Chapter 116: The Coming Storm

Lucian arrived at Magnus’s room shortly after leaving Sterling Manor.

He had barely stepped inside when Magnus noticed him approaching. Seeing the serious expression on his face, he immediately put aside the documents he had been reviewing.

"Lucian? Is something wrong?"

Lucian didn’t bother with the usual greetings.

"Uncle, I need to discuss something important with you. It concerns Silverwood City’s safety."

Magnus studied him for a moment before gesturing toward the chair opposite his desk.

"Sit down and tell me what happened."

Lucian remained standing.

"I would rather not waste time, Uncle. What I’m about to tell you requires immediate attention."

Magnus’s expression changed.

He had known Lucian long enough to understand that he wasn’t someone who panicked easily. If he had come here in such a hurry, there was a reason.

"All right. Tell me."

Lucian took a breath before beginning.

"I had sent my mercenary group, Shadow Genesis, into the wilderness to complete a military mission. While carrying out their assignment, they detected an unusually strong smell of blood coming from a nearby area. Sensing that something was wrong, Aldric dispatched one of my Shadow Soldiers to investigate. Aldric sent one of them to investigate."

"And?"

"The soldier discovered the leader of the BloodFang Mercenary Group meeting with a powerful Monster Beast."

Magnus’s eyebrows drew together.

"BloodFang? What were they doing so far from the city?"

"That’s what I wanted to find out. The soldier stayed hidden and listened to their conversation. What he discovered was far worse than a simple meeting."

Lucian finally took the chair.

"BloodFang has betrayed Silverwood City. Their leader is working with that Monster Beast, and they are preparing to launch an attack against us."

Magnus didn’t respond immediately.

He leaned back slightly, his eyes fixed on Lucian.

"Are you certain? Do you understand what this implies? This is no time for jokes, Lucian."

Magnus’s expression turned stern as he fixed his gaze on Lucian, waiting for a serious answer.

"Yes. My Shadow Soldier witnessed the entire exchange firsthand. There’s no possibility of a misunderstanding."

Magnus’s expression remained grim as he leaned forward.

"Then tell me everything he discovered. What exactly were they planning? Start with their objective."

Lucian nodded.

"The BloodFang leader is a member of the Outer God Cult. He has joined hands with that Monster Beast and promised to help it destroy Silverwood City. In exchange, he demanded permission for himself and his people to enter the Abyss Realm once the operation was complete."

Magnus’s expression darkened, his face turning frighteningly serious.

"The Abyss Realm..."

He knew exactly what kind of place that realm was. It was a territory dominated by Abyssal Beasts, creatures far more terrifying than ordinary Monster Beasts. Their strength was on an entirely different level, and even the most powerful ordinary beasts could hardly compare to them in combat.

For most people, the Abyssal Realm was a place of nightmares. But for those willing to risk everything, it also held opportunities beyond imagination.

However, No one willingly ventured into that realm, especially humans. To the Abyssal Beasts, humans were nothing more than high-quality prey, their preferred source of food. Entering that territory was practically a death sentence for anyone who wasn’t strong enough to protect themselves.

Magnus couldn’t understand why the BloodFang Mercenary Group would risk everything by betraying Silverwood City. Whatever they had been promised, it had to be something extraordinary to make them willing to take such a dangerous gamble.

"And the Monster Beast agreed to this arrangement?"

"Yes. It accepted their proposal."

Magnus’s expression grew even more serious. He slowly tapped his fingers against the desk, trying to piece together the situation.

"So the BloodFang Mercenary Group is working with the Outer God Cult to bring down Silverwood City. But what exactly is the Cult planning?"

"They have a much bigger role in this operation than simply supporting BloodFang."

Lucian paused briefly before continuing.

"According to what my Shadow Soldier overheard, the Outer God Cult is responsible for preparing an ancient formation. Once activated, it will isolate Silverwood City from the outside world for twenty-four hours."

Magnus’s fingers suddenly stopped moving.

"Twenty-four hours..." he muttered, his expression turning grave."Yes. During that period, no one will be able to enter or leave the city. The formation’s defensive barrier is also powerful enough to withstand an attack from a Peak Martial Emperor."

Magnus’s face grew heavier.

He was already familiar with the danger such a formation represented. However, knowing that the Outer God Cult was directly involved made the situation considerably worse.

"Did they mention when they intend to activate it?"

"They didn’t give an exact time. But the Monster Beast made it clear that it didn’t want any delays. It told the BloodFang leader to complete his preparations and wait for its signal."

"Which means the attack could happen as soon as their arrangements are complete."

"Exactly."

Magnus stood up and walked toward the window.

For several moments, he looked outside without saying anything.

The city was continuing its usual routine. Merchants were preparing their shops, guards were changing shifts, and people were moving through the streets without knowing what might be approaching.

Magnus had spent years protecting Silverwood City. He knew how difficult it was to maintain peace, especially in a place surrounded by dangerous territories.

But this was different.

A betrayal from within, an ancient formation prepared by the Outer God Cult, and a powerful Monster Beast commanding an army of creatures.

They weren’t dealing with an ordinary raid.

"How many people know about this?" Magnus asked.

"At the moment, only I know the complete details. Aldric and the remaining Shadow Soldiers witnessed what happened, but I ordered them to withdraw before the Monster Beast could discover their presence."

"Good. Keep it that way for now."

Magnus turned around.

"Yes. Once activated, the formation will completely isolate Silverwood City for twenty-four hours. No one will be able to enter or leave, and its defensive barrier is strong enough to withstand an attack from a Peak Martial Emperor."

Magnus’s expression turned serious.

"A barrier of that strength..." he muttered, his mind already considering the possible consequences.

"Did they mention when they intend to activate it?"

"Not exactly. The Monster Beast told the BloodFang leader to finish his preparations and wait for its signal. However, gathering a large number of Monster Beasts and organizing them into an army won’t happen overnight."

Lucian paused before adding, "Even after gathering them, the creature will need time to coordinate their movements and prepare for the beast tide."

Magnus slowly nodded.

— Chapter END —