Chapter #60
[A/N]: Hi everyone, since this is the 60th chapter of my work, I'll be stopping publication for now until I'm ready. After this, I want to improve my writing style to match that of a standard novel.
[A/N]: My goal is for my novel to eventually be adapted into a manga or anime, so I'll adjust the style to make it easier to adapt. Also, the writing in the early chapters was very stiff, so I'll be reworking them later.
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After that, Yuita immediately gave instructions to the seven generals.
The Defense General, Shiro, was tasked with strengthening the defenses inside the kingdom.
The Offense General, Anzo, was tasked with preparing ten thousand soldiers.
The Strategy General, Yuza, was tasked with devising battle plans with his team, which would then be handed to Endo and explained to Yuita.
The Training General, Jiri, was tasked with training new recruits to be ready as reserves.
The Spy General, Yanmo, was tasked with finding out why the spies in Yuten's kingdom had gone silent.
The King's Guard General, Emiru, was tasked with watching over all generals and reporting back to Yuita.
And the Commander General, Endo, was tasked with guarding the border alongside his unit and keeping an eye on the other generals.
Meanwhile, Yuita, Hifung, Shelyn, Sheshi, and Ray were in the royal chamber.
Yuita: We should've had more time to prepare. Honestly, I don't want war… but if we don't stay vigilant, the people will suffer the most.
Hifung: True.
Shelyn: By the way, what about the academy? You're the headmaster of Jister Academy, aren't you?
Yuita: Oh, about that…
At the academy, Kobayashi was currently gathering all students in the courtyard to inform them of the current situation.
Moments later, hurried footsteps approached Yuita's chamber. Everyone inside—Hifung, Shelyn, Sheshi, Ray, and Yuita—turned toward the door.
It was Yanmo and Emiru, rushing in with panicked faces.
Yuita: What's wrong?
Yanmo: It's bad, sir!
Emiru: Only two of Zen's spies are left alive.
The room fell silent in shock—especially Yuita.
Yuita: What!?
Yanmo: The only ones left are commanders. We just received word from one of them…
Yanmo: The Yuten Kingdom—or rather, King Yuten himself—has obtained an ancient artifact in the form of a book.
Yanmo's face twisted with fear as he continued.
Yanmo: They say this book contains forbidden spells sealed by the gods inside a sacred tree.
Panic spread through the room. They didn't know the exact spells, but everyone understood one thing: if the gods themselves had sealed it, the magic within must be terrifying.
Hifung: Forbidden magic!?
Yuita: When was this book discovered!?
Yanmo: Uh… about a week ago.
Yuita: …Alright. We must strike immediately. Right now, Yuten must still be training with that magic—his energy will be drained.
Ray: He's right!
Yanmo: Are you… serious, sir?
Yanmo doubted the plan, but Yuita's authority as king left him with no choice but to comply.
Yuita: Emiru, inform Endo. My orders: mobilize the entire army.
Yuita: The defense troops will remain near the capital alongside the new recruits.
Yuita: The spies, the offensive troops, and the strategists will march under Endo and me. We will attack Yuten Kingdom at once!
Emiru & Yanmo: Yes, sir!
The two rushed out to deliver the orders, while Yuita, Hifung, and the others prepared for war.
Yuita: Quickly, we must be ready too.
Hifung: Right.
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Soon after, the forces were deployed according to Yuita's command.
By late afternoon, the skies darkened with heavy clouds. Yuita, Hifung, Ray, Shelyn, Sheshi, and Anzo stood at the front of the offensive troops—over two thousand strong—hidden within the forest that bordered Zen and Yuten.
Yuita crouched behind tall grass, observing Yuten Kingdom. Behind him, the soldiers held their breath, awaiting the signal.
Meanwhile, Hifung's thoughts drifted.
(Hifung's thoughts): "If I lose this battle… will that person appear again to save me?"
He remembered the mysterious figure who had saved him during his fight against King Filz.
(Hifung's thoughts): "What was the reason? Why me? If that person came only to protect me, then maybe… if I fall again, they'll return?"
He let out a small grin.
(Hifung's thoughts): "But… I don't intend to lose this time!"
The wind picked up, the storm clouds growing heavier. Shelyn's body stiffened—memories of being trapped in Deko Forest flooding back.
Hifung noticed her unease.
Hifung: Shelyn, are you alright?
Shelyn: I'm fine.
Her answer only made Hifung worry more, though he trusted her resilience.
Watching their closeness, Sheshi's chest tightened with envy.
Yuita: Anzo, prepare the troops. We attack soon.
Anzo: Understood.
He stepped back and issued quiet commands down the line.
Everyone braced themselves.
A single raindrop fell, shattering on a rock below.
That was the signal.
Yuita, with Hifung, Ray, Shelyn, Sheshi, and Anzo at his side, charged toward Yuten Kingdom, leading two thousand men in a thunderous advance.
As they neared, towering stone walls came into view. Only one massive gate stood open. Yuita's forces stormed through, cutting down the startled guards before they could react.
They pressed forward, racing through the city streets, heading straight for the royal palace—the heart of Yuten Kingdom.
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Inside Yuten's palace, word of the invasion reached the generals.
One hurried into the throne room.
General: My king, Zen's army has begun their assault, just as planned.
This kingdom was relatively new, built by Yuten's father. It was even named after him—Yuten, now its ruler.
Yuten: Good. Then as planned, gather the entire offensive division in the royal square.
General: At once.
The man left. Yuten drew a sword from his side—a blade of unique design, glowing faintly with a green aura.
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Back outside, Yuita's troops surged through Yuten's streets. Civilians screamed and scattered, but Yuita forbade any harm to them.
Though tempted, his soldiers obeyed, focusing only on their march.
At last, they reached the central square.
There stood Yuten himself, waiting.
Hifung & Anzo: Be careful!
Yuita stepped forward cautiously, but Yuten, with calm defiance, turned to face them. His sword rested sheathed at his side.
He raised one hand to head level, fingers spread wide. Then he clenched them into a fist.
Yuita and Anzo's eyes widened. They scanned the surroundings, panic rising.
From the stone walls around them—filled with countless gaps and holes—Yuten's army emerged.
Thousands of soldiers poured out, encircling Yuita's force.
No escape.
Rain poured down, soaking the square.
And Yuten smiled—a sharp, merciless smile. From behind him stepped a general, ready at his side.
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-To Be Continued-
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[A/N]: Hi everyone, as I said above, I'll be pausing releases until I finish rewriting the novel in a standard style.
[A/N]: By the way, here's a small illustration: the royal square of Yuten is massive, large enough to hold Yuita's two thousand troops and Yuten's three thousand.
[A/N]: The kingdom itself is circular, with the tall castle in the very center. Surrounding it is the open royal square, ringed by stone walls riddled with openings.
[A/N]: So the battlefield is essentially a giant circular arena around the palace itself.
[A/N]: That's all for now. I hope you enjoy the story. If you notice any mistakes, feel free to point them out in the comments or
reviews.
[A/N]: Thank you for reading—your support keeps me motivated! The more kind comments I receive, the faster I'll be able to push through the rewrite.
[A/N]: Much love to you all.