April 1, 1415. Three months had passed since the massive declaration of war by the Krivia domain against their neighboring territories. Victories piled up one after another. The Akra, Mudlan, and Letika domains could hardly put up any resistance and suffered great defeats against the forces of the Krivia domain. At the heart of this unprecedented offensive were the elite soldiers and the Aggression Guards of the Krivia domain, honed through years of training.
Yet, above all these, it was the fear instilled by none other than the Supreme Commander of the Krivia forces, Jared, that made the enemy tremble! Contrary to rumors, Jared had swiftly risen to the rank of a Level 5 Mage, catching the mages of the three domains off guard. He was only twenty-six years old, making his accomplishment of reaching Level 5 remarkably early, and no one had anticipated his rapid growth.
While the Krivia domain was unifying the surrounding territories with unstoppable momentum, one person was keenly observing the developments of the war. This was Izuel, the fourth prince of the Kingdom of Sinders.
In Izuel's chamber, Princess Maera, who was accompanying him, cautiously inquired, “Brother, what are you so deep in thought about?”
“I was pondering the news about Lord Jared. Honestly, I think I am more anxious than he is. What if he were to be defeated?” Izuel expressed his concern.
“According to reports, it seems that it is not just ordinary victories, but a series of great triumphs. Moreover, it appears there has also been an uprising among the common people in the domains,” Maera added.
“It must be because the machinations of the Umbra Sect have been exposed, right?” Izuel asked.
“Lord Jared has been using visual devices to show proof of their schemes everywhere, hasn't he?”
“Indeed. He has presented irrefutable evidence that leaves the conspirators unable to even claim conspiracy theories,” Izuel acknowledged.
“Because of this, even the surrounding domains that were once friendly seem hesitant to intervene. As you know, our kingdom seeks perfect divinity through the Radius Sect.”
“Yes, and this incident serves as a clear warning to my two brothers, who are certainly treading a path they should not.”
“Sigh... Maera, I'm sorry, but could you bring me a glass of cold water?” Izuel requested.
“I will bring you ice-cold water just the way you like it,” she replied warmly.
“Thank you. I appreciate your constant help.”
As Maera stepped away for a moment, Izuel gazed at the night sky outside the window. Right now, countless soldiers were likely engaged in battle across the kingdom under the same night sky. Izuel had remained steadfast in his position throughout this period. Day after day, he sent messages of mediation for the peace of the royal family and the kingdom. He personally corresponded with Princes Pthalyn and Jess, and even left appeals for a ceasefire around the royal city.
However, no military movements were apparent. He made no hasty attempts to rally troops. Instead, he occupied himself with mourning the late Prince Ian, naturally absorbing those loyal to him. His mourning for Prince Ian was genuine. He had never once considered that his brother's death would serve as a stepping stone in his quest for power. But, he did think about it. Prince Ian had also been a follower of the Umbra Sect. Had he lived, he would have faced the stern judgment of the country’s laws someday.
At that moment, Izuel unfolded a letter. It was a handwritten note from Jared delivered through a secure route.
“Dear Prince, I hope you are well. Please incinerate this letter after reading. The processes of war and annexation are proceeding smoothly as predicted.
I reiterate, I have no intention of invading the territory of the Kingdom of Sinders. I am merely punishing the followers of the Dark Sect around the kingdom, whom we should not follow. Through an ongoing investigation, I have confirmed that many domains around the kingdom are under the influence of the Umbra Sect.
As a devout believer in the Holy Sect, I will continue to purge those who harbor evil intentions. Regardless, you are doing exceptionally well; keep it up as is. In the meantime, do not engage with Prince Pthalyn and Prince Jess, directing either attention or intent toward the military until that day comes.”
With a swift motion, Izuel burned the letter in the candle’s flame. He had been meticulous in his preparations. In particular, he had collected evidence proving that princes Pthalyn and Jess conducted dark rituals as followers of the Umbra Sect. This information, if made public, would be a scandal of historic proportions for the kingdom, but Izuel held back. He trusted Jared’s keen ability to gauge the situation.
"What if, just what if I were to succeed my father one day...?" Izuel pondered. A day would come when he would correct the wrongful desires of his two brothers and restore everything to normal. On that day, when he took the throne, he wondered what he could do for Jared.
“I remember my father….” He recalled the past of his father, Decker IX. A king devoid of pity, he had purged all his loyal ministers as soon as he ascended the throne. It was a sad end known as the betrayal of the fox.
