Chapter 444: Lord Elon's decision

Date 6th of July – News headline *Kreton Cult's Massacre* 

The moment of truth came to pass. Staxius in the presence of a special unit of the Public Safety, allied themselves with the media for a singular goal. The latter being the destruction of any roaming cult. The village elder of Earn was trialed in the court of Elendor to be sentenced to death. Death by hanging on the 6th. Crowds of people came in stride to the high-prison of Lazuli. Built into a crater of a meteorite that fell many decades ago, the protection of the sides sufficed. 

'The matter is resolved.' The man responsible sat on a beach chair peering over the pool. Lord Elon wasn't discrete for he'd rather swim than to be locked in the study. Giggles and laughter came for the pool wasn't empty, no, far from it, ladies, mainly girls who had just reached adulthood wearing bikinis and skimpy outfits. They worked hard to entertain the lord as he was, the Overlord. Alison stood beside waiting and watching like usual. 

"He does seem relaxed in the water," commented Staxius as the clouds revealed the sun.

"Lord Elon is a water-mage," replied she arduously staring those in his entourage. 

"Oh, a mage, very interesting," gulping the last drink, "-Lady Alison, I have a few questions."

"Really?" she pulled a seat, "-how can I help." 

"It has been a month since I came into Lord Elon's wing. He's taught me a lot and I learned with very great interest. The man is very much cunning and wise. I need to ask, what is the situation with the joint company?"

"Lady Elvira voiced her intent in leading the operation. All is in her hand; I'm merely waiting for her signal."

"I see," leaping off the chair, "-there are things I must attend to elsewhere."

"Staxius, boy, wait," swam the Overlord closer, "-I have a matter of urgency to speak of."

"Very well," he returned with a courteous nob, "-I shall wait at the study, please be ready."

Thus, the trio, after a few minutes, arrived at the place where it began. The study/office lord Elon loved, the minimalistic haven he called home. Today felt different, the old man arrived attired with a majestically well-crafted crimson robe embroidered with green and gold. The firmness of the visage, the look of utter certainty in the eyes, something must have happened. Stopped shy of the desk, Lord Elon glanced at the blinders to which Alison bowed and allowed the passage of light. 

"Head of the Haggard family, Shadow, allied with Godfather Renaud," voiced she, "-please stand to greet the Overlord."

'What's the meaning of this?' throwing a glance at Alison, the glare back spoke volumes. And so, he did as was told and with them soon to sit. 

"Shadow," spoke the man exuding the aura of a tiger, "-we need to speak of important affairs." No words left the mouth, Shadow watched with the aura of a demon – the presence came to a deadlock.

"It's of the inheritance of the Dark-Guild and the Elon Empire," the words came through without tact, "-I say this as there is no say in the matter. You, king of another country but a mere ally of my companion shall take the mantle of Overlord." The secretary held her breath and stared at the floor. "Do you hear me!" he shouted to get his attention. "I speak this as a man who has affirmed thy power and cunning. In the last month, I worked with you, I was shown the greater power of your intellect and ability to adapt. I'm impressed, thee are a murderer, a killer, have no sense of empathy towards others; the Jess Shipment incident is proof enough. Despite the blood lust, thee are smart in not killing all who stand – thee knows the importance of life and what it means to lose another, therefore, you, Staxius Haggard, were chosen to become the Overlord." The echoey room came to a sudden pause.

"Lord Elon, I understand thee said I have no say in the matter. However, will it be wise for you to decide the heir without consulting with the other Godfathers?"

"Yes, it should be fine," he laughed loudly and obnoxiously, "-the only prerequisite is to show your strength. I know the perfect target. The Kingdom of Konak, allies of Cimier, Snow." The name resounded deeply, the ever-beating heart sunk, the face of Lizzie flashed across. 

"Allies of Cimier?" 

"Yes, I know your past with them. The murder of Lizzie Haggard was a very popular news article since a noble-child was killed. The matters were soon resolved with the killers found dead. So, Shadow, what will it be?"

