Become their wicked yet gentle lord.

Then, he looked at the nobles of Linze Fortress behind him who were starting to grumble, and said loudly:

"You all heard that! Just wait for the old lady of Thunder Fortress's instructions! Now, find a place to rest! Have the mages prepare their magic! Knights, rest for now and await further instructions!"

Most of the people who came from Linze Fortress were mages, and water-based ones at that. They all headed towards the rear area designated by Tallinn to rest, filled with unease and complaints. Among the crowd, Gavin glanced at two people in particular: Monica and Greg, disguised as his family's guards. These two high-ranking officials, acting as ordinary guards, at Earl Gavin's signal, also found a secluded spot with their entourages and began to rest.

"Then, Lord Thomas, please remain by the Earl's side. I will notify you with the magic crystal when the General gives the order."

Seeing the people of Linzeburg so 'well-behaved,' Tallin casually gave Thomas a brief instruction before turning and leaving, leaving the respectful Thomas behind...

"What an annoying guy..."

Once Tallin was out of sight, Earl Gavin angrily flicked his cloak and grumbled at Thomas.

"You are right, Your Excellency."

Thomas's attitude was equally resentful, his eyes filled with bitterness as he looked in the direction Tallin had left. Compared to the newly arrived Ryūsha, Tallin, who had been his colleague for years but had always been superior to him, was far more detestable to him. Seeing his expression, Gavin stroked his beard and coldly snorted:

"It's really hard to understand how a knight from humble beginnings could be more favored by Lady Sophie, a celestial mage, than you."

Thomas's face twitched twice, and he snorted coldly as he muttered:

"This guy also has the aptitude to be a mage, but because learning magic is too expensive, he chose the path of a knight. After graduating from the Imperial Military Academy, he served in Thunder Fortress for more than ten years. He was lucky enough to be noticed by the general one day, and was promoted step by step. The general would also give him pointers on magic from time to time, which is why he became more and more disrespectful!"

Having said that, he shouted towards the Thunder Fortress guards in the distance:

"Hey! Haven't you seen Lord Gavin from Linze Fortress arrive? Have someone bring some fine wine and food!"

After viciously cursing Tallinn, Earl Gavin whispered to Thomas:

"Your Excellency Thomas, what exactly is your general's plan this time? This is a Heavenly Rank magical beast! Not only did he refuse aid from the surrounding vassal kingdoms, but he also deployed very few troops. Furthermore, the royal guards brought by Her Highness the Princess are nowhere to be seen here..."

"I do not know."

Thomas's expression changed repeatedly, and finally he said this in a deflated manner.

"No formal war council has been held. It seems that the general has secretly devised some plan with the princess and that Ryusha. It seems that only Tallin knows about it. The other generals and noble commanders of Thunder Fortress are just following orders..."

He had barely finished speaking when he felt his breath catch in his throat! His face gradually turned pale, as if all the blood in his body had stopped flowing! Thomas stared wide-eyed at Earl Gavin beside him. Although there was no magical fluctuation emanating from his exquisite staff, the clenched fingers in his pocket clearly indicated that this was his doing!

Although both are great mages, there is a difference in their strength! Gavin Reed, who is already at the peak of the water-based great mage realm, could undoubtedly kill him easily! Thomas's eyes were filled with panic. Although he knew that Gavin couldn't possibly kill him in the Thunder Fortress camp, he still painfully squeezed out words of pleading for mercy:

"I...I really...don't know..."

"waste!"

Count Gavin cursed, released Thomas to let his blood flow again, then regained his calm tone and placed his hand on Thomas's shoulder:

"Lord Thomas, Baron Thomas Rael, I've provided you with a respectable life quite a bit of assistance over the years. For something as significant as conquering a Celestial-Rank magical beast, surely you should provide me with some useful intelligence?"

"Ahem! Your Excellency Earl... what do you mean by this!"

Seeing the fear and doubt in Thomas's eyes, Gavin gave him a look as if he were a fool:

"Oh! My Lord Baron! What are you thinking! This is a battle to subdue a Heavenly-Rank magical beast! One wrong move and we're both finished! Providing support from the rear? Do you really think that old lady values ​​the lives of the people of Linze Fortress more than the soldiers of Thunder Fortress?"

Gavin said this as if it were the most natural thing in the world, as if he were only considering the risks involved in combat. Seeing Thomas's skeptical look, he added again:

"Furthermore, Celestial-rank magical beasts are treasures from head to toe. Even if you can't obtain the most precious magic core, the heart and other vital parts, no matter how low the probability, are enough to become keys to unlocking the gates of the Celestial rank. And this, of course, depends on the contribution in the conquest. Otherwise, why do you think those surrounding vassal states weren't terrified when they first received the news, but instead rushed to help? And why were the noble commanders of Thunder Fortress so full of morale? Unlike those terrified peasant soldiers below, they are the ones who truly benefit directly..."

