The immense pressure made the two Stellar Rank guards responsible for the escort change their expressions slightly. They bowed respectfully to Princess Belinda.

Since the Crossbridge Empire's royal carriage had already arrived, their task was considered complete.

Belinda took one last look at the sky of her homeland before stepping into the Crossbridge Empire's royal carriage, surrounded by her attendants.

Lighton nodded to the envoys from Pood Empire, and then stepped into the teleportation portal.

The two Stellar Rank guards stared at the fading spatial ripples, their hearts filled with shock and helplessness.

The strength of the Crossbridge Empire left them with no desire to resist. Even though they had planned several delay tactics before departure, they were helpless against the mysterious and unfathomable methods of the empire!

...

Valoria Palace, Roseries Palace Terrace

Josephine leaned against the intricately carved white jade railing, watching the royal carriage slowly enter the palace.

The setting sun cast a warm light on her platinum-colored hair.

"No matter what mission Princess Belinda brings with her..." she said softly to Sophia, "since she has come to Eryndor City, we must show her the proper courtesy."

Sophia put down the magic energy textbook in her hand and suddenly asked, "Sister, I've heard you often spar with Aurek?"

"Spar?" Josephine froze for a moment, a hint of confusion flashing in her emerald eyes. "What sparring?"

"I knew it was a lie," Sophia replied with a playful smile.

Josephine raised an eyebrow. "Where did you hear that?"

"From Lucy mentor!" Sophia said, shaking her head helplessly.

She continued, "She said that every time you finish a spar, you cry and complain to her."

Josephine was taken aback at first, then her pale cheeks flushed.

"Lucy mentor loves to joke!" she muttered softly.

Compared to Gloria mentor's strictness, Lucy mentor certainly enjoyed teasing people.

Even books about relationships between the sexes were taught to her without hesitation. The Holy Light Covenant was something Lucy had given her personally, and that mysterious contract certainly added some... excitement to her life?

But to be honest, it was a bit awkward that Lucy mentor had told Sophia this.

Cry and complain? When had she done that? Well, thankfully Sophia didn't know much about these things.

"Well, it's good to know that!" Sophia said with a sweet smile, "I knew Aurek would never bully you, Sister."

Josephine couldn't help but laugh but didn't point out the awkward misunderstanding.

She straightened her dress, which was adorned with star-shaped diamonds, and began walking toward the spiral staircase.

"Let's go and greet our new sister."

The evening twilight draped Valoria Palace in a purple veil.

Just as Aurek returned to his chambers, Eva brought some exciting news. At the same time, Overthunder returned triumphantly, laden with spoils of war.

...

Valoria Palace

Aurek was gazing at the giant map spread across the wall, the flickering candlelight dancing in his deep eyes.

"My Lord, news from the Eastern Region has arrived," Overthunder bowed and spoke, his voice unusually clear in the vast hall.

"Skyborne Church has taken the lead in uniting various forces and is preparing to hold a meeting at Ulin Holy Mountain to discuss how to counter the empire."

He paused for a moment before continuing.

"Lucio estimates that the battlefield might be divided into two parts—one in Godfall Gorge, and the other near the Oracle Mountain Range."

Oracle Mountain Range!

Aurek tapped his fingers lightly on the table, lost in thought.

He did not oppose this assessment. His enemies were not fools. If the empire's main forces were indeed drawn to Godfall Gorge, it was likely that someone would take the opportunity to raid the empire's heartland.

Lucio's plan was reasonable.

Overthunder continued.

"According to Lucio's calculations, if the forces of the Eastern Region's various factions mobilize their full strength, they could summon over 300,000 Stellar Rank warriors."

"There would also be a considerable number of Sage Rank and Divine Envoy Rank warriors. To be cautious, he believes we should involve the Selene Empire in this conflict as well."

"This battle holds many variables, and even powerful forces from outside the region could be drawn in."

"Outside the region?" Aurek raised an eyebrow, showing a hint of surprise.

"Did he mention exactly who they are?"

Overthunder answered.

"I heard it's the shadow people from outside the Eastern Region. It seems related to the battle in Godfall Gorge from several hundred thousand years ago."

"Also, Lucio specifically warned that the Selene Empire is the biggest variable. There are many uncertainties, and we must first find a way to stabilize them."

Lucio and Philip were both skilled in divination and foresight. While they couldn't predict the future with perfect accuracy, they could catch glimpses of various potential outcomes.

For Lucio to be this cautious and unable to fully calculate an outcome... It seemed that Empress Elizabeth was truly formidable!

What was she hiding?

Why hadn't she revealed her trump cards to pursue her ambitions?

But for now, Aurek was more concerned about those Stellar Rank warriors.

If he could eliminate them all in one blow...

The Emperor Points gained would be a huge windfall.

This thought sparked a strong sense of anticipation in him.

"Have Golden Armor gather all records regarding the shadow people," Aurek ordered.

A race related to the Godfall Gorge battle from hundreds of thousands of years ago certainly had an unusual origin.

He must be cautious of them while conquering the Eastern Region, and they couldn't interfere with his plan to harvest Emperor Points!

Of course, once he had successfully harvested those points, the value of these external forces would only increase.

Overthunder took his leave.

A moment later, Eva arrived.

She had a delighted smile on her face and presented a parchment of parchment scroll.

"My Lord, please have a look!"

Aurek took the list, his gaze scanning it.

[Apprentice Potion: Boosts Apprentice Rank abilities and Element Affinity]

[Focus Potion: Increases Mind Power capacity, enhancing perception]

[Breakthrough Potion: Assists in breaking rank barriers…]

[Advanced Magic Power Elixir: Boosts magic power, enhancing rank]

[Elemental Harmony Potion: Assists Elite Rank in consolidating core strength…]

[Life Chant Potion: Preserves youthful appearance…]

There were more than a dozen potion formulas, most of which could improve ranks or aid in breakthroughs—immensely valuable.

Potions for everything from Apprentice Rank to Stellar Rank were included!

"Can these be mass-produced?" Aurek inquired.

If these potions could be used for rewarding and cultivating the army, it would quickly arm the imperial forces.

To sweep across all territories, the empire's overall strength must rise in tandem.

Eva responded.

"In principle, yes, My Lord! However... the rare materials and Elemental Plants needed to brew these potions are scarce, and mass production is not currently feasible."

The empire had many Life Sorcerers, and the higher their rank, the better their potion-making abilities.

From common Ability Potions to more powerful Magic Elixirs, they could attempt to brew them.

However, just like any skilled craftswoman, creating magic potions required a vast amount of resources.

Aurek understood.

As the empire expanded, its dependency on resources grew exponentially.

Conquering the Eastern Region was becoming urgent.

"Create as many of the potions as possible with the resources currently available," Aurek ordered.

"Give priority to rewarding the soldiers who have performed well and cultivating an elite force. Additionally, provide potions to the imperial ministers and the palace guards first."

The empire's foundation was being built step by step like this!

"Rest assured, My Lord. As long as the resources are in place, we will complete the task swiftly."

Eva promised solemnly.

"Dismissed."

After sending Eva away, Aurek returned to his chambers.

Princess Belinda from the Pood Empire had already entered the palace, but he didn't go to meet her.

He knew well enough what the Pood Empire was thinking.

Trying to delay time?

He wouldn't give King Will that opportunity!

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