Chapter 22

On a desolate plain, where the vast expanse of grassy fields stretched endlessly, and short bushes dotted the landscape, stood a figure shrouded in mystery.

Lady Issabale, a master of the watery depths, sat upon her elemental throne, positioned amidst the tranquil beauty of nature's embrace.

Surrounding her were forty towering water elemental giants, each standing three meters tall, their presence commanding respect and awe.

As the waves crashed against the rocky shore nearby, the sound provided a rhythmic backdrop to the scene unfolding atop the plain. Lord Issabale, with an air of solemnity, observed the events with a mix of anticipation and contemplation.

Her throne, intricately crafted from shimmering blue crystal, seemed to pulse with otherworldly energy, casting iridescent reflections that danced upon the surrounding landscape.

"So it has begun"

She whispered, her voice barely audible over the sounds of the crashing waves. Her words carried a weight of foreboding, hinting at the impending storm on the horizon.

"I should step up my pace. The trail of blood and conquest is about to begin yet again."

With a sense of purpose, Lord Issabale rose from her throne, her figure silhouetted against the backdrop of the vast, open sky.

Her gaze, penetrating and wise, scanned the horizon as if searching for answers hidden amidst the ebb and flow of the tide.

"These people will fight against each other in the name of interest"

She continued, her voice tinged with a hint of sorrow.

"Though the true enemy has always been from the outside, not from within."

Her words carried a profound truth, a reminder of the dangers that lurked beyond the realm of mortal comprehension.

"But to solve this..."

She hesitated, her voice trailing off into the gentle breeze that swept across the plain.

"We will need a voice, a voice that is powerful enough to suppress everyone else greeds"

At that moment, her eyes, ablaze with determination, turned towards the Lord ranking, where Liam's name blazed like a beacon of hope amidst the gathering storm.

There was a mix of admiration and apprehension in her gaze, a recognition of the pivotal role he would play in the tumultuous events to come.

"He has gotten much stronger again, unbelievable"

She remarked, her tone tinged with a sense of awe.

"I hope he will be able to get stronger and stronger much faster. Be a pillar for our earth race as a deterrence of what is to come"

"So that we will have a place to exist... "

With a final, resolute nod, Lady Issabale settled back into her elemental throne, her gaze fixed upon the distant horizon.

---

On a rocky outcrop, surrounded by boulders of various sizes strewn across the rugged terrain, an eerie silence hung heavy in the air.

The ground was littered with the broken bodies of monsters, their grotesque forms sprawled across the rocky floor like discarded toys.

Amidst this scene stood over a hundred giant knights, their towering forms shimmering under the soft hue of sunlight filtering through the rocky crags above.

Liam, the mastermind behind this display of power, surveyed the aftermath with a mixture of surprise and intrigue.

His gaze swept across the rocky expanse, taking in the sight of the fallen monsters and the formidable warriors that had brought them to their knees.

"That was quite surprising"

Liam muttered.

"I would have never thought that a single level 2 monster camp would be protected by five hidden level 1 monster camps."

His words hung in the air, punctuated by the solemnity of the scene before him.

The revelation that a network of lower-level camps had fortified the level 2 monster camp came as a shock, highlighting the cunning and strategy of their adversaries.

"And to the point that those who had tried it before to never expose this piece of information"

Liam continued, his voice tinged with a hint of suspicion.

"It must be either that they have a bad intention or... they died."

The implication of his words was clear: whoever had attempted to breach the defenses of the level 2 monster camp had either met a grim fate or chosen to conceal the truth for their nefarious purposes.

It was a sobering reminder of the dangers that lurked within the shadows of the wilderness, waiting to ensnare the unwary in their deadly traps.

As the giant knights stood amidst the aftermath of the hard-fought battle, Liam's attention was suddenly drawn back to the familiar chime of the system prompt.

[Ding, congratulations to the host for eradicating a level 2 monster camp]

[Gaining 10,000 experience points]

[Gaining 9 (1 hour) speed-up cards]

[Three small resources chests]

[One medium resources chest]

The words flashed across his vision, bringing a sense of accomplishment and reward for his efforts. With a satisfied nod, Liam acknowledged the bounty bestowed upon him by the system.

"Another victory"

He murmured, a faint smile playing across his lips.

"Though, it seems that those level 1 monster camps are just fakes. They don't provide any rewards at all"

As he pondered the implications of his latest triumph, Liam's mind raced with possibilities.

"There's a lot more that I don't know of regarding this world. However, I believe that in the coming days as my strength grows further, the secrets that are veiling the whole world will be unlocked in its bare form before me. Bit by bit, no matter how long it's going to take, I will uncover every truth in this world"

After this, Liam kept on hunting these level 2 monster camps all over the map surrounding his area. One after another fell under the blade of the giant knight, giving Liam a staggeringly higher number of speed-up cards compared to clearing those level 1 monster camps.

