Dear Readers,
I hope this note finds you well amidst your own journeys. As much as I cherish our shared exploration through the pages of our tales, I must temporarily step away to tend to the scholarly demands that beckon me. Exams, those formidable tests of knowledge and perseverance, await on my horizon.Know that this brief interlude is but a pause, not an end. Our adventures together shall resume with renewed vigor and imagination once the academic tempest subsides. In the meantime, may your own endeavors be fruitful, your minds sharp, and your spirits undaunted.Until we meet again between the dimensions,Horny_Feet"Stand down!" Roland's voice rang out, his tone tinged with anger. The restlessness of the cavalry under his command was palpable, their eagerness to engage the Merlocks evident in their anxious movements.Wise watched as Roland stood tall, his face set in a determined expression, the pole in his hand a symbol of his authority. Despite his anger, Roland managed to keep his emotions in check, his voice steady and commanding."The front gate has been breached, and only a portion of the wall has been scaled," Roland declared, his words ringing out over the chaos of battle. "All is not lost. If we rush out now, we can only temporarily relieve the situation, but we cannot finish the war. All of you, remain silent and await my orders!"Wise nodded in approval, impressed by Roland's ability to maintain control in the face of such a dire situation. The young commander's strategic thinking and discipline were exactly what Wise needed in a second-in-command, and he was grateful to have him by h
The chilling sight of the Ice Demon City's banner cast a shadow of fear over their hearts, instilling doubt and unease among their ranks. Even the knights standing firm against the Merlocks at the gate sensed a shift in the enemy's demeanor, witnessing a faltering strength and diminished vigor in their assaults. The once formidable Merlocks now appeared drained and feeble, their resilience waning as the icy banner loomed ominously overhead.“GRGRGR!” As the commander of the Merlocks witnessed his army faltering, he refused to remain idle. His rallying cry injected a spark of determination into the weary Merlocks, yet it proved insufficient. Wise, perched atop the wall, gazed down at the commander amidst the throng and issued a resolute command, "End this creature's existence!"“Understood!” The archers' fingers were bloodied and calloused from the relentless draw of their taut bowstrings, yet their resolve remained unbroken. With unwavering determination, they nocked their arrows o
The once formidable Merlock ranks, once a symbol of strength and unity, now lay shattered and broken under the unyielding onslaught of Dray and Roland's disciplined cavalry charge. Their once proud formations crumbled in disarray, their warriors fatigued and demoralized, unable to withstand the relentless ferocity of their adversaries. In this dire moment, there was a haunting silence on the side of the Merlocks, devoid of any rallying cries or encouraging words. The warriors, once filled with a fierce determination to conquer, now found themselves devoid of the will to fight. The madness that had once burned in their eyes like a blazing fire had now flickered out, leaving behind a hollow emptiness. It was as if the illusion of their invincibility, their imagined triumph over the humans, had finally shattered like fragile glass, revealing the harsh reality of their defeat.As the dust settled and the echoes of battle faded, the once mighty Merlocks stood defeated, their spirits brok
The Merlocks, despite their immense physical strength, did not attempt to break free from the thick ropes used to restrain them. This lack of resistance was due to the severely depleted physical condition of the Merlock army. Having gone without proper sustenance for days, the Merlocks were in a state of extreme dehydration and exhaustion, leaving them without the necessary energy and strength to even try to break through the four-inch-thick ropes.The limited availability of steel chains meant that ropes had to be used to restrain over a thousand Merlocks. Normally, these Merlocks would have had the brute force required to snap such ropes, but their weakened state prevented them from making any such attempt.The prolonged lack of food and water had completely sapped the Merlocks' physical resources, rendering them incapable of mounting any meaningful resistance to their restraints.The Merlocks' once-tough and slippery skin had transformed into a dry, flaky surface with cracks scatt
"Eat the food before you!" one of the ladies exclaimed, delivering a gentle tap to the shoulder of the knight, who the culinary delights had transfixed for a considerable duration."Alas, but..." the knight stammered, his gaze torn between the tantalizing fare and the insistent woman."The lord himself has granted you permission to indulge in as much as your heart desires," the woman replied, her smile radiating warmth and encouragement.The knight's eyes drifted back to the bustling kitchen, where a veritable menagerie of creatures, including the esteemed royal fowl, were being expertly carved and prepared by the nimble hands of the women. It was evident that the feast would continue well into the night, a testament to the abundance and generosity of the occasion.The unveiling of Wise's meticulously crafted, month-old batch of unreleased alcohol was a moment of anticipation and delight. This unique concoction, a novelty from the Ice Demon city, was a product born from sugarcane cult
