Chapter 10 Chapter 8 Challenge

At dawn, Merilon's Crystal Palace appears brighter than the sun, which is not difficult.Sihana spent the better part of the day yesterday practicing spells against the luminous planet, such as making it cloudy, making its colors hideous, and trying to erase it from the sky entirely.Today the sun rose slowly over the mountain, pale and listless, as if it would set again as soon as it caught sight of Sihana. So it seemed that this pale sun could not provide a single candle light for the Crystal Palace, which was brightly lit all night and looked extremely bright.At dawn, the tapestries on the transparent walls of every room in the palace were rolled up, the curtains were drawn, and all shades and shutters were raised.The magic light shone everywhere, illuminating the city below the palace.

In the reign of the late emperor and his bewitching empress, this brilliant splendor meant all-night parties and revelry.At that time, handsome men and beautiful women gathered in the palace to have fun, the house was full of laughter, and their clothes were fragrant.Yet under the new emperor's reign, bright lights meant all-night plotting.Now, the halls of the palace are filled with red-robed wizards in ambush, and the rooms are filled with nothing but harsh discussions and a faint smell of sulfur. And this morning—it was the morning when war was declared. In the Crystal Palace, Emperor Xavier was beside the transparent window of his study, constantly hovering in mid-air, staring at the city below.It seems that he waited impatiently for the enemy.With a quick glance, he saw that his Flame Warlords were in position, watching everything from different angles inside and outside the Crystal Palace.Emperor Xavier and his ministers are expected to use this challenge to assess the strength of Saraken's army, and they are particularly looking forward to finding clues about how Jarod used the dark craft of the demon craftsman in the campaign arrangement .Xavier did not expect Prince Jarod to reveal all the secrets, which was absolutely impossible, because Jarod was, after all, a brilliant military strategist.However, in order for this challenge to be taken seriously, Jarod will still show some of his military might.At the same time, according to the old practice, he wanted to use this method to intimidate Merilon to surrender.

Of course, Xavier has long known through his spies in Saraken that the witchcraft craftsmen have settled down in Saraken, and they know that they are researching and producing weapons day and night.But his spies could not enter that enclosed area, for years of persecution had made the people wary of strangers there.As a result, Dikonduke had no way of knowing what weapons they were working on and how many.Worst of all - as far as Xavier was concerned - he himself was not sure whether the Witchcrafters had discovered a way to use the Dark Stone, and whether the Dark Sword - forged by Joram - It is the only weapon currently made from enchanted ore.

Then a Winged Messenger, a winged messenger sent to Simharon, appeared outside the walls of Xavier's palace, his mutated wings flapping gently in the morning breeze, He can be suspended in the soft air current outside the palace. With a wave of Xavier's hand, the wall disappeared.He motioned for the Winged Messenger to fly in. "Your Majesty, the occupation ceremony of the teleportation corridor has just been completed." The winged messenger reported to the emperor. "Thank you. Stand back." After ordering the messenger to back off, Xavier absently restored the wall to its original shape, and then sent the pre-arranged signal.Then, red smoke billowed and filled the sky.His fellow firefighters stopped discussing and all leaned closer to the wall, watching hopefully.

Dikonduke magically moved his study to the highest turret on the steeple of the Crystal Palace, preparing to witness the event from the best angle possible.Looking down, he saw the crowded Merilon people tiptoeing, everyone trying to get the best seat to watch the whole thing.The rich, if they are not driving beautiful carriages with wings, are floating lightly on the clouds of the upper cities; the middle class are pouring into the lower cities, crowds of people, bustling in front of the gates, all of them making pilgrimages Lin Chung went and gathered around the magic-protected dome of the Crystal Palace.

There was such joy in the crowd that even the oldest man couldn't remember the last time war was declared.This is a moment of great historical significance, and the excitement and excitement of murmurs can be heard everywhere.That night, after the declaration of war, the nobles held many large balls, everyday and military uniforms for people of all ages became fashionable, and the whole city looked a bit like the one that was once occupied by Attila the Hun and the fierce King Richard. Overrun Julius Caesar's camp.But just when the excitement was high, something soured. On what should have been a perfect day, a small cloud cast a shadow.

