The news of King Vester's capture spread across half the continent within just half a day. By the time the sun set again, even the smallest kingdom in the far west had received detailed reports of the incident.
This was not due to the noblemen's insatiable curiosity for gossip, but rather because ever since Black announced the reclamation of Twilight Forest, numerous countries had already dispatched spies to lurk around its borders, meticulously monitoring and gathering intelligence on the activities of the **Doom Knights**. As a result, the rulers of various nations were actually better informed about what had transpired than the nobles living in the vicinity of the forest. In fact, long before the battle began, many spies had already been secretly embedded, recording the entire event, and transmitted the information back with the utmost speed once it concluded. For nearly everyone who had witnessed the scene of the battle, this news was something they would have preferred to remain unknown.
Indeed, the **Doom Knights** were once a legendary force on this continent, but their fame had faded for seventy years. Rulers across the land had mixed feelings of both hatred and fear towards their legacy. Yet, when this revived faction emerged, they were met with a complex mix of curiosity and dread. Many of them, however, held the opinion that no matter how powerful this knight had been in the past, those days were long gone. Moreover, the disappearance of the **Doom Knights** seventy years ago had been utterly mysterious. Back then, almost every nation on the continent had been plagued by their reign of terror, yet it was not until some time later that they were alarmed to discover that the knights had seemingly vanished without a trace. No one knew how or where they had disappeared; the entire continent had been unable to find a single clue. They had vanished like smoke, gone without a trace. For this reason, many nations had assumed that the knights must have met with some catastrophic fate or been annihilated by some overwhelming power. Even if they had reappeared, most believed they had not regained their former glory, or that their strength had been reduced to a mere fraction of what it once was.
But now, the intelligence that had arrived was a bitter blow to those who had clung to any hope.
While reports stated that King Vester had not personally led the army and was only superficially familiar with strategy and tactics, the art of command and military tactics could only be effective when the forces on both sides were relatively balanced. If the **Doom Knights** had sent three thousand, or even three hundred soldiers into battle, the commanders could have blamed their defeat on the incompetence of the leader. However, facing the **West Royal Family's** elite thirty thousand troops, the **Doom Knights** had sent a mere six individuals, with only three actually engaging in combat. In such a disparity of numbers, even a genius commander would have been left with little choice but to order a full-scale charge.
Yet, it was these very three individuals who had utterly annihilated the thirty thousand elite troops. The very fact of this was the most terrifying aspect of all. According to the reports, there were no survivors, no wounded—only one prisoner. The rest were all dead. Such a combat report was unimaginable to anyone who heard it.
At this moment, the perceived danger of the **Doom Knights** had overwhelmingly surpassed that of the **Sith Empire**.
While the ** Condemnation Knights ** were formidable, their threat remained within the bounds of reason. The four ** Knights** always led large armies into battle. Even in their most resounding victories, there were always tens of thousands of soldiers involved.
That was the power of a group.
In contrast, the **Doom Knights** had demonstrated an unparalleled, overwhelming power of **individuals**.
While many still insisted that individual strength was ultimately limited when faced with the might of a group, reality had proven them wrong. Their belief stemmed merely from the fact that they had never encountered someone who could break through such limits.
With just three people, they had completely wiped out a thirty-thousand-strong elite division in less than half an hour. If there were more than ten such individuals within the **Doom Knights**, no one on the entire continent would stand a chance against them.
It was at this moment that these rulers finally understood why the **Doom Knights** had been invincible across the land seventy years ago. Faced with such power, it was far beyond their comprehension, straying into a realm that humans could not even begin to fathom.
If this unprecedented strength instilled terror in the hearts of the rulers of various nations, then the fate of King Vester that followed filled them with even greater dread.
The once-reigning monarch was imprisoned in a wooden cage, treated like an animal for all to see! And there were even reports of a special event: a commoner could view him for a single silver coin, while nobles paid five gold coins. It was being described as a "special event" with an average discount of thirty percent off!
Nobles were not afraid of death, though this was not entirely accurate—they did fear it. But if forced to choose between death and their dignity, many would without hesitation choose the latter. This was especially true for rulers of nations. Even in captivity, they retained their pride. They could accept their own deaths, but not the humiliation of being treated like animals—let alone subjected to such degradation!
This fear even surpassed the terror inspired by the **Doom Knights'** might. No one wanted to be treated in such a manner. Yet, Black had shown them exactly what would happen if they dared to defy him.
Death was not terrifying, and the fall of a nation was acceptable. But if one had to die in such utter humiliation, then one would have to think very carefully indeed.
