I Ascend to the Divine Throne through Arcane Means

Outside Ice Peak City, amidst a forest manor.

The winter in Dillon Kingdom was incredibly cold, and few people chose to move around outside of residential areas.

The chilly weather and the knee-deep snow made it difficult to communicate with the outer world. In case of danger or attacks from magic beasts, one would truly be in a desperate situation.

Thus, these manors outside the city were generally only frequented by nobles and wealthy merchants for leisure and vacation during the summer.

But at this moment, this spacious and ornately decorated manor was bustling with noise, presenting a scene of busy activity.

Servants and attendants were tidying up the manor, craftsmen were transforming it into a war fortress, and guards were clearing the snow, diligently patrolling the outskirts of the estate, carefully inspecting every potential danger.

In the courtyard of the manor, a group of people wearing various mage robes gathered around a platform, engaged in a heated discussion about something.

Suddenly, many gorgeously dressed individuals emerged from the central house of the manor, the nobles who had arrived through the Transmission Array from Duke Ward Mansion.

Looking at the greatly altered manor before them, the nobles were somewhat surprised.

It seemed that Duke Ward had been preparing for a long time!

Just as one was about to pull over a servant to inquire about the whereabouts of Duke Ward, the Duke himself, clad in a suit of silver armor, descended from the second floor, his armor clanking heavily with every weighted step.

"Gentlemen!"

Duke Ward stood on the staircase, his indifferent gaze surveying the nobles before him.

"Since you are all willing to support me, do not hesitate. We cannot miss this excellent opportunity."

"The Snow Bear Legion and Snow Eagle Army will soon arrive here. Please gather your guards as previously arranged and join me in assaulting Ice Peak City."

A young noble hesitated before asking,

"We did not know this was your plan previously, your grace. All of our family guards and preparations are within the city... May I go back to make arrangements?"

Upon hearing this, Duke Ward simply shook his head slowly, speaking with an unquestionable tone,

"Since you are willing to support me and have followed me here, let there be no other thoughts in your mind."

"As for the arrangements within the city, you may inform your families through letters and tokens. As for their safety, I presume you were already prepared for that, weren't you?"

Looking up at Duke Ward who stood above, the nobles present suddenly felt somewhat uncomfortable.

Why did Duke Ward seem so decisive after making his decision?

However, everyone no longer had other thoughts. Having chosen to follow Duke Ward here meant they were on the pirate ship.

Choosing to retreat at this point would leave them in a bad situation on all fronts.

"Gentlemen, you may rest in this manor. Of course, if anyone wishes to fight alongside me, I would not refuse."

Duke Ward said this with an implied meaning.

Upon hearing these words, some of the younger nobles' eyes lit up—this was an opportunity to earn greater merit and noble titles.

In the Extraordinary World, superior strength was the foundation upon which most nobles built their careers.

Noble families did not foster a legacy for all successors to comfortably live off the old wealth; each generation of a well-ordered noble family survived by striving through the generations.

The Fallen of one generation's head would not greatly impact the family, but after several generations, even the thickest family foundation would be depleted.

Therefore, nearly all nobles were Extraordinary Professionals, it's just that due to differences in talent, their strengths varied greatly.

Interpreting the implications in Duke Ward's words, it was clear he was giving them an opportunity to prove their loyalty and strength.

Since they had come this far, many had no way back, and could only headlong rush in this single direction.

If it was as Duke Ward said, that the two most elite legions of the kingdom could arrive here unbeknownst to Lukar, it would mean that Duke Ward had suddenly turned the tables.

Looking at the suddenly excited nobles below, Duke Ward simply nodded, entrusting these matters to Jacob while he headed toward the center of the courtyard with his guards.

Approaching the group of Golden Mages gathered at the center, Duke Ward coughed and inquired,

"Well, is it ready to be activated?"

The mages, faces full of excitement, said to Duke Ward,

"My lord, where on earth did you find this magic item?"

"It's absolutely incredible, amazing!"

"I can only recognize the spell contained within to be a 'Long-Distance Oriented Large Teleportation Gate,' which can easily transport an army of ten thousand."

"How was this achieved? It is simply too powerful!"

The speaking mage, the oldest and strongest among them, with pale hair and magic elements swirling around him, showcased the broadness of his knowledge and insight.

Duke Ward walked through the path the mages cleared for him and approached the stone platform.

At the center of the myriad Magic Runes on the platform was the Crystal Ball that Lis had previously handed over to Duke Ward.

"We have reinforced it, stabilized it, and replenished it with Magic Power, but if I may speak frankly, it seemed unnecessary. This Magic Item is already perfect on its own and does not need us wasting time here." Experience new stories on empire

"I even believe that it may have been crafted by a figure beneath the Legendary Crown."

Looking at the old mage, who was utterly obsessed and fervent beside him, Duke Ward nodded silently.

A Legendary Mage, perhaps?

Such a precious treasure, and the Death Secret Cult had handed it over so easily, appearing not to be too concerned about it.