Grandmasters were at the topmost echelon of power in the current Orion.

As such, it was a wonder why Niton, with its seven Grandmasters, formerly ten, hadn\'t conquered the rest of Lexon.

The reasons? simple. All smaller powers would immediately join forces, creating a force that would make Niton step back, the moment one was targeted.

Couldn\'t they send Grandmaster assassins or something of the sort to kill those Grandmasters secretly?

Yeah…nope, it doesn\'t work that way.

At Grandmaster-rank and above, sneak attacks are not nearly as effective, as Grandmasters can sense one another, from the maximum of a mile.

Valin had been too engrossed in the ecstasy of his massacre to notice.

The smell of fear and the taste of blood had dulled his senses.

The existence of a Grandmaster is a threat to another, so their senses tingle if the aura or an attack of Grandmaster level happens near them, depending on the individual.

Of course, if this was the only issue, Niton would\'ve become the overlord of Lexon long ago.

Then, you had the Grandmasters themselves.

As near-peak existences, they had high physical and mental capabilities.

Which paths to power they took would only decide which of their strengths is enhanced above the rest.

Had the Emperor barged into Avilla, Valin would\'ve run away, or as it is said, tactically retreated, without a thought.

If he did that, the Emperor would find it impossible to catch up to him.

Then, as the King, no matter who else died, the ruling hierarchy stands firm as long as he is alive.

Meaning, all-out chaos would not occur.

Valin would then come back with reinforcements from the other powers and repel the Emperor.

No matter how powerful he is, he couldn\'t possibly contend against five Grandmasters.

This was how the status quo had been preserved…till today that is.

Normally, Grandmasters of other powers never step into Niton, except as a group of six or more. They send proxies instead.

With Valin rushing in, blinded by rage at the death of his uncle, Ulrik, the other Grandmasters weren\'t around to stop him or deliberate before taking such a stupid action. He led himself to his demise.

This left Avilla with no ruler, which brought about the Emperor\'s current actions.

Then, there was a need for justifications.

This, while not that important, plays a key role in determining how conflicts are to be disseminated the moment brute force cannot be applied.

What do you know? The Emperor had all of these in his favor!

Inwardly, he was smiling, thinking about the carnage to come, but even better, the bounty after that.

As the group of Grandmasters advanced, none spoke.

That is, until Jebas decided to break the ice.

"I\'ve been waiting, but it seems none of you are going to talk about the massive manite mine we just left behind! Shouldn\'t at least one of us stay to guard it?"

Except the Emperor, others gave a glance of realization, which then made Jebas understand that he was the only one out of the loop.

Raven was the one to reply.

"Reinforcements are on their way. The Master-rank we left behind is enough to oversee it till then"

Jebas gave a nod. He didn\'t understand everything, but was reluctant to ask anymore questions.

In any case, his questions would be answered in due time.

—--------------------------

The tallest buildings in Avilla were the watchtowers.

As implied, it was a building built for the purpose of viewing the surrounding landscape from above.

With this, incoming armies and unknown parties coming by land, sea or air would be spotted from afar.

It was built into a cylindrical shape with gray stones and stood upon Avillan soil like an impaled pole.

Atop one of them were the duo of Gild and Renir.

Renir hit Gild, who stood beside him like a statue.

"Hey, hey, Gild"

The latter got annoyed and replied with a creased brow…

"What is it already?"

Renir wasn\'t bothered since he had grown used to such actions, and replied in haste…

"Oh, come on. How can you be like this right now? Didn\'t you see the army of Experts that went to support the King?"

Gild replied with disinterest.

"So? You do know that it was mostly just a performance, right? Experts going to help a Grandmaster? That\'s a funny joke. But anyway, the King should come back soon"

Simultaneously-

"Hey, what is that?"

-a white dot appeared in the sky.

Before they could identify it-

*Crackle!*

-white lightning extended from it and hit the tower before they could react.

*Break!*

With the attack hitting the location below the platform Gild and Renir were on, the top broke off and fell to the ground with another BANG.

It broke on impact, and its broken parts splattered to all sides, breaking buildings and killing multiple people, which simultaneously threw the peaceful atmosphere of Avilla into panic!

People ran helter-skelter in panic and confusion, which only worsened the situation by inducing fear.

Jebas had his hands full running all over the place dragging Expert-ranks tied with chains, before throwing them in criminal chambers.

A short staff with hammers on both ends appeared in Getrahan\'s grip, which he used to smash apart another watchtower.

Deneris stood stationary in the sky, and…was saving people?

He was gathering those running around by dedicating a few pieces of his clothes to move them out of the range of shattering rocks and boulders.

He let out a dissatisfied sigh.

"Why am I the one assigned the boring stuff?"

—------------------------

-Russell-

Within the royal palace of Russell, a man clad in black, gaudy clothing, with both his beard and hair white, sat on a rocky wooden chair within his room with a book in hand.

Suddenly, his eyes widened and his chest heaved as his senses tingled intensely.

The man sighed with a solemn look on his face.

"So…it has begun"

—------------------------

-Quartez-

Within the royal castle, two men were conversing and chatting.

One was short with a round face and refined musculature.

The other was a bit taller, but fatter with a protruding belly.

"Hahaha, your majesty. Thank you for such kind words"

"No, thank you. I am simply-"

The short man reacted just like the man from before, and after, his face darkened.

With a turn of his head, he saw the other now had an expression of anger.

"I just can\'t get a minute of peace can I?! Which b#stard is doing what now?!"

The short man quickly addressed him.

"Antrid. It seems we\'ll have to postpone our hearty conversation and the celebrations. Go and be prepared, it seems turbulent times have grown near"

Antrid nodded and left.

The short man held his chin.

"The coming of a new dawn…I must prepare"

—----------------------------

-Iris-

On a red throne was a woman with long green hair and dark brown eyes. Her hands and face had a fair skin color, while the rest of her body was covered in an armless, body-hugging, and shimmering dark green dress, covered with a robe the same color.

"Trawssen, have all generals here by nightfall"

Her Butler, a slender woman with short buttercream hair bowed slightly and left.