"Hum—!"
An invisible bell seemed to toll between heaven and earth. With Luke at the center, a dark-red halo suddenly rippled outward, sweeping across the clearing like a tidal wave.
The air instantly became viscous and oppressive. A thick scent of rust and blood permeated the atmosphere, making everyone feel as though they had been transported to an ancient battlefield of corpses and gore. Vague shadows of swords, spears, and halberds flickered within the crimson light, accompanied by the ghostly echoes of clashing steel and the dying wails of soldiers.
This was Luke's renowned Iron-Blood Domain.
The weaker Church knights turned pale, their breathing hitched as if an invisible mountain were pressing on their chests. Their Pegasuses neighed in terror, retreating instinctively from the horrific aura.
Leylo felt the immense pressure as well, but with his superior mental strength, he managed to withstand it. So this is the true power of the "Iron-Blood Knight," he thought.
Bishop Augustus's face darkened, but he did not back down. Instead, a more fervent light ignited in his eyes.
"In the name of the Light!" Augustus chanted. He raised his right hand, and a ball of blinding gold gathered in his palm.
"BOOM!"
Next, a light more intense than the sun erupted from the Bishop! A golden Light-Flame Domain expanded rapidly to meet Luke's. This domain was holy, searing, and violent. Golden flames roared—yet they did not burn physical objects; instead, they emitted a majesty that purified evil and judged sin.
The two domains collided like awakening ancient behemoths.
"Sizzle—!"
At the boundary where the dark-red and gold met, energy ground against energy, resulting in ear-piercing explosions. The air tore, and space itself seemed to warp under the crushing force. On one side: a mountain of corpses and iron-blooded slaughter; on the other: holy radiance and heaven-scorching fire.
The shockwaves shredded the nearby tents like paper. Wood chips and fabric flew into the sky as knights from both sides scrambled back hundreds of meters.
The Standoff Ends
Just as it seemed the two would fight to the death, both men simultaneously retracted their domains. The killing intent and holy flames receded like a tide, and the suffocating pressure vanished.
They stared at each other. A brief clash was enough to gauge their respective strengths. A true fight to the death would cost both dearly—and more importantly, they represented the Thunder Dragon Duchy and the Holy See. Full-scale war between these two powers was a consequence neither dared to trigger lightly.
"Vice Commander Luke, your reputation is well-deserved," Augustus said, smoothing his robes. "I have learned much today."
"Your Excellency's strength is also unfathomable," Luke replied coolly.
However, Luke wasn't finished. "Bishop, perhaps we shall fight one day, but not today. Our Duchy is at war with the Sun Kingdom. Since you do not follow the Grand Duke's mandates, are you perhaps lingering in our northern borders under the Sun Kingdom's orders to commit treason?"
Augustus flinched. The Sun Kingdom was a puppet of the Church, and this war was indeed instigated by the Holy See. But he could not admit that. "I am the appointed Bishop of this region. I have no link to the Sun Kingdom. Do not slander me."
"To prove your innocence," Luke countered sharply, "it would be best if you left the territory on schedule."
Faced with the threat of being labeled a spy—which would allow the Duchy to kill him without diplomatic fallout—Augustus chose to compromise. That night, the Church knights struck camp and departed Blackstone Territory under the cover of darkness.
The Call to Arms
Leylo invited Luke to Blackstone Castle. By the warmth of the fireplace, the Vice Commander's sharp edge softened slightly.
"Second Prince," Luke said, raising a mug of ale. "I came for two reasons. First, to 'escort' Augustus out. The Grand Duke's patience with the Church has reached its limit."
He set the glass down, his tone turning grave. "Second, and most importantly: The Grand Duke has issued a general mobilization. In one month, all northern lords must assemble their forces at Red Leaf Territory to resist the southern invasion of the Sun Kingdom."
War. "Has it already begun?" Leylo asked, feeling the weight of the news.
"Yes. Over a hundred thousand troops are gathered. Their vanguard has already engaged the eastern lords. This war concerns the very survival of the Duchy."
"Blackstone Territory will answer the call," Leylo promised. "We will be at Red Leaf Territory on time."
Preparing for the Storm
The next morning, Luke departed on his Thunder Eagle. As he vanished into the sky, the atmosphere in Blackstone Castle turned electric with urgency.
Leylo stood on the balcony, the cold wind whipping his hair. He knew his current strength was limited for a continental war. He needed to evolve—and fast.
"Ed, take notes," Leylo commanded.
Capture the Drakes: "I've mapped a Land-Drake nest deep in the mountains. Take our best hunters and strongest nets. We need them alive; those beasts will be game-changers on the battlefield."
Recall the Pillars: "Send Pegasus riders to summon Alex, Borin, and Monk. They must return to the castle immediately."
After giving the orders, Leylo walked out to the courtyard. Tempest, the Storm Griffin King, let out a high-pitched cry and nuzzled Leylo's shoulder. Leylo vaulted onto its broad back, while Moonlight leaped up as a silver blur.
"Let's go, Tempest!"
With a mighty flap of wings, they soared into the sky. Their destination: Amber Territory.