"I'll say this henceforth, Lord Elon, I esteem you as my mentor. You taught me much in the ways of business and scheming. Lady Alison too, thank you for the help. The mantle of Overlord is still far out of reach. I'm not worthy yet to inherit what thee have worked at, forgive if it comes across as pretentious. My words are what I feel, Phantom is a pebble compared to the behemoth of Elon. I'm afraid exterminating Snow will not be sufficient to prove our worth."

"You misunderstand," voiced Alison, "-Snow is unlike any other association. Tis the name of the Royal Family of Konak. Do you understand?" At that moment, the atmosphere dropped, the reality of the order given made itself apparent. Part of the Wracia Empire who was in a peace treaty with the Argashield Federation. Attacking would mean war, intel suggested Wracia be armed and ready. If he were to charge forth right away, the repercussion would certain to be the downfall of the Federation. Tis the moment the truth of being royalty and leader of multiple companies grew apparent. 

Alison and Elon watched with a look of disappointment. The words spoken seemed to break Shadow's spirit. 

'Maybe I was wrong,' thought the Overlord.

'In no way will he be able to wage war with Snow. It's a tricky question, one without a right answer, how are you going to get out of this?'

"Wait a moment," the head rose from admiring the floor, "-Snow is the name of the Royal family. Does the public know of the involvement in the underworld?"

"No," voiced she loudly.

"Then," he grinned, "-they are the same position as me. There's a place to cover our attack. Leave it to me," stood with a grandiose stance, "-Overlord, I, Shadow, accepts the assignment to exterminate Snow." 

"Are you certain," he rose in turn, "-if thee fails…"

"I'm certain. If I can't accomplish this task, then, being the heir to the Dark-Guild might as well be as preposterous as holding the moon." 

"May good fortune bless thee," the handshake, an informal contract, marked the start of a new adventure. The news soon went around the Shadow Realm. Cleopatra licked her lips at the prospect of war. Intherna and Gophy were amused, as for Miira, her stance stood rock-solid with a book before her face. '*The Chronicles of the Wielder of Death Magic. Written by Lord Death*.

The same evening, he took to Elina's castle. Security was tight as usual. The color of the setting sun had blazed the sky with an orangish glow. The trees reminded of autumn despite being summer. As if the season would matter in a province where the scorching heat ran rampant.

"Majesty," hailed the guards, "-why have you come on foot?"

'I flew,' he thought, "-wanted to stroll about," said he.

"The weather is most pleasant," said another, "-open the door you damned fool."

"Majesty," inside the palace, "-King Haggard has arrived," voiced a butler strongly.

"Has he now?" asked she rhetorically, "-fetch me a towel." Droplets ran down her face and body, the bath behind emitted steam. A faint opening allowed the sky to peek inside. 

"Majesty," stopped at the white stairs, "-please, follow me this way," said a butler in haste.

"Do lead the way." 

A forest, as seen from far, was actually a garden. The trees were heavy and filled with leaves, similar to those in the wild. Thinking logically – it made sense. Yet, things weren't always black and white. Thus, they approached a shrine-like structure with a goddess built-in parian marble. It reflected beauty with her sharp features. 

"King Staxius," said she rising her head from prayer, "-you've come." 

"Yes," he smiled and offered his respects. "What's with the strangeness?"

"What do you mean?" stood at an arm's reach, "-well, I guess you figured me out, haven't you?"

"Maybe…"

"That isn't an answer," she sighed, "-whatever. I can't believe you went to Lord Elon and became his apprentice. How foolish can a man be, I shudder to think that man be any close to human. Anyway, why did you come back?"

"You don't seem pleased about my being here."

"Stop it," she giggled, "-I didn't mean it that way and you know it. What's the real reason, Staxius?"

"I came to bid my farewells." In that instant, the trees shook eerily. 

