Chapter 15 - Call of War

Right on time. Krist thought, “Order received. Return to camp without me.”

“Roger, Sir Knight!” The messenger soldier on horseback peddled the flat earth. Pedal. Pedal.

“I suppose my time will come later,” Lenneth entered the scene.

“Lenneth!” The Trick Lord greeted his daughter.

“I respect your patience. Hone the body with the medicinal bath and master the Divine Art of Lionturtle Breath,” Krist had wanted Lenneth to grow just like him and his friends. For Lenneth to truly join in the fray, the Divine Art of Lionturtle Breath must be mastered, both Governor and Conception Vessels opened, and a body (vessel) with the trait Divine Rebirth of Earthen Body. “I’ve sent to deliver the ingredients to your inn,” Krist had made preparations ahead of time.

The invasion had come sooner than expected, however, I have made extraordinary strides. Everything will come together and be in the palm of my hand. Keke. Now that Krist had achieved the mythical, ‘Reverse Revival Spell,’ a feat in martial literature detailing the enlightenment and metamorphosis of an elder martial practitioner in chi arts who could manipulate mana to make themselves younger as if time had been reversed. An extremely difficult feat to achieve and a 1 out of 1000 generational talent. For Krist to have done that before reaching his 20s was profound and simply extraordinary.

Krist strolled the streets of Hollow Bastion and placed some money on the beggar’s wooden bowl. A gold coin for a beggar like me? Quite the rich spender… This was code for a Kain Guild member to alert the rest of an emergency. Krist had wanted to assemble his underground assassins that had yet to be put to practical use.

I must send the message to the Kain Guild members! The beggar had left his place and blended with the shadows.

Krist had returned to the barracks in the military encampment at Hollow Bastion of Lukedonia, “Loutch, the report?”

Loutch was equipped with the Ranger gear set for high-ranking members of the elite soldier, “Carceron crossed the border. The enemy intends to end things after the trouble with Prince Emeric.”

That’s what you think, my friend. Krist knew the truth as to why Carceron had made such a hasty move. They don’t know that the Sword Lord of the Carceron Kingdom had been slain by Ha Jong Hwa, the Assassin King.

Krist had placed a letter around Carbuncle’s neck and instructed the half-breed, “Take this to the tent.”

“Tell me, I suspect a battle had already ensued,” Krist humored his friend even though the events were remembered.

“As always, right on the mark. It’s why everyone’s on edge,” Loutch replied. “Six scouting squads consisting of sentries and soldiers were killed in action.”

“I’m sure there’s a Knight that they’ve sent,” Krist knew the person.

***

“Ooh! The hero is here!” Praise from the commanding officer greeted the young man.

Officially reporting, the hero addressed his superior, “Their scouts were destroyed as ordered.”

“I expected nothing less from the talented Fenrir Tribe! Such young people bring high hopes for Carceron!” The commanding officer of the Carceron Kingdom commended the young hero.

“Allow me to carry out the initial task,” the human with sharp ears and green eyes spoke. “Lukedonia is the smallest country in the Middle East making it the weakest in the neighboring territories.” This person was the General Strategist from the Holland Empire. “Lukedonia may have strong warriors, but, they are weak in protecting their outer villages. Raze every village and town from Pitchfork (border) to Hollow Bastion. With such mayhem, people will migrate behind castle walls. This is the first phase.”

Such an event was done very close to Lukedonia, whereas, Krist was assembled in the bordering stronghold that is the main fortress of Lukedonia which blocks Carceron from advancing.

Ba~dump! Ba~dump! Ba~dump! At long last! The fires of war!! Krist was internally seething. The thought of slaughter, bounty, and booty that could be gained through the flames of war. I will make my friends break through to the Transcendence Realm. This would be the best that I could ever dream for them.

“Assemble the formation! Straighten your rows!” An instructor guided the soldiers.

Old man, even now… you make quite the enduring face. Count Ludwig Van Solidor entered the scene as he stood on the podium to address the entire battalion.

“For six generations my family has protected this land with you…” Count Solidor was not one for long speeches. “In the history of Lukedonia, not a single enemy has ever been able to impregnate these walls… Make them remember and crush them!” Count Ludwig knew how to arouse the morale of the castle wall protectors that shield Hollow Bastion, the Capital of Lukedonia.

During this time, Lukedonia would evacuate its citizens and consolidate the resources of the outskirts of Lukedonia. While Carceron was trying to raze hell on such places, they found no people and resources cut off. This was enough time for Krist to finally guide his friends to the 1st Metastasis.

“What is the first thing I have taught you guys?” Krist posed the first question as the rest of the party was meditating and circulating their mana.

This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

“Footwork,” the shrewd and stoic Laciel replied the fastest.

“Correct. Next. What was so special about learning what I taught you?” Krist continued with the series of questions that would unlock Enlightenment.

“...” There was a pause within the party.

“To show us that ‘Stealth’ was the foundation to all power,” Loutch spoke his heart out.

?!

This is quite unexpected. Maybe… I underestimated you, after all? Krist no longer decided to hold back and unleashed some secrets, “Stealth was the fastest way to increase all attributes, skills, techniques, and magic most efficiently. I chose this path because of time. Now that you all have mastered the Art of Skin-Breathing, and some have mastered the Art of Skin-Changing, I will teach you how to unlock your Governor and Conception Vessels.”

