As the receptionist handed off the message on the second floor, she believed that the matter would quickly be resolved at that level. Yet, the situation soon proved more complex, and the message was escalated to the third floor. The headquarters was thrown into a state of disarray as uncertainty rippled through the offices; even the third floor was unable to resolve the issue, forcing the matter to be escalated yet again, this time to an even higher echelon of the organization.
The information swiftly reached the upper ranks within the king’s legion. A decision was promptly made concerning the mysterious document, leading to a directive for a thorough investigation. High-ranking officers were assigned the critical task of unraveling the identity of the messenger: determining his origins, his motives, and how he came into possession of the contents of the document.
The first strategy employed by the King’s Legion was to review all individuals who had registered for that day’s recruitment exercise, focusing on those who had paid the registration fee. All were summoned, and it was noted that only one individual failed to respond. The legion concluded that this non-respondent was likely the mysterious messenger, which set off a meticulous manhunt. The search was complicated by the possibility that the individual might have used a pseudonym or disguise during the registration process, adding layers of difficulty to their task.
In an office on the top floor of the headquarters, a figure sat in a chair, his attire marked by two stars that denoted his rank as a Commander. Facing him were two other chairs, occupied by the head of the guards and another guard. This second guard had been identified through investigations as the person who had assisted the elusive non-respondent during his registration.
The Commander fixed both guards with a stern gaze and commanded, “I want a detailed account of everything that occurred between you and that young man. Do not dare to omit any detail, no matter how trivial it might seem.”
The atmosphere thickened with tension as the guards registered the seriousness of the Commander’s demand. Their faces betrayed their fear, reflecting the gravity of the secrets they held concerning their interactions with the young man.
The head of the guards, overwhelmed by the moment and the penetrating gaze of the Commander, struggled to find his words. Sensing his hesitation and possibly deceit, the Commander shot him a look of disdain and unleashed a subtle but powerful surge of his cultivation power. The guard instantly felt a dizzying force envelop him, and blood began to trickle from his nose. Caught off guard and realizing he had no choice but to comply, he steeled himself to reveal everything, knowing full well the consequences of withholding information in this high-stakes inquiry.
“Sir, this is what occurred,” declared the head guard, addressing the commander with a sense of urgency as he began to unfold the events of the day. He described in meticulous detail how they had extracted a bribe of 1,500 Airids from the young man. The guard was thorough in his description, covering the young man’s physical appearance, the nuances of his speech, and other distinctive traits that might aid in identifying him later.
Following the head guard, the second guard stepped forward to corroborate the story. He echoed the earlier account up to a critical juncture, where he revealed an additional, undisclosed transaction. He had accepted a further bribe of 500 Airids, a fact he had not shared with his superior. This revelation visibly altered the atmosphere; the head guard’s expression turned dark, a mix of anger and betrayal clouding his features. His dismay was not only due to the act of deceit by his subordinate but also because the undisclosed bribe meant that the proceeds had not been shared as per their corrupt agreement.
As the head guard contemplated the ramifications of this betrayal and considered the necessary disciplinary actions against his subordinate, his train of thought was abruptly shattered. The commander, having listened to their narratives, performed a subtle yet powerful hand gesture. Instantly, a forceful gust of wind, summoned by his mystical powers, slammed both guards against the wall, knocking them unconscious.
When the commander had initially gestured, his face was etched with deep frustration. Seeking further clarity on the situation, he retrieved an Airid, a sophisticated device capable of recording and playing back video. By channeling his cultivation energy into the device, he activated its playback function. The video that unfolded showed the entire episode of the young man’s visit—from his arrival at their headquarters to his departure. The footage was comprehensive, captured by the surveillance Airids strategically placed throughout the facility, ensuring that no detail, however minor, was overlooked.
Intrigued and seeking deeper insights, the commander activated his Kilebayan skill. This mystical ability was known for its potential to reveal the true essence or disguises of individuals. However, as he watched the recording, he soon realized the limitations of his power; it could not decipher events from the past or unveil the true nature of someone who was not physically present. It dawned on him that he was merely viewing a recording, and the real individual was beyond his immediate reach.
