Chapter 455: Split

Anfey walked into the room and sat down. Suzanna, Anthony, and Alice streamed into the room after him. Behind them were the mercenary leaders. They all wore a grave expression, and none of them opened their mouths.

Everyone knew how powerful Anfey was, yet the man had almost defeated him. That came as a shock not only to Anfey but also to everyone else in the city. After Anthony recognized the aging spell, everyone realized that no one in the city was powerful enough to take on that necromancer. Everyone knew how terrifying the aging spell was. It was a very nasty spell, and the only reason Anfey survived was because of the light magic within him. By the laws of nature, light magic could suppress the effects of death magic and cancel out its effects.

Edy felt uncomfortable as he realized that everyone in the room was staring at him. He shifted in his seat but did not say anything.

“As you know, a necromancer has just visited this city,” Anfey said quietly. The effects of the aging spell had already worn off, but he felt exhausted.

“I know,” Edy said. “It’s hard not to realize that.”

“Tell me, Edy,” Anfey said. “Who is the most powerful necromancer?”

Edy frowned and lowered his gaze. When he was first captured, he thought for sure that Anfey would interrogate him to find out more about the necromancers. Then he thought maybe Anfey didn’t care about him and what the necromancers were planning. This question took Edy by surprised.

“You’re a smart man,” Anfey said. “If you focused on studying magic, you should be much more powerful than you are now. I don’t know why you chose to become a necromancer, but I think you don’t like it. That is why I kept you alive. I think cooperating benefits both of us.”

“Why I became a necromancer?” Edy said, shaking his head. “I don’t think you can understand. The only way for someone like me to rise up is to study magic.”

“If you wanted to study magic, why didn’t you go to the academy? Why did you become a necromancer?” Alice asked, frowning.

Edy shook his head. “You’re funny, Lady Alice,” he said. “Don’t you need money to study at the academy? Do you really think an orphan like me can afford the price of going to the academy? I can barely feed myself, let alone think about learning magic.”

“You still shouldn’t have turn to dark magic,” Alice said, shaking her head. To her, the way of the necromancers was against the laws of nature. She despised necromancers and thought that the entire world should despise them as well.

“You don’t understand,” Edy said. “Have you ever been so hungry that you would eat anything? Have you ever tried living on the streets, not knowing if you would survive the night?”

Alice froze. Edy was right. She had never experienced anything an orphan like Edy had experienced.

“I promise you, Lady Alice,” Edy said. “Starvation does not feel good. Becoming a necromancer was the only way for me to survive.”

“I see,” Anfey said. “I sympathize with you, Edy, but I need to know something. Who is the most powerful necromancer?”

“It’s not that much of a secret,” Edy said with a shrug. “It’s Minos the First.”

“Anyone else?” Anfey didn’t know who Minos the First was, but there was no way the most powerful necromancer would ever come to White Mountain City alone.

“Minos has three students,” Edy said. “Golman, Morgan, and Desvidia. They are the most powerful necromancers after Minos.”

Anfey sat up straighter in his chair and leaned towards Edy. “Tell me more about them,” he said.

Edy nodded. “Morgan was the most powerful out of the three of them. I’ve never actually met him, but I heard that he was a handsome young man. I don’t know anything else about him.

“Golman is the least powerful among the three, but he is the most dangerous to you.”

“Why?” Anfey frowned and asked.

“Because he is the master of plague magic,” Edy said. “If he wanted, he could kill every living being within a twenty mile radius without ever joining the fight himself. You’re lucky that he betrayed Minos twenty years ago.”

“I thought the secret of plague magic had been lost,” Anthony said.

“It is,” Edy said. “But Golman is a genius. He was able to figure out the secret from the bits and pieces that remained.”

“How many necromancers can use plague magic?” Anthony asked.

“Why did Golman betray Minos?” Alice asked.

“Because he’s a good person,” Edy with with a shrug.

“A good person,” Alice repeated drily.

Edy nodded. “Golman betrayed Minos when Minos ordered him to destroy everything he had worked for. He didn’t want to kill all the necromancers that had learned plague magic, so he left with his manuscripts and his research. He is the only one who knows its secret.”

“Why did he learn plague magic in the first place, then?” Anthony asked.

“Because he was curious,” Edy said. “He believed that the world needs balance. He didn’t want to destroy the existing balance of magic in the world because he believes that will lead to utter destruction of everything.”

