Aurora spat out a mouthful of blood. Carissa's kick seemed to have nearly dislocated her internal organs. It left her in such agony, she couldn’t make a sound for a long time. Her face was ashen as she instinctively touched her neck, feeling the blood on her fingers. Her entire body trembled uncontrollably—not from fear, but from the sheer inability to accept this outcome.She looked at Carissa in disbelief. Such martial skills were beyond anything she had ever seen. How did Carissa, of all people, possess such formidable abilities? Aurora recalled how Barrett had once mentioned that Carissa had hurt him by simply flicking leaves, a statement that had seemed laughable then. Now, after experiencing it firsthand, a surge of jealousy and hatred gnawed at her.This swift defeat was a brutal slap in her face. Earlier, she had accused Carissa of relying on connections to rise in rank, causing several officers to be punished. Even before the fight, she had loudly berated Carissa, inci
The Mystic Army was now utterly impressed with Carissa, particularly Michael. He could see the formidable nature of Carissa's move. She had shattered the wooden staff into many pieces, and they had all been perfectly aligned. There was a subtle but powerful technique hidden within her inner force. Among all the flying wooden shards, only the one that landed on his neck was light.As the sun set and darkness enveloped the land, the campfire cast its glow over the gradually dispersing soldiers. They chattered excitedly about Carissa's technique.“That staff shattered into pieces right on the spot! It was incredible—almost like magic!”“She's truly worthy of being the late General Sinclair's daughter. She's amazing!”“I told you, if she hadn’t made real achievements on the battlefield, how could she have risen to the rank of a fifth-ranked general?”“You shameless idiot! You were the loudest back then! You even made a fuss and tried to protest to the marshal. If I hadn’t dragged yo
Carissa pointed with her Rose Spear toward where she had fought Michael. “If your eyes are still working, see why Michael surrendered for yourself.”The location wasn’t far, just about seven or eight paces away. Aurora followed the direction Carissa indicated, and took a deep breath. She saw five cracks on the ground, each twisting and winding, as if a centipede had crawled through. They converged at one spot.That spot was roughly where Michael had been standing. The cracks seemed to have passed through beneath his feet. One crack was about the size of a footprint, indicating a lighter impact. It appeared that Carissa's inner force had struck Michael's feet, causing this lighter crack.If Carissa hadn’t carefully controlled her inner force, it could have crippled Michael’s legs. That was why he had surrendered.Aurora took a deep breath, realizing that in Carissa’s presence, she had been thoroughly defeated. However, she straightened herself quickly, clinging to Barrett’s ar
Rafael summoned Carissa to the command tent.A cup of hot coffee was placed before her, its steam hazy and blurring her vision. She picked up the cup, and took a sip. It was bitter—but on a battlefield, having any drink was a luxury.“Do you want to kill her?” Rafael asked.“I’ve considered it,” Carissa admitted candidly.“The scouts we sent have reported back. Westhaven has even hidden the fact that Starhaven destroyed villages. They're claiming that a fire destroyed the entire area instead, and everyone was burned alive. Do you know what that means?” Rafael continued.Carissa held the cup tightly. The warmth of the drink contrasted sharply with the coldness in her heart. After a long pause, she finally replied, “I understand. Westhaven wants to conceal the humiliation of their crown prince.”“Even if the king discovers the truth, he can’t punish Aurora publicly. At the very least, you can be assured that your grandfather won’t be implicated because of her,” Rafael said.Sinc
After Aurora's failed challenge, she faced considerable criticism from soldiers behind her back. The generals who had been punished for their trust in her now treated her with visible disdain.Fortunately, the soldiers under her command still held her in high regard, especially the three hundred who had fought alongside her. Their loyalty remained unwavering, largely because the victory at Fawnrun City had earned them a substantial reward. Despite the murmurs of outsiders, their loyalty to Aurora was steadfast. Moreover, they shared a secret they were bound never to reveal.After two days of emotional turmoil, Aurora slowly began to recover her composure. Though she had no achievements of her own, she took solace in the fact that as long as Barrett succeeded, it would also bring glory to them as a couple. When the time came, she planned to lead her troops alongside Barrett to fight and gain merit. After Barrett’s victories, she hoped he would speak on her behalf.Excitedly, she
Everyone was busy preparing for battle, and Carissa had been focused on training formations for several days.The fifteen thousand soldiers from the Mystic Army were divided into two groups: one for offense, and one for defense. Each group was further split into ten squads, making a total of twenty squads for both attack and defense.Carissa's battle plan was straightforward: start with five squads on the offense, then quickly rotate in five defensive squads. Once the defense was solidified, they would rotate back to offense, and so on. This method of rotation would push their advance.After several days of training, the results were already noticeable.The weapons were now in place: shields and short swords for the defenders, and long spears for the attackers. Rafael had announced that the siege would begin in just a few days. As the vanguard, the Mystic Army needed to finalize their assault plans.During this period, Barrett would lead ten thousand men to set up siege ladders