Many nations that had been planning to take coercive action against the **Doom Knights** finally began to truly contemplate the risks involved in their plans.
But not everyone thought this way.
As dusk fell.
"Esteemed Elders and Archmages."
Standing before a magnificent, entirely white round table, a woman in a white robe faced the others with an expression of righteous indignation and resolve. She held a crystal sphere in her hand, her voice cold and authoritative as she spoke.
"I, as the Chairperson of the **Mage Association's Judicial Investigation Committee**, wish to emphasize the gravity of the situation... Yesterday, in a region not under our Association's jurisdiction, someone arbitrarily violated our regulations by unleashing a powerful ** Peak Spell**. This has the potential to disrupt the balance of **Mana** and cause significant damage to the **Mage Association**. I propose that the Association establish an investigation team to conduct a thorough inquiry into this matter and identify the true identities of the two mages who cast this spell!"
"I disagree with your assessment, Archmage Faelan."
A corpulent male mage struggled to move his massive frame in his seat, yet his face was devoid of any amusement.
"In the history of our **Mage Association**, we have always maintained cordial relations with the **Doom Knights**. There is no need to make a fuss over such a trivial matter. Furthermore, according to reports, we are aware that there exists a new ** Source ** in Twilight Forest. And from current observations and tests, the balance of **Mana** has not been disrupted. Why then should we bother with such a thankless task?"
"But this incident has caused many countries to harbor suspicions about us,"
Another elderly mage, almost skeletal thin, reached out and pushed up his wire-rimmed glasses with his middle finger.
"Although we are all well aware that **Peak Spells** are not within the reach of just any mage, the common folk in the lower realms do not understand these profound and noble mysteries. I can imagine that many ignorant and foolish nobles are worried. If mages are capable of casting such spells, then it implies that there may be threats within our **Mage Association** that they previously did not consider. This is not a positive development for the Association's growth."
"But taking hasty action against the **Doom Knights** will only lead to unnecessary chaos. The **Holy Church of Grace**, those savages, were utterly defeated by the **Doom Knights**. So why should our **Mage Association** involve itself? Moreover, since we have confirmed that the Knights possess such powerful mages within their ranks, shouldn't we be fostering good relations with them instead?"
An elegant noblewoman reached for a silver spoon on the table, stirring the tea within her cup as she asked calmly.
"Magicians have their own rules, and the arbitrary breaking of these rules is not allowed!"
The white-robed mage slammed her fist heavily on the table, and the vast room fell into an immediate hush.
"Then, what is your stance, Chairman Noah?"
As the white-robed mage asked this question, everyone's gaze turned to the elderly man sitting at the center of the round table, who had been dozing with his eyes closed. He was extremely short, appearing like a child who had not yet grown, and his large mage robe completely obscured his figure. At this moment, hearing the question, the old mage merely raised his eyebrows, slowly opened his eyes, and fixed his gaze on the footage of the recent battle in the Kingdom of Vester that was being replayed on the table. Then, his eyes settled on the magnificent and intricate magic circle.
Finally, the old mage spoke.
"This is the **Sanction of the Twin Scales**."
Upon hearing these words, the previously turbulent room suddenly fell silent. The corpulent mage chuckled and said nothing, merely narrowing his eyes.
"Oh... so it's the..."
The thin mage's hand, which had been holding his glasses, trembled slightly. Then, he opened his mouth awkwardly, but no words came out.
"Then... I believe..." The old mage began, his voice trailing off, "the **Mage Association** has always maintained a policy of non-interference, which is a highly sensible approach."
"Understood."
The middle-aged noblewoman's movements remained elegant, but a glint of sharpness flickered in her eyes.
"No wonder this magic circle looks so familiar... Truly worthy of the Chairman of the Council, finding the heart of the matter at once."
With these words, she stood up.
"Everyone, today's meeting may come to a close."
"Wait, everyone, I still..."
No one answered. Instead, as a magical glow flashed, the twelve figures that had gathered around the magnificent white table began to vanish one by one. The white-robed mage frowned, gazing with confusion and astonishment at the empty space before her, unsure of what to say.
"Archmage Faelan."
The middle-aged noblewoman continued to smile gently, looking at the female mage before her.
"As fellow women, I can understand the pressure you feel in becoming one of the Twelve Archmages in such a short time, and your desire to make a significant impact. But for this very reason, I wish to offer you a word of advice from the perspective of a woman—do not act rashly. It will not benefit you."
"I do not understand your meaning, Archmage Sashar."
