Chapter 1700: Dark Blanket

Anna’s voice echoed in the meeting chamber. She sat at the stone table, a dark look on her face as she clutched a parchment in her hand.

Everyone looked grim. Everyone except Amira, who looked concerned instead. "Where is he? Is he doing all right?" She couldn’t help but ask.

"What did the letter say?" King Maximillian asked, his tone heavy and solemn.

The man had destroyed the Empire’s four great prisons and freed thousands of prisoners. He had burned cities and towns to the ground, taking out key figures and causing the enemy’s morale to plunge with each passing day.

So when a letter from the legendary Dark King arrived, the king knew that it must have contained some critical intelligence.

"It says the Cult of Bones has hastened their war efforts. They are accelerating everything so quickly that the final phase of the war is almost upon us."

King Maximilian’s brows creased into a line. "Why? Why now?"

She scanned the faces of everyone present, then said, "I don’t think we have too much time before our enemies arrive."

Prince Marlow’s face twisted into a scowl, and he turned to Kasper. "You said the soldiers from the neighboring kindoms will take at least a few days to reach Amberfall, yes?"

Marlow then turned to his father. "And how long until the men dispatched by the Union arrive?"

Maximillian remained silent for a few moments. He had been in constant communication with Springdale ever since Anna returned home. The Union’s headquarters had realized the gravity of the situation and had already prepared and sent troops to assist Ignisra.

Especially now that the Cult had accelerated their plans, and Ignisra’s enemies could be a day or two away from attacking them. At the same time, the war on the frontlines must have also intensified.

He paused briefly, then said, "Their Mana Core Magi will arrive quicker since they’re flying here."

"How many?" Anna asked.

"Four of us still should be fine as long as the enemy Mana Core Magi are four or fewer," Anna murmured, a frown on her face.

Anna turned to her brother and smiled wryly. She shook her head and said, "I’m afraid not."

"Correct me if I’m wrong," Duke Bray began. "Setting aside the matter of the Mana Core Magi on both sides, we only need to hold on long enough for our allies to arrive, yes?"

King Maximillian finished his sentence.

***

On the waters of the Summer Sea, a giant warship cut through the waves. The winds were favourable, as if the world itself was propelling the vessel toward its destination.

Emblazoned upon them was the symbol of the Haynam Empire.

Though he was a mere Mana Vortex Magus, a very powerful one at that, the people on the ship treated him with immense respect.

And his name was Liam Haynam.

Mana Vortex and Mana Liquefaction Magi still served as the backbone for both armies.

A figure beside him, his attendant, bowed respectfully. "By tomorrow afternoon, your highness."

"Yes." The attendant nodded. "They are in their respective cabins, your highness. Should I summon them?"

"No, let them be." Liam waved his hand dismissively. "I mustn’t throw my weight around just because of my name. Arcane stations should be respected. Inform them at sunrise."

"Leave," Liam said in an indifferent voice.

They spread across the water like a dark blanket of wood and iron over the Summer Sea.

And it numbered over two hundred ships…