In the future, there will be multiple studies of the concept and literature regarding the opening of the ‘Governor Vessel’ and ‘Conception Vessel.’ When Carceron would raze hell outside of Hollow Bastion, Loutch, Saix, Reddas, and Laciel, had fully opened their Governor Vessel and Conception Vessel. They needed to have a suitable amount of rest before heading into battle. A vessel (body) that has undergone any type of evolution is advised to rest. Krist did not want any mishaps which are likely to happen whenever an individual develops into a monstrosity. That was where he needed to be careful.

The four, excluding Krist, were manipulating mana on the tips of their fingers, “Innate Essence Chi.” Loutch commented on the ability that all of them can emit. An individual who can comprehend mana can gather power from the “Inner Force” of mana which is a far superior and comprehensive power. Upon doing so, a finer, and much richer power source could be pulled into the material world. At this level, Masters are made. The rest is up to you. Krist thought internally. I hope for each of you to become a Martial God. With the four being able to become Force Masters, it would be a matter of time until they would undergo the 1st Metastasis.

“Stealth was the art, the foundation to your power and mine,” Krist began to explain the grand scheme of things to his young friends which one day they would understand. “Stealth has allowed us to gather power from the darkness,” Krist emanated mana and could freely portray his thoughts like a hologram. “With the completion of the basic study of the Divine Art of Lionturtle Breath, the opening of the Governor, and Conception Vessel, all of you can freely emit Aura. It’s time for you to find your ‘own’ way in this dark and cruel world.” Krist explained that with the body and mana honed, Enlightenment would soon follow.

Moving on, Krist had left the party to meet with Ragar, the Poison Demon and Vice Guildmaster of the Kain Guild. “We consolidated the proceeds from selling ‘Siren’s Silk.’”

“You sound disappointed, Ragar? Kuku. Worry not, money comes and goes. I have a nose for such things,” Krist held a devilish smirk as if he could attract the thing mentioned.

“Those untouched wells…” the Vice Guildmaster reported the last bits.

“Everything aligns perfectly!” Krist was seen embellishing.

?!

Ever since his fight against Krist, Ragar had received the Divine Art of Lionturtle Breath while the rest of the members were taught the Great Art of the Lionturtle Breath. Although Ragar himself was a talented individual and could activate Blade Energy, there was a lack of a true Dantian. Therefore, Krist had invested in the Kain Guild, the elite group composed of highly skilled Assassins. With such events unfolding, Ragar J. Loyard was one of the few individuals destined to become a Force Master.

At his level, he could sense that Krist was on an entirely different level than when they had first fought. Has the Guildmaster gotten more absurd? Ragar was an analytical person and had deduced that Krist had surpassed Forris Zecht, the person who he thought was the strongest soldier of Lukedonia.

That staggering amount of preparation could now see its end. There are many moves and cards to play! After meeting with the Poison Demon and relaying sensitive instructions, Krist headed towards Count Ludwig’s central campsite.

“I request an audience with His Excellency,” Krist was at a status where he could request the time of an individual on the Count level thanks to the combinations of the Noble status and the reputation of the Medical Sage.

“...You are permitted such a request.” The soldier could not easily accept this. He was one of the few who were already on Axel Van Solidor’s side, therefore, any showing of public malfeasance was punishable by death. This was the privilege of the Aristocratic class.

“Allow him passage,” Count Ludwig spoke from inside the tent.

Walk. Walk. Krist walked in a brisk manner, supremely relaxed and ultimately confidant. The thought that achieving the Reverse Revival Spell had enabled the flawless manipulation of mana that only Martial Gods are attuned to.

Inside the tent, an assemblage of the commissioned officers, Knights, and several nobles centered around Count Ludwig. Axel Van Solidor was the closest to the Count.

Lightly bowing, Krist addressed his superior, “Knight Krist greets His Excellency, Count Ludwig Van Solidor.”

“Speak, Medical Sage,” Count Ludwig addressed his inferior by his highest title.

“Assign me 200 Cavalrymen under my command and I will wipe out the scouts and sentries,” the Medical Sage confidently laid the negotiation on the table.

“Such arrogance from a brat! How dare you make such a request!” Axel blurted his inner thoughts.

Forris Zecht was watching from the side. Fool. You have no idea that Krist had always been hiding his true power.

“Young master, do not interfere in the affairs of the Count,” a confidant among the guards spoke.

“Blasted…!” Axel could not interfere in militaristic affairs, no matter the favoritism of his Lord Father.

“Such confidence… Tell me, how old are you?” The Count had seen a semblance of his younger self in Krist.

“I am 17 years old, Your Excellency,” Krist was meek. At his young age numerous accomplishments and achievements, especially the title of Medical Sage made him seem like a once-in-a-generation talent, a rising star among the younger generation.

“I shall grant your request. Any appeal to objections is met with death. I’m sure I don’t need to explain myself, Knight Krist?” Count Ludwig made his best play as a person of the status of a Count.

“No, sir. Your will be fulfilled,” Krist left the tent.

“Fathe… I mean, General! Why would you risk so many men for a measly Knight?!”

“He intends on going to death by drawing the attention of all enemy forces. By heading into the fires of war won’t affect us, though, if the opposite occurs then we’ll benefit.” Count Ludwig had thought things in his old, decrepit ways. He was past his prime but discipline is what had carried Ludwig to old age.

“Kuku! You fools don’t know anything!” Krist was elated. The truth that superseding everything from the past life in all aspects had allowed Krist to place the war in the palm of his hand.

“Carceron Kingdom will be mine!”