The Herb King



Everyone was in an uproar after the final rankings of the grand competition were released. No one thought that a small empire would actually reach the top three.

"The Leone Empire is ranked 3rd!"

"It seems like the Leone Empire will be part of the Holy Rankings..."

Looking at the final rankings, Alec and the others smiled happily. Although they didn't manage to get the top spot, their performance still brought glory to the Leone Empire. 

"Not bad, but we still need to continue our training." Michael chuckled. 

"I'll apply to join the training for the reserve members of the Shadow Guards. We have become too arrogant after King Aethelwolf's training. We are nothing compared to the true geniuses. Without King Aethelwolf's resources and strict training, we wouldn't even be qualified to join this competition. I'll strive to join the Shadow Guards and serve King Aethelwolf faithfully. This is the only way for me to repay his favor." Alec muttered with determination. His family betrayed the Leone Empire, but Aethelwolf didn't give up on him. He even gave him the chance to turn his life around. Once he returns to the Leone Empire, his Ward Household would no longer be oppressed by anyone! 

"I'll also apply for the training of the reserve members of the Shadow Guards. If I can gain access to their resources, there is hope for me to become a Level 5 Esper! That is my ultimate goal!" Grace muttered while clenching her fists. She wanted to help her sister and share some of her burdens. 

They were already aware of some matters related to the Shadow Guards. Being part of them had a lot of restrictions, but it was a given that they would become peerless powerhouses if they received the training. 

Christopher hesitated for a moment, but then he shook his head. "I also want to join you guys, but unfortunately, my position is too sensitive. There might be some conflict between the Lassiter Household and our Leone Imperial Family if I join the Shadow Guards..." He sighed in regret. 

Hearing this, the others shook their heads regretfully. After being together for more than a month, they have grown closer to each other. 

"No matter what happens, we will still be friends!" Michael smiled as he patted Christopher's shoulder. 

"Of course! Even if I become the emperor one day, nothing will change!" Christopher laughed heartily. 

***

In the borders of the Northern Region, the leaders of the empires were having a meeting. The people who are not in the camp were projected using the enhanced version of the Communication Rune. 

The leaders discussed about their future plans specifically their strategies on how to deal with the Underworlders. 

The meeting lasted for over two hours before it ended. 

"I received news that the grand competition is now over. We can visit the Frigid Snow Dimension ahead of time." Eliazar said to everyone.

Hearing this, the experts nodded their heads. The first step of their plan was to unseal the ancestor of the Ancient Fairies. Without her, their chances of victory were less than one percent! After all, there was a Transcendent being among the Underworlders.

"Sir Aethelwolf have you made the rune?" Eliazar asked in a low voice. Everyone immediately turned their gazes to Aethelwolf. 

"I have already prepared the necessary materials to create the rune, but I didn't have the time to assemble it yet. We should enter the Frigid Snow Dimension first and I will make the rune once we are inside the pocket dimension." The rune that he would make was called Seal Weakening Rune and its name is already explanatory. It could weaken any seal as long as someone injects world essence into it. 

"How many days do you need to make this rune?" Someone asked. 

Aethelwolf glanced at the person who had spoken and replied. "With the complexity of this rune, I should be able to complete it in half a day." 

"Just half a day?!" Everyone was surprised when they heard this. They knew how difficult it was to make a rune, much more a rune that could weaken a Transcendent level seal. Most Level 5 Engravers need a few days to make a Level 5 rune so when Aethelwolf said that he could complete everything in just a half day, they were stunned.

"We should go now. Sir Argus, you will be coming with us as well." Eliazar muttered in a serious tone. 

"What about this camp?" Argus asked.

"We can leave this camp to Ramiel. I believe everyone already knows that he is a Level 5 Esper. With his presence, the camp would be safe for the time being." Aethelwolf suggested. No one other than Ramiel could lead the camp in their absence. 

The others nodded their heads in agreement when they heard his words. Some of them had already interacted with Ramiel so they knew that he was a powerful Esper. 

"Alright. If there are no objections, Sir Ramiel will temporarily be the leader of the camp." Eliazar stared at the various leaders and when he saw that no one objected, he heaved a sigh of relief. 

"Ramiel, while we are away, you have to maintain the security of this camp. Don't let anyone wander around." Aethelwolf passed the command to Ramiel. 

"Yes, King Aethelwolf!" Ramiel saluted with a solemn look. 

Aethelwolf turned his gaze to Eliazar and said. "We should go now." 

Eliazar nodded his head and shouted. "Everyone, let's go!"

The experts boarded their flying carriages and flying mounts before disappearing into the sky. Their destination was the headquarters of the Mystic Island! 

Soon, everyone arrived in front of the Snowy Pond. The entrance of the Frigid Snow Dimension appeared on top of the pond. 

Not long later, Estes arrived at the scene together with Victor, the Holy General who was ranked 3rd in the Heavenly Might Rankings. 

"Let's not waste any more time! Let's go inside!" Estes muttered as he led the leaders to jump inside the entrance of the Frigid Snow Dimension.