Combat Maid Harem

"We won't disappoint you, Your Imperial Majesty," an Earth Mage responded.

He was designated as the leader of the three for this mission.

Lawrend looked around at the city. He found heads viewing him through windows.

"Be obedient. There will be no bloodshed if there is no resistance. Just know, I can wipe out this city and rebuild it if you give me enough justification," Lawrend nonchalantly said and turned around.

His words were apparent threats. Many actually had thoughts of resistance, but his words cleared their minds of such ideas. They decided to wait out what would happen next.

"Let's leave."

Lawrend left with a powerful force with him.

The next destination was the Imperial Capital. It would be a long journey from here on out. There were only small towns along the way, but Lawrend didn't think it was worth it to stop by them.

They spent four days traveling day and night. And finally, the Imperial Capital appeared before them. It was gargantuan.

Lawrend's mouth opened wide when he saw it. It was several times larger than the Royal Capital of the Undrasil Kingdom. This was comparable to a metropolis in his previous life.

That wasn't only it. Several domes of colorful lights covered the Imperial Capital. They were quite thick and made it hard to see what was inside them.

"Interesting."

Lawrend's interest was piqued by the defensive magical formations. He had never seen them that thick and large before. They must be using advanced magic formation knowledge.

It would greatly help Lawrend if he could acquire such knowledge. At least, it would be easier for him to design his own magical formations in the future.

"Lawrend Rubrignis!" a loud and deep voice echoed from the city's center.

Lawrend and the others focused on the source. It was a bulky man oozing with Earth Mana. A brown and liquid-like air fell around his body like a waterfall.

Lawrend used his elemental eyes and saw the unique way the Earth Mana circulated inside his body. It shocked him and made him wonder how it was possible. This man's reputation wasn't really for nothing.

"Or should I say Lawrend Ignis!?" the Trunden Emperor's voice rumbled.

Lawrend and the others felt their bodies shake. Just his voice alone contained the properties of Earth Mana. It was inconceivable how this man still hadn't become a Heaven Mage.

"What is your name?" Lawrend asked.

He had always heard about this man, but he had never heard of his name. Everyone called him the Blumin Emperor.

"Alexis Blumin, the most talented Earth Mage on this continent besides you!" Alexis shouted.

Lawrend heard the unwillingness in his voice when he said those words. He hated the fact that Lawrend was more talented than him.

"Huh?? You aren't even from the three great clans, but you're saying something that ridiculous?" Lawrend sneered.

He thought it was funny. Someone who wasn't even a Heaven Mage was boasting about talent in front of Ember. She was still so young, yet she was already capable of becoming a Heaven Mage. As for him, he was older than her by several times over.

"I'm born outside of the three great clans! Admit it. Everything you had was all because you were lucky to be born as a descendant of the Ignis Clan!"

Lawrend's face twitched after hearing those words. Alexis successfully wounded his pride. He always considered himself successful because of his willingness to take risks.

"You're wrong! I didn't even awaken my bloodline till lately," Lawrend retorted.

He wasn't willing to admit it. Otherwise, his pride would shatter.

"That is undoubtedly true, which led me to believe you received a blessing from the Goddess. Tell me, does it feel good to be pampered?" Alexis sneered.

Lawrend's face twisted in shame.

"Hah! I saw through you. Kid, I've lived longer than you," Alexis sneered.

He was able to quickly change the tides. It was proof of his unimaginable life experience. Lawrend's previous life and current were nothing, even if they were combined or multiplied together.

"As for me, I worked my way up from the very bottom. I defeated countless 'talents' and proved myself. You're just a cheater," Alexis mocked.

Even though he was very far away, Lawrend felt Alexis' words stab his heart. The psychological attack was very successful, and Alexis smirked once he saw Lawrend waver.

'Master, don't believe his words,' Valentina said to him.

'He's right. I might think I'm unique, but I'm not. If someone else was in the same position, they would have the same achievements,' Lawrend replied back.

At this point, he severely doubted himself. It was like poison. Once it got inside him, it would be hard to remove it.

"Compared to me, you are just a lucky brat. Come! Fight me! I will show you our difference! HAHAHAHA!" Alexis laughed wildly.

He became more confident the more he saw Lawrend doubt himself. It was an inverse relationship. The lower Lawrend's confidence decreased, the higher his confidence increased.

"Master! Why are you letting his words get into your head?!" Ember shouted angrily.

Hearing the insults hurled toward her master angered her. She wanted to argue back, but she noticed Lawrend's lack of response. It made her worried, so she focused on him.

She waited for him to recover by himself, but it was already quite a while, and he still hadn't retorted back. She realized Alexis' words were really affecting her master.

Lawrend raised his head and stared at Ember. Seeing her reminded him of his goal.

"Maids..." Lawrend whispered.

"I can't hear you! Brat, are you about to piss yourself? HAHAHAHA!" Alexis laughed like a crazed maniac.

"My maids... I don't need your recognition. All I need in my life are my maids," Lawrend calmly stated.

As he said those words, his eyes regained their confidence. He remembered why he desired to be strong in the first place. It was to protect his maids and enjoy a happy and fulfilled life. The process doesn't matter.

"Tch," Alexis clucked his tongue in disappointment.