Published at 30th of April 2026 6:51 am

Chapter 1704 Three Things

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A dark-haired youth with piercing blue eyes stood proud atop the battlement. He wore dark robes and a white cape that billowed in the winds behind him, making him look very heroic.

"I am Edward," he introduced himself. "Magus of Acadia."

Beside him stood a middle-aged man with slightly graying hair around the temples. He wore gray robes and a black cape.

"I am Balthazar," he said with a light nod. "Magus of Acadia."

"You're..." Virion's eyes slightly widened as he gazed at the older of the two. "Blackfire Balthazar!"

Even Bunosilo was taken aback by his sudden arrival. It was clear that Balthazar's reputation had spread beyond the Galestine.

Balthazar silently nodded.

He then turned to King Maximilian and offered a handshake. "It's a pleasure to meet you," he said with a faint, polite smile.

The Magi of the Dark King's army were a close-knit group. In the past year, they'd shared hardships and victories together and come out stronger. So naturally, both Balthazar and Edward had a certain level of respect for Anna's father.

Maximilian was slightly taken aback. But he firmly clasped Balthazar's hand and said, "Welcome, Magus Balthazar."

He then turned to Edward, offering a handshake. "And you, Storm King. We are delighted to fight by your side."

Edward couldn't help but feel a little smug. "Heh, I suppose my reputation precedes me."

Anna glanced at him, unamused. "Edward."

"Ah, yes, apologies." The blue-eyed youth awkwardly cleared his throat. "Your Grace, it is a pleasure to meet you."

"So what's the status?" Balthazar said, facing the distant horizon. "How many enemies have your scouts counted?"

Anna's expression turned solemn. "Over two hundred ships."

"We're looking at at least twenty thousand enemy soldiers," the King added with a grim look on his face. "Excluding the undead hordes."

"And how many do we have?" Balthazar asked, turning to him.

"Less than ten thousand," replied the king.

Balthazar remained silent for a few moments. "Well, this is going to be a rough one."

He gestured at the harbor in front of them and said, "I'm guessing this is going to be the battlefield and not the deep waters beyond. We have the strategic advantage here."

Anna then went on to explain their battle plan, one that Marlow had meticulously worked on.

When Edward listened to the plan, he felt a little stunned. He couldn't help but comment, "That's... devious!"

Bunosilo nodded. "For the plan to succeed, we'll have to lure the enemy to the harbor. But if they suspect anything for even a moment, the plan will go to

waste."

Virion turned to Maximilian and said in a grim voice, "We'll have to sacrifice many soldiers to make that possible."

"I know." The king's expression was grim.

Peace required war. And war demanded sacrifice.

"What about the lands north?" Balthazar asked. "Do you have men scouting the arca?"

"Yes." Anna nodded. "As of now, it's clear. But we don't know for how long"

If it turned into a two-pronged war - which it most likely would then things would become even more difficult for Amberfall. Especially considering they were heavily outnumbered to begin with.

"We can only hope that reinforcements arrive on time," Maximillian added. "Soldiers from the neighbouring kingdoms and the Union's headquarters are making haste in their journey. We only need to hold out until they arrive!"

"We will, Father." Anna clasped his shoulder and gave him a reassuring nod.

"Now... let's address the elephant in the room," Edward said in a low voice. "Just how many Mana Core Magi are we facing?"

"We don't know yet," Maximilian said. "They've hidden themselves well inside the ships."

"Psychological warfare," Balthazar said, a subtle sneer marking his face.

"No matter." Edward grinned. "I'm confident in taking on two of them at once. Three, if I go all out. But I'm going to be out of commission after that. No big

deal."

Maximilian, Bunosilo, and Virion gazed at him with a frown. He was the youngest Mana Core Magus among them, and they couldn't help but wonder if he was being a little too arrogant.

But what Balthazar said next caused them to be slightly taken aback.

"I can attest to Edward's strength," he said. "Not too long ago, he faced off

against two Mana Core Magi from the Cult all by himself. He also killed two

undead knights in that battle."

"Killed?" Bunosilo's eyes narrowed.

"Yes, killed." Edward raised his chin slightly. "One way or another, they all

crumble before my lightning magic."

The Union Magi gazed at Edward like he was some kind of monster.

"This is good," King Maximilian said with a nod. "Let us-"

His words got caught in his throat when he suddenly felt a disturbance in the city's barrier. He frowned as he quickly retrieved an artifact. A moment later, he murmured in puzzlement, "Someone's trying to enter the barrier. It's a...

summons."

"Father, let it in," Anna quickly said.

The father and daughter exchanged glances before the latter controlled the artifact. A few moments later, the space beside Anna ripped open, revealing a tiny portal to the spirit world.

A tiny black serpent slithered out of it, abruptly landing on Anna's shoulder and causing her to involuntarily flinch. The snake held a rolled parchment in its jaw, and it curiously blinked at her.

Edward's eyes lit up. "It's Adam's!"

The serpent spat the letter in Anna's hands, hissed at her in greeting, then

turned and entered the portal. As soon as the tiny tear in the void was mended,

Maximilian quickly sealed the barrier once again.

"What does it say?" Edward couldn't help but eagerly ask. "Is he finally

coming?"

It had been more than a year since Adam had separated from his host. Edward and the rest would receive letters from him from time to time, mostly

regarding the enemy's movement.

Anna unsealed the letter and quickly read through the contents. Few words were written on it, but they carried immense weight. After reading it one more

time, she burned it to ashes.

"So what is it?" Edward pressed. "Is he coming?"

"No" Anna shook her head, her expression grim.

"What did it say?" Balthazar asked in a solemn voice. The Magi waited with bated breath, their attention fixed on the princess.

"Three things," Anna began in an even voice as she displayed three fingers.

"There are four Mana Core Magi aboard the enemy fleet. Be wary ofthe northern front. And..."

She paused for a moment, then said:

"Do not give up hope. Powerful allies are on their way."

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