"Oh…"

"Before I do so," he reached out a hand, "-I want to thank you for everything you've done. That's why I'm going to help you for a week in pushing back King Juvey."

"Huh?" she frowned, "-push back King Juvey?"

"Don't act clueless," soon to place a hand atop her shoulder,"-we're friends. You helped me out, it's time I repay the kindness. The skirmishes at Netlo's Castle are getting out of hand. General Jei Lo's forces are close to 120,000 men strong. Don't be so surprised," said he crossing his arms, "-Jei Lo's acting alone and without the consent of king Juvey."

"Really?" 

"No, that's the excuse being told to avoid trouble. The reason you called me here is to avoid the generals and officers inside. There's a war council isn't it."

"How…" her head lowered, "-it's true. Castle Netlo with their 50 thousand is holding up with the superior weaponry. I'm afraid the situation might divulge into chaos in the next week or so."

"Well then," he faced the castle, "-come with me. We have a war-council to attend." 

The border skirmishes, an attempt of King Juvey the Cray to invade, grew out of control. Having ordered weapons, Elendor was still at a disadvantage. Rallying villages as in the days of old wasn't an option. The lack of manpower was a big problem. Luckily, the border between the province of Elendor and the rivaling King wasn't that big. The fighting could only take place in the north as further south laid the Emperor's lands. 

General of Elendor, Eji Kao – revered as a military genius had forcefully focused the battle at the Northeast district of Deo. 

"Majesty, what is the meaning of this?" asked the white-haired general.

"General Eji, please, don't worry. I have called upon the King of Arda to help with our battle," said she with a smile. The council table was filled with people side-glancing and thinking badly of this development. 

"Gentlemen," said the king, "-I've come to exterminate the 120,000 men closing onto Netlo's castle."

"Impossible."

"Absurd."

"This isn't a place for games." The response wasn't favorable, yet, General Eji sat with eyes closed, "-care to elaborate?"

"I'll call onto my military for aerial support. The 50 thousand fighting should be running out of supplies right about now. I'm sure the rivaling general is hoping for a war of attrition. Thus, we need to crush them as soon as possible."

"You do realize tis a tall order," said the personal tactician of the general. "Unlike the Federation, we have but guns and not means of transport. The opposing army has a tank and infantry." 

"The terrain isn't suitable for their tanks," explained Staxius, "-if we are to fight them before they cross the border, there might be a chance. However, the gamble might lose us the war."

"What is the percentage?" asked the Queen.

"25%," said Staxius.

"I see the glimmer in thine eyes, king of Arda," voiced the General, "-there's another plan."

"Yes," he smirked, "-for I to take the vanguard, alone." 

"ALONE?" the council stood still at the mention.

"Have thee forgotten of my name?"

"The man who singlehandedly wiped out 40,000 men strong army," interjected the tactician.

"The mountains, hills, forest, should be advantageous. Queen of Elendor, will you entrust the task to me?"

"Majesty please reconsider, this is utter madness. A single man cannot possibly…"

"How sure are you?" her brows knitted.

"100%."

"Then it's decided. King Haggard shall lead the vanguard, alone." Confused, mind-blown, speechless, the feelings were mutual between the advisors. The war council concluded as soon as he spoke. The pure insanity in this plan wasn't without reason. The tactician soon realized the real intent. 'He's going for the big prey. The terrain is perfect for guerrilla warfare, still, I doubt the famed Jei Lo army to be so ill-prepared.'

"Are you sure about this?" came a concerned voice through the chatter of the leaving guests. The balcony seemed fitting for the last exchange.

"There's no other way," said he leaned over the balustrade overlooking the entrance.

"You do realize, Queen Shanna might kill me for this…"

"Don't worry about her," the face relaxed into naught, "-she knows of my recklessness."

"I won't argue anymore," stood beside him, "-thank you for the help. I can't believe how we've grown as friends over the years."

"Yeah," said he coldly, "-you best return, the general is waiting."