Despite this limitation, the activation of the Kilebayans skill was not entirely in vain. With his enhanced perception, the commander noticed a particularly subtle yet crucial moment in the video: the young man had adeptly manipulated a document. He had skillfully integrated his paper with the official documents handed to him at the reception, merging them seamlessly, all while evading detection. This act of subterfuge was a significant revelation—it confirmed the commander’s suspicions that this was no ordinary visitor but indeed the very individual they had been diligently seeking.
Despite this absence of one of the people they summoned, there remained a possibility that the person they were seeking was actually among those who had appeared. It wouldn’t be entirely surprising if the very individual they were pursuing was cleverly concealed within the group, perhaps having even murdered an irrelevant bystander as a diversion to confuse their investigative efforts. However, relying on his specialized knowledge and skills in the arcane Kilebayan arts, he had successfully identified that their prime suspect was indeed not among those present.
Faced with a critical juncture, the commander contemplated his next steps. He had two main options: he could either utilize the full scope of his authority and the resources of his office to apprehend the suspect, or he could escalate the matter by informing his superiors. After a period of thoughtful consideration, he acknowledged the sensitive nature of the situation, recognizing its direct implications for the crown prince himself. Understanding the potential risks associated with independent action—particularly the severe consequences of failure in such a high-stakes matter—he opted for a decisive action. He ordered a total lockdown of the town, mandating that no one would be allowed to enter or exit the town until he had secured the individual who delivered the mysterious message and thoroughly interrogated him about the ongoing events.
During this tense period, the commander also entertained the possibility of taking a more audacious approach by meeting directly with the crown prince to relay the information about the cryptic communication. He knew that such a bold gesture could potentially elevate his standing and perhaps lead to a promotion or greater favor within the royal court. This thought of direct engagement with the crown prince hinted at opportunities for significant advancement and recognition.
However, after deeper reflection, the commander set aside these thoughts of personal ambition. He realized that his foremost duty was not to seek personal advancement but to ensure the security and stability of the region. His priority was to prevent the messenger from escaping and to verify the accuracy of the information provided so that appropriate and effective measures could be taken in response to any genuine threats.
Meanwhile, in another part of the world, a different yet equally compelling narrative was unfolding. Nusi stood at the entrance of a town, accompanied by the five devas and the wise old man known as Kalidu. This group had just departed from the town of King Konfot and had now reached their next destination. Their mission was straightforward yet formidable: they aimed to seize control of this new town for Armad. This strategic move was intended to secure the town as the second to fall under their dominion, following their successful overthrow of its kings and elite warriors.
The people of the town were openly defiant against Armad’s rule, driven by deep-seated grief and anger, as all the men Armad had slain in the prior battle were their loved ones—husbands, fathers, and sons. If they still possessed their former strength, they would undoubtedly rise and confront Armad’s forces, who had mercilessly killed their leaders and warriors in an attempt to conquer their town. However, stripped of their power and reduced in numbers, their only recourse was to take refuge behind the fortified walls of their town and retaliate with a barrage of arrows launched at the encroaching forces. This desperate form of resistance was all they could muster under the circumstances.
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Periodically, arrows launched from the town walls targeted Nusi and her battalion, which included the five devas, Kalidu, and a substantial force of 5,000 soldiers. Each soldier was equipped with two to three bottles of herbs strung around their necks, which they used intermittently, perhaps as a form of medicinal aid or magical enhancement.
After observing the situation for some time, Nusi turned to Kalidu and inquired, “What do you think is our best course of action now?”
Nusi was endowed with a unique magical ability that allowed her to create trees instantaneously, a power that could potentially be used to neutralize the archers on the walls. However, she recognized the deeper strategic reasoning behind Armad’s decision to send her on this mission accompanied by Kalidu and the battalion. Technically, the mission could have been completed by her and the five devas alone, as they had sufficient power to achieve the objectives. The inclusion of Kalidu and his troops, therefore, suggested another motive: a test of loyalty.