However, individual strength alone is not enough to perform well in a campaign; the allocation of positions and responsibilities is equally important. Everything else depends on adaptability during the battle. But unlike the army of Thunder Fortress, Gavin and the reinforcements from Linze Fortress are not under Lady Sophie's command, and they will not be punished if they fail to act entirely according to her orders.

After all, if one had to put it simply, Gavin Reed and Lady Sophie were both courtiers of the Otus Empire. While he might be afraid, Lady Sophie didn't have the authority to decide his life or death. And the Emperor of Otus wouldn't allow his Heavenly General to go to such lengths!

"Only by understanding her arrangements can I make better judgments and deployments. As long as I can obtain a portion of the Heavenly Rank magical beast, Thomas, my old friend, I won't treat you unfairly..."

Chapter 27 Flame Ash

Is that all? Thomas felt relieved. Espionage was always a serious matter, but Gavin's reason was quite reasonable. There were always rewards after a major battle, and Lady Sophie was known for her generosity in this regard. In fact, Thomas himself wanted to secure a position where he could more easily gain merit in this campaign, but Tallinn hadn't revealed a single word. All the other officers, regardless of rank, were kept in the dark, knowing only their individual deployment locations.

So Thomas could only plead with Gavin in desperation:

"Lord Gavin, but I truly have no idea about the General's plan..."

“Of course I know that, but…”

Gavin patted Thomas on the shoulder and continued to persuade him:

"You just need to help me figure out the positions of your colleagues, especially that Ryūka. Wherever he and Her Highness the Princess's Royal Guard are, that's the most crucial position. With our combined military expertise, wouldn't it be easy to deduce the Old Madam's formation and strategic intentions?"

"If nothing unexpected happens, all will be well. But the situation can change in an instant. As long as we understand everything and seize the opportunity to make a contribution, everything will be resolved. Thomas, my old friend, don't forget what I gave you. If you don't use it now, you won't have such a good opportunity again..."

Gavin pointed gently to Thomas's chest, causing Thomas to immediately clutch his chest. Although he looked nervous and hesitant, Thomas was clearly persuaded. Gavin was right; everyone else had to strictly follow Lady Sophie's instructions, but Gavin, as reinforcements, wouldn't be punished even if he acted 'on the spot.' And since he was responsible for liaising with Gavin, he could easily earn merit simply by following the Linze Fort people!

Especially with this item Gavin had given him! Thomas touched his pocket; a syringe-shaped mark stood out beneath his robe. According to Gavin, this 'enhancement potion' could temporarily grant a person a burst of power exceeding their own capacity. Thomas had tried it before, and this was the last one. Although it would leave him weakened for a long time afterward, a burst of power at a crucial moment would definitely allow him to achieve remarkable feats in battle!

"Alright! I'll look into it! But you'll need to give me another enhancement potion!"

Fortune favors the bold! With that thought in mind, Thomas gritted his teeth and agreed. As a guest general, Gavin couldn't possibly roam the camp gathering intelligence, but that wouldn't be difficult for Thomas. All he had to do was avoid that annoying guy, Tallinn!

"Of course, that's not difficult. I'll give it to you as soon as you return with good news..."

As Gavin spoke, he pulled a wallet from his pocket and waved it around. Upon seeing this, Thomas's eyes immediately lit up, and he left without looking back.

Watching Thomas leave, Gavin smiled with satisfaction. He opened his wallet, and inside were two magical potions that were extremely similar to the K18 potion in Ryūsha's hand.

"Don't disappoint me, Thomas Rael. The Crimson Sage, the Bauhinia Kingdom, and... those big shots in the capital! We'll see who's using me, or who's using you!"

Unfortunately, to Gavin's surprise, Thomas searched the entire ridge but could not find either Ryukyu or Mrs. Sophie.

Further down the plains, far beyond the line of sight of the battlements, Ryūka and the others waited quietly. Besides the two magical vehicles Ryūka had brought, Lady Sophie's enormous carriage was also present. Olivia, with a hundred elite guards from headquarters, surrounded Lady Sophie's carriage, while Gerberi stood not far away with the Royal Guard.

Waiting until a slight tremor ran beneath her feet, Ryusha turned and entered Lady Sophie's enormous carriage, quietly saying:

"coming."

Lady Sophie, who had been sitting quietly in her chair waiting, slowly opened her eyes and looked at Tipalotura beside her:

"Your Highness, are you sure you want to stay here?"

Unlike the nervous witch beside her who was holding a parasol, the Imperial Princess smiled slightly: "I want to witness Lord Orlando's figure with my own eyes."

"If anything happens, I will protect His Highness for Sister Gerberly..."