The room fell silent. If Edy was speaking truthfully, Golman was less of a necromancer and more of a scholar.

“Minos hates Golman,” Edy continued, “but Golman was too influential. A lot of necromancers now believe no good will come from destroying the world.”

“Unless a new system was created to oppose the necromancers,” Anfey said. “But that’s impossible, isn’t it? If the necromancers destroy the world, they will die as well, because they cannot recreate the balance. Minos would be the only one left.”

Edy nodded. “Golman never said anything like that, but everyone knew that was what he was implying. His belief began fracturing the necromancers. We’ve been preparing for this war for years, and Golman played a vital part in its preparation. But…the council did not use Minos’s choice and instead picked a more defensive plan.”

“Because they’re worried as well,” Anfey said.

“Golman really is a genius,” Edy said, nodding. “Golman is good friends with Morgan, who is also the one Minos chose to chase Golman down. Morgan has been searching for Golman for more than twenty years, but he still hasn’t found him.”

“Have you met him?”

“He’s the only one I’ve ever met,” Edy said. “He appears ugly, but his way of speaking is gentle and forgiving. If you only hear his voice, you might mistake him for a priest.”

Anfey nodded. “Interesting,” he said. “Tell me more about Desvidia.”

“Desvidia isn’t as powerful as Morgan,” Edy said. “He keeps a low profile and rarely appears in public. Most people ignore him.”

“What does he look like?”

“I heard he has very smooth skin,” Edy said. “His skin is smoother than a normal human’s, and he had no facial hair.”

“That’s got to be him, then,” Anfey said, tapping the table.

Chapter 456: Gathering

The reappearance of zombies sent White Mountain City’s citizens into a panic. In order to calm the people down, the alliance announced that there was only a single necromancer commanding the zombies, and the necromancer had already been taken care of. There was no trace of zombies around the city, and everyone should resume their lives without worries.

Alice was a skilled politician, and she knew the importance of having someone to look up to. She knew that people needed a hero that could protect them. This was why she tried to make Anfey look like a hero in her announcement. She even listed a number of Anfey’s achievements to show how strong he was. Alice knew some of the things she listed weren’t true, but it would give the effect she wanted.

Anfey wasn’t a shy person, and he didn’t mind the spotlight, but he felt strange reading the announcement. He asked Alice to change it, but she refused and told him that it was necessary to cement his position.

Christian took Alice’s side as well. He believed that they would have to fight against Tiger of Tawau mercenary group in the future. The more famous Anfey was, the less likely the mercenaries would support Tiger of Tawau mercenary group. He even wanted Anfey to write to Manstuly and challenge him to a duel.

Christian knew Manstuly was still more powerful Anfey, and such a duel would never happen, but a challenge would make Anfey famous. This would make the mercenaries look up to him even more.

Another army soon arrived at White Mountain City. Baery had arrived with his army. Anfey, Suzanna, and Entos all happened to be away that day, and Christian had to send people to find them and bring them back. By the time Christian brought Baery and his people into the city, Suzanna, Anfey, and Entos had returned.

Baery did not come alone. He brought Steger and Ernest along as well. After Anfey greeted them, he turned to two strangers he did not recognize them. He could tell they were powerful men.

“Let me introduce you,” Baery said. “This is Shawn and this is Dalmatian. You finally get to meet today.”

Anfey frowned when he heard the names. Shawn nodded at him with a smile. “I apologize for my past behaviors, my lord,” Shawn said. “You see, it’s hard disobeying your teacher.”

“You’re too kind, my lord,” Anfey said hurriedly. “I understand.”

Even though Shawn’s apology was short, he was sincere. He was a master swordsman and Baery’s right hand man. It was hard for him to publicly apologize.

“What happened before is our fault,” Dalmatian said. “We are working together now, my lord, and I hope we can forget about our past disagreements.”

“Like you said,” Anfey said with a smile, “we are working together now. There’s no need to bring up the past, my lord.”

“Good,” Baery said, smiling. “Let’s forget about the past and look to the future.”

Before they had come, Shawn and Dalmatian were worried that Anfey would not forgive them for what happened in the past. They were important people, and if Anfey would not forgive them after they apologized, they would have had no choice but to turn on him. Baery, however, wasn’t worried at all. He knew Anfey and knew that he wasn’t the type to dwell on the past.