There will be no evening parties at the Crystal Palace. People are mystified by this.Xavier was known to have had a stern expression on his face (some even used the word "gloomy" to describe him - but only dared to say it in a whisper).Everyone felt that there was nothing wrong with him taking the war so seriously, but people were looking forward to a party commemorating this historic event.When the wish was not granted, and news came that the Emperor had given special orders that he should not be disturbed, people looked sullenly at each other and shook their heads.They all said sadly (still whispering) that such a thing would never have happened in the late Emperor's time.Most people began to speculate that this war might not be as easy to win as Dikonduke had always predicted.

Xavier knew he would disappoint people by refusing to hold the party tonight.For two days, the minister who was full-time to report on morale and popular sentiment never reported this news to him again.This Dikonduke didn't care about it either.Xavier flitted restlessly in front of the Crystal Palace walls, his hands clasped behind his back.Since he was alone in the study, he allowed himself to gaze out at the unusually agitated situation outside.Although the wall is transparent, he can see what's outside, but because he has set a mirror spell on it, people outside can't see what's inside.As a sorcerer who has undergone advanced self-control training, Xavier is extremely mysterious and calm in front of people.In fact, he did, most of the time.There are exceptions in special circumstances, and his mind will become blank.

It wasn't because of the declaration of war. Someone entered the study at this moment, so Xavier stopped.The man walked through the teleportation corridor that was quietly opened for him with permission.Before the man appeared, the rustling of robes and the sound of panting had already indicated his coming in advance.Xavier already knew who he was, because there was only one person in the world who could approach him through these portals, so he just glanced back over his shoulder to see the expression on the man's face, as if this was better than that. Who the face belonged to was more interesting to him.

Xavier frowned at the look.He bit his lip and turned his head back, staring intently at the panorama of the city below him, but there was nothing to see.The declaration of war has not yet begun, and he is not really looking at anything. His thoughts and sight are far away, and he pretends to focus on the big event that is about to happen, so that he has the opportunity to hide his face. Let visitors see. "I suppose it's bad news, isn't it, sir?" Xavier's voice was cold and even.He had stopped flying now, standing perfectly still, with his hands peacefully in front of him—only Emin would know by what force of will he did it.