Armad’s strategy was likely designed to assess the allegiance of Kalidu and his soldiers, especially given the poignant fact that the town’s defenders were their kinsmen. By observing whether Kalidu and his men would fight against these people, risking their lives in the process, Armad aimed to determine the authenticity of their loyalty. A genuine display of commitment in this dire situation would confirm their allegiance to Armad, justifying his future protection and support for them. It would signal that they were truly under his command and deserving of his resources and protection, contingent on their demonstrated fidelity.
This scenario was not lost on Nusi, who understood the dual purpose of their mission—combat coupled with a loyalty test. Kalidu, too, was acutely aware of the stakes. His presence in this conflict was not merely as a soldier but as a subject under scrutiny. This war was not just a battlefield but a proving ground for his loyalty. If Kalidu and his troops could pass this test by showing unwavering support for Armad, it would cement their place in Armad’s regime and assure their future under his rule.
“Long live Madam, our advantage in this conflict is our superior numbers. Despite the enemy’s protection behind that formidable wall, we can mobilize a battalion of 5,000 soldiers. According to my assessments, bolstered by the herbs provided by Armad, each soldier’s cultivation power has now reached the formation establishment level. This enhancement is significant, as it means that those among them who possess inherent physical strength are now at the peak of the level. Given these factors, Your Highness, I propose that this battalion be positioned at the forefront of our assault. While the enemy focuses on bombarding us with arrows, we can execute a flanking maneuver to launch our attack, aiming either to breach the town gate or to deliver such forceful blows that the archers are knocked from their positions atop the wall. However, this battalion must take the lead. I await your thoughts on this strategy, Your Highness.”
Nusi responded without hesitation, merely gesturing for him to proceed with the plan. Kalidu then turned his horse to face the battalion and relayed the strategy. As he explained their roles, a visible wave of regret and hesitation washed over some of the soldiers’ faces. It became clear, as Nusi had suspected, that their allegiance was tenuous. These men had joined the battle primarily out of respect and loyalty to the venerable leader before them, whom they revered almost as a second king. Their commitment was also driven by a stark choice between fighting or facing certain death for disobedience. Now, as they confronted a mission that seemed like a march towards death, Nusi recognized that if it weren’t for Kalidu’s commanding presence, the soldiers might not follow through with the orders. After a tense moment, most of the soldiers nodded, clenched their teeth in resolve, and prepared for battle. They each took a swig from their bottles of enhancing herbs, then released the reins of their horses and charged toward the town with renewed determination.
Above the town walls, the enemy unleashed a relentless barrage of arrows.
The battalion, although primarily mounted and some equipped with armor, also carried large iron weapons designed to deflect the arrows. Despite their lack of innate cultivation abilities, the power granted by the herbs enabled them to conjure protective shields. These shields were robust enough to withstand the onslaught, irrespective of the weight or size of the incoming projectiles.
The arrows managed to hit only a small fraction of the battalion; fewer than 100 soldiers were directly impacted. However, the horses bore the brunt of the attack, suffering considerable damage. When a horse was struck and fell, it often caused its rider to fall as well, creating a perilous situation where the fallen rider could be trampled by subsequent riders—a tragic sequence that could lead to severe injuries or even death.
However, a battalion consisting of 5,000 soldiers is indeed formidable. Considering the recent battle, where many of the town’s warriors perished, the number of capable defenders, primarily cultivators, has significantly dwindled. These cultivators are not all positioned at the front lines; some defend key points within the town, particularly the palace, while others hold strategic positions throughout the area. It would not be surprising if, under such dire circumstances, some of the remaining cultivators are considering flight. Thus, a well-prepared battalion of 5,000 soldiers is amply sufficient to overcome the town’s depleted defenses.
Despite the defenders’ valiant efforts, increasing their barrage of arrows and inflicting casualties on the invading battalion, Kalidu’s primary objective was distraction. His tactics successfully diverted the defenders’ focus, a maneuver evident when he turned to Nusi for confirmation of their plan’s success.
Acknowledging their progress, Nusi nodded in agreement. She then took to the sky, followed closely by the five Devas with her, elevating the scale of their assault.
