Julian raised his hands as his fingers curled and he called for Mana Infusion.
He closed his eyes and focused all his senses on the world around him. He felt the energy around the world shift.
The sky above him tore open, and through the rift, a surge of mana from the outer world rushed in. He could feel it coursing through the atmosphere and merging with the mana that already filled the space.
Suddenly, the entire world began to tremble. Earthquake seemed to cover the entire land, and Julian could feel his control on the world, slipping away.
His heart raced and panic gripped him but Julian quickly gathered his focus. With a sharp command, he immediately canceled the Mana Infusion.
The trembling began to fade, and the world slowly returned to its original state. Julian let out a sigh of relief.
“That was close,” he said realizing the immense responsibility that came with controlling such power.
Julian furrowed his brow in thought, still feeling the aftereffects of the disturbance. “Hey, system, what exactly happened back there?” he asked.
The system explained, “Host, the energy within this world and the mana here all belongs to you. It is inherently tied to you and your authority. However, when you tried to bring in the energy from the outside world, one that did not belong to this world or to you, it corrupted the world. This foreign energy clashed with the natural laws of your domain, causing the world to tremble and you to lose control.”
Julian sighed as he processed the explanation. He dismissed the thought, pushing it to the back of his mind.
“So its basically a useless skill,” Julian thought.
“Let’s forget about that for now,” he said, his tone shifting as he focused on the present.
Julian then left his castle and soared through the air. He took in the scene of the vast and developed landscape.
“It has finally finished developing,” he muttered to himself as a sense of pride swelled within him.
Julian hovered above the world, deep in thought. “I can add the harem members later,” he said as his gaze drifted across the landscape.
With his creation now complete, he would let it evolve at its own pace
Julian snapped out of his sea of consciousness back to his room. “The army might move any time soon.” he thought.
His plans for the world and his harem could wait as there were more immediate concerns at hand.
Julian quickly packed his bags. He knew that time was running out. He quickly made his way to the teleportation array and found his father, Duke Alden, along with the King and other dukes.
Just then, a twenty thousand strong army marched toward the array. The array began to glow with a purplish light and In a flash the army disappeared, leaving behind only the shimmering glow of the array.
Julian approached his father, Duke Alden. “Father, can the array only hold twenty thousand of the army?” he asked, his tone filled with curiosity.
Alden nodded in response. “Yes, Julian. Any more, and the array will break apart. After the main army travels, we will immediately follow with the rest.” Julian nodded.
*******
Back in the city of Bajang where the army of Apollo kingdom had gathered, Miya the vice commander of the Apollo army rushed through the streets as she made her way to the main camp.
As she entered the command tent, she found Henry who was standing with a map spread across the table. His eyes was fixed on the markers.
“Commander,” Miya said, catching her breath, “We have detected some movement from Ares.”
Henry immediately straightened up, his expression turning serious. “What kind of movement?” he asked.
Miya quickly pulled out a report and handed it to Henry. “It appears they have begun assembling their forces near the border.”
Henry’s gaze remained focused as he processed the news and his mind already raced.
“Prepare our own army,” he ordered. “Be ready, and ensure our mages are fully equipped. Await further orders.”
“Yes, Commander!” Miya responded and immediately set off to carry out his instructions.
Beside Henry, the masked man remained silent, his presence oddly out of place in the bustling camp.
Despite his lack of visible expression, the air around him seemed charged, and his gaze was piercing as though he was seeing beyond the present moment.
Henry glanced briefly at the masked figure. “Any thoughts on this?” he asked.
“Have you done what I asked you to do?,” the masked man asked with a cold tone..
Henry couldn’t suppress the shiver that ran down his spine. “You really want to go through with that?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
The masked man’s voice rose. “There is no other way. If you don’t want your kingdom to be completely destroyed by the plague, do what I say.”
Henry felt the weight of the decision pressing on him, but the task that the masked man had assigned him was too terrifying for him to even think about.
With a deep breath, Henry clenched his fists. “I’ll do it,” he said steeling his resolve.
The masked man’s aura surged, a dark and oppressive energy that seemed to engulf the room.
“Well,” he said, “brace yourself, Ares. Let’s see how you will respond.”
Henry’s heart pounded in his chest as a shiver ran down his spine. He himself was unsure how the aftermaths of the war would be for both of the kingdoms.
*******
Back at the teleportation array, the last wave of the army passed through, and Duke Alden gestured for the others to follow.
Before Julian could even take a full breath, a surge of energy enveloped them, and in an instant, they were transported to the city of Siracusa.
Before them stood the vast army that had just teleported. They were lined up in perfect formation.
In front of the soldiers stood a noble couple, the Marquis and Marchioness of Siracusa.
Upon seeing the royal party arrive, they both immediately dropped to one knee, showing their utmost respect.
The Marquis spoke first, his voice steady and filled with respect, “Marquis of Siracusa greets Your Majesty and Your Graces.”
The Marchioness followed him and with her graceful bow added “Marchioness of Siracusa humbly greets Your Majesty and Your Graces.”
The king let out a hearty laugh, raising his hand as a gesture for them to rise. “Stand, we might have to trouble you during our stay,” he said warmly.
The Marquis of Siracusa, ever respectful bowed even deeper in response. “Your Majesty, it will be our utmost pleasure to host you in our city.”
The Duke of Ethwer’s voice rang out, “How is the situation? What news have we received from the front?”
The Marquis’ expression turned serious as he straightened. “Your Grace, the Apollo army has gathered in the city of Bajang. As of now, we have not seen any major movements, but we are keeping watch.”