"Yes." Bishop Van Ya replied panting. Although the bishop's left arm was crippled by a stroke and the left side of his face could not be moved, he was able—with the help of Zeldalla—to overcome the inconveniences of his disability and lead a more normal life .Of course, his power in the kingdom has not diminished, and his power has developed under Xavier's new ruling regime anyway. However, the old bishop always felt tired easily these days, even the short steps from his study in the Holy Mountain into the teleportation corridor, and then out of the teleportation corridor into the study of Merilon's Crystal Palace, It will make him exhausted.The bishop collapsed on the chair, panting continuously, while Xavier stood there waiting, calm on the surface, but filled with long-suppressed irritability and fear in his heart. When he caught his breath, Bishop Vanya cast a quick glance at the wizard from under his half-closed eyelids.He saw that Dikonduke was concentrating on looking out of the wall. Obviously, he was not looking at himself, so Van Ya quickly raised the crippled left arm with his right hand, put it on the armrest of the chair, and carefully Fiddled with his limp fingers so he could hide his cripple.Everyone could see what he was doing, knew he wanted to move his body, but politely looked away.This is indeed a people who are good at disguising, after all, they have been pretending that the queen's body is still alive for a year. Xavier heard the sound of the bishop sitting on the chair, turned sideways and looked back at him, and said coldly: "Is there something that delays you, sir? I thought you would come last night. What is the matter?" ?” "That Duke didn't come back until this morning," Vanya said, carefully leaning back in the chair, trying not to "disturb" the arm.He speaks clearly, but due to the paralysis of the left side of his face, his pronunciation is slightly slurred.The deformation of his face slanting downward toward the corner of his mouth is almost imperceptible under the magical modification, and the drooping of the left eyelid is also difficult to be noticed, but if Zelda La, who carefully treated him, repeatedly comforted him, he would Now that he is still alive, he should be grateful to Emin, and should not complain about these minor details. Perhaps the bishop has long felt that all this is unbearable. "From your expression, I know this is not good news." Xavier said, turning around and looking at the city below again. "The Dark Sword is gone." "Yes, Your Majesty." Van Ya replied, his healthy finger was slowly crawling on the arm of the chair like a spider. "What took so long to discover?" Xavier asked sternly. "The storm on the border has worsened." Van Ya licked his lips as he spoke. "By the time Dukes arrived, the statue of the Catalyst Saint was completely covered in sand. The whole scene had changed, Your Majesty. They couldn't recognize the Far Lands, and they looked at the Executioner—" "My lord, I knew when they were there." Xavier interrupted him impatiently, his hands clasped properly in front of his face, and his face a little pale as he was always struggling to maintain that calm look. whitish. "Continue with your report!" "Yes, Your Majesty." Van Ya replied in a low voice and vaguely.Since he was a little dissatisfied with Xavier's fierce tone, Vanya gave him a disgusted look behind him when he turned around. "It took the wizards a while to locate the statue and remove the pile of sand that covered it. Dukexis had to work under a magical shield to protect himself from the horrific winds that were scraping around them so violently." Injured by the storm. This alone requires two wizards and four catalyst saints to maintain the magic shield there, and the work can proceed smoothly. Finally, they finally dug up the remains of the statue..." "That Catalyst Saint—that Saryon—is dead?" Xavier asked. Van Ya stopped and wiped the sweat off his forehead with a small white handkerchief.In the past few days, he either feels very hot or very cold, and there seems to be no moderate weather. When he finally spoke, his voice dropped. "Of course, the spell was broken, and the real body escaped. But it is unknown whether the country of death or the world of living people escaped." "Damn it!" Xavier cursed under his breath, the fingers of one hand clenched. "The sword of darkness is gone?" "The dark sword and scabbard are gone." "Are you sure?" "Dukesis can't make a mistake, Your Majesty." Van Ya replied sharply. "They have searched the site of the statue extensively and thoroughly, but they have found nothing. On top of that, they think that if the sword really exists, they can definitely find the sword of darkness, but they feel that there is no sign nothing." Xavier roared. "That sword was able to hide its master from Dukexis—" "Only when you are in the crowd can you hide yourself and its owner from being seen. When the two are separated, Duke Xisi can sense its power by slightly feeling the suction magic effect of the Dark Sword. Existence—even without wielding it. At least, that's what the sorceress told me, Your Majesty. But she says they won't have time to experiment with the Darksword before it's turned to stone at the hands of that damned catalyst saint." "No." Van Ya continued to speak melancholy. "The Dark Sword has been lost... Besides, Duke Xis said that only the power of the Dark Sword can break the curse on Saryon." Dikonduke stood there silently gazing out of the wall, the declaration of war had begun.The teleportation corridors surrounding those magic walls of Merilon were opened (very few teleportation corridors are the entrances into the city, and those that can enter the city are set in the city gates, and normally a city guard mage Now, in time of war, Dukes and Dicondukes--the Warlords of Fire--are also guarding the gates of Merilon. But it is a necessary thing to do. Whatever the enemy tries Entering the city through which teleportation corridor, in addition to violating the rules of war, will suddenly lead to a magic war that will cause the city and its residents to suffer. This is something that neither side wants to happen—at least in such an early period .Other teleportation corridors that can enter and exit the city, only the secret teleportation corridor connecting the palace and the holy mountain.) Saraken's army—hundreds of sorcerers in dazzling red robes—emerged from the