief was abandoned
512:13 The pursuit of the thief was abandoned after the Holy Knights decided to focus
512:15 after the Holy Knights decided to focus on retrieving the fallen relic. A sudden
512:17 on retrieving the fallen relic. A sudden uprising of nature manifested itself
512:19 uprising of nature manifested itself through the awakening of tree roots,
512:21 through the awakening of tree roots, creating an insurmountable obstacle in
512:23 creating an insurmountable obstacle in the path of the Holy Knights. The
512:24 the path of the Holy Knights. The magical intervention of the enraged
512:26 magical intervention of the enraged Isabel, angered by attempts to thwart
512:28 Isabel, angered by attempts to thwart her plans, led to a difficult situation
512:30 her plans, led to a difficult situation for the Holy Knights. A cruel punishment
512:33 for the Holy Knights. A cruel punishment befell the holy knights whom Isabel
512:35 befell the holy knights whom Isabel deemed unworthy, ignorant people
512:37 deemed unworthy, ignorant people deserving of destruction. The surviving
512:39 deserving of destruction. The surviving knights managed to activate the
512:40 knights managed to activate the protective shield of the god Parasa with
512:42 protective shield of the god Parasa with the help of the raised relic. Preparing
512:44 the help of the raised relic. Preparing for a decisive confrontation, Isabelle's
512:47 for a decisive confrontation, Isabelle's mocking attitude toward the attempts to
512:48 mocking attitude toward the attempts to resist demonstrated her confidence in
512:50 resist demonstrated her confidence in her own superiority over her enemies.
512:53 her own superiority over her enemies. The systematic destruction of the
512:54 The systematic destruction of the protective barrier and all remaining
512:56 protective barrier and all remaining holy knights revealed the true power of
512:58 holy knights revealed the true power of Isabelle's magical abilities. The
513:00 Isabelle's magical abilities. The successful conclusion of the battle
513:02 successful conclusion of the battle allowed Isabelle to focus on collecting
513:04 allowed Isabelle to focus on collecting the relic and planning her next steps in
513:06 the relic and planning her next steps in the search for the remaining sacred
513:08 the search for the remaining sacred items. The unexpected appearance of
513:10 items. The unexpected appearance of Cecilia with the relic she had found was
513:12 Cecilia with the relic she had found was accompanied by a direct question about
513:14 accompanied by a direct question about Isabelle's identity as a renowned
513:16 Isabelle's identity as a renowned collector of divine artifacts. Careful
513:19 collector of divine artifacts. Careful observation allowed Isabelle to
513:20 observation allowed Isabelle to recognize Cecilia as a nun endowed with
513:22 recognize Cecilia as a nun endowed with the power of the goddess Viven, which
513:24 the power of the goddess Viven, which significantly changed the situation.
513:27 significantly changed the situation. Isabelle's swift attack was met with
513:28 Isabelle's swift attack was met with unexpectedly strong resistance from the
513:30 unexpectedly strong resistance from the nun who was able to withstand her
513:32 nun who was able to withstand her magical power. A crushing blow forced
513:35 magical power. A crushing blow forced Isabelle to her knees, coughing up blood
513:37 Isabelle to her knees, coughing up blood and trying to comprehend the incredible
513:39 and trying to comprehend the incredible power of a simple servant of the church.
513:41 power of a simple servant of the church. Cecilia's philosophical explanation of
513:43 Cecilia's philosophical explanation of the nature of the goddess Viven's love
513:45 the nature of the goddess Viven's love capable of transforming into righteous
513:47 capable of transforming into righteous fury foreshadowed the end of Isabelle's
513:49 fury foreshadowed the end of Isabelle's evil deeds. Cecilia's determination to
513:52 evil deeds. Cecilia's determination to demonstrate the true fury of the goddess
513:54 demonstrate the true fury of the goddess Viven sounded like a final sentence for
513:56 Viven sounded like a final sentence for her opponent. The critical moment of the
513:58 her opponent. The critical moment of the battle was interrupted by the appearance
514:00 battle was interrupted by the appearance of the bloodthirsty warriors who
514:02 of the bloodthirsty warriors who demanded that Cecilia stop attacking
514:04 demanded that Cecilia stop attacking their mother and the wise men. Cecilia's
514:06 their mother and the wise men. Cecilia's demonstrative fighting stance and
514:08 demonstrative fighting stance and invitation to her enemies to attack
514:10 invitation to her enemies to attack showed her readiness to face any number
514:12 showed her readiness to face any number of foes. An important meeting in the
514:14 of foes. An important meeting in the main hall brought together the
514:15 main hall brought together the aforementioned dragon, Cheryl, and RML.
514:18 aforementioned dragon, Cheryl, and RML. But the absence of the Duke caused
514:19 But the absence of the Duke caused concern among those present. Cheryl's
514:21 concern among those present. Cheryl's irritation grew due to her brother's
514:23 irritation grew due to her brother's prolonged absence, especially after he
514:25 prolonged absence, especially after he had formed an unwanted alliance with the
514:27 had formed an unwanted alliance with the Holy Father, whom she despised. Raml's
514:30 Holy Father, whom she despised. Raml's concern about Aaron's inexplicably long
514:32 concern about Aaron's inexplicably long absence reflected the general anxiety of
514:34 absence reflected the general anxiety of those gathered about the fate of their
514:36 those gathered about the fate of their leader. Kinos's reassuring words about
514:38 leader. Kinos's reassuring words about Aaron's safety under Iran's protection
514:41 Aaron's safety under Iran's protection slightly eased the tension among the
514:42 slightly eased the tension among the assembled advisers. The treasurer's
514:44 assembled advisers. The treasurer's emotional reaction to the current
514:46 emotional reaction to the current continental crisis and the outbreak of
514:48 continental crisis and the outbreak of civil war reflected the seriousness of
514:50 civil war reflected the seriousness of the territo's financial problems. The
514:52 the territo's financial problems. The treasurer's deep distress was caused by
514:54 treasurer's deep distress was caused by excessive military spending and the
514:56 excessive military spending and the difficulty of finding funds to finance
514:58 difficulty of finding funds to finance the upcoming military operations. The
515:00 the upcoming military operations. The long- aaited appearance of the Duke
515:02 long- aaited appearance of the Duke accompanied by Aan brought relief to all
515:04 accompanied by Aan brought relief to all those present at the important meeting.
515:06 those present at the important meeting. The Duke's awkward explanation about
515:08 The Duke's awkward explanation about working on a solution to the problem was
515:10 working on a solution to the problem was addressed to an unfamiliar treasurer who
515:12 addressed to an unfamiliar treasurer who expressed obvious concern. The Duke's
515:14 expressed obvious concern. The Duke's mysterious hint at something more
515:16 mysterious hint at something more valuable than gold was accompanied by an
515:18 valuable than gold was accompanied by an invitation for a special guest to enter.
515:20 invitation for a special guest to enter. The appearance of Elena, accompanied by
515:22 The appearance of Elena, accompanied by Kurac, puzzled the treasurer, who
515:24 Kurac, puzzled the treasurer, who doubted the woman's ability to solve the
515:26 doubted the woman's ability to solve the territo's financial problems. The
515:28 territo's financial problems. The treasurer's dismissive attitude provoked
515:30 treasurer's dismissive attitude provoked an angry reaction from Elena, who
515:32 an angry reaction from Elena, who demonstrated her true demonic nature.
515:34 demonstrated her true demonic nature. Elena's threatening smile accompanied
515:36 Elena's threatening smile accompanied her provocative suggestion that the
515:38 her provocative suggestion that the treasurer openly express his doubts
515:39 treasurer openly express his doubts about her usefulness, looking him
515:41 about her usefulness, looking him straight in the face. After handing the
515:43 straight in the face. After handing the treasurer over to Elena's supervision,
515:45 treasurer over to Elena's supervision, Aaron took the chair and officially
515:47 Aaron took the chair and officially opened the important council meeting.
515:48 opened the important council meeting. The Duke's strategic plan included
515:50 The Duke's strategic plan included defeating the feudal lord's army of
515:52 defeating the feudal lord's army of 200,000 soldiers and then surrendering
515:55 200,000 soldiers and then surrendering to the main imperial army. Everyone
515:57 to the main imperial army. Everyone looked at the Duke in confusion as he
515:58 looked at the Duke in confusion as he explained that these were the terms of
516:00 explained that these were the terms of his deal with the emperor. Cheryl was
516:02 his deal with the emperor. Cheryl was the first to lose her composure. She
516:04 the first to lose her composure. She stood up and began to accuse her brother
516:06 stood up and began to accuse her brother of madness. She couldn't understand why
516:09 of madness. She couldn't understand why he had agreed to such a deal. But Aaron
516:11 he had agreed to such a deal. But Aaron knew perfectly well that this was the
516:12 knew perfectly well that this was the limit of their current strength and that
516:14 limit of their current strength and that they would not be able to withstand the
516:16 they would not be able to withstand the army. Raml also began to get angry and
516:18 army. Raml also began to get angry and explained that the limits of our
516:19 explained that the limits of our strength were just pathetic words and
516:22 strength were just pathetic words and that they were ready to give their lives
516:23 that they were ready to give their lives for justice. This was exactly what Aaron
516:26 for justice. This was exactly what Aaron feared. He did not want to lose any of
516:28 feared. He did not want to lose any of his loyal comrades. When he took on the
516:30 his loyal comrades. When he took on the responsibility of becoming a true lord
516:32 responsibility of becoming a true lord in this life, he swore that he would not
516:34 in this life, he swore that he would not lose anyone along the way. However,
516:36 lose anyone along the way. However, surrender did not mean the end of Bran's
516:38 surrender did not mean the end of Bran's territory. When the main army left and
516:41 territory. When the main army left and reinforcements arrived from the Black
516:42 reinforcements arrived from the Black Continent, only then will they be able
516:44 Continent, only then will they be able to stand up to the emperor with dignity,
516:46 to stand up to the emperor with dignity, having gained new strength. This
516:48 having gained new strength. This arrangement finally satisfied everyone,
516:50 arrangement finally satisfied everyone, and it seemed that everyone was pleased
516:52 and it seemed that everyone was pleased with how the Duke had outwitted the
516:53 with how the Duke had outwitted the emperor. Two weeks later, the feudal
516:56 emperor. Two weeks later, the feudal lords had already gathered their army of
516:58 lords had already gathered their army of 100,000 and met to discuss the final
517:00 100,000 and met to discuss the final preparations. Duke Find sat in his tent
517:03 preparations. Duke Find sat in his tent with Count Vlad, discussing their plans
517:05 with Count Vlad, discussing their plans for victory. Count Vlad believed that
517:07 for victory. Count Vlad believed that Aaron was just a loser from the north
517:09 Aaron was just a loser from the north and that they would easily defeat his
517:10 and that they would easily defeat his army. But the Duke only laughed at these
517:13 army. But the Duke only laughed at these self-confident words. Then the count
517:15 self-confident words. Then the count explained that those who had dared to
517:16 explained that those who had dared to mock his words were no longer alive, and
517:19 mock his words were no longer alive, and he was sure that the Duke himself knew
517:21 he was sure that the Duke himself knew this. But the Duke quickly stopped the
517:23 this. But the Duke quickly stopped the count, explaining that he could take out
517:25 count, explaining that he could take out all his anger on Duke Aaron. The count
517:27 all his anger on Duke Aaron. The count would not be deterred and demanded that
517:29 would not be deterred and demanded that the Duke explain the reasons for his
517:30 the Duke explain the reasons for his mockery. The woman who entered explained
517:32 mockery. The woman who entered explained that the Duke wanted to know what the
517:34 that the Duke wanted to know what the count would do after Aaron died. This
517:36 count would do after Aaron died. This woman was powerful and the only female
517:38 woman was powerful and the only female Duchess of Baron. She explained that if
517:40 Duchess of Baron. She explained that if their armies and soldiers were united,
517:42 their armies and soldiers were united, the army would be invincible. She
517:44 the army would be invincible. She wondered who their soldiers would turn
517:45 wondered who their soldiers would turn their swords against after they had
517:47 their swords against after they had dealt with Duke Aaron. It became clear
517:48 dealt with Duke Aaron. It became clear that their next target could be the
517:50 that their next target could be the emperor. But the Duke believed that
517:52 emperor. But the Duke believed that before thinking about killing the
517:53 before thinking about killing the emperor, they needed to decide how to
517:55 emperor, they needed to decide how to get rid of Aaron in a way that would
517:57 get rid of Aaron in a way that would look good. In the end, an obvious civil
517:59 look good. In the end, an obvious civil war to punish the traitor Aaron caused
518:01 war to punish the traitor Aaron caused fear and unrest among the citizens of
518:03 fear and unrest among the citizens of the empire. The citizens feared a repeat
518:05 the empire. The citizens feared a repeat of the terrible epidemic. However, not
518:08 of the terrible epidemic. However, not everyone was concerned. Some saw this as
518:10 everyone was concerned. Some saw this as a good opportunity, especially the
518:12 a good opportunity, especially the former Duke Bronna. He realized that as
518:14 former Duke Bronna. He realized that as soon as he gathered all the relics of
518:16 soon as he gathered all the relics of the gods, he would be able to return to
518:18 the gods, he would be able to return to his former body and take his revenge.
518:20 his former body and take his revenge. Cecilia's battle with the mercenaries
518:22 Cecilia's battle with the mercenaries continued with renewed vigor. By this
518:24 continued with renewed vigor. By this point, she had already dealt with some
518:26 point, she had already dealt with some of the warriors, and only 10 remained.
518:28 of the warriors, and only 10 remained. Therefore, not wanting to waste so much
518:30 Therefore, not wanting to waste so much time, she darted toward Isabel, but one
518:32 time, she darted toward Isabel, but one of the mercenaries quickly blocked her
518:34 of the mercenaries quickly blocked her path. Without losing her composure, the
518:36 path. Without losing her composure, the girl caught him off guard with a sudden
518:38 girl caught him off guard with a sudden kick, knocking him out of action. A
518:40 kick, knocking him out of action. A crowd began to attack her, but even
518:42 crowd began to attack her, but even together they were powerless against the
518:44 together they were powerless against the nun who had spent her entire life
518:46 nun who had spent her entire life preparing for this moment. But suddenly
518:48 preparing for this moment. But suddenly she saw Isabelle casting a spell who had
518:50 she saw Isabelle casting a spell who had managed to recover. Moreover, her path
518:53 managed to recover. Moreover, her path was quickly blocked by mercenaries who
518:55 was quickly blocked by mercenaries who prevented her from interfering with the
518:56 prevented her from interfering with the witch's magic. While Cecilia was dealing
518:59 witch's magic. While Cecilia was dealing with the mercenaries, she did not manage
519:01 with the mercenaries, she did not manage to get close to Isabel. Isabelle used a
519:03 to get close to Isabel. Isabelle used a chaotic grab. This magic completely
519:06 chaotic grab. This magic completely bound Cecilia's body who was already
519:08 bound Cecilia's body who was already surrounded by mercenaries with Isabelle
519:10 surrounded by mercenaries with Isabelle standing in the middle satisfied with
519:12 standing in the middle satisfied with her actions. Realizing there was no way
519:14 her actions. Realizing there was no way out, Cecilia turned to the goddess for
519:16 out, Cecilia turned to the goddess for help and at that moment a divine light
519:18 help and at that moment a divine light shone and Isabelle ordered the warriors
519:21 shone and Isabelle ordered the warriors to stop. Approaching the girl, she
519:23 to stop. Approaching the girl, she realized that the relic was hidden
519:24 realized that the relic was hidden inside her. Therefore, she could not be
519:26 inside her. Therefore, she could not be killed. Later, Isabelle and Cecilia were
519:29 killed. Later, Isabelle and Cecilia were riding in a carriage and Cecilia asked
519:31 riding in a carriage and Cecilia asked Isabelle why she was collecting these
519:32 Isabelle why she was collecting these relics. No matter how many relics she
519:35 relics. No matter how many relics she collected, she would never gain the
519:36 collected, she would never gain the power of the gods, but it seemed obvious
519:38 power of the gods, but it seemed obvious from the woman's face that she wasn't
519:40 from the woman's face that she wasn't interested. With a sly smile, she
519:43 interested. With a sly smile, she explained that she didn't need that
519:44 explained that she didn't need that power at all. Cecilia didn't understand
519:47 power at all. Cecilia didn't understand what was driving her, but when Isabelle
519:49 what was driving her, but when Isabelle explained that it was all about Avarak,
519:51 explained that it was all about Avarak, Cecilia immediately recognized the name
519:53 Cecilia immediately recognized the name of this ancient god. The woman then
519:55 of this ancient god. The woman then turned to Cecilia with sincerity and
519:57 turned to Cecilia with sincerity and asked for her help in stopping the god
519:59 asked for her help in stopping the god of chaos. Cecilia's face froze in deep
520:02 of chaos. Cecilia's face froze in deep shock as she mentally weighed all the
520:03 shock as she mentally weighed all the possible consequences of her decision
520:05 possible consequences of her decision for the future of the country. Unable to
520:07 for the future of the country. Unable to give the woman a definite answer, Count
520:09 give the woman a definite answer, Count Vlad's powerful army had already invaded
520:12 Vlad's powerful army had already invaded the territory of Bran, methodically
520:14 the territory of Bran, methodically advancing forward and leaving traces of
520:16 advancing forward and leaving traces of their military presence in the conquered
520:17 their military presence in the conquered lands. Count Vlad's military prowess had
520:20 lands. Count Vlad's military prowess had earned him a reputation as an unrivaled
520:22 earned him a reputation as an unrivaled warrior who had learned the art of
520:24 warrior who had learned the art of battle from childhood and recognized
520:26 battle from childhood and recognized only the power of weapons as the
520:28 only the power of weapons as the ultimate argument. History remembered
520:30 ultimate argument. History remembered the times when Count Vlad, seduced by
520:32 the times when Count Vlad, seduced by promises of power, joined the Imperial
520:34 promises of power, joined the Imperial faction and led a large-scale rebellion
520:36 faction and led a large-scale rebellion against the legitimate ruler. A deep
520:38 against the legitimate ruler. A deep hatred for Emperor Giron took root in
520:40 hatred for Emperor Giron took root in Count Vlad's heart, who despised the
520:42 Count Vlad's heart, who despised the ruler for his tendency to achieve his
520:44 ruler for his tendency to achieve his goals, not through the use of force, but
520:47 goals, not through the use of force, but through cunning intrigues. Upon
520:49 through cunning intrigues. Upon receiving reports from scouts about the
520:50 receiving reports from scouts about the enemy's approach, Count Vlad coldly
520:53 enemy's approach, Count Vlad coldly ordered his knights to advance into
520:54 ordered his knights to advance into battle, and his warriors rushed toward
520:56 battle, and his warriors rushed toward the enemy without hesitation. Suddenly,
520:59 the enemy without hesitation. Suddenly, the count noticed an alarming trend. His
521:01 the count noticed an alarming trend. His soldiers were mysteriously disappearing
521:03 soldiers were mysteriously disappearing and dying, which caused him serious
521:05 and dying, which caused him serious concern until it became clear that evil
521:07 concern until it became clear that evil forces were at work. Elena decided to
521:09 forces were at work. Elena decided to reveal her presence in an unexpected
521:11 reveal her presence in an unexpected way. She laughed loudly and announced to
521:13 way. She laughed loudly and announced to the arriving soldiers that they were on
521:15 the arriving soldiers that they were on her property and under her special
521:17 her property and under her special protection. The commander of the knights
521:19 protection. The commander of the knights stared intently at Count Vlad's face,
521:21 stared intently at Count Vlad's face, hoping for instructions on what to do
521:23 hoping for instructions on what to do next. But Vlad remained silent,
521:26 next. But Vlad remained silent, continuing to observe the enemy. In a
521:28 continuing to observe the enemy. In a calm tone, the count explained to his
521:30 calm tone, the count explained to his men that they needed to wait a while as
521:32 men that they needed to wait a while as additional troops were already on their
521:34 additional troops were already on their way to the battlefield. The soldiers
521:36 way to the battlefield. The soldiers managed to wound Elena during a surprise
521:37 managed to wound Elena during a surprise attack, but she reacted quickly and
521:40 attack, but she reacted quickly and immediately left the battlefield using
521:41 immediately left the battlefield using magical teleportation. Before
521:43 magical teleportation. Before disappearing into the magical portal
521:45 disappearing into the magical portal with her army of skeletons, Elena made a
521:47 with her army of skeletons, Elena made a solemn promise to meet her enemies again
521:49 solemn promise to meet her enemies again and settle the score once and for all.
521:51 and settle the score once and for all. The Duke, who had suddenly appeared,
521:53 The Duke, who had suddenly appeared, asked Count Vlad why he had not acted
521:56 asked Count Vlad why he had not acted since the path was completely clear for
521:58 since the path was completely clear for the army to advance. The Duke, who ruled
522:00 the army to advance. The Duke, who ruled over the lands of Aken, was a vivid
522:02 over the lands of Aken, was a vivid embodiment of the cruelty and malice
522:04 embodiment of the cruelty and malice that had been passed down in his family
522:06 that had been passed down in his family for generations as a family legacy. The
522:09 for generations as a family legacy. The former emperor had deliberately removed
522:10 former emperor had deliberately removed the Findal family from political life in
522:12 the Findal family from political life in the empire. Fearing their notorious
522:14 the empire. Fearing their notorious penchant for dark deeds and intrigue,
522:17 penchant for dark deeds and intrigue, the new ruler, Giron, unlike his
522:19 the new ruler, Giron, unlike his predecessor, decided to use the sinister
522:21 predecessor, decided to use the sinister reputation of the Findal family as a
522:23 reputation of the Findal family as a tool in his struggle for the imperial
522:25 tool in his struggle for the imperial throne. Confronted with the true nature
522:27 throne. Confronted with the true nature of the Findal family, Emperor Geron
522:29 of the Findal family, Emperor Geron decided to sever all ties with them. And
522:32 decided to sever all ties with them. And this decision remained unchanged after
522:33 this decision remained unchanged after his ascension. The Findle family decided
522:36 his ascension. The Findle family decided to take advantage of this opportunity to
522:38 to take advantage of this opportunity to take revenge on the emperor, planning to
522:40 take revenge on the emperor, planning to overthrow him from the throne as
522:42 overthrow him from the throne as punishment for betraying their interests
522:44 punishment for betraying their interests and trust. The Duke, receiving no
522:46 and trust. The Duke, receiving no response from the count, reported the
522:48 response from the count, reported the successful elimination of his closest
522:50 successful elimination of his closest enemies by his own forces and proposed
522:52 enemies by his own forces and proposed continuing the military offensive. The
522:54 continuing the military offensive. The events that took place 3 days ago began
522:56 events that took place 3 days ago began with an alarming conversation between
522:58 with an alarming conversation between the Duke and Kanos about the growing
523:00 the Duke and Kanos about the growing discontent of the local residents and
523:02 discontent of the local residents and their suspicious behavior. The locals
523:04 their suspicious behavior. The locals anxiety was expressed in loud
523:06 anxiety was expressed in loud accusations against Aaron of betraying
523:08 accusations against Aaron of betraying the empire and spreading rumors about
523:10 the empire and spreading rumors about his involvement in starting the current
523:12 his involvement in starting the current war. Kanos's unexpected laughter caused
523:14 war. Kanos's unexpected laughter caused obvious confusion for the Duke who could
523:16 obvious confusion for the Duke who could not understand the reason for such
523:18 not understand the reason for such marment in such a serious situation.
523:20 marment in such a serious situation. Kinos apologized for his unusual
523:22 Kinos apologized for his unusual reaction and explained that he had been
523:24 reaction and explained that he had been amused by a memory of an ancient story
523:26 amused by a memory of an ancient story that had once been told to him by his
523:28 that had once been told to him by his tribesmen. Ancient dragon wisdom said
523:30 tribesmen. Ancient dragon wisdom said that human society never appreciates
523:32 that human society never appreciates what it has. Constantly striving for the
523:34 what it has. Constantly striving for the unattainable and forgetting about its
523:36 unattainable and forgetting about its real treasures. The bitter irony was
523:39 real treasures. The bitter irony was that the people who had been saved from
523:40 that the people who had been saved from destruction by their lord's care now
523:42 destruction by their lord's care now called him a traitor and blamed him for
523:44 called him a traitor and blamed him for all their misfortunes. In conversation,
523:47 all their misfortunes. In conversation, Aaron sheepishly acknowledged his human
523:49 Aaron sheepishly acknowledged his human nature, but emphasized his disagreement
523:51 nature, but emphasized his disagreement with such views, and the dragon hastened
523:53 with such views, and the dragon hastened to clarify the peculiarity of his
523:55 to clarify the peculiarity of his position. The Duke understood the
523:57 position. The Duke understood the essence of the situation perfectly well,
523:59 essence of the situation perfectly well, but he was interested in the deeper
524:00 but he was interested in the deeper meaning that Kynos had put into his
524:02 meaning that Kynos had put into his mysterious words and unexpected
524:04 mysterious words and unexpected reaction. Kanos responded with another
524:07 reaction. Kanos responded with another laugh and mysteriously hinted at the
524:08 laugh and mysteriously hinted at the existence of a way to remedy the
524:10 existence of a way to remedy the situation without revealing the details
524:12 situation without revealing the details of his plan. Alarming rumors spread
524:14 of his plan. Alarming rumors spread among Aaron's soldiers that it was their
524:16 among Aaron's soldiers that it was their lord's betrayal that had provoked the
524:18 lord's betrayal that had provoked the war, causing the warriors to doubt the
524:20 war, causing the warriors to doubt the righteousness of their struggle. The
524:22 righteousness of their struggle. The news of the approach of a 100,000 enemy
524:24 news of the approach of a 100,000 enemy troops sowed panic among the soldiers
524:26 troops sowed panic among the soldiers who began to consider fleeing, unwilling
524:28 who began to consider fleeing, unwilling to sacrifice their lives in vain. The
524:31 to sacrifice their lives in vain. The Duke, who was nearby, listened intently
524:33 Duke, who was nearby, listened intently to the soldiers conversations, and was
524:35 to the soldiers conversations, and was filled with indignation at the cowardly
524:37 filled with indignation at the cowardly thoughts of his subordinates. The
524:38 thoughts of his subordinates. The unexpected appearance of Elena from the
524:40 unexpected appearance of Elena from the magical portal caused a wave of whispers
524:42 magical portal caused a wave of whispers among the knights who could not
524:44 among the knights who could not understand the presence of a demon in
524:46 understand the presence of a demon in their ranks. Elena respectfully knelt
524:48 their ranks. Elena respectfully knelt before Aaron and reported on the enemy's
524:50 before Aaron and reported on the enemy's breakthrough through the canyon,
524:51 breakthrough through the canyon, informing him of the enemy's rapid
524:53 informing him of the enemy's rapid advance toward the knights positions.
524:55 advance toward the knights positions. The knights watched in amazement as the
524:56 The knights watched in amazement as the demon knelt before their lord, causing
524:58 demon knelt before their lord, causing even Aaron himself to be clearly
525:00 even Aaron himself to be clearly confused. The dragon decisively took the
525:02 confused. The dragon decisively took the initiative and addressed the assembled
525:04 initiative and addressed the assembled soldiers, urging them to listen
525:06 soldiers, urging them to listen carefully to his important words. The
525:08 carefully to his important words. The dragon's thunderous address to Bran's
525:09 dragon's thunderous address to Bran's warriors emphasized the greatness of
525:11 warriors emphasized the greatness of their lord before whom even powerful
525:13 their lord before whom even powerful demons bowed in respect. Assuming his
525:16 demons bowed in respect. Assuming his true dragon form, Kanos reminded those
525:18 true dragon form, Kanos reminded those gathered of his high status as an
525:20 gathered of his high status as an ancient dragon who had chosen to serve
525:21 ancient dragon who had chosen to serve their noble lord. The dragon's powerful
525:24 their noble lord. The dragon's powerful voice boomed across the field, demanding
525:26 voice boomed across the field, demanding that every soldier immediately make a
525:28 that every soldier immediately make a choice. Stand with their lord or face
525:30 choice. Stand with their lord or face the consequences. The dragon presented
525:32 the consequences. The dragon presented the warriors with a decisive choice.
