Published at 28th of April 2026 6:15 am

Chapter 1700 Dark Blanket

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"I've just received a letter from Adam."

Anna's voice echoed in the meeting chamber. She sat at the stone table, a dark look on her face as she clutched a parchment in her hand.

Around the table sat King Maximilian, Queen Amira, Prince Marlow, Duke Bray, Duke Quinn, and finally Kasper York. When they heard about the Dark King's letter, they all had varied expressions.

Everyone looked grim. Everyone except Amira, who looked concerned instead. "Where is he? Is he doing all right?" She couldn't help but ask.

Anna forced a smile as she turned toward her mother. "He didn't specify his whereabouts, Mother. But I'm sure he's fine if he's managed to write me a letter"

"What did the letter say?" King Maximillian asked, his tone heavy and solemn.

He knew that the Dark King was deep behind enemy lines at the moment. He had read several reports about how he had sparked terror in the hearts of Haynam Magi.

The man had destroyed the Empire's four great prisons and freed thousands of prisoners. He had burned cities and towns to the ground, taking out key figures and causing the enemy's morale to plunge with each passing day.

He had already slain dozens of Mana Core Magi by now. As for the number of lesser Magi that had died at his hands... they were too many. Far too many.

So when a letter from the legendary Dark King arrived, the king knew that it must have contained some critical intelligence.

Anna inhaled deeply, then summarized the letter.

"It says the Cult of Bones has hastened their war efforts. They are accelerating everything so quickly that the final phase of the war is almost upon us."

King Maximilian's brows creased into a line. "Why? Why now?"

"I'm not... sure." Anna shook her head.

She scanned the faces of everyone present, then said, "I don't think we have too much time before our enemies arrive."

Anna had arrived at Amberfall two weeks ago. The city had mostly finished their preperations for war, but they were still very low on soldiers. Including the Magi of the City Watch, the sellswords, and even the slaves, their numbers didn't even reach ten thousand.

Prince Marlow's face twisted into a scowl, and he turned to Kasper. "You said the soldiers from the neighboring kindoms will take at least a few days to reach Amberfall, yes?"

"I'm afraid so, your highness." A drop of sweat trickled down the side of the old man's face.

Marlow then turned to his father. "And how long until the men dispatched by the Union arrive?"

Maximillian remained silent for a few moments. He had been in constant communication with Springdale ever since Anna returned home. The Union's headquarters had realized the gravity of the situation and had already prepared and sent troops to assist Ignisra.

But the question remained, would they even arrive in time?

Especially now that the Cult had accelerated their plans, and Ignisra's enemies could be a day or two away from attacking them. At the same time, the war on the frontlines must have also intensified.

"A few days at the earliest," he said. His words instantly caused everyone's face to turn pale. "However..."

He paused briefly, then said, "Their Mana Core Magi will arrive quicker since they're flying here."

Those words were like music to their ears, and they couldn't help but feel relieved.

"How many?" Anna asked.

"Two," the King replied solemnly.

"Four of us still should be fine as long as the enemy Mana Core Magi are four or fewer, Anna murmured, a frown on her face.

"Did Adam mention how many Mana Core Magi there might be this time?" Marlow couldn't help but ask hopefully. Though he already knew the answer.

Anna turned to her brother and smiled wryly. She shook her head and said, "I'm afraid not."

"We can only hope that the enemy's Mana Core Magi do not exceed ours," Duke Quinn muttered softly under his breath.

"Correct me if I'm wrong" Duke Bray began. "Setting aside the matter of the Mana Core Magi on both sides, we only need to hold on long enough for our allies to arrive, yes?"

"It would appear so," Kasper York said with a solemn nod. "Our army is almost ten thousand men strong. Furthermore, we have the home-ground advantage. And if we assume the enemy outnumbers us, the question remains..."

King Maximillian finished his sentence.

"What are the true numbers of the enemy force?"

***

A day's journey away...

On the waters of the Summer Sea, a giant warship cut through the waves. The winds were favourable, as if the world itself was propelling the vessel toward

its destination.

Its hull was naturally massive, built for war, slicing forward with steady force. A tall mast rose above the deck, and from it, white sails billowed in the tailwind.

Emblazoned upon them was the symbol of the Haynam Empire.

Standing on the upper deck was a middle-aged man with dark hair and emerald eyes. He had a muscular and imposing frame, and the aura he radiated was like

that of a mountain.

Though he was a mere Mana Vortex Magus, a very powerful one at that, the

people on the ship treated him with immense respect.

He was the crown prince of the Haynam Empire.

And his name was Liam Haynam.

Although there were Mana Core Magi with him on this campaign, he had been

given the authority to lead the army. After all, when the Mana Core Magi from both sides engaged in war, their battles would take place far away from the

main battlefield.

Mana Vortex and Mana Liquefaction Magi still served as the backbone for both

armies.

Liam's lips parted as he gazed northward. "How long till we reach Amberfall?"

A figure beside him, his attendant, bowed respectfully. "By tomorrow afternoon, your highness."

"Good" Liam nodded. "What of the Lords from the Cult? Have they rested

well?"

"Yes." The attendant nodded. "They are in their respective cabins, your highness. Should I summon them?"

Even a Mana Core Magi from the Cult had to show respect to Liam. Of course,

it had nothing to do with him, but his father. Leland Haynam was not only the emperor, but also an Elder.

"No, let them be." Liam waved his hand dismissively. "I mustn't throw my weight around just because of my name. Arcane stations should be respected. Inform

them at sunrise."

"Yes, your highness." The attendant nodded. "Is there anything else?"

"Leave," Liam said in an indifferent voice.

The attendant bowed and turned away. Behind the prince's vessel, his gaze fell

upon a sea of ships trailing behind.

They spread across the water like a dark blanket of wood and iron over the

Summer Sea.

The Haynam Empire's fleet sailed toward Amberfall to burn it to the ground.

And it numberedover two hundred ships...

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