Chapter 124: Untitled

After the autumn harvest, within a span of several months, the great army of the Empire of Yadis once again mobilized, instantly drawing the attention of all surrounding regions.

Not only did the major domestic nobles take notice, but even the southern royal court—then plunged into turmoil due to a recent succession—was captivated by the northern maneuvers, mistakenly believing that the Empire intended to launch a preemptive strike against the south.

After all, the mobilization of one hundred thousand troops was an imposing show of force. Coupled with the southern court’s internal instability—its new king still consolidating control at a critical juncture—they instinctively began to redeploy their own forces and bolster the border defenses.

However, contrary to everyone’s expectations, the ten thousand troops of the Empire of Yadis marched steadily northward, showing no intention whatsoever of advancing south.

Half a month later, news gradually trickled in from scouts in the distance: a demonic surge had erupted in the north.

The southern court finally exhaled in relief, but soon restlessness took hold once more.

Despite the king’s death and the transition of power, their situation was still far better than that of the Empire of Yadis in the north.

After all, with the demonic surge breaking out and the majority of the Empire’s forces moving northward, the troops left to guard the south were significantly weakened. If the southern court seized this moment to launch an offensive, resistance would be drastically reduced—perhaps a single decisive battle would suffice.

This thought stirred the southern court and its leading lords into action; troops along the border were frequently repositioned, and the drums of a second great war seemed on the verge of beating once more.

Yet, a month later, an unexpected message arrived.

On the southern border of the royal court’s domain, a demonic surge was also erupting. It had already broken through defenses and wrought slaughter upon several cities.

This news chilled the hearts of those in the court who had eagerly hoped to push northward.

The troops originally dispatched for the northern campaign were promptly redirected to the southern border to repel the demonic threat.

Thus, the anticipated second war was abruptly stifled before it could begin.

At this moment, along the great road leading north to the border, Emperor Yadis gazed ahead with a frown.

“The road conditions still aren’t ideal,” he remarked as he looked down at the rugged path beneath.

“Quite good already,” came Carter’s voice from beside him.

He stepped forward, smiling wryly. “Your Majesty, this road was personally ordered repaired by Lord Nadir and me. Before our principality was established, there were only a few narrow trails here. After years of expansion, this grand avenue has finally taken shape.”

Yadis nodded in understanding.

Ahead, a commotion could be heard from a segment of the road. Upon closer inspection, a group of slaves under the supervision of local overseers labored hard to restore the road.

Sweat poured from their brows, many bearing deep scars, their toil grueling. Among them were both middle-aged and young adults; conspicuously absent were the elderly and children.

Observing this, Yadis shook his head but remained silent.

In truth, this was by his own command: the defeated prisoners of war and a large number of slaves acquired through various means were assigned to these physically demanding tasks across the land.

Naturally, the elderly succumbed under such strain. The intense labor drained their vitality swiftly, and over a few years, many perished. The young were ordered sent elsewhere—to be trained as deadly assassins or used for other purposes.

“Your Majesty, these slaves were seized several years ago during raids by wild tribes on villages. The local governor dispatched troops to quell the attack and captured five thousand. Following your orders, they were kept here to repair the roads. Though food supplies have been sufficient, many have been lost, and only about four thousand remain,” reported an envoy sent by the governor, bowing respectfully.

At this, Bill hesitated, then looked toward Yadis.

“Your Majesty, recently the United Church has asked me to convey a request: to grant amnesty to these slaves,” he said tentatively.

This suggestion