A few days before the battle between Haru and Venom…
Inside the Royal Meeting Room of the Kingdom of Falmuth's palace, a tense gathering of high-ranking officials was underway. The polished marble floor reflected the agitation in the room, and the ornate pillars did little to soften the heated atmosphere.
King Edmaris sat at the head of the long table, looking tired as he listened to his Minister of Finance, Reyheim, slam his palm against the desk.
"It's important we secure that Ore for ourselves before Bulmuth does!" Reyheim declared sharply, his voice echoing through the chamber.
King Edmaris raised a hand uncertainly. "But Reyheim… wouldn't taking it risk a conflict with Bulmuth? We have enjoyed peace for years."
Reyheim did not hesitate. "They cannot declare war over something that doesn't belong to them." He turned to another noble. "Back me up here, Earl Nidol."
Earl Nidol nodded immediately. "It's true. No nation has laid official claim to the Ore yet. Your Majesty must not hesitate. A King must be decisive and act before opportunity slips away."
Several nobles chimed in as well:
"We lose nothing by acting first. Bulmuth can complain, not retaliate."
"With this Ore, our national barrier could last decades!"
"Falmuth must strike while fortune favors us!"
King Edmaris rubbed his forehead, overwhelmed. "Is that so…?" His gaze shifted to Razen, seated calmly at his right. "Razen. What do you think?"
Razen, the Court Mage of Falmuth, adjusted his robe before replying. "Your Majesty, our magic barrier has weakened over the years. Quality Ores capable of supporting it have grown rare and difficult to preserve. An Ore of this caliber could sustain it for many years. In my opinion, the risk is acceptable."
The King exhaled in relief. "If you think so as well, Razen… then I suppose it's fine."
Reyheim offered a confident smile. "It is fine, King Edmaris. Rest assured."
King Edmaris nodded slowly. "How many soldiers should we send?"
Razen replied in a serious tone. "It is not a large village. They possess warriors, but nothing threatening. One hundred to one hundred and fifty soldiers should suffice. Sending more may alert Bulmuth unnecessarily."
Earl Nidol spoke immediately, smiling thinly. "In that case, Your Majesty, allow me to dispatch my private troops. They specialize in stealth operations."
This mission must be credited to my domain, Nidol thought with satisfaction. With success, my reputation will soar—and so will my funding.
King Edmaris nodded gratefully. "You would do that? Thank you, Earl Nidol."
Reyheim leaned forward. "Once we acquire the Ore, we can redirect surplus funds into other promising avenues. In time, Falmuth will rise as a powerhouse of commerce. None will surpass us."
King Edmaris smiled faintly. "Thank you, Minister Reyheim. I'm counting on you."
"As long as you trust me, my King," Reyheim replied, lips curling into a polished smile, "I will deliver."
Several nobles voiced their agreement:
"This is the perfect opportunity for Falmuth's advancement."
"With resources like that Ore, our dominance in trade is guaranteed."
"Bulmuth won't stand a chance if we act now."
The dynamics in the room were clear; King Edmaris held little true authority. His decisions were merely extensions of his council's desires.
Finally, the King straightened. "Very well. I leave the operation to you, Earl Nidol. Coordinate with Razen. I expect results. This meeting is adjourned."
The nobles rose one by one, bowing before exiting.
Earl Nidol approached Razen with a composed smile. "Court Mage Razen. Please accompany me to my estate."
Razen nodded. "Shall we leave immediately?"
"That would be most appreciated," Nidol replied.
And so, without hesitation, the operation to seize a precious Magic Ore—rumored to hold an immense density of magicules—was set in motion.
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Dorugen Village – Borderlands Between Falmuth and Bulmuth
The sky glowed red. Flames devoured homes. Smoke choked the air. Bodies of fallen village warriors lay scattered everywhere.
Just an hour ago, soldiers of Falmuth had descended upon Dorugen, demanding they hand over a Magic Ore—claiming it originally belonged to Falmuth. The villagers had found it recently, its strange magicules rumored to be connected to Veldora.
When the villagers refused, lacking proof, the commander ordered the assault.
Now, the battle was over. The village was in ruins.
The village chief lay on the ground, blood dripping down his face, barely able to lift his head.
Standing above him was the Falmuth commander—Commander Lark Veldmon, a sharp-jawed man with cold eyes and a perpetual sneer.
Kneeling beside the chief was his eldest daughter, Reina Dorugen, tears falling uncontrollably as she held her father in her arms.
"Father, please… don't fight anymore," she pleaded, her voice trembling. "We'll give them the Ore. That's what they want… so please, don't let our people die."
Her desperate eyes begged for agreement.
But the chief looked up at Commander Lark with unyielding fury.
"I will never give that Ore… to vile creatures like you," he spat.
Only the chief and a handful of trusted warriors knew the Ore's location. One of those warriors had betrayed them and informed Falmuth.
Reina's eyes widened in despair. "Father! This isn't the time for pride—"
Commander Lark chuckled darkly.
"You see? Even your daughter thinks you're an old fool. Just give us the stupid piece of rock and we'll leave."
The chief glared fiercely—shockingly conscious despite his wounds.
"A 'stupid piece of rock,' you call it. That Ore can rebuild our village! Bulmuth negotiated respectfully with us. But you Falmuth dogs… are treacherous fiends. I will protect that Ore even if it costs me my life!"
"FATHER!!"
Reina screamed, tears streaming. She turned to Lark, bowing deeply.
"Please don't hurt us anymore. I'll look for the Ore. I'll find it, I swear!"
Lark smiled cruelly. "No need. I've lost patience. I'll start killing the women and children. That should loosen his tongue."
"You can't do that!!" Reina shouted. "I said I will look for it!"
She turned back to beg her father once more—
And froze.
Her father was… smiling.
A calm, resolute smile.
Reina's blood ran cold.
"F-Father… why… why are you smiling…?"
Commander Lark frowned. "What are you planning, old man?"
The chief slowly lifted his head.
"Do you think I'd let filth like you lay hands on that Ore? When I said I would protect it with my life, I meant it. Every man in this village shares my resolve."
Then, with the last of his strength, he shouted:
"Garron! Is the circle ready?!"
Behind him stood one of the village's strongest warriors—Garron Reddsteel, bloodied and barely able to stand.
Commander Lark blinked. "Circle? What damn circle—"
Garron placed a trembling fist over his heart. "Yes, Village Chief!"
He stepped atop a large symbol glowing faintly beneath dirt and blood—a magic circle he had been drawing in secret while the chief distracted the commander.
Reina stared in horror. "C-Circle? Father… what are you doing? W-What is—"
Garron raised his blood-soaked hand and began to chant, his voice hoarse yet unwavering.
"Gate of the Abyss, open.
Through blood, through sacrifice, through soul.
We call to the Netherworld.
Answer, Demon of Higher Rank."
He slammed his palm into the center of the summoning circle.
BOOOOM!
Black and crimson light exploded upward.
Wind tore through the burning village.
Magicules spiraled violently like a miniature storm.
Commander Lark's expression twisted. "We let our guard down?! A summoning circle?! A demon?!"
Reina's face drained of all color as her father whispered, almost lovingly:
"This is our final act… Dorugen will not bow to Falmuth."
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2 extra chapters available on my Patreon "patreon.com/tenten100" plus I'm dropping chapters as I write then 😁✌