525:34 the warriors with a decisive choice. either support their lord, the master of
525:37 either support their lord, the master of demons and ally of the dragons, or
525:39 demons and ally of the dragons, or immediately experience the power of his
525:41 immediately experience the power of his righteous wrath. Impressed by what he
525:43 righteous wrath. Impressed by what he saw, the knight was the first to express
525:45 saw, the knight was the first to express his willingness to fight for Aaron until
525:47 his willingness to fight for Aaron until his last breath, and his example
525:49 his last breath, and his example inspired the other warriors to shout
525:51 inspired the other warriors to shout their support. Observing what was
525:53 their support. Observing what was happening, the Duke recognized the
525:55 happening, the Duke recognized the theatricality of the situation, but he
525:57 theatricality of the situation, but he could not help but approve of the
525:59 could not help but approve of the effectiveness of such a method of
526:00 effectiveness of such a method of raising morale. Taking the reigns of his
526:02 raising morale. Taking the reigns of his horse confidently, the Duke ordered his
526:04 horse confidently, the Duke ordered his soldiers to follow him into battle,
526:06 soldiers to follow him into battle, shoulder-to-shoulder with the mighty
526:08 shoulder-to-shoulder with the mighty dragons and demons. On the battlefield,
526:10 dragons and demons. On the battlefield, the commander of the knights, Raml,
526:12 the commander of the knights, Raml, demonstrated exceptional skill with his
526:14 demonstrated exceptional skill with his sword, methodically crushing every enemy
526:16 sword, methodically crushing every enemy who stood in his way, Count Vlad watched
526:18 who stood in his way, Count Vlad watched the events unfold with growing fury.
526:21 the events unfold with growing fury. Unable to accept the defeat of his
526:22 Unable to accept the defeat of his carefully prepared army at the hands of
526:24 carefully prepared army at the hands of the enemy. Raml continued to fight,
526:26 the enemy. Raml continued to fight, oblivious to Count Vlad's fury, and
526:28 oblivious to Count Vlad's fury, and another enemy soldier fell by his sword,
526:31 another enemy soldier fell by his sword, managing to utter a final prayer for
526:32 managing to utter a final prayer for salvation. Exhaustion from the long
526:35 salvation. Exhaustion from the long battle began to take its toll on Raml,
526:37 battle began to take its toll on Raml, and he eagerly awaited the arrival of
526:39 and he eagerly awaited the arrival of the promised reinforcements to continue
526:41 the promised reinforcements to continue the fight. The fallen warriors prayer
526:43 the fight. The fallen warriors prayer was heard, but not by the gods. Count
526:46 was heard, but not by the gods. Count Vlad himself decided to engage in direct
526:48 Vlad himself decided to engage in direct combat, taking part in the melee.
526:50 combat, taking part in the melee. Recognizing Raml as the captain of the
526:52 Recognizing Raml as the captain of the enemy knights, the count carefully
526:53 enemy knights, the count carefully assessed his fighting stance and decided
526:55 assessed his fighting stance and decided to offer unexpected terms of truce. The
526:58 to offer unexpected terms of truce. The count's tempting offer included the
527:00 count's tempting offer included the title of baron in exchange for betraying
527:02 title of baron in exchange for betraying Duke Aaron and switching sides to his
527:04 Duke Aaron and switching sides to his new master. Raml's decisive attack
527:06 new master. Raml's decisive attack served as an eloquent response to the
527:07 served as an eloquent response to the count's proposal, demonstrating the
527:09 count's proposal, demonstrating the knight's unwavering loyalty to his
527:11 knight's unwavering loyalty to his current master. Raml issued a bold
527:14 current master. Raml issued a bold challenge to Count Vlad to prove his
527:16 challenge to Count Vlad to prove his superiority over Lord Aaron in a fair
527:18 superiority over Lord Aaron in a fair duel, promising to serve the truly
527:20 duel, promising to serve the truly strongest. A demonic light flashed in
527:22 strongest. A demonic light flashed in Count Vlad's eyes, reflecting his
527:24 Count Vlad's eyes, reflecting his burning desire to demonstrate the true
527:26 burning desire to demonstrate the true power of his dark nature in the upcoming
527:28 power of his dark nature in the upcoming battle. The duel that ensued was
527:30 battle. The duel that ensued was incredibly fierce with both opponents
527:32 incredibly fierce with both opponents demonstrating equal skill in weaponry
527:34 demonstrating equal skill in weaponry and combat techniques. Despite Count
527:36 and combat techniques. Despite Count Vlad's advantage in the attack, Raml
527:38 Vlad's advantage in the attack, Raml managed to wait for the right moment to
527:39 managed to wait for the right moment to deliver the decisive blow when his
527:41 deliver the decisive blow when his opponent made a mistake in his defense.
527:43 opponent made a mistake in his defense. The count's outstanding skill allowed
527:45 The count's outstanding skill allowed him to lightning fast intercept the
527:46 him to lightning fast intercept the weapon with his other hand, not only
527:48 weapon with his other hand, not only avoiding a fatal blow, but also
527:50 avoiding a fatal blow, but also launching a powerful counterattack.
527:52 launching a powerful counterattack. Count Vlad noted with surprise that Raml
527:54 Count Vlad noted with surprise that Raml had managed to dodge his last attack,
527:56 had managed to dodge his last attack, demonstrating impressive reflexes and
527:58 demonstrating impressive reflexes and combat skills. Raml's outward calm
528:01 combat skills. Raml's outward calm concealed his growing panic as the
528:03 concealed his growing panic as the knight realized that his strength was
528:04 knight realized that his strength was waning in the face of such a powerful
528:06 waning in the face of such a powerful opponent. During the next clash of
528:08 opponent. During the next clash of weapons, the count made a mocking remark
528:10 weapons, the count made a mocking remark that Raml, despite all his experience,
528:12 that Raml, despite all his experience, underestimated the superiority of heavy
528:14 underestimated the superiority of heavy weapons over swords. Convinced of the
528:17 weapons over swords. Convinced of the superiority of the battle axe over other
528:18 superiority of the battle axe over other types of weapons, Count Vlad decided to
528:20 types of weapons, Count Vlad decided to demonstrate the crushing power of his
528:22 demonstrate the crushing power of his favorite tool. Standing over the
528:24 favorite tool. Standing over the defeated Raml, Count Vlad offered him
528:26 defeated Raml, Count Vlad offered him one last chance to renounce his former
528:28 one last chance to renounce his former beliefs and swear allegiance to his new
528:30 beliefs and swear allegiance to his new master. Despite his serious injuries and
528:33 master. Despite his serious injuries and physical exhaustion, Raml stubbornly
528:35 physical exhaustion, Raml stubbornly tried to get to his feet, demonstrating
528:37 tried to get to his feet, demonstrating an unyielding will to continue the
528:39 an unyielding will to continue the battle. At that moment, the count
528:41 battle. At that moment, the count realized Raml's true nature as a man who
528:43 realized Raml's true nature as a man who rejected the superiority of pure force,
528:45 rejected the superiority of pure force, and this aroused a deep, insurmountable
528:48 and this aroused a deep, insurmountable hatred in him. Realizing the futility of
528:50 hatred in him. Realizing the futility of trying to win Raml over to his side,
528:52 trying to win Raml over to his side, Count Vlad decided to end his life.
528:54 Count Vlad decided to end his life. Considering such a stubborn enemy
528:56 Considering such a stubborn enemy unworthy of existence, in the last
528:58 unworthy of existence, in the last moments before his inevitable death,
529:00 moments before his inevitable death, Raml's thoughts were filled with the
529:02 Raml's thoughts were filled with the comforting certainty that his wife and
529:03 comforting certainty that his wife and child were safe. Unexpected salvation
529:06 child were safe. Unexpected salvation came in the form of a powerful attack by
529:08 came in the form of a powerful attack by his master's piercing wind, completely
529:10 his master's piercing wind, completely changing the outcome of what seemed to
529:12 changing the outcome of what seemed to be a foregone conclusion. Aaron's
529:14 be a foregone conclusion. Aaron's loyalty to his knights was evident in
529:16 loyalty to his knights was evident in his timely intervention when he
529:17 his timely intervention when he resolutely stood up to defend his loyal
529:19 resolutely stood up to defend his loyal warrior from mortal danger. The fierce
529:21 warrior from mortal danger. The fierce battle between Count Vlad and Duke Aaron
529:24 battle between Count Vlad and Duke Aaron raged with renewed vigor. But even in
529:26 raged with renewed vigor. But even in the heat of battle, the Duke did not
529:28 the heat of battle, the Duke did not forget to give orders to retreat. The
529:30 forget to give orders to retreat. The Count was struck by Aaron's willingness
529:31 Count was struck by Aaron's willingness to sacrifice tactical advantage to save
529:34 to sacrifice tactical advantage to save a single knight, which he perceived as a
529:36 a single knight, which he perceived as a display of romantic foolishness on the
529:38 display of romantic foolishness on the part of his opponent. Count Vlad's
529:40 part of his opponent. Count Vlad's mocking contempt was directed at Aaron's
529:42 mocking contempt was directed at Aaron's incomprehensible concern for the fate of
529:44 incomprehensible concern for the fate of a simple knight from his army. When the
529:46 a simple knight from his army. When the count called Aaron a noble fool for
529:48 count called Aaron a noble fool for risking his life to save a simple
529:49 risking his life to save a simple soldier, the Duke abruptly cut off his
529:51 soldier, the Duke abruptly cut off his arrogant remarks. Aaron's powerful cry
529:54 arrogant remarks. Aaron's powerful cry rang out across the battlefield, and the
529:56 rang out across the battlefield, and the dragon that appeared began to incinerate
529:58 dragon that appeared began to incinerate the ranks of soldiers, following Count
530:00 the ranks of soldiers, following Count Vlad with its fiery breath. The
530:02 Vlad with its fiery breath. The appearance of the legendary creature so
530:03 appearance of the legendary creature so shocked the count that he froze in
530:05 shocked the count that he froze in terror, unable to believe what was
530:07 terror, unable to believe what was happening before his eyes. The surviving
530:09 happening before his eyes. The surviving knights panicked and scattered, fleeing
530:11 knights panicked and scattered, fleeing from the dragon's flames, which could
530:13 from the dragon's flames, which could melt even the strongest armor into a
530:15 melt even the strongest armor into a molten mass. The sudden relief at the
530:17 molten mass. The sudden relief at the sight of the approaching Allied troops,
530:19 sight of the approaching Allied troops, was replaced by bitter disappointment
530:21 was replaced by bitter disappointment when it became clear that it was only a
530:23 when it became clear that it was only a cleverly created illusion. A careful
530:25 cleverly created illusion. A careful examination of their surroundings
530:26 examination of their surroundings revealed the cruel truth. All this time,
530:29 revealed the cruel truth. All this time, they had been under the influence of a
530:31 they had been under the influence of a powerful spell that had concealed the
530:33 powerful spell that had concealed the enemy's advance. The count remained
530:35 enemy's advance. The count remained indifferent to what was happening around
530:36 indifferent to what was happening around him. Completely captivated by the
530:38 him. Completely captivated by the incredible sight of the mighty dragon on
530:40 incredible sight of the mighty dragon on the battlefield, a detailed study of the
530:43 the battlefield, a detailed study of the dragon's appearance led the count to a
530:44 dragon's appearance led the count to a stunning discovery. The Duke had not one
530:47 stunning discovery. The Duke had not one but two of these legendary creatures at
530:50 but two of these legendary creatures at his disposal. The count was even more
530:52 his disposal. The count was even more shocked when he saw the Duke address the
530:54 shocked when he saw the Duke address the dragon by name, and the dragon
530:55 dragon by name, and the dragon obediently followed his instructions,
530:57 obediently followed his instructions, demonstrating their special bond. The
530:59 demonstrating their special bond. The weapon fell from the count's weakened
531:01 weapon fell from the count's weakened hands when the Duke, placing the blade
531:03 hands when the Duke, placing the blade against his throat, smiled and suggested
531:06 against his throat, smiled and suggested discussing the situation calmly. The
531:08 discussing the situation calmly. The observer reported to his master about
531:10 observer reported to his master about the apparent defenselessness of the
531:11 the apparent defenselessness of the Duke's castle, where only a small number
531:13 Duke's castle, where only a small number of guards remained to protect it. A
531:16 of guards remained to protect it. A sudden flash of intense fire lit up the
531:18 sudden flash of intense fire lit up the battlefield, where the Duke was engaged
531:20 battlefield, where the Duke was engaged in fierce combat with his enemy, drawing
531:22 in fierce combat with his enemy, drawing everyone's attention. Findal expressed
531:24 everyone's attention. Findal expressed his obvious dissatisfaction with the
531:26 his obvious dissatisfaction with the constant troubles and confusion that
531:28 constant troubles and confusion that accompanied the count's actions on the
531:29 accompanied the count's actions on the battlefield. Findall's decisive order to
531:32 battlefield. Findall's decisive order to his mercenary demanded that he focus
531:34 his mercenary demanded that he focus solely on the task at hand, ignoring
531:36 solely on the task at hand, ignoring everything else going on around him.
531:38 everything else going on around him. Findall's confidence in the possibility
531:39 Findall's confidence in the possibility of a bloodless capture of the castle was
531:42 of a bloodless capture of the castle was based on the effective use of a
531:43 based on the effective use of a specially prepared nerve paralyzing
531:45 specially prepared nerve paralyzing poison. An unexpected fiery attack
531:48 poison. An unexpected fiery attack ruined Findal's carefully thoughtout
531:49 ruined Findal's carefully thoughtout plan, splitting his carriage in two and
531:52 plan, splitting his carriage in two and instantly killing his assistant who was
531:54 instantly killing his assistant who was standing nearby. Panicked, the Duke
531:56 standing nearby. Panicked, the Duke frantically scanned the surroundings in
531:58 frantically scanned the surroundings in search of the source of the attack until
531:59 search of the source of the attack until he finally noticed the enemy hovering
532:01 he finally noticed the enemy hovering high in the sky. The powerful attack was
532:03 high in the sky. The powerful attack was not carried out by a dragon, but by the
532:06 not carried out by a dragon, but by the young Cheryl, who sitting at top a
532:08 young Cheryl, who sitting at top a majestic phoenix, had tracked down and
532:10 majestic phoenix, had tracked down and caught up with the enemy from the air.
532:12 caught up with the enemy from the air. The Duke's confusion reached its peak
532:14 The Duke's confusion reached its peak when he saw the young girl soaring in
532:16 when he saw the young girl soaring in the sky, whose appearance completely
532:18 the sky, whose appearance completely contradicted his understanding of the
532:20 contradicted his understanding of the situation. The sudden realization of the
532:22 situation. The sudden realization of the enemy's overwhelming numerical
532:24 enemy's overwhelming numerical superiority, struck the Duke. 50,000
532:27 superiority, struck the Duke. 50,000 warriors were facing Aaron's 10,000
532:29 warriors were facing Aaron's 10,000 soldiers. The main forces of Aaron's
532:31 soldiers. The main forces of Aaron's army engaged in a fierce battle with
532:33 army engaged in a fierce battle with Count Vlad's army of 40,000,
532:35 Count Vlad's army of 40,000, demonstrating unprecedented bravery and
532:37 demonstrating unprecedented bravery and skill. The original plan had been to
532:39 skill. The original plan had been to easily capture the virtually empty
532:40 easily capture the virtually empty castle with the remaining forces, which
532:42 castle with the remaining forces, which seemed like a simple and effective
532:44 seemed like a simple and effective solution in the current situation. The
532:46 solution in the current situation. The Duke was at a loss as to the sudden
532:48 Duke was at a loss as to the sudden appearance of a powerful sorceress, a
532:50 appearance of a powerful sorceress, a multitude of unknown soldiers, and the
532:52 multitude of unknown soldiers, and the mysterious disappearance of his own
532:54 mysterious disappearance of his own troops. The shocking discovery stunned
532:56 troops. The shocking discovery stunned the Duke. His entire army had been a
532:58 the Duke. His entire army had been a cleverly created illusion that he had
533:00 cleverly created illusion that he had been unable to recognize until the very
533:02 been unable to recognize until the very last moment. Watching the frightened
533:04 last moment. Watching the frightened face of her enemy, Cheryl launched
533:06 face of her enemy, Cheryl launched another attack and ordered the Duke in a
533:07 another attack and ordered the Duke in a commanding voice to leave the damaged
533:09 commanding voice to leave the damaged carriage immediately. Receiving no
533:11 carriage immediately. Receiving no response to her demand, Cheryl decided
533:13 response to her demand, Cheryl decided to descend herself to personally check
533:15 to descend herself to personally check on the enemy's condition after the
533:17 on the enemy's condition after the devastating attack. The unexpected power
533:19 devastating attack. The unexpected power of the explosion intended only to damage
533:22 of the explosion intended only to damage the carriage wheels surprised even
533:24 the carriage wheels surprised even Cheryl herself, nearly resulting in the
533:26 Cheryl herself, nearly resulting in the accidental death of her enemy. The
533:28 accidental death of her enemy. The sudden realization of the significant
533:30 sudden realization of the significant increase in her own magical power made
533:33 increase in her own magical power made Cheryl reflect on the results of her
533:34 Cheryl reflect on the results of her diligent training. The Duke's movement
533:36 diligent training. The Duke's movement caught Cheryl's attention, after which
533:38 caught Cheryl's attention, after which he completely climbed out and began
533:40 he completely climbed out and began desperately calling for his soldiers to
533:41 desperately calling for his soldiers to come to his aid. Cheryl's lightning fast
533:44 come to his aid. Cheryl's lightning fast reaction allowed her to stop the Duke's
533:45 reaction allowed her to stop the Duke's panicked cries with a precise blow to
533:47 panicked cries with a precise blow to the head with her staff, reproaching him
533:49 the head with her staff, reproaching him for causing unnecessary alarm. Find
533:52 for causing unnecessary alarm. Find strategic plan to capture the
533:54 strategic plan to capture the unprotected castle seemed flawless. As
533:56 unprotected castle seemed flawless. As long as Aaron's main forces were busy
533:58 long as Aaron's main forces were busy fighting Count Vlad, an unpleasant
534:00 fighting Count Vlad, an unpleasant discovery awaited the invaders. The
534:02 discovery awaited the invaders. The castle had been completely abandoned by
534:04 castle had been completely abandoned by its inhabitants and soldiers, turning
534:06 its inhabitants and soldiers, turning into an impregnable enemy fortress.
534:08 into an impregnable enemy fortress. Findal's reasoning seemed flawless given
534:11 Findal's reasoning seemed flawless given the obvious imbalance of military forces
534:13 the obvious imbalance of military forces between the opposing sides in the
534:15 between the opposing sides in the current conflict. The limitations of
534:17 current conflict. The limitations of human thinking were evident in Findal's
534:19 human thinking were evident in Findal's inability to think beyond traditional
534:21 inability to think beyond traditional strategic solutions when planning a
534:22 strategic solutions when planning a military operation. The Duke's serious
534:25 military operation. The Duke's serious reflections on how to confront an enemy
534:26 reflections on how to confront an enemy army of 100,000 with only 10,000
534:29 army of 100,000 with only 10,000 soldiers began about 3 weeks ago. The
534:31 soldiers began about 3 weeks ago. The strategic decision required maintaining
534:33 strategic decision required maintaining reinforcements from the Black Continent
534:35 reinforcements from the Black Continent to counter the Imperial Army. Despite
534:37 to counter the Imperial Army. Despite the complexity of the current situation,
534:40 the complexity of the current situation, despite Kynos's outstanding strategic
534:42 despite Kynos's outstanding strategic abilities, even the most favorable
534:44 abilities, even the most favorable outcome of a battle between 10,000 and
534:46 outcome of a battle between 10,000 and 100 would inevitably lead to
534:48 100 would inevitably lead to catastrophic losses. The intensive
534:50 catastrophic losses. The intensive search for a more effective way to wage
534:52 search for a more effective way to wage war occupied all of the Duke's thoughts
534:54 war occupied all of the Duke's thoughts during this critical period of
534:55 during this critical period of confrontation. The timely arrival of
534:57 confrontation. The timely arrival of Kanos, who noticed Aaron's deep concern
535:00 Kanos, who noticed Aaron's deep concern about the situation, led to an important
535:02 about the situation, led to an important conversation between the allies.
535:04 conversation between the allies. Kyenos's unexpected question about
535:06 Kyenos's unexpected question about ancient prohibitions caught Aaron
535:08 ancient prohibitions caught Aaron offguard, as he had never heard of these
535:10 offguard, as he had never heard of these mysterious restrictions before. The
535:12 mysterious restrictions before. The ancient story told by Kynos recounted a
535:14 ancient story told by Kynos recounted a time of rivalry between gods and dragons
535:17 time of rivalry between gods and dragons when jealous deities imposed strict
535:19 when jealous deities imposed strict warnings on the dragon race. The divine
535:21 warnings on the dragon race. The divine warning stated that dragons must limit
535:23 warning stated that dragons must limit their interference in human affairs,
535:25 their interference in human affairs, threatening severe punishment for those
535:26 threatening severe punishment for those who violated the established boundaries.
535:28 who violated the established boundaries. Kanos's sincere concern touched Aaron,
535:31 Kanos's sincere concern touched Aaron, and he hastened to assure his friend of
535:33 and he hastened to assure his friend of his willingness to protect him from
535:34 his willingness to protect him from possible divine retribution. Kano's
535:37 possible divine retribution. Kano's serious question about Aaron's actions
535:38 serious question about Aaron's actions in the face of weakened divine power
535:41 in the face of weakened divine power made him think about new possibilities
535:43 made him think about new possibilities and prospects. The strategic advantage
535:45 and prospects. The strategic advantage lay in the absence of divine retribution
535:48 lay in the absence of divine retribution for the destruction of enemies in the
535:50 for the destruction of enemies in the current war, which opened up new
535:52 current war, which opened up new tactical possibilities. Aaron's deep
535:54 tactical possibilities. Aaron's deep concern was caused by the assumption
535:56 concern was caused by the assumption that the gods had completely
535:57 that the gods had completely disappeared, which could have serious
535:59 disappeared, which could have serious consequences for the world order. Kanos
536:01 consequences for the world order. Kanos confirmed his observations of the
536:03 confirmed his observations of the weakening of the divine presence
536:04 weakening of the divine presence accompanied by the growing influence of
536:06 accompanied by the growing influence of the ancient deity Avarak. The growing
536:09 the ancient deity Avarak. The growing power of Avarak, the ancient creator of
536:11 power of Avarak, the ancient creator of the dragon race, was becoming
536:13 the dragon race, was becoming increasingly noticeable, altering the
536:15 increasingly noticeable, altering the balance of power in the world. The
536:17 balance of power in the world. The strengthening of his own magical power
536:19 strengthening of his own magical power opened up new possibilities for the
536:20 opened up new possibilities for the effective use of this power in the
536:22 effective use of this power in the coming battles for justice. Aaron's
536:24 coming battles for justice. Aaron's sudden realization of the possibility of
536:26 sudden realization of the possibility of a bloodless victory in the conflict
536:27 a bloodless victory in the conflict interrupted Kanos's important message,
536:30 interrupted Kanos's important message, forcing the Duke to hastily depart.
536:32 forcing the Duke to hastily depart. Cyenos did not have time to share his
536:34 Cyenos did not have time to share his important observation about the
536:35 important observation about the mysterious strengthening of Cheryl's
536:37 mysterious strengthening of Cheryl's magical abilities, which could have
536:39 magical abilities, which could have serious consequences. The captured Duke
536:41 serious consequences. The captured Duke awaited inevitable interrogation in the
536:43 awaited inevitable interrogation in the gloomy room where he had been placed
536:45 gloomy room where he had been placed after his successful capture by the
536:46 after his successful capture by the enemy. Panic gripped the captive as he
536:49 enemy. Panic gripped the captive as he tried in vain to call for his defenders
536:50 tried in vain to call for his defenders and soldiers, but he quickly realized he
536:52 and soldiers, but he quickly realized he was completely alone in his confinement.
536:55 was completely alone in his confinement. His bound hands caused less distress
536:57 His bound hands caused less distress than the complete disorientation caused
536:58 than the complete disorientation caused by the blindfold, which prevented him
537:00 by the blindfold, which prevented him from determining his location. The
537:02 from determining his location. The familiar voice of Count Vlad coming from
537:04 familiar voice of Count Vlad coming from the darkness brought a strange relief.
537:07 the darkness brought a strange relief. It turned out that he was opposite him
537:09 It turned out that he was opposite him in the same position as a bound
537:11 in the same position as a bound prisoner. Admitting defeat, the count
537:13 prisoner. Admitting defeat, the count told him about his capture by Aaron
537:15 told him about his capture by Aaron after the dragon appeared and asked what
537:17 after the dragon appeared and asked what his companion thought about where they
537:18 his companion thought about where they were being held. Fondal assumed based on
537:20 were being held. Fondal assumed based on the complete silence that they were in a
537:22 the complete silence that they were in a prison, but Vlad was more concerned
537:25 prison, but Vlad was more concerned about the unexpected appearance of the
537:26 about the unexpected appearance of the dragon on the battlefield. A sudden
537:28 dragon on the battlefield. A sudden suspicious noise made both prisoners
537:30 suspicious noise made both prisoners alert and assumed that Duke Aaron was
537:32 alert and assumed that Duke Aaron was approaching for an important
537:33 approaching for an important conversation. Expressing his confusion
537:35 conversation. Expressing his confusion about the strange treatment of his
537:37 about the strange treatment of his potential interlocutors, the count
537:39 potential interlocutors, the count waited for an explanation from the
537:40 waited for an explanation from the approaching Duke. Aaron's calm voice
537:42 approaching Duke. Aaron's calm voice explained that their current situation
537:44 explained that their current situation would remain unchanged until all
537:46 would remain unchanged until all participants in the upcoming important
537:48 participants in the upcoming important conversation arrived. The mysterious
537:50 conversation arrived. The mysterious mention of unknown participants in the
537:52 mention of unknown participants in the meeting caused confusion among the
537:53 meeting caused confusion among the count, but the Duke promised a quick
537:55 count, but the Duke promised a quick explanation of the situation. The moment
537:57 explanation of the situation. The moment of truth came with a snap of Aaron's
537:59 of truth came with a snap of Aaron's fingers, after which the captives
538:01 fingers, after which the captives blindfolds were finally removed,
538:03 blindfolds were finally removed, allowing them to assess the situation.
538:05 allowing them to assess the situation. The first thing the freed prisoners saw
538:07 The first thing the freed prisoners saw was the Duchess sitting majestically on
538:09 was the Duchess sitting majestically on a chair with an expression of
538:10 a chair with an expression of superiority on her face. The men's
538:12 superiority on her face. The men's furious accusations of treason were met
538:14 furious accusations of treason were met with only mocking laughter from the
538:16 with only mocking laughter from the Duchess, demonstrating her superiority
538:18 Duchess, demonstrating her superiority over the situation. Uncontrollable anger
538:20 over the situation. Uncontrollable anger drove Vlad to a reckless attack with his
538:22 drove Vlad to a reckless attack with his bare hands, which Raml was ready to
538:24 bare hands, which Raml was ready to stop, but Aaron stopped his night. The
538:27 stop, but Aaron stopped his night. The count's fury erupted into a demand that
538:28 count's fury erupted into a demand that the Duchess explain herself, accompanied
538:31 the Duchess explain herself, accompanied by a transparent threat that her life
538:32 by a transparent threat that her life depended on the persuasiveness of her
538:34 depended on the persuasiveness of her answer. The Duchess's calm question
538:36 answer. The Duchess's calm question about the count's understanding of the
538:38 about the count's understanding of the true purpose of their mission caught him
538:40 true purpose of their mission caught him off guard, forcing him to think. The
538:42 off guard, forcing him to think. The count's conviction that their goal was
538:44 count's conviction that their goal was to destroy the traitor Aaron proved to
538:45 to destroy the traitor Aaron proved to be mistaken. As confirmed by discussions
538:48 be mistaken. As confirmed by discussions at the strategic council, the real plan
538:50 at the strategic council, the real plan was to defeat Aaron and then use the
538:53 was to defeat Aaron and then use the remaining troops to launch a decisive
538:54 remaining troops to launch a decisive strike against the emperor's positions.
