Chapter 188: Aelion the Shadowbinder [1]

"E-Eh?!" Hearing Aurelius's comment, Irithel's cheeks flushed a bright red. She turned to Ignis hurriedly hiding her face. "R-really?"

Ingis looked at his master for a bit and shook his head helplessly.

"Ah, sorry for that, I guess you are just friends then." Aurelius immediately corrected himself.

"Ah, yes, we both attend the Beast Taming and Training Course, and that is where we first met," Irithel said as she recalled that time. "I wanted to thank him for saving me back in our first Ruin Exploration. Then, we started to talk more and became friends. And, Sir Adrian is really an amazing person, he always helps me. I am really thankful."

Aurelia who had been listening to her looked at Irithel with suspicious eyes. '...She hasn't fallen for my brother too? Right?' Maybe she was a girl, but she could tell Irithel was certainly different when she was with her brother. 'Then, who should I support? Aria or Irithel? Aria is a benefactor while Irithel is a friend...

Urgh...'

"Come to think of it, I heard from some of the girls earlier," Irithel muttered thoughtfully. "Were you two fiances before? Why didn't you tell us? You guys seem to like each other. And I heard your engagement was annulled. Who annulled your engagement?

To ruin such a sweet and fitting couple's relationship, that person must be jealous or envious. I guess they don't have a lover of themselves."

Just as Irithel was about to continue, the sound of a cup hitting the table echoed loudly. Adrian, who had remained quiet, finally spoke up. "I'm full. I'm taking my leave."

He stood abruptly, his expression unreadable. Before he could step away, Irithel looked up at him with a curious gaze. "Sir Adrian, what's your opinion on that person? They did wrong, right? You agree, right?"

Adrian's eyelids twitched slightly. After all, the person she was referring to was actually him. He then forced a smile, though it was strained. "Who knows," he replied. "Everyone has their reasons."

"!" Irithel's eyes widened as if she heard a masterpiece. "You really are... amazing..."

"Then, take care."

With that, Adrian left the table, leaving the others in a moment of silence. Irithel watched him go, a puzzled and awed expression on her face. Aurelius and Aurelia exchanged knowing glances as they were the only ones to know what exactly happened that day.

"Irithel, listen, Aurelius and I were indeed engaged but it was by the King's, his father's orders," Aurelia started to explain after her brother left. In the pause, Kairen also took his leave.

"Ah, is that so..." Irithel muttered as she heard the full story. Then she remembered Adrian's words. "I badmouthed someone with good intentions... Ah, Sir Adrian won't think bad of me now, right?"

But her worry was placed elsewhere...

((－‸ლ))

_____ __ _

After lunch, the excitement in the air was palpable as the next event of the tournament was about to commence. The announcers took their places, ready to introduce the next thrilling challenge.

"Welcome back, everyone! Our next event is the highly anticipated 7 Star Strategy Games!" the male announcer proclaimed, his voice echoing through the arena. "This event will test the strategic minds of our contestants as they navigate complex scenarios and outthink their opponents."

The crowd cheered in anticipation, eager to see what game would be chosen. The giant wheel, adorned with various star ratings from 2-star to 6-star games, stood ready to determine the semi-final challenge.

"Let's spin the wheel and see what game our contestants will be playing," the announcer continued, his enthusiasm infectious.

The wheel began to spin, its colors and symbols a blur as it turned. The audience watched with bated breath, and after a few suspenseful moments, the wheel gradually slowed down and finally came to a stop.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the game selected for the semi-finals is... a 5-star game!" the announcer declared. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause.

The game that appeared on the giant screen was titled "Mystic Warlords' Conclave."

"This game is a true test of wit and strategy. In 'Mystic Warlords' Conclave,' each contestant will assume the role of a powerful warlord, commanding a diverse army of magical creatures and mystical warriors. The objective is to conquer territories, gather resources, and outmaneuver opponents through a series of strategic decisions and battles within three hours time limit.

The first warlord to control three key relics of power will be declared the winner."

Adrian took a deep breath, focusing his mind on the task ahead. He knew that this game would require not only tactical acumen but also the ability to adapt to ever-changing circumstances.

The participants were led to their respective stations, each ready to be transported into the stimulation world. The world was filled with enchanted forests, treacherous mountains, and several ruins, each holding secrets and challenges that could turn the tide of the game.

"Contestants, are you ready?" the announcer asked, his voice ringing out over the arena.

Adrian nodded subtly, his expression calm. He glanced around at his fellow competitors, recognizing the fierce determination in their eyes.

"Then let the Mystic Warlords' Conclave begin!" the announcer declared.

Four participants were teleported into the stimulation world.

The game started with each contestant being assigned a unique warlord character, each with their own special abilities and starting units. Adrian's warlord was a cunning sorcerer known as Aelion the Shadowbinder, who had the power to manipulate shadows and summon dark creatures.

Adrian quickly assessed his starting position on the map. He was situated near an ancient forest teeming with magical beasts, which could be valuable allies if he could recruit them. He also noted a nearby ruined temple that likely contained a powerful artifact. Sёarᴄh the nôvel_Fire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

'Let's see...' Adrian muttered while assessing his units. There were three types under his command:

5 Shadow Guardians: Ethereal warriors cloaked in shadows, wielding enchanted blades.

10 Nightstalkers: Stealthy assassins capable of navigating difficult terrain and ambushing enemies.

15 Shade Hounds: Shadow creatures with heightened senses and agility, used for scouting and quick strikes.

Each unit had its strengths and weaknesses, and Adrian knew that leveraging their abilities effectively would be crucial to his success in the game.

"Hmm? Wait... What is this? A Status?"