The Herb King



The faces of Zorzoch and Semias turned serious upon hearing this. Xymera was one of the top experts of the Regalis Continent in their era. They had also fought with her back then so they were aware of her capabilities. 

"Xymera is only skilled in support-type skills. How did she manage to beat you?" Semias stared suspiciously at Gozgel. Zorzoch didn't say anything, but a hint of disdain surfaced on his face. 

Gozgel shook his head bitterly as he muttered. "You might find this shocking or even funny, but hear me out. The reason I was defeated in the last battle wasn't because of Xymera. It was because of another person." 

"You mean there is a new Transcendent expert in the Regalis Continent?" Zorzoch finally frowned. 

Gozgel took a deep breath and shook his head. "No. The person who beat me was a peak stage Level 5 Esper." 

Hearing this, Zorzoch burst into laughter. "You were actually beaten by a Level 5 Esper? Hahaha! That's ridiculous!" 

"How could a Level 5 Esper beat you, Gozgel?" Semias was still calm as he looked at Gozgel inquisitively. There was no way a normal Level 5 Esper could defeat someone as strong as Gozgel. He might be the weakest among the three Underworld Kings, but his strength was already recognized by the entire Underworld. 

Gozgel snorted at Zorzoch before answering Semias' query. "That person has already comprehended Sword Momentum! Although his power is weaker than mine, his Sword Momentum makes up for his weakness. If he activates his Sword Momentum, his power is on par with a Transcendent expert!" 

"Sword Momentum!" This time, both Zorzoch and Semias were stunned. Even top experts like them haven't comprehended their Weapon Momentum so knowing that there was a Level 5 Esper who managed to do it was very shocking for them. 

"No wonder! That kind of opponent is indeed very tricky. We need to dispose of him before he becomes a Transcendent expert. He will be a huge threat to the Ancient Lord." Semias muttered coldly.

Zorzoch and Gozgel nodded their heads in agreement.

"Assemble the army! We will attack the nearest empire in two days!" Semias muttered as he walked to the Underworlder's camp.

***

Two days later, Aethelwolf was awoken by a distress signal. It was sent by a scouting team of another empire. The content of the message was short, but his face turned grim upon hearing it.

"The Underworlders are assembling their army. It looks like they plan to attack once again." He muttered before he hastily summoned his top subordinates and the important members of the Barden Territory to the meeting hall.

Soon, the seats in the meeting hall were fully occupied. Seated were the upper echelons of the Barden Territory. Ramiel, Albert, Zachary, Irithel, Aenwyn, Einar, Julie Irish, Samira, and many other important individuals were present. Even Brian Linaza who was enslaved by Aethelwolf was here. These people hold absolute control of the Barden Territory's power. 

Aethelwolf scanned everyone's faces. He cleared his throat and said. "Today, I received a report from one of the scouting teams of Caesar Empire. They spotted huge movements in the army of the Underworlders!" 

Everyone's faces turned grave at the report. The Underworlders caused the death of many brave soldiers. Some people inside the meeting hall even had friends who died in the last battle against the Underworlders. 

Ramiel patted his chest fiercely. His army suffered a huge loss in the battle and he wanted to make the Underworlders pay for that. "King Aethelwolf, just give me a word. The main army is prepared to march any time!" 

"King Aethelwolf, my people are also ready to make a move!" Albert muttered. 

"King Aethelwolf..."

Everyone inside the meeting hall offered their support without hesitation. Aethelwolf felt gratified when he saw this. "Thank you all for your support. Every one of you should be prepared for the worst. Ramiel, Albert, Irithel, Zachary, Amishta,... prepare your soldiers! We will march to the Northern Region tomorrow!" 

"Yes, King Aethelwolf!" 

Almost 80% of the Barden Territory's army was mobilized. A total of over a million soldiers stood before Aethelwolf. Everyone was armed with advanced weapons. Each soldier was equipped with energy bombs with an explosive power that was equivalent to the full force of a Level 3 Esper. Their armors were also made using the new smithing technology introduced by Aethelwolf, making them more durable. They could protect the soldiers even from the attack of a Level 3 Esper. As for their weapons, they were equipped with energy rifles powered by Spirit Crystals. They also have Refined-Rated swords and shields strapped behind their back. Everyone was armed to the teeth! 

"To the Northern Region!" Dressed in his white battle armor, Aethelwolf shouted as he led the march. He was riding on top of his Golden Horned Gryphon. The beast was also covered in matching white armor. 

The various empires scattered in the Regalis Continent were also on the move to the Northern Region. No one wanted to see their respective empires being invaded by the Underworlders so they immediately sent a huge portion of their army to the frontlines. 

The journey to the Northern Region was quite long and it would take them a long time to arrive. It was even more so for the empires that were located far from the Northern Region. 

One week later, the leaders of the various empires communicated through the upgraded Communication Rune. It was then that they received a shocking report.

"Leaders, the Jasper Empire has fallen! We managed to evacuate the civilians, but we are currently being chased by the Underworlders! The people are starving and they are dying one by one. I don't think we can run anymore." It was a report from a General of the Jasper Empire. His voice was filled with sadness and remorse.

"You must hold on! Get everyone into safety! We will be there in a few days! Just hang on!" Someone said.

"I hope we are still alive by then. I'll gather my remaining men. We will try to slow down the enemies. Best of luck, everyone. Goodbye." The General of the Jasper Empire disconnected the call and his holographic image disappeared from everyone's eyes.