Chapter 173: Dark Clouds Over the Kingdom of El
In stark contrast to White Fortress, the northern dwarf city that had just endured a bloody battle, the Kingdom of El, located in the center of the continent, was currently bathed in a seemingly calm undercurrent.
A millennium had passed.
The human kingdom, once led by the first emperor Norn and symbolized by the holy sword "El's Light" left behind by Kurtz, the Godslayer, had long since expanded its territory and influence far beyond what it once was.
However, decline after reaching a peak seemed to be an eternal law.
Over the long years, internal divisions, shifts in power, and burgeoning darkness, like invisible carving knives, had left deep marks on this once ideal country.
To the south of the Kingdom of El, several new human kingdoms had sprung up like mushrooms after rain, competing, forming alliances, betraying, and annexing each other.
After hundreds of years of brutal struggle, a country named the Southern Unified Empire began to emerge.
It continuously swallowed up smaller surrounding kingdoms, eventually achieving substantial unification of the vast southern lands, becoming a behemoth whose strength was no less than that of the Kingdom of El.
Now, this southern beast, having completed its integration, had already cast its greedy gaze towards the Kingdom of El, which symbolized human orthodoxy and ideals.
Border frictions escalated continuously, and small-scale conflicts occurred frequently.
The Southern Unified Empire's army, like sharks smelling blood, frequently appeared near the border, bringing heavy pressure upon the Kingdom of El.
At this moment, the capital of the Kingdom of El, this great city personally established by Saint King Norn, stood quietly in the afterglow of the setting sun.
Two hundred years had brought no change to this royal capital; only the statue of the first emperor Norn had become somewhat dilapidated.
And this dilapidation, conversely, vaguely represented something.
Deep within the imperial palace, the current emperor, El Fidel, was wearily rubbing his brow.
He was in the prime of his life, and the shadow of Norn was faintly visible between his brows.
On the large oak desk, emergency reports piled up like mountains, suffocating him.
"Your Majesty, the Southern Unified Empire's army has once again crossed the border, destroying two of our outposts and capturing nearly a hundred soldiers."
"A border grain transport convoy was attacked by unknown armed forces, suffering heavy losses. It is suspected to be the work of bandits supported by the Southern Unified Empire."
The anxious reports of the ministers still seemed to echo in his ears.
The Southern Unified Empire was like a tightening noose, making it difficult for the Kingdom of El to breathe.
When exactly did it happen?
These insignificant small countries had actually transformed into such a colossal empire?
One hundred years? Or two hundred years?
El Fidel was unsure.
Facing the vast and fanatical army of the Southern Unified Empire, even with better equipment and more mages, the Kingdom of El felt somewhat powerless.
The main reason was that they, El, were an ideal country, meant to be the home of all humans.
So, even as the Unified Empire continuously provoked, El Fidel had always exercised restraint, trying to avoid military conflict with them.
But now it seemed that his concessions had only fueled the other side's arrogance.
The threat of the demon race had not completely disappeared, yet these fellows had already begun to turn their butcher's knives on their own kind?
El Fidel felt a deep sense of powerlessness.
The glorious epic of his ancestor Norn uniting humanity and fighting against gods with the great Godslayer now seemed more like a mockery of his own incompetence.
El's Light was still enshrined on the holy sword pedestal deep within the imperial palace; it was the kingdom's divine artifact and a symbol of faith for all El citizens.
But it was too heavy, too sacred.
Unless it was a crisis of national destruction, no one dared to use it lightly.
It was more like a spiritual totem than a sharp blade to break the deadlock.
Just as internal and external troubles nearly suffocated El Fidel, a man appeared before him.
The man introduced himself as Grausam.
He had been introduced at a court banquet by several ministers.
When Grausam stepped into the audience hall, the magical fluctuations emanating from him silently declared that he was a mage of unfathomable strength.
"Esteemed Emperor El Fidel," Grausam's voice was slow yet elegant, "please allow me, Grausam, to extend my highest regards to you. I have traveled the continent and heard that the Kingdom of El is facing unwarranted provocations from the Southern Unified Empire. As a member of humanity, I wish to offer my humble strength to ease your worries, Your Majesty."
His self-introduction was humble and appropriate, instantly winning the favor of many nobles and ministers present.
Although El Fidel was wary, Grausam's powerful magical aura, composed demeanor, and the stance expressed in his words made him unable to ignore him.
Especially at a time when the kingdom desperately needed powerful assistance, especially from a mage who was not from their own country.
The Kingdom of El did not lack mages, and it had a large number of powerful mages.
However, these mages all belonged to Saint Calu'a, the first human magic academy, and El Fidel was unwilling to summon these mages unless it was a moment of crisis.
"Sir Grausam, thank you for your kindness. May I ask what method you propose?"
Grausam smiled slightly: "Your Majesty, the Southern Unified Empire relies on nothing more than its vast army size, but as long as they are human, there will always be weaknesses. In the face of power and slaughter, even the largest army will become timid."
He raised his right hand, palm facing upwards.
He revealed his own magic power and began to guide it skillfully.
Although it was impossible to discern what specific magic the man in front of him excelled at, this exquisite and unparalleled control of magic amazed the court mages present.
Grausam's voice carried a convincing magic: "If Your Majesty trusts me, I can personally go to the border and give those arrogant fellows a profound lesson."
He suddenly clenched his fist, and a powerful magical shock wave spread outwards, causing everyone to take half a step back instinctively.
This powerful display of strength strongly moved El Fidel's heart.
He desperately needed power!
He desperately needed a resounding victory to boost morale and deter the Southern Unified Empire.
Grausam's appearance was like a drowning man grasping at a lifeline.
"Your Excellency's strength is truly admirable!" In his excitement, El Fidel even stood up.
A powerful mage who was not from his own country seemed like a godsend to resolve the current situation. "If Your Excellency can truly help me resolve the threat of the Southern Unified Empire, the Kingdom of El will surely satisfy all your demands!"
"It is Grausam's honor to serve Your Majesty."
Grausam bowed gracefully, but a cold glint flashed in the depths of his eyes, so quickly that no one caught it.
The smile on his face was flawless, like a meticulously carved mask.
However, beneath this perfect facade, lay a terrifying truth capable of overthrowing the entire Kingdom of El.
[End of Chapter]
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