Chapter 291: Departure

(Meanwhile, White Castle, Riven’s POV)

White Castle was in chaos by the time Riven returned home, with signs of isolated fighting scattered throughout the castle grounds as the Pegasus-drawn carriage descended towards its courtyard.

Several sections of the outer walls bore fresh scorch marks, while broken weapons and bloodstained stones suggested that numerous clashes had taken place during their absence.

However, despite the evident signs of violence, the Dawnriver banners continued flying proudly above the castle, and its defenders appeared to have successfully repelled whatever threat had emerged.

"Welcome back, my Lord!"

Head Guard Ronan greeted them the moment their carriage landed, his armor bearing several fresh dents while splatters of blood covered his face.

"We had several groups of infiltrators attempt to attack White Castle while you were away. Thankfully, our men managed to eliminate every last one of them."

He reported, bowing respectfully as Drew stepped out of the carriage and surveyed the surrounding courtyard with an expression of mild satisfaction.

"Good work. Tell Vaduz to ready his unit and ride towards Blackthorn territory immediately. I’ve already destroyed their castle, but I want the remainder of their forces rounded up and their territory brought under our control."

Drew commanded, as he did not even bother to survey the current state of castle grounds.

"Also, send word to every bannerman still loyal to House Dawnriver. I want them assembled at White Castle without delay, because starting tomorrow, we’ll begin discussing our preparations for war."

He continued, causing the head guard to straighten his back and salute before hurrying away to carry out his instructions.

Riven watched the exchange unfold with a nervous excitement, as he understood the political implications behind his father’s actions.

A war had broken out between the East and the Emperor, and in his naivety, he believed it to be an exciting development.

’Will father crush the Emperor’s forces like he crushed the Blackthorne Castle?"

Riven wondered, yet before he could ask his father anything further, Drew and Archimedes disappeared into the castle, leaving Riven standing beside the carriage with his thoughts.

It was only later that evening, when one of the castle attendants arrived at his chambers, that Riven learned his own departure had already been arranged.

"Young Master, His Grace has instructed me to inform you that you will be leaving for the Heavenly Ascendancy Sect tomorrow morning. Everything required for your journey has already been prepared."

The attendant announced respectfully, causing Riven to pause momentarily before acknowledging the instructions with a quiet nod.

As just like that, his final evening at White Castle came to an end.

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(The Following Morning, Valdrak Empire)

When Duke Drew Dawnriver failed to appear before the Imperial Court within the Emperor’s stipulated deadline, the Eastern rebellion was officially confirmed.

News of the Eastern Duke’s defiance spread throughout the Valdrak Empire with astonishing speed, sending waves of uncertainty through noble households, merchant guilds, and ordinary settlements alike.

For generations, the Empire’s four great territories had existed beneath the authority of the Imperial Throne, their combined strength maintaining a delicate balance of power.

Now, with the East openly rejecting the Emperor’s authority, that balance had finally begun to crumble.

Throughout the Eastern territories, merchants originating from other regions hurriedly packed their merchandise and arranged transportation, desperate to return home before the borders became impassable.

Caravans that ordinarily spent weeks negotiating prices and arranging deliveries departed within hours, while warehouses were emptied and commercial agreements abandoned amid growing fears of an approaching war.

Along the borders separating the East from the neighboring territories, soldiers received orders to reinforce their positions and prepare for the possibility of an Imperial invasion.

Defensive trenches were dug along important roads, wooden barricades were erected near major crossings, and patrols were increased around strategic mountain passes and river routes.

Meanwhile, military officers began inspecting supply depots and organizing provisions, knowing that the first clashes could occur long before either side formally declared its intentions.

Everywhere, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense as the people of the Valdrak Empire struggled to comprehend the magnitude of what was unfolding.

For although no great armies had yet marched against one another, the preparations taking place across the Empire suggested that an era of prolonged chaos was approaching.

However, while the rest of the Empire struggled beneath the growing uncertainty, Riven found his own thoughts considerably clearer than they had been in recent weeks.