538:56 strike against the emperor's positions. The Duchess's subtle manipulation lay in
538:59 The Duchess's subtle manipulation lay in skillfully directing the count, and the
539:00 skillfully directing the count, and the Duke's attention to this particular part
539:02 Duke's attention to this particular part of the grand scheme. The noble origins
539:05 of the grand scheme. The noble origins of Duchess Baron as the eldest daughter
539:06 of Duchess Baron as the eldest daughter of Igulius and sister of the reigning
539:08 of Igulius and sister of the reigning emperor Geron determined her special
539:10 emperor Geron determined her special position. The existing laws of
539:12 position. The existing laws of succession excluded the Duchess from
539:14 succession excluded the Duchess from claiming the throne because of her
539:15 claiming the throne because of her gender and maternal lineage. Of
539:18 gender and maternal lineage. Of particular significance were the
539:19 particular significance were the inheritance rights of the Duchess's son,
539:21 inheritance rights of the Duchess's son, which opened up new opportunities for
539:23 which opened up new opportunities for dynastic plans. The strategic position
539:25 dynastic plans. The strategic position of the Duchess's son in the line of
539:27 of the Duchess's son in the line of succession immediately after Aaron
539:29 succession immediately after Aaron created the prospect of his ascension to
539:31 created the prospect of his ascension to the Imperial throne. The Duchess of
539:33 the Imperial throne. The Duchess of Baron's maternal ambitions were embodied
539:35 Baron's maternal ambitions were embodied in a secret alliance with Aaron aimed at
539:37 in a secret alliance with Aaron aimed at depriving Geron of imperial power. The
539:40 depriving Geron of imperial power. The Duchess's stunning revelation that Aaron
539:42 Duchess's stunning revelation that Aaron had never been their true target
539:44 had never been their true target completely overturned the understanding
539:46 completely overturned the understanding of the situation. The count's confusion
539:48 of the situation. The count's confusion was understandable, as it was the
539:50 was understandable, as it was the Duchess who had originally presented the
539:51 Duchess who had originally presented the plan to eliminate Aaron as the main goal
539:53 plan to eliminate Aaron as the main goal of their actions. The Duchess's
539:55 of their actions. The Duchess's mysterious statement about Aaron's
539:57 mysterious statement about Aaron's impending death in battle was intended
539:59 impending death in battle was intended to calm the agitated conspirators. The
540:01 to calm the agitated conspirators. The shocked men listened intently to the
540:03 shocked men listened intently to the Duke's explanation of the upcoming
540:05 Duke's explanation of the upcoming staging of his death and the planned
540:07 staging of his death and the planned grand funeral. The grand royal funeral
540:09 grand funeral. The grand royal funeral ceremony was supposed to be the perfect
540:11 ceremony was supposed to be the perfect trap, forcing the emperor to attend the
540:14 trap, forcing the emperor to attend the event in person. The unexpected
540:16 event in person. The unexpected realization of Aaron's true plan to use
540:18 realization of Aaron's true plan to use his own funeral to attack the emperor
540:20 his own funeral to attack the emperor stunned the count and the Duke. Aaron's
540:22 stunned the count and the Duke. Aaron's attentive gaze turned to his potential
540:24 attentive gaze turned to his potential allies, awaiting their reaction to the
540:26 allies, awaiting their reaction to the revelation of his true plan of action.
540:28 revelation of his true plan of action. Count Vlad's direct question about Duke
540:30 Count Vlad's direct question about Duke Aaron's true intentions, demanded an
540:32 Aaron's true intentions, demanded an honest answer in order to make an
540:34 honest answer in order to make an important decision. Aaron's calm
540:36 important decision. Aaron's calm question presented Vlad with a clear
540:38 question presented Vlad with a clear choice between a new era under his
540:39 choice between a new era under his leadership and a sad end in prison. The
540:42 leadership and a sad end in prison. The Duke's pragmatic decision to support the
540:44 Duke's pragmatic decision to support the conspiracy was accompanied by a request
540:46 conspiracy was accompanied by a request for recognition of their contribution to
540:48 for recognition of their contribution to the future victory over the emperor. The
540:50 the future victory over the emperor. The Duke's practical interest in the details
540:52 Duke's practical interest in the details of Aaron's staged death required further
540:54 of Aaron's staged death required further clarification of the complex plan. The
540:56 clarification of the complex plan. The Duchess's solemn announcement of the
540:58 Duchess's solemn announcement of the start of the grand spectacle in the Holy
541:00 start of the grand spectacle in the Holy State sounded like a signal to action.
541:02 State sounded like a signal to action. The fierce siege of the sacred state
541:04 The fierce siege of the sacred state continued as the knights using ladders
541:06 continued as the knights using ladders stubbornly stormed the impregnable
541:08 stubbornly stormed the impregnable walls. The Holy Father, overcome with
541:10 walls. The Holy Father, overcome with panic, desperately commanded the
541:12 panic, desperately commanded the defenders to throw more and more stones
541:14 defenders to throw more and more stones at the heads of the attacking enemies.
541:16 at the heads of the attacking enemies. Despite heavy losses among the
541:18 Despite heavy losses among the attackers, who were being knocked off
541:19 attackers, who were being knocked off the walls by a hail of stones, the
541:21 the walls by a hail of stones, the onslaught did not abate. The emperor's
541:24 onslaught did not abate. The emperor's assistant's careful observation of the
541:25 assistant's careful observation of the battle forced him to reconsider his
541:27 battle forced him to reconsider his initial optimistic predictions of an
541:29 initial optimistic predictions of an easy victory. The unexpectedly stubborn
541:31 easy victory. The unexpectedly stubborn resistance of the Holy Knights forced
541:33 resistance of the Holy Knights forced the Emperor's aid to consider using his
541:35 the Emperor's aid to consider using his magical abilities. A powerful acid
541:37 magical abilities. A powerful acid explosion spell instantly destroyed the
541:40 explosion spell instantly destroyed the iron gates of the fortress, opening the
541:42 iron gates of the fortress, opening the way for the Imperial troops to enter the
541:44 way for the Imperial troops to enter the sacred state. The breach in the
541:45 sacred state. The breach in the defensive fortifications allowed the
541:47 defensive fortifications allowed the army to pour into the city. While the
541:49 army to pour into the city. While the frightened Holy Father waited
541:51 frightened Holy Father waited desperately for the arrival of Duke
541:52 desperately for the arrival of Duke Aaron, Aaron's long-awaited arrival with
541:55 Aaron, Aaron's long-awaited arrival with his army was accompanied by clear
541:56 his army was accompanied by clear instructions on the enemy's location and
541:58 instructions on the enemy's location and an order to attack immediately. The
542:00 an order to attack immediately. The sudden appearance of the Duke forced the
542:02 sudden appearance of the Duke forced the mage to focus his attack directly on
542:04 mage to focus his attack directly on him. Seeking to quickly eliminate the
542:06 him. Seeking to quickly eliminate the unexpected threat, the dramatic moment
542:08 unexpected threat, the dramatic moment came when just before the magical attack
542:10 came when just before the magical attack hit, a dragon appeared and dealt a
542:12 hit, a dragon appeared and dealt a crushing blow to its supposed ally. The
542:15 crushing blow to its supposed ally. The stunning sight caused both the Holy
542:16 stunning sight caused both the Holy Father and the Mage to stare intently at
542:18 Father and the Mage to stare intently at the clouds of dust, trying to discern
542:20 the clouds of dust, trying to discern the fate of the Duke. The dissipating
542:22 the fate of the Duke. The dissipating darkness revealed a terrible scene where
542:24 darkness revealed a terrible scene where Aaron had just been standing. There was
542:27 Aaron had just been standing. There was only emptiness, evidence of his death.
542:29 only emptiness, evidence of his death. Complete despair overwhelmed the Holy
542:31 Complete despair overwhelmed the Holy Father, who collapsed to his knees,
542:33 Father, who collapsed to his knees, unable to imagine the future of the
542:35 unable to imagine the future of the Sacred Kingdom. The disturbing
542:36 Sacred Kingdom. The disturbing realization that such an outcome was
542:38 realization that such an outcome was unlikely to have been part of the
542:40 unlikely to have been part of the emperor's plans caused the magician to
542:42 emperor's plans caused the magician to ponder the consequences deeply. The
542:44 ponder the consequences deeply. The shocking news of Duke Aaron's death
542:46 shocking news of Duke Aaron's death spread like wildfire across the country,
542:48 spread like wildfire across the country, causing shock waves across the entire
542:50 causing shock waves across the entire continent. The contradictory reaction to
542:52 continent. The contradictory reaction to the tragic news divided society into
542:55 the tragic news divided society into those who sincerely mourned and those
542:56 those who sincerely mourned and those who secretly rejoiced at what had
542:58 who secretly rejoiced at what had happened. The news was particularly hard
543:00 happened. The news was particularly hard on those close to the Duke, among whom
543:02 on those close to the Duke, among whom Gail was completely devastated by the
543:04 Gail was completely devastated by the news of his death. Holding the official
543:06 news of his death. Holding the official report in his hands, Gail tried to
543:08 report in his hands, Gail tried to comprehend the reality of what had
543:10 comprehend the reality of what had happened, feeling completely lost about
543:12 happened, feeling completely lost about the future. The calm atmosphere of the
543:14 the future. The calm atmosphere of the tea party allowed Cecilia to express her
543:16 tea party allowed Cecilia to express her sincere gratitude to the woman for her
543:18 sincere gratitude to the woman for her hospitality. The decisive moment came
543:21 hospitality. The decisive moment came when Isabelle, after taking a sip of hot
543:23 when Isabelle, after taking a sip of hot tea, looked intently at the nun and
543:25 tea, looked intently at the nun and demanded an answer to her proposal.
543:27 demanded an answer to her proposal. Cecilia's firm answer was based on her
543:30 Cecilia's firm answer was based on her belonging to the Holy Church of Viven,
543:32 belonging to the Holy Church of Viven, which ruled out even the thought of such
543:33 which ruled out even the thought of such proposals. Understanding the girl's
543:35 proposals. Understanding the girl's anxiety, Isabelle offered a temporary
543:38 anxiety, Isabelle offered a temporary solution with a guarantee that the relic
543:40 solution with a guarantee that the relic would be returned or restored to
543:41 would be returned or restored to Cecilia's body. Cecilia's silent
543:44 Cecilia's body. Cecilia's silent disapproval, expressed by a dissatisfied
543:46 disapproval, expressed by a dissatisfied look, clearly showed her attitude toward
543:48 look, clearly showed her attitude toward Isabelle's proposal. The sorceress's
543:51 Isabelle's proposal. The sorceress's decisive statement about Cecilia's
543:52 decisive statement about Cecilia's sacred duty, was reinforced by a
543:55 sacred duty, was reinforced by a prophecy about the resurrection of Ava
543:57 prophecy about the resurrection of Ava and the destruction of the gods. The
543:59 and the destruction of the gods. The dramatic conclusion of the conversation
544:01 dramatic conclusion of the conversation was accompanied by a frightening display
544:02 was accompanied by a frightening display of power emanating from Isabelle's body
544:05 of power emanating from Isabelle's body as she spoke of the growing might of
544:06 as she spoke of the growing might of Avarak's chaos. A sudden fright caused
544:09 Avarak's chaos. A sudden fright caused Cecilia to rush to the woman's aid. But
544:11 Cecilia to rush to the woman's aid. But after the strange seizure quickly ended,
544:13 after the strange seizure quickly ended, the nun demanded an explanation of what
544:15 the nun demanded an explanation of what had happened. Disturbed, Isabelle shared
544:17 had happened. Disturbed, Isabelle shared her sense of the growing energy of the
544:19 her sense of the growing energy of the children of chaos, Valtor and Isis,
544:21 children of chaos, Valtor and Isis, which was becoming more and more
544:22 which was becoming more and more palpable with each passing day. The
544:24 palpable with each passing day. The dramatic moment came when Isabelle,
544:26 dramatic moment came when Isabelle, holding a knife to Cecilia's throat,
544:28 holding a knife to Cecilia's throat, demanded an immediate decision,
544:30 demanded an immediate decision, emphasizing the critical nature of the
544:32 emphasizing the critical nature of the situation. The sudden appearance of an
544:34 situation. The sudden appearance of an agitated Gail with the shocking news of
544:36 agitated Gail with the shocking news of Aaron's death interrupted the tense
544:38 Aaron's death interrupted the tense moment between the women. Shocked by the
544:40 moment between the women. Shocked by the news, Isabelle refused to believe that
544:42 news, Isabelle refused to believe that Aaron could be dead. Unable to
544:44 Aaron could be dead. Unable to comprehend how he could have allowed
544:45 comprehend how he could have allowed such an outcome. With a trembling voice,
544:48 such an outcome. With a trembling voice, Gail confirmed Aaron's death in recent
544:50 Gail confirmed Aaron's death in recent battles, causing Cecilia to freeze in
544:52 battles, causing Cecilia to freeze in shock at the shocking news. Growing
544:54 shock at the shocking news. Growing panic gripped Isabelle, who realized
544:56 panic gripped Isabelle, who realized that without the dragon's blessing, her
544:58 that without the dragon's blessing, her son would be defenseless against the
544:59 son would be defenseless against the imminent invasion of Avarak. Gail's
545:02 imminent invasion of Avarak. Gail's despair as he fell to his knees, was
545:04 despair as he fell to his knees, was intensified by the skepticism of those
545:06 intensified by the skepticism of those around him regarding the news that had
545:08 around him regarding the news that had spread across the continent. Isabelle's
545:10 spread across the continent. Isabelle's maternal anxiety manifested itself in
545:12 maternal anxiety manifested itself in persistent questions to her son about
545:14 persistent questions to her son about the details of Aaron's death and the
545:16 the details of Aaron's death and the location of his body. With a trembling
545:19 location of his body. With a trembling voice, Gail reported the information
545:20 voice, Gail reported the information from official reports about the complete
545:22 from official reports about the complete destruction of Aaron's body by dragon
545:24 destruction of Aaron's body by dragon flames, which left no traces. In a
545:27 flames, which left no traces. In a soothing tone, Isabelle turned to her
545:29 soothing tone, Isabelle turned to her son, urging him to listen carefully to
545:31 son, urging him to listen carefully to an important explanation of the events
545:33 an important explanation of the events unfolding. Isabelle's logical reasoning
545:35 unfolding. Isabelle's logical reasoning was based on the fact that Aaron's
545:37 was based on the fact that Aaron's actual death would inevitably lead to
545:39 actual death would inevitably lead to the immediate capture of his body by
545:41 the immediate capture of his body by Valter. A perceptive analysis of the
545:43 Valter. A perceptive analysis of the situation led Isabelle to conclude that
545:45 situation led Isabelle to conclude that the death had probably been staged by
545:47 the death had probably been staged by the Duke himself to achieve unknown
545:49 the Duke himself to achieve unknown goals. Carefully choosing her words,
545:51 goals. Carefully choosing her words, Isabelle explained to the confused man
545:53 Isabelle explained to the confused man the possible scenarios, linking them to
545:55 the possible scenarios, linking them to the presence of Avarak's soul. The
545:58 the presence of Avarak's soul. The complex interconnection between Avarak's
546:00 complex interconnection between Avarak's soul and body required them to be united
546:02 soul and body required them to be united in one person for the ceiling to be
546:04 in one person for the ceiling to be successful. Otherwise, there was a risk
546:06 successful. Otherwise, there was a risk of uncontrollable resurrection. The
546:09 of uncontrollable resurrection. The deeper meaning of Elizabeth's agreement
546:10 deeper meaning of Elizabeth's agreement with her son to return his body was to
546:13 with her son to return his body was to prevent the destruction of the world and
546:15 prevent the destruction of the world and ensure its protection. Isabelle's
546:17 ensure its protection. Isabelle's serious tone emphasized the importance
546:19 serious tone emphasized the importance of the moment when she turned to Cecilia
546:21 of the moment when she turned to Cecilia again, giving her time to make a final
546:23 again, giving her time to make a final decision. A solemn procession led by
546:26 decision. A solemn procession led by Cheryl in morning clothes headed toward
546:27 Cheryl in morning clothes headed toward the emperor, accompanied by loyal
546:29 the emperor, accompanied by loyal knights. The ceremonial announcement by
546:31 knights. The ceremonial announcement by the emperor's aid introduced Cheryl as
546:34 the emperor's aid introduced Cheryl as the official representative of the brand
546:35 the official representative of the brand territory. Observing all the rules of
546:37 territory. Observing all the rules of etiquette, Cheryl knelt before the
546:39 etiquette, Cheryl knelt before the emperor in a sign of respect for the
546:41 emperor in a sign of respect for the supreme ruler. Giron's attentive gaze
546:43 supreme ruler. Giron's attentive gaze assessed the girl's condition,
546:45 assessed the girl's condition, remembering her previous illness and
546:46 remembering her previous illness and inquired about her current well-being. A
546:49 inquired about her current well-being. A graceful curtsy accompanied Cheryl's
546:51 graceful curtsy accompanied Cheryl's grateful reply, assuring the emperor
546:53 grateful reply, assuring the emperor that her condition had improved
546:54 that her condition had improved significantly. The emperor's solemn
546:56 significantly. The emperor's solemn reminder of the last representatives of
546:58 reminder of the last representatives of the Karen family was accompanied by a
547:00 the Karen family was accompanied by a question about what Cheryl might say
547:02 question about what Cheryl might say before parting. Cheryl's respectful
547:04 before parting. Cheryl's respectful address to the emperor emphasized his
547:06 address to the emperor emphasized his dual status as head of the Karen family
547:08 dual status as head of the Karen family and uncle of the petitioner. Cheryl's
547:10 and uncle of the petitioner. Cheryl's humble request to be allowed to attend
547:12 humble request to be allowed to attend her brother's funeral was made with all
547:14 her brother's funeral was made with all the formalities of court etiquette. The
547:16 the formalities of court etiquette. The large-scale preparations for the funeral
547:18 large-scale preparations for the funeral differed significantly from the modest
547:19 differed significantly from the modest ceremonies held for counts, baronss, and
547:22 ceremonies held for counts, baronss, and commoners. The special funeral ceremony
547:24 commoners. The special funeral ceremony for members of the highest nobility
547:26 for members of the highest nobility required adherence to a multitude of
547:28 required adherence to a multitude of complex traditions and rules. Royal
547:30 complex traditions and rules. Royal funerals had to demonstrate luxury and
547:32 funerals had to demonstrate luxury and grandeur commensurate with the wealth
547:34 grandeur commensurate with the wealth and influence of the ruling dynasty. A
547:37 and influence of the ruling dynasty. A lengthy preparatory period was
547:38 lengthy preparatory period was considered an integral part of
547:40 considered an integral part of organizing a dignified funeral for a
547:42 organizing a dignified funeral for a member of the highest nobility. The
547:44 member of the highest nobility. The emperor's clarifying question about the
547:46 emperor's clarifying question about the timing of the ceremony received a clear
547:48 timing of the ceremony received a clear answer from Cheryl that the funeral
547:50 answer from Cheryl that the funeral would take place in a month at Bran
547:51 would take place in a month at Bran Castle. Cheryl's diplomatic reminder
547:53 Castle. Cheryl's diplomatic reminder about possible rumors and
547:55 about possible rumors and misunderstandings in the absence of the
547:56 misunderstandings in the absence of the head of the Karen family emphasized the
547:58 head of the Karen family emphasized the importance of the emperor's presence.
548:00 importance of the emperor's presence. The emperor's decision was clearly based
548:02 The emperor's decision was clearly based on a deep understanding of the
548:04 on a deep understanding of the importance of observing traditions and
548:05 importance of observing traditions and ceremonial protocol. The emperor's
548:08 ceremonial protocol. The emperor's indisputable duty to attend the funeral
548:10 indisputable duty to attend the funeral of a member of the imperial family was
548:12 of a member of the imperial family was one of the fundamental rules of
548:13 one of the fundamental rules of etiquette. The strict rules of court
548:15 etiquette. The strict rules of court etiquette even applied to the emperor of
548:17 etiquette even applied to the emperor of the western empire with no exceptions to
548:19 the western empire with no exceptions to the established order. The potential
548:21 the established order. The potential danger of an attack on the head of the
548:23 danger of an attack on the head of the family during the funeral ceremony was a
548:25 family during the funeral ceremony was a serious concern. His extensive
548:27 serious concern. His extensive experience in dealing with assassination
548:29 experience in dealing with assassination attempts and intrigues taught Emperor
548:30 attempts and intrigues taught Emperor Giron to carefully assess the risks of
548:33 Giron to carefully assess the risks of leaving the capital. The unprecedented
548:35 leaving the capital. The unprecedented nature of the situation was underscored
548:37 nature of the situation was underscored by the fact that during his entire
548:38 by the fact that during his entire reign, the emperor had never traveled so
548:40 reign, the emperor had never traveled so far from the capital. The emperor's
548:42 far from the capital. The emperor's official agreement to fulfill his duty
548:44 official agreement to fulfill his duty was met with a grateful bow from Cheryl,
548:47 was met with a grateful bow from Cheryl, expressing her appreciation for the
548:48 expressing her appreciation for the decision. The emperor's request for
548:50 decision. The emperor's request for understanding regarding the need to keep
548:52 understanding regarding the need to keep the time and date of his arrival secret,
548:54 the time and date of his arrival secret, reflected his precautionary measures.
548:56 reflected his precautionary measures. Cheryl's diplomatic agreement to the
548:58 Cheryl's diplomatic agreement to the emperor's conditions ended with his
548:59 emperor's conditions ended with his satisfied departure and a promise to
549:02 satisfied departure and a promise to meet at the upcoming funeral. Cheryl's
549:04 meet at the upcoming funeral. Cheryl's detailed report on the results of her
549:05 detailed report on the results of her negotiations with the emperor was
549:07 negotiations with the emperor was presented at a meeting in Bran's lands
549:09 presented at a meeting in Bran's lands immediately after her return. Kanos's
549:11 immediately after her return. Kanos's insightful remark confirmed the
549:13 insightful remark confirmed the predictability of the emperor's cautious
549:15 predictability of the emperor's cautious behavior in the current situation.
549:17 behavior in the current situation. Raml's experienced eye assessed the
549:19 Raml's experienced eye assessed the extremely low probability of a
549:21 extremely low probability of a successful assassination attempt, which
549:23 successful assassination attempt, which caused serious concern among those
549:25 caused serious concern among those present. The unexpected intervention of
549:27 present. The unexpected intervention of Duke Aaron clarified the situation. He
549:29 Duke Aaron clarified the situation. He had never expected an easy solution to
549:31 had never expected an easy solution to the task at hand. Aaron's strategic
549:33 the task at hand. Aaron's strategic thinking took into account the
549:34 thinking took into account the consequences of the emperor's possible
549:36 consequences of the emperor's possible removal, after which power would pass to
549:39 removal, after which power would pass to his son, Philillip. Aaron's carefully
549:41 his son, Philillip. Aaron's carefully thoughtout plan involved repeating the
549:43 thoughtout plan involved repeating the scenario of the previous emperor's
549:44 scenario of the previous emperor's overthrow, forcing Giron to renounce his
549:47 overthrow, forcing Giron to renounce his claim to the throne. Kanos's keen
549:49 claim to the throne. Kanos's keen observation noted a favorable moment
549:51 observation noted a favorable moment when the emperor's own policies led to a
549:53 when the emperor's own policies led to a weakening of his power. The Duke's
549:55 weakening of his power. The Duke's practical interest was evident in his
549:57 practical interest was evident in his request to Kynos to find out the exact
549:59 request to Kynos to find out the exact date of arrival of reinforcements from
550:00 date of arrival of reinforcements from the Black Continent. Kano's prompt reply
550:03 the Black Continent. Kano's prompt reply contained important information about
550:04 contained important information about the arrival of troops in 2 weeks, which
550:07 the arrival of troops in 2 weeks, which fit into the overall plan. Careful
550:09 fit into the overall plan. Careful calculations showed that there was
550:10 calculations showed that there was sufficient time to mobilize troops
550:12 sufficient time to mobilize troops before the funeral scheduled for a month
550:13 before the funeral scheduled for a month later. Kinos's wise warning concerned
550:16 later. Kinos's wise warning concerned the limited impact of direct military
550:18 the limited impact of direct military confrontation on the position of the
550:20 confrontation on the position of the feudal lords, which Aaron was fully
550:22 feudal lords, which Aaron was fully aware of. The strategic importance of
550:24 aware of. The strategic importance of the Black Continent's troops lay in
550:26 the Black Continent's troops lay in their role as a catalyst, prompting the
550:28 their role as a catalyst, prompting the feudal lords to take action. Aaron's
550:30 feudal lords to take action. Aaron's provocative question about more
550:31 provocative question about more effective ways to motivate the feudal
550:33 effective ways to motivate the feudal lords prompted a discussion of
550:35 lords prompted a discussion of alternative strategies. The bold
550:37 alternative strategies. The bold proposal was to use the promise of
550:39 proposal was to use the promise of complete independence from the emperor
550:41 complete independence from the emperor as a powerful incentive for the feudal
550:43 as a powerful incentive for the feudal lords. Cheryl's heated reaction to her
550:45 lords. Cheryl's heated reaction to her brother's radical proposal was tempered
550:47 brother's radical proposal was tempered by his calm reminder of the reality of
550:49 by his calm reminder of the reality of the situation. Aaron's confidence was
550:52 the situation. Aaron's confidence was based on his understanding that the
550:53 based on his understanding that the forces at his disposal were sufficient
550:55 forces at his disposal were sufficient to effectively govern the territories.
550:57 to effectively govern the territories. Aaron's practical arguments included
550:59 Aaron's practical arguments included pointing to stable income from various
551:01 pointing to stable income from various sources that ensured a comfortable
551:02 sources that ensured a comfortable existence. Kanos's important reminder
551:05 existence. Kanos's important reminder concerned the inevitability of
551:06 concerned the inevitability of confrontation with Duchess Baron, whose
551:08 confrontation with Duchess Baron, whose ambitions extended to the Imperial
551:10 ambitions extended to the Imperial throne. Aaron's calm confidence in his
551:12 throne. Aaron's calm confidence in his premeditated solution to the problem
551:14 premeditated solution to the problem with Duchess Baron reassured the other
551:16 with Duchess Baron reassured the other participants in the meeting. The
551:17 participants in the meeting. The consensus reached allowed Aaron to
551:19 consensus reached allowed Aaron to propose moving on to the next stage of
551:21 propose moving on to the next stage of the ambitious plan. Practical
551:23 the ambitious plan. Practical preparations for the Duke's lavish
551:24 preparations for the Duke's lavish funeral became the next important step
551:26 funeral became the next important step in the implementation of the carefully
551:28 in the implementation of the carefully thoughtout strategy. The tragic news of
551:30 thoughtout strategy. The tragic news of Duke Aaron's death shocked all the lords
551:33 Duke Aaron's death shocked all the lords of the continent. But it had a
551:35 of the continent. But it had a particularly strong impact on Duke
551:36 particularly strong impact on Duke Reaan. Bitter regret overwhelmed the
551:38 Reaan. Bitter regret overwhelmed the Duke as he mentally asked the former
551:40 Duke as he mentally asked the former Emperor Klein for forgiveness for his
551:42 Emperor Klein for forgiveness for his inability to keep his promise. The
551:44 inability to keep his promise. The unexpected appearance of a mysterious
551:46 unexpected appearance of a mysterious assassin with a dagger at his throat was
551:48 assassin with a dagger at his throat was accompanied by an ominous message from
551:50 accompanied by an ominous message from the sage about death as payment for
551:52 the sage about death as payment for broken promises. The successful
551:54 broken promises. The successful completion of the bloody mission ended
551:55 completion of the bloody mission ended with the mercenaries return to Duke
551:57 with the mercenaries return to Duke Aaron with a detailed report of what had
551:59 Aaron with a detailed report of what had been done. The sinister proof of the
552:01 been done. The sinister proof of the completed task was presented in the form
552:03 completed task was presented in the form of the victim's scalp left on the table
552:05 of the victim's scalp left on the table as silent evidence. The strategic
552:08 as silent evidence. The strategic significance of the scalp lay in the
552:09 significance of the scalp lay in the sage's ability to use it to gain access
552:11 sage's ability to use it to gain access to a closed event without an official
552:13 to a closed event without an official invitation. Isabelle's unexpected
552:16 invitation. Isabelle's unexpected intrusion interrupted her thoughts when
552:17 intrusion interrupted her thoughts when she reported that St. Cecilia had agreed
552:19 she reported that St. Cecilia had agreed to hand over the relic, only to discover
552:22 to hand over the relic, only to discover her son's complete indifference.
552:24 her son's complete indifference. Isabelle's motherly heart sank with
552:26 Isabelle's motherly heart sank with horror when she finally saw the
552:27 horror when she finally saw the frightening changes in her son's
552:29 frightening changes in her son's appearance. Gail's distorted pride
552:31 appearance. Gail's distorted pride manifested itself in his confidence that
552:33 manifested itself in his confidence that he was now worthy of appearing in the
552:34 he was now worthy of appearing in the Duke Aaron's domain. offering his mother
552:37 Duke Aaron's domain. offering his mother to return to her body. Gail's sinister
552:39 to return to her body. Gail's sinister revelation as he removed his mask
552:41 revelation as he removed his mask concerned the strict restriction of
552:43 concerned the strict restriction of guests to those close to the emperor and
552:45 guests to those close to the emperor and Duke Aaron. Gail's cynical calculation
552:47 Duke Aaron. Gail's cynical calculation was to use the identity of the dead Duke
552:49 was to use the identity of the dead Duke Aaron as a pass to the closed event.