As the fierce conflict between the 5,000 soldiers and the town’s defenders continued, an unnatural darkness cloaked the sky. Amidst this gloom, an extraordinary event unfolded: trees began to materialize out of thin air. These were no ordinary trees; they could animate and attack, quickly entwining the town’s defenders with their creeping branches.
This sudden and mystical assault by the trees had a devastating effect. The branches, upon contact, began draining the bodily fluids of the defenders, leaving them weakened and their skin desiccated. This rapid depletion of vitality caused immediate disorientation and weakness among the defenders.
Overwhelmed and unprepared for such an uncanny adversary, the defenders quickly abandoned their posts and attempted to flee. However, the relentless trees pursued them, leaving no escape. In a brief but horrific span, all the defenders on the walls either fell dead or lapsed into unconsciousness due to the draining effect of the trees.
Amidst this chaos, one of the Devas following Nusi acted decisively. He approached and unlocked the town gates, allowing the battalion of 5,000 soldiers to pour into the town. The toll of the initial assault was evident: approximately 500 soldiers lay dead, and another 500 bore severe injuries. Nevertheless, the majority, some 4,000 soldiers, remained unscathed and ready to secure the town.
Upon securing the town, Nusi immediately addressed the needs of the wounded. She ordered them to consume the remaining stock of medicinal herbs they carried. The efficacy of these herbs was startling; as soon as the injured soldiers ingested them, their wounds began to heal rapidly. Remarkably, even severe injuries such as arrow wounds began to mend swiftly once the arrows were extracted and the herbs administered. Kalidu watched in amazement as the soldiers recovered, their resilience and the potency of the herbs surpassing all his expectations.
Kalidu stands quietly, his eyes closed in deep reflection. The herbs he had recently encountered intrigued him, as they seemed to possess unusual properties that enhanced physical strength and accelerated the healing of wounds. This led him to wonder if these were part of a new special medicine recently unveiled by the Medicine Producers Association—a group normally at the forefront of pharmacological innovation. However, he had received no updates or bulletins about such a development. After a moment of contemplation, he discarded this line of thought. It was unlikely that these herbs had come from the Association; had they been involved, the herbs would have first been distributed among the influential tribes, such as the Wilberforce, before making their way into the hands of an individual like Armad.
Each encounter with Prince Armad peeled back layers of misconception about him. The prevailing narrative had always painted the prince as the weakest offspring of the emperor, but the reality seemed starkly different. With every incident, it became clearer that these beliefs were not just overstated but entirely false. Prince Armad’s capabilities were formidable, challenging the established perceptions held by many, including Kalidu himself.
Meanwhile, Nusi’s campaign had effectively subdued the town. All that remained was the formal takeover: entering the town, capturing the royal family, establishing control, and seizing all available resources and treasures. Although her forces were to rest for a day, the momentum of their conquest was to carry them forward to the next town shortly thereafter.
However, upon their approach, they quickly realized the situation was not as they anticipated. The town was eerily quiet, unsettlingly empty. Soon, they learned that the royal family, along with the wealthiest families, had fled two days before their arrival. They had not just fled; they had meticulously planned their escape, using a secret exit at the town’s rear. It was believed that they had taken with them not only themselves but also the wealth of the town. Moreover, in a scorched earth tactic, they destroyed anything they couldn’t transport—infrastructure, records, and resources—to ensure nothing of value was left for the conquerors. Even the farms didn’t escape their thoroughness; everything harvestable was taken, and what couldn’t be taken was destroyed.
This preemptive evacuation by the town’s royal family indicated a well-prepared and possibly well-informed adversary. Nusi’s expression darkened with this realization. If this town had taken such extensive measures, it was highly probable that other towns under threat would emulate these actions. The question now was not just where these families had fled to, but also how many other towns would adopt similar defensive strategies. There was a strong possibility that if Nusi and her forces pursued the fleeing families, they might still manage to intercept them. However, the more pressing issue was the considerable losses already inflicted. These were not minor setbacks but substantial ones that could significantly alter the strategic dynamics of Nusi’s campaign.