Anfey looked around the meeting. “Lord Baery, does this mean…” he hesitated. “Does this mean we are opening war?” Before Baery’s arrival, White Mountain City was already drawing attention with Suzanna, Anthony and him. Now that Baery had brought people who were more powerful and important than he, Anfey knew that a storm was on its way.

“Your teacher’s on the way too,” Baery said with a smile.

“Just for Scarlet?”

“Not just her,” Baery said, shaking his head. “The Church has sent its three Grand Knights, and Prince Jerrick has sent backup.” He paused and looked at Anfey. “I heard Christian say you fought with Desvidia.”

Anfey sighed and nodded.

“And he used the aging spell?”

Anfey nodded again.

“How are you still alive them?”

“Didn’t Christian mention anything?”

“He did,” Baery said. “But I want to see it.”

Anfey nodded. He raised his hand and a ball of white light appeared. The light bobbed a few inches above his palm and disappeared.

“See?” Baery said, turning to Steger. “I told you.”

Steger sighed and smiled. “We’ve got to talk more about this later,” he said to Anfey.

“Of course, my lord,” Anfey said with a smile. He turned to Baery and said, “Lord Baery, I have a question.”

“What is it?”

“If you are attacked with an aging spell, what would you do?”

Baery frowned and lowered his gaze. “I would find a place to wait until the spell’s effect disappeared,” he said after a few moments of silence. “If I couldn’t get away, I guess I’d have to fight.”

“Really?” Anfey had asked because he wanted to learn something about the spell. Baery had given him the exact same answer as Anthony, and he was disappointed he couldn’t learn more.

“There’s are other ways, I suppose,” Baery said. “You can always prevent them from using the spell or have a priest with you.” Baery sighed and shook his head. “You cannot underestimate necromancers. They are the most powerful mages. Even Saul must admit that.”

“I’m not underestimating them,” Anfey said. “I just want to find a way to deal with them more effectively. At least I should find a way to deal with them without putting myself in danger gain.”

“You can always become a priest.”

“But I tried to cleanse it, and it didn’t work.”

“You can’t just cleanse the effect of a forbidden spell,” Baery said, smiling. “If you are a high level priest, there are things you can do to cancel out effects of those spells.”

Anfey frowned.

“I’m a swordsman,” Baery said. “I don’t know enough about magic to answer that question. Steger, Saul, even Entos are more equipped to answer that question.”

Anfey turned to Steger, who retrieved a few scrolls from his dimensional ring and showed them to Anfey. “This would my solution,” he said.

Anfey nodded. He only had three magic scrolls, and he did not know if any of the three would work when he was afflicted with a necromancer’s forbidden spell.

“Anfey, have you forgotten who your teacher is?” Baery said, shaking his head. “Do you think you’ll have to worry about magic scrolls as long as Saul and Jacob are here?”

Chapter 457: Unexpected Changes

Dawn was usually the darkest part of the night. White Mountain City had witnessed Anthony receive his title and had just settled down after the celebration.

Someone receiving the title of nobility was not rare, but having eight top level powers in the same city at the same time was rare. The most powerful people had all gathered in White Mountain City.

Anthony was very happy and he knew he had made the right choice. Even his wedding to Nishieva, the princess of Ellisen Empire, was not this pompous.

Anthony had been keeping to himself for years. He was Ellisen Empire’s ally, but Ellisen Empire didn’t want Anthony to become too powerful or influential. Michael wanted Anthony to make peace with Tiger of Tawau mercenary group and form an alliance, because Ellisen Empire was scared that Anthony could defeat Tiger of Tawau mercenary group and become more powerful. Ellisen Empire would have a harder time controlling Glory mercenary group, and it did not want that.

Anthony knew that, which was why he chose to keep a low profile instead.

He had a pleasant conversation with Steger and Baery despite the fact that they had never met before. Shawn and Dalmatian were both very polite. Ernest was very quiet, but that was his personality.

Anfey didn’t join the ceremony, because he knew that Baery and Anthony were more important than he was. He stood by a window and watched the surging crowd below. “Alice,” he suddenly said. “I must confess. I am very confused.”

“What about?” Alice asked, handing a scroll to Hui Wei.

“If Baery is ready to fight, why isn’t he preserving his strength? Marino’s ceremony was so much more low-key than this.”

