The Herb King

"The beast army? Are you certain?" Arnold asked.

Warmridge was now fighting a civil war. All of their experts were occupied so it would be a disaster if the beast army would attack them now. Thousands of lives will be lost and the few survivors will be left homeless.

"I'm not too sure, but if I were the leader of the beast army, I would use this opportunity to attack. Sir Arnold, we need to act no matter how small the chance that this will happen."

"I understand your concern, but we can't leave Northern Trance defenseless. Even if we send more troops, the most we can send are two Nascent Soul Espers and an army of lower-rank Espers." Arnold replied in a serious voice.

"That's more than enough. I will lead the next batch to Warmridge."

Aethelwolf's reply shocked him. "You mean you're going to head there yourself?"

"Yes!"

Arnold adjusted his emotions. "Aethelwolf, we have already notified the imperial family about this incident. I believe they will arrive in a few days. We just need to wait for them to deal with this problem. There is no need for you to go there." He treated Aethelwolf as his friend so he didn't want the latter to endanger himself.

"Sir Arnold, people are dying in Warmridge as we speak. If the beast army attacks, the city will be destroyed in an instant."

Arnold turned silent at his words. According to the information they had, the beast army has numerous Core Formation savage beasts. There was also a Nascent Soul beast leading them. This lineup was enough to overrun a city!

"Fine! I'll call the patriarchs and ask them to send more troops. Just wait for my call."

***

Aethelwolf kept his communication crystal after his conversation with Arnold Suliman. "For the sake of my family, I need to join this battle." He clenched his fists while looking at the distance.

"Husband!"

"Husband!"

He heard his wives calling out to him. He turned around and saw them walking toward him with worried faces.

"What is happening out there?" Samira asked while holding his hand.

Aethelwolf rubbed her hand and sighed. "One of the major families in Warmridge was destroyed. The remaining noble families will soon gather their armies to launch a final assault against the rebel force. However, I'm worried that the beast army will use this chance to attack the city. If that happens, I'm afraid that…"

Samira covered her mouth in shock and nervousness, while Julie furrowed her eyebrows.

"Don't worry. I already called Arnold. He should be speaking with the patriarchs at this moment. If the negotiations are successful, they will send another army to Warmridge. He also told me that the imperial family has already sent an army to deal with the issue." Aethelwolf said as he hugged them tightly.

"If the imperial family is involved, everything should go smoothly." Samira was relieved to hear that.

"That's true, but when will they arrive?" Julie asked while looking at Aethelwolf. She could feel that Aethelwolf was acting unnaturally.

Aethelwolf smiled bitterly. She was truly perceptive. "It was only recently that the imperial family sent their army so it might take a few days before they will arrive. By then, it might be too late. I won't hide it from you guys anymore. I want to participate in this battle."

"What?! No! It's too dangerous out there!" Samira shook her head vehemently.

Julie didn't say anything and just stared at him with a cold look.

"I know it's dangerous, but I have to be there. The patriarchs can't leave Northern Trance since they can't leave the city defenseless. The only person who can lead the next reinforcement army is me." Aethelwolf patiently explained while rubbing Samira's back.

"Why does it have to be you?" Samira cried while holding his clothes.

"The hermits are not doing anything so I can't pin my hopes on them. If Warmridge fell, the beast army and the rebels would set their sights on Northern Trance. I can't let this peaceful land be subjected to war. I don't want our children to suffer." Aethelwolf rubbed Julie's bulging belly while saying this. She was pregnant with his child.

Hearing this, Samira could only cry helplessly. She knew that she could no longer change her husband's mind.

"Husband, I know that you have already decided. Please be careful out there." Julie muttered while burying her head on his chest.

Aethelwolf patted her head as he replied. "I will."

***

Outside the territory of Warmridge, there was a huge gathering of savage beasts. They were hidden in the valleys of the mountains, waiting for their leader's command.

At this moment, a huge beast in the form of a dragon descended from the sky.

When this creature appeared, all the savage beasts prostrated in fear.

This savage beast was not a true dragon, but it was already close to becoming one. It just needed one major breakthrough to achieve its final metamorphosis.

The pressure of a peak Nascent Soul beast descended, making all the creatures lower their heads in submission.

Suddenly, three more powerful auras collided to cancel out the dragon's aura.

"Kazak, we came here to help you destroy the human city! You have no right to command us!" An enraged voice echoed in all directions.

The dragon turned its head and narrowed its eyes. A huge golden lion with lightning wings could be seen floating above the clouds. Behind it were two more humongous creatures. One was a savage beast with elephant-like features, while the other one was a beast that looked like a whale.

The strength of these three savage beasts wasn't as strong as the dragon. All of them were Nascent Soul beasts who had awakened four soul nodules! Their levels were only one stage lower than the dragon, but this minor difference was like an insurmountable gap.

The dragon laughed in amusement. Its deep and beastly voice reverberated throughout the mountains. "You three are still as stubborn as ever. Prepare your armies. We will attack the city soon!"