"So, did you marry me because you truly liked me, or simply because your mother chose me for you?" Barrett asked softly.Carissa replied, "That question is pointless.""I want to know," he insisted quickly.Carissa's brow furrowed again. "Barrett, you've never understood your place. When you were my husband, you didn't get it. You're Aurora's husband now, and you still don't get it."Barrett's eyes darkened as he looked at her, his tone turning cold. "So, you never really liked me. You married me only because your mother told you to. I knew it! I just wanted to have another wife, but you immediately went to the palace to request a divorce. You never had any feelings for me. You were the one who was heartless first, but you made it seem like I wronged you!"Hearing that, Carissa grew exasperated. "Whether I had feelings for you or not is beside the point. From the day I entered the Warren family, I served your parents without a single day of neglect. "I did my duty. I was dev
Siege warfare was the most brutal battle.From the walls of Simonton City, crossbow machines aimed at the soldiers below. As before, they relied on those skilled in Lightfoot Skill to scale the walls. However, this time, the walls of Simonton City had been reinforced and heightened. In just ten days, the Sandorian army had raised the walls by a meter, leaving only Rafael, Carissa, Violet, and a few others capable of reaching the top.Timothy struggled initially, unable to fly up. After several attempts, he finally made it, but an enemy spear thrust towards him as soon as he landed. He fell straight down, only to be saved by Violet, who kicked the enemy away and threw her whip, lashing it around Timothy to pull him up.With Violet rescuing Timothy, Cynthia immediately covered her, blocking enemy spears that reached out.Amidst the throng of enemies, Carissa and Rafael destroyed two crossbow machines. Carissa shouted to the Mystic Army, "Deploy the catapults!"Michael relayed th
Hayden clenched his fists, his anger and helplessness tightening his chest as he followed behind.The physician worked quickly, examining Sonny's injuries. Both of his legs were broken, three of his teeth were knocked out, and his face was riddled with fractures. Despite the pain that twisted his expression, he still grinned at Hayden, forcing a smile through gritted teeth.He tried to assure Hayden with a look that said he would be fine.Hayden turned away, his heart aching. The man who had stood by his side for so many years now lay in such a state. Fury surged within him, but there was nothing he could do.Back in Nerovia, he had ordered an extra emblem to be made, just in case the day ever came when Nicholas stole the original to mobilize Hayden's forces. If Hayden noticed in time, someone could use the duplicate emblem to stop Nicholas.Hayden hadn't expected it to serve its purpose this way, though.The chaos of the riverworks project was swiftly quelled. Cameron was arrest
As dawn broke, Adrian led them to the Glimmering Tower. It was then that Carissa realized they weren't the only ones who had arrived—many guild leaders and elders were present as well. Even Violet and Bun's mentor had come.When Violet spotted her mentor Conrad, she gasped in surprise and rushed toward him. "Sage Conrad, what brings you here? You didn't even send word beforehand!"Conrad smiled warmly as he looked at his beloved apprentice, indulgence in his voice. "I heard you were guarding the capital. Naturally, I had to come and lend you a hand.""Sage Conrad, you're too kind. I'll get another villa for you once we're done here," Violet said, linking her arm with his, grinning widely.Conrad scowled lightly, feigning annoyance. "Why would I need more villas from you? No more, I tell you. However, I did hear about a hot spring at Solitude Peak. I thought of buying it, so your fellow apprentices can soak and strengthen their bodies."Violet nodded enthusiastically. "I'll buy i
The black-clad assailants' Lightfoot Skills were extraordinary, and they scattered in all directions. Adrian could have pursued one of them, but catching all of them was impossible.However, he chose not to pursue anyone at all. Emerging from the shadows, his hand darted out and grabbed Carissa by the ear, twisting it until she yelped in pain. "So bold of you, wasn't it? To engage without proper defenses? Do you think you're invincible? Haven't you heard the saying that there's always someone stronger out there?"Carissa shrieked and flailed in protest as the lamps were lit by Jacob, illuminating the courtyard and revealing the bloodstains on everyone's bodies.Only then did Adrian notice the wounds on Carissa. Yet instead of softening, his grip on her ear tightened, and he hissed, "You couldn't guess what Nicholas was planning? And you didn't think to write for reinforcements from Meadow Ridge? Are you so arrogant now that you've forgotten basic caution? Just wait until your mart
