There was so much about this world that Chris didn’t know, so much hidden strength lurking beneath the surface. Even he, standing where he did, often felt powerless. In the eyes of the Aetherbinding practitioners, after all, he was nothing more than an ant.
As Chris stood in silence, Lord Valerian continued, “Chris, I know you’re heading to North Willington to suppress the rebellion. Aside from you, Daniel Williams holds the remaining fragments of the Dragon Emblem. If we kill him and retrieve those fragments, the nine pieces will finally be whole. Once that happens, we can locate that place. That’s why I plan to join you in North Willington-to kill Daniel Williams!”
Chris did not reject Lord Valerian’s request. He was well aware of Valerian’s strength. As the previous Amerosia Primus, Valerian was immensely powerful. His presence would undoubtedly be a great help in dealing with Daniel Williams.
—
The next day, at the East Coast War Zone airport, rows of olive-green transport planes stood neatly on the runway. Around them, five legions-the Alligator Legion, the Phoenix Legion, the Tiger Legion, the Lynx Legion, and the Death Guards-assembled in perfect order. Altogether, fifty thousand troops stood ready.
In addition to the legions, fifty thousand Death Guards had been dispatched with a single mission: to ensure Chris’s safety.
Chris surveyed the gathered forces, his expression cold and commanding. “You all know about the rebellion in North Willington led by Daniel Williams. Our mission is simple: head to North Willington, kill Daniel Williams, and restore peace to Amerosia!”
“Primus!”
The collective roar of the soldiers echoed through the sky.
Chris unsheathed the Dragon Slayer, raised it high, and bellowed, “Move out!”
The engines roared to life. One by one, the thousand transport planes took to the skies, thundering towards North Willington.
—
Two hours later, the fleet of planes landed in Snow Lion City, North Willington’s most critical military stronghold and the strategic gateway to Middleton. Despite multiple assaults by Daniel Williams, Snow Lion had remained impenetrable, its towering walls and formidable defenses proving too much for the rebels.
Snow Kimberton, the commander of Snow Lion, greeted Chris and his forces with a formal salute. “Welcome, Primus! It is an honor to have you here.”
Chris glanced at Kimberton and nodded. “At ease.”
Following orders from Master William, Chris had been granted the title of Grand Marshal of the Northwest, giving him authority over all military forces in the region. He was already familiar with Kimberton. The Kimberton family had long been guardians of Snow Lion, their military legacy deeply ingrained in Amerosia’s history.
Kimberton rose, his demeanor respectful. “Primus, I’ve prepared quarters for you and your forces.”
“Thank you for your efforts,” Chris replied.
With Kimberton’s arrangements in place, the troops settled into their accommodations. Given the massive size of the army, such preparations were essential to avoid chaos.
As soon as they were settled, Chris convened a military meeting.
“General Kimberton,” Chris began, “what is the current status of the conflict?”
Kimberton’s expression turned grim. “Since Daniel Williams launched his rebellion, his forces have advanced rapidly, seizing control of most of North Willington. He personally led several assaults on Snow Lion but failed each time. Currently, he has regrouped and stationed his army at his stronghold, Willington Castle.”
Daniel Williams, a former prince, had made North Willington his domain, with Willington Castle as his capital and headquarters.
Chris nodded. “Very well. Tomorrow, I will personally lead our forces to attack Willington Castle and eliminate Daniel Williams once and for all.”
“Understood!”
No one questioned Chris’s orders. According to his plan, he would lead the five legions-a total of fifty thousand troops-into battle, while Kimberton would remain in Snow Lion to guard against any counterattacks.
Although Daniel Williams had amassed an army of eighty thousand-thirty thousand more than Chris’s forces-Chris was unfazed. The bulk of Williams’s army consisted of unruly conscripts, hardly a match for trained soldiers.
What concerned Chris, however, were the so-called Super Warriors that Daniel Williams had created. These fighters were fearless and nearly unstoppable once unleashed. To counter this, Chris had instructed the Death Guards to prepare steel blades specifically designed to combat the Super Warriors.
With the combined might of the five legions and the Death Guards, Chris was confident they could crush Daniel Williams and end his rebellion.
—
Meanwhile, in Willington Castle, the atmosphere was tense.
Ever since the rebellion had begun, the castle had been under strict martial law. The streets were deserted, with citizens too afraid to leave their homes. Armed rebels patrolled every corner, their presence a constant reminder of the chaos that had engulfed the city.
At the heart of the city stood Hill Dragon, the towering peak where Daniel Williams had built his palace. It was said that he had named the mountain himself, a symbolic gesture reflecting his aspiration to one day become the King of Amerosia.
Hill Dragon had become a heavily fortified zone, off-limits to anyone without explicit permission. Trespassers were executed on sight.
—
The sound of engines filled the air as Chris’s forces approached Willington Castle.
“Enemy attack! Enemy attack!”
The panicked cries of the rebels rang out as they spotted the incoming army.
Chris gazed at the walls of the castle, his expression one of disdain. These disorganized rebels stood no chance against his fifty thousand troops.
“Alligator!”
“Lynx!”
“Phoenix!”
“Tiger!”
At Chris’s command, the four legion commanders stepped forward. “Primus!”
Chris’s voice was firm and resolute. “Lead your legions and storm Willington Castle. I want it taken within the hour!”
“Yes, Primus!”
Without hesitation, the commanders led their forces into battle.
Explosions rocked the air as the assault began, smoke and fire engulfing the once-mighty fortress. Willington Castle had become a battlefield, the sound of war echoing across the city.