Book 2: Chapter 5 (4/8)

After careful consideration, Emperor Acilianus decided not to participate in such a bet. He was very confident in his ability until fighting with Noe Clerico today. And from the way Lord Clerico had said, the creature that he is going to conjure will be much more powerful compared to the Wind Walkers that he already conjured. Six Wind Walkers casted [Sonic Boom] spells almost killed Great General Pierino Palermo who was just slightly weaker compared to Lucius. If Noe is going to conjure a much more powerful creature, Lucius believed he wouldn't be able to defeat such a foe while having a broken left hand.

Lucius sighed lightly and said, “I, Emperor Lucius Flavonius Acilianus, admitted defeat. I won’t fight with your creature.”

“Aw... such a shame. I was hoping to turn you into one of my valuable minions. Hmm… or maybe I should turn you into my minion by force.”

Lucius sweated as he heard this. If Noe wanted to use force, what can he really do to stop it? Noe burst out laughing from seeing Lucius worried, he said, “Alright, you may leave.”

“Thank you, Lord Noe Clerico of the Gray.” Lucius immediately flew back toward his army while praying to the Watcher that Noe won’t be changing his mind.

Noe shook his head and thought to himself, “Many weaker magic casters have long advanced into the God-tier while I still stuck at the level 100 despite possessing overpower in magical strength. Watcher Zorim, how long are you planning to keep me in Toria Continents?”

After observing the war from above for ten more minutes, Noe then flew away with his Wind Walkers toward Lylnesle city of Grand Duchy of Macmalian.

Due to the interference from Noe Clerico, the Demi-Humans lost control of Radagvic city faster than they were supposed to. Only eight hours after Lord Clerico left, Prime Minister Ordia gave the order for her troops to fully withdraw back to Nirrer city.

Fifteen days later. Lylnesle city, the capital of Grand Duchy of Macmalian. Grand Duke Ander Harithyn was having a meeting with Great General Olyver Waelvor on whether they should send troops to assist the Shota Empire, or to Ehweiler to assist Duchess Sybell Graylock.

Grand Duke Ander Harithyn, a ninth-tier warrior. He is fifty-eight years old. He inherited the throne of Grand Duke after his father passed away of old age.

Great General Olyver Waelvor, Fourth Stage Saint Warrior. He had served the Grand Duchy of Macmalian for over two million years.

A soldier ran in to report, “Grand Duke, Duchess Graylock sent you an urgent request asking for another sixty million troops to Slu city as her troops at Ehweiler were still on the defense mode.”

“Why Slu city? What is happening there?” Great General Waelvor asked.

“Sixty million Demi-Humans were attacking Slu city thirteen days ago. Duchess Graylock only had twenty million troops stationed there.”

“She can still move twenty million troops stationed in Guruchi to Slu. Why did she send an urgent request?”

“Great General, another sixty million Demi-Humans were also attacking Guruchi city. This was reported fourteen days ago.”

“The Demi-Humans already attacking Guruchi? How can they enter that deep into our territory? Ah, I see. The Dryardian Empire wanted to take Guruchi to isolate Ehweiler and Slu cities. But instead of requesting troops to backup Guruchi, Duchess Graylock wanted us to help her defend Slu city instead. In that way, the Demi-Humans that are attacking Guruchi city will be isolated and it would be much easier to kill them.”

Grand Duke Harithyn asked, “Great General, what do you propose?”

“Dear Grand Duke, we should send sixty million troops to Slu city per Duchess Graylock’s request. We will take the long route to Slu to avoid cutting through Guruchi to surprise and attack the enemy better.”

Just when Grand Duke Harithyn was about to send sixty million troops to Slu city, another warrior ran in to report, “Grand Duke, Lord Noe Clerico of the Gray had just entered Lylnesle.”

“What? Lord Clerico came here?” Both the Grandy Duke and the Great General asked at the same time.

“Yes. He is flying above the Grand Duke’s Castle as I speak.”

The Grand Duke commanded, “Everyone follows me outside to greet Lord Clerico. Great General Waelvor, you should go greet Lord Clerico as well before heading for Slu city.”

“As you wish, Grand Duke.” Great General Waelvor humbly said.

Grand Duke Ander Harithyn and Great General Olyver Waelvor greeted Lord Clerico and invited him into the castle. After Lord Clerico walked into the castle, he sat down on the Grand Duke’s chair and said, “Grand Duke, you and the Great General may be seated.”

“We thanked you for your kindness, Your Grace.” Ander said as he sat down on a chair and instructed Olyver to sit next to him.

Ander asked, “Your Grace. It is truly an honor for our small nation to be able to welcome you today. May I ask what business do you have for visiting our country at this time?”

“The Holy Mage sent me to provide aid for the Grand Duchy of Macmalian in your fight against the invasion from the Dryardian Empire. Tell me, what are you planning to do to drive them off?”

“Great General Waelvor, please explain to Lord Clerico about our plan of sending troops to Slu city.”

“Yes, Grand Duke.”

Olyver then explained to Lord Clerico why they will send sixty million troops to Slu per Duchess Graylock’s request. Noe thought for several minutes and then said, “Taking the long route to Slu city will result in two things. First, Guruchi and Ehweiler cities could have fallen by the time your troops arrived at Slu. The Dryardian Empire then used the troops taken Guruchi and Edhweiler cities to regroup at Slu. Your sixty million troops won't be able to fight back against a massive army at that time.”

“And what would be the second result, Your Grace?”

“Second, they were not planning on taking either Ehweiler, Slu, or Guruchi cities. They were just setting up traps waiting for your sixty million troops to arrive at Slu to slay them all. After that, taking Slu, Guruchi, and Ehweiler cities will be just a matter of time due to lacking backup troops coming to assist.”

“Lord Clerico, what do you propose we will do?” Ander asked.

“Send your sixty million troops to Guruchi city. I will go to Slu to see what kind of traps the Demi-Humans are setting.”

“You? I meant, by yourself, Your Grace?” Olyver asked with both of their eyes wide open.

“Yes, by myself. I will spend the night at this castle to recover my mana pool. Prepare some servants and good chefs to serve me tonight. I need a hot shower and a great dinner before heading for Slu city tomorrow.” Noe answered with a smile on his face.

Five days later. Inside the meeting tent of the war camp near Slu city belonging to General Lupoid Gelt who serves Queen Pescennia Agapta of the Dryardian Empire. Lupoid is a Lion-kin and he had just advanced into First Stage Saint Barbarian approximately two thousand years ago. General Gelt was speaking with his Vice-Generals about the traps they have laid out in the East direction, but then a Lion-kin warrior ran inside the tent to report, “General Gelt, a Phantom Knight is waiting to speak with you outside of our war camp.”

“A Phantom Knight? Do you mean the Phantom Knight that can be conjured by a Conjurer Mage?”

“Certainly, General Gelt.”

“Are you out of your stupid mind? Since when was a General of the Dryardian Empire willing to speak with a Phantom Knight conjured by a human magic caster? Kill it already.”

“General, I have sent a thousand warriors of at least seventh-tiers trying to kill it but....”

“But what?"

"But it easily killed our thousand warriors without breaking a sweat.”

“Nani?”