Seeing the veiled maid's nervous yet resolute expression, Lady Sophie smiled:

“He’s really reliable. Well then, Ryukatsu, let’s go.”

"Ah."

Ryusha nodded, followed Madam Sophie who had gotten up, and then turned to look at Tipalotura.

"Your Highness Tipalotura, please take good care of Melanie and Anyaberg."

"I look forward to your performance, Liu Xiaqing."

Tipalotura smiled gently and tapped on Ryūsha's hand:

"Don't forget this ring; the magic inside might come in handy at a crucial moment."

Ryuka glanced down at the ring on her hand. This ring, given to her by Tipalotura in Ravenhill, was more than just a symbol of her status. It also contained a witch's magic, though she hadn't used it against Matt Harvey back then.

Thanks~ But I'll try my best to return it to you intact~

Ryuga looked into Tipalotura's deep blue eyes, smiled, waved, and turned to follow Madam Sophie away.

As soon as she stepped out of the carriage, Lady Sophie soared into the air. Surrounded by surging, intense magical energy, she looked down at Ryūsha:

"Then I'll leave it to you."

Ryuka nodded, concentrated her strength in her toes, and instantly shot out like an arrow! Although she left a huge shockwave behind her, her steps on the ground were as light as a butterfly's, as if the ground beneath her feet was something fragile.

Lady Sophie followed swiftly, like a fiery red cloud. Behind them, Olivia raised her horse's hooves high and shouted to the soldiers behind her:

"Warriors of Thunder Fortress! Fear not death! Follow me!"

Seeing her beautiful and spirited figure, which inexplicably possessed a more captivating charm than before, the elite knights behind her were filled with fervor and followed Olivia, chasing after Ryūka and the other two...

Although unlike in Sochi, where the mountains and rivers seemed to have an unseen connection to her, Ryuu's deliberately controlled footwork preserved the original undulations of the earth beneath her feet. Lady Sophie, flying overhead, couldn't help but show admiration. While it was her idea, she hadn't expected Ryuu to execute it so perfectly!

Unlike Lady Sophie, who flies gracefully through the air, Ryusha, although she has also reached the point where she can control magic to fly, still chooses to sprint on the ground, controlling the force of her steps so as not to damage the earth itself, precisely in order to capture every faint fluctuation coming from the ground.

The Earth Dragon Otras possesses a massive body that can freely traverse and crawl hundreds of meters underground! It can also ensure that the ground at a distance does not tremble. This is an innate ability of this magical beast. Only when extremely close can one feel a violent tremor like an earthquake!

When people finally noticed the changes beneath their feet, all they saw was earth surging up like a tsunami! The earth was splitting apart! The rock was shaking! The gaping maw of the ground would mercilessly devour everything! And this devastating earthquake was merely the prelude to the appearance of this monstrous beast!

But this only applies to ordinary people.

As if sensing something, Ryuka suddenly stopped and shouted loudly towards Mrs. Sophie in the sky:

"Mrs. Sophie! This is it!"

"Is that so? Then I'll leave the rest to you."

Only now did Madam Sophie abandon her previous kind smile towards Ryusha, instead issuing a stern and cold instruction. Her words, spoken like a military command, were followed by her transforming into a crimson shooting star, hurtling alone into the sky ahead!

Watching Lady Sophie disappear into the horizon in an instant, Olivia, who had slowly arrived, showed a rare hint of worry in her eyes. Although the two rarely spoke, they were, after all, mother and daughter by blood. And at this moment, Lady Sophie was a Heavenly Rank General guarding the South, which made Olivia murmur to herself:

"General, no, Mother, I wish you a resounding victory..."

Standing quietly in front of her, Ryuka said calmly:

"It's alright, Olivia, it's alright."

After flying a distance on her own, Lady Sophie stopped in mid-air. The ground in front of her was already trembling noticeably, and the magical power belonging to the Heavenly Rank magical beast could be clearly sensed. But she didn't even need to use the perception of a Heavenly Rank expert. Behind the point of the earthquake, a dark line had already appeared on the distant horizon.

It was a visible horde of monsters. Drawn by the Earth Dragon Beasts, the monsters had swarmed together into an army, trailing behind like vultures following their predators. The Earth Dragon Beasts didn't even need to lift a finger; this force could easily destroy any village or city! Even just outside the southern border of Otus, countless towns had already been annihilated!

But this is not their ultimate goal. Their innate desire is to follow the earth dragons into the continuous mines filled with magical crystals, to build nests and reproduce!

"Oh dear, judging by this, it seems all the monsters from the nearby kingdoms have been attracted here. Adventurers from those smaller countries are going to be unemployed for a while..."

