Chapter 110: The Situation

With the chaotic Northern Region finally unified, reactions varied across other territories. Yet, in a remarkable show of tacit coordination, all accelerated their military campaigns, storming outward in near frenzy and plunging the original balance into utter turmoil.

This was the consequence of overwhelming pressure from the north.

No matter how desolate or dilapidated, the Northern Region was still a vast domain. Although its overall strength was comparatively weaker, unification had endowed it with power rivaling more than half that of other regions.

At present, with the Central Kingdom entangled in conflicts with several neighboring great powers, the Empire of Yadis stood nearly unrivaled. Wherever it directed its next assault, it would spell disaster on a massive scale.

Under such circumstances, even the Kingdom could not remain indifferent. It dispatched three successive waves of envoys, seeking diplomatic relations, or at the very least, to dissuade Yadis from advancing toward the center.

For, though the Kingdom was formidable, surrounded on nearly all sides by enemies, facing a power like Yadis—arguably the world’s second greatest—would strain even its vast reserves beyond endurance.

In this tense atmosphere, envoys arrived incessantly at the newly established city of Yadis, each bearing distinct missions and intentions from distant lands.

Among these delegations, one stood apart.

At a distance from Yadis city, a knight gazed upon the magnificent metropolis, sighing deeply.

“Incredible—such a vast city constructed in mere years,” he murmured, watching the silhouette of Yadis gradually sharpen against the horizon.

In this world, most city-states boasted histories spanning centuries, some taking hundreds of years to build. Yet Yadis had risen from planning to reality in just a few short years—a feat that stunned those accustomed to slow, steady progress.

“It’s said this rapid construction is thanks to the sacred rituals of the northern priests—some extraordinary power fueling the city’s swift rise,” an elder knight said, riding up beside him and looking forward.

But even as he admired the city’s grandeur, a faint sorrow lingered in his heart. “Yadis has grown so strong that neither the Kingdom nor Emperor Audric can resolve it, and so they seek diplomacy. Yet sooner or later, conflict between us is inevitable.”

He thought of the villages along the road, their people migrating under the guidance of priests and officials, the tireless labor of countless slaves gradually shaping new roads and structures. A trace of regret flickered in his eyes.

“Though the north is unified, these duchies have been subjects for only a short time. Many nobles within them harbor dissatisfaction with Yadis’s policies. If the Kingdom were to strike north now, without outside interference, there’s at least a seventy percent chance it could defeat Yadis and seize most of the Northern Region.”

“But if we wait a few years, it won’t be so simple,” he mused, a deep helplessness settling over him.

Yet in the next moment, he crushed that regret. His face, carved with the hardened lines of experience, remained stoic and resolute. “Let us enter and see how this young city stands.”

Thus, the long caravan slowly advanced, joining merchant caravans along the broad avenue, gradually entering Yadis city.

Meanwhile, inside the royal palace of Yadis, a serious-faced Barton held a stack of dispatches before the seated Emperor Yadis.

“Your Majesty, seven delegations from different regions have arrived, seeking an audience. Judging by their demeanor, they wish to establish diplomatic ties.”

Upon hearing this, Yadis slowly opened his eyes. Golden hues deepened in his irises, radiating an imposing majesty that pressed upon all who beheld him.

“Seven more?” he murmured, shaking his head in mild exasperation at the endless stream of envoys.

“Let them in,” he commanded, his gaze fixed on the solemn Barton.

One by one, the delegations were received, and it was only near dusk that the last envoy withdrew.

Nadir then approached.

“Your Majesty, reports from the border watchtowers indicate several more envoys are en route to Yadis city; it appears even greater numbers are on their way,” Nadir respectfully informed.

“However, these visiting duchies are mostly border states currently negotiating with us.”

“That’s to be expected,” Yadis smiled. “With the northern situation stabilized, until we decide where to launch our next campaign, these duchies will remain uneasy. They send envoys out of fear of giving us cause for war.”

“Still, there’s no need to pay them much heed. Accept their gifts, but disregard anything else.”

“Understood!” Nadir responded.

Yadis shook his head. “Nadir, are you aware that while these envoys arrive, those duchies are already deploying heavy forces at the border? It seems they are preparing for every eventuality.”

Nadir’s heart jolted. “So soon?”

But upon reflection, he understood and could only smile wryly.

After a moment, hesitation crept onto his face. “Still, with the Northern Region pacified, where does Your Majesty intend to strike next?”

“What do you think?” Yadis countered, watching Nadir bow his head in thought.

Without hesitation, Nadir answered firmly, “Anywhere except the center. We can advance into both the eastern and western regions.”

Curious, Yadis asked, “Why?”

“In the center lies the Kingdom,” Nadir explained. “The Kingdom, wielding the power of a single nation, is already confronting the entire south and suppressing several city-states in the center.”

“If we intervene now, attacking the Kingdom could suppress it, but it is deeply rooted and cannot be destroyed quickly. In the end, it would likely drag us into prolonged conflict, creating opportunities for other duchies.”

“What if we ally with the Kingdom?” Barton interjected.

“Even worse!” Nadir replied sharply.

“If we side with the Kingdom, the duchies opposing it would be annihilated.”

He paused, then looked at Yadis. “But that benefits us not at all. The Kingdom’s influence in the center is vast, and the south lies beyond it. Even if the Kingdom falls, it only profits the Kingdom, not us.”

“Only the east and west have no rivals matching our strength and share borders with us. Those are our best options.”

Hearing this, Yadis finally smiled and nodded.

As evening descended, Yadis strolled slowly through the palace gardens.

Because the Yadis family was still small and lacking a queen, few resided here, leaving the grounds somewhat sparse. Only a handful of warriors and attendants paced the paths, their numbers light and defenses seemingly thin.

But this was mere appearance.

Within the palace lurked several yellow-robed priests and Earth Knight-level warriors, including a high priest standing guard.

With this formidable array, and the palace guards equipped with specially crafted enchanted arrows, even Sky Knights would find the place impregnable and be forced to flee.

Of course, Yadis himself was not afraid of assassination attempts. Though divided from his corporeal form, his essence remained potent; mere assassins could not approach him easily.

Yet these attempts were a constant nuisance. Over the years, as Yadis rose and crushed countless foes, assassination attempts never ceased. At times, even Earth Knight-level adversaries appeared, forcing him to elevate palace security to prevent unauthorized entry.

Now alone in the quiet garden, he pondered silently.

“In the east and west, perhaps due to pressure from me and the Kingdom these days, several duchies have risen rapidly, pacifying their surroundings and sweeping through neighboring states.”

“But because the time has been short, these regions remain chaotic, much like the Northern Region decades ago, with many duchies vying for dominance.”

“At this moment, wherever I strike, victory will come easily.”

He lifted his gaze, as intelligence from the south flowed into his mind, leading to this conclusion.

“However, whichever side we tackle first, it will give time to the other. Later, attacking that side will be far more difficult. Should the central conflict end before we fully subdue these two regions, it would spell trouble.”

“Therefore, this campaign must be swift.”

He thought thus, while within him a powerful true spirit stirred, beckoning the stars above.

As the stars trembled softly, synchronizing with his true spirit, his consciousness rose, merging gradually into a celestial pillar.

At that moment, the earthly scene shifted.

Across the vast land, several pillars of light ascended, each faintly shimmering with stars and bearing a celestial mandate, colliding and intertwining.

At the center stood the largest pillar, flickering with a humanoid apparition radiating overwhelming primal energy.