volume 3 - Chapter c257 (2/2)

“I don’t have the chance.”

Brendel grinned upon seeing his trusted advisor. He thought that she was reminding him to keep a composure that befitted a n.o.ble when they locked gazes and imagined her reprimanding him with a serious tone, making him smile.

Despite having that look all the time, she still sometimes looked cute.

Brendel unconsciously began to a.s.sess any girl she met, but he quickly reacted to it, and shook the notion out of his head. It seemed that ever since that kiss by Ina, there is something else in his heart.

After all, he was someone who was still in the middle of adolescence, and was really confused about the relations.h.i.+p between men and women.

He hit his head to clear his mind and glanced once more at his men. The remaining people were pouring in continuously, filling the place up to its extent. It was then that Brendel had noticed, for once, how big his organization had gotten.

Scarlett, Morpheus, Medissa, and Andrea were beside him. A bit further away was Ciel, Ropar, and his Fireclaw Lizardmen, plus a group of Wind Elves and Fire Djinn, who were beings that came from the Elemental Planes. Although they did not bond that well with the others, it was acceptable that they could communicate with one another. After that, he noticed Kodan, Carglise, Merial and the young officers of the White Lion Squad forming a circle in the clearing. This group of people had come together and become friends after their experiences in the Dark Forest.

The two Pristine Archangels were standing by Romaine’s side, as if they had become her official bodyguards. The ‘undead’ status on their body was also gone as well. Prior to this meeting, Brendel had used l his Grimoire of life to collect his Cards that were in the Graveyard. The Grimoire of Life is currently under cooldown while Graveyard Revival had returned into his deck.

This is all to prepare for the trip to Ampere Seale. I may have lost the chance to use Grimoire of Life in Ampere Seale, but I believe reviving the Cards that I lost is more important.

Although the Grimoire of Life is the core of the Paradise of Purity, it was only a defense card and it would never be more important than an offense one. Besides, Brendel had many other ways to revive his troops and a mountain of Holy Potions, in which he got from Amman to supply his army, as a backup.

Looking further away, he could make out Forn, Jana, and Cornelius - the three mercenary commanders - along with their troops. Then there was Raban and Lucas standing from the Mercenaries of Lopes. On the other corner were the Red Bronze Dragon Mercenaries. Finally, it was the Lycanthropes of the Green Village, the Druids and the Wind Elves standing together. Francia looked really happy within the circle. She finally got time to spend with her father now. After all, it was Brendel’s decision to not let her duties as a Druid affect her relations.h.i.+p with her family.

Brendel looked up, and he saw the Cave Dwellers on the tree branches. Tagiv was living life comfortably under Brendel and sworn to be loyal towards him as his master. They did not get the discrimination they expected to have from the rest of the group, and were even seen as the protectors of it as well. Before the appearance of the Tree Elves, the Cave Dwellers were indeed Brendel’s strongest force anyway.

It was a rare occurrence to see all the people gather around here as they were usually preoccupied with their own stuff, like Amandina who was managing the fields in Miirna did not have the time to have a meeting. Trentheim is currently going through the process of stocking up food harvest for the winter. Brendel had basically zero knowledge in that matter and had to rely on the expert, Amandina. Vaunte’s agriculture relied on magic and had a really high yield. Although the Wizards and the Priests from the Holy Cathedral could be of help here, the Priests would never aid the rebel army. Thankfully, Brendel had many Druids under him and they were better than the Priests at cultivating plants.

It was then when Brendel noticed how powerful his forces became.

I have Scarlet, Morpheus, Medissa, Ropar, Ciel, and Andrea… That would make six Gold-rankers with two Wizards included. Besides, I also have Kodan and the Fire Djinn, who were at the Early Gold rank… So that makes nine… But I also have to include the Tree Elves and the Druids as well… Hmm… Seems like I am just behind Duke Arreck and Seifer in terms of strength. The Royal Family of Aouine has twenty-two Gold rankers serving them, but not all of them serve the main family. Some also serve the First Prince that backs House Seifer. That means that there are only about ten or so Gold-rankers in the Royal Family that also represent the Kingdom’s main attack force. Seems like the number of my Gold rankers are comparable to theirs, and if I included the quality of mine, there’s no doubt my comrades will outrank them!>

Besides, I have a lot of Silver and Iron rankers. I can at least see the three mercenary commanders, the Mercenaries of Lopes, the Fireclaw Lizardmen, Carglise, Merial and the Pristine Archangels as well. I must also not forget the mercenaries from the Dark Forest and the Tree Elves as well. Their huge number definitely cannot be overlooked an- Oh! Forn had also stepped into peak Silver stage.

The hundred or so Silver ranked 'Garurumon-rock-wolves' are a force that cannot be underestimated as well.

After that, the Red Bronze Dragon Mercenaries form my main Silver ranked force, and the officers will form the foundation for being the Iron rankers, followed by Julian, Odum, the Wind Spirit Dragons as well as the Cave Dwellers. If I include Tharma and the Illusionary Beasts, the only non-combatants were Romaine and Amandina.

However, I lack a trump card. Princess Gryphine has Buga and Grandmaster Fleetwood who have awakened their element, and these people must be stronger than the average. In the n.o.ble Faction. Duke Arreck should have two Elemental Awakeners, three with the Northern Duke, Viero has one and Karsuk two, with one of them being a Wizard. Compared to them, my powers are really far behind.

I may have the Sword Saint of Ashes, but he does not belong to my organization.

To win in the battle of Elemental Awakeners, my only option is the Golden Battle Flag. ALbeit the restrictions imposed on it, it would close the gap between our powers.

At that point, the noisy courtyard had quiet down as everyone gathered. Their gazes fell in the direction of Brendel, awaiting him to say something. It was only then Brendel managed to escape his thoughts. He slowly eyes the entire place, the words finally connected in his mind.

“Let’s talk about recent events.” Brendel cast a glance at Amandina.

The youth continued with the happenings in Ampere Seale. He felt the need to prepare the mental state of his people. It concerned him and his men’s future, and he needed them to understand him. The changes might take some time, but he was awaiting the results.

How many were willing to follow my stead? How many are willing to save the glory of the Kingdom that once waved its flag proudly?

“My sword shall point forward, as did the first n.o.bles of Aouine fought for glory and the Sages’ wisdom. To King Erik!”

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