NOVEL NEXT Chapter128-Lister's Scheme
Inside the Emperor's bedroom, Aurek was listening to reports from his ministers.
Winston and others were presenting progress on the expansion of the Imperial legions and the allocation of resources.
This time, they were no longer cautious and hesitant. Their plans for deployment and even their approach to dealing with influential families were calm and decisive.
It was clear that the appearance of the four thousand soldiers had not only shocked them but had also given them an unprecedented confidence!
Like a long-awaited rain after a drought, their confidence and aspirations grew rapidly like fresh, tender sprouts.
"Your Majesty, should we alter anything regarding the Firstfall Festival?"
Scholar Chuck asked.
Given the Empire's grandiose movements now, many matters needed careful consideration.
"Proceed as originally planned!" Aurek said lightly.
At this point, the significance of the Firstfall Festival was no longer just a simple ceremony or celebration. It was connected to the future direction of countless forces within the Empire!
"Understood!"
"..."
Soon, the Elemental Assassin appeared by his side.
"My Lord, they have begun to flee!"
The spies from various forces had never left Aurek's radar.
And now they were trying to flee? It was too late...
"Not a single one shall remain."
In the shifting light and shadows, the Elemental Assassin vanished.
The chase had begun, and the blade was already in motion...
Aurek stood by the balcony, gazing at the sunlight piercing through the clouds.
"The blazing sun is above, and it burns on contact... These petty disturbances should come to an end."
His gaze seemed to look beyond mountains and rivers, landing on the land that was about to be ravaged by iron hooves and raging flames.
Truva Province.
Lister, using the border town's teleportation array, cleverly avoided the eyes of other forces.
He performed the Skyeye Guild's unique "Wind Running Technique," like a silver streak cutting across the sky, and arrived first at Bidomon City.
This castle, located in the winding mountains, was now shrouded in an eerie stillness.
The spire of Sky-reaching Tower pierced the clouds like a giant's spear casting its shadow over the entire city.
At the very top of the tower, in the Starry Hall, the leader of Sky-reaching Tower, Diston, was in the middle of a private meeting with Count Blackcrow Wilson and Owo, leader of the Chaos Apostles.
A map spread out on the long table marked the power vacuum left after the Holy Sword Alliance's destruction.
"We must first eliminate the Doom Legion sent by the Empire, and only then can we deal with the Imperial Knights," Diston said, his fingers tapping heavily on the sheepskin map, causing the crystal glasses on the table to tremble.
Owo's shadowed face under his hood shifted slightly, his voice grating.
"I've already sent a pigeon to Oracle Mountain, but even with the teleportation arrays in various cities, reinforcements will take time to arrive."
Wilson fiddled with the obsidian ring on his finger, sneering.
"Before that, we need to dig out this elusive army like goblins mining for treasure."
Diston was in a foul mood. His original plan had been to seize Bidomon City and the surrounding lands during the Firstfall Festival without a drop of Bloodblade's involvement.
Now, he was facing the Empire's sharp edge.
Though Oracle Mountain had promised to help him seize more lands once the current task was completed, this game was now out of his control.
After five days of searches with no results, it seemed like the army had evaporated into thin air.
Just as Diston was growing restless, an apprentice quickly entered the hall.
"Mentor, there is a visitor outside the tower requesting an audience."
"Who is it?" Diston frowned.
"It's Lister from Skyeye Guild!"
Diston's pupils constricted slightly.
The president of Skyeye Guild's chief disciple, a renowned genius from the Eastern regions. His arrival was certainly not by chance.
"Let them in."
Diston adjusted his robe and gestured for Wilson and Owo to step into the side hall.
Moments later, Lister entered the hall, accompanied by the scruffy old man and Adrian.
The young man's handsome face bore a perfectly timed smile, and his azure eyes were sharp enough to seem like they could peer into one's soul.
"I have long heard of the illustrious name of the Tower Master Diston, and now, seeing you in person, it's truly a name well earned," Lister said, bowing in a refined, almost courtly manner.
Diston returned the bow, but his gaze involuntarily flicked toward the scruffy old man holding a wine jug.
That demeanor, that posture... Could this be the reclusive powerhouse of Skyeye Guild?
Thinking of this, Diston's attitude became more respectful.
"I'm not sure why you've traveled all the way here. May I ask what brings you, sir?" Diston asked, feigning calmness.
Lister chuckled lightly and casually took a seat.
"I've come to deliver a message to you, Tower Master Diston—The Empire is about to make its move against you, and it's coming soon."
Diston's fingers clenched tightly, and a flicker of emotion crossed his eyes. "What do you mean by that?"
"Steurn, the old soldier from Truva, went to Eryndor City and exposed all of Governor Charles' affairs," Lister said nonchalantly, adjusting his sleeve.
"Although I'm not sure what your exact plans are, Charles is finished, and as for Sky-reaching Tower... I'm afraid it won't be spared either."
Diston's expression darkened immediately.
"No wonder..."
"No wonder what?" Lister keenly caught the subtle shift in his words.
"The Holy Sword Alliance has been completely eradicated by the Empire," Diston's voice was heavy, suppressed with tension.
This news left both Lister and Adrian stunned.
The Holy Sword Alliance, a Tier Seven force, had been completely wiped out in such a short time?
Lister quickly regained his composure and laughed lightly.
"It seems the Tower Master is not overly panicked!"
"Panicked? My Sky-reaching Tower was well prepared. If the Empire dares to extend its claws, we'll chop them off!" Diston sneered.
"It seems the Tower Master has still underestimated the Empire's strength."
"Just five hundred Doom Legion soldiers were enough to level the Holy Sword Alliance. What about four thousand?"
"Four thousand?"
Diston first chuckled, then his eyes locked onto Lister with intensity.
"Are you joking?"
Adrian stepped forward.
"We saw it with our own eyes. Steurn is leading four thousand elite troops toward Truva Province, and that's not including the mysterious ghosts that are hard to track."
Diston's palms began to sweat.
If this was true, then not only Sky-reaching Tower but the entire Bidomon Mountain could be flattened.
Seeing Diston's fluctuating expression, Lister knew the time was right.
"However... there might still be a turning point."
"Please, enlighten me!" Diston said eagerly.
A glimmer of light flashed in Lister's eyes.
"The army's target is Charles. Why not join forces with Count Blackcrow and Chaos Apostles to set an ambush in Truva City?"
"While they are engaging Charles, we strike them from behind for a fatal blow."
Diston immediately understood Lister's intent.
"You want us to eliminate this Imperial elite army with your help?" he asked.
"Mutually beneficial," Lister shrugged.
"Unless the Tower Master is willing to give up Bidomon City's foundation, this battle is unavoidable."
Diston was silent for a long time before finally sighing.
"I'll contact Wilson and Owo right away. But... I would appreciate it if you and this old gentleman could lend us your assistance as well."
Lister glanced at the silent, scruffy old man, and smiled.
"Of course."
However, Diston did not know that while they were discussing, several Elemental Assassins had already quietly infiltrated the deepest parts of Sky-reaching Tower, like melting shadows.
Meanwhile, several miles away in a valley, the golden-armored warrior was receiving a report from his subordinate.
When he heard the name "Lister," a sharp gleam flashed in his eyes.
"If the main force of Sky-reaching Tower heads to Truva Province, leave half of the men here to take down their base."
With a cold voice, the golden-armored warrior issued his command.
"The rest will come with me to Truva Province, and we will eliminate those forces once and for all."
...