552:51 Aaron as a pass to the closed event. Realizing the futility of her please,
552:54 Realizing the futility of her please, Isabelle silently turned toward the
552:55 Isabelle silently turned toward the exit, urging her son to follow her to
552:57 exit, urging her son to follow her to receive the relic from the wavering
552:59 receive the relic from the wavering saint. Isabelle was tormented by
553:01 saint. Isabelle was tormented by agonizing thoughts, unable to understand
553:04 agonizing thoughts, unable to understand how her son could so coldly use the
553:05 how her son could so coldly use the image of the man he had killed, whom he
553:08 image of the man he had killed, whom he had once called his father. A disturbing
553:10 had once called his father. A disturbing suspicion crept into Isabelle's mind
553:12 suspicion crept into Isabelle's mind about the possible influence of a Vera,
553:14 about the possible influence of a Vera, who had already taken possession of her
553:16 who had already taken possession of her son's soul and was distorting his
553:17 son's soul and was distorting his behavior. The mother's desperate hope
553:20 behavior. The mother's desperate hope clashed with her understanding of the
553:21 clashed with her understanding of the need to hurry to recover her son's body
553:23 need to hurry to recover her son's body and seal Avarak in time. Cecilia's deep
553:26 and seal Avarak in time. Cecilia's deep prayer to the goddess Viven was filled
553:28 prayer to the goddess Viven was filled with a request to show her the right
553:30 with a request to show her the right path to fulfill the divine will.
553:32 path to fulfill the divine will. Isabelle's return with the news that the
553:33 Isabelle's return with the news that the preparations were complete coincided
553:35 preparations were complete coincided with the end of Cecilia's prayer.
553:37 with the end of Cecilia's prayer. Isabelle's persistent reminder of the
553:39 Isabelle's persistent reminder of the lack of time compelled Cecilia to follow
553:41 lack of time compelled Cecilia to follow her immediately, fully aware of the
553:43 her immediately, fully aware of the urgency of the situation. Cecilia's
553:45 urgency of the situation. Cecilia's mysterious awakening was caused by a
553:47 mysterious awakening was caused by a strange voice and an inexplicable glow
553:49 strange voice and an inexplicable glow that filled her prison cell in the
553:51 that filled her prison cell in the middle of the night. A prophetic warning
553:53 middle of the night. A prophetic warning foretold the imminent resurrection of
553:55 foretold the imminent resurrection of Avarak, the lord of chaos, urging
553:57 Avarak, the lord of chaos, urging Cecilia to hurry to Aaron's aid.
553:59 Cecilia to hurry to Aaron's aid. Cecilia's confusion was compounded by
554:01 Cecilia's confusion was compounded by her inability to understand the
554:03 her inability to understand the connection between the message of chaos
554:05 connection between the message of chaos and Duke Aaron, as well as the sudden
554:07 and Duke Aaron, as well as the sudden appearance of the goddess Viven. The
554:09 appearance of the goddess Viven. The dramatic conclusion of the vision was
554:11 dramatic conclusion of the vision was accompanied by the goddess's final
554:12 accompanied by the goddess's final warning that there was no time for
554:14 warning that there was no time for detailed explanations. The final request
554:16 detailed explanations. The final request of the vanishing goddess was a strong
554:18 of the vanishing goddess was a strong reminder of how important it was to find
554:20 reminder of how important it was to find Aaron. Cecilia's firm decision to
554:22 Aaron. Cecilia's firm decision to fulfill the goddess's will and help Duke
554:24 fulfill the goddess's will and help Duke Aaron was finally set in her heart. A
554:26 Aaron was finally set in her heart. A resolute call to action rang out from
554:28 resolute call to action rang out from Cecilia's lips. Aware that there was no
554:30 Cecilia's lips. Aware that there was no time for idle talk, Viven's mental oath
554:33 time for idle talk, Viven's mental oath of loyalty to the goddess included a
554:34 of loyalty to the goddess included a promise to follow the mysterious
554:36 promise to follow the mysterious nighttime call. The emperor's solemn
554:38 nighttime call. The emperor's solemn procession, accompanied by knights,
554:41 procession, accompanied by knights, descended into the gloomy dungeons of
554:42 descended into the gloomy dungeons of the Imperial Palace for an important
554:44 the Imperial Palace for an important meeting. The furious accusations of the
554:46 meeting. The furious accusations of the imprisoned Holy Father against the old
554:48 imprisoned Holy Father against the old foolish fox emperor were accompanied by
554:51 foolish fox emperor were accompanied by disbelief in the death of Duke Aaron.
554:53 disbelief in the death of Duke Aaron. The Holy Father's uncontrollable anger
554:55 The Holy Father's uncontrollable anger was expressed in his demand to hear his
554:57 was expressed in his demand to hear his testimony about the dragon that had
554:59 testimony about the dragon that had incinerated Aaron and his army. Philip's
555:01 incinerated Aaron and his army. Philip's calm explanation that the Holy Father
555:03 calm explanation that the Holy Father had been punished with three days of
555:05 had been punished with three days of starvation for begging angered the
555:07 starvation for begging angered the emperor. A powerful slap from his father
555:09 emperor. A powerful slap from his father struck Philillip after which the emperor
555:11 struck Philillip after which the emperor immediately left his son's presence. The
555:13 immediately left his son's presence. The political reality as voiced by Jerome
555:16 political reality as voiced by Jerome was the growing pressure from powerful
555:18 was the growing pressure from powerful lords demanding the prisoners release.
555:20 lords demanding the prisoners release. The logical explanation for such
555:21 The logical explanation for such intercession lay in the religious
555:23 intercession lay in the religious obligations of the followers of the
555:24 obligations of the followers of the Parthion faith. The emperor's diplomatic
555:27 Parthion faith. The emperor's diplomatic proposal elicited only a mocking
555:29 proposal elicited only a mocking response from the starving holy father.
555:31 response from the starving holy father. The holy father proposed a practical
555:33 The holy father proposed a practical deal, his attention in exchange for
555:35 deal, his attention in exchange for immediate food. The emperor's strategic
555:37 immediate food. The emperor's strategic proposal included sparing his life and
555:39 proposal included sparing his life and providing food in exchange for
555:40 providing food in exchange for participation in Aaron's funeral. The
555:42 participation in Aaron's funeral. The Holy Father's insistent assurances that
555:44 Holy Father's insistent assurances that he would personally witness Aaron's
555:46 he would personally witness Aaron's death were met with skepticism by the
555:48 death were met with skepticism by the Emperor. The Emperor's unexpected
555:50 Emperor. The Emperor's unexpected proposal to invade Bran's territory made
555:52 proposal to invade Bran's territory made the Holy Father consider military
555:54 the Holy Father consider military options. The practical solution of
555:56 options. The practical solution of transporting troops through a magical
555:57 transporting troops through a magical portal greatly simplified the
555:59 portal greatly simplified the implementation of the military
556:00 implementation of the military operation. A mutually beneficial
556:02 operation. A mutually beneficial agreement between the Emperor and the
556:04 agreement between the Emperor and the Holy Father was reached after discussing
556:06 Holy Father was reached after discussing all the details of the plan. Aaron's
556:08 all the details of the plan. Aaron's careful observation of what was
556:09 careful observation of what was happening below the castle revealed the
556:11 happening below the castle revealed the unexpected scale of the morning event.
556:13 unexpected scale of the morning event. The Duke was genuinely surprised by the
556:15 The Duke was genuinely surprised by the incredible length of the line of
556:17 incredible length of the line of mourners who had gathered for the
556:18 mourners who had gathered for the funeral of a member of the imperial
556:20 funeral of a member of the imperial family. Cheryl's swift intervention
556:22 family. Cheryl's swift intervention interrupted her brother's contemplation
556:24 interrupted her brother's contemplation when she literally dragged him away from
556:25 when she literally dragged him away from the dangerous spot by the window. Her
556:27 the dangerous spot by the window. Her sister's justified concern was that the
556:29 sister's justified concern was that the living corpse would be discovered,
556:32 living corpse would be discovered, causing an inevitable scandal. Quickly
556:34 causing an inevitable scandal. Quickly realizing his carelessness, Aaron
556:36 realizing his carelessness, Aaron acknowledged his sister's point and
556:37 acknowledged his sister's point and offered a sincere apology. Disturbing
556:39 offered a sincere apology. Disturbing news of the emperor's early arrival with
556:41 news of the emperor's early arrival with a large entourage 3 days later disrupted
556:44 a large entourage 3 days later disrupted the original plans. The emperor's
556:46 the original plans. The emperor's unexpectedly early arrival, which
556:47 unexpectedly early arrival, which deviated significantly from the plan
556:49 deviated significantly from the plan schedule, caused serious concern. The
556:52 schedule, caused serious concern. The strategic plan relied on the Duchess of
556:53 strategic plan relied on the Duchess of Baron's ability to convince the arriving
556:55 Baron's ability to convince the arriving lords to fight for independence. The
556:57 lords to fight for independence. The Duke's practical interest in the current
556:59 Duke's practical interest in the current number of lords who had defected to
557:01 number of lords who had defected to their side required an immediate
557:02 their side required an immediate response. Cheryl's detailed report
557:04 response. Cheryl's detailed report included information about the arrival
557:06 included information about the arrival of the entire neutral faction and half
557:08 of the entire neutral faction and half of the Imperial faction with the
557:10 of the Imperial faction with the exception of Duke Rean. The Duke's
557:12 exception of Duke Rean. The Duke's attention was drawn to the inexplicable
557:14 attention was drawn to the inexplicable absence of Duke Renon among the arriving
557:16 absence of Duke Renon among the arriving allies. The strange absence of Duke
557:19 allies. The strange absence of Duke Renon was particularly disturbing given
557:22 Renon was particularly disturbing given his expected immediate reaction to the
557:23 his expected immediate reaction to the news of the death. Cheryl's sudden
557:25 news of the death. Cheryl's sudden discovery made through the window
557:27 discovery made through the window concerned the arrival of the
557:28 concerned the arrival of the long-awaited Duke of Acrano. The Duke's
557:30 long-awaited Duke of Acrano. The Duke's calm conversation with the nobles
557:32 calm conversation with the nobles contrasted with the tense atmosphere in
557:34 contrasted with the tense atmosphere in his carriage where Cecilia and Isabel
557:36 his carriage where Cecilia and Isabel were praying. Cecilia's solemn promise
557:39 were praying. Cecilia's solemn promise to abide by the agreement was
557:40 to abide by the agreement was accompanied by a modest request for
557:42 accompanied by a modest request for temporary freedom of movement.
557:44 temporary freedom of movement. Isabelle's firm refusal was based on the
557:46 Isabelle's firm refusal was based on the need to first find Duke Aaron, who was
557:48 need to first find Duke Aaron, who was believed to be hiding in the castle.
557:49 believed to be hiding in the castle. Cecilia's confident reminder of her
557:51 Cecilia's confident reminder of her knowledge of the area and the
557:53 knowledge of the area and the possibility of escape met with an
557:54 possibility of escape met with an unexpected reaction from her
557:56 unexpected reaction from her interlocutor. Isabelle's sly smile
557:58 interlocutor. Isabelle's sly smile accompanied her suggestion to try to
558:00 accompanied her suggestion to try to escape, risking awakening Valour and
558:02 escape, risking awakening Valour and reviving Avoc. Isabelle's furious curse
558:05 reviving Avoc. Isabelle's furious curse against the goddess Viven expressed her
558:06 against the goddess Viven expressed her incomprehension of the decision to place
558:08 incomprehension of the decision to place the sacred relic in the body of a young
558:10 the sacred relic in the body of a young girl. The young girl clearly understood
558:12 girl. The young girl clearly understood the danger of the situation with the
558:13 the danger of the situation with the ancient relic because one wrong move
558:15 ancient relic because one wrong move when removing it could lead to certain
558:17 when removing it could lead to certain death long before the magical power
558:19 death long before the magical power could be used. Heavy thoughts did not
558:21 could be used. Heavy thoughts did not leave Isabelle's mind as she pondered
558:22 leave Isabelle's mind as she pondered the difficult choice between Cecilia's
558:24 the difficult choice between Cecilia's life and the possibility of using the
558:26 life and the possibility of using the powerful relic to achieve her important
558:28 powerful relic to achieve her important goals. Isabelle was so overcome with
558:31 goals. Isabelle was so overcome with anger that she began to pound on the
558:32 anger that she began to pound on the walls of the carriage while Cecilia
558:34 walls of the carriage while Cecilia watching her thought deeply about the
558:36 watching her thought deeply about the complex character of this extraordinary
558:38 complex character of this extraordinary woman. Isabelle's intentions became
558:40 woman. Isabelle's intentions became clearer and clearer. She was trying with
558:43 clearer and clearer. She was trying with all her might to prevent Avarak's
558:44 all her might to prevent Avarak's resurrection. But even more mysterious
558:46 resurrection. But even more mysterious was the decision of the goddess Viven to
558:48 was the decision of the goddess Viven to protect Duke Aaron instead of Isabelle
558:50 protect Duke Aaron instead of Isabelle herself. After an important meeting with
558:52 herself. After an important meeting with Duke Reon, Aaron decided to organize a
558:55 Duke Reon, Aaron decided to organize a grand banquet for the assembled lords
558:57 grand banquet for the assembled lords and sent a special invitation to Duchess
558:59 and sent a special invitation to Duchess Baron to secure her support. The Duke
559:01 Baron to secure her support. The Duke explained their next steps to Cheryl in
559:02 explained their next steps to Cheryl in detail. First, they would try to
559:05 detail. First, they would try to convince Duchess Baron to bring the
559:06 convince Duchess Baron to bring the lords over to their side that evening.
559:08 lords over to their side that evening. And if that failed, they would try again
559:10 And if that failed, they would try again tomorrow. Having received clear
559:12 tomorrow. Having received clear instructions, Cheryl headed for the
559:14 instructions, Cheryl headed for the exit. But Aaron stopped her with one
559:16 exit. But Aaron stopped her with one last request to find and invite Kanos
559:19 last request to find and invite Kanos for an important conversation about
559:20 for an important conversation about current affairs and plans. Left alone
559:23 current affairs and plans. Left alone with his thoughts, Aaron pondered the
559:25 with his thoughts, Aaron pondered the imminent arrival of the Emperor with his
559:27 imminent arrival of the Emperor with his numerous retinue and the inevitable
559:29 numerous retinue and the inevitable appearance of a reconnaissance unit
559:30 appearance of a reconnaissance unit before the main forces. Aaron's serious
559:33 before the main forces. Aaron's serious concerns were that without proper
559:34 concerns were that without proper caution, the emperor could discover the
559:36 caution, the emperor could discover the disguised soldiers stationed throughout
559:38 disguised soldiers stationed throughout the controlled territory. After a long
559:40 the controlled territory. After a long wait, Kanos appeared and Aaron's first
559:43 wait, Kanos appeared and Aaron's first question was about the current location
559:45 question was about the current location of the military units from the Black
559:47 of the military units from the Black Continent and the Duchess of Baron's
559:49 Continent and the Duchess of Baron's troops. Quickly reporting on the
559:50 troops. Quickly reporting on the situation, Kanos informed Aaron that the
559:53 situation, Kanos informed Aaron that the initial plan to deploy soldiers
559:54 initial plan to deploy soldiers throughout the castle had been carried
559:56 throughout the castle had been carried out, paying particular attention to the
559:58 out, paying particular attention to the roots of the arriving lords. Watching
560:00 roots of the arriving lords. Watching the Duke's reaction closely, Kanos could
560:03 the Duke's reaction closely, Kanos could not understand the reason for his
560:04 not understand the reason for his unusual concern about the deployment of
560:06 unusual concern about the deployment of military forces around the castle. The
560:08 military forces around the castle. The Duke shared the unexpected news of the
560:10 Duke shared the unexpected news of the emperor's arrival in 3 days and
560:12 emperor's arrival in 3 days and expressed serious concerns that careless
560:14 expressed serious concerns that careless placement of soldiers could lead to the
560:16 placement of soldiers could lead to the failure of the entire operation. Kinos
560:19 failure of the entire operation. Kinos was well aware of the consequences of
560:21 was well aware of the consequences of the failure of their carefully
560:22 the failure of their carefully thoughtout plan to peacefully remove the
560:24 thoughtout plan to peacefully remove the emperor from power through a combination
560:26 emperor from power through a combination of military force and political
560:28 of military force and political pressure. The emperor's return to his
560:30 pressure. The emperor's return to his well-fortified palace could give him
560:32 well-fortified palace could give him significant advantages and greatly
560:34 significant advantages and greatly complicate the execution of their
560:36 complicate the execution of their strategic plan. The Duke made the
560:38 strategic plan. The Duke made the important decision to leave only the
560:40 important decision to leave only the minimum necessary personnel in the
560:42 minimum necessary personnel in the castle and to quietly move the main part
560:44 castle and to quietly move the main part of the troops to a safe hiding place in
560:46 of the troops to a safe hiding place in the northern fortress. Paying attention
560:48 the northern fortress. Paying attention to detail, Kynos asked Aaron if he had
560:50 to detail, Kynos asked Aaron if he had received any information about the
560:52 received any information about the emperor's entourage's movements along
560:53 emperor's entourage's movements along the main road to the castle. Carefully
560:56 the main road to the castle. Carefully analyzing the situation, Aaron noted the
560:58 analyzing the situation, Aaron noted the oddity that the emperor had only
561:00 oddity that the emperor had only specified the size of the retinue and
561:02 specified the size of the retinue and the date of arrival without requesting
561:04 the date of arrival without requesting the usual escort in such cases. After
561:06 the usual escort in such cases. After carefully considering the situation, the
561:09 carefully considering the situation, the Duke expressed serious concern about
561:11 Duke expressed serious concern about possible deception because if the
561:13 possible deception because if the Imperial retinue was not traveling along
561:15 Imperial retinue was not traveling along the main road, its appearance in large
561:17 the main road, its appearance in large numbers seemed mysterious. Cyenos shared
561:20 numbers seemed mysterious. Cyenos shared his theory about the possible use of a
561:22 his theory about the possible use of a magical portal that would allow the
561:23 magical portal that would allow the emperor to quickly move a significant
561:25 emperor to quickly move a significant part of the central army directly to the
561:27 part of the central army directly to the castle. The realization of the reality
561:29 castle. The realization of the reality of such a threat made Aaron seriously
561:31 of such a threat made Aaron seriously consider the need for an urgent review
561:33 consider the need for an urgent review of all plans for the castle's defense
561:35 of all plans for the castle's defense and security. The emperor strolling
561:37 and security. The emperor strolling through his majestic castle recalled a
561:39 through his majestic castle recalled a terrifying nightmare in which a
561:40 terrifying nightmare in which a mysterious dark spirit demanded that
561:42 mysterious dark spirit demanded that Aaron be killed, promising an end to the
561:44 Aaron be killed, promising an end to the tormenting visions. Lost in his
561:47 tormenting visions. Lost in his memories, the ruler tried to count the
561:48 memories, the ruler tried to count the number of peaceful nights that had
561:50 number of peaceful nights that had passed since the frightening nightmares
561:52 passed since the frightening nightmares had last appeared in his dreams. The
561:54 had last appeared in his dreams. The persistent visions gave rise to a strong
561:56 persistent visions gave rise to a strong conviction in the emperor's mind that
561:57 conviction in the emperor's mind that contrary to all available evidence,
561:59 contrary to all available evidence, Aaron had somehow managed to save his
562:01 Aaron had somehow managed to save his life. The unexpected appearance of
562:03 life. The unexpected appearance of Philip kneeling before him interrupted
562:05 Philip kneeling before him interrupted the emperor's thoughts, and he
562:07 the emperor's thoughts, and he immediately ordered his son to attend
562:08 immediately ordered his son to attend Aaron's funeral as captain of the
562:10 Aaron's funeral as captain of the Imperial Knights. Showing paternal
562:12 Imperial Knights. Showing paternal concern, the emperor sincerely
562:14 concern, the emperor sincerely apologized to his son for the overly
562:16 apologized to his son for the overly harsh lesson with the slap,
562:18 harsh lesson with the slap, acknowledging that he had chosen too
562:19 acknowledging that he had chosen too harsh a method to teach an important
562:21 harsh a method to teach an important lesson. Philip, trying to understand his
562:24 lesson. Philip, trying to understand his father's intentions, directly asked him
562:26 father's intentions, directly asked him to explain the true meaning of the
562:27 to explain the true meaning of the lesson and the significance of all the
562:29 lesson and the significance of all the actions taken. The wise ruler revealed
562:31 actions taken. The wise ruler revealed to his son the main principle of
562:33 to his son the main principle of successful rule, the importance of
562:35 successful rule, the importance of avoiding making enemies who could
562:36 avoiding making enemies who could significantly limit the future emperor's
562:38 significantly limit the future emperor's freedom of action. Concluding the
562:40 freedom of action. Concluding the important conversation with his heir,
562:42 important conversation with his heir, the emperor emphasized the need to
562:44 the emperor emphasized the need to remember this lesson and said nothing
562:46 remember this lesson and said nothing more, giving his son the opportunity to
562:48 more, giving his son the opportunity to reflect on what had been said. The tense
562:50 reflect on what had been said. The tense conversation was interrupted by an
562:52 conversation was interrupted by an urgent message that the magical portal
562:54 urgent message that the magical portal was ready, after which the emperor rose
562:56 was ready, after which the emperor rose from his seat and motioned for Philip to
562:58 from his seat and motioned for Philip to follow him. Memories took Philip back 10
563:00 follow him. Memories took Philip back 10 years to a special day when his mood had
563:02 years to a special day when his mood had reached unprecedented heights thanks to
563:04 reached unprecedented heights thanks to an important achievement. The source of
563:06 an important achievement. The source of young Philip's joy was his first victory
563:08 young Philip's joy was his first victory over his cousin Aaron, who was destined
563:10 over his cousin Aaron, who was destined to become the next emperor of their
563:12 to become the next emperor of their great empire. Despite the significance
563:14 great empire. Despite the significance of this achievement, the ambitious
563:16 of this achievement, the ambitious nature of the young Philip demanded
563:17 nature of the young Philip demanded more, driving him to strive for new
563:19 more, driving him to strive for new achievements and victories. Returning
563:21 achievements and victories. Returning from an exhausting training session,
563:23 from an exhausting training session, Philip's attention was drawn to Isabel
563:25 Philip's attention was drawn to Isabel running away, and curiosity compelled
563:27 running away, and curiosity compelled him to follow the mysterious woman
563:29 him to follow the mysterious woman unnoticed. Reaching a secluded hut, the
563:31 unnoticed. Reaching a secluded hut, the mysterious woman knelt down and began to
563:33 mysterious woman knelt down and began to cry out passionately to the powerful
563:35 cry out passionately to the powerful Avarak, the supreme god of chaos,
563:37 Avarak, the supreme god of chaos, begging him to respond. A bright flash
563:40 begging him to respond. A bright flash of a magical portal announced the
563:42 of a magical portal announced the arrival of Avarak, who immediately
563:44 arrival of Avarak, who immediately demanded an explanation for such
563:45 demanded an explanation for such persistent appeals to his divine
563:47 persistent appeals to his divine essence. A little boy, frozen in terror
563:50 essence. A little boy, frozen in terror at the sight of the powerful deity who
563:51 at the sight of the powerful deity who had appeared at Isabel's call, became an
563:53 had appeared at Isabel's call, became an unwitting witness to this frightening
563:55 unwitting witness to this frightening event. A distraught Isabel told the god
563:58 event. A distraught Isabel told the god about the serious danger hanging over
563:59 about the serious danger hanging over the emperor and how the overthrow of the
564:01 the emperor and how the overthrow of the ruler could destroy her children who
564:03 ruler could destroy her children who carried divine seeds. Avarak
564:06 carried divine seeds. Avarak dissatisfied reminded the woman of their
564:08 dissatisfied reminded the woman of their important agreement according to which
564:10 important agreement according to which she had pledged to do his will in
564:11 she had pledged to do his will in exchange for the lives of her children.
564:13 exchange for the lives of her children. The powerful god demonstrated his
564:15 The powerful god demonstrated his strength by unleashing a wave of
564:17 strength by unleashing a wave of unbearable pain upon Isabel which forced
564:19 unbearable pain upon Isabel which forced her to lie prostrate on the ground in
564:21 her to lie prostrate on the ground in submission. The harsh voice of the deity
564:23 submission. The harsh voice of the deity reminded the woman of her sacred duty to
564:25 reminded the woman of her sacred duty to protect the children until the seeds
564:27 protect the children until the seeds seown within them sprouted, unleashing
564:29 seown within them sprouted, unleashing the forces of great chaos. Outwardly
564:31 the forces of great chaos. Outwardly submissive, Isabelle accepted the will
564:33 submissive, Isabelle accepted the will of the deity. But deep down, she was
564:36 of the deity. But deep down, she was determined to protect her children and
564:38 determined to protect her children and prevent the dangerous seeds of divine
564:39 prevent the dangerous seeds of divine chaos from awakening. After Isabelle
564:42 chaos from awakening. After Isabelle left, Philip, impressed by what he had
564:44 left, Philip, impressed by what he had seen, knelt down and asked the great
564:46 seen, knelt down and asked the great Lord of the gods to appear before him.
564:49 Lord of the gods to appear before him. Suddenly, dark threads enveloped little
564:51 Suddenly, dark threads enveloped little Phillip, and a mysterious voice demanded
564:53 Phillip, and a mysterious voice demanded that he introduce himself. The
564:55 that he introduce himself. The frightened boy called himself the son of
564:57 frightened boy called himself the son of the powerful Duke Giron. The mysterious
564:59 the powerful Duke Giron. The mysterious being holding young Philip firmly
565:01 being holding young Philip firmly revealed his great destiny. In the
565:04 revealed his great destiny. In the future, he was destined to take the
565:05 future, he was destined to take the imperial throne. The powerful Avarak
565:08 imperial throne. The powerful Avarak demanded loyal service from the future
565:10 demanded loyal service from the future emperor and immediately endowed the boy
565:12 emperor and immediately endowed the boy with a part of his divine power, which
565:14 with a part of his divine power, which instantly transformed his essence. The
565:16 instantly transformed his essence. The significance of this day for Philip
565:18 significance of this day for Philip could not be overstated. It was then
565:20 could not be overstated. It was then that he learned of his great destiny and
565:22 that he learned of his great destiny and gained incredible power. Returning to
565:24 gained incredible power. Returning to the present, the emperor reflected on
565:26 the present, the emperor reflected on the upcoming journey, which would be his
565:28 the upcoming journey, which would be his first trip outside the empire since his
565:29 first trip outside the empire since his ascension to the throne. The ruler's
565:31 ascension to the throne. The ruler's anxiety was heightened by the frequent
565:33 anxiety was heightened by the frequent nightmares that had begun to haunt him
565:35 nightmares that had begun to haunt him with frightening regularity in recent
565:36 with frightening regularity in recent times. The disturbing visions had such a
565:39 times. The disturbing visions had such a profound effect on the emperor that he
565:41 profound effect on the emperor that he seriously considered cancelling the
565:42 seriously considered cancelling the important trip despite all the possible
565:45 important trip despite all the possible consequences. The emperor was reassured
565:47 consequences. The emperor was reassured when he looked at his son and realized
565:49 when he looked at his son and realized that all his fears were just the product
565:50 that all his fears were just the product of nightmares. Imperial dignity demanded
565:53 of nightmares. Imperial dignity demanded his personal presence at the Duke's
565:54 his personal presence at the Duke's funeral. For as head of the family and
565:56 funeral. For as head of the family and ruler, he had to stand proudly beside
565:59 ruler, he had to stand proudly beside his heir. Maintaining outward respect,
566:01 his heir. Maintaining outward respect, Philip than thanked his father for his
566:02 Philip than thanked his father for his wise guidance, although he knew deep
566:04 wise guidance, although he knew deep down that he no longer needed such life
566:06 down that he no longer needed such life lessons. Deep down, Philip understood
566:09 lessons. Deep down, Philip understood that he had perhaps never truly needed
566:10 that he had perhaps never truly needed his father's guidance, relying instead
566:13 his father's guidance, relying instead on his own strength and destiny.
