Chapter 1008: Really?
Back at the Military Square-
Silence...
Not long ago, the last soldier had been transported back from the battlefield against the beasts. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers from Jura and Greenland were crammed into a relatively small area, barely emerging from the blazes of battle, all exhausted and starving. Yet, for some reason, none had removed their armor or abandoned their posts. They all remained in formation, clutching their weapons tightly, their faces set in the same grim, hostile expressions.
The atmosphere was unbearably heavy, charged with a tension so palpable it was almost visible. None of them sought rest or exchanged words with those beside them. They stood motionless on the grounds as if swords were pressed against their throats.
"...Maybe you should tell them to rest?" General Raiden spoke, casting a careful glance around before turning back to face his Supreme General, Caesar.
"Was I the one who told them to stay in formation? Let them be," Caesar said, gripping his arm tightly as he directed his tense gaze toward the space portal. "...If His Excellency doesn't return within an hour, we'll lead the army back to the strait."
|| ||
Raiden paused for a moment, then nodded firmly, his expression resolute. He understood Caesar's words perfectly; he also knew how fatigued the soldiers were. But perhaps attempting to calm them now would only insult their resolve. Afterward, he sat down in a meditative position alongside the other generals and martial emperors. He took out a small bottle, drank a little, and then closed his eyes.
If His Excellency didn't return soon- or if he came back injured, or worse, angry for any reason- another battle would begin. But this time, it wouldn't be defensive. They would march forward relentlessly, cut off Durger the Devourer's head, and turn it into a communal chamber pot!
RUMBLE
At that moment, the space portal beside Caesar and the others cracked open, and Robin emerged, waving his hand playfully. "Oh, heavens! What's with this suffocating atmosphere? Who died?"
"Your Excellency!!" Caesar and the other generals leaped to their feet with lightning speed, rushing toward Robin. They immediately began inspecting him carefully for any signs of battle or injury. "Are you alright? Did anything happen there? We're ready to mobilize!"
"I'm fine, everyone. Thank you for your concern," Robin laughed heartily before raising both hands and shouting loudly, "The battle is over! Now rest, eat, drink, and celebrate before the next fight finds us!"
"Hoorah!"
"Long live the True Beginning Empire!"
"Long live His Excellency!!!"
The suffocating tension that had enveloped the area dissolved like clouds on a sunny day. Finally, the soldiers began patting each other's backs and sharing laughter, while some collapsed onto the ground, heaving breaths laden with exhaustion. Others tended to their worst wounds, while some, oddly enough, simply fell asleep where they stood.
"Father, what exactly happened there? Did the battle really end that easily?" Caesar asked seriously, his brows furrowed. He had fought those beasts for days and knew how thick their skulls were, especially Durger, who seemed indifferent to the life or death of his subordinates - and, of course, to the deaths of his enemies.
"Of course, it's over. How could I ask you to withdraw the army without sufficient confidence? Who do you think I am, you little brat, huh?" Robin laughed spiritedly and gave Caesar a light smack on the back of the head. Then he cast a quick glance around at the joyous soldiers, who had started preparing some of the beast carcasses for a victory feast.
"I'll quiet them down for you." Caesar's brows knitted tighter, and he was about to take a step toward the soldiers. The sounds of nearly half a million people were enough to deafen anyone.
"No need," Robin quickly grabbed his hand, gesturing toward the nearby imperial palace. "Let's go somewhere quieter, and I'll explain what happened on the way. They deserve some celebration after those grueling days~"
"Can I come along too?" Raiden stepped forward quickly, speaking in an enthusiastic tone, "I want to show Your Excellency the report on Planet S-1!"
"Of course, let all the generals come!" Robin smiled and began walking toward the palace, narrating the events as he walked alongside them.
Five Minutes Later-
Whooom
The massive doors of the throne room opened. Robin entered with his hands clasped behind his back, followed by Caesar and the generals.
"...That's everything that happened. There are 34 pools of blood near the strait. I want you to transport that blood properly and safely to the empire's treasury. Just a single drop from those pools can create many soldiers. Do not underestimate this task!"
"What are we going to do with that filthy blood anyway?" General Martin Barnett asked with a visible scowl, adding sarcastically, "We're not like those clowns who turn themselves into monsters just to gain power!"
"It's undeniably priceless. Even if we don't use it on ourselves, it can be considered a strategic treasure. If we hand it over to Her Highness Zara and Sky Opening City, they might discover a way to enhance the affinity Élixir's effectiveness," General Cassia Levan said with her sharp, analytical gaze. Robin nodded in agreement.
"No one denies its value! If it weren't for His Excellency on our side and his success in discovering the temporary affinity enhancement Élixir, we would've been crushed long ago due to the superior advantages of that beast blood, there wouldn't even be a battle..." General Martin quickly countered, his tone sharp. "And honestly, if it weren't for the antidote's fatal flaw, we would've crushed the army of the Great Serpent Empire multiple times by now." Everyone nodded in agreement. The need for the generals to retreat from the battlefield periodically to consume the Élixir and refine it left a severe disadvantage. The True Beginning Empire constantly found itself in a predicament during large battles. These retreats not only disrupted their momentum but coincided with the Warlords withdrawing due to the immense pressure on them. The empire's only hope always lay in swift, decisive battles!
If these two issues were resolved, who could stand against them? Their impenetrable armor, vast reserves of energy orbs, and liquid energy essence made them closer to the concept of "cheating" in the world of warfare.
"Is that why you demanded Durger's blood in exchange for giving him a resource as precious as destruction-path energy pearls? For research?" Caesar raised an eyebrow, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. It was clear he wasn't entirely convinced.
Robin chuckled lightly and replied with a tone brimming with confidence, "You really do understand me best. Yes, research is one of the reasons. As for the main reason... Well, I'll keep it for myself for now, until I see how this war unfolds."
Then Robin took calm steps to sit on Puthor's throne, turning to face his generals. "Raiden, you first. What do you have for me?"
Caesar raised another eyebrow but simply shrugged before heading to sit in the Grand Marshal's seat. The other generals followed suit, each taking a seat designated for one of the marshals. Except for Raiden, who walked forward confidently toward Robin, carrying a thick scroll in both hands.
"Your Excellency, this is a list of our spoils from Planet S-1. Please, have a look and tell me
what you think."
"Oh?" Robin raised his eyebrows slightly, taking the scroll with curiosity. He held its edge
and began to unfold it.
Whoosh!
The lower part of the scroll slipped from his hand and began rolling down the steps, crossing beneath the marshals' table and nearing the hall's door.
"'...'
Holding the upper edge of the scroll, Robin stared at it in astonishment until it finally stopped. Then he turned to Raiden, his eyes filled with disbelief. "Really?"
Raiden nodded firmly, laughing, "Really!"