As the siege preparations raged on, more and more soldiers arrived at Stellaris on wagons.

They were swiftly sent to their respective camps. Not only that, but they were also organized based on their talents, fighting styles, and elements.

Those who specialize in close combat are often placed at the front, where most of the dangers lurk.

The ones with range capabilities are situated back to be protected from abomination attacks.

On the other hand, the warriors who were tasked with the destruction of the decay spheres followed a different formation.

They were going to utilize an ambush strategy to take the wolves by surprise. Due to this, their team was mostly composed of warriors who were fast on their feet and had knowledge about assassinations.

Timeus took it to himself to create specialized training grounds for these people.

The ones in the siege were being constantly trained in shield formations and controlled aggression. They were often put under intense pressure to stay longer in battle.

Not only that, Timeus made sure to copy the cunning of the wolves and use tactics such as flanking, sacrificial assaults, emotional attacks and more.

Meanwhile, the assassination squad was tested as their stealth and speed was challenged continuously. Their training was mostly trying to capture specific objectives unseen and taking down opponents with haste.

As for Ajax, he was constantly fighting Merlin and Igram, ultimately putting his abilities to the test as the two shadows were formidable foes. It also served as training for the two spawns.

The days within the camp were spent this way. Training and constant improvements. Everyone was ready to end this war.

The production of the Siege weapons was nearly done. They have seen the weapons of war being delivered, sometimes tested in the fields.

Mounted ballistas and other machines were also prepared and ready for combat. They were just finishing the manufacturing of the armor and shields the warriors will use, and the plan will undoubtedly commence.

By now, it is estimated that the siege will begin a week from now. Ajax has been growing rather restless. Samael has yet to reveal himself, and he refuses; his disciple is dead.

Ajax knew Samael like the back of his hand. He knew the boy would never die in some petty ambush. He was undoubtedly alive, somewhere out there.

However, Ajax does believe Samael's reason for hiding was to not alert the mole.

Aside from training, he himself had gone undercover within the premises of the camp.

He has secretly lurked in the libraries and information centers of Stellaris, keeping a low profile and making it appear as though he was focused on the battle ahead.

Thus far, Ajax has concluded that the culprit was someone who can handle information well enough to not leave much evidence behind. This person must also have access to the archives.

Ajax's culprits were starting to be trimmed down. Currently, his doubts are falling on multiple people. Namely, the nobles, or Lucas.

War was quite a profitable business. The warriors would kill using the weapons the nobles sponsored, and the loot they gathered all went to the aristocrats.

Not to mention, it seems these nobles have quite the access to some sensitive information considering how close they were acting with Timeus.

But a part of Ajax is still reluctant to make such claims. The nobles were indeed greedy at heart. But he also finds it hard to believe they can create such plans, much less put them into action.

So if he were to rule out the aristocrats, his blame would fall on Lucas, Timeus's personal assistant.

Lucas had access to many facilities due to his standing. He had free reign over the information that went in and out. He was also the only person beside the general who could see what their next moves were.

It was truly a convenient position to be a mole. Not only can he send out vital details to the enemy, but he can also go unpunished, as he can just burn any evidence that could lead to him.

That being said, Lucas's position was also quite special. For someone like him to get past Timeus's inspections, he would either be truly skilled, perhaps absurdly skilled, or loyal to Tera's cause. In which case, Ajax just can't go and bust him.

He will need sufficient and heavy evidence to pin down the bastard if ever he was a snake.

Right now, Ajax is trailing the nobles and their every move. But so far, nothing has been established.

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

For now, he will remain sharp.

***

Samael felt as though he was drifting, floating away in a place that does not exist.

He felt at peace. Perhaps, all the fatigue he was enduring had come to an end.

Yes... I think I'll sleep for a little... Samael thought. However, a melodic voice echoed in his ears, resonating with his heart as though it had shocked him.

"Then, can Samael promise me that... If you ever feel like all hope is lost, Can you vow that this necklace will serve as your guiding light?"

This...

"I know this place! My grandma used to always take me here!"

This... Voice...

"What are you humming to Samael?"

Ah... Lilith...

"Here, you can have this."

I see...

"Samael..."

This is all a dream.

Samael's eyes flew open, revealing his crimson pupils. As he blinked a couple times, Samael could not help but release a deep breath.

Samael slowly turned to his back, facing the towering trees above him, as he felt his body.

That can't be good Samael thought.

His body was battered again. Small lacerations marred his skin, and his essence had dropped significantly. If it weren't for his skill [Radius], he might not even be able to remotely move.