“Marino and Anthony are two different people,” Alice said. “This is a different situation.” She pulled out the ledgers and began going through the numbers.

“What changed?”

“Marino had been working for Maho Empire for years,” Alice said. “But Anthony had always been an ally of Ellisen Empire. I think His Majesty is setting an example.”

“What else?”

“Back then, the situation was still a bit murky,” Alice continued. “Now, His Majesty is determined. He knew that a war is inevitable.”

“Then why didn’t Baery conceal his army?”

“There’s no use, because he can’t,” Alice said. She rubbed her temple and closed the ledger. “Maho Empire, Ellisen Empire, and Shansa Empire have been at each other’s throats for hundreds of years. No one knows who to trust. His Majesty is risking everything now. If you were Scarlet, what would you do if all of Maho Empire’s top level powers disappeared?”

“That’s just another reason to conceal his strength,” Anfey argued.

Alice sighed. “Would you have let someone come between you and Christian?” she asked quietly.

“No,” Anfey said. “We would talk it out. We trust each other.”

“Does that mean you are loyal to Maho Empire?”

“Of course.”

“See. We can band together, but Scarlet’s army can’t. She has so many different armies serving her. Conflicts are almost inevitable. If we display our strength, at least some part of that army will become fearful. They will be hesitant. The worst thing that can happen to an army during a war like this is doubt or hesitance. If the soldiers don’t want to fight, who will?”

“I see,” Anfey said, nodding.

“Scarlet wants to eliminate the Roaring Death Legion, Baery, and us. But she would never risk the entire army for her own personal goals,” Alice said, smirking. “The Church’s army won’t do that, and neither will the druids and the elves. They are allies, but their alliances are shaky. All participants of that alliance want to reap the benefit without putting in actual work.

“Scarlet is a natural leader, but she cannot change the way people act. Unless she is willing to sacrifice the Shansa army, her plan will never work. When the actual battle breaks out, her army will fracture.”

“Tell me more about Scarlet,” Anfey said. “Do you know her?”

“She…” Alice sighed. “I’ve always underestimated her. Now I know just how smart she is.”

“How so?”

“She’s good at concealing her emotions,” Alice said. “She knows how to keep a low profile. She knows how to keep herself away from the spotlight. No one really knows her, which gives her an advantage. Unlike me, no one knows what to expect from her.”

“You keep saying she is a natural leader, but I don’t believe that,” Anfey said. “No one is naturally good at something. She must have worked very, very hard to achieve her position today. What about the people that work for her? Are any of them…strange?”

“Strange? What do you mean?”

“I want to know who taught Scarlet to become the woman she is today.”

Alice frowned, then shook her head. “I don’t know,” she said. “Even if she does have a teacher, I don’t think she would have let me know.”

“Scarlet ended the revolution because of her personal army. But how did she manage to train all those soldiers? I don’t think Prince Jerrick’s support was enough,” Anfey said, frowning. “There are so many things I don’t understand about her. She may be a good leader, but she is still so young and inexperienced. Why does your father trust her so much? What gave him the confidence that she would be a good leader?”

Alice shook her head. “All this happened after I left. I don’t know anything.”

“Let’s see. Your father opposed her advance into Country of Mercenaries, but she still came. He even sent her a hundred griffin knights. Why? Why did he send his most precious fighters to embark on a crusade he didn’t even support? There must be something we’re missing.”

Alice frowned. She stared at him but did not say anything.

Anfey remained quiet. He was not as good as Alice at analyzing a situation, which was why he had asked her those questions. Somewhere deep down he knew something must be going on in Shansa Empire. Edward VIII was weak and short-sighted. He was not a gambler and even less of a risk-taker. Why would someone like him suddenly throw in everything he had? What changed?

Chapter 458: Image

Anfey heard the sound of prayers as he passed one of the rooms. The sound of prayers reminded him he wanted to speak to Warner, and he pushed opened the door. Inside, Warner was kneeling before a table and praying. The Book of Life was laying on the table and was glowing as Warner prayed.

Anfey stood there quietly, not wanting to interrupt him. Warner realized someone was behind him as he finished his prayers. He grabbed the Book of Life, holding it close to his chest, and turned around. He let out a sigh of relief and smiled when he saw it was Anfey. “What are you doing here, sir?” He scrambled up and pulled out a chair. “Please sit, sir.”

