Atticus wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and could still feel the fear within him. It was a good thing they left first. He was fortunate to have his royal guards sacrificing themselves to buy him time. If that assassin got any closer, they might just end up being captured alive, just like Draven and Mortimer. If that happened, all their efforts would go down the drain, and they might even lose their status and lives."That's weird. When did the monarchy acquire such a skilled fighter? Even a few thousand soldiers couldn't stop him." Ignatius frowned, lost in thoughts. According to their investigation, the monarchy had two skilled fighters—Jaxon Steele and Albert Horst.Albert Horst was held captive by Julius Rhys, and Jaxon Steele was on the battlefield. Even if there was another elite team hidden in the castle, the Four Northern Sovereigns wouldn't be caught off guard. The assassin was the only factor that was beyond their expectation.It wouldn't be an issue if it wa
Dustin was bathed in blood, exuding a dangerous presence. His black shirt was now dark crimson from the enemy's blood. The Celestial Blade in his hand was quivering and buzzing softly. It felt as if he would attack anytime."Damn! How is he so fast?" Atticus' face paled when he saw Dustin standing before them. He thought that the royal guards would keep Dustin occupied for a while. He had no idea they had been defeated, and Dustin was already catching up with them."We're trapped! We're in trouble now!" Ignatius was getting anxious. They were fighting alone now. They were trapped between two skilled fighters and couldn't fight back. It'd be better if it were just Elijah. He might not kill them due to their status. However, this assassin was different. They saw how he killed ruthlessly and efficiently on the battlefield. If they resisted him, he might just kill them immediately."Atticus, what should we do now?" Ignatius asked, gulping in fear.Atticus sighed when he heard
A perfunctory speech like this would only fool the public. If they thought it could fool Elijah, it'd be an insult to his intelligence."Elijah, let us be honest with you now that it has come to this. We'll tell you everything." Ignatius took two steps forward and said seriously, "After the death of the prince, we need a new leader. Who do you think is most suitable to be the new ruler of West Lucozia?""What are you trying to say?" Elijah sneered."I believe you're well aware that the best candidate is Julius Rhys, the Grand General of the Iron Stallion Cavalry!" Ignatius said, raising his head. He added, "Only when the grand general becomes the ruler of West of Lucozia can we have better development, more land, and more military reserves. "This is inevitable, and there's nothing you can do to change it. You're smart. I trust that you know what is in your best favor?""Are you saying that I should join forces with you?" Elijah wore a cryptic smile on his face."That's right
Upon hearing Elijah's words, Atticus and Ignatius were visibly taken aback, finding it difficult to accept."Impossible!" Ignatius immediately rejected the idea. "Our well-trained and well-equipped army of 100 thousand, surrendering? No way!""You're absolutely right!" Atticus scoffed. He added, "Even if the Southern Four Sovereigns combined their forces, there's no conceivable way they could defeat our hundred thousand troops overnight. You're just trying to make us panic!"The combined military might of the Southern Four Sovereigns hovered around two to three hundred thousand. Even if they mobilized their entire force, swiftly overcoming their substantial force of 100 thousand proved to be a formidable challenge. After all, the defenders had strategically fortified their positions, providing considerable resilience even against odds multiple times their own. Moreover, the Four Sovereigns couldn't afford to deploy their entire military strength, as a portion had to be held in
Hence, Elijah's words lacked credibility. Elijah chuckled, treating them like jesters. "Even in such dire straits, the two of you refuse to give up?"He continued, "Fine, since you insist on seeing the evidence, I'll show you." He raised his hand and flicked his fingers.A golden streak shot into the sky, exploding with a resounding bang. It transformed into a myriad of golden specks, gently descending like confetti.After a moment, rhythmic footsteps echoed from the distant end of the street. Growing louder as they approached, Atticus and Ignatius could feel the ground beneath their feet subtly vibrating.As the footsteps advanced, the ground tremors intensified. Upon sensing this, Atticus and Ignatius felt an unsettling premonition.Before they could comprehend what was happening, a multitude of silhouettes appeared on the horizon. The sheer number covered the entire street, extending beyond their line of sight."How … how is this possible?" Staring at the densely packed so
"Alright, enough of your squabbling. Whether Julius becomes prince or not, you'll find out tonight," Elijah said impatiently, waving his hand. He ordered his men, "Bring these rebels in and keep a close eye on them!""Yes, sir!" A squad of guards promptly approached, tightly binding Atticus and Ignatius."Elijah! We're all sovereigns here. It's disrespectful to treat us like this in public," Atticus protested."Disrespectful?" Elijah sneered. "Both of you are now prisoners. What respect are you talking about?""Elijah! The outcome is still uncertain. Have you considered the consequences if Grand General Rhys ascends the throne, and you've treated us like this?" Atticus frowned."He's right! You're in power now, and that might not last forever. It's wise to leave room for future interactions. Don't go too far!" Ignatius chimed in."Whether you two will live through tonight is questionable. Don't dare to rant in front of me. Gag them! I don't want to hear any more noise," Elijah
After the command was issued, Draven's soldiers dropped their weapons. "And you! Tell your men to drop their weapons!" Eloise turned her attention to Mortimer, her blade now pressed against his throat. "Drop your weapons!" Faced with her fierce gaze, Mortimer shouted for his men to surrender.The metallic clatter of weapons hitting the ground echoed as Mortimer's soldiers followed suit. Approximately 60% of the battlefield had yielded. Meanwhile, the remaining 40%, though still armed, displayed a palpable sense of unease and confusion. In warfare, diminished morale posed the greatest risk. Upon witnessing their comrades surrendering, it left them hesitant to initiate an attack. Furthermore, the absence of their lord added a critical dimension to the situation. With tens of thousands of soldiers left without a leader, the lack of command left them uncertain about their next course of action."Soldiers, your lord has abandoned you. Will you still fight for him?" Eloise's powe
The echo of "Those who surrender will be spared" lingered in the airspace above the castle, casting a shadow over the panic-stricken rebels who now seemed utterly devoid of any fighting spirit.A symphony of clattering ensued as an increasing number of soldiers dropped their weapons. Even the most tenacious were swiftly subdued, rendering the once defiant castle defenses feeble.The capture of the four sovereigns, along with the remaining rebels scattering for their lives, left the besieged forces with limited options. Either surrender or face imminent demise. In the face of an unidentified adversary, they were unwilling to lay down their lives in a futile struggle."I will honor the promise I just made. Anyone who willingly surrenders will be pardoned," Eloise assured. Her tone was now gentler, devoid of the earlier imposing aura.The surrendered soldiers were both relieved and embarrassed. "Thank you, Your Highness, for your mercy!" Many military officers humbly kneeled on