"And so, the lesson here is that the core of War is Logistics. You cannot extend any lines indefinitely. Points must be secured, reserve paths must also be made. In addition to that..." Professor Salazar was explaining key points of Logistics, as his class seemed to be silent.
Some of the students were taking notes, others were whispering among each other, and lastly, there was a young man at the back who looked at the pouring rain outside. He seemed to be around one meter and eighty-five centimetres tall, with a patch of silver among a shade of black hair. Nothing exceptional about him, besides that.
His build seemed to be a bit buff, but it was covered under the new Imperial Academy uniform that was all black. Two years had passed since he had come to study in the Imperial Academy. He had been pretty busy: work, training and then even more training while occasionally dealing with an unruly princess.
This was Valtherion Mograine, who had now matured into a young man who was soon to turn 17. His growth was thanks to Luther and Ahri, one who trained him and another who fed him every day. A lot of resources were poured into him in terms of cultivation resources. The cultivation of his Qi and Body was pricey; however, Juliet had taken care of that. Sadly, he had not become an Expert yet, remaining stuck at the peak of the Novice stage.
If there was any good news, it was that Ahri had given birth to a boy, Axel. The boy was healthy and growing well; however, he was not giving much time to his parents to rest, as he would cry a lot at night. Louis and Morgana were chosen to baptise him; however, this is where the bad news came.
The conflict on the Eastern Border was escalating more and more, and that was why every day that Valtherion spent was one of expectation. His father would summon him back to help him maintain the region and retain the territory. That summoning letter had not come yet, but he was waiting, preparing. The Imperial Marshal allowed him to observe the border on his desk, and besides playing games and delivering letters, their relationship had improved, as he was taught plenty of Strategy and Tactics.
Alexstraza seemed to be living well; however, Valtherion had cut off any contact with her after a small accident had occurred between them. He had gone to check up in class when he heard that a Duke's son was courting her, while someone in the class put his name into it, calling him Valtherion Mograine an obstacle. It was at that time that Valtherion heard Alexstraza's words - "The wishes of my grandfather and parents are not mine; I am to follow my own path! How would I agree to marry the son of a Count, who can only paint and looks like a part snowman? He is just my cousin; do not put us, potential partners."
Valtherion had understood that she felt controlled and etcetera, and he did not care about her remarks about him. What had hurt him was that she insulted his father, Louis. Of course, he did not confront her, but someone from her A class had seen him leave. She did apologise later that day, but Valtherion calmly accepted the apology and never replied to her letters afterwards or invited her anywhere. She was young; hormones were reigning, and it was better to stay on the side. Being around her brother Dain was more important, as he was more mature.
Regardless, a long time had passed since then, and many rains such as this had erased Valtherion's anger towards her.
What a rain, sheesh, it's pouring its soul out...What are those thunder and lightning?... Hopefully Alfred isn't late. Sigh, I wish I could buy a plane with my eighty million...not like that vixen would let me do so, even if there were planes here...
Suddenly, the door of the classroom was slammed as someone opened it with force so massive, it embedded itself in the wall, causing cracks all over. The students were startled, as well as the professor; everyone except Valtherion. He stood up as he looked at the soaked Luther and Dain.
"Valtherion! Your father is summoning you back! You have to leave with urgency!" Luther shouted, urging him to follow as soon as possible.
Without thinking much, he immediately ran towards his godfather, leaving his belongings behind. They did not walk; they ran outside where three horses were waiting for them in the rain.
"What happened, Luther? Dain! Is my father alive?" Valtherion asked as he rode on the horse. They were not abiding by the rules as they pushed the horses to their limits.
"He is alive; however, you need to return and help him. A total war has broken out. You are coming home with me; your aunt will teleport you."
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Jenkins and Alexander were talking in the throne room as they looked towards the map, various locations marked. Suddenly, a royal guard burst through the door, carrying a golden letter that was barely sealed, but there was no mistake; it was from the War Office. Jenkins and Alexander looked at each other, fear and expectation gripping their hearts.
A thunder resounded as the windows cracked, causing them to look outside and see lightning strike the statue of Orianna, causing the statue's scale to catch fire- not any fire, but silver fire.
"Alexander..."
"Yes...It has begun"
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"Your Highness, I carry urgent news from the Academy; it is about Valtherion Mograine! Luther, your uncle, has picked him up in a hurry; they are going full speed towards the Imperial Palace," The butler said as she burst into Juliet's office, startling her.
"Prepare my carriage! No, I need a horse! Fast, we are going to my Aunt's mansion, immediately!" Juliet rushed outside immediately, causing her butler more stress as she followed the princess outside in the rain.
Most likely, Valtherion Mograine was being summoned back to participate in the war. His father had either passed away in battle, or he needed his son desperately. They had talked about this potential situation, and both butlers had heard this. That is why, when the butler was riding behind her princess, she soon noticed Alfred on a black steed, rushing past the guards.
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"Valtherion! Luther! Dain! The portal will be ready in a bit!" Ahri shouted as mana was being woven between her fingers. She was creating a portal in her yard; thankfully, there was a cover that kept her dry.
"Yes, Godmother!" Valtherion said as he looked towards his godmother.
