Chapter 117: The City on the Brink

"Then we still have some time before they launch their attack."

"That’s what I believe. But we shouldn’t waste it."

Magnus walked towards the window and looked down at the city.

The streets were bustling with activity. Merchants were opening their shops, guards were patrolling the roads, and ordinary citizens were going about their daily lives.

None of them knew that a beast tide might soon descend upon their home.

Magnus remained silent for a moment before turning back towards Lucian.

"How much time do you think we have before they complete their preparations?"

"I can’t give you an exact estimate. It depends on how quickly that creature can gather the beasts under its command."

Magnus’s eyes narrowed slightly.

"We cannot allow this information to spread without a plan. If the citizens learn that Silverwood City is about to be attacked, panic will spread before we have a chance to organize our defenses."

Lucian nodded.

"I understand. That’s why I came directly to you."

Magnus returned to his desk and picked up a blank sheet of paper.

"Did the Monster Beast reveal anything about its forces?"

"Not their exact numbers. It said that the beasts under its command were scattered across the wilderness and surrounding territories. It intends to gather them before launching the attack."

"So it isn’t planning to send them toward the city separately."

"No. It wants them to move together."

Magnus narrowed his eyes.

"That could mean a considerably larger force than we initially expected."

"That’s what concerns me."

Lucian leaned forward.

"Uncle, we shouldn’t wait for confirmation of their exact numbers. The information we already have is enough to begin preparing. If we delay until the formation is activated, we may lose our only opportunity to respond."

Magnus looked at him carefully.

"You’re right. But there’s something else we need to consider."

He walked back to his desk and placed both hands on it.

"That Monster Beast. How strong did it appear?"

Lucian’s expression became even more serious.

"The Shadow Soldier couldn’t determine its exact cultivation. However, judging from its presence and the way the BloodFang leader behaved around it, I believe it is at least a Martial Emperor."

Magnus’s eyes narrowed.

"At least?"

"I wouldn’t rule out a higher level within that realm."

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Magnus had expected trouble when Lucian mentioned a powerful Monster Beast. But hearing that it might be a Martial Emperor made the situation far more dangerous.

Silverwood City had powerful warriors, experienced guards, and several influential families.

But none of that guaranteed victory against an opponent of that level.

His strength had only reached the Early Stage of the Martial Emperor Realm. If the Monster Beast was merely at the Mid Stage, he might still have a chance of dealing with it. However, if it had reached the Late Stage or, worse, the Peak Stage, he wouldn’t have any choice but to flee for his life.

"Did it demonstrate its strength?" Magnus asked.

"Not during the conversation. However, it was confident enough to threaten the BloodFang leader and Outer God Cutl openly. The man didn’t dare question its orders."

Magnus gave a slow nod.

"Then we should assume the worst until we know otherwise."

"Lucian, I want you to listen to me carefully."

Magnus’s voice had lost its earlier firmness, replaced by a rare seriousness. He looked directly at Lucian, his expression carrying a weight that made the latter instinctively straighten.

"I want you to take Evelyn, her mother, and your grandmother out of Silverwood City. Arrange everything personally and make sure they leave as soon as possible."

Lucian’s brows furrowed.

"Uncle, what are you saying?"

"There’s no point in keeping them here. If things go wrong, I don’t want them caught in the middle of this."

Magnus paused, his gaze briefly lowering.

"I can take responsibility for defending this city, but I cannot afford to put my family in danger as well."

Lucian stared at him, realizing that Magnus wasn’t making a casual suggestion. He was genuinely worried about their safety.He moved toward the desk and pulled out another sheet of paper.

"Now go and arrange for the journey."

Magnus’s expression softened slightly, though the seriousness in his eyes remained.

Lucian frowned.

"Uncle, do you really think sending them away is enough?"

"It’s not about solving the problem," Magnus replied. "I simply don’t want them caught in the middle of what’s coming."

He paused before continuing.

"That creature will need time to gather its forces and organize the beast tide. We should use that opportunity to prepare our defenses. But once the attack begins, I cannot guarantee anyone’s safety."

Lucian remained silent for a moment.

"And what about you?"

"I’ll stay here. I’m the City Lord. I can’t abandon the city when thousands of people are depending on me."

Magnus’s voice was firm, leaving little room for argument.

Lucian understood that much. However, he wasn’t comfortable with the thought of Magnus facing such a threat without sufficient support.

"Then at least contact the higher cities. If we can request assistance from a Martial Emperor, our chances of dealing with that creature will improve considerably."

Magnus nodded thoughtfully.

"I was considering the same thing. I still have a few connections in the higher cities. I’ll send them messages and explain the situation."

"Please do. We don’t know how strong that Monster Beast actually is, and I’d rather have some additional support ready before things get out of hand."

"Agreed."

Magnus returned to his desk and began considering whom he should contact first.

"We should also inform the city guards and strengthen the defensive arrangements. But until we have a clearer picture, I don’t want this information spreading throughout the city. Unnecessary panic will only make things harder."

Lucian nodded.

"Understood. I’ll leave the arrangements to you."

Magnus looked up at him.

"And you should leave as soon as possible. Don’t delay your family’s departure."

Lucian turned towards the door, but just as he was about to leave, he suddenly stopped.

"Uncle, there’s something else."

Magnus looked up.

"What is it?"

Lucian turned back, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.

"I think... I might have a way to deal with this hidden threat."

Magnus’s eyes narrowed slightly.

"You have a plan?"

— Chapter END —