Anfey smiled and sat down. “Warner,” he said quietly, “I heard you’ve been preaching a lot lately. How is that going for you? Did you convert anyone yet?”

Warner pursed his lips and hesitated. He looked at Anfey and did not say anything.

“I know Christian and the others oppose that,” Anfey said. “And I know you’re too scared to openly preach to too many people. But don’t worry. I gave you the privilege to do so. They won’t do anything to you, even though they are not fond of your way.”

“Thank you, sir,” Warner said carefully. “Truthfully, I haven’t converted a lot of people. It is very hard to preach in Country of Mercenaries. The mercenaries are very independent, and they do not believe in anything beyond themselves. They do not believe in God. There are some women that are interested, though. Mostly families of the mercenaries.”

“That makes sense,” Anfey said, nodding. “Mercenaries must depend on themselves to make a living.” Anfey paused and frowned. “How many women are willing to convert?”

“Around two hundred,” Warner said, lowering his eyes.

“Two hundred?” Anfey repeated. It was much less than he had expected, but now was not the time to show his disappointment. He wanted to encourage Warner. “It’s… a good number to start with,” he said. “It’s good. Keep working on it.”

“But sir, most of the people that are willing to convert are women,” Warner said. “Can they really help us?”

“Maybe,” Anfey said. “But not yet, anyway.”

“What do you mean, sir?”

“Women will have children, right? Their children don’t know anything, but if their mothers are believers, they are more likely to be believers themselves. The women aren’t mercenaries and do not have to risk their lives everyday. They will talk and they will spread the news about their new religion.”

Warner nodded.

“If they really are pious, they won’t be the only ones living by the rules of the Church. They will make their husbands and everyone around them live by the same rules. Surely they will feel like they have sinned if their families do not follow these rules, and they will want to repent. That way, we will get more information.”

Warner frowned, then nodded.

“I know you can’t do everything by yourself,” Anfey said. “I think it’s time for you find some preachers. I will have Alice give you some more money. This Country of Mercenaries must have more than just mercenaries. Focus on the normal people, not just the fighters.”

“You will give me money, sir?” Warner asked, shocked.

“It’s for recruiting preachers,” Anfey reminded him. “If you use it for other things and Alice finds out, I’m not sure I can save you.”

“I won’t, sir, I promise.”

“Good. Remember what I said,” Anfey said with a smile. “Normal people cannot hunt magic beasts, and this isn’t the best place to farm. Most of the people are laborers and live on very little wages. A preacher’s wage should be enough to entice them to join you. If the mercenaries don’t believe in god, they will.”

Warner nodded. “That is brilliant, sir,” he said with a wide grin. “Thank you for this tip.”

Anfey shook his head. “They will be working for you. They will be your men,” he said. “This is all I need to say today. Come up with a good plan and start doing it. If you need anything, you can always to go Alice.”

“Yes, sir,” Warner said.

Anfey turned to leave, then he suddenly remembered something. He turned back to Warner and asked, “Do you have any books on light magic?”

Warner nodded. He retrieved a book from his dimensional ring and handed it to Anfey. “Lord Cardinal gave this to me,” he said. “Sir, I heard you can use light magic.”

“Yes, I can,” Anfey said, taking the magic book. “Why do you ask?”

“Can I…” Warner hesitated, rubbing his hands together.

“What is it?” Anfey asked, flipping through the book.

“Can I…tell others about it?”

“You want to use me to preach to the mercenaries?” Anfey asked, amused.

Warner clearly took it the wrong way. He scrambled into a deep bow and said, “I…I just want to expand quicker, sir! I’m not using you or anything!”

“I know, Warner,” Anfey said. “Stand up. I think I know why you can’t expand.”

Warner straightened himself and looked at Anfey curiously.

“You’re a priest, Warner,” Anfey said. “Priests are usually radiant, just, mighty. You are always afraid of what other people are saying. And you bow way too much. The mercenaries think you’re weak, which is why they don’t like you.”

Warner blinked and did not say anything.

“You have to reinvent your image. That is the most important thing,” Anfey said. “If it’s just the two of us, I don’t care how you act. If there is a third person here, I need you to act proud. I need you to act like you’re better than the rest of us.”

“But sir…”

“You have to! What are you scared of?” Anfey asked. “I told you to do this. I won’t blame you. On the contrary, I will play along. If you don’t do this, you will never recruit as many people as we need, even if you have the Book of Life. If you let me down, I may have do let you go. It’s not hard to find a priest, after all.”

