NOVEL NEXT Chapter 10: system's test
The next day, Leo began preparations for his journey to the northern Shii areas, where he had arranged to meet the Elf King. Before his departure, he left Charlotte, his trusted advisor, as the acting governor of the empire. he would oversee the empire in his absence, ensuring stability and control during this critical time.
Accompanying Leo on this secretive mission were four trusted individuals:
1st Division Captain Matthew: A steadfast warrior known for his sharp tactical mind and unshakable loyalty.
3rd Division Captain Andro: A seasoned strategist with unmatched battlefield experience.
7th Division Captain Robert: A towering, silent sentinel whose strength and precision were legendary.
War Minister Abuld: The empire's military mastermind, whose presence ensured that Leo's every step was calculated and protected.
Leo kept his departure and companions as hidden as possible. Cloaked in secrecy, they took indirect routes and employed decoy caravans to mask their movements, ensuring that any potential adversaries would remain in the dark.
"This journey must be kept under the shadows," Leo instructed his party as they set out. "The Elf Kingdom and others will undoubtedly have eyes on us. We cannot afford an attack or unnecessary delays."
The five of them rode through the dense forests and open plains, their pace swift but cautious. Every step was laden with the weight of their mission, a delicate balance of diplomacy, strategy, and survival.
Leo, ever vigilant, kept his thoughts to himself, his resolve growing stronger with each passing mile. "If Hazara or anyone else is plotting against me, they will soon realize their mistake," he thought grimly. "This meeting will decide more than they know."
In the Ausha Empire capital, within the grand and shadowed halls of the Church of Hastia, Hazara sat in a throne-like chair carved from obsidian and adorned with crimson runes. His expression was a mix of delight and calculation as he received the news of Emperor Leo's departure.
"So, Leo," Hazara murmured, his fingers drumming against the armrest, "you've created the perfect opportunity for us. Let us see if you can withstand the trial of the herd of beasts." His tone carried a sinister edge, and his lips curled into a sly smile.
Turning to his attendant, he gave the next order, "Summon the council. Inform them of our plans and mobilize our loyal members. By the time Leo returns, we'll have a warm welcome prepared just for him."
---
Meanwhile, in the Xing Fu Empire, a land known for its looming gothic towers and crimson skies, a royal guide entered the throne room with swift and practiced steps. After bowing deeply, he awaited permission to speak.
"Rise," Athan's deep voice echoed from his seat, his crimson eyes glowing faintly in the dimly lit chamber.
"Lord Athan," the guide began, "we've received intelligence that Emperor Leo Gemini has begun his journey. He travels discreetly but is headed toward the Elf Kingdom."
Athan's expression darkened for a moment before he let out a soft chuckle. "So, Leo, you've chosen to step into the lion's den yourself." His tone was laced with intrigue as he leaned back, musing to himself.
"Prepare the throne room," Athan ordered. "Summon the First Family Leader and the Leaders of the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Families. Inform them that we shall soon pay a visit to our neighbors in the Elf Kingdom."
The guide bowed and quickly departed. Athan rose from his throne, his imposing figure casting long shadows against the room's crimson glow.
"Leo," he murmured to himself, a faint smirk playing on his lips, "you've made your move. Let's see how far you're willing to go."
It had been half a day since Leo and his companions embarked on their journey. The sun blazed high in the clear sky, casting golden light across the rugged terrain. The group, moving in silence, had encountered no trouble so far. The only sounds were the rhythmic thundering of hooves against the ground and the occasional whistle of wind rushing past.
They were nearing the Border Stone, a large ancient marker that separated the Ausha Empire from the no-man's land leading toward the Elf Kingdom. Despite the terrain, their pace remained relentless.
Their horses, enhanced with super-speed abilities, galloped faster than any ordinary steed. Dust clouds rose behind them, a testament to their incredible speed. These horses were no ordinary mounts but were bred for endurance and magically augmented to handle the pressures of high-speed travel over long distances.
Leo rode at the front, his piercing gaze locked ahead, thoughts swirling about the journey and the challenges that awaited him. Behind him, the War Minister, Abuld, rode steadily, occasionally surveying the surroundings with a critical eye, while Captain Matthew and Captain Andro rode flank positions to maintain their formation. The ever-silent Seventh Division Captain, Robert, brought up the rear, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of danger.
"At this speed," Abuld remarked, his voice cutting through the wind, "we'll reach the border before nightfall."
"Good," Leo replied without turning back. "The faster we move, the less chance we give our enemies to react."
Matthew nodded in agreement, though a trace of unease crossed his face. "Still, we shouldn't let our guard down, my Lord. Border crossings always come with risks."
Leo smirked faintly, his tone calm but commanding. "Risks or not, this mission is critical. We'll handle whatever comes our way."
The companions pressed forward, their shadows growing long as the sun began its descent. The Border Stone loomed closer, a silent sentinel marking the edge of Ausha's domain.