566:15 on his own strength and destiny. Philip's confidence in his imperial
566:16 Philip's confidence in his imperial future was not based on his father's
566:19 future was not based on his father's advice, but on the power granted to him
566:21 advice, but on the power granted to him by higher powers many years ago. The
566:23 by higher powers many years ago. The only task that now occupied Philip's
566:25 only task that now occupied Philip's mind was to find the quickest and most
566:27 mind was to find the quickest and most effective way to claim the coveted
566:29 effective way to claim the coveted Imperial throne. The shining magical
566:31 Imperial throne. The shining magical sword in Philip's hands was a reminder
566:33 sword in Philip's hands was a reminder of his power. But the young heir decided
566:35 of his power. But the young heir decided to avoid direct bloodshed in achieving
566:37 to avoid direct bloodshed in achieving his goal. Following Lord Avarak's
566:39 his goal. Following Lord Avarak's instructions, Philip intended only to
566:41 instructions, Philip intended only to watch the last moments of his father's
566:43 watch the last moments of his father's life without interfering in the course
566:44 life without interfering in the course of events. Meanwhile, numerous guests
566:47 of events. Meanwhile, numerous guests gathered with Cheryl for a solemn
566:48 gathered with Cheryl for a solemn ceremony to bid farewell and commemorate
566:50 ceremony to bid farewell and commemorate Duke Aaron. Those present shared news
566:53 Duke Aaron. Those present shared news about the aftermath of the recent
566:54 about the aftermath of the recent disaster, telling each other about the
566:56 disaster, telling each other about the serious damage and the difficulties of
566:58 serious damage and the difficulties of recovery. A desperate lord shared the
567:00 recovery. A desperate lord shared the sad story of how the inhabitants of his
567:02 sad story of how the inhabitants of his lands had scattered in search of food,
567:04 lands had scattered in search of food, leading to the complete devastation of
567:06 leading to the complete devastation of the territory and serious problems with
567:08 the territory and serious problems with maintaining order. The nobleman wanted
567:10 maintaining order. The nobleman wanted to share more details about the
567:12 to share more details about the aftermath of the disaster. But noticing
567:14 aftermath of the disaster. But noticing the presence of Duchess Bran, decided to
567:17 the presence of Duchess Bran, decided to speak in a cautious whisper. In a low
567:19 speak in a cautious whisper. In a low voice, he told of a serious uprising in
567:21 voice, he told of a serious uprising in the Imperial family's territory, which
567:23 the Imperial family's territory, which had significantly worsened the overall
567:25 had significantly worsened the overall situation and admitted that he partly
567:27 situation and admitted that he partly understood the reasons for the lack of
567:29 understood the reasons for the lack of military assistance. His interlocutor's
567:31 military assistance. His interlocutor's indignation stemmed from a simple
567:33 indignation stemmed from a simple question. If the Imperial family could
567:36 question. If the Imperial family could not protect distant territories in times
567:38 not protect distant territories in times of danger, what was the point of its
567:40 of danger, what was the point of its existence? His interlocutor fully shared
567:42 existence? His interlocutor fully shared these thoughts and even began to regret
567:44 these thoughts and even began to regret his long-standing decision to join the
567:46 his long-standing decision to join the Imperial faction. Considering it a
567:48 Imperial faction. Considering it a serious mistake, the attentive Duke Bran
567:51 serious mistake, the attentive Duke Bran silently observed the lively
567:52 silently observed the lively conversation of the dissatisfied lords,
567:55 conversation of the dissatisfied lords, but deliberately refrained from
567:56 but deliberately refrained from commenting at this tense moment. The
567:58 commenting at this tense moment. The perceptive Duchess Bran noticed the
568:00 perceptive Duchess Bran noticed the growing discontent among the assembled
568:02 growing discontent among the assembled lords, but carefully weighed the
568:04 lords, but carefully weighed the necessity of fanning this dangerous
568:05 necessity of fanning this dangerous flame. Having made her decision, the
568:08 flame. Having made her decision, the Duchess tapped her spoon on a crystal
568:09 Duchess tapped her spoon on a crystal glass with an elegant movement,
568:11 glass with an elegant movement, instantly attracting the attention of
568:13 instantly attracting the attention of everyone present and silencing them.
568:15 everyone present and silencing them. Rising from her seat, the noble lady
568:17 Rising from her seat, the noble lady sincerely thanked each guest for taking
568:19 sincerely thanked each guest for taking the time to honor her brother's memory
568:20 the time to honor her brother's memory despite the difficult circumstances.
568:23 despite the difficult circumstances. Continuing her speech, the Duchess
568:24 Continuing her speech, the Duchess revealed the true reason for the
568:26 revealed the true reason for the gathering. In addition to expressing her
568:28 gathering. In addition to expressing her gratitude, she was going to make a
568:29 gratitude, she was going to make a special proposal to everyone present.
568:31 special proposal to everyone present. The unexpected intervention of Duke
568:33 The unexpected intervention of Duke Renon, who rose from his seat with a
568:35 Renon, who rose from his seat with a mysterious smile, added a new twist to
568:37 mysterious smile, added a new twist to the conversation with his obvious
568:39 the conversation with his obvious interest in the young duchess's
568:40 interest in the young duchess's proposal. Duke Gran watched Reno's
568:43 proposal. Duke Gran watched Reno's strange behavior closely, as if he had
568:45 strange behavior closely, as if he had lost his mind from old age and was
568:47 lost his mind from old age and was inexplicably amused after the loss of
568:49 inexplicably amused after the loss of his nephew Aaron. Maintaining her
568:51 his nephew Aaron. Maintaining her composure, Cheryl continued her speech,
568:54 composure, Cheryl continued her speech, explaining to those gathered that the
568:56 explaining to those gathered that the proposal did not come from her
568:57 proposal did not come from her personally and invited the mysterious
568:59 personally and invited the mysterious guest into the hall. The appearance of
569:01 guest into the hall. The appearance of Duchess Baron caused a real commotion
569:03 Duchess Baron caused a real commotion among those gathered. Some froze in
569:05 among those gathered. Some froze in amazement, others could not hide their
569:07 amazement, others could not hide their surprise at the unexpected visit. Duke
569:10 surprise at the unexpected visit. Duke Gran immediately became serious and
569:12 Gran immediately became serious and demanded an explanation from Duchess
569:13 demanded an explanation from Duchess Baron, reminding her of the recent
569:15 Baron, reminding her of the recent rumors of her death in battle against
569:17 rumors of her death in battle against Aaron. A calm smile appeared on the
569:19 Aaron. A calm smile appeared on the Duchess's face as she assured Duke Gran
569:22 Duchess's face as she assured Duke Gran that in the event of her death, she
569:23 that in the event of her death, she would make sure he was the first to
569:25 would make sure he was the first to know. Watching the scene unfold, Renan
569:27 know. Watching the scene unfold, Renan laughed in anticipation of a serious
569:29 laughed in anticipation of a serious conversation and an important proposal
569:31 conversation and an important proposal from the unexpectedly appeared duchess.
569:34 from the unexpectedly appeared duchess. Hiding behind Renon's disguise, he
569:36 Hiding behind Renon's disguise, he understood that any proposal from the
569:37 understood that any proposal from the Duchess would help him in his search for
569:39 Duchess would help him in his search for a refuge where the true Aaron's body was
569:41 a refuge where the true Aaron's body was hidden. Taking center stage between the
569:43 hidden. Taking center stage between the tables, the Duchess announced her simple
569:45 tables, the Duchess announced her simple but interesting proposal to all those
569:47 but interesting proposal to all those dissatisfied with the current emperor's
569:49 dissatisfied with the current emperor's rule. The Duchess's bold proposal was to
569:52 rule. The Duchess's bold proposal was to use their remaining military forces to
569:54 use their remaining military forces to finally overthrow the current emperor.
569:55 finally overthrow the current emperor. The Duchess's shocking statement plunged
569:57 The Duchess's shocking statement plunged the assembled crowd into deep silence.
570:00 the assembled crowd into deep silence. They only exchanged meaningful glances,
570:02 They only exchanged meaningful glances, pondering the proposal they had heard.
570:04 pondering the proposal they had heard. The first to break the silence was the
570:05 The first to break the silence was the indignant Duke Gran, who accused the
570:08 indignant Duke Gran, who accused the Duchess of madness and treason. Refusing
570:10 Duchess of madness and treason. Refusing to believe that what was happening was
570:12 to believe that what was happening was real. Insulted by the accusations, the
570:14 real. Insulted by the accusations, the Duchess resolutely rejected the charge
570:16 Duchess resolutely rejected the charge of treason. Reminding everyone that it
570:18 of treason. Reminding everyone that it was the emperor who had broken his
570:20 was the emperor who had broken his obligations, putting the very existence
570:22 obligations, putting the very existence of the empire in danger. The Duchess's
570:25 of the empire in danger. The Duchess's impassioned speech revealed the true
570:26 impassioned speech revealed the true state of affairs. Even until recently,
570:29 state of affairs. Even until recently, the emperor had been concerned solely
570:31 the emperor had been concerned solely with preserving his own power, ignoring
570:33 with preserving his own power, ignoring the suffering of the lords. Turning to
570:36 the suffering of the lords. Turning to Duke Gran, the angry woman reminded him
570:38 Duke Gran, the angry woman reminded him of the important promises made by
570:40 of the important promises made by Emperor Geron in exchange for support in
570:42 Emperor Geron in exchange for support in overthrowing the previous ruler. Looking
570:44 overthrowing the previous ruler. Looking into the face of Duke Gran, who was numb
570:46 into the face of Duke Gran, who was numb with anger, the determined woman
570:48 with anger, the determined woman reminded him of the unfulfilled promise
570:50 reminded him of the unfulfilled promise to weaken the emperor's power. The first
570:52 to weaken the emperor's power. The first important condition of the agreement
570:54 important condition of the agreement gave the lords the right to resolve
570:55 gave the lords the right to resolve territorial disputes among themselves
570:58 territorial disputes among themselves without the emperor's interference. The
571:00 without the emperor's interference. The second unfulfilled promise concerned the
571:02 second unfulfilled promise concerned the fair distribution of all the wealth
571:04 fair distribution of all the wealth obtained as a result of the military
571:06 obtained as a result of the military campaign against the western continent.
571:08 campaign against the western continent. The third key promise was that future
571:09 The third key promise was that future emperors would be chosen by a vote among
571:12 emperors would be chosen by a vote among representatives of the nobility.
571:13 representatives of the nobility. Concluding her damning speech, the
571:15 Concluding her damning speech, the duchess demanded that at least one
571:17 duchess demanded that at least one promise from the emperor's list of
571:18 promise from the emperor's list of commitments be fulfilled. Rainon fell
571:20 commitments be fulfilled. Rainon fell silent, carefully considering the
571:22 silent, carefully considering the duchess's words, finding the proposal to
571:24 duchess's words, finding the proposal to overthrow the emperor very tempting and
571:26 overthrow the emperor very tempting and promising. The concerned lords expressed
571:28 promising. The concerned lords expressed doubts about the success of the
571:29 doubts about the success of the uprising, reminding everyone of the
571:31 uprising, reminding everyone of the large size and high level of training of
571:33 large size and high level of training of the central imperial army. Confident in
571:36 the central imperial army. Confident in her words, the duchess reminded those
571:38 her words, the duchess reminded those gathered that they had sufficient troops
571:39 gathered that they had sufficient troops at their disposal to oppose the central
571:41 at their disposal to oppose the central army. The agitated lords, acknowledging
571:44 army. The agitated lords, acknowledging the possibility of the emperor's
571:45 the possibility of the emperor's successful overthrow, expressed serious
571:48 successful overthrow, expressed serious concerns about the procedure for
571:49 concerns about the procedure for selecting a new ruler. With a calm
571:51 selecting a new ruler. With a calm gesture, the duchess pointed to the
571:53 gesture, the duchess pointed to the lord's present, explaining that they
571:55 lord's present, explaining that they would be the ones to decide the future
571:57 would be the ones to decide the future of the empire. An important condition
571:59 of the empire. An important condition for the selection of the new ruler was
572:00 for the selection of the new ruler was that he must belong to the imperial
572:02 that he must belong to the imperial family, which should have greatly
572:04 family, which should have greatly simplified the decision-making process.
572:06 simplified the decision-making process. Attentive listeners immediately noted
572:08 Attentive listeners immediately noted the limited choice. The only possible
572:10 the limited choice. The only possible candidates were Prince Philip and the
572:12 candidates were Prince Philip and the Duchess of Baron's son Test. With a calm
572:14 Duchess of Baron's son Test. With a calm nod, the Duchess confirmed the
572:16 nod, the Duchess confirmed the situation, reminding everyone of the
572:18 situation, reminding everyone of the existing law prohibiting women from
572:20 existing law prohibiting women from ascending to the imperial throne. The
572:22 ascending to the imperial throne. The observant Cheryl understood the logic of
572:24 observant Cheryl understood the logic of the situation. No one would support
572:26 the situation. No one would support Prince Philip's candidacy after his
572:28 Prince Philip's candidacy after his father's overthrow, which made the
572:30 father's overthrow, which made the Duchess's son the only real contender.
572:32 Duchess's son the only real contender. None of those present even suspected the
572:34 None of those present even suspected the true intentions of Cheryl and Aaron,
572:36 true intentions of Cheryl and Aaron, which were aimed at the complete
572:38 which were aimed at the complete destruction of the existing empire.
572:40 destruction of the existing empire. Cheryl's unexpected speech caught the
572:41 Cheryl's unexpected speech caught the attention of those gathered. When she
572:43 attention of those gathered. When she suggested considering an alternative
572:45 suggested considering an alternative view of the situation, elaborating on
572:47 view of the situation, elaborating on her idea, Cheryl emphasized that the
572:49 her idea, Cheryl emphasized that the brave Duchess Baron, the emperor's
572:51 brave Duchess Baron, the emperor's niece, deserved the right to claim the
572:54 niece, deserved the right to claim the throne alongside Philip and Test. The
572:56 throne alongside Philip and Test. The logical continuation of this idea was to
572:58 logical continuation of this idea was to grant the right to the throne to all
573:00 grant the right to the throne to all members of the Imperial family without
573:02 members of the Imperial family without exception. The sudden realization of the
573:04 exception. The sudden realization of the possibility of her own ascension to the
573:06 possibility of her own ascension to the throne struck Cheryl, although she was
573:08 throne struck Cheryl, although she was well aware of the minimal chances of
573:09 well aware of the minimal chances of such a development. The vote ended with
573:11 such a development. The vote ended with a convincing result of 31 votes to nine,
573:14 a convincing result of 31 votes to nine, confirming the decision to inevitably
573:16 confirming the decision to inevitably overthrow Emperor Giron. Four candidates
573:18 overthrow Emperor Giron. Four candidates were officially approved as contenders
573:20 were officially approved as contenders for the imperial throne. Prince
573:22 for the imperial throne. Prince Philillip, Tess, Duchess Baron, and
573:25 Philillip, Tess, Duchess Baron, and Cheryl. The final stage of their plan
573:27 Cheryl. The final stage of their plan remained the most difficult. The
573:29 remained the most difficult. The practical implementation of the removal
573:31 practical implementation of the removal of the reigning emperor from the throne.
573:33 of the reigning emperor from the throne. Leaving the polling station, Gail, who
573:35 Leaving the polling station, Gail, who was in Rean's body, was deep in thought
573:37 was in Rean's body, was deep in thought about the coup that had just happened.
573:39 about the coup that had just happened. Gail's real goal was still to regain the
573:41 Gail's real goal was still to regain the lost throne after finding Aaron's body.
573:43 lost throne after finding Aaron's body. But the first step had to be the final
573:45 But the first step had to be the final death of the real Duke. In the evening,
573:47 death of the real Duke. In the evening, a distraught Isabel entered the room of
573:49 a distraught Isabel entered the room of the pens of Renel and reported that even
573:52 the pens of Renel and reported that even experienced mercenaries had been unable
573:54 experienced mercenaries had been unable to find Aaron's well-hidden body. Gail's
573:56 to find Aaron's well-hidden body. Gail's rage at the failure of the search
573:58 rage at the failure of the search erupted into a brutal attack on one of
574:00 erupted into a brutal attack on one of the mercenaries whom he stabbed in cold
574:02 the mercenaries whom he stabbed in cold blood and left to bleed to death.
574:04 blood and left to bleed to death. Shocked, Isabelle tried to reason with
574:06 Shocked, Isabelle tried to reason with her son, but Gail remained indifferent
574:07 her son, but Gail remained indifferent to the suffering of the wounded
574:09 to the suffering of the wounded mercenary. Rethinking the situation,
574:11 mercenary. Rethinking the situation, Gail suggested changing their strategy.
574:14 Gail suggested changing their strategy. Instead of searching for Aaron, they
574:15 Instead of searching for Aaron, they would use Cecilia as bait to lure the
574:17 would use Cecilia as bait to lure the Duke to them. Horrified by her son's
574:19 Duke to them. Horrified by her son's cruelty and his terrible plans, Isabelle
574:22 cruelty and his terrible plans, Isabelle was forced to agree to the proposed
574:23 was forced to agree to the proposed strategy. The palace knights guarding
574:25 strategy. The palace knights guarding the gates felt an inexplicable unease
574:27 the gates felt an inexplicable unease from the ominous atmosphere that
574:29 from the ominous atmosphere that enveloped the area. Suspecting the
574:31 enveloped the area. Suspecting the presence of a ghost, a sudden mysterious
574:33 presence of a ghost, a sudden mysterious noise caused the tense knights to become
574:35 noise caused the tense knights to become alert and prepare for possible danger.
574:37 alert and prepare for possible danger. One guard shared the rumors about the
574:39 One guard shared the rumors about the ghost of Duke Aaron, who had allegedly
574:41 ghost of Duke Aaron, who had allegedly been seen walking around the castle like
574:43 been seen walking around the castle like a living person. A second knight tried
574:45 a living person. A second knight tried to stop the eerie conversation,
574:47 to stop the eerie conversation, especially given the pitch black
574:49 especially given the pitch black darkness surrounding them. The sudden
574:51 darkness surrounding them. The sudden appearance of mysterious silhouettes
574:52 appearance of mysterious silhouettes right in front of the guards caused them
574:54 right in front of the guards caused them to freeze in terror. Instantly grabbing
574:56 to freeze in terror. Instantly grabbing their weapons, the knights were
574:57 their weapons, the knights were surprised to recognize one of the
574:59 surprised to recognize one of the silhouettes as the unconscious Cecilia
575:01 silhouettes as the unconscious Cecilia and rushed toward her motionless body.
575:03 and rushed toward her motionless body. While the knights lifted her lifeless
575:05 While the knights lifted her lifeless body, Cecilia's consciousness wandered
575:07 body, Cecilia's consciousness wandered in the depths of her own thoughts, where
575:09 in the depths of her own thoughts, where a mysterious, unfamiliar voice
575:11 a mysterious, unfamiliar voice persistently called her name, initially
575:13 persistently called her name, initially mistaking the voice for a divine
575:15 mistaking the voice for a divine message. Cecilia gradually realized that
575:17 message. Cecilia gradually realized that it was the caring Bianca calling her,
575:19 it was the caring Bianca calling her, fussing over the bed of the Holy Virgin.
575:22 fussing over the bed of the Holy Virgin. Nearby stood a distraught Isabelle,
575:24 Nearby stood a distraught Isabelle, agonizing over the fate of her child and
575:26 agonizing over the fate of her child and the urgent need to find Aaron's body.
575:28 the urgent need to find Aaron's body. Carefully observing the tense expression
575:30 Carefully observing the tense expression on Isabelle's face after their recent
575:32 on Isabelle's face after their recent conversation, Cecilia came to the
575:34 conversation, Cecilia came to the disheartening conclusion that events
575:36 disheartening conclusion that events were taking an unfavorable turn. A
575:38 were taking an unfavorable turn. A sudden realization dawned on the girl.
575:40 sudden realization dawned on the girl. By staying close to Duke Aaron, as
575:42 By staying close to Duke Aaron, as instructed by the goddess Viven, she
575:44 instructed by the goddess Viven, she could foil the conspirator's treacherous
575:46 could foil the conspirator's treacherous plans. Gail's unexpected appearance
575:48 plans. Gail's unexpected appearance interrupted the girl's thoughts, and
575:50 interrupted the girl's thoughts, and Isabelle's stern warning about the
575:52 Isabelle's stern warning about the unacceptability of betrayal sounded like
575:54 unacceptability of betrayal sounded like a clear threat. The sinister Gail
575:56 a clear threat. The sinister Gail reminded her of the danger and folly of
575:58 reminded her of the danger and folly of attempting to awaken Avarak, especially
576:00 attempting to awaken Avarak, especially for someone who sincerely believed in
576:02 for someone who sincerely believed in the goddess's protection. Gail's
576:04 the goddess's protection. Gail's threatening words about the fate of the
576:05 threatening words about the fate of the entire world depending on the girl's
576:07 entire world depending on the girl's decisions, sounded like a final warning
576:09 decisions, sounded like a final warning before inevitable punishment. Gail's
576:11 before inevitable punishment. Gail's cruel blow plunged the girl into
576:13 cruel blow plunged the girl into darkness. But the last words echoing in
576:15 darkness. But the last words echoing in her mind were a sinister promise of
576:17 her mind were a sinister promise of constant surveillance. Unaware of what
576:19 constant surveillance. Unaware of what had happened, Bianca excitedly tried to
576:22 had happened, Bianca excitedly tried to tell the awakened girl the important
576:23 tell the awakened girl the important news about the recent battle and the
576:25 news about the recent battle and the death of Duke Aaron. The sudden
576:27 death of Duke Aaron. The sudden appearance of an alarmed Cheryl in the
576:28 appearance of an alarmed Cheryl in the room was accompanied by a close
576:30 room was accompanied by a close examination of Cecilia's condition.
576:32 examination of Cecilia's condition. Suddenly stopping at the sight of the
576:34 Suddenly stopping at the sight of the stranger, Cheryl received an explanation
576:36 stranger, Cheryl received an explanation from Cecilia, who introduced the woman
576:38 from Cecilia, who introduced the woman as her traveling companion on a recent
576:40 as her traveling companion on a recent journey. Staring intently at the
576:42 journey. Staring intently at the shrouded woman, Cheryl couldn't shake
576:44 shrouded woman, Cheryl couldn't shake the feeling that she had seen her
576:46 the feeling that she had seen her somewhere before, but she put those
576:48 somewhere before, but she put those thoughts aside for later. Disturbed,
576:50 thoughts aside for later. Disturbed, Cheryl immediately turned to Cecilia
576:52 Cheryl immediately turned to Cecilia with urgent questions about her
576:53 with urgent questions about her whereabouts and her knowledge of the
576:55 whereabouts and her knowledge of the complete depletion of the holy water
576:57 complete depletion of the holy water supply. Embarrassed, Cecilia admitted
576:59 supply. Embarrassed, Cecilia admitted that her divine powers had weakened and
577:01 that her divine powers had weakened and that she needed to go in search of the
577:03 that she needed to go in search of the goddess to restore her strength.
577:05 goddess to restore her strength. Sincerely remorseful for dashing their
577:07 Sincerely remorseful for dashing their hopes, the girl explained that she would
577:09 hopes, the girl explained that she would be unable to create holy water until she
577:11 be unable to create holy water until she regained contact with the goddess Viven.
577:13 regained contact with the goddess Viven. Cecilia resolutely changed the subject
577:15 Cecilia resolutely changed the subject to the question that was troubling her,
577:17 to the question that was troubling her, the fate of Duke Aaron. But Cheryl,
577:19 the fate of Duke Aaron. But Cheryl, casting a cautious glance at the
577:21 casting a cautious glance at the stranger, suggested discussing it in
577:23 stranger, suggested discussing it in private. The gloomy figure of Isabelle
577:25 private. The gloomy figure of Isabelle quietly followed the departing women,
577:27 quietly followed the departing women, trying to understand the changes in
577:28 trying to understand the changes in Cheryl's character since their last
577:30 Cheryl's character since their last meeting. Alert, Isabelle clearly sensed
577:32 meeting. Alert, Isabelle clearly sensed a significant increase in the energy
577:34 a significant increase in the energy emanating from Cheryl, which now seemed
577:36 emanating from Cheryl, which now seemed powerful enough to engulf those around
577:38 powerful enough to engulf those around her. Isabelle's inner urge to reveal her
577:40 her. Isabelle's inner urge to reveal her identity to protect her daughter, was
577:42 identity to protect her daughter, was stopped by the door slamming shut in
577:44 stopped by the door slamming shut in front of her, blocking her path.
577:45 front of her, blocking her path. Attentive Kynos, who had been watching
577:47 Attentive Kynos, who had been watching the scene unfold, calmly assessed the
577:50 the scene unfold, calmly assessed the situation with Isabelle and withdrew to
577:52 situation with Isabelle and withdrew to carefully plan his next moves. Behind
577:54 carefully plan his next moves. Behind the closed doors of the room, Cheryl
577:56 the closed doors of the room, Cheryl finally confirmed Cecilia's suspicions,
577:58 finally confirmed Cecilia's suspicions, sharing the joyful news that Duke Aaron
578:00 sharing the joyful news that Duke Aaron was indeed still alive. Overwhelmed with
578:03 was indeed still alive. Overwhelmed with joy, the nun immediately expressed her
578:05 joy, the nun immediately expressed her ardent desire to see the living Duke,
578:07 ardent desire to see the living Duke, hoping for a quick meeting. Cheryl was
578:09 hoping for a quick meeting. Cheryl was forced to dampen her companion's
578:11 forced to dampen her companion's enthusiasm, explaining that such a
578:13 enthusiasm, explaining that such a meeting was impossible until the funeral
578:14 meeting was impossible until the funeral ceremony was officially over. Cecilia,
578:17 ceremony was officially over. Cecilia, not losing hope, asked Cheryl to at
578:19 not losing hope, asked Cheryl to at least pass on an important message to
578:20 least pass on an important message to the Duke, trying to find a way to
578:22 the Duke, trying to find a way to communicate. Looking closely at the
578:24 communicate. Looking closely at the nun's face, Cheryl noticed that she
578:26 nun's face, Cheryl noticed that she suddenly fell silent, remembering Gail's
578:28 suddenly fell silent, remembering Gail's threatening face, and refused to pass on
578:31 threatening face, and refused to pass on the message. The alarming message from
578:33 the message. The alarming message from Raml, who burst into the room about the
578:35 Raml, who burst into the room about the danger interrupted Cheryl's further
578:36 danger interrupted Cheryl's further questions. The girl's first thought was
578:39 questions. The girl's first thought was that the Imperial troops had arrived.
578:41 that the Imperial troops had arrived. But Raml's unusual agitation indicated a
578:43 But Raml's unusual agitation indicated a more serious cause for alarm. An alarmed
578:46 more serious cause for alarm. An alarmed Raml reported that Gail had arrived
578:47 Raml reported that Gail had arrived accompanied by an impressive group of
578:49 accompanied by an impressive group of Imperial mages, which significantly
578:51 Imperial mages, which significantly complicated the situation. Upon
578:53 complicated the situation. Upon receiving this information, Aaron
578:55 receiving this information, Aaron acknowledged the validity of Kanos's
578:57 acknowledged the validity of Kanos's assumptions regarding the Emperor's
578:59 assumptions regarding the Emperor's strategy and his future actions. Aaron
579:01 strategy and his future actions. Aaron had serious doubts about the
579:03 had serious doubts about the emperor<unk>'s audacity in deciding to
579:04 emperor<unk>'s audacity in deciding to open such a large portal on foreign
579:06 open such a large portal on foreign territory, even under the pretext of his
579:08 territory, even under the pretext of his nephew's funeral. The solemn address of
579:11 nephew's funeral. The solemn address of the head of the Imperial mages to Lord
579:12 the head of the Imperial mages to Lord Bran and the local residents attracted
579:14 Bran and the local residents attracted the attention of all those gathered. The
579:16 the attention of all those gathered. The magicians loud announcement contained
579:18 magicians loud announcement contained information about the imminent arrival
579:20 information about the imminent arrival of the emperor and a demand to show due
579:22 of the emperor and a demand to show due respect to the supreme ruler. Satisfied
579:25 respect to the supreme ruler. Satisfied with the sight of the people bowing in
579:26 with the sight of the people bowing in anticipation, the magician realized that
579:29 anticipation, the magician realized that the decisive moment for the next stage
579:31 the decisive moment for the next stage of the ceremony had arrived. After
579:33 of the ceremony had arrived. After ordering the magicians to raise their
579:34 ordering the magicians to raise their ceremonial staffs to create a portal,
579:36 ceremonial staffs to create a portal, the leader demanded that those present
579:38 the leader demanded that those present prepare for the emperor's arrival. The
579:40 prepare for the emperor's arrival. The emperor's majestic appearance through
579:42 emperor's majestic appearance through the portal accompanied by Prince Philip
579:44 the portal accompanied by Prince Philip was greeted with satisfied glances from
579:46 was greeted with satisfied glances from Cheryl and Aaron. Carefully assessing
579:48 Cheryl and Aaron. Carefully assessing the situation, Cheryl noted that the
579:50 the situation, Cheryl noted that the emperor's entourage was significantly
579:52 emperor's entourage was significantly smaller than expected. The unexpected
579:54 smaller than expected. The unexpected continuation of the magical spectacle
579:56 continuation of the magical spectacle revealed the true scale of the arrival.