Biting his lip, Izuel thought how treacherous human hearts could be. As the pieces of the puzzle started to align, he began to contemplate the future. And at the center of these thoughts was, of course, Jared, who was preparing to assist him in all aspects.
Meanwhile, at the Pojigit domain…
“Jared, you fiend! Do you think you can kill me and remain unscathed? Even in death, the many followers of the sect will not let you go...”
Swish! Before the opponent could finish his words, I used the Keldia Blade that Lakis held to sever his neck. Thud. Thud. Thud.
What rolled on the ground was the head of the lord of the Pojigit domain, whom I had subdued fourth. The reason I could hasten the war was simple: I had undeniable evidence and justification. When it was exposed that the lord of the domain and his loyal forces were part of the Dark Sect, many of the local inhabitants were furious.
Thus, at the outset of the war, many of the domain’s people sided with me and fought. The people of the Kingdom of Sinders and the surrounding domains held a tremendous hatred for the Dark Sect. I strategically exploited their animosity, but my feelings were genuine; I truly despised the Dark Sect.
Even if they promised me the power to become the protagonist of this world, I did not wish to become the servant of the Demon King and his demonic faction. Players seasoned at playing “Paradiso” can comprehend how vile the Dark Sect's organization is. There was no one to trust. Betrayal was a passive skill, and it was common to treat the lives of subordinates or collaborators as expendable.
In this life, I absolutely did not want to be their pawn. Just then, a messenger rode in hastily to report, “My Lord, I have news!”
“What is the situation at the Lord’s castle?” I queried.
“All the royal guards have opened the gates and surrendered with white flags! They claim they have never collaborated with the Umbra Sect and plead for their lives!”
Throughout the merging of the three domains, I had executed all related to the Umbra Sect. Regardless of other matters, those who collaborated met penalties under Sinders’ laws, which often meant life imprisonment or death. This was why the soldiers were trembling, knowing they could end up in prison for life or buried if things went wrong.
“First, disarm them and then hold them in custody. Their faults will be addressed according to the lawful procedures,” I commanded.
“Yes!”
“My Lord, we have finally seized the fourth domain. This is genuinely unstoppable momentum! No one can halt you or the forces of the Krivia domain!” Lakis exclaimed, his expression filled with awe. Blood and sweat marked his face, evidence of our relentless battles.
“...”
I observed his hands, which trembled constantly.
“You’ve done well, Lakis.”
“Haha, not at all. Ever since you entrusted me with this duty, every day has been a blessing for me. Right now, as I traverse the battlefield with you and slay our enemies, I understand the true meaning of living as a soldier.”
I nodded in satisfaction while using my insight to examine Lakis' status.
[Lakis – Lv. 84]
[Strength: 243]
[Health: 135]
[Magic: 3]
[Wisdom: 12]
[Agility: 18]
[Charm: 19]
[Physical Defense: 181]
[Magic Defense: 23]
[Special Traits: Orderliness SS / Justice Implementation A / Swift Swordsmanship A / Strategic Combat B]
[General Traits: Loyalty, War, Conquest]
[His strength and physical defense have significantly increased thanks to the synergy effects of both the first and second awakenings.]
‘When I first saw Lakis, he was lv. 14 with his highest stat being strength at 43. Reflecting on that, he has grown remarkably!’
I was genuinely astonished! The memory was still vivid. Upon glimpsing Lakis’ stats at that time, I had judged he would become a C-ranked warrior after sufficient growth. From a cold, unfeeling perspective, this meant that he was merely an average warrior level, expendable in wars.
However, now was not the case. He had reached sufficient levels to be considered a B-ranked warrior. With just a few decent artifacts, he could lead the armies of a great domain.
“Lakis, let us press on with this momentum. Now is the perfect opportunity for us as the kingdom of Sinders is in disarray from civil strife,” I encouraged him.
“Yes! Please assign me the vanguard, my lord!”
For a moment, I doubted my ears. “My lord”? It was a title I had never heard from my subordinates before, one that felt almost forbidden.
Was it a fluke? Whatever the case, I did not want to miss this moment when I could legally and strategically expand my domain's powers. Such an opportunity felt as if it would never come again, a grand stage set by the heavens themselves.
Thus, the unstoppable march of the Krivia forces continued.
Three months later…