Chapter 192 - Epilogue

Aleks opened his eyes and a slight sigh left his lips. His throne room once more came into his view. The dim lights which illuminated the vast throne room added a somber ambience and over a dozen tall and solid warriors could be seen silently standing at attention along each side of the throne room. There were also servants quietly working and those which were patiently waiting to see to Aleks's needs should he desire anything. 

The quiet of the throne room was somewhat abnormal and the only sounds were the light movements of those servants carrying out their tasks. The sudden clacking of heels broke the calm silence and drew Alek's attention, albeit his movements were barely discernible. Aleks waited silently until Lariel stood before him smiling.

"Is it done?" she asked gently.

"Yes. Lenia performed admirably. The minor mistakes she made will be smoothed out over time with experience. I have nothing to complain about."

Lariel's laughter was like the chime of bells, "Are you sure it isn't because you indulge her too much?"

Aleks sat up in his throne and tapped the armrest with a single finger, "Is that what you think?"

"Mmm, I think most would think it after seeing how you coddle her, but I don't think it is a problem. You are the sovereign, coddle who you wish. Well, as long as she produces the expected results that is. We don't have a need for those who are incapable of carrying out their purpose."

"How heartless." replied Aleks with no emotion.

"Is it? What you are hoping to achieve is something which many would think is impossible. We have no room for failure, not in the least. And if something were to happen to me.."

Aleks slammed his fist down abruptly, causing Lariel to stop speaking.

"Nothing will happen to you unless I desire it."

Lariel shrugged and approached Aleks in a coy manner. Her body moved fluidly without imperfection, causing even the stiff guards to gulp in admiration.

"And what is it that you desire from me?" She said after having bent forward, leaning her face only a hair's breadth from Aleks's lips.

Aleks looked deeply into her limpid eyes. Deep within he could see stars twirling and twinkling with a gentle light. They were eyes that could take one breath away. He could feel her warm breath on his face and her lips were moist and extremely inviting. For a brief moment, there was only silence.

"You grow bolder by the day. There is no need to rush. I will not allow anything to happen to you." he finally whispered. 

"I just don't want to have any regrets." She turned away from him and asked, "How was the result of the battle?"

"It was a resounding victory as expected. The Spider Queen has already run for her life, even leaving her pet behind to ensure her escape. I think Anathema is fighting that monster even now, but most likely the bug will escape. It is just a matter of time anyway. The army will regroup and rest while sending the Dragonmen after the Dark Elves. They have greater mobility and should be able to hunt some of them down. Nonetheless, an expedition is necessary to ensure we subjugate them as you surmised already. I have full faith in Lenia, Nelay and Anathema. Before long, the Evergloom will be part of my domain and I will have more Demigod subordinates to increase my power. All is heading in the direction we wish."

"Aren't you forgetting something?" Lariel interrupted.

"Tch.. You noticed I see. Yes, he was there, but trying to guess his motivation is pointless. I never understood his intentions, even after spending countless centuries interacting with him. It is clear that he is up to something and I am sure it will be revealed in time. Moksha is a riddle, but it doesn't change what we must do."

Lariel nodded and then left Aleks's presence without saying anything else. Aleks silently watched her receding back without calling out to her. Instead his thoughts were elsewhere. He was considering the further development of his Avatar since it had finally advanced to Intermediate rank and gained the High Mage class. He was considering how to specialize further in preparation for when his Avatar became an Advanced rank being. 

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Dozens of heavily armored mercenaries were looting and dragging corpses across dry grass and dirt. There was already a pile of corpses and they were dragging other bodies and throwing them on the pile. A bonfire had just been started and the bodies were being burned as they were thrown into the pile of corpses. There were quite a number of destroyed carriages, the wood of the carriages being thrown into the bonfire like kindle. It was clear that a large convoy had just been destroyed and this was the brutal aftermath. 

The sound of laughter was carried on the wind as the mercenaries carried out their tasks. Some were bragging about how well they fought, others about how they would use the wealth they obtained by robbing the convoy. There were two mercenaries supervising the others as they watched on in quiet contemplation. One of them had a frown on his face, but there was no guilt to be found.

"Necessary work, but it doesn't mean that this is something to enjoy." said a gentle young man standing next to a much more burly and gruff looking knight. 

"Ahh, leave it Karis. They rarely have a chance to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Let them keep the bit of money they have obtained here to have some much needed fun. They won't get such an opportunity once we return to civilization. This is a savage land, no one will be the wiser."

Karis shook his head, but then sighed. "I still don't like it Brother Herseus. We are doing the work of our god so it was necessary to kill these people, but to take their possessions seems wrong."

Hersues snorted, "That would be a waste! Might as well as let them have some fun. The rest of the wealth can be put to good use for our order. I don't think our god would mind this little bit for all our hard work."

"I won't say anymore. This is the third convoy we have destroyed. It was worth scouting that Heretic's city for a bit and taking on the job of protecting convoys. This way not only do we have an alibi, but it also increases our reputation. The convoys we have protected have made it unscathed every trip. Well, we have to let some others through here and there too, otherwise it would be too suspicious. Nonetheless, they should trust our ability to keep their convoys safe, and we successfully hinder their development. I think soon, no more convoys will want to take the risk. Then we can finally leave this cursed place."

Herseus laughed when he heard Karis's words, "You forgot something! It also makes us rich! All for the order!"

Karis ignored his companions' words and continued to watch the knights carry out their bloody work. Little did they know that a pair of eyes were watching them intently and without a shred of emotion.