“I can do it, sir!” Warner said, straightening his back a little more. He tightened his grip on the Book of Life.

“Try it,” Anfey said. “Pretend there’s someone else here.”

Warner’s eyes widened. He had been working for Anfey before they even left Moramatch, and he knew how powerful Anfey was. He could not think how he would pretend to be better than Anfey.

“You can do it,” Anfey encouraged him. “Think of when you just came to Moramatch.”

Warner coughed and nodded. He took a deep breath and said, “I think your plan is very inappropriate, sir! We all agree that you are powerful, but eliminating the necromancers is my job. You should not have crossed that line. Plus, you are too important. If something happens to you, the alliance is done for!”

“I’m sorry,” Anfey said with a grin.

“What is past is past,” Warner said. “I don’t need your apologies, sir. You were a fearless warrior, but now you are more than that. Your own safety isn’t the only thing you have to consider now. You have to think about the entire alliance.” Even though Warner looked very proud, he was still scared and unsure.

“Good,” Anfey said, slapping the table. “Good. I like it.”

Warner jumped, then he smiled when he realized Anfey was complimenting him. “I hope you don’t take offence to what I say in the future, sir,” he said.

“I won’t, don’t worry,” Anfey said. “Can I borrow this for a few days?”

“Of course, sir,” Warner said. “Are you planning on practicing light magic?”

“Maybe,” Anfey said with a shrug.

Chapter 459: Careful Planning

“How strange,” Anfey whispered as he flipped through the book. He had been trying to use light magic for a while, but something strange and unexpected happened.

In the past, he could manage to control light elements and summon balls of light. They might not have been powerful, but he could always do it. Now, he found that following the book’s instructions resulted in nothing.

He had tried almost all spells in the book, and not a single one worked. However, when he closed the book and gathered the elements using his own style, he could manage to summon a light ball or two.

Anfey frowned and closed the book when the memory of Warner praying sprang into mind. He grimaced. Did he really need to pray in order for light magic to work?

“Anfey, what are you doing?” Suzanna asked as she walked into the room and saw the grimace on Anfey’s face.

“Nothing,” Anfey said, tossing the book onto a nearby table. “Were you out again with Shawn and Dalmatian?”

Suzanna nodded. “It’s a rare chance,” she said. “Practicing with them taught me things I would have never learned otherwise.” She paused and glanced at Anfey. “Why didn’t you come?”

“They never asked me to go,” Anfey said. “I’m not a swordsman. There’s no point.”

Suzanna walked over and sat down next to Anfey, wrapping her arms around him. “You have to blame Ernest for that. He told everyone that you are too strong to practice with us. That’s why no one ever asks you to come along.”

“Who’s the strongest out of all of them?”

“Ernest,” Suzanna said. “Obviously. Oh, I showed them what you taught me. You won’t believe how surprised they were. Of course, we still must depend on our swords in a real battle, but your tricks can give me an advantage.”

Anfey nodded. He knew the things he taught Suzanna were useful to him in battle, but to swordsmasters like Shawn and Dalmatian, those things were practically useless. “They’re still useful,” he said. “Just depends on how and when you use them.”

“Really?” Suzanna asked, blinking.

Anfey nodded. “Suzanna, have you realized? Ernest is changing. He’s so much more friendly than before.”

Suzanna nodded. “You missed it. Shawn and Ernest had an argument today.”

“What were they arguing about?”

“Shawn thought that the Knights of Light are only a little bit more powerful than the priests, but Ernest thought that they are more powerful than swordsmen because they can heal themselves.”

“What do you think?”

“I think Ernest’s right,” Suzanna said. “The Knights of Light may not be as powerful as we are, but they are much better at long fights. Legend has it that a Knight of Light once fought for five days without resting. A swordsman would have never lasted that long.”

Anfey opened his mouth to talk, but was interrupted when someone pushed open the door. Baery walked in. Suzanna yelped and jumped back. Baery smiled at her. “Sorry for the interruption,” he said.

“It’s fine, my lord,” Anfey said. “Are you looking for us?”

Baery nodded. “It’s time for us to go,” he said. “I want you to take care of business here as quickly as possible. Once the war breaks out, both you and Lady Suzanna will be gone.”

