MTLNOVEL Chapter 156: Conquest Plans
The moment King Theron vanished from the Elven outpost, he wasted no time.
Upon his return to the palace, he immediately set his formidable will into motion. The Dukes were swiftly reassembled, and alongside his most trusted generals, Theron meticulously began to ascertain the full extent of Zarion's military might.
"I will lead the main strike force myself," Theron declared. "We will deliver a swift, decisive blow that will leave them no option but surrender. There will be no prolonged conflict; it will be a conquest."
He was supremely confident that this would be a quick capture. They also came to a conclusion that all the Dukes, save for one, will mobilize with him, contributing their forces to this grand endeavor.
"Borin, that duty falls to you."
"Yes, my King."
For the next several days, the palace hall became a hive of activity. They poured over countless data from the Adventurers' Association, along with some census data and compiled an exhaustive, albeit estimated, list of their available forces:
4,500+ 1-Star Mages, 81 1-Star Knights.
650+ 2-Star Mages, 38x 2-Star Knights.
200+ 3-Star Mages, 11x 3-Star Knights.
108x 4-Star Mages, 4x 4-Star Knights
56x 5-Star Mages, 1x 5-Star Knight
27x 6-Star Mages, 1x 6-Star Knight
11x 7-Star Mages
6x 8-Star Mages
4x 9-Star Mages
This list, Theron knew, was merely a broad estimation. Nevertheless, it provided a clear picture of the magnitude of power at his disposal.
With the raw numbers laid out, Theron began to refine his strike force.
He ruthlessly pruned the list, ruling out those he deemed unsuitable for direct combat or too crucial to the kingdom's daily operations.
Mothers, current Academy students, and those with important governmental roles were immediately excluded.
He also decided against taking any 1-Star Mages. Most lacked practical combat experience and would only serve as a burden.
By the end of their intensive planning, the formidable initial list had been significantly thinned, yet it still represented a potent fighting force.
The King's army was set to comprise approximately 500 2-Star Mages, 70 1-Star Knights, and the vast majority of those from the higher ranks. In total, this amounted to roughly 870 Mages and 90 Knights.
Though the numbers were smaller than the initial assessment, Theron remained confident.
He believed his force was more than sufficient, if not an overkill.
Once he had dealt with their strongest powers, the war, in his mind, would be over, and he would easily force them to surrender to his rule.
Theron's eyes glinted with unmasked greed as the final plans were set. He addressed his Dukes one last time with a sharp command.
"You are all aware of the plan. So go forth and make the announcement. A majority of those joining us are Adventurers, so cooperate closely with them. And let it be known that participation is not optional. Any who refuse to join this glorious campaign will find themselves in the cell, awaiting my return."
The Dukes bowed in unison. They knew the King's word was law, so they all agreed with him.
One by one, they filed out of the hall, but just before they could all leave, Theron's voice cut through the air. "Varyn, wait behind."
Varyn froze mid-stride. Cedric, who had just reached the massive doors, turned to cast Varyn a stern, knowing look before stepping out and allowing the doors to swing shut behind him.
Varyn, despite a surge of defiance, dared not defy the King's direct order. He consoled himself with the thought that perhaps it was merely a final instruction and nothing more.
He turned to face the King, forcing a semblance of composure onto his features.
"Yes, My King?"
Theron smiled in an unsettling manner, and ran a finger along his neatly trimmed mustache.
"I spoke to Borin earlier today."
The words struck Varyn like a physica blow and his carefully constructed composure shattered.
He felt his heartbeat race, because he kne instantly what this was about.
He had suggested to Borin, in a moment of desperate concern for the Kingdom, that the King was leading them down a path of destruction.
He tried to convince him that they find a way to stop it. But hearing that Borin had snitched on him, the betrayal stung. It was an unexpected pain, for he had considered Borin a very good friend.
He desperately tried to control the tremor in his hands, but it was a losing battle. He simply stood, waiting.
Then, Theron's voice rose, no longer a whisper but a resonant accusation that filled the cavernous hall.
"To think you would have the audacity to step into my palace after plotting against me. I am sometimes amazed by your sheer confidence, Varyn."
Varyn's earlier shock was quickly replaced by a surge of defiant anger. If this was the end, he would not go quietly.
"This war is not worth it!" Varyn's voice, raw with emotion, echoed off the stone walls.
"It's a very stupid idea! You are just going to disrupt the Kingdom and destroy the lives of many! You are leading us into destruction, King Theron! This is madness! A senseless conquest that will only bring ruin upon our people!"
His voice cracked with the intensity of his conviction, the words pouring out in a torrent of frustration.
But Theron remained unnervingly calm, his expression unchanged. He didn't even bother to raise his voice in reply.
"I wonder what gives you your courage, Varyn," he said, a faint, mocking smile playing on his lips. "You surprise me a lot. Or is it because that wasted father of yours was the last King? May I remind you that the bastard did not climb past 8-Star before his death?"
That was it. The mention of his father was the final straw. Varyn had endured enough. He had nothing left to lose, and in that moment, a desperate, defiant resolve ignited within him.
With a guttural roar, Varyn unleashed a quick chant, his anger fueling the magic. In an instant, multiple water snakes, each the size of a fully grown human, materialized from thin air.
With a furious hiss, they charged at King Theron.