Chapter 269. A Projection

Chapter 269: 269. A Projection

The battle of the powerhouses had only intensified as time passed and there was no clear victor.

Since that other dragon hadn’t acted, Joseph and the generals could easily fend off Yvonne. But now, there was another person about to join in.

"It’s the Royal Commander! Has he slain that black dragon?" Cheers erupted from the human side as they fought even harder.

The soldiers on the wall began chanting Bors’ name. Some even had tears of joy. They were saved now! Finally this nightmare would be over...

However, if one observed this royal commander closely, they would notice that his figure seemed unstable. Instead of attacking the crimson dragon who was suppressed by Joseph and the army generals, he turned his attention to the battlefield below.

’This malicious aura...’ At this range, the archbishop sensed something amiss.

"Be careful, he is-"

"Storm Blade!"

Suddenly, Bors waved his sword horizontally downwards, creating a long arc of concentrated mana.

The magical blade directly sliced a huge part of the western wall, collapsing multiple watchtowers, cannons and bastions.

This, in turn, killed nearly a thousand foot soldiers stationed below, along with hundreds of archers!

Bors, the beloved guardian of Grimbow, had turned against his own comrades.

"Corrupting and restoring his mana took longer than expected," Jake looked toward the sky as he chuckled before adding, "Him and Yvonne should be enough to handle that Archbishop."

As he reverted back to his hybrid demodragon form, Jake noticed his subordinates kneeling at the front.

"Master, we have cleared out all hindrances here in this area." Minerva reported.

"Hmm, it seems none of you have any fatal injuries... except Issac. What happened to you?" Jake looked at the Hell Knight whose body was still missing parts.

"Nothing too serious, master. I was trapped by that old fogey. I can still retain my rank-"

"Hmm, that’s good." Jake cut him off, placing one hand behind his back. With a flap of his wings, he appeared beside the seven summoners.

He disliked using teleportation for such short distances unless it was necessary, such as in a battle. [Shadow Motion] was fast enough and used less mana in non-serious situations.

"You all seemed to have overdrawn your mana again."

Tiara and the rest of the summoners looked at each other before facing the ground. "Master, we..."

"It’s alright." Jake patted Tiara’s shoulder before looking at the elves.

"Although you were ousted in strategy, it’s good enough that you made Bors spend all his energy. This war is ours."

Hearing that, all the subordinates collectively felt thrilled, their faces brimming with fighting spirit.

However, Jake’s expression changed as he slowly turned toward the royal palace. Something felt fishy. It shouldn’t be this easy to conquer an entire kingdom.

’Is Averon secretly at the 5th Circle? That can’t be possible... Otherwise, he wouldn’t have let the queen get captured.’ Jake dismissed that thought before looking at Ash.

"Any news from Zevik and the rest?"

"No, master. They haven’t appeared since we arrived here. We talked to Zevik using the Blood Burning Technique. He...uh, seems to have been injured by Bors."

"Injury?" Jake scoffed as he emanated a chilling aura. ’Looks like the contract wasn’t strict enough. They dare to skirt responsibilities? Let’s see what their excuse is.’

Flying upwards, he spread his magipathy and began searching all over the city. However, Jake was surprised when he couldn’t find the Isenwings.

’That divine array restricts my perception. They must be inside of it then...’ Jake plummeted to the ground again.

"Master, should I call them here using the technique?" Ash asked.

"No need, I have an idea of where they are. I’ll contact Zevik myself." Jake waved his hand as he headed towards Ulford’s core district.

"All of you, regroup the remaining monsters and assist the battle on the west. Help Yvonne and Bors finish off the royal army as soon as possible."

"As you command!" Jake’s corrupted subordinates firmly replied as they quickly rounded up the monsters of the second wave and headed northwest.

"Now then. It’s time to remove that cathedral." Jake cracked his fingers before disappearing.

...

A while ago, at the underground dungeon of the royal palace.

Averon had expected a pitch black darkness, but it was surprisingly bright beyond the bronze door. The sealing formation also provided light inside with the help of embedded gemstones.

This chamber was quite large and rocky, carved with various runes that kept the seal active. At the center, there were nine pillars arranged in a circular formation.

These pillars emitted visible magical chains of golden color which connected upward, binding a motionless man who seemed unconscious.

He looked unexpectedly young, perhaps in his late-twenties. This man had good facial features and a tall figure. If not for his unkempt long hair, skinny appearance and tattered costume, one would surely mistake him for a promising nobleman.

"Prince Dominik..." Averon stood a few feet away from the pillars while looking up.

"Oh, a visitor?" A curious voice came from behind him, startling this king.

"You...!" Averon sidestepped, catching the same man leaning on a wall. However, his figure seemed ethereal compared to the one who was chained.

"Look at you, no composure at all!" Dominik laughed hoarsely while bending his back.

When he saw Averon clutching his sword, he finally stopped and waved his hand, "Relax, it’s just a projection. My main body obviously can’t break this seal."

"But you can still use some of your powers?" Averon remained tense.

"Well," The projection shrugged, "Even if my father was an outstanding array master, he was still only at the fifth circle. I just found some loopholes in the seal."

"Loopholes..." Averon muttered in uncertainty.

If it was just a normal visit, he would have immediately left and brought all court mages to reinforce the seal. However, he was here to release this cursed prince.

"Do you think you will be able to break free one day?"

"Hmm?" Dominik’s eyes flashed with an unnatural glint. His projection suddenly appeared beside Averon.

"You dare to entertain such thoughts? Aren’t you worried, great nephew?"

"I’m... here to negotiate." Averon spoke slowly. He didn’t want this monster to know about the kingdom’s predicament.

"Oh, no wonder you haven’t run already. But what makes you think I’ll agree to anything you say? If you unseal me, I might just kill you for fun." Although Dominik spoke in a scholarly tone, the things he said were extremely chilling.

Still, Averon had no choice. He couldn’t just abandon everything and flee.

"This is your only chance. Scaring me won’t help."

Dominik’s projection flashed again, appearing at Averon’s other side.

He gently put his incorporeal hand on the king’s shoulder and chuckled, "So you admit you are scared. But, you still want to make a deal with me. What does this mean, eh?"

"This means that you have no choice!" Dominik’s smile widened.

"Ha..." Averon forced a laugh, "I’m not like my father and brother. I only care about benefits. If you can do me a favor, why wouldn’t I release you?"

"Is that so? Did I misjudge you, perhaps?" The projection appeared below his real body, turning his back to Averon who spoke hastily.

"Great Uncle, don’t you want to leave this place after all this time? I can make that wish come true. If you can just allow certain magical restrictions on your soul-"

"Hahahaha!"

In the sealing chamber, Dominik’s heartfelt laughter reverberated.

"Indeed, I am bored. If it was Bors instead of you, I would’ve even agreed." The projection turned to face Averon.

"But dear nephew, you are too eager! I can smell your desperation." Dominik shook his head as the projection vanished, leaving behind a single sentence.

"If you want my help, then be sincere and break this seal for me!"