The white-robed mage's face was as cold as ice, her voice low and fierce.
"I became one of the Twelve Archmages through my own profound understanding and mastery of Mana. I have great confidence in my alchemical abilities, and the paper report I submitted earlier, *The **Magic Crystal Triad Conversion System***, was unanimously praised by the **Mage Association**. I earned this position through my own strength..."
"I understand what you mean."
The middle-aged noblewoman interrupted her with a soft laugh.
"But this has nothing to do with today's topic. It is clear that you still do not understand why this is happening... Then, as a fellow member of the Twelve Archmages, I will reluctantly offer you a reminder."
"I am all ears."
The white-robed mage raised an eyebrow, a look of resistance in her eyes.
"As one of the Twelve Archmages, I believe you have forgotten a fundamental principle—**Peak Spells** are the unique creation of their caster, and no one else can learn, use, or replicate them. I suggest you first visit the **Mage Association's Historical Archives** and conduct a thorough investigation to understand what this signifies."
As she spoke, the middle-aged noblewoman opened a folding fan with a soft *snap*, hiding her bright red lips behind it.
"Only then will you understand that your proposal is utterly meaningless. By the way... I recall that your family has a very close relationship with a certain **Magic Clan**? As a member of the Twelve Archmages, I trust you will maintain a respectful distance from politicians?"
Another brilliant burst of magical light flashed, and the middle-aged noblewoman's figure vanished into thin air. The white-robed mage stared coldly at the now-empty room.
"Damn old woman..."
She muttered through gritted teeth.
This was merely a minor interlude in the long night. And the very next morning, Black personally emerged to announce a piece of news that sent shockwaves through the entire Kingdom of Vester.
**Due to King Vester's hostile actions towards the **Doom Knights**, the **Doom Knights** will terminate their **Defense Agreement** with the Kingdom of Vester and immediately withdraw from the **Red Fortress**!**
Upon hearing this, the Kingdom of Vester was immediately thrown into chaos.
"The time has come!"
On Lindyroth's face, a relieved smile spread as she tightly clutched the intelligence report in her hand, gazing at the generals before her. At this moment, the Princess felt completely at ease.
Though she had never had a direct conversation or negotiation with Black, the secret rivalry between the **Sith Empire** and the **Doom Knights** had never ceased. To test the **Doom Knights'** strength, Lindyroth had sent Syd to challenge them. In response, Black had given her a clear answer. Combined with the news that the **Doom Knights** had annihilated thirty thousand troops, this was enough to make Lindyroth recognize their terrifying power. At this point, their deal had finally been sealed—and now, it was successfully concluded . Lindyroth had gone to great lengths to ensure that Black with dignity left the fortress, and Black's actions had proven to the Princess that this was the correct decision.
Was it truly the correct decision?
Lindyroth did not think so. Black had cunningly avoided a direct confrontation with the **Sith Empire**, thus preventing the continent from ever knowing whether the **Condemnation Knights** or the **Doom Knights** were the stronger force. On the surface, both sides could claim to be holding their own. Furthermore, with such a pretext for departure, she could not create an atmosphere in which the **Doom Knights** were afraid of the **Sith Empire**. After all, in their previous challenge, the girl who appeared younger than Syd薇 had seemed to achieve a draw with her, sending a clear message to the world. Now, they had achieved the incredible feat of annihilating thirty thousand elite troops on their own, a feat that even the **Sith Empire** had been unable to accomplish. Therefore, even if the **Sith Empire** spread rumors, it was unlikely that other nations would believe that the **Doom Knights** had fled out of fear.
What a terrifying man he was. From the moment he arrived at the fortress, he had already planned this entire situation .
Thinking this, Lindyroth could not help but feel a sense of helplessness. Black had not cleverly tempted her into doing anything; instead, he had forced her to follow his lead. He had placed his strength and threats on the table, leaving her with no choice but to cooperate with him to fulfill his plan. And now, even her own generals were overjoyed, completely oblivious to any potential issues. They only saw this as a great opportunity. They did not perceive anything amiss.
May they never become enemies.
Lindyroth shook her head, pushing the thought aside, and then pulled herself together, speaking again.
"Everyone, our greatest obstacle has departed. From this moment onward, no one will stand in our way, no one will hinder our actions!"
As she said this, Lindyroth raised her right hand high.
**"Everything for the Sith!"**
**"Everything for the Sith!"**
A resounding cheer echoed through the sky, followed by the clear voice of the young maiden.
**"All forces, advance on the Red Fortress!"**