Well, the system creates the reward based on difficulty. Getting five points is already considerate. [Right, why are you playing with such puny beings?]“Shut up.”The night swiftly passed, giving way to the morning, and with clarity, I understood my next task: to journey to the capital."We are setting off today, Master," Wise announced.The aftermath of the battlefield had been addressed, with all the fallen soldiers' remains consumed by the Vapilisk."Are my belongings prepared?" I inquired."Yes, Richard has arranged for a carriage as well, ensuring Master's entrance into the capital is befitting," Wise declared with pride. He admired Richard's gesture, acknowledging the merchant's discernment in knowing when to be generous."Master," Wise hesitated momentarily, "Ethan's father may be present.""I am aware," I responded.Duke Ifrit, a significant figure—no, he would undoubtedly be in attendance."It wouldn't be unexpected for us to cross paths in the Capital. This invitation was
"What brings you to our humble abode, sir?" inquired the old man, his demeanor hospitable."I require accommodations for my party," I stated simply, leaving the specifics unspoken as I awaited the village head's response.The old man gazed upon the youthful man with vibrant, golden locks, and in his weathered eyes, a glimmer of hope ignited. It was as if a treasure trove of gleaming gold coins had arrived at the doorstep of his humble village, promising a brighter future and a chance to escape the shackles of poverty that had long weighed upon his community.The ornate carriage, adorned with intricate designs and pulled by a team of majestic steeds, was a sight to behold. The guards, clad in exquisite armour that shimmered in the sunlight, stood tall and proud, their very presence commanding respect and awe. Even the warhorse, with its regal bearing and meticulously groomed coat, seemed to exude an air of superiority and privilege.This was precisely the scene that the old man's grea
As the morning sun peeked through the windows, I turned to the old man with a mix of curiosity and awe. "Tell me more about that tower," I urged, my voice laced with anticipation.The old man's eyes sparkled with pride as he began to speak. "Ah, the Ancient Tower!" His voice boomed, echoing through the room. "That magnificent structure is our guardian, our shield against the terrors that lurk in the forest. It's said to be capable of felling even a B-rank monster with a single, mighty blow!"I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder. "The Ancient Tower?" I repeated, my tone laced with doubt. "I never would have imagined such a marvel existed in a humble village like yours."The old man's face creased into a warm smile. "Yes, my young friend. That tower has stood watch over our village for nigh on ten years now. It was a blessing from the Blue Magic Tower, which expanded its domain and offered its protection to the surrounding villages and towns. Of course, we pay our taxes in gratitu
"Hey! Why should we listen to a brat like you?" The interjection came from the back of the crowd, a young soldier, his face flushed with anger, his eyes blazing with defiance. The rest of the soldiers turned to stare, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.A genuine smile spread across my face. Finally, someone had the audacity to speak up. A flicker of satisfaction ignited within me. This was exactly what I had been hoping for, wasn't it? Didn't this feel like the natural order of things?I had anticipated this moment from the very beginning. There was no way these esteemed scions of nobility and battle-hardened knights would meekly submit to the commands of a mere child. The moment I was elected commander of one of the three mighty armies, I knew this tension would inevitably arise. After all, who among these talented warriors would willingly follow a teenager with little to boast of in terms of accomplishments? And let's not forget the shadow of my less-than-st
Ladia couldn't help but castigate herself for her lapse in judgment. How had she not seen it before? If the involvement of the magic towers would significantly aid the Empire, then the impact of the very person who had defeated the magicians of the tower participating would be monumental.The princess's heart thrummed with the realization, chiding herself for taking so long to come to this epiphany. Was Ethan's proposal the correct course of action or not? She no longer dwelled on the question.With a steely gaze, Ladia announced, "I have reached a verdict."The room fell silent as all eyes turned to the princess. The final decision lay in her hands, and she was ready to reveal it. The anticipation hung heavy in the air, and Ladia took a deep breath before continuing. "I have decided to accept Ethan's proposal."A murmur of surprise rippled through the room, but Ladia held up her hand for silence. "I believe that Ethan's plan, with a few modifications, is the best course of action for
My suggestion ignited a firestorm of debate among the upper echelons of the capital. The princess convened her officials in the grand throne room, where the air was thick with tension and uncertainty as they deliberated their next course of action. Ultimately, the march toward the City of Aran was postponed by a full day, a delay that weighed heavily on everyone present. The officials found themselves divided, caught between two stark choices: should they attempt to reclaim the nearby City of Aran from the Beast Kingdom, or should they focus their efforts on retaking the more strategically significant City of Northfall?"But, Your Majesty," one of the officials interjected, his voice rising above the murmurs of the assembly, "as we stand now, we cannot afford to risk an attack on the Northfall Fortress! I have heard reports that the beastmen have fortified their walls and laid even more traps to ensnare us! If we allow this farce to continue, we will be nothing more than lambs led to