“Don’t worry, my lord,” Anfey said. “We will be there before the war breaks out.”

“Good,” Baery said with a nod. “I won’t waste your time, then.” He nodded at Suzanna and turned to leave.

“Wait!” Anfey called, suddenly remembering something. Baery turned back and looked at Anfey.

“My lord, I’ve been thinking. If we can kill Scarlet before the war even breaks out, would it delay or even prevent the war?”

Baery looked at Anfey, then he walked back into the room and sat down across from him.

“It doesn’t matter if Scarlet’s alliance is not as strong as mine,” Anfey said. “It is still hard to fracture it. But if we can kill Scarlet, who is the glue that’s holding everything together, we would have an advantage.”

“I know what you’re thinking,” Baery said. “I’m not going to lie. We’ve tried assassinating her before, but she is a very paranoid woman. She is never alone without guards. Especially now. She has Manstuly and the Church’s men around her. It is impossible to find her alone and assassinate her.”

“I can always find an opportunity,” Anfey said slowly.

“You mean…”

“Can we kill Prince Jerrick?” Anfey asked. “Will that do anything?”

“Of course,” Baery said. “But we can’t do that yet. He is the weakest of all competitors for the Shansa throne. He won’t be a threat even if he takes the throne.”

“I don’t want to assassinate him,” Anfey said. “He is bait. If he is in danger, would Scarlet do anything?”

Baery frowned.

“Of course, this plan is only at its beginning stage. I need everyone’s help to actually execute it. I need you, my lord, and Ernest, Shawn, and Dalmatian. I want to intimidate Scarlet. I want her to think that we really will kill Jerrick. Hopefully that will prompt her to try to save him,” Anfey said. “I need information about both Scarlet and Prince Jerrick. I need to know as much about them as possible for this plan to work. Including the things that may be deemed irrelevant.”

“What will that irrelevant information do for you?”

“I need to know more about their personalities,” Anfey said. “That way, I can make sure Scarlet will come to rescue Jerrick.”

“I see,” Baery said. “You have my support. Of course, you should talk to the others about this. I can’t make the decision for everyone. My army is settled between Loji Valley and Blackwater River. It’s a plain, and perfect for a battlefield. My army is working on setting up a communication portal, and you can speak to them that way.”

Anfey nodded. “Thank you,” he said.

“Are you serious about this plan?”

Anfey nodded with a smile. “It’s the best plan I can think of, if we want to avoid the war.”

Baery looked at him for a few moments then sighed. “I don’t like assassinations,” Baery said. “But if that’s what it takes to prevent the war and the death of my soldiers…well, I’m willing to take this chance.” Baery smiled at Anfey. “If you can assassinate Scarlet, then you have achieved more for Maho Empire than I ever will.”

Chapter 460: Flame of Rebellion

A middle-aged man was sitting alone in a large cave. He had a flame in front of him and was roasting a rabbit. The scent of cooked meat lingered in the cave.

“Aren’t you bored with this, Desvidia?” A handsome young man appeared next to the flame.

“It’s not my fault that you lost your ability to taste and smell,” Desvidia said. “But I do pity you.”

“What’s the difference? Don’t tell me you still have an appetite.”

“Only animals eat to quell their hunger, Morgan,” Desvidia said, shaking his head. “I enjoy the process of making it, the process of eating. I enjoy the taste. Brings me back to the old days. Once in a while, I need to remind myself what warmth and comfort mean.”

“You’re starting to sound like Golman,” Morgan said with a laugh. “Why are you doing this yourself?”

Desvidia pursed his lips. The mind magic Anfey released during their fight was so powerful that it cut off all the links he had to the skeleton army. He couldn’t bring the skeletons with him when he fled the city.

“What happened?” Morgan asked, concerned. He could tell there was something bothering Desvidia.

“Do you believe there’s someone who can use all the magic?”

“No,” Morgan said, shaking his head.

“I didn’t think so, either,” Desvidia said, “until I met him.”

“But that’s impossible,” Morgan argued.

“I saw it with my own eyes,” Desvidia said. “His control of the elements is incredible.”

“Who are you talking about?”

“Anfey.”

“You went to White Mountain City?” Morgan asked, his eyes wide in shock. “Are you mad?”

Desvidia did not say anything. His eyes did not move away from the fire.