Hayden gestured for her to lower the sword. "Not tonight. Neither side is ready."Chaya frowned, confused. "Why? Didn't you say Mr. Russell was formidable? If he's taking action, surely he can capture Prince Nicholas?""He won't capture him," Hayden replied, rubbing his temples. "General Farrell has Valken surrounded, but he hasn't launched an attack because he knows Mr. Murphy has already undermined Prince Yuvan's authority. "A portion of Valken's population has joined the so-called rebel forces. If the capital falls now, the officials in Valken and Nerovia will find an excuse, under the court's banner, to slaughter the townsfolk. That would spark even larger uprisings. That's why Lady Carissa can't act prematurely."Chaya hastily tossed the sword aside. "And why isn't it the right time for Prince Nicholas, then?""It's simple," Hayden said. "He needs Mr. Murphy to first defeat General Farrell in a decisive victory. Once General Farrell is dealt with, he'll move on to General Mu
By the early hours of the morning, the rain had lessened to a gentle drizzle, leaving the air cooler and the night more serene. The quiet respite lulled many into a deeper, more peaceful sleep.Seven or eight shadowy figures darted through the curfewed city, their movements light and swift. They barely left a trace as they touched down on rooftops, their steps silent.They arrived at the Capital Guard headquarters. The outer guards had already retreated for the night, leaving only Carissa and her companions waiting in the main hall, tense and alert.With a quick exchange of glances, the group gripped their weapons. The assassins had arrived!The dim light of the hall flickered, and as the black-clad figures descended, a gust of wind extinguished the lamps. Darkness enveloped the room, plunging it into an impenetrable black where even an outstretched hand became invisible.Amid the darkness, the faint sound of breathing and the subtle rhythm of movements became the only clues to
The damp, oppressive heat of summer seemed to weigh heavily on the spirit, stoking an inexplicable irritation in the air.Hayden, clearly affected by the weather, barely touched his dinner. After a few cursory bites, he set his cutlery down and announced that he was heading back to the study to practice his calligraphy to clear his mind. He gestured for Chaya to follow, and the two left the room.Before departing, Chaya made sure to take two heaping plates of snacks with her. After all, she wasn't about to let herself go hungry.Nicholas, still in his Gordon disguise, watched Hayden leave but made no move to stop him. It didn't matter where Hayden went—his every step was being monitored. Besides, Nicholas had far more pressing matters to attend to tonight.Back in his room, Nicholas locked the door behind him and methodically prepared for the night's mission. He changed into his stealth attire, then sat before a mirror. Opening a small wooden box on the table, he revealed an array
By evening, tensions finally erupted.The Waterworks Department had stationed soldiers to oversee the workers, ensuring work continued on schedule. Yesterday's heavy rain had halted all progress, but with today's rare overcast skies and no rain, Cameron ordered the workers to make up for lost time. In fact, he demanded they finish the project three days ahead of schedule.The workers were already agitated, and they refused. Tempers flared, and heated arguments broke out between them and the Waterworks Department officials. In a fit of rage, Cameron picked up a club and struck one of the workers. That single blow ignited an uncontrollable fury among the workers. Over a hundred men turned on the officials, attacking them in a chaotic melee.Fortunately, Carissa had already stationed people nearby to keep an eye on the situation. Word was immediately sent to Max.Max was wary, suspecting this might be a calculated ploy by Nicholas. However, based on their investigation, not all th
Adrian had also brought a cannon with him, though it had to remain outside the city for now. It couldn't be transported in just yet. This cannon, an improvement on the red canon of Nerathia, was the same one that had destroyed Everett's courtyard back then.In a few days, nearly all the martial factions that had been invited to Adrian's birthday banquet would arrive, each disguised in various ways. Knowing that martial artists would be thoroughly questioned at the city gates, they all decided to change their appearances completely.Adrian had specifically chosen people from Coldmoon Guild to keep watch at the Capital Guard headquarters and Hell Monarch Estate in shifts. There was a reason for this. The people from Coldmoon Guild rarely moved within the martial world, and they seldom visited the capital. Nicholas' men likely had never encountered them, which made them perfect for keeping Carissa safe without drawing suspicion.Adrian was certain that Nicholas' next move would be to
After the group entered the city, Michael was momentarily distracted by another merchant caravan arriving at the gates. He made sure to inspect them thoroughly, confirming that there were no issues before allowing them to pass.As he turned back, he noticed the merchant caravan was following closely behind the group he had just checked. Among them, a familiar figure caught his eye—a figure whose silhouette seemed unmistakable. It resembled Carissa's martial uncle from the Pathfinders Guild.The man's name was Everett, if Michael recalled correctly. But then again, the face didn't match. He thought about it for a moment, but the resemblance was only in the figure. The features—absolutely not. Still, Michael felt uneasy and decided it was worth investigating further.He instructed a few men to follow the caravan and watch for any unusual activity. An hour later, they reported back that the group had settled in a manor on Eastland Avenue. That area was known for being home to powerfu