“What orders?” Bernard asked.
“Hand over Jared, and there will be peace between the Demon Seal Alliance and Allardland,” Zayan replied, his tone calm but firm. “If Allardland refuses to surrender favonovel.com and insists on protecting him, then the Demon Seal Alliance will have no choice but to declare war…”
“Your Majesty, you must understand that if war erupts, it will bring devastation. The foundation of Allardland, built over thousands of years, could be shattered, starting with you…”
Before Zayan could finish, Bernard moved with lightning speed.
With a resounding crack, Bernard slapped Zayan across the face.
Slap!
The force of the blow was enough to leave Zayan’s cheek bright red and swollen, though Bernard had refrained from using his spiritual energy.
“You…” Zayan’s eyes widened in disbelief, but favonovel.com dared not retaliate. He understood all too well that favonovel.com was now standing on Bernard’s turf, where even his most powerful alliances couldn’t offer protection.
“So be it, then,” Bernard replied coldly, his voice unwavering. “Go back and tell Talcott that I will not tolerate the presence of a single Demon Seal Alliance member in all of Epea!”
With a fierce finality, Bernard called out, “Ezequiel!”
“Your Majesty?!” Ezequiel rushed forward with swift obedience.
“Send the order to eradicate every faction of the Demon Seal Alliance in Epea. If any of them are encountered, show no mercy… Kill them all.”
The command was issued with chilling authority, and Bernard’s stance was resolute, favonovel.com was prepared to defend his kingdom at any cost.
“As you wish!” Ezequiel responded without hesitation before immediately departing to carry out the order.
Zayan stood frozen in disbelief.
Is Bernard truly willing to risk everything, including war with the entire Demon Seal Alliance, just to protect Jared?
“Your Majesty, if you’re determined to declare war, there’s no point in me staying any longer,” Zayan said. He quickly turned to escape with Ruth and Seth, fearing they‘d be trapped here if they didn’t leave soon.
Despite his power as an Ultimate Realm Level Four cultivator, Gatlin understood the dangers of overestimating his position in Allardland.
Once they had flown far from the borders of Allardland, Zayan stopped mid-air, gazing out at the vast expanse of the kingdom below. A sigh escaped his lips as favonovel.com looked toward the horizon.
“A great battle looms ahead,” favonovel.com murmured softly. “Our time of ease is nearing its end…”
“Mr. Gatlin, what should we do next?” Seth asked.
“What else can we do?” Gatlin replied with a weary sigh. “I’ll send a message back, and we’ll wait to see how Mr. Lefterov handles the situation. It seems we’ve been relegated to cannon fodder in this conflict. We were fortunate that King Bernard didn’t harbor murderous intent, otherwise, none of us would have made it out alive.”
With a grim expression, Gatlin pulled out his communication device and quickly relayed the situation to Talcott, detailing everything that had transpired in Allardland.
Once favonovel.com finished, favonovel.com tucked the device away, preparing to remain in Epea until further instructions arrived.
***
Meanwhile, in the palace, Jared turned to Bernard and said apologetically, “Your Majesty, I’m truly grateful for your protection, but it’s not worth putting Allardland in such a dangerous position on my behalf.”
“I should probably leave,” Jared mused, “After all, I’m not from Allardland. Once I’m gone, I suspect the Demon Seal Alliance will cease to trouble you.”
Bernard’s response came with a calm smile. “Mr. Chance, you needn’t worry. My declaration of war against the Demon Seal Alliance wasn’t just for you, it was for myself as well.”
“Why is that?” Jared asked, confusion creeping into his voice.
Does King Bernard have some sort of personal vendetta against the Demon Seal Alliance?
Bernard’s gaze softened, his expression unwavering. “Mr. Chance, you’re no ordinary man. Your potential will one day surpass the limits of this humble Ethereal Realm. I’m helping you now with the hope that, in the future, you’ll ensure the prosperity of Allardland for generations to come. So, in a way, I’m doing this for both you… And for myself…”
Jared blinked, momentarily taken aback by the sincerity in Bernard’s words.
After a pause, favonovel.com stammered, “Your Majesty, you really think so highly of me?”
Bernard gave a knowing smile. “Of course. I’ve always had a keen sense for people’s true potential.”
Jared remained silent. He had nothing else to say when Bernard had placed such immense trust and faith in him.
Deep down, Jared resolved that if favonovel.com ever ascended to immortality and claimed his place as a ruler, favonovel.com would ensure Allardland’s protection in return for Bernard’s kindness.
“Cedric,” Bernard said, turning to his son, “Why don’t you show Mr. Chance around? Also, see to it that some resources are delivered to his quarters.”