“I heard that Baery had brought Shawn, Dalmatian, Steger, and Ernest to the city,” Morgan said. “Scarlet had the three Grand Knights, Jerrick’s force, Manstuly and the elves. Ellisen Empire has a foot in this as well.” Morgan paused, looking at Desvidia sternly. “Haven’t you heard what master said? No matter who wins this, there will be considerable damage to all sides. We need to weaken them enough so they can do nothing about the Throne of Bones. If we disrupt this…none of us can protect you.”

“I’m not trying to do anything,” Desvidia said with a shrug. “I’m just curious. I wanted to see if the rumors were true.”

“You just wanted to see,” Morgan said mockingly. “You wanted to see so badly you lost your skeletons.”

“It’s not my fault,” Desvidia argued. “I wanted to teach them a lesson.”

“And you got a lesson instead,” Morgan said, shaking his head.

“Don’t just talk about me!” Desvidia said angrily. “You didn’t find Golman yet, did you? Everyone knows what has happened except for master. If master finds out, can you imagine what will happen?”

Morgan lowered his head. After a few moments of silence, he sighed and sat down next to Desvidia. “You think master doesn’t know?”

“You mean…” Desvidia’s eyes widened. “Then you…” They might argue and fight, but the two of them had been together for hundreds of years. Desvidia was worried for Morgan because of their deep friendship.

“Master won’t do anything,” Morgan said. He waved his hand and set up a magic barrier to make sure no one was eavesdropping. “I’m sad because of that.”

“You’re sad that you didn’t get punished,” Desvidia said drily.

Morgan nodded. “I think master must have been furious. The worst the punishment, the happier I would be.” Morgan sighed. He picked up a stick and poked the fire. “Do you know what it means if master pretends nothing had happened?”

“What does it mean?”

Morgan bit his lip. “I guess there’s no use keeping this from you,” he said. “Before Golman left, he came to me. He said if I let him go and master punished me, he would immediately come back. If master pretends nothing happens, then…”

“Then what?”

“Then that means Golman was right. Master was worried that we think he was furious and he took care of everything.”

“That means… Golman’s right?”

“You know the Land of Repose? Golman had been spying on that place. That is a place of death. New lives will be born from those bones and, like the creatures we have, they will fight and kill until only the most powerful remains. After a few generations, those creatures will become very, very powerful until they gain the most power. The most powerful creature will absorb all lives there and fall asleep again. Then the cycle will repeat.” Morgan paused. “There is no repose in the Land of Repose. Do you want this place to become another Land of Repose?”

“If this becomes the Land of Repose…” Desvidia shuddered. “Master must be that hidden creature. He has repeated this cycle until he becomes more powerful than anything else this the world. More powerful than gods. Then he invades other worlds and creates more Lands of Repose.”

“What are gods, Desvidia?” Morgan asked, shaking his head. “The power of gods derives from their believers. Will they ever invade other worlds?”

“Maybe our world was once invaded by such gods.”

The two of them fell silent. After a few moments, Desvidia said, “Maybe we shouldn’t keep building the throne.”

“No,” Morgan said, shaking his head. “Master isn’t a patient person, Desvidia. Golman’s betrayal is already too much.”

“But what can we do?” Desvidia asked. “I wish Golman was here.”

“I’ve already asked him,” Morgan said. “He said we should wait. Wait for change. Wait for fate to make a decision.”

“Fate?” Desvidia repeated. “I don’t believe in fate. If I did, I would never have become a necromancer. I would rather die than be absorbed by some strange creature.”

“That goes for all of us,” Morgan said. “Can Anfey really use all types of magic?”

“You can go see for yourself,” Desvidia said with a shrug.

“You mean there really is Sacred Inheritance?”

“Of course,” Desvidia said. “There were so many of them in the past.”

“That was so long ago,” Morgan said. “Power in this world is sealed away. There will be no Sacred Inheritance if that seal is still there. Master is the only one.”

“There will be a second one. You and I both know this.”

“No,” Morgan said. “Master had already achieved Sacred Inheritance before he died, or else he wouldn’t have been able to fight against the seal, either. If someone can achieve Sacred Inheritance with the seal in place, how powerful will he be once the seal is removed?”

Desvidia sighed. “I don’t know,” he said.

“You got me interested now,” Morgan said. “But we must wait. We are not powerful enough to defy master. We must be patient and wait.”