579:59 revealed the true scale of the arrival. A huge Imperial army poured through the
580:01 A huge Imperial army poured through the fully opened portal. Making a quick
580:03 fully opened portal. Making a quick count, the girl counted about 500
580:05 count, the girl counted about 500 warriors, wondering why such a large
580:07 warriors, wondering why such a large escort was necessary to make an
580:08 escort was necessary to make an impression. Ignoring the disapproving
580:10 impression. Ignoring the disapproving glances of those present, the emperor
580:13 glances of those present, the emperor explained that there was not enough
580:14 explained that there was not enough space and ordered the rest of the troops
580:16 space and ordered the rest of the troops to be stationed outside the castle.
580:18 to be stationed outside the castle. Watching the magicians depart, Cheryl
580:20 Watching the magicians depart, Cheryl was shocked and tried to comprehend the
580:22 was shocked and tried to comprehend the incredible number of soldiers who had
580:24 incredible number of soldiers who had arrived with the emperor. Approaching
580:26 arrived with the emperor. Approaching Cheryl, the emperor politely addressed
580:27 Cheryl, the emperor politely addressed her as Duchess Brana and asked for a
580:30 her as Duchess Brana and asked for a special favor, expressing his hope for
580:32 special favor, expressing his hope for her assistance. After receiving Cheryl's
580:34 her assistance. After receiving Cheryl's consent, the emperor voiced his request
580:36 consent, the emperor voiced his request for help in organizing a large military
580:38 for help in organizing a large military camp near the castle to accommodate the
580:40 camp near the castle to accommodate the troops. Realizing the hopelessness of
580:42 troops. Realizing the hopelessness of the situation, Cheryl asked how many
580:44 the situation, Cheryl asked how many troops there were so she could organize
580:46 troops there were so she could organize the camp more efficiently. The emperor's
580:48 the camp more efficiently. The emperor's staggering response that the army
580:49 staggering response that the army numbered 100,000 men made a devastating
580:52 numbered 100,000 men made a devastating impression on the stunned girl. Cheryl's
580:54 impression on the stunned girl. Cheryl's anxious thoughts focused on the
580:56 anxious thoughts focused on the possibility of military action beginning
580:58 possibility of military action beginning right during the funeral ceremony given
580:59 right during the funeral ceremony given the huge number of troops that had
581:01 the huge number of troops that had arrived. Satisfied with the girl's
581:03 arrived. Satisfied with the girl's confusion, the emperor mentally noted
581:05 confusion, the emperor mentally noted the greater malleability of the new Lord
581:07 the greater malleability of the new Lord Bran compared to his predecessor, Aaron.
581:09 Bran compared to his predecessor, Aaron. Outwardly calm, but inwardly furious,
581:12 Outwardly calm, but inwardly furious, Cheryl firmly resolved to personally see
581:14 Cheryl firmly resolved to personally see to the swift end of the emperor's self-
581:16 to the swift end of the emperor's self- assured reign. As he was leaving, Philip
581:18 assured reign. As he was leaving, Philip suddenly detected a strange energy
581:20 suddenly detected a strange energy emanating from Cheryl, unmistakably
581:23 emanating from Cheryl, unmistakably identifying it as belonging to the force
581:24 identifying it as belonging to the force of Aver. Lost in memories of the past,
581:27 of Aver. Lost in memories of the past, Gail watched the emperor closely,
581:29 Gail watched the emperor closely, anticipating the imminent arrival of the
581:31 anticipating the imminent arrival of the moment of long awaited revenge. Alarmed,
581:34 moment of long awaited revenge. Alarmed, Isabelle keenly sensed the growing
581:36 Isabelle keenly sensed the growing energies of Aver and Isis. Realizing
581:38 energies of Aver and Isis. Realizing that time was running out for action,
581:40 that time was running out for action, the urgent need to find Aaron's body as
581:42 the urgent need to find Aaron's body as soon as possible to save her son and the
581:44 soon as possible to save her son and the entire world forced Isabelle to act
581:47 entire world forced Isabelle to act decisively and quickly, stopping Cecilia
581:49 decisively and quickly, stopping Cecilia decisively. Isabelle insisted on the
581:52 decisively. Isabelle insisted on the need for immediate action to find
581:53 need for immediate action to find Aaron's whereabouts. Cecilia's calm
581:56 Aaron's whereabouts. Cecilia's calm response that it was impossible to find
581:57 response that it was impossible to find Aaron before the funeral was over and
581:59 Aaron before the funeral was over and that they had to wait patiently did not
582:01 that they had to wait patiently did not satisfy the agitated woman. Desperately
582:03 satisfy the agitated woman. Desperately clutching the girl's shoulders, the
582:05 clutching the girl's shoulders, the agitated Isabelle began to shake
582:07 agitated Isabelle began to shake Cecilia, trying to convey the critical
582:09 Cecilia, trying to convey the critical nature of the situation after the
582:11 nature of the situation after the funeral. Isabelle's alarming warning
582:13 funeral. Isabelle's alarming warning concerned not only the strengthening of
582:14 concerned not only the strengthening of Aver's energy, but also the forces of
582:17 Aver's energy, but also the forces of Valour and Isis, which threatened an
582:19 Valour and Isis, which threatened an unimaginable catastrophe if they awoke
582:21 unimaginable catastrophe if they awoke simultaneously. The woman's insistent
582:24 simultaneously. The woman's insistent words emphasized the need for immediate
582:26 words emphasized the need for immediate action given the scale of the threat,
582:28 action given the scale of the threat, which exceeded even the capabilities of
582:30 which exceeded even the capabilities of the goddess herself. After listening
582:32 the goddess herself. After listening attentively to Isabelle's agitated
582:34 attentively to Isabelle's agitated speech, Cecilia turned around and
582:36 speech, Cecilia turned around and suggested that the woman follow her for
582:38 suggested that the woman follow her for further action. Aaron, who was watching
582:40 further action. Aaron, who was watching the scene, was interrupted by the
582:41 the scene, was interrupted by the appearance of Kynos, who reported the
582:43 appearance of Kynos, who reported the arrival of all the expected guests. The
582:45 arrival of all the expected guests. The Duke's ironic remark that everyone had
582:47 Duke's ironic remark that everyone had come except his dead enemies unless they
582:49 come except his dead enemies unless they had been resurrected, added a touch of
582:52 had been resurrected, added a touch of dark humor. Reflections on resurrection
582:54 dark humor. Reflections on resurrection brought back memories for Aaron of his
582:56 brought back memories for Aaron of his own experience of appearing in a new
582:57 own experience of appearing in a new body and solving numerous complex
582:59 body and solving numerous complex problems. Aaron's curiosity was peaked
583:02 problems. Aaron's curiosity was peaked by a question about the lifespan of
583:04 by a question about the lifespan of dragons and the possibility of getting
583:05 dragons and the possibility of getting answers to his burning questions. Kyno's
583:08 answers to his burning questions. Kyno's incredible revelation that he was over a
583:10 incredible revelation that he was over a thousand years old, even though he had
583:12 thousand years old, even though he had not kept an exact count, made a deep
583:14 not kept an exact count, made a deep impression on Aaron, the wise dragon
583:16 impression on Aaron, the wise dragon explained the relativity of time for his
583:18 explained the relativity of time for his species. Emphasizing that true value for
583:21 species. Emphasizing that true value for them lies in existence itself, not its
583:24 them lies in existence itself, not its duration. Intrigued, Aaron asked if the
583:26 duration. Intrigued, Aaron asked if the dragon had ever met anyone in his
583:28 dragon had ever met anyone in his thousand years whose essence had changed
583:30 thousand years whose essence had changed or who had managed to return to life.
583:33 or who had managed to return to life. Kinos's negative answer confirmed the
583:35 Kinos's negative answer confirmed the uniqueness of the situation. In all his
583:37 uniqueness of the situation. In all his long life, he had not only never seen
583:39 long life, he had not only never seen anything like it, but had never even
583:41 anything like it, but had never even heard of such cases. Aaron's cautious
583:43 heard of such cases. Aaron's cautious question about the dragon's reaction to
583:45 question about the dragon's reaction to the information that he was standing
583:46 the information that he was standing before a man who had returned from the
583:48 before a man who had returned from the dead sounded particularly intriguing.
583:51 dead sounded particularly intriguing. After carefully studying his
583:52 After carefully studying his interlocutor, Kanos asked an unexpected
583:55 interlocutor, Kanos asked an unexpected question about the reasons for his
583:56 question about the reasons for his appearance before Aaron in human form.
583:59 appearance before Aaron in human form. Aaron's assumption that Dragon's love of
584:01 Aaron's assumption that Dragon's love of pleasure and entertainment was the
584:02 pleasure and entertainment was the reason for his visit, elicited an
584:04 reason for his visit, elicited an understanding smile from Kinos, who
584:06 understanding smile from Kinos, who confirmed that this answer was partially
584:08 confirmed that this answer was partially correct. The dragon admitted that he had
584:10 correct. The dragon admitted that he had initially been attracted by Aaron's
584:12 initially been attracted by Aaron's divine blessing, but his decision to
584:14 divine blessing, but his decision to stay was indeed related to his search
584:16 stay was indeed related to his search for entertainment. Kynino's next
584:18 for entertainment. Kynino's next question about the reasons for the
584:19 question about the reasons for the dragon's passionate pursuit of pleasure
584:22 dragon's passionate pursuit of pleasure made Aaron think more deeply about the
584:24 made Aaron think more deeply about the nature of these powerful creatures.
584:26 nature of these powerful creatures. Irritated by the dragon's smug demeanor
584:28 Irritated by the dragon's smug demeanor and lack of direct answers, Aaron
584:30 and lack of direct answers, Aaron demanded that he immediately reveal the
584:32 demanded that he immediately reveal the information he knew without further
584:33 information he knew without further questions, Kinos's serious response
584:36 questions, Kinos's serious response linked the dragon's behavior to the
584:37 linked the dragon's behavior to the fundamental foundations of this world's
584:39 fundamental foundations of this world's existence and its original structure.
584:41 existence and its original structure. The dragon's explanation began with a
584:43 The dragon's explanation began with a description of the unique abilities of
584:44 description of the unique abilities of their race, a thousand-year lifespan,
584:47 their race, a thousand-year lifespan, and unlimited use of magical powers. The
584:49 and unlimited use of magical powers. The superiority of dragons over all other
584:52 superiority of dragons over all other creatures was emphasized by their
584:53 creatures was emphasized by their invincibility, which could only be
584:55 invincibility, which could only be challenged by divine beings. The
584:57 challenged by divine beings. The fundamental problem of dragons lay in
584:59 fundamental problem of dragons lay in their agonizing search for the meaning
585:01 their agonizing search for the meaning of existence, which Kanos accurately
585:04 of existence, which Kanos accurately defined as the agony of existence. The
585:07 defined as the agony of existence. The fundamental question of the reasons for
585:08 fundamental question of the reasons for existence in the world was particularly
585:10 existence in the world was particularly acute for dragons given their immortal
585:13 acute for dragons given their immortal and invincible nature. The tragic story
585:15 and invincible nature. The tragic story of a dragon who set out in search of the
585:17 of a dragon who set out in search of the meaning of existence and disappeared
585:19 meaning of existence and disappeared became a turning point in the history of
585:20 became a turning point in the history of their race. Kanos's personal tragedy was
585:23 their race. Kanos's personal tragedy was revealed in the admission that the
585:24 revealed in the admission that the vanished dragon was his father whose
585:26 vanished dragon was his father whose dead body was discovered sometime later.
585:29 dead body was discovered sometime later. The shocking fact that the strongest
585:31 The shocking fact that the strongest living creature committed suicide after
585:33 living creature committed suicide after agonizing suffering was a shocking
585:35 agonizing suffering was a shocking revelation for the entire dragon race.
585:37 revelation for the entire dragon race. The tragic departure of the powerful
585:39 The tragic departure of the powerful dragon was an attempt to resolve a
585:40 dragon was an attempt to resolve a fundamental question about the existence
585:42 fundamental question about the existence of their race, causing deep turmoil
585:44 of their race, causing deep turmoil among his fellow dragons. The search for
585:47 among his fellow dragons. The search for meaning in life led most dragons down a
585:49 meaning in life led most dragons down a different path than death. They turned
585:51 different path than death. They turned to the pursuit of pleasure and new
585:52 to the pursuit of pleasure and new experiences. A sudden revelation came to
585:55 experiences. A sudden revelation came to Aaron when he finally understood the
585:57 Aaron when he finally understood the true reason behind Kano's decision to
585:59 true reason behind Kano's decision to live a human life among humans. Kinos's
586:01 live a human life among humans. Kinos's rich life experience included existence
586:03 rich life experience included existence in various forms, elf, orc, and human.
586:07 in various forms, elf, orc, and human. And it was human life that proved to be
586:08 And it was human life that proved to be the most interesting. Human existence
586:10 the most interesting. Human existence provided the dragon with the widest
586:12 provided the dragon with the widest range of emotional experiences from deep
586:14 range of emotional experiences from deep understanding of feelings to rage and
586:16 understanding of feelings to rage and satisfaction. Emotions accessible only
586:19 satisfaction. Emotions accessible only to mortal beings who are aware of the
586:21 to mortal beings who are aware of the inevitability of their end and live with
586:23 inevitability of their end and live with this understanding were of particular
586:25 this understanding were of particular value. Despite the rich experience of
586:27 value. Despite the rich experience of hundreds of lives lived among different
586:29 hundreds of lives lived among different races and the countless emotions he had
586:31 races and the countless emotions he had experienced, the search continued.
586:33 experienced, the search continued. Although Kynos never found the ultimate
586:35 Although Kynos never found the ultimate answer to the reason for his existence,
586:37 answer to the reason for his existence, his long life led to important
586:39 his long life led to important realizations and discoveries. The most
586:41 realizations and discoveries. The most important realization was the unique
586:43 important realization was the unique ability of dragons to define their
586:45 ability of dragons to define their essence independently of their physical
586:46 essence independently of their physical form, relying solely on their soul.
586:49 form, relying solely on their soul. Intrigued, Aaron asked for clarification
586:51 Intrigued, Aaron asked for clarification on the concept of pure dragon mind,
586:54 on the concept of pure dragon mind, suggesting a connection between
586:55 suggesting a connection between personality and soul. Reflecting on the
586:58 personality and soul. Reflecting on the nature of personality, Aaron noted
587:00 nature of personality, Aaron noted Kanos's ability to retain his dragon
587:02 Kanos's ability to retain his dragon essence even when transforming into
587:04 essence even when transforming into other creatures. Aaron was puzzled by
587:06 other creatures. Aaron was puzzled by the apparent disconnect between the
587:07 the apparent disconnect between the story of the dragons and his own
587:09 story of the dragons and his own situation and the question he had asked.
587:11 situation and the question he had asked. Kanos's patient explanation linked the
587:13 Kanos's patient explanation linked the story of the dragons to Aaron's question
587:15 story of the dragons to Aaron's question about returning to life and changing
587:17 about returning to life and changing one's personality. The wise dragon
587:19 one's personality. The wise dragon shared two possible interpretations of
587:21 shared two possible interpretations of his story. as confirmation of Aaron's
587:23 his story. as confirmation of Aaron's unchanging personality or as an
587:25 unchanging personality or as an acknowledgement of his similarity to
587:27 acknowledgement of his similarity to Kanos's father. Aaron's sincere interest
587:29 Kanos's father. Aaron's sincere interest in how others, particularly Kanos, saw
587:32 in how others, particularly Kanos, saw him led to an unexpectedly candid
587:34 him led to an unexpectedly candid conversation. Smiling, the dragon
587:36 conversation. Smiling, the dragon described Aaron as an extremely greedy
587:38 described Aaron as an extremely greedy person who enjoyed manipulating others
587:40 person who enjoyed manipulating others and was willing to do anything for
587:42 and was willing to do anything for personal gain. An important addition was
587:44 personal gain. An important addition was Kanos's understanding of the true
587:46 Kanos's understanding of the true motives behind Aaron's every action,
587:48 motives behind Aaron's every action, ensuring the safety of the inhabitants
587:50 ensuring the safety of the inhabitants of his lands. This deep understanding of
587:52 of his lands. This deep understanding of Aaron's essence allowed the dragon to
587:54 Aaron's essence allowed the dragon to assert that regardless of the
587:56 assert that regardless of the circumstances of his resurrection, his
587:58 circumstances of his resurrection, his soul remained that of a man who
587:59 soul remained that of a man who sacrificed himself for others. A
588:01 sacrificed himself for others. A thousand years of experience allowed
588:03 thousand years of experience allowed Kynos to recognize Aaron's uniqueness.
588:06 Kynos to recognize Aaron's uniqueness. He had never before met a person so
588:08 He had never before met a person so selflessly devoted to caring for
588:09 selflessly devoted to caring for strangers. The dragon's final advice
588:12 strangers. The dragon's final advice urged Aaron to continue following his
588:14 urged Aaron to continue following his true nature, preserving his unique
588:16 true nature, preserving his unique ability to understand other people. The
588:18 ability to understand other people. The conversation came to a business-like
588:20 conversation came to a business-like conclusion with Kanos's decision to
588:22 conclusion with Kanos's decision to check on the funeral arrangements. Left
588:24 check on the funeral arrangements. Left alone after the dragon's departure.
588:26 alone after the dragon's departure. Aaron was lost in thought about the
588:28 Aaron was lost in thought about the whereabouts of Gail and his true body as
588:30 whereabouts of Gail and his true body as an adviser. Nightmares unknown to Aaron
588:32 an adviser. Nightmares unknown to Aaron constantly tormented his present body,
588:34 constantly tormented his present body, which housed the Duke's soul, causing
588:36 which housed the Duke's soul, causing him to wake up repeatedly. The painful
588:38 him to wake up repeatedly. The painful awakenings from the nightmares were
588:40 awakenings from the nightmares were accompanied by fervent prayers for the
588:42 accompanied by fervent prayers for the return of the body to its rightful
588:43 return of the body to its rightful owner. The practical decision to
588:45 owner. The practical decision to temporarily continue masquerading as
588:47 temporarily continue masquerading as Duke Rainon was combined with the urgent
588:49 Duke Rainon was combined with the urgent need to find his own body. Watching the
588:51 need to find his own body. Watching the still open portal, Gail noticed the
588:53 still open portal, Gail noticed the continued appearance of new warriors
588:54 continued appearance of new warriors from the Imperial Army. A solemn
588:57 from the Imperial Army. A solemn memorial banquet gathered all the lords
588:59 memorial banquet gathered all the lords around a richly laid table to honor the
589:01 around a richly laid table to honor the memory of the Duke. Gran's attentive
589:03 memory of the Duke. Gran's attentive gaze noted the unusual silence of the
589:05 gaze noted the unusual silence of the emperor and the other lords, which gave
589:07 emperor and the other lords, which gave the impression of a premeditated
589:09 the impression of a premeditated situation. The emperor's unexpected
589:11 situation. The emperor's unexpected address to Duchess Baron concerned
589:12 address to Duchess Baron concerned rumors of her death in battle with Aaron
589:14 rumors of her death in battle with Aaron and demanded an explanation for her
589:16 and demanded an explanation for her presence. The Duchess's calm response
589:18 presence. The Duchess's calm response that the rumors were false aroused the
589:20 that the rumors were false aroused the emperor's distrust as he had been
589:22 emperor's distrust as he had been expecting an official report on the
589:24 expecting an official report on the outcome of the military operations.
589:26 outcome of the military operations. There was subtle irony in Baron's reply,
589:28 There was subtle irony in Baron's reply, pointing to the obvious outcome of the
589:30 pointing to the obvious outcome of the war, confirmed by the emperor's own
589:32 war, confirmed by the emperor's own presence at the funeral. The Duchess's
589:34 presence at the funeral. The Duchess's bold behavior greatly annoyed the
589:36 bold behavior greatly annoyed the prince, and his reaction in turn
589:37 prince, and his reaction in turn provoked Baron's anger. Philip's harsh
589:40 provoked Baron's anger. Philip's harsh reminder of the need for direct answers
589:41 reminder of the need for direct answers to the emperor's questions sounded like
589:43 to the emperor's questions sounded like a clear warning. The prince's
589:44 a clear warning. The prince's indignation reached its peak when the
589:46 indignation reached its peak when the question of the duchess's understanding
589:48 question of the duchess's understanding of her place in the hierarchy of power
589:50 of her place in the hierarchy of power was raised. The growing tension between
589:52 was raised. The growing tension between the disputants forced the emperor to
589:53 the disputants forced the emperor to intervene to prevent an open conflict.
589:56 intervene to prevent an open conflict. The emperor's stern reminder that both
589:58 The emperor's stern reminder that both belonged to the Karen family and that a
590:00 belonged to the Karen family and that a quarrel at the funeral of the lord of
590:01 quarrel at the funeral of the lord of these lands was inappropriate cooled the
590:03 these lands was inappropriate cooled the aror of the disputants. Philip, now
590:06 aror of the disputants. Philip, now calmer, nevertheless promised to conduct
590:08 calmer, nevertheless promised to conduct a thorough investigation after the
590:10 a thorough investigation after the funeral into the Duchess's failure to
590:12 funeral into the Duchess's failure to fulfill her duties as leader of the
590:13 fulfill her duties as leader of the Imperial Rebellion. The Duchess's forced
590:16 Imperial Rebellion. The Duchess's forced bow was accompanied by a formal
590:17 bow was accompanied by a formal acknowledgement of the prince's order,
590:19 acknowledgement of the prince's order, concealing her true thoughts. The
590:21 concealing her true thoughts. The Duchess's inner smile reflected her
590:23 Duchess's inner smile reflected her confidence that the emperor would not
590:24 confidence that the emperor would not live to see the end of the funeral
590:26 live to see the end of the funeral ceremony. The emperor's unexpected
590:28 ceremony. The emperor's unexpected apology to the assembled lords was
590:30 apology to the assembled lords was accompanied by an announcement that they
590:32 accompanied by an announcement that they must leave the meeting immediately. The
590:34 must leave the meeting immediately. The tense glances of the assembled lords
590:36 tense glances of the assembled lords followed the emperor and his entourage
590:37 followed the emperor and his entourage as they slowly left the banquet hall
590:39 as they slowly left the banquet hall after the unexpected end of the meal.
590:41 after the unexpected end of the meal. Alarmed, Philip hurried to discuss the
590:43 Alarmed, Philip hurried to discuss the Duchess of Baron's strange behavior with
590:45 Duchess of Baron's strange behavior with his father, expressing his suspicions
590:47 his father, expressing his suspicions about events that were being planned for
590:49 about events that were being planned for the funeral. The emperor's confident
590:51 the funeral. The emperor's confident calm, reinforced by his mention of
590:53 calm, reinforced by his mention of precautions taken in advance, was
590:55 precautions taken in advance, was intended to reassure his agitated son.
590:57 intended to reassure his agitated son. The unexpected appearance of the king of
590:59 The unexpected appearance of the king of the holy kingdom at the castle gates
591:01 the holy kingdom at the castle gates caused an immediate reaction from the
591:03 caused an immediate reaction from the guards who pointed their weapons at the
591:05 guards who pointed their weapons at the stranger. The demonstratively peaceful
591:07 stranger. The demonstratively peaceful gesture of raised hands was accompanied
591:09 gesture of raised hands was accompanied by the stranger's calm explanation of
591:11 by the stranger's calm explanation of his priestly status. The outraged
591:13 his priestly status. The outraged knights sharply rejected the presence of
591:15 knights sharply rejected the presence of the foreign priest. Reminding him of the
591:18 the foreign priest. Reminding him of the local inhabitants devotion to the
591:19 local inhabitants devotion to the goddess Viven. The sudden attack by
591:21 goddess Viven. The sudden attack by Parasa's knights caught Bran's defenders
591:23 Parasa's knights caught Bran's defenders offguard, instantly neutralizing the
591:25 offguard, instantly neutralizing the guard's resistance. The priest's
591:27 guard's resistance. The priest's triumphant smile was accompanied by a
591:29 triumphant smile was accompanied by a cruel sentence for Viven's followers who
591:31 cruel sentence for Viven's followers who dared to drive away Parasa's servants.
591:33 dared to drive away Parasa's servants. The priest's decisive order to attack
591:35 The priest's decisive order to attack was intended to show Viven's followers
591:37 was intended to show Viven's followers the true path through the force of arms.
591:39 the true path through the force of arms. The demonstrative removal of his
591:40 The demonstrative removal of his clerical robes, revealing his military
591:42 clerical robes, revealing his military uniform, preceded the start of the
591:44 uniform, preceded the start of the punitive campaign against the infidels.
591:46 punitive campaign against the infidels. The sudden appearance of an agitated
591:48 The sudden appearance of an agitated maid in Cheryl's chambers, brought
591:50 maid in Cheryl's chambers, brought alarming news of an unexpected invasion
591:52 alarming news of an unexpected invasion by enemy forces. The mistress's urgent
591:55 by enemy forces. The mistress's urgent awakening was accompanied by an alarming
591:57 awakening was accompanied by an alarming report that enemy troops had penetrated
591:59 report that enemy troops had penetrated the castle fortifications. Cheryl woke
592:02 the castle fortifications. Cheryl woke up instantly and began to ascertain the
592:04 up instantly and began to ascertain the most important details of the situation.
592:07 most important details of the situation. The number of enemies and the location
592:08 The number of enemies and the location of Raml and his main forces. The maid's
592:11 of Raml and his main forces. The maid's alarming report revealed the seriousness
592:13 alarming report revealed the seriousness of the situation. Captain Raml was
592:16 of the situation. Captain Raml was missing, the garrison was outnumbered,
592:18 missing, the garrison was outnumbered, and the enemy forces were superior.
592:20 and the enemy forces were superior. Realizing the critical nature of the
592:22 Realizing the critical nature of the situation, Cheryl was tormented by
592:24 situation, Cheryl was tormented by doubts about the right decision to
592:25 doubts about the right decision to protect the castle. Quickly getting
592:27 protect the castle. Quickly getting dressed, Cheryl gave clear instructions
592:29 dressed, Cheryl gave clear instructions to the maid to stay in the room and find
592:30 to the maid to stay in the room and find a safe hiding place until the danger had
592:32 a safe hiding place until the danger had passed. The practical decision to leave
592:34 passed. The practical decision to leave the room through the window was
592:36 the room through the window was accompanied by an additional order to
592:37 accompanied by an additional order to the maid to lock the doors securely from
592:39 the maid to lock the doors securely from the inside. Calling her faithful
592:41 the inside. Calling her faithful Phoenix, Cheryl rushed to the fortress
592:43 Phoenix, Cheryl rushed to the fortress walls in search of Captain Raml.
592:45 walls in search of Captain Raml. Realizing the critical importance of his
592:47 Realizing the critical importance of his support, a sudden thought about the need
592:49 support, a sudden thought about the need to warn Aaron made the girl pause for a
592:51 to warn Aaron made the girl pause for a moment to consider changing her original
592:53 moment to consider changing her original plan. A decisive impulse led the
592:55 plan. A decisive impulse led the distraught girl to the town bell tower
592:57 distraught girl to the town bell tower to alert the residents of the impending
592:59 to alert the residents of the impending danger. A powerful blow from a water
593:01 danger. A powerful blow from a water ball to the bell sent an alarm ringing
593:03 ball to the bell sent an alarm ringing throughout Bronna, warning of the
593:04 throughout Bronna, warning of the danger. Rushing toward the knights,
593:07 danger. Rushing toward the knights, Cheryl relayed the information about the
593:08 Cheryl relayed the information about the enemy's invasion into the inner castle
593:11 enemy's invasion into the inner castle and ordered them to prepare for defense.