portal with their catalyst saints.The sorcerers spaced one by one around the city, their catalyst saints standing beside them.When everyone stood up, after a trumpet sounded, Prince Jarod rushed out of the teleportation corridor in a golden chariot drawn by nine black horses.When these magic horses galloped out, they spewed out clusters of flames from their nostrils, and beams of lightning flashed under the hooves of the horses. The sharp neighing of the horses was so loud that it penetrated the magic dome of the Crystal Palace. Prince Jarod stopped the flaming horse, and it immediately became a magnificent sight.He wears a suit of silver armor that has been passed down from generation to generation in the family, some say from the old world, and that also bears charms of victory and special magic to protect the wearer.Jarod tucked his helm under his ribs, his auburn hair ruffled by the strong wind.He saluted the people of Merilon solemnly, and taking the reins, he galloped round the walls of the city in his chariot.He passed by with lightning speed, and the flag of the Kingdom of Saraken fluttered in the wind, hunting and flying in the air, until Merilon was surrounded by the bright banners of the enemy army.Such a handsome prince, such a black horse with a flame-breathing mouth, such a bright banner!The people of Merilon cheered at this magnificent sight! Returning to the main gate of the city, Prince Jarod reined in the chariot, raised his hand, and ordered the horn player to blow the horn again.Suddenly, a group of ferocious monsters—their half-man and half-horse faces were menacing, and their horseshoes slammed on the ground—rushed out of the teleportation corridor.They rushed straight into the city under the dome, with murderous eyes in their eyes, and spears in their hands—weapons made by dark crafts. The dragon soaring above their heads bared its fangs and claws in the air, spewing disgusting poisonous gas into the air.Then, the giant appeared, with a huge head level with the upper city, looking down on the tiny humans below with a grinning grin, his appearance was very frightening.After that, Griffin, Chimera, Satis, Sphinx and other various monsters rushed out of the teleportation corridor, roaring angrily one by one, as if they couldn't wait to drink. Bloody. No one in Mallillon clapped and cheered anymore.Children screamed in horror as mothers held them tightly in their arms as men rushed to protect their families.The nobles were furious at this brazen act, chanting curses loudly, while all their wives would do was pretend to faint and not care about anything. The centaurs ran to the distance where they could throw their spears at the wall. The giant was about to stretch its giant palm down. It seemed that the dragon also appeared to attack the magic dome. At this moment, Prince Jarod ordered the hornman Blow the last trumpet. Accompanied by the non-stop flashing colorful lights and the rumble that shakes the earth, all the phantoms disappeared one by one!What remained were the sorcerers who had created all these illusions, exhausted, and the Catalyst Saints who were as sleepy as they were, with little strength left to bow proudly to the stunned people of Merilon. Jarod raised his banner aloft, and shouted so loudly that the whole city could hear it. "I solemnly appeal to the people of Merilon to stand up and bring down your wicked lord and his sycophant bishop! You are living a nightmare of dying as tragically as your ancestors, living as mad as your late emperor . Destroy this vault that keeps you isolated from the world! We, in Saraken, will give you a new life! Return to the land fit for your existence!" "If you refuse to get rid of these people who are parasitic in your blood, then we will act ourselves, lest they affect other human beings, which will cause war between our two kingdoms." "What's your answer?" "War! War!" cried the people of Merilon with great excitement. "War! War!" the nobles also shouted repeatedly, and their fainted wives woke up in time and shouted: "War!" Mothers teased their babies and learned to shout "War", and learned from it that they could say no. the children screamed "War!" and beat the ground with their pointed sticks like the centaurs clutching their spears; college students shouted "War!" and swore to a man Join the army as soon as possible; some of the young Catalyst saints were also shouting: "War, war!" but were scolded by a passing priestess and deaconess, and sternly reminded them that Emin was against bloodshed.But the deaconess was in such a hurry to save the witches that she had no time for the wrongdoers, so as soon as she walked away the catalyst saints began to shout again. "Then let's go to war!" Jarod yelled with a sullen face, but no one heard him in the chaos.Garald finally bowed decently and indifferently, and then drove his chariot back to the teleportation corridor, disappearing from everyone's sight.His sorcerers and their catalyst saints vanished with them. It was noon.The bells rang in Merilon, and Sihana—with a fervent patriotic passion in his heart—changed the color of the clouds to match Merilon's own flag, so that it seemed as if the whole sky was adorned with flags.The nobles immediately flew to their celebratory ball, singing battle songs and Merilon's national anthem.The people in the lower city held an impromptu hip-hop dance and ignited the flames, making the whole city sparkling and bright, and the dance and happy mood will last until late at night. The Emperor Merilon stood silently in his crystal-walled study high above the bustle and gaiety, looking down, neither seeing nor hearing.For him, despite everything happening in front of his eyes, challenges come and go, and he misses them all.In his eyes, there was only one figure, and the dark weapon in his hand. Just when Merilon's celebration reached its climax, the sun was gloomy and dying, the first evening star was shining dimly in the zenith, and that Dikonduke would not move or speak.The bishop sat behind him, panting heavily, occasionally wiping his brow with a small handkerchief.He was thinking, long past his mealtime, when Xavier broke the long silence and made him tense. "Joran has returned from the kingdom of the dead." Dikonduke said softly. "If we don't stop him, the prophecy will come true. Alert Dukes, and if they find Joram, kill him immediately. This time, he can be—and must be—killed."