Chapter 228.

PART 1.

Before they could reveal themselves, the group wanted to ensure they continued to dominate the fields of politics and battle. To this end, they used the resources of Albion, particularly its navy to win victories for them. Though they successfully took over some areas near Africa by force, they were rather less successful in influencing the kings and rulers around the world.

They feel that they have stretched this as long as possible, and now they are ready to reveal themselves to the world. “Prepare a worldwide broadcast.” Said Alan. “Make sure that both of you appear immaculate.”

“No need to tell us, mister emotionless.” Grumbled Victoria.

PART 2.

Hatori is meeting with Dhiraj. Professor Kroadhatma has left some project notes for him, so he comes to take those from time to time. The wily professor did not want Hatori to blow through the material, so he set conditions that only if Hatori satisfied some conditions, then he be able to see the next notes.

He has also overlooked the ward maintenance done by the Magecraft and Sorcery Institute to the wards of the Academy. While he is speaking with the headmaster, the television is playing some music in the background. However, the music is interrupted by some static, and suddenly, two men and one woman appear on the screen.

Dhiraj is lost for a moment as to what is going on, but Hatori knows what is going on. After all, for the last two years, he has been preparing the assault force to fight these people. His responsibility was to select strong mages with combat talent, and then train with them.

Speaking of the time, he is 27 now. ‘Huh. I’ll reach thirty in just three years.’ thinks Hatori.

One of the men begins to speak on the screen. “Greetings people of this world.” their words are being translated into multiple languages around the world in real-time. “We are the sacred group established by the Sorcerer Lilith. For thousands of years, we have operated in secret to manipulate the world, all to break the tyranny of the strong mages who have no idea of how to lead this world, and purge the other dimension of the magicless people and take it over for ourselves.”

“We are now revealing ourselves to you, consider yourself witness to the next age, which is starting right now.” said the woman.

“Any who resist against us will be destroyed. We have already killed most of the strong mages of the past, so most of you have no chance of going against us. If you submit to us, we will be merciful to you, so think before you challenge us or decide to go against us.” said the final man who has not spoken until now.

The speech continues in this manner, praising the nobles who have helped them, and inviting more of them to fight by their side to establish themselves in this new world. However, Hatori has had enough of listening to this. After excusing himself from the presence of the headmaster, Hatori leaves for the castle at the City of Throne.

PART 3.

There is a flurry of activity around the world, as the reveal of this group and their goals is taking place. Raven is part of these activities as well, as he prepares to move his forces to Europa.

“How’s it going?” asked Hatori, looming in the room. “When are we leaving?”

“Don’t worry. We leave soon. Are the combat nutbars ready?” asked Raven.

“Sure, they are.” Said Hatori. “We’ll leave when you order.”

“Wait for an hour or so.” Said Raven.

Hatori nods and leaves Raven to his devices. The bulk of the fighting will be taking place in Europa, and this time, Hatori plans to be someone who inflicts damage and makes people run, rather than someone who is scared or is getting injured.

He also realizes something while he waits. That continent just loves getting hammered with brutal wars. But given the history of Asia, Hatori cannot say about it much.

PART 4.

Multiple forces start to converge on Europa, with only one goal in mind: capture Albion and destroy this group entirely.

Battles immediately broke out on multiple fronts, as the territories that were taken over by Albion earlier resisted this advance. But the numbers were not on their side, so losses started to mount up.

While the operation looked smooth from the outside, in reality, everyone had to work hard in the background. Ambassadors like Josh and other ministers represented their respective kings, and they had to work hard in smoothing over the issues that stemmed from the historical animosities of the past.

Meanwhile, the generals coordinated with their combat mages, where people like Hatori were put in their own special groups. If an area refuses to cooperate with them, then they are cut loose. This usually results in a destroyed area left behind, and the cities and towns are left in ruin in their wake. Hatori is certain that historically, this action will not be looked upon kindly.

PART 5.

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Just when they are done with their announcement, and start to walk to the king’s throne room, they start to hear the reports of multiple battles breaking out on various fronts, and how they are losing rapidly.

Paling after listening to these grim reports, they look at each other. “Did we move too soon?” asked Victoria.