593:13 and ordered them to prepare for defense. The girl's next target was the castle
593:15 The girl's next target was the castle gates where Captain Raml, who was now
593:17 gates where Captain Raml, who was now needed, was believed to be. A quick
593:19 needed, was believed to be. A quick search of her brother's room revealed
593:21 search of her brother's room revealed that he was not there. And judging by
593:23 that he was not there. And judging by the state of the room, Aaron had left
593:25 the state of the room, Aaron had left some time ago. A note from Cecilia
593:27 some time ago. A note from Cecilia explained the reason for Aaron's
593:28 explained the reason for Aaron's disappearance. He had learned that
593:30 disappearance. He had learned that Cheryl had revealed the secret of his
593:32 Cheryl had revealed the secret of his existence. The long-awaited meeting
593:34 existence. The long-awaited meeting between Aaron and Cecilia finally took
593:36 between Aaron and Cecilia finally took place at the agreed location after a
593:37 place at the agreed location after a long wait. The unexpected presence of an
593:39 long wait. The unexpected presence of an unfamiliar woman behind Cecilia caused
593:41 unfamiliar woman behind Cecilia caused obvious confusion on the surprised
593:43 obvious confusion on the surprised Duke's face. Cecilia's attempt to begin
593:46 Duke's face. Cecilia's attempt to begin a lengthy explanation of the situation
593:47 a lengthy explanation of the situation was cut short mid-sentence. Isabelle's
593:50 was cut short mid-sentence. Isabelle's decisive intervention stopped the girl's
593:52 decisive intervention stopped the girl's explanations, emphasizing the
593:54 explanations, emphasizing the inappropriateness of long conversations
593:56 inappropriateness of long conversations at that moment. The woman's direct
593:58 at that moment. The woman's direct question about her identity addressed to
594:00 question about her identity addressed to Aaron created a tense atmosphere of
594:02 Aaron created a tense atmosphere of anticipation. Aaron's confusion about
594:04 anticipation. Aaron's confusion about the stranger's identity was met with a
594:06 the stranger's identity was met with a calm remark from Isabelle about his duty
594:08 calm remark from Isabelle about his duty to know her as the Duke. Isabelle's
594:10 to know her as the Duke. Isabelle's understanding gaze accompanied her
594:12 understanding gaze accompanied her explanation to the departing young man
594:14 explanation to the departing young man about her motherhood in relation to the
594:16 about her motherhood in relation to the real Aaron. The shocking revelation
594:18 real Aaron. The shocking revelation caused the man to turn abruptly,
594:20 caused the man to turn abruptly, contradicting his knowledge of Aaron's
594:22 contradicting his knowledge of Aaron's real mother's death. Clear entries in
594:23 real mother's death. Clear entries in the Duke's diary indicated that his
594:25 the Duke's diary indicated that his mother had died long before Aaron
594:27 mother had died long before Aaron arrived in bronze territory. The
594:29 arrived in bronze territory. The instinctive drawing of his sword was
594:31 instinctive drawing of his sword was accompanied by a demand for an
594:32 accompanied by a demand for an explanation of the true identity of the
594:34 explanation of the true identity of the woman posing as the deceased. Isabelle's
594:36 woman posing as the deceased. Isabelle's unruffled calm in the face of the sword
594:38 unruffled calm in the face of the sword pointed at her only intensified Aaron's
594:40 pointed at her only intensified Aaron's growing anger. Isabelle's unexpected
594:42 growing anger. Isabelle's unexpected revelation about Aaron and Cheryl's role
594:44 revelation about Aaron and Cheryl's role as vessels for the god of chaos. A Vera
594:47 as vessels for the god of chaos. A Vera rang out amid the tense silence. The
594:49 rang out amid the tense silence. The woman's explanation revealed the problem
594:51 woman's explanation revealed the problem of the instability of the sealed power
594:53 of the instability of the sealed power caused by the inexplicable transfer of
594:55 caused by the inexplicable transfer of her son's soul. Aaron, wary tried to
594:58 her son's soul. Aaron, wary tried to understand Isabelle's further intentions
594:59 understand Isabelle's further intentions regarding the situation. Isabelle's
595:01 regarding the situation. Isabelle's emotional outburst was accompanied by a
595:03 emotional outburst was accompanied by a warning about the catastrophic
595:05 warning about the catastrophic consequences of Valor's possible
595:07 consequences of Valor's possible resurrection. The grim prophecy of the
595:09 resurrection. The grim prophecy of the return of the Lord of Chaos foretold the
595:11 return of the Lord of Chaos foretold the complete destruction of all existence,
595:13 complete destruction of all existence, including the lesser gods. Isabelle's
595:15 including the lesser gods. Isabelle's attempt to divert attention from the
595:17 attempt to divert attention from the question of her identity, emphasized the
595:19 question of her identity, emphasized the global scale of the impending threat of
595:21 global scale of the impending threat of chaos. The only way to stabilize
595:23 chaos. The only way to stabilize Valter's seal was to unite Aaron's
595:25 Valter's seal was to unite Aaron's current body with his original soul.
595:27 current body with his original soul. Isabelle's intense gaze at the hero
595:29 Isabelle's intense gaze at the hero emphasized the importance of the
595:30 emphasized the importance of the proposed solution in preventing chaos.
595:32 proposed solution in preventing chaos. Aaron's practical interest focused on
595:34 Aaron's practical interest focused on the technical aspects of the process of
595:36 the technical aspects of the process of merging the body with the Duke's soul.
595:38 merging the body with the Duke's soul. Isabelle's detailed explanation revealed
595:40 Isabelle's detailed explanation revealed the necessity of using sacred relics of
595:42 the necessity of using sacred relics of minor gods and holy relics. The final
595:45 minor gods and holy relics. The final element of the collected artifacts was
595:46 element of the collected artifacts was to be Cecilia, the bearer of the power
595:49 to be Cecilia, the bearer of the power of the goddess Viven. The realization
595:51 of the goddess Viven. The realization that world destruction could be
595:52 that world destruction could be prevented by returning to the original
595:54 prevented by returning to the original body made the Duke think. Concern for
595:56 body made the Duke think. Concern for the emperor's fate after his return to
595:58 the emperor's fate after his return to his original body troubled the doubts of
596:00 his original body troubled the doubts of the hero. The uncertainty of the future
596:02 the hero. The uncertainty of the future of Bron's territory added complexity to
596:05 of Bron's territory added complexity to the final decision. Painful reflections
596:07 the final decision. Painful reflections on protecting his loved ones complicated
596:09 on protecting his loved ones complicated the hero's choice of the right path.
596:11 the hero's choice of the right path. Aaron's final decision to lay down his
596:13 Aaron's final decision to lay down his weapons was accompanied by the question
596:15 weapons was accompanied by the question of when to begin the ceiling ritual.
596:17 of when to begin the ceiling ritual. Aaron's last important question
596:18 Aaron's last important question concerned guarantees for the
596:20 concerned guarantees for the preservation of peace and the protection
596:22 preservation of peace and the protection of his lands after the body's return.
596:24 of his lands after the body's return. Isabelle's evasive answer about meeting
596:26 Isabelle's evasive answer about meeting her son did not provide any direct
596:28 her son did not provide any direct guarantees that the Duke's request would
596:30 guarantees that the Duke's request would be fulfilled. Aaron's final agreement
596:32 be fulfilled. Aaron's final agreement was met with a surprise look from
596:33 was met with a surprise look from Cecilia and an invitation from Isabelle
596:36 Cecilia and an invitation from Isabelle to follow them. Aaron's sudden stop was
596:38 to follow them. Aaron's sudden stop was caused by his concern for Cecilia's fate
596:40 caused by his concern for Cecilia's fate after using Viven's relic. The harsh
596:42 after using Viven's relic. The harsh truth about the girl's inevitable death
596:44 truth about the girl's inevitable death after losing the sacred relic was spoken
596:46 after losing the sacred relic was spoken by Isabelle. Memories of his
596:48 by Isabelle. Memories of his conversation with Kynos about the
596:49 conversation with Kynos about the essence of personality led Aaron to an
596:52 essence of personality led Aaron to an important decision to remain true to
596:53 important decision to remain true to himself. A decisive attack on Isabelle
596:56 himself. A decisive attack on Isabelle ended with the tearing off of her
596:57 ended with the tearing off of her disguise, revealing her true face.
596:59 disguise, revealing her true face. Aaron's furious final gesture was
597:01 Aaron's furious final gesture was accompanied by Isabelle's categorical
597:03 accompanied by Isabelle's categorical order to disappear from his life
597:04 order to disappear from his life forever. Shocked, Isabelle couldn't
597:07 forever. Shocked, Isabelle couldn't accept Aaron's refusal to use the only
597:09 accept Aaron's refusal to use the only way to save the world because his
597:11 way to save the world because his decision meant that all lands would soon
597:13 decision meant that all lands would soon be engulfed in chaos. Aaron's unwavering
597:15 be engulfed in chaos. Aaron's unwavering determination to defend his lands was
597:17 determination to defend his lands was evident in his indifference to the
597:19 evident in his indifference to the threat of the end of the world. His only
597:21 threat of the end of the world. His only important task was to protect every
597:23 important task was to protect every inhabitant. The Duke's categorical
597:25 inhabitant. The Duke's categorical statement about the only possible course
597:27 statement about the only possible course of events left no room for compromise,
597:29 of events left no room for compromise, either universal salvation or universal
597:32 either universal salvation or universal destruction. Enraged, Isabelle,
597:34 destruction. Enraged, Isabelle, considering Aaron's decision insane,
597:36 considering Aaron's decision insane, uttered a grim prophecy of impending
597:38 uttered a grim prophecy of impending regret and hastily left the meeting
597:40 regret and hastily left the meeting place. Cecilia's sincere embrace and her
597:42 place. Cecilia's sincere embrace and her vow to follow Aaron to the end, even in
597:45 vow to follow Aaron to the end, even in the face of the destruction of the world
597:47 the face of the destruction of the world were a manifestation of her absolute
597:49 were a manifestation of her absolute devotion. Gently embracing the girl, the
597:52 devotion. Gently embracing the girl, the Duke solemnly promised to protect her
597:53 Duke solemnly promised to protect her from all adversity and never allow the
597:56 from all adversity and never allow the predicted end of the world to come to
597:57 predicted end of the world to come to pass. The sudden appearance of an
597:59 pass. The sudden appearance of an agitated kynos with an alarming message
598:01 agitated kynos with an alarming message about an enemy attack interrupted the
598:03 about an enemy attack interrupted the touching moment between the lovers.
598:05 touching moment between the lovers. Aaron's lightning fast reaction to the
598:07 Aaron's lightning fast reaction to the news of the breach of the inner fortress
598:09 news of the breach of the inner fortress was accompanied by the alarming
598:11 was accompanied by the alarming realization that the outer line of
598:12 realization that the outer line of defense of the castle had been
598:14 defense of the castle had been destroyed. The absence of an alarm
598:16 destroyed. The absence of an alarm signal during such a serious breach of
598:18 signal during such a serious breach of the defenses aroused Aaron's suspicions
598:20 the defenses aroused Aaron's suspicions that there might be a traitor among the
598:22 that there might be a traitor among the defenders. His hasty dash to Kanos for
598:24 defenders. His hasty dash to Kanos for information on the enemy's location was
598:26 information on the enemy's location was met by the sight of a fighting dragon
598:28 met by the sight of a fighting dragon fending off the enemy's magical attacks.
598:31 fending off the enemy's magical attacks. Kynos's insistent request to stop asking
598:33 Kynos's insistent request to stop asking useless questions and immediately joined
598:35 useless questions and immediately joined the battle rang out amid the den of the
598:37 the battle rang out amid the den of the ongoing battle for the castle. Aaron's
598:40 ongoing battle for the castle. Aaron's lightning fast decision to cover his
598:42 lightning fast decision to cover his face with a torn piece of cloth was
598:43 face with a torn piece of cloth was accompanied by Cecilia's caring
598:45 accompanied by Cecilia's caring suggestion that they hide in a safe
598:47 suggestion that they hide in a safe place away from the battle. A deafening
598:49 place away from the battle. A deafening sound of unknown origin caused Aaron and
598:52 sound of unknown origin caused Aaron and Kanos to freeze in terror, trying to
598:54 Kanos to freeze in terror, trying to determine the source of the threatening
598:56 determine the source of the threatening roar. Kanos's encouraging promise to buy
598:58 roar. Kanos's encouraging promise to buy time for a retreat until reinforcements
599:00 time for a retreat until reinforcements arrived was accompanied by a careful
599:02 arrived was accompanied by a careful assessment of the combat situation.
599:04 assessment of the combat situation. Desperate cries for help coming from all
599:06 Desperate cries for help coming from all sides awakened painful memories of past
599:09 sides awakened painful memories of past battles and lost lives in Aaron's mind.
599:11 battles and lost lives in Aaron's mind. Realizing that escape was impossible,
599:13 Realizing that escape was impossible, Aaron made the firm decision to stay and
599:15 Aaron made the firm decision to stay and fight shoulderto-shoulder with his loyal
599:17 fight shoulderto-shoulder with his loyal dragon against the superior forces of
599:19 dragon against the superior forces of the enemy. Kanos warning about the
599:21 the enemy. Kanos warning about the possibility of the dead duke being
599:23 possibility of the dead duke being exposed by the emperor emphasized the
599:25 exposed by the emperor emphasized the need to keep his existence a secret.
599:27 need to keep his existence a secret. Aaron's unwavering confidence in his
599:29 Aaron's unwavering confidence in his ability to remain incognito was based on
599:31 ability to remain incognito was based on his boundless trust in the magical
599:33 his boundless trust in the magical abilities of his loyal dragon. Aaron's
599:35 abilities of his loyal dragon. Aaron's rapid transformation into a powerful orc
599:37 rapid transformation into a powerful orc was accompanied by Kano's warning that
599:39 was accompanied by Kano's warning that the magical transformation would only
599:41 the magical transformation would only last 15 minutes. The ruthless warriors
599:44 last 15 minutes. The ruthless warriors of the sacred state continued their
599:46 of the sacred state continued their brutal killings of peaceful civilians,
599:48 brutal killings of peaceful civilians, demanding to know the whereabouts of
599:49 demanding to know the whereabouts of Duke Aaron. As soon as people admitted
599:51 Duke Aaron. As soon as people admitted that they knew nothing about it, they
599:53 that they knew nothing about it, they were killed and the next ones were
599:55 were killed and the next ones were tortured, ordered to speak. Women
599:58 tortured, ordered to speak. Women protecting their children cried,
600:00 protecting their children cried, explaining that they knew nothing. But
600:02 explaining that they knew nothing. But the knights did not listen to them and
600:04 the knights did not listen to them and realizing that they were useless,
600:06 realizing that they were useless, sentenced them to death. At that moment,
600:08 sentenced them to death. At that moment, an orc joined the battle, knocking one
600:10 an orc joined the battle, knocking one of the holy knights aside and promising
600:12 of the holy knights aside and promising to kill them all for what they had done.
600:14 to kill them all for what they had done. But Aaron had to be careful with his
600:16 But Aaron had to be careful with his words. Even though his voice now sounded
600:18 words. Even though his voice now sounded exactly like the orcs, his cognitive
600:20 exactly like the orcs, his cognitive abilities remained human, so he had to
600:22 abilities remained human, so he had to be more careful. Realizing this, Aaron,
600:25 be more careful. Realizing this, Aaron, like an orc, began to beat his chest and
600:27 like an orc, began to beat his chest and swear that he would kill them all. Then
600:28 swear that he would kill them all. Then took out his club. He remembered Kyno's
600:31 took out his club. He remembered Kyno's warning that a spell had been cast on
600:32 warning that a spell had been cast on the dragon slayer to change his
600:34 the dragon slayer to change his appearance so Aaron would return to his
600:36 appearance so Aaron would return to his original form if he attacked. It was
600:38 original form if he attacked. It was essential to understand this in order to
600:40 essential to understand this in order to avoid being caught. In the end, Aaron
600:42 avoid being caught. In the end, Aaron did everything he could to avoid being
600:44 did everything he could to avoid being hit, then shouted loudly, scaring away
600:47 hit, then shouted loudly, scaring away the other holy knights who began to flee
600:49 the other holy knights who began to flee in terror. At one point, the fleeing
600:51 in terror. At one point, the fleeing knights noticed that the Holy Virgin was
600:52 knights noticed that the Holy Virgin was blocking their path and decided to kill
600:54 blocking their path and decided to kill her to clear the way. Frightened, Aaron
600:56 her to clear the way. Frightened, Aaron immediately rushed toward her. Realizing
600:58 immediately rushed toward her. Realizing that the defenseless nun would not be
601:00 that the defenseless nun would not be able to defend herself. But he was
601:02 able to defend herself. But he was completely wrong as Cecilia possessed
601:05 completely wrong as Cecilia possessed far greater strength than he had
601:06 far greater strength than he had expected. She grabbed Aaron and ran away
601:09 expected. She grabbed Aaron and ran away with him. Realizing that they didn't
601:10 with him. Realizing that they didn't have much time, Aaron also understood
601:13 have much time, Aaron also understood that he had to hurry to save the rest of
601:15 that he had to hurry to save the rest of the villagers. When they reached the
601:16 the villagers. When they reached the next point, the fugitives discovered a
601:18 next point, the fugitives discovered a dramatic scene. Cheryl was completely
601:21 dramatic scene. Cheryl was completely surrounded by enemy knights and unable
601:23 surrounded by enemy knights and unable to use her magical abilities. The king's
601:25 to use her magical abilities. The king's condescending smile at the sight of the
601:27 condescending smile at the sight of the approaching orc and the nun from Viven's
601:29 approaching orc and the nun from Viven's church showed his complete confidence in
601:31 church showed his complete confidence in the superiority of his forces. The Holy
601:33 the superiority of his forces. The Holy Knight's instant reaction to the
601:35 Knight's instant reaction to the appearance of new enemies was a fierce
601:37 appearance of new enemies was a fierce attack with all their might on the
601:38 attack with all their might on the unexpected intruders. The timely
601:40 unexpected intruders. The timely intervention of Prince Philip, who
601:42 intervention of Prince Philip, who wielded his sword with virtuosity and
601:44 wielded his sword with virtuosity and destroyed the Holy Knights, radically
601:46 destroyed the Holy Knights, radically changed the balance of power on the
601:48 changed the balance of power on the battlefield. The prince's casual
601:49 battlefield. The prince's casual explanation for his intervention, that
601:52 explanation for his intervention, that the noise of the battle had disturbed
601:53 the noise of the battle had disturbed his sleep, hid his true motives for
601:55 his sleep, hid his true motives for participating in the conflict. The Holy
601:57 participating in the conflict. The Holy Father's desperate attempt to justify
601:59 Father's desperate attempt to justify himself with the emperor's order was
602:00 himself with the emperor's order was interrupted by the swift movement of the
602:02 interrupted by the swift movement of the enraged Prince Philip. Philip's deadly
602:04 enraged Prince Philip. Philip's deadly threat, accompanied by a suffocating
602:06 threat, accompanied by a suffocating grip, forced the Holy Father to fall
602:09 grip, forced the Holy Father to fall silent under the weight of the prince's
602:11 silent under the weight of the prince's piercing gaze. Freed from her
602:12 piercing gaze. Freed from her surroundings, Cheryl regained her breath
602:14 surroundings, Cheryl regained her breath and concentration and began preparing a
602:16 and concentration and began preparing a powerful spell against her remaining
602:18 powerful spell against her remaining enemy. Cheryl's righteous anger was
602:20 enemy. Cheryl's righteous anger was caused by the audacity of the uninvited
602:22 caused by the audacity of the uninvited guest, who dared not only to disrupt her
602:24 guest, who dared not only to disrupt her brother's funeral, but also to stage a
602:26 brother's funeral, but also to stage a bloody massacre on Brown's lands.
602:28 bloody massacre on Brown's lands. Cheryl's perceptive assumption that such
602:30 Cheryl's perceptive assumption that such an attack could not have been organized
602:32 an attack could not have been organized alone was silently confirmed by Prince
602:34 alone was silently confirmed by Prince Philip's nod. Cheryl's persistent
602:36 Philip's nod. Cheryl's persistent interrogation with the help of a fiery
602:38 interrogation with the help of a fiery staff was suddenly interrupted by
602:40 staff was suddenly interrupted by Philillip, who threw the Holy Father
602:41 Philillip, who threw the Holy Father against the wall just before he was
602:43 against the wall just before he was about to confess. Philip's calm
602:45 about to confess. Philip's calm explanation that he wanted to protect
602:47 explanation that he wanted to protect his cousin from becoming a murderer
602:49 his cousin from becoming a murderer sounded like an unexpected dissonance in
602:51 sounded like an unexpected dissonance in the tense atmosphere of confrontation.
602:53 the tense atmosphere of confrontation. Cheryl's indignation at Philip's
602:55 Cheryl's indignation at Philip's inappropriate mercy toward the invaders
602:57 inappropriate mercy toward the invaders was accompanied by her categorical
602:58 was accompanied by her categorical disagreement with his concern for her
603:00 disagreement with his concern for her moral character. The decisive gesture of
603:02 moral character. The decisive gesture of the staff directed at Philip was
603:04 the staff directed at Philip was accompanied by a demand for additional
603:06 accompanied by a demand for additional arguments in favor of sparing the
603:07 arguments in favor of sparing the criminals life. Philip's calm reminder
603:10 criminals life. Philip's calm reminder of his status as captain of the Imperial
603:12 of his status as captain of the Imperial Guard and the sanctity of the palace
603:14 Guard and the sanctity of the palace emphasized his exclusive right to
603:16 emphasized his exclusive right to execute those who threatened the
603:17 execute those who threatened the emperor. The prince's confident
603:19 emperor. The prince's confident statement that he would deal with the
603:20 statement that he would deal with the criminal himself was accompanied by an
603:22 criminal himself was accompanied by an offer to address any complaints directly
603:24 offer to address any complaints directly to the emperor. The critical moment of
603:26 to the emperor. The critical moment of exposure came when the masked orc's hand
603:29 exposure came when the masked orc's hand suddenly took on a human form right in
603:31 suddenly took on a human form right in front of Philip as he passed by.
603:33 front of Philip as he passed by. Philip's enigmatic smile at the sight of
603:35 Philip's enigmatic smile at the sight of proof that Aaron was alive, reflected
603:37 proof that Aaron was alive, reflected his secret plans to elevate the Duke to
603:39 his secret plans to elevate the Duke to the Imperial throne. Cheryl's excited
603:41 the Imperial throne. Cheryl's excited rush to Cecilia with questions about her
603:43 rush to Cecilia with questions about her brother's whereabouts was interrupted by
603:45 brother's whereabouts was interrupted by the unexpected confession of the
603:46 the unexpected confession of the awkwardly coughing Orc. Cheryl's initial
603:49 awkwardly coughing Orc. Cheryl's initial distrust of the transformed orc's words
603:51 distrust of the transformed orc's words quickly gave way to joyful recognition
603:53 quickly gave way to joyful recognition of her brother's true identity. Through
603:55 of her brother's true identity. Through the joint efforts of Cheryl, Cecilia,
603:57 the joint efforts of Cheryl, Cecilia, Kanos, and Aaron, the enemy invaders who
604:00 Kanos, and Aaron, the enemy invaders who had infiltrated the castle were
604:01 had infiltrated the castle were successfully eliminated. Captain Raml's
604:04 successfully eliminated. Captain Raml's effective actions neutralized the
604:05 effective actions neutralized the external enemies and captured prisoners
604:07 external enemies and captured prisoners for subsequent interrogation and
604:09 for subsequent interrogation and investigation. A solemn meeting of the
604:11 investigation. A solemn meeting of the lords, held a few days after the attack
604:13 lords, held a few days after the attack was repelled, was devoted to discussing
604:15 was repelled, was devoted to discussing the events that had taken place.
604:17 the events that had taken place. Alarming rumors about the emperor's
604:19 Alarming rumors about the emperor's involvement in the attack and his
604:20 involvement in the attack and his intention to suppress the resistance
604:22 intention to suppress the resistance caused serious concern among the
604:24 caused serious concern among the assembled lords. The emperor's obvious
604:26 assembled lords. The emperor's obvious suspicion of a conspiracy and a possible
604:28 suspicion of a conspiracy and a possible attempt on his life required an
604:30 attempt on his life required an immediate review of the resistance
604:32 immediate review of the resistance plans. The unprecedented decision to
604:34 plans. The unprecedented decision to attack the territory on the eve of the
604:36 attack the territory on the eve of the funeral was seen as evidence of the
604:38 funeral was seen as evidence of the emperor's knowledge of the planned
604:39 emperor's knowledge of the planned assassination. Raml's solemn appearance
604:42 assassination. Raml's solemn appearance with the captured Holy Knights was
604:43 with the captured Holy Knights was accompanied by Cheryl's dramatic
604:45 accompanied by Cheryl's dramatic entrance before the assembled lords.
604:47 entrance before the assembled lords. Cheryl's sincere apologies to the guests
604:49 Cheryl's sincere apologies to the guests gathered at the funeral demonstrated her
604:51 gathered at the funeral demonstrated her diplomatic skill in the situation. The
604:54 diplomatic skill in the situation. The official statement about the Holy
604:55 official statement about the Holy Father's leading role in organizing the
604:57 Father's leading role in organizing the attack was carefully worded to maintain
605:00 attack was carefully worded to maintain political balance. Cheryl's decisive
605:02 political balance. Cheryl's decisive speech as the sole ruler of Brown
605:04 speech as the sole ruler of Brown contained a transparent hint at the
605:05 contained a transparent hint at the existence of more influential
605:07 existence of more influential conspirators. The meticulous
605:08 conspirators. The meticulous organization of security for the inner
605:10 organization of security for the inner castle included external patrols by his
605:13 castle included external patrols by his majesty's central army and internal
605:15 majesty's central army and internal protection by soldiers from Brown's
605:17 protection by soldiers from Brown's territory. Cheryl's stern warning
605:18 territory. Cheryl's stern warning included a promise of severe punishment
605:20 included a promise of severe punishment for all those involved in organizing the
605:22 for all those involved in organizing the attack on Brown's territory during her
605:24 attack on Brown's territory during her brother's funeral. Those offended by
605:26 brother's funeral. Those offended by Cheryl's suspicions expressed their
605:28 Cheryl's suspicions expressed their dissatisfaction with her certainty that
605:29 dissatisfaction with her certainty that a conspiracy existed and demanded a
605:32 a conspiracy existed and demanded a personal meeting with the Pope to
605:33 personal meeting with the Pope to clarify the situation. Philip's dramatic
605:36 clarify the situation. Philip's dramatic appearance with the Holy Father was
605:37 appearance with the Holy Father was accompanied by a demonstrative throw of
605:39 accompanied by a demonstrative throw of the prisoner to the floor and an
605:40 the prisoner to the floor and an announcement that the long- aaited
605:42 announcement that the long- aaited meeting would take place. Philip's
605:44 meeting would take place. Philip's authoritative gesture of placing his
605:45 authoritative gesture of placing his foot on the defeated Holy Father was
605:47 foot on the defeated Holy Father was accompanied by a demand to reveal the
605:49 accompanied by a demand to reveal the names of all accompllices in the attack.
605:51 names of all accompllices in the attack. The interrogation of the Holy Father was
605:53 The interrogation of the Holy Father was interrupted by an unexpected noise,
605:55 interrupted by an unexpected noise, indicating the arrival of the Emperor
605:57 indicating the arrival of the Emperor himself in the room for the
605:58 himself in the room for the investigation. The emperor's majestic
606:01 investigation. The emperor's majestic appearance in the room caused noticeable
606:03 appearance in the room caused noticeable anxiety in the Holy Father, who began to
606:05 anxiety in the Holy Father, who began to look nervously at the ruler who had
606:06 look nervously at the ruler who had entered. Cheryl's decisive demand,
606:09 entered. Cheryl's decisive demand, addressed to the Holy Father, who had
606:10 addressed to the Holy Father, who had been freed from his blindfold, was a
606:12 been freed from his blindfold, was a public admission that he had received
606:14 public admission that he had received orders from the Emperor himself. A sly
606:16 orders from the Emperor himself. A sly smile accompanied the Emperor's
606:18 smile accompanied the Emperor's question, expressing doubt about the
606:19 question, expressing doubt about the validity of the accusations against him.
