Chapter 213: The Aftermath of Bachor's Failure

The next day, in the capital city of Bachor, panic spread like wildfire. The entire city was plunged into fear. The headlines of the local newspapers read:

«Tragedy Strikes! Empire's Fourth Legion Completely Defeated!»

«Marquis Kregi, Three Counts, and Eight Viscounts All Killed in Action!»

«The Three Dragons of the Darkness City Emerge, Bloodshed Awaits in the Empire's South!»

«The Rumor of Duke Bachor's Death Disproved; The Grand Duke's Mansion Personally Denies the Claim!»

«Where Do the Twelve Southern Provinces Stand?»

A few days ago, when the conflict first erupted in the Kolo region, it stirred some unrest in the southern border. However, most people did not consider it a significant event. Kolo Province had a unique terrain, it was a province embedded with the Chaos Forest. Except for mercenaries and adventurers, very few ventured into this area.

But now, the situation had changed dramatically. The renowned Marquis Kregi of the southern border, leading an army of noble alliances, along with four fully equipped southern imperial legions and support from powerful factions like the Mercenary Guild and the Radiant Church -- with such a massive and high-profile force -- was completely annihilated in less than two days! This turn of events was shocking and unbelievably astonishing.Vissit novelbin(.)com for new novels

"It's over for us!"

"The three titans of Darkness City!"

"They are the kings among the dragon-kind!"

"Why are there three Dragon Kings appearing in the Chaos Forest?"

"There must be a conspiracy behind this. Could it be a grand scheme by the dragon-kind against the empire?"

"The three dragons of the Darkness City, each one measuring thousands of feet long. The Black Dragon, their leader, can devour the sun and the moon, obscuring the sky. There's also an Earth Dragon that can control the land, impervious to all magic. Finally, there's the Hundred-Headed Thousand-Eyed Dragon, with immense magical power."

"It's terrifying! I heard even Duke Bachor personally fell to the Darkness's Three Titans!"

"The southern border is no longer safe!"

"We need to leave quickly!"

This battle had an enormous impact, especially on the southern border of the empire. Almost everyone was in a state of panic. The Darkness's Three Titans were now a household name. It could be said that they had officially debuted and become widely known.

Interestingly, the most significant failure of this battle was not the fall of Marquis Kregi and the four legions, but rather Duke Bachor's direct involvement. Duke Bachor truly underestimated the situation this time. As the Guardian Grand Duke of the southern border of the empire, he was the spiritual support pillar for the people of the entire southern border. His personal involvement was not something that should be taken lightly. It would have been fine if he won, but if he lost, the blow to the morale and confidence of the entire southern border, almost shaking the stability of the entire region, would be catastrophic.

The Azure Water Federation was internally divided, and the control of the Supreme Council over various regions was weakening. With the current execution capability and efficiency, even if the order to form a coalition was given, it would take at least three to five months to assemble the troops.

As for the Sunset Empire, although it had the capability to swiftly organize forces as a centralized empire, Prince Carlos, the royal family, and local nobles were deeply embroiled in intense power struggles. For the Sunset Empire, and for this Regent Prince, the Chaos Federation was not the immediate concern. It was clear that the Chaos Federation was expanding northward. If the Sunset Empire intervened, it would gain no benefits and might even anger the three Dragon Kings. This could potentially shift their focus westward.

Prince Carlos cleared his throat, stating, "Emperor Frelio's proposal makes sense. However, I am just a regent prince. I need to report back and convince His Majesty the Emperor before any decisive action can be taken regarding the mobilization of our forces."

President Fontentina, on the other hand, was more sincere, saying, "Emperor Frelio, you are well aware of the situation in the Azure Water Federation. We can't immediately deploy a large army. However, we can rally the brave Heroes and adventurers within the federation."

"Yes, yes, that's right!" added Prince Carlos. "The Sunset Empire has numerous powerful guilds of Heroes. I suggest we unite and offer bounties, recruiting a substantial number of Heroes to send them against the Chaos Federation!"

Emperor Frelio seethed with anger at their suggestions. Heroes, much like Demon Kings, were unpredictable elements. Although they lacked the growth potential and expansiveness of Demon Kings, Heroes also progressed at a considerable pace. Unlike Demon Kings who were essentially wild, appearing out-of-thin-air elements, Heroes infiltrated various strata of society. Many among them held significant influence, resources, and even power. They were a constant headache for rulers.

The sudden emergence of the three Dragon Kings from the Darkness City seemed like a perfect solution. These immensely powerful Demon Kings were precisely the adversaries Heroes were meant to face. If these Heroes or Hero guilds were sent against the three Dragon Kings, it might solve two problems at once.

However, Emperor Frelio XVI remained astute. He knew these two would never fully commit their forces. Their willingness to mobilize their local Heroes, adventurers, mercenaries, or church forces was already a significant contribution. After reaching a consensus, the three leaders concluded their discussions, and Emperor Frelio XVI exited the meeting.

Next, he convened a meeting with the internal high-ranking officials of the empire, where the primary noble houses from the four regions were present. Emperor Frelio XVI sat at the center, with the Dukes from the four regions positioned around him, and behind them were at least Count-level feudal lords.

The four Guardian Dukes of the Thunder Empire were as follows:

Duke Wilcliffe Bachor: Grand Duke of the southern region

Duchess Ophelia Frelio: Grand Duchess of the northern region, and the only female Duke, with a unique position among the four.

Duke Gehrman Kofiepol: Grand Duke of the western region

Duke Bismarck Blakely: Grand Duke of the eastern region

Emperor Frelio said, "Given the rapidly deteriorating situation in the Chaos Forest, I propose that each region dispatch an elite force to the southern region."

"I agree," Ophelia spoke up. As the Duchess of the northern region and the only female Duke, she held a special status among the four dukes, being of the same lineage as the royal family.

"Your Majesty!" Bachor, clad in armor to conceal his weakened state, interjected, "This isn't the right time yet. Although the three Dragon Kings of the Darkness City have exceeded our estimates in strength, leading to the loss of five legions successively, these legions were border garrisons of the empire."

"The Bachor family and the core forces of Bachor House have yet to mobilize. Under such circumstances, dispersing the forces of the other three duchies is, in my opinion, unwise!"

Clearly, as the Great Demon King anticipated, the Grand Duke of the southern region would oppose the involvement of the other three Dukes. If they entered the fray, the forces of the three ducal families were almost certain to get involved in the southern region. This would disrupt the situation that the Bachor family had been managing for a thousand years and pose a significant challenge to the prestige of the Dukes in the southern region. Any ruling power would not want such a situation to occur. Bachor was extremely displeased with his loss. He had to personally restore the honor of the Bachor family.

A Guardian Duke held considerable power. If the Duke opposed strongly, not to mention the other three Dukes, even the Emperor himself would have to concede to the Duke's request. The final decision reached was that the empire would give the Bachor family one more month. If the Bachor family could not control the situation, eliminate the Chaos Federation, and suppress the Darkness City within this time frame, the three other Dukes would join the battle. Even the core forces of the empire would personally enter the scene."