As Leo and his companions neared the border area, the landscape began to shift. At first, the terrain resembled a sparse forest, but the deeper they ventured, the more desolate it became. The trees thinned out drastically, leaving behind an almost barren expanse with scattered patches of vegetation.
The absence of both human settlements and beasts added an eerie silence to their journey. There were no signs of life, not even birds or insects, as if the land itself had been abandoned. It was a stark contrast to the bustling capital they had left behind.
By the time they exited the forest area, the sun was beginning its descent, painting the sky with hues of orange and crimson. The forest gave way to an open field, vast and seemingly endless. Tall grasses swayed gently in the breeze, and a narrow river snaked its way through the expanse, its waters glistening under the fading sunlight.
Leo reined in his horse and activated his Qi-infused vision to survey the area. However, even with his enhanced sight, the horizon stretched endlessly, offering no discernible end to the grasslands.
"We'll stop here for now," Leo announced, his voice breaking the silence.
The horses, having carried them tirelessly for nearly 679 kilometers since their departure, were visibly exhausted. Even their magical enhancements were of no help; the creatures needed rest to recover.
The group dismounted by the riverside, allowing their horses to drink from the cool, clear waters while they set up a temporary camp. Leo surveyed the area carefully, ensuring there were no immediate threats.
"Open fields," Matthew commented, his tone laced with caution. "Not the best place to camp, my Lord. We're exposed here."
"We have no choice," Abuld replied, dismounting and stretching his legs. "The horses can't go any further without rest, and neither can we."
Leo nodded in agreement. "We'll set up a perimeter and keep watch in shifts. No fire—this field might be endless to the naked eye, but we don't know who or what might be watching from the shadows."
The group worked quickly to prepare a makeshift resting spot, using the grassy area beside the river to conceal themselves as much as possible. The quiet of the field was unnerving, but Leo remained calm, his thoughts focused on the journey ahead.
As night began to fall, the stars appeared one by one, illuminating the vast open sky. The sound of the river flowing nearby provided a faint but soothing backdrop to their temporary respite. The group sat in silence.
It was time for Leo to take rest, but he didn't call his companions. Instead, he chuckled softly, looking at them. "It's a wonderful full moon night," he murmured to himself, his eyes scanning the horizon.
As he gazed at the night sky, something caught his attention—a massive silhouette in the distance. It moved swiftly, its wings spreading wide against the moonlight. Leo's eyes narrowed as he focused on the figure. A dragon? Impossible.
He instinctively prepared himself, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword. But before he could act, the enormous creature soared away, its speed unnatural as if it were fleeing from something.
Leo's mind raced. "Wait... is that what I think it is?" he mumbled under his breath. Dragons are nothing more than fairy tales. They don't exist. They can't exist... can they?
As doubt crept into his thoughts, a strange voice echoed in his mind, clear and resonant:
"Candidate test passed. Successful."
The voice vanished as quickly as it had come, leaving Leo frozen in place. He looked around, his heart pounding, but there was no one else awake, and no trace of the voice or the dragon-like creature.
"What... was that?" Leo whispered to himself, shaken but determined to stay vigilant, unsure if this was the start of something far greater than he had anticipated.
The next morning, Leo's companions stirred awake, their murmurs breaking the early silence.
"Hey, why didn't you wake up?" Matthew whispered to Robert, his tone accusatory. "His Majesty stayed up all night guarding us. We should have been taking shifts, but you slept like a rock!"
Robert frowned, his pride stung. "Oh, and you? You were snoring loud enough to scare off any attackers!"
Andro joined in, smirking. "Look who's talking, Robert. Someone who slept like a baby now dares to lecture others?"
"That's enough," Abuld interjected, his voice firm and commanding. "You're not children. We all made the same mistake. Instead of bickering, let's do what's right and apologize to His Majesty right now."
While they muttered among themselves, Leo stood apart, his mind preoccupied. His thoughts lingered on the strange voice and the mysterious dragon-like creature he had witnessed the previous night. Were the two connected? Was it some new trick of the Red Moon Empire? He shook his head, letting the matter go for now. The present demanded his focus.
As Leo glanced back, he noticed his companions bowing deeply, guilt etched on their faces.
"We deserve punishment for our behavior yesterday," Matthew declared solemnly. "The Great Emperor's judgment is flawless, and we failed to respect it."
Leo blinked, genuinely confused. "What behavior are you talking about?" he asked.
Abuld stepped forward, hesitating before he spoke. "We... we all slept like the dead last night, leaving Your Majesty to watch over us alone. That was inexcusable."
Before Abuld could continue, Leo raised his hand, cutting him off. His expression softened as he chuckled lightly. "It's normal to sleep after a long day of travel. You were exhausted, and there's no way you could have stayed awake. Just make sure you don't repeat this on the battlefield or in the camp."
The group looked at each other, stunned by Leo's easy forgiveness.
