Return of the Mythic Bloodline

"Could you tell me how many Mid-Tier Awakeners they have?" I asked as the four of us stood in a close circle.

"Excluding that ignorant mortal, there are two more—the snake-faced one with revolting hair and that fat bald man," Vyaghra stated with a straight face.

"Hehe, they would have cried hearing your remarks," I chuckled before asking another question. "If we're being practical, what are our chances of winning in the current situation?"

"It's less than one percent," Vyaghra declared. "We can defeat all of them by pushing ourselves to the limit, but their three strongest members—including the leader—aren't even here. There is also a chance that more of them are waiting in the shadows to strike us once we exhaust ourselves."

"Oh, so the situation is worse than I expected," I replied, rubbing my chin.

I pulled them even closer, one hand draped over Ume's shoulder and the other over Vyaghra's. Jambavan had to sit down since there was no way we could reach his ears at the top of his towering body.

"Listen carefully. First we will chatter... chatter, then snicker... snicker, and once that is done we will giggle... giggle..."

As I explained my plan, the three of them stared at me with deeply judgmental eyes.

"So, how is it?" I asked, rubbing my nose with pride.

"I lost my faith in humanity with every word leaving your mouth," Ume let out a brief sigh. "Humans are really cruel."

"Ume, you're hurting my feelings here," I protested.

"This is somethin' only a devil could think of," Jambavan added. "Ay should be careful to not get on yer bad side in the future."

"Hey, not you too."

"It's a very undignified plan; however," Vyaghra also spoke up, adding salt to the wounds created by Ume and Jambavan's remarks, "I can't help but follow it since it's the most suitable method to ensure Her Majesty's safety."

"Hmm, Ay also agree."

"I shall also permit this devilish plan."

The three of them agreed with reluctant expressions; however, I was already on all fours, suffering from the successive emotional damage they inflicted.

"S-so let's do it right now?" I ordered, pushing myself back to a standing position.

Moving toward the edge of the wall, I took out the small paper with the magic circle Ume had given me, let my voice become laced with Soulforce, and announced, "Hahaha, these idiots think that we only have Low-Tier Soul Stones, but they are completely unaware that we possess a High-Tier Soul Stone crystal!"

The army, who had been setting up their camps a few miles away from the city wall, began gathering upon hearing my declaration.

"Great, their attention is on me."

I pulled out the lotus-shaped Soul Stone crystal from my inventory and continued, "Hehehe, with this High-Tier crystal, we can keep the array activated for two months straight!"

The army turned restless the moment they saw the crystal.

"Is-is that really a High-Tier crystal?"

"Just look at its unique shape. It's definitely a High-Tier."

"First, an array from the ancient era, and now a High-Tier Soul Stone crystal that even the Dreadspire mines don't possess," Theon muttered, completely baffled. "Where did these people come from?"

"Awesome! The bluff worked," I shouted inwardly.

I was skeptical they might notice it was actually a Mid-Tier Soul Stone crystal, but they were more idiotic than I expected.

"Hahaha, just stay in your camps like stupid idiots and exhaust your Soulforce while I take a deep sleep on my comfortable bed," I said, stepping back and handing the lotus crystal to Ume.

With that, the first part of the plan was completed.

When I reached the other edge of the wall, I found the entire population of the city gathered in the streets.

"Sir Morningstar, we will fight to the death with you, so don't hesitate to ask for our help!" Sam shouted from the crowd.

"Yes, Sir Morningstar, if not for you, we would still be living meaningless lives as slaves," Daniel added. "We will never let them hurt you again!"

"Fight... fight... fight..."

Their thunderous roars echoed through the streets.

I extended my palm forward, gesturing for the crowd to stay calm.

"You are all my subjects, and I have the duty to protect you. I am not so weak that I must push the citizens of the city into a war. Do not worry—we will win this war with zero casualties. This is the word of Lucifer Morningstar."

My announcement sent a wave of relief through the city's people.

"We believe in you, Sir Morningstar!" they exclaimed in rejoicing voices.

"You have become good at this," Ume said, standing beside me.

"Hehe, that's only natural—I have a goddess of heavenly beauty as my teacher," I whispered, holding her hand.

"Obviously," she replied with a smug smile, then continued drawing a small pattern on the back of my palm. "With this, you can move freely in and out of the array."

"Thank you, my lady."

Sitting at the middle of the wall so that no one from either side could see me, I removed the mask from my face and returned to my original appearance of black hair, forehead mark, and dual golden pupils.

"Vyaghra, are you ready?" I asked as we moved to the next part of our plan.

Vyaghra sat behind me and touched my back with his palm. A dark energy emerged from his hand, passed through my body, and entered my shadow.

"It's done," he stated. "You only need to give me a sign, and I will teleport you back to this place right away."

"Huh? You did it so fast this time," I murmured, confused. "Last time, it took you over two hours to set this skill."

"There were four people I had to teleport last time—not to mention it was against their will. But this time it's only you, and my realm has also increased since then."

"Fair enough," I replied, stretching my arms.

"So, I will meet you soon."

"Raj!" Ume called as I was about to move.

"What is it, Ume?"

"Take care of yourself," she whispered, leaning closer to my face.

"I will," I replied, patting her head before ordering inwardly,

"Vivi, activate Vyaghra's blessing."