"Valtherion, listen to me very carefully!" Luther grabbed his face as he began speaking along with his cousin, Dain.
"When you go into battle, keep attention on everything. If possible, just lead the troops. If your life is at risk, flee! Nothing is more important than that! I will soon come and join your side with Dain!" Luther said as he was fixing Val's hair. He himself was a mess from the rain, yet he had rushed as soon as he had received a word from his wife, who had spoken with Morgana.
"Cousin, wait for me. We will fight side by side! Remain alive for as long as possible. I know you can do it; you are too smart for a few orcs, lizards and bugs!" Dain said as he started taking clothes out of his spatial ring, intending to give them to his cousin.
"Mograine! What is going on?" A wet figure burst through the door; it was Juliet, followed by Alfred and her own butler.
"Juliet? What are you doing here? I am going to war, you know the drill! Dry yourself," Valtherion said, too surprised by her appearance; she looked nothing like herself right now, so he threw a towel at her.
"I know the drill, you fool! I am just coming to make sure! This is my Aunt's place as well!" Juliet pushed the towel off.
"Never mind...Godfather, stay here, make sure Axel has his father around. Dain, you as well. Do not worry about me; I will be fine. I swear!" Valtherion turned back towards his relatives, assuring them as he saw pity and helplessness in their eyes; they wanted to join him. Their relationship had only improved during those two years.
During their conversations, three more figures burst through the mansion, causing immense shock to everyone. It was Alaric Dane, whom everyone besides Valtherion knew was the Emperor himself. He was escorted by another man, who had black hair and simple dark robes, and finally, the War Marshal.
"Uncle Dane! Marshal!" Valtherion immediately greeted them, as well as the man he could not recognise. It was a hurried greeting, but he still did. There was no time for formality.
Everyone behind Valtherion was shocked and about to begin speaking when they saw the unknown black-haired man give them a sign to keep quiet.
Juliet was lost for words, and confusion began to grip her heart, asking herself one question - why are they here? Why are the Emperor and his Right Hand here, under disguise? Yet she could not speak, not until she was allowed; she had to obey.
"Valtherion. Take this ring. I have given you all that I can during our time together; whatever support I can provide you from here, I will. Be careful and survive, lad. Please." The Marshal took his hand as he placed a golden ring that was imbued with a blue stone. Valtherion nodded as he hugged the man; his emotions were too much at the moment.
"Tell me, little Val, have you practised what I gave you at your baptism?" Alaric stepped up and put a hand on his shoulder, fixing strands of his hair, mainly those with silver patches. He was making them stand out and noticed that they had grown.
"Yes, every single day, without failure," replied Valtherion, realising that everyone was here for a reason. An uncle he never knew that he had, the unfamiliar man- things were suspicious, but there was no time.
"Very well. Do you remember what I asked of you? That is all I need to know, child"
"Yes, crush the dragon...whoever he was..." Valtherion replied, confused but certain of the promise he had given that night.
"Good...good, I am proud. You will break through soon; take this. Luther, Dain, help him!" Alaric gave a hand sign, signalling the man behind him to move, as he flicked his fingers and black armour appeared, along with a shield and a shortsword, and finally a beautiful yet deadly dark spear. It was 1,9 meters long and 3cm thick; its spearhead was black, and it had a curved blade extension on its left side, akin to a halberd.
If there was anything that those items had in common, it was black serpents all over.
Valtherion was soon stripped almost naked, causing Juliet to blush. Dain and Luther were helping him equip the armour, and soon he was clad in black; everything was in place besides the helmet.
"Uncle...thank you! I will remember this!" Valtherion had tears in his eyes as he looked towards Luther, Dain and Alaric. The two Imperial Guards had always been by his side, while Alaric always showed up unexpectedly yet with thunder.
"Hush. Say nothing; that is nothing. Keep your promise and your uncle will be beside you for life. I will give you far more precious gifts than!" Alaric said as he beckoned the lad to come forward. He was going to put the last piece of the armour on, while the other man went to help Ahri with the portal.
Finally, the armour was complete. Turning around, he saw tears in the eyes of everyone. He put his hands on the shoulders of Luther and Dain, giving them a nod. Heading towards his godmother, he embraced her and told her that it would be okay. Towards Juliet, he smiled, and he finally, he embraced Alfred.
"Young master! Wait for me! I am coming as well!" Alfred said as tears were mixed with rain. These years for him had been fruitful; Valtherion had helped him with many things, such as his son's education financing as well as his wife's treatment. His loyalty was unquestioned.
"Don't you dare die, Mograine!" Juliet's voice rang suddenly, causing him to turn around and give her a nod.
"Everyone, take care. I will not die; I will fulfil my duty. Next time, we shall all have a toast in my city! Take care of Axel, tell him to be a good boy!" His body disappeared into the portal as he said those words.
"Did you hear that? He said next time we will toast in his city? Severin? Jenkins?" Alexander asked, as he was smiling.
"Toast...in his city...hahaha"
"Hahaha"
The three men were laughing to their hearts' content, as if they had just sent the lad to a wedding instead of a war, causing more confusion to everyone who was there.