NOVEL NEXT Chapter 59: Survivors
[Western State of La Magia, Count Logan Revis]
News had reached the Far East that a girl named Cero Restes had killed Sarah Eldrath, the South's finest assassin. Fortunately, no one had seen Cero's face or drawn her likeness.
False rumors were spreading across the kingdom that Gabby was hiding in the West under the protection of Count Logan Rivas.
Count Logan's face turned grim as he read the letter from the messenger, sealed by Duke Ashby.
"An extensive search for Cero Restes in my territory? I won't allow it!" he shouted.
The messenger, expecting for his response, warned, "Then Duke Ashby will use military force to search the West."
Count Logan's face twisted hearing the bold response of the messenger.
He thought to himself, "Duke Ashby II has no proof. Just a hunch or a petty reason to justify their conquest by conquering the West of La Magia Kingdom. As if we don't see through it. He's clearly insulting my authority as a Count."
Count Logan remarked, "We are not hiding a criminal in my territory. He will use by any means necessary if someone trespass my territory without my permission."
The messenger, clearly unimpressed by Count Logan's military strength, grinned and said, "Your words will reach the Majestic Duke. Please excuse me, My Lord."
As he turned to leave, the messenger thought to himself, "They may have advanced weapons, but the South's military is far more terrifying. Duke Ashby's Grandmaster-tier heroes alone could wipe out Count Logan's entire army."
Soon, news spread across the Kingdom of La Magia that Duke Ashby's military forces were being mobilized to wage war against the West, under the pretense of executing a search warrant for Cero Restes.
***
[East of La Magia, Bradford Village: Barony of Jin Claye]
Jin thought to himself, "This is bad. Duke Ashby has begun his reckless conquest for territorial expansion."
Since he had some free time, Jin decided to visit his estate. He spoke to no one except Sir Simon.
"How is your wife doing, Sir Simon?" Jin asked.
Sir Simon replied, "Thanks to you, Saint Alchemist Yin Farrock, and Gabby, she's now free from the Death of Rose disease."
"I'm glad to hear that," Jin said warmly.
He tossed a large pouch of gold coins to Sir Simon and added, "Recruit more mercenaries and consider training our knights here at the estate. You'll be fully compensated for your work."
Sir Simon longed for a peaceful life with his wife, but he couldn't forget Lord Jin's kindness in saving her. If this was the price to repay that debt, it was a small favor.
Now fully committed to his role as mentor, Sir Simon said, "I'll put your gold to good use. But, my lord, how much is in the pouch?"
"Twenty thousand gold coins," Jin replied. "And I'll likely send more."
Sir Simon's eyes widened. "My lord, are you trying to raise a rebellion? That's enough to fund an entire county!"
Jin simply smiled. "Of course not."
Sir Simon frowned slightly. "But I know about your barony's economic struggles. If someone like Sir Juan finds out, he'll pressure me to hand over the gold."
Jin grinned. "I've attached my seal to a document granting you special power of attorney. You have full authority to use the gold as you see fit."
Sir Simon thought to himself, "Lord Jin is testing my loyalty and usefulness."
He bowed slightly and said, "Very well, Lord Jin. Your wish is my command."
Jin mounted his horse once again and said, "I'll see you soon, Sir Simon."
***
[East, Central City: Robert's Magic Academy]
Every senior student anticipated the arrival of Von Granna and his expedition survival squad.
They waited at the chamber where the Teleportation portal was located.
Two battered figures, nearly frozen to death, emerged from the teleportation portal.
One of them was immediately recognized. Gabby Magus, the student who had stunned the academy by forcing a draw against Professor Odel in a high-profile chess match. The Robert's Magic Academy's Chess Club had even released a detailed analysis of the game, and Grandmaster Levian himself had published a theoretical breakdown, further boosting Gabby's popularity.
Public opinion, however, remained divided. Some hailed Gabby as a rising chess genius, while others dismissed him as a lucky student, especially after his brilliant knight maneuver was followed by a blunder that cost him a bishop.
The other figure was unknown to most. Her name was Maya. She had entered the dungeon portal without awakening and to many, that made her unremarkable, someone not worth remembering.
Professor Morisson smiled to himself, "If these weaklings managed to survive, then Von must have made it out as well."
But his expression quickly changed along with everyone else who witnessed the spectacle.
The light and radiance of the teleportation portal suddenly vanished. Its glow fading into nothingness. That could only mean one thing: the two unconscious figures lying before them were the sole survivors.
Professor Morisson had countless questions racing through his mind.
He muttered under his breath, "Impossible…"
Then, raising his voice, he commanded, "Bring a stretcher! Gather all the priests immediately! Treat the wounded survivors and everyone, stay alert. There might still be others out there."
The urgency in Professor Morisson's voice snapped everyone into action. The once-hopeful atmosphere quickly turned tense. But deep inside, Professor Morisson still held on to hope that more survivors would emerge from the portal.
Professor Morisson began to feel nervous as he thought to himself, "I'm in trouble. If those two are the only survivors, all the blame and criticism will fall on me. I underestimated the danger of the dungeon and ended up getting promising heroes killed including Von Granna and Robin Gale.
Not only would I be stripped of my position as an elder of the Magic Tower, but I could also face multiple criminal charges. And with public and political opinion turning against me, things will only get worse.
This is a terrible situation. But how could an entire squad of one hundred and one members be completely wiped out except for just two survivors?"