A chill snaked down Ryle's spine. Ethan's suggestion hung in the air, heavy and suffocating, like a shroud woven from despair. To attack City of Aran, a fortress city now bristling with tens of thousands of Beast Kingdom soldiers, felt like a declaration of utter annihilation. Even Lance, their most valiant commander, had fallen captive within its walls.Ryle's brow creased into a deep furrow. He, too, was a commander of the Initiation Army, a man who had tasted the bitterness of defeat and the sting of loss. He couldn't fathom how Ethan, this newly appointed leader, could so blithely propose a course of action that reeked of self-destruction."I cannot, in good conscience, agree with your plan," Ryle stated, his voice laced with a mixture of disbelief and frustration. "As we stand now, attacking Northfall City is a fool's errand, a suicide mission. We are scattered, depleted, and outmatched. We must first rally our remaining forces, regroup along the borders, and then, and only then,
"Ryle Green, step forward!" the Royal advisor said, seeing Ryle was in a daze.Ryle coughed and stepped forward, his heart pounding with excitement as he knelt before the Princess."Ryle Green, you are hereby granted authority over fifty thousand soldiers," the Princess said, her voice like a melody that soothed the soul. "You shall be the commander of the Vanguard Army!"With a snap of her fingers, the Princess bestowed an insignia upon Ryle's shoulder, its glow of light like a beacon of hope in the face of the looming threat of the Beast Kingdom."I will crush those beastmen for you, Your Highness!" Ryle said, his voice filled with determination and resolve.The Princess smiled, her eyes filled with pride and hope. "We have faith in you, Ryle," she said. "Together, we will defeat the Beast Kingdom and restore peace to our lands."Princess Ladia nodded, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "I expect a lot from the younger generation, Ryle," she said, her voice laced with both encou
The Dwarven Kingdom, a land renowned for its glittering wealth, held its breath. The Brightwing Empire’s meager offer, a desperate plea for aid, was all they had to entice the notoriously hard-drinking mercenaries. Even if their weapons were outdated, their reputation for unmatched effectiveness in battle preceded them. Surely, that would be enough.“Your Majesty,” a guard murmured, his voice barely a tremor in the air. “They have arrived.”Princess Ladia, lost in a labyrinth of thought, startled slightly. She had wrestled with the decision for what felt like an eternity, but finally, a solution had emerged. All that remained was to face them, to meet their gaze and offer her hand in this desperate alliance.Viscount Lamiel, a man whose arrogance was only surpassed by his thirst for gold, strode into the royal garden, flanked by a legion of equally boisterous mercenaries. Princess Ladia recognized most of them – the nobles summoned by the crown, their faces etched with a mixture of g
The scene unfolded with brutal efficiency. Several soldiers, their faces grim and resolute, descended upon Drew and the other soldier, their movements swift and decisive. There was no struggle, no desperate pleas for mercy. They walked away with heads bowed, accepting their fate with a stoic silence that spoke volumes of their resignation.Ryle, his expression a mixture of weariness and amusement, ran a hand through his hair, a sigh escaping his lips. "What a waste of a perfectly good sleep," he muttered, his voice laced with a hint of exasperation. "Young men like myself need our rest, yet everyone seems determined to disrupt my slumber over such trivial matters."His gaze shifted to me, and a playful smile curved his lips. "Allow me to introduce myself," he said, extending a hand towards me. "Ryle Green, third son of Count Green, and as you might be able to tell, the future commander of this very army." He spoke with an air of unwavering confidence, his words carrying the weight of
Two soldiers from a rival camp, their boots crunching on the gravel path, happened upon the conversation. One soldier, his face contorting with barely suppressed mirth, clamped a hand over his mouth, desperately trying to stifle a chuckle. His companion, sensing the impending eruption, jabbed him in the ribs with an elbow, a silent plea for decorum. But the laughter, like a trapped spring, was too powerful to contain. Tears welled in the soldier's eyes, threatening to spill over as his shoulders shook with silent mirth. Finally, with a strangled cry, he burst into a full-blown guffaw. "Hahahaha! If it's the Young Master leading us! Hahaha! We'll be able to… Pft! Hahaha!"The sound of his uncontrolled laughter echoed through the camp, drawing curious glances from nearby soldiers. Gaston, his face a mask of confusion and irritation, turned to the source of the amusement. "Excuse me, but what's so funny?" he demanded, his voice laced with displeasure.The soldier, still gasping for br
The unyielding army of the Ice Demon City had been journeying for a considerable number of weeks, traversing a multitude of cities and towns along the way. During our sojourns, we would occasionally restock our supplies, find respite in taverns, and often in the great outdoors, before resuming our arduous trek.Given the unfortunate circumstances, we were informed that the Ice Demon City was the most distant of all cities from the capital. This reality meant that we were among the last to receive the urgent message, compelling us to join the ranks of the other nobles and their armies in the capital.It was in the fourth week of our relentless march that we finally arrived in the grand and magnificent Capital city. The journey had been long and arduous, but our determination never wavered, as we knew our presence was required in these critical times. I had already surmised that the majority of the other nobles and their forces would have already amassed in the capital, readying themse