Fortunately, it seems he had no broken bones or internal bleeding.

Gathering his strength, Samael slowly rose up, a series of sharp stabbing pains smashing against him.

Samael had to momentarily stop as he grasped the wooden bark of the tree beside him.

Taking a few deep breaths, he composed himself as he continued to straighten his back.

There is no way I can go out there and travel. I'll be mauled by the first abomination that spots me Samael thought.

Sweeping his gaze around, Samael finally saw the aftermath of their fight.

Large craters riddled the forest with holes, spanning from inches to feets in size. Dozens of trees were uprooted and thrown into chaos, some impaling the ground while others crashed against their own kind.

The ground had multiple ruptures, and the earth was soaked in the blood of the Araneas. It seems whatever was left died after the Queen's final attack.

On the brighter side, Samael survived the battle. There were no more Araneas, and the forest had effectively become a sanctuary in this cursed world.

Making up his mind, Samael sat down.

It would be best to stay here for some time. I'll leave when my essence is enough and my injuries are somewhat recovered Samael thought.

Even though he felt that time was of the essence, it would all be worthless if he died before he could leave this place.

It appears the severity of his wounds was not as fatal as the ones he sustained before. Although they were indeed numerous in number, which makes it a pain in the ass,.

Leaning back, Samael closed his eyes. For now, he will focus on meditating until he is able to go about his ways.

Slowly, Samael's body relaxed as it subconsciously moved itself to a better position.

Feeling comfortable, Samael began to dive deep into his consciousness. There, he felt the familiar feeling of creating a connection.

It was now another bout of trial and error.

As Samael stabilized the connection, he went on yet another mystical journey.

The body was like another world. The flow of essence in your blood alone was enough to pique your interest.

However, this time he was not so easily fooled. Being too immersed was enough to shatter your connection. He must stay focused.

That being said, Samael felt confused as he watched the steam of essence travel past him. It was much more tame and weaker.

Is it because I used a lot of it? He wondered.

Diving deeper, Samael saw a myriad of cracks in the "world" within him.

Does it reflect my current condition? Samael wondered.

As Samael allowed himself to be dragged by the current, he soon found himself at a point.

It was where all the essences converged, smashing against each other like the waves in the ocean.

It was a marvelous sight because the place seemed to expand far and wide. Like a collosal lake of darkness. Yet Samael found solace in it.

Samael took his time as he watched the waves form and go, extending towards the other parts of his body.

Some touched the cracks scattered around, providing care for them. Tending to them like nurses.

Samael can instinctually tell the essence was healing him, just like the description of his ability [Regeneration] says.

The process was soothing. A change he did not expect to meet in such harrowing predicaments.

Watching the black pond move with the waves, Samael's mind drifted towards the advice of the Codex to mend and control his power in a way he deemed fit.

Does that mean to control the flow of essence? Samael thought as he watched the violent stream.

Was it even possible?

With a glance ahead, Samael approached the converging point of the currents as he focused.

Little by little, Samael extended his connection to the waves and its flow, allowing himself to venture even deeper.

The current was strong; it nearly knocked him away and dragged him to the depths, but Samael held on as he retreated.

Taking deep breaths, he tried once more. This time, Samael steadfastly took the blunt of the stream, swiftly knocking his connection away.

Samael jolted awake as his meditation ended abruptly.

It seems my approach was wrong He thought.

One more

Closing his eyes, Samael established yet another connection. Soon, he found himself back in the same spot.

This time, however, he had a different plan in mind. Using all the years of experience he had, Samael took on a more gentle and controlled approach.

Instead of commanding his element, Samael chose to will it and control it.

His element was not something he borrowed to command.

It was his.

The Void was him, as he was with the Void.

Rather than standing against the flow of the Void matter in his veins, Samael slowly descended, submerging himself in its violent torrent.

As he did, as if magically, its wild thrashing ceased. The current became tame and obedient as it carried him to the center.

There, Samael knew the hard part was yet to begin.

Mending and blending with the Void within him, Samael could vaguely feel the form and shape of the very pond he resided in.

With all his focus, Samael attempted to bend and shape it as he wished, but to no avail.

Samael soon buckled under its weight and was swiftly washed ashore by the large waves.

However, he felt no frustration but rather was pleased. Every moment he spent within this space made him feel as though he was knowing another part of him.

One he has yet to unleash.

Samael knew it; he could feel that if he could move such bodies and powers to his very will, he would reach yet another stage of strength.

A small, imperceptible smile made its way to his face as he thought.

Again.