As on the morning of his scheduled departure, the only thought that he had in his mind was about the kind of Ascendant he needed to become if he wished to contribute meaningfully to House Dawnriver.

Until yesterday, the difference between himself and the Empire’s strongest warriors had been little more than an abstract concept, something he understood intellectually but had never truly witnessed.

However, watching Drew destroy an entire fortress with a single attack had given that difference a terrifyingly clear definition.

And although the distance separating them remained enormous, Riven no longer felt uncertain about the direction his future training needed to take.

He needed strength.

Enough strength to stand upon the same battlefield as his father, rather than remaining someone who required protection whenever the family faced a powerful enemy.

’Don’t worry, Father. I’ll become an Ascendant worthy of fighting by your side within the next five years.’

Riven silently promised, tightening his grip around Sky-Cleaver as he prepared to depart.

’No matter how difficult my training becomes, or how unreasonable my master might be, I won’t complain. I’ll endure whatever he demands of me.’

He thought, as his emerald-green eyes shone with determination.

’And when I return to White Castle, I’ll make sure I’ve reached Inferno Rank. That’s a promise.’

With that resolution firmly established in his heart, Riven boarded the carriage waiting to transport him towards the Heavenly Ascendancy Sect.

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(Meanwhile, Imperial Capital, Imperial Palace)

Within the Imperial Palace, Emperor Diomande Valdrak sat at the head of a long conference table, his expression grim as he examined the military reports arranged before him.

Seated around the table were the three remaining territorial dukes, alongside the Empire’s senior military commander, each having been summoned to discuss the rebellion that now threatened Imperial authority.

Duke John Winterfang of the North, Duke Rob Embercrest of the South, and Duke Alaric Ironveil of the West had all answered the Emperor’s summons.

With Drew Dawnriver’s failure to appear before the Imperial Court, there was no longer any uncertainty regarding the Eastern Duke’s intentions.

The East had rebelled.

And with the remaining three territories pledging their support to the Imperial Throne, the Empire now possessed the combined military strength necessary to launch a campaign against House Dawnriver.

"Your Majesty, the Eastern territories possess several natural defensive advantages, particularly along their northern and western approaches. A direct invasion without sufficient preparation could prove extremely costly."

The military commander explained, pointing towards a large map spread across the conference table as the assembled dukes examined the surrounding terrain.

"Then we should begin by securing the major trade routes and restricting their access to supplies. The longer the East remains isolated, the greater the strain upon their resources."

Duke John Winterfang suggested, his expression thoughtful as he considered the enormous logistical requirements of a prolonged campaign.

"Starving them into submission could take years. If we’re going to fight a war, I’d rather strike hard enough to end it before they have time to strengthen their defenses."

Duke Rob Embercrest countered, tapping his fingers impatiently against the table as the other commanders began debating their available options.

Duke Alaric Ironveil remained comparatively quiet, studying the map with a troubled expression as the discussion turned towards the enormous number of soldiers who would be required.

For although he had pledged his support to the Emperor, he understood better than most that a war between the Empire’s greatest powers would inevitably claim countless lives.

The discussion continued for several hours as the assembled leaders examined invasion routes, troop deployments, supply requirements, and the possibility of exploiting divisions among the Eastern nobility.

Finally, Emperor Diomande raised his hand, bringing the increasingly heated debate to an immediate halt.

"Gentlemen, I understand that defeating Drew Dawnriver will be no simple undertaking. However, allowing this rebellion to continue indefinitely would be an even greater threat to the stability of our Empire."

The Emperor declared, slowly rising from his seat as his gaze swept across the three dukes and the military commander seated before him.

"Therefore, I expect each of you to commit whatever resources are necessary to bring this conflict to a decisive conclusion."

He continued, placing his palm firmly upon the map, directly over the territory belonging to House Dawnriver.

"Within the next two years, I want the East completely conquered, its armies dismantled, and White Castle reduced to ruins."

Emperor Diomande declared, his voice carrying an unmistakable authority as the assembled leaders lowered their heads in acknowledgment.

"And when this war is over, I want the name Dawnriver erased from the history of the Valdrak Empire."

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End of Volume 3.

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