Lady Sophie chuckled, adjusted her large mage hat, and released her staff, letting it float in front of her. She held the floating staff with outstretched arms, her gaze fixed ahead. A hundred meters underground, lay the path of the Heavenly Rank Earth Dragon Beast!

"Foolish monster, crawl towards the abyss of scorching flames and hell!"

The air grew scorching hot, and astonishing magic converged on the staff! Even as everything before her turned crimson, and the precious staff's outer skin began to crumble like withered wood, turning into charcoal chunks with sparks, Lady Sophie's magic did not cease!

"My dear sister, I'm so sorry..."

Looking at the staff before her, Lady Sophie smiled forlornly. Her crimson eyes narrowed, and her figure, like a blood-red sun, raised the staff, which had transformed into a trillion flame spears, and hurled the flame spears, which contained all her magic power, toward the ground in front of her!

Like a needle thrown into a lake, the massive flaming spear left only a dark hole in the ground, without causing the slightest ripple... But a moment later, the ground beneath Lady Sophie's feet began to gradually turn red, like boiling lake water, slowly transforming into lava in a volcano.

Then came the earth-shaking, cataclysmic tremors and collapses...

"Roar roar roar roar roar!!!!!!!!!!"

It was a sight beyond words; the molten earth burst open like bubbles! Crimson rocks, comparable to fortresses, shot hundreds, even thousands of meters into the air! They shattered into powder like fireworks! The earth transformed into a blinding mass of molten lava! It blotted out the sky like a cataclysmic tidal wave!

Smoke and dust obscured the sun, and black dust broke through the clouds, plunging the world into a crimson-tinged night. In this apocalyptic scene, a colossal creature, as large as a mountain, roared and struggled, twisting its short, thick limbs and emerging from the crimson lava like a demon king from hell.

"Ground Dragon Beast, Ultraman... Haha... Hahahaha!!!"

Looking into those angry eyes wide with pain, Mrs. Sophie struggled to control her trembling body and laughed maniacally, her face contorted!

"If I were still young, I would definitely give you a good fight! But now..."

As Lady Sophie's body, having exhausted all her magic, slowly plummeted amidst the rain of molten lava! And behind her! A streak of icy blue light hurtled towards her!

"Your real opponent is someone else entirely..."

A magical force enveloped Lady Sophie's aged and weary figure, throwing her far behind! At the edge of hell, Olivia led her soldiers at breakneck speed! With all her might, she caught Lady Sophie, who was falling like a leaf, amidst the lava and fissures in the earth!

The blue light, after passing through Lady Sophie's body, unleashed a vast and youthful surge of magic! The boy's voice coldly addressed the enormous magical beast before him:

"Frost Profound... Dust Ice Prison!!!!"

Chapter 28 The Battle Against the Earth Dragon Beast (Part 1)

A massive shadow rose from the ground, almost completely obscuring the view. Rocks and lava fell like raindrops, and the azure sky was swallowed by billowing black smoke…

The ground trembled beneath their feet, and the warhorses, neighing in terror at their master, struggled frantically to break free of their reins and escape. At the edge of the explosion zone caused by Madame Sophie, Gerberly, her face grave, spoke in a tense voice:

"This is... a Celestial-Rank magical beast!"

But in an instant, her gaze hardened. As she saw Ryūka rush towards the massive shadow with a streak of blue light, Gerberly turned and shouted to the royal guards behind her:

"Fear not! Leave the front to Governor Ryukyu! Our mission is to ensure that Olivia's forces successfully bring General Orlando back! Then, we will guide the monster army behind the Earth Dragon to the battlefield! If they are allowed to scatter and escape, the entire southern border will never know peace! Warriors of Otus! Now is the time to display the glory of our capital! The light of the Sacred Tree of Otus will protect us!"

"Ohhhhhhhh!!!!"

Encouraged by Gerberi, these noble Otus knights used their fighting spirit to suppress their restless warhorses and their fear, and followed Gerberi into the billowing smoke! Meanwhile, the mages either rode alongside on horseback or had already soared into the air, using all sorts of magic to repel the blinding smoke and falling rocks and lava, helping the knights bravely advance!

"Olivia!!!"

The longsword flashed with dazzling light as Gerberly cleaved a house-sized boulder in two! Through the dust, she saw Olivia charging towards her, Lady Sophie nestled in her arms. Olivia, skillfully manipulating fire magic, dodged the rain of crimson rocks, shattering them one by one. Her elite soldiers formed a protective circle around her and Lady Sophie; knights roared as they unleashed dazzling battle cries, shattering the falling rocks, while mages desperately cast spells to stabilize the crumbling ground!

In just two days, Olivia's strength seemed to have improved considerably, but this was not the time for Gerberly to lament. She immediately ordered her subordinates to advance and provide support, while the mages cast magical shields on the spot and unleashed various blessing and healing spells upon the knights.