Leo smirked faintly and continued, "You're forgiven, not that there was any sin in the first place. And let me remind you, I'm human. My judgment is far from flawless—it has more flaws than you can imagine. So take everything easy."
He turned away from them, leaving them speechless, and made his way toward the river, the sunlight glinting off the flowing water as he prepared for the journey ahead.
Leo approached the river, splashing the cool water on his face as the morning sun painted the sky in hues of gold. Afterward, he ensured the horses had their fill, leading them to drink from the stream. Once they were hydrated, he returned to check on his companions, making sure everyone—including the horses—had eaten their breakfast.
When all preparations were complete, Leo mounted his horse, signaling the group to continue their journey. The sun had now risen properly, casting a warm glow over the endless grassland they had been traversing since dawn. But as they pressed on, the vast expanse of open field began to change, the horizon giving way to the sight of a dense, shadowy forest ahead.
Upon reaching the edge, the group halted. Unlike the grasslands, the forest offered no clear path forward. The dense canopy above filtered sunlight into scattered beams, and the air felt heavier here, almost oppressive.
"This forest feels... strange," Robert remarked, scanning the area warily. His eyes narrowed as he searched for any semblance of a trail. "I know we're taking an unofficial route, but there should still be some kind of path. Our intelligence confirmed there was one. Did we take the wrong turn?"
"No," Leo replied firmly, dismounting his horse.
"But Your Highness, if we step in—"
Before Robert could finish, Leo cut him off, his gaze sweeping over the forest, a flicker of memory flashing in his eyes. "Because I've been here before—seventeen years ago, to be exact."
The group exchanged surprised glances, waiting for him to elaborate.
"This place hasn't changed much," Leo continued. "Back then, I came here to slay a demi-demon slayer-tier beast that was terrorizing the region. It was a ferocious battle, and it nearly cost me my life."
Hearing the words "demi-demon slayer-tier beast," the eyes of his companions widened with awe and disbelief.
"D-demi-demon slayer-tier?" Matthew stammered. "And you fought that alone?"
"Yes," Leo confirmed calmly. "That beast was the last significant threat this forest ever held. Since then, the area has been safe... or so it seems."
His tone carried a weight that silenced any further questions as they prepared themselves to step into the forest.
After walking for a while through the dense and shadowy forest, the group emerged onto a ridge overlooking a vast, breathtaking view. Below them lay a hidden mountain valley, with steep cliffs framing a picturesque scene. To their surprise, nestled within the valley was a village, its small houses made of wood and stone, blending seamlessly into the natural surroundings. Smoke curled lazily from chimneys, and faint sounds of activity could be heard even from their vantage point.
The sight left them momentarily speechless.
"A village?" Robert murmured, his tone laced with disbelief. "Here? In such an isolated area?"
Matthew crossed his arms. "Our intelligence didn't mention anything about a settlement in this region."
Leo's sharp eyes scanned the scene below, noting the orderly layout of the village and the faint signs of life. "This wasn't here seventeen years ago," he remarked. "It seems... well hidden."
Andro spoke up, a note of caution in his voice. "Should we approach, Your Highness? We don't know who lives there—or if they're friend or foe."
Leo considered the situation for a moment, then nodded. "We're already here, and it's too unusual to ignore. Let's go down. But stay vigilant. We don't know what kind of people we're dealing with."
With that, the group began their cautious descent into the valley, curiosity and caution guiding their every step.
As the group descended into the village and approached its gates, they spotted a little girl, no older than six, standing timidly in the path. Her wide eyes shimmered with fear and hope as she caught sight of the strangers. Without hesitation, she dashed toward them, her small feet kicking up dust.
"Are you from the gods?" she asked, her voice trembling with desperation. "Are you angels? Please help me! Please help my family! Please, please!"
Abuld was the first to react, his tone stern and dismissive. "Girl, we are not gods, and we're not here to help. Now move aside and fetch your village chief!"
Before the girl could even process his words, Leo raised his hand, stopping Abuld in his tracks. "Abuld!" Leo's voice was firm but calm. "That was too harsh. She's just a child."
Turning to the girl, Leo softened his expression and knelt slightly to meet her gaze. "Sweetie, don't worry. We'll help. Where is your family? Take me to them."
Robert stepped forward, his brow furrowed with caution. "Your Highness, this could be a trap."
Leo straightened and looked at Robert, his gaze sharp but confident. "A trap by who? Have you forgotten who I am?" His tone carried an undeniable authority, but there was also a hint of amusement in his voice. "I'm the strongest human in the world. If this is a trap, they'll regret it."
Robert's head bowed slightly, acknowledging Leo's words, and he fell silent.
Leo turned back to the girl and extended his hand. "Lead the way, little one. Let's see what's going on in your village."
The girl hesitated for a moment, then grasped his hand tightly. Her small fingers trembled, but her steps were determined as she led them into the heart of the village.