606:22 validity of the accusations against him. Aaron's inner struggle within Rayon's
606:24 Aaron's inner struggle within Rayon's body was accompanied by insistent voices
606:26 body was accompanied by insistent voices in his head, urging him to give in to
606:28 in his head, urging him to give in to his anger and attack the emperor. The
606:30 his anger and attack the emperor. The attentive count noticed Rean's unusual
606:32 attentive count noticed Rean's unusual state and was told that a lack of air
606:34 state and was told that a lack of air was the cause of his temporary
606:36 was the cause of his temporary indisposition. Rean's inner conflict
606:38 indisposition. Rean's inner conflict intensified with the realization of the
606:40 intensified with the realization of the enemy's proximity and the inexplicable
606:43 enemy's proximity and the inexplicable force holding him back from immediately
606:44 force holding him back from immediately attacking the emperor. A tense dialogue
606:47 attacking the emperor. A tense dialogue between the emperor and the holy father
606:49 between the emperor and the holy father began with a question about the reasons
606:50 began with a question about the reasons for the church leader strange requests
606:52 for the church leader strange requests to make certain statements. The
606:54 to make certain statements. The emperor's authoritative order to the
606:56 emperor's authoritative order to the holy father to speak louder emphasized
606:58 holy father to speak louder emphasized the ruler's desire to make every word
607:00 the ruler's desire to make every word accessible to all those present. The
607:02 accessible to all those present. The holy father's difficult choice was
607:04 holy father's difficult choice was determined by his understanding that
607:05 determined by his understanding that accusations against the emperor would
607:07 accusations against the emperor would lead to the loss of the promised
607:09 lead to the loss of the promised compensation for lost property. The Holy
607:11 compensation for lost property. The Holy Father's inner decision leaned toward
607:13 Father's inner decision leaned toward admitting his own guilt and explaining
607:15 admitting his own guilt and explaining his actions as divine will in order to
607:17 his actions as divine will in order to keep his promises. The dramatic scene of
607:19 keep his promises. The dramatic scene of the Holy Father's repentance, crawling
607:21 the Holy Father's repentance, crawling on his knees towards Cheryl, ended with
607:23 on his knees towards Cheryl, ended with an unexpected accusation against the
607:25 an unexpected accusation against the emperor of coercion to commit criminal
607:27 emperor of coercion to commit criminal acts. The emperor's swift reaction was a
607:29 acts. The emperor's swift reaction was a deadly sword blow that ended the life of
607:31 deadly sword blow that ended the life of the Holy Father, who continued to speak.
607:34 the Holy Father, who continued to speak. Shocked, Cheryl watched the dying king
607:36 Shocked, Cheryl watched the dying king and demanded that the emperor explain
607:38 and demanded that the emperor explain his cruel act against the church leader.
607:40 his cruel act against the church leader. The emperor's calm explanation
607:42 The emperor's calm explanation emphasized the inadmissibility of
607:44 emphasized the inadmissibility of unfounded accusations against the ruler
607:46 unfounded accusations against the ruler of a great empire without substantial
607:48 of a great empire without substantial evidence. The emperor's demonstrative
607:50 evidence. The emperor's demonstrative turn was accompanied by a rhetorical
607:52 turn was accompanied by a rhetorical question about the naivity of those
607:53 question about the naivity of those present who believed the words of an
607:55 present who believed the words of an unreasonable man. Gail's clouded mind
607:58 unreasonable man. Gail's clouded mind controlled by Avarak's orders led to an
608:00 controlled by Avarak's orders led to an unexpected attack on the emperor who was
608:02 unexpected attack on the emperor who was seriously wounded with a sword. The
608:04 seriously wounded with a sword. The satisfied smile of Philip who was
608:06 satisfied smile of Philip who was watching reflected his understanding of
608:08 watching reflected his understanding of the true meaning of what was happening
608:10 the true meaning of what was happening as planned by Lord Avarak. The emperor's
608:12 as planned by Lord Avarak. The emperor's steadfastness was evident in his ability
608:14 steadfastness was evident in his ability to draw his weapon and strike back at
608:16 to draw his weapon and strike back at Gail despite his serious injury and
608:19 Gail despite his serious injury and bleeding. The shocking discovery of the
608:21 bleeding. The shocking discovery of the attacker's true identity came after the
608:23 attacker's true identity came after the man fell and his mask was removed,
608:25 man fell and his mask was removed, revealing a completely unfamiliar face.
608:27 revealing a completely unfamiliar face. Giron's last attempt to obtain
608:29 Giron's last attempt to obtain information about the attacker's
608:30 information about the attacker's identity was unsuccessful due to the
608:32 identity was unsuccessful due to the unknown man's death. Gail's body falling
608:34 unknown man's death. Gail's body falling to the ground triggered the release of
608:36 to the ground triggered the release of Avarak's energy, which rapidly spread
608:38 Avarak's energy, which rapidly spread throughout the castle's interior.
608:40 throughout the castle's interior. Isabelle's sudden change of plans as she
608:42 Isabelle's sudden change of plans as she was about to leave Brown's territory was
608:44 was about to leave Brown's territory was caused by the realization of the
608:46 caused by the realization of the uncontrollable release of the power of
608:47 uncontrollable release of the power of the god of chaos. Everyone's attention
608:50 the god of chaos. Everyone's attention was drawn to the appearance of a giant
608:51 was drawn to the appearance of a giant pentagram-shaped portal that
608:53 pentagram-shaped portal that materialized directly above the heads of
608:55 materialized directly above the heads of the astonished lords. The universal fear
608:58 the astonished lords. The universal fear contrasted with Philip's satisfaction as
609:00 contrasted with Philip's satisfaction as he realized that the long- awaited
609:02 he realized that the long- awaited prophecy of Avarak's arrival in their
609:04 prophecy of Avarak's arrival in their world was finally coming true. The
609:06 world was finally coming true. The terrifying appearance of a giant foot
609:07 terrifying appearance of a giant foot from the portal, which instantly crushed
609:09 from the portal, which instantly crushed the Emperor, was followed by the
609:11 the Emperor, was followed by the materialization of the rest of the
609:12 materialization of the rest of the creature's body. Kano's sudden
609:14 creature's body. Kano's sudden realization of the nature of what was
609:16 realization of the nature of what was happening, linked the creature's
609:17 happening, linked the creature's appearance to the rebirth of the child,
609:19 appearance to the rebirth of the child, leaving the question of what would
609:21 leaving the question of what would happen next open. The unusual behavior
609:23 happen next open. The unusual behavior of the newly appeared Valtor, which
609:25 of the newly appeared Valtor, which differed sharply from his previous
609:26 differed sharply from his previous manifestations, testified to the extreme
609:29 manifestations, testified to the extreme instability of his current state. Mass
609:31 instability of his current state. Mass panic among the lords caused a
609:33 panic among the lords caused a disorderly flight of those present,
609:35 disorderly flight of those present, seeking to escape possible death at the
609:36 seeking to escape possible death at the hands of the monster that had appeared.
609:38 hands of the monster that had appeared. The tragic consequences of the unstable
609:40 The tragic consequences of the unstable monster's appearance were evident in the
609:42 monster's appearance were evident in the numerous casualties among those who were
609:44 numerous casualties among those who were unable to escape. Aaron's strategic
609:46 unable to escape. Aaron's strategic decision to rescue the remaining
609:48 decision to rescue the remaining soldiers came after observing Cheryl and
609:50 soldiers came after observing Cheryl and Kanos's readiness to engage in combat.
609:52 Kanos's readiness to engage in combat. Aaron's decisive actions began with
609:54 Aaron's decisive actions began with removing his masking helmet and ordering
609:56 removing his masking helmet and ordering Raml to immediately retreat from the
609:58 Raml to immediately retreat from the danger zone. Aaron's loud call to Irana
610:00 danger zone. Aaron's loud call to Irana was met with an instant response,
610:02 was met with an instant response, demonstrating the dragon's readiness to
610:04 demonstrating the dragon's readiness to carry out urgent orders. The rapid
610:06 carry out urgent orders. The rapid rescue was made possible by Aaron's
610:08 rescue was made possible by Aaron's quick reaction, who managed to grab Raml
610:10 quick reaction, who managed to grab Raml and fly away on a small dragon. The
610:12 and fly away on a small dragon. The successful teleportation upward led to a
610:14 successful teleportation upward led to a reunion with Cheryl and Kanos, who were
610:17 reunion with Cheryl and Kanos, who were waiting in the sky, trying to make sense
610:19 waiting in the sky, trying to make sense of the nature of the creature that had
610:21 of the nature of the creature that had appeared. Kanos's important explanation
610:23 appeared. Kanos's important explanation about Valto's identity as Avarak's child
610:26 about Valto's identity as Avarak's child coincided with noticeable changes in
610:28 coincided with noticeable changes in Cheryl's condition. Kinos's careful
610:30 Cheryl's condition. Kinos's careful observation of Cheryl led to the
610:31 observation of Cheryl led to the discovery of the presence of Valto's
610:33 discovery of the presence of Valto's sister's power within her, manifested
610:35 sister's power within her, manifested through a particle of Avict's energy.
610:37 through a particle of Avict's energy. Kynino's alarmed question about Cheryl's
610:39 Kynino's alarmed question about Cheryl's familiarity with the name Averick was
610:41 familiarity with the name Averick was met with a negative response accompanied
610:43 met with a negative response accompanied by assurances of complete ignorance.
610:45 by assurances of complete ignorance. Cheryl's sudden concern about Aaron's
610:47 Cheryl's sudden concern about Aaron's whereabouts interrupted her thoughts
610:48 whereabouts interrupted her thoughts about the mysterious connection with the
610:50 about the mysterious connection with the unknown deity. Relief came with the
610:52 unknown deity. Relief came with the discovery of Aaron and Raml safely
610:55 discovery of Aaron and Raml safely rescued on the back of the loyal Irana.
610:57 rescued on the back of the loyal Irana. Aaron's persistent questions about the
610:59 Aaron's persistent questions about the nature of the unknown monster were
611:00 nature of the unknown monster were directed at Kanos after they had come as
611:03 directed at Kanos after they had come as close as possible in the air.
611:04 close as possible in the air. Confirmation of Isabelle's words was
611:06 Confirmation of Isabelle's words was accompanied by the realization that
611:08 accompanied by the realization that Valour had appeared prematurely,
611:09 Valour had appeared prematurely, breaking the expected schedule. Cheryl
611:12 breaking the expected schedule. Cheryl was surprised by her brother's knowledge
611:13 was surprised by her brother's knowledge of the events unfolding, especially
611:16 of the events unfolding, especially considering her own recent introduction
611:17 considering her own recent introduction to the situation. Aaron's pragmatic
611:20 to the situation. Aaron's pragmatic remark shifted the focus from questions
611:22 remark shifted the focus from questions of awareness to the pressing problem of
611:24 of awareness to the pressing problem of confronting the destructive monster.
611:26 confronting the destructive monster. Aaron's serious question to Kanos
611:28 Aaron's serious question to Kanos concerned possible ways to stop the
611:30 concerned possible ways to stop the rampaging monster threatening his lands.
611:32 rampaging monster threatening his lands. Kynos's candid response acknowledged the
611:34 Kynos's candid response acknowledged the impossibility of confronting a creature
611:36 impossibility of confronting a creature that differed from the familiar version
611:37 that differed from the familiar version of Vtor. Kynos reference to Aaron's
611:40 of Vtor. Kynos reference to Aaron's memories of the creature's first
611:41 memories of the creature's first summoning from the magic circle
611:43 summoning from the magic circle contained an important clue to
611:44 contained an important clue to understanding the situation. An analysis
611:47 understanding the situation. An analysis of the memories confirmed the
611:48 of the memories confirmed the incompleteness of Valter's resurrection,
611:50 incompleteness of Valter's resurrection, manifested by obvious signs of
611:52 manifested by obvious signs of excruciating pain upon his appearance.
611:54 excruciating pain upon his appearance. The distinctive features of Valter's
611:56 The distinctive features of Valter's behavior, characterized by chaotic
611:58 behavior, characterized by chaotic movements instead of the purposeful use
612:00 movements instead of the purposeful use of chaos energy, pointed to his
612:02 of chaos energy, pointed to his incomplete resurrection. Aaron's
612:04 incomplete resurrection. Aaron's confusion was caused by Kyenos's
612:06 confusion was caused by Kyenos's statement that it was impossible to get
612:07 statement that it was impossible to get rid of Valto, even in his unstable state
612:10 rid of Valto, even in his unstable state and incomplete resurrection. The
612:12 and incomplete resurrection. The terrifying sight of Valto devouring the
612:14 terrifying sight of Valto devouring the souls of the inhabitants of Brown's
612:15 souls of the inhabitants of Brown's territory demonstrated his growing
612:17 territory demonstrated his growing power, which was enhanced by the life
612:19 power, which was enhanced by the life energy of humans. The rapid development
612:22 energy of humans. The rapid development of Valto's abilities was evident in the
612:24 of Valto's abilities was evident in the increase in the range of his power,
612:25 increase in the range of his power, allowing him to extract souls from a
612:27 allowing him to extract souls from a considerable distance. Kinos's alarming
612:30 considerable distance. Kinos's alarming assessment of the situation was
612:31 assessment of the situation was accompanied by an urgent call for the
612:33 accompanied by an urgent call for the group to evacuate immediately to a safer
612:35 group to evacuate immediately to a safer location. The large-scale destruction of
612:38 location. The large-scale destruction of the territory being abandoned was
612:39 the territory being abandoned was characterized by the complete
612:41 characterized by the complete disintegration of matter and the
612:43 disintegration of matter and the disappearance of all signs of life. The
612:45 disappearance of all signs of life. The critical situation was complicated by
612:47 critical situation was complicated by the increase in Valter's power and the
612:49 the increase in Valter's power and the suffering of Cheryl, whose special power
612:51 suffering of Cheryl, whose special power made her particularly vulnerable to the
612:53 made her particularly vulnerable to the changes taking place. An important
612:55 changes taking place. An important explanation from the dragon clarified
612:57 explanation from the dragon clarified the situation with Vtor, who in his form
613:00 the situation with Vtor, who in his form sought to destroy as much life as
613:02 sought to destroy as much life as possible in order to gain power and
613:04 possible in order to gain power and continue growing. Aaron realized the
613:06 continue growing. Aaron realized the need for immediate action when he saw
613:08 need for immediate action when he saw Valar's destructive activities
613:09 Valar's destructive activities threatening to escalate into an even
613:11 threatening to escalate into an even greater catastrophe. A joint attack on
613:13 greater catastrophe. A joint attack on Valor began with the participation of
613:15 Valor began with the participation of Kanos, who used all available forces to
613:17 Kanos, who used all available forces to support Aaron's offensive. Aaron's deep
613:19 support Aaron's offensive. Aaron's deep thoughts focused on finding a way to
613:21 thoughts focused on finding a way to stop Valor, who was ready to use any
613:23 stop Valor, who was ready to use any means necessary to achieve his goal.
613:25 means necessary to achieve his goal. Kyno's confidence that there was a way
613:27 Kyno's confidence that there was a way to defeat Vtor was tempered by his
613:29 to defeat Vtor was tempered by his understanding of the monster's
613:30 understanding of the monster's extraordinary power, which made him
613:32 extraordinary power, which made him almost invulnerable. A sudden memory of
613:34 almost invulnerable. A sudden memory of Isabelle's abilities prompted Kynos to
613:36 Isabelle's abilities prompted Kynos to send Cheryl to search for their mother,
613:38 send Cheryl to search for their mother, who might be able to help in the current
613:40 who might be able to help in the current situation. Cheryl's skeptical reaction
613:42 situation. Cheryl's skeptical reaction to the news of her mother's presence was
613:44 to the news of her mother's presence was accompanied by doubts about her ability
613:46 accompanied by doubts about her ability to stand up to the monster that
613:47 to stand up to the monster that threatened everyone. A brief explanation
613:49 threatened everyone. A brief explanation of yesterday's conversation with
613:51 of yesterday's conversation with Isabelle about Avarak and Valtor was
613:53 Isabelle about Avarak and Valtor was sufficient grounds for immediate
613:54 sufficient grounds for immediate compliance with the order. Cheryl's
613:56 compliance with the order. Cheryl's decisive action overcoming her pain
613:59 decisive action overcoming her pain coincided with Aaron's realization that
614:01 coincided with Aaron's realization that he needed to seek help from the loyal
614:03 he needed to seek help from the loyal Raml. The task of saving the residents
614:05 Raml. The task of saving the residents entrusted to Kanos and Raml prompted the
614:08 entrusted to Kanos and Raml prompted the loyal servant to ask about his master's
614:10 loyal servant to ask about his master's plans during the rescue operation.
614:12 plans during the rescue operation. Aaron's reassuring smile was accompanied
614:14 Aaron's reassuring smile was accompanied by a promise to do everything possible
614:16 by a promise to do everything possible to contain the threat until Cheryl
614:18 to contain the threat until Cheryl returned with help. Understanding the
614:20 returned with help. Understanding the correctness of the decision prompted
614:22 correctness of the decision prompted Kynos to support the plan and
614:23 Kynos to support the plan and immediately teleport with Raml to carry
614:25 immediately teleport with Raml to carry it out. Left alone with Irana, Aaron
614:28 it out. Left alone with Irana, Aaron focused on the main task of keeping the
614:30 focused on the main task of keeping the monster within a certain area to
614:31 monster within a certain area to minimize damage. Aaron's determination
614:34 minimize damage. Aaron's determination was evident in his preparation of his
614:35 was evident in his preparation of his blade for battle, and his affectionate
614:37 blade for battle, and his affectionate farewell to Arana before facing the
614:39 farewell to Arana before facing the enemy headon. Philip's observation of
614:41 enemy headon. Philip's observation of Valour's destructive actions was
614:43 Valour's destructive actions was accompanied by doubts about Avarak's
614:45 accompanied by doubts about Avarak's promise to grant him the Imperial title.
614:47 promise to grant him the Imperial title. Avarak's unexpected appeal to Philip
614:49 Avarak's unexpected appeal to Philip contained an explanation of Valar's
614:51 contained an explanation of Valar's instability and the need to resurrect
614:53 instability and the need to resurrect Isis to remedy the situation. Valto's
614:55 Isis to remedy the situation. Valto's shocking order to kill his cousin in
614:57 shocking order to kill his cousin in order to resurrect Isis caused the
614:59 order to resurrect Isis caused the frightened prince to distrust the
615:01 frightened prince to distrust the mission entrusted to him. Aaron's
615:03 mission entrusted to him. Aaron's carefully planned attack, despite the
615:05 carefully planned attack, despite the force behind it, did not harm Valtor and
615:07 force behind it, did not harm Valtor and provoked a powerful counterattack.
615:09 provoked a powerful counterattack. Irana's exceptional abilities allowed
615:11 Irana's exceptional abilities allowed her to successfully evade pursuit for
615:13 her to successfully evade pursuit for some time, but it gradually became more
615:15 some time, but it gradually became more difficult. Aaron's reassuring promise to
615:18 difficult. Aaron's reassuring promise to quickly deal with the pursuers was
615:19 quickly deal with the pursuers was intended to maintain the morale of the
615:21 intended to maintain the morale of the alarmed Irana. The unexpected result of
615:24 alarmed Irana. The unexpected result of directing the sword's energy against the
615:25 directing the sword's energy against the dark force caused it to grow stronger
615:27 dark force caused it to grow stronger instead of destroying the enemy as
615:29 instead of destroying the enemy as intended. Aaron's heroic decision to
615:31 intended. Aaron's heroic decision to jump off Irana and use the surrounding
615:33 jump off Irana and use the surrounding energy allowed him to split the oncoming
615:35 energy allowed him to split the oncoming attack in two. The unexpected discovery
615:38 attack in two. The unexpected discovery of the blade's ability to absorb dark
615:40 of the blade's ability to absorb dark energy gave rise to the idea of trying
615:42 energy gave rise to the idea of trying to absorb Valter's energy to weaken him.
615:45 to absorb Valter's energy to weaken him. The Duke's parallel struggle with the
615:46 The Duke's parallel struggle with the dark energy attacking the citizens
615:48 dark energy attacking the citizens prevented the absorption of the
615:50 prevented the absorption of the lifeblood of the innocent. The
615:51 lifeblood of the innocent. The successful accumulation of enough energy
615:53 successful accumulation of enough energy allowed Aaron and Irana to rise into the
615:55 allowed Aaron and Irana to rise into the air again to continue the battle.
615:57 air again to continue the battle. Irana's careful observation revealed a
616:00 Irana's careful observation revealed a noticeable decrease in Valar's size
616:02 noticeable decrease in Valar's size after absorbing a significant portion of
616:04 after absorbing a significant portion of his energy. A perceptive guess about
616:06 his energy. A perceptive guess about Vtor suffering from not being able to
616:08 Vtor suffering from not being able to absorb souls, explained his decrease in
616:10 absorb souls, explained his decrease in size. Irana's reasonable suggestion to
616:13 size. Irana's reasonable suggestion to destroy the souls trapped in the blade
616:15 destroy the souls trapped in the blade was supported by the Duke, who was
616:17 was supported by the Duke, who was willing to try any means to counter the
616:19 willing to try any means to counter the threat. Aaron's decisive actions to
616:21 threat. Aaron's decisive actions to destroy the collected souls began with
616:23 destroy the collected souls began with raising the blade and activating the
616:25 raising the blade and activating the process of burning them. The gradual
616:27 process of burning them. The gradual destruction of the collected souls was
616:29 destruction of the collected souls was accompanied by a proportional reduction
616:30 accompanied by a proportional reduction in Valter's size to that of an ordinary
616:33 in Valter's size to that of an ordinary giant. Confident in his own strength,
616:35 giant. Confident in his own strength, Aaron descended to the ground for a
616:37 Aaron descended to the ground for a decisive battle with his diminished
616:38 decisive battle with his diminished opponent. An active search for her
616:40 opponent. An active search for her mother led Cheryl to an unexpected
616:42 mother led Cheryl to an unexpected encounter with Cecilia, whose familiar
616:44 encounter with Cecilia, whose familiar voice caught the girl's attention. The
616:46 voice caught the girl's attention. The dramatic moment of Isabelle's rescue by
616:48 dramatic moment of Isabelle's rescue by Cecilia ended happily despite the
616:50 Cecilia ended happily despite the complexity of the situation. Isabelle's
616:52 complexity of the situation. Isabelle's sudden awakening was accompanied by
616:54 sudden awakening was accompanied by Cheryl's desperate warning of the mortal
616:56 Cheryl's desperate warning of the mortal danger posed by the approaching
616:57 danger posed by the approaching Philillip. The critical moment of the
616:59 Philillip. The critical moment of the battle came after Aaron's failed attack
617:01 battle came after Aaron's failed attack when Valter grabbed him, demanding that
617:03 when Valter grabbed him, demanding that he return the stolen energy to complete
617:05 he return the stolen energy to complete his resurrection. Irana's timely
617:07 his resurrection. Irana's timely intervention, clutching Valto's arm with
617:09 intervention, clutching Valto's arm with her claws, prevented Aaron's certain
617:11 her claws, prevented Aaron's certain death at the last moment. Irana's heroic
617:14 death at the last moment. Irana's heroic attempt to use dragon breath against the
617:15 attempt to use dragon breath against the monster ended in failure, leading to a
617:18 monster ended in failure, leading to a powerful counterattack from the enemy.
617:20 powerful counterattack from the enemy. Irana's selfless defense of her master
617:22 Irana's selfless defense of her master from Vtor's new attack resulted in
617:24 from Vtor's new attack resulted in serious injuries to the loyal dragon.
617:26 serious injuries to the loyal dragon. Aaron's desperate prayers for Cheryl and
617:28 Aaron's desperate prayers for Cheryl and Isabelle's safe return grew louder as
617:30 Isabelle's safe return grew louder as the relentless monster drew nearer. The
617:32 the relentless monster drew nearer. The tragic denim came despite Cecilia's
617:34 tragic denim came despite Cecilia's attempts to stop Philillip, who managed
617:36 attempts to stop Philillip, who managed to inflict a fatal wound on Cheryl. The
617:39 to inflict a fatal wound on Cheryl. The dramatic moment when Cheryl lost
617:40 dramatic moment when Cheryl lost consciousness, bleeding profusely, was
617:43 consciousness, bleeding profusely, was accompanied by Isabelle's desperate
617:44 accompanied by Isabelle's desperate cries. Sensing the beginning of her
617:46 cries. Sensing the beginning of her daughter's transformation, Philip's
617:48 daughter's transformation, Philip's aggressive attack was accompanied by
617:50 aggressive attack was accompanied by imperious demands not to interfere with
617:51 imperious demands not to interfere with the will of his master, Avarak,
617:54 the will of his master, Avarak, Cecilia's unequal battle against Philip,
617:56 Cecilia's unequal battle against Philip, endowed with the power of the god of
617:57 endowed with the power of the god of chaos, changed with the appearance of
617:59 chaos, changed with the appearance of Isabel. Enraged by what had happened,
618:02 Isabel. Enraged by what had happened, Isabelle's maternal anger, directed at
618:04 Isabelle's maternal anger, directed at Philip for daring to hurt her daughter,
618:06 Philip for daring to hurt her daughter, manifested itself in a powerful magical
618:08 manifested itself in a powerful magical attack, which the enemy barely managed
618:11 attack, which the enemy barely managed to defend himself against. Philip's
618:13 to defend himself against. Philip's furious reaction to the insulting
618:14 furious reaction to the insulting reminder of his origins was interrupted
618:16 reminder of his origins was interrupted by a swift attack from Cecilia and
618:18 by a swift attack from Cecilia and Isabelle, who had joined forces. A
618:21 Isabelle, who had joined forces. A dangerous turn of events occurred
618:22 dangerous turn of events occurred unnoticed by the fighting Isabel. When a
618:24 unnoticed by the fighting Isabel. When a dark force began to envelop Cheryl, who
618:26 dark force began to envelop Cheryl, who had risen into the air, Philip's
618:28 had risen into the air, Philip's determination to carry out Avarak's
618:30 determination to carry out Avarak's order and become emperor, even at the
618:32 order and become emperor, even at the cost of murder, was expressed in a new
618:34 cost of murder, was expressed in a new attack on the girl. The unexpected
618:36 attack on the girl. The unexpected manifestation of Cheryl's increased
618:38 manifestation of Cheryl's increased power, allowed her to easily capture
618:40 power, allowed her to easily capture Philillip with a single movement of her
618:41 Philillip with a single movement of her hand. The majestic appearance of the
618:43 hand. The majestic appearance of the resurrected goddess Isis was accompanied
618:46 resurrected goddess Isis was accompanied by an authoritative demand to explain
618:48 by an authoritative demand to explain the stranger's presence in the sacred
618:50 the stranger's presence in the sacred place. The goddess's growing anger,
618:52 place. The goddess's growing anger, expressed by her hand turning into
618:54 expressed by her hand turning into flames, forced the frightened Philip to
618:56 flames, forced the frightened Philip to introduce himself as a prince of the
618:58 introduce himself as a prince of the empire. Isis's suspicion that Philip had
619:00 empire. Isis's suspicion that Philip had helped her return to life was confirmed
619:02 helped her return to life was confirmed by his mention of Lord Avarak's orders.
619:05 by his mention of Lord Avarak's orders. Isis's suspicious attitude toward her
619:07 Isis's suspicious attitude toward her father's unknown order was expressed in
619:09 father's unknown order was expressed in her demand for the complete truth from
619:10 her demand for the complete truth from the frightened prince. Philip's
619:12 the frightened prince. Philip's desperate oaths that he was telling the
619:14 desperate oaths that he was telling the truth about the promised imperial title
619:16 truth about the promised imperial title did not impress Isis, who rejected him
619:18 did not impress Isis, who rejected him before flying to her brother. Isabelle's
619:20 before flying to her brother. Isabelle's deep despair at losing both her children
619:22 deep despair at losing both her children was expressed in her complete loss of
619:24 was expressed in her complete loss of vitality and desire to continue living.
619:27 vitality and desire to continue living. Cecilia's support, pointing out the
619:29 Cecilia's support, pointing out the preservation of Cheryl's true form and
619:31 preservation of Cheryl's true form and the possibility of her return, helped
619:33 the possibility of her return, helped Isabelle keep hope alive. Cecilia's
619:36 Isabelle keep hope alive. Cecilia's important memory of the last divine
619:37 important memory of the last divine relic kept in her body opened up the
619:39 relic kept in her body opened up the possibility of saving the situation. A
619:42 possibility of saving the situation. A faint hope for the return of Isabelle's
619:44 faint hope for the return of Isabelle's children emerged thanks to the existence
619:46 children emerged thanks to the existence of a powerful relic of the gods. Isis's
619:48 of a powerful relic of the gods. Isis's swift movement in Cheryl's body to the
619:50 swift movement in Cheryl's body to the battlefield where Aaron was fighting
619:52 battlefield where Aaron was fighting Valour ended with the successful halting
619:54 Valour ended with the successful halting of the conflict. Isis's authoritative
619:56 of the conflict. Isis's authoritative appeal to her brother demanded that they
619:58 appeal to her brother demanded that they summon their father for an important
620:00 summon their father for an important conversation about the reasons for their
620:02 conversation about the reasons for their transformation. The solemn moment of
620:04 transformation. The solemn moment of Avarak's appearance was accompanied by
620:06 Avarak's appearance was accompanied by his question to his son about the
620:07 his question to his son about the reasons for the summons. The shocking
620:09 reasons for the summons. The shocking discovery that Avarak had completely
620:11 discovery that Avarak had completely ignored his daughter's presence left
620:13 ignored his daughter's presence left Isis deeply shaken.