Just one of these level 2 monster camps is equivalent to 3 level 1 monster camps. But for the rewards to be bountiful, the danger that lurks is worthy to be recognized as well. Without sufficient strength, greed will be the cause of death to the blinds of danger.

As the clock struck midnight, casting long shadows across the tranquil garden behind the castle, Liam finally relented from his relentless pursuit of the level 2 monster camps.

His muscles ached from hours of mental expenditure, and his mind buzzed with exhaustion as he slumped against the comfortable cushions of his chair.

The garden was a sanctuary of serenity, illuminated by the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the lush canopy of trees.

Fragrant flowers adorned every corner, their sweet scent mingling with the cool night air. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, creating a soothing symphony of nature's song.

Liam closed his eyes briefly, allowing himself a moment of respite from the chaos of battle. But his tranquility was interrupted by the timid voice of Elera, the bold captives that he had caught before, who hovered nervously at his side.

"M-my lord, are you tired?"

She ventured, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Do you need me to help massage your temples?"

Liam cracked open one eye to regard her with a weary expression, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Elera's concern was endearing, though her attempts at assistance were often more comical than effective.

"No need, Elera"

He replied gently, his voice laced with warmth.

"Just keep pouring the tea that you made."

Elera visibly relaxed at his words, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she hastily complied with his request.

With trembling hands, she poured another cup of the strange herbal tea that she had concocted, her movements clumsy yet determined.

The situation between Liam and Elera had developed unexpectedly, born out of a chance encounter in the throne room earlier that day.

As Liam had been preoccupied with his conquests, Elera had seized the opportunity to approach him, her nerves betraying her as she offered him a simple gesture of kindness.

At first, Liam had been taken aback by her boldness, surprised by her sudden display of courage.

Yet, deep down, he understood the underlying sentiment behind her actions and found himself curious about her sudden approach.

And so, as the night wore on and the moon cast its silver glow upon the garden, Liam and Elera sat in companionable silence, and this silence signified the start of something different.

Liam knew her thoughts though he wouldn't be boring enough to point them out blantly. He wants to see, just how far will this woman go to pursue her goal.

Elera's hands trembled slightly as she held the delicate teacup, her eyes fixed anxiously on Liam as she awaited his verdict.

"I-is the tea to your liking, my lord?"

She asked, her voice wavering with a mixture of fear and curiosity.

Liam took a sip of the herbal concoction, his expression thoughtful yet approving.

"It is indeed different from any tea that I have tasted before"

He remarked, his tone casual yet warm.

"A different flavor of wonder."

A spark of hope flickered in Elera's eyes at his words, her lips parting in a tentative smile.

"R-really?"

She ventured, her voice tinged with eagerness as she clasped her hands together.

"Of course"

Liam replied, returning her smile with a reassuring nod.

"Though, I am quite curious as to why you suddenly had the idea of making tea for me. Care to enlighten me?"

Elera's cheeks flushed with embarrassment at his question, her gaze flickering away momentarily before returning to meet his.

"Well, my lord"

She began hesitantly, her words coming out in a rush.

"I-I noticed that you've been working so hard, and I thought... I thought a cup of tea might help you relax, even just a little."

Her admission hung in the air between them, laden with unspoken emotions. Liam regarded her with a mixture of surprise, though it was to be expected.

"Thank you, Elera"

He said softly, reaching out to gently pat her head.

"Your thoughtfulness means a great deal to me."

Elera's eyes widened in astonishment at his gesture, her heart fluttering with a newfound warmth.

At that moment, amidst the tranquility of the garden and the soft glow of moonlight, a bond of understanding and appreciation blossomed between them.

'Mother, I did it. I am making the first move'

'At first, I was just planning to leave this place when given the chance. However after several hours of asking and discerning this place. I have decided to stay here '

Elera silently thought within with her cheeks flushed in embarrassment on the outside.

'A-and... '

She stumbled a little within with her thoughts as her eyes darted fearfully towards Liam resting face on the side.

'he's not that bad... '

She thought inwardly.

With a gentle smile, Liam rose from his seat, his movements graceful as he prepared to take his leave.

"Thank you for the tea, Elera"

He said warmly, his voice carrying a note of genuine appreciation.

"It was a much-needed respite from the day's endeavors."

Elera nodded in response, her expression softening with gratitude and uncertainty.

"You're welcome, my lord"

She replied softly.

"I will be going for now"

Liam continued, his tone gentle yet resolute.

"I have many other things to settle before going to sleep."

As he turned to leave, Elera watched him go, her heart heavy with a bittersweet longing. She kept her gaze fixed on his slowly fading figure, her thoughts swirling with a tumult of emotions.

"I-I can do it, Mother"

She whispered to herself, her voice barely audible over the rustle of the nightly breeze.

"I will find a new home and meaning of my own."

"I hope Mom and Dad can support me from above, protecting me"

With newfound determination burning bright within her, Elera squared her shoulders and turned to face the path ahead.

As she stood alone in the garden, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, Elera took her first step toward a future filled with hope and possibility.