“We should have never exposed ourselves.” Realizes Justice.

“Whatever. We must deal with this threat. Prepare our own responses.” Said Alan, still cool as ever.

His words give them strength, and they make their way to the throne room to prepare for this war.

PART 6.

It took them three weeks to get to Albion. Once they arrived there, the trio lost the situation. Though the nation does have a strong navy, it cannot do anything when the enemy forces are already on its land. It was Raven’s idea to use the airships for this, while their united navy kept the Albion navy busy with skirmishes.

The people, who were not pleased with Albus or the new king, quickly aligned with the foreign forces, and the supporters of this group were hunted. They had a smooth progress until they arrived in the capital Londinium.

Londinium is an ancient city. Therefore, it also has some old protections, which cannot be breached so easily. As a result, they have to lay siege on this city and force the enemy to come out. Outside, on the borders of the city, Hatori is with Tom and other assault mages, remembering his time when he came to this city as a competitor.

Though he is an invader now, it does not give him any pleasure. The enemy has decided to hold up in the city, and a battle is going on at the border of the city to keep the invaders out.

The ritual magic of Albion is quite strong, but Hatori and other mages working with him can nullify that advantage. As the battle comes to an end, they are still no closer to entering the city.

“Did you hear what they did on the other side?” asked Tom. “Some people were fleeing through the river, and they attacked them. Their own civilians.”

“Doesn’t surprise me,” said Hatori. “They are losing, so they are going to lash out like this.”

“Yes. Anyway, the general has called you. he said that I should take your position while you speak with them,” said Tom.

Hatori grunted, while getting up from his seat, and left to meet with Raven. “Use this if they toss more large spells at you,” he said while giving Tom a paper with various symbols drawn on it.

Hatori comes to the camp of generals, where Raven is discussing with the generals what can they do to end this siege in their favor. So far, apart from arguing in circles, these generals have not done anything.

“Look, maybe if we block the river, that would cut the supply of water. Maybe then they would think of surrendering?” said one general from Zhongguo.

“Honestly,” said Hatori, having fed up with this line of thinking, “You guys are thinking in the wrong direction.” Ignoring the glares of the older generals, Hatori continues.

“You heard their speech. They are out here to take over the world. they will never surrender, even if they are the last people in the city.” Said Hatori. “Couple with the ancient defenses they have, they can potentially sit there for years.”

“Then what do you suggest?” asked Raven, before some other general could explode at Hatori, and Hatori lashed out in return. “We cannot dismantle their defenses, nor we can send a team to capture their king.”

“We will have to hammer the city so hard that they would be killed in the process. and do it again if the noble families supporting them do not relent.” Said Hatori. “Once we do make some examples, their resistance will be broken, and they will surrender.”

“What you propose is not impossible.” Said a general from Kemet. “But that kind of magic takes a long time to set up and prepare. How can we do this while suffering attacks from the city?”

“Not to mention, will you really kill all those civilians?” asked another general.

“You weren’t squeamish about ordering us to ruin the cities before we arrived here. Tell me general, do you not think that we destroyed all those strongholds without killing the civilians?” asked Hatori in return. “As for preparing that magic, I merely need the help of James and Josh. Together, we can create such a spell.”

“Very well.” said a general from Doichland. “We will give you time. Setup your own camp, and prepare this spell.”

“Very well,” said Hatori to the generals. “You could always help out the fleeing civilians. I hear they massacred a group at the border while some families were fleeing through the river.” After saying that, Hatori leaves to find Josh and James.

Though James was busy with his healing work, he agreed with Hatori. Once they found Josh, they set a boundary field to slow the time down and then got to work. They could not stop the time outright, due to the short amount of time they had to draw the runes for this boundary, but it is more than enough for their current use.

PART 7.

While Hatori leaves, an attack happens. Some soldiers sneaked inside the camp and attacked Tom and other mages. Though they drove them out, Tom got injured in the process.

Tom had to be sedated to keep him down as he was being healed. Because otherwise, he was not able to stay still and remained anxious about what was going on in his absence.

The soldiers of the Albion failed to break the siege, but they weakened this side for their future use.