Chapter 130: Prelude To War: The Gathering Storm (Bonus)

Several more days had passed and the war ever drew closer. Right now it was just two more days left.

The Academy’s training halls were crowded, the research room the same, and now there was training activity by mages of different guilds in the open field.

The last couple of days had been one definition of a lot, and the mages of the Academy had their anxiety levels up.

It was true that the Dragon defending Dragonhold had been fully confirmed to not be anywhere within the kingdom, but most people had this fear of “what if?” What if the dragon just decided to show up at the last minute and destroy them instantly?

Everyone knew the story of the Kingdom of Jogunmount, that last kingdom that experienced terror at the hands of Thyrak.

Lord Juhna, late father of the current Lord Juvna, had marched towards Dragonhold about five decades ago with his army, and in minutes they were utterly wiped out.

The Kingdom somehow still suffered from the setback of that war till date.

Members of each guild were training hard, Ravens Grave inclusive. Even Bernard had barely left the training room these days.

Aiden, however, had barely been around. He spent most of his time within his Pocket Domain, sharing company with Syra’s spirit, while having his avatars do the system allotted missions in his stead to gain XP.

Right now his current XP count was more than enough to take him to the next level.

Additionally, he was avoiding being in the same space as both Laela and Arianna. It got too weird occasionally for him.

This left Laela worried sometimes, but she couldn’t let it be a bother. The war was coming, and every mage had to focus on being better at their magic.

Kayden, on his part, had slowly started interacting with his former team members more constantly than the last few weeks.

—–

Meanwhile, Zahka’s forces had marched en masse to the kingdom. They had an army of about 7000 soldiers.

About maybe a thousand of them were in black clothing and looked like ninjas, whilst having a sword or katana strapped to their sides. These were considered swordsmen with a lot more mastery than the basics.

Another thousand had sparse clothing on their upper body parts, whilst also being more muscular. These were martial artists above the basic level.

The rest of the soldiers were in samurai plated armor.

The soldiers set up camps near the entrance of Xathia’s main city, their tents stretching across the field like a black and red sea.

Lady Selene, however, alongside the Supreme Asura Tzar and the different Asuras of martial arts and swordsmanship respectively, had ridden further into the city, leading all the way to the Palace of Lord Oberon.

She and her forces had ridden all through the night to appear in Xathia by almost noon.

Soon after, servants were sent out to every guild, inviting the guild captains of each guild to the palace.

—–

The last time Oberon and his captains had a meeting, he informed them of his alliance with Zahka. It had been part of their discussions right before Aiden was summoned to give account of the abilities of the captains of dragonhold.

So Zahka’s arrival to the kingdom, had not come as a surprise to the captains.

One by one the guild captains stepped into the throne room. When Katherine stepped in, she couldn’t help that startled expression when she saw the expressionless face of her sister staring right back at her.

However, she stepped right into line with the other guild captains, maintaining her composure.

Not long after, the doors to Oberon’s throne room closed.

Lined up on one side were the eight guild captains of Xathia. On the opposite side stood six Asuras from Zahka, their presence commanding and their expressions stern.

Lord Oberon sat upon his throne at the head of the room, with Thamoryn standing to his right as always. Lady Selene stood to his left, while Supreme Asura Tzar, stood just behind her.

There was a good amount of tension that filled the atmosphere

Oberon leaned forward slightly, and with his voice carrying authority, he began the meeting formerly. “We are gathered here today to finalize our strategy for the assault on Dragonhold. In less than two days, we march. Our forces combined number over ten thousand, counting both our mages and Zahka’s warriors.”

He gestured toward Thamoryn. “The Grand Magus has confirmed multiple times that the dragon remains absent. This is our opportunity, one that may not come again in our lifetimes.”

Lady Selene stepped forward slightly. “Lord Oberon, if I may address the room?”

Oberon nodded. “Proceed, Lady Selene.”

She turned to face both the captains and the Asuras. “Our forces are not here merely as support. Zahka has suffered at the hands of the House Crowley. My uncle and his family were murdered by King Jarius in his own palace, under the guise of hospitality.” Her voice was steady, but somehow one could feel the fury beneath it.

“We do not forget such dishonor.”

Katherine’s jaw tightened slightly at the mention of their uncle, but she said nothing.

Selene continued, “And so, I ask that my Asuras and I be given the sole task of killing every member of House Crowley. We will be the instrument of a justice that they the King so deserves. The rest of my soldiers are yours to command.”

The room fell silent and Katherine’s eyes widened slightly.

Oberon studied Selene for a moment, then a slow smile spread across his face. “Very well, Lady Selene. House Crowley is yours to deal with”

This was something he was going to take care of personally without mentioning it out this way, especially since Katherine was the captain heading Ravens Grave, with Aiden as a member.

However since Selene mentioned it, he didn’t see any need to refute it. If anything, it made it easier for him.

Selene bowed her head respectfully. “You have my gratitude, Lord Oberon. Not a single Crowley will escape Zahka’s blade.”

Katherine who had been feeling uneasy about a certain matter , interjected, “And what of Aiden Crowley of Ravens Grave?”

Selene shot a glare at Katherine, “and who might that be?”

Katherine glared back just as much, “Bastard of Jarius Crowley. He is the only reason we could even dream this war possible, and the only reason we are all gathered here today.”

“What?!—” Selene looked at Katherine still confused about what she was trying to say.

Oberon inserted himself quickly into the conversation, “What the captain is trying to say is, the bastard gave us the ace we needed by revealing the situation of the dragon’s disappearance to us” Oberon then turned towards Katherine and said, “Captain, you have nothing to worry about. No harm will come to Aiden, so far he stays on this side”

Of course he only said this to quickly stifle any possibly rising argument with both Sisters who still glared at each other.

Deep inside, Aiden was still a crowley and every Crowley had to go.

The meeting where they discussed strategy continued in earnest.

…

Within the Pocket Domain, where Aiden sat with Syra floating to his side

“it’s time” He said, breathing in and exhaling afterwards.

Syra nodded slightly and afterwards her translucent form faded away.

At that moment, a portal with bluish hue spun into view and Aiden walked into it.

…

The King Jarius was in an emergency meeting with his captains and the head of knights, Baran. This was as a result of what they knew was coming upon them, War.

“Do we know when they intend to attack?” One asked

Another added, “we should send word to Lady Arnarra quickly and other kingdoms quickly”

Before the random suggestions continued any further, Jarius spoke up, “Captains, please!”

The voices died down and Jarius was just about to proceed with a statement.

But all of a sudden and without warning, a portal with bluish hue appeared right in the middle of the room.

Aiden’s right foot stepped through it, bringing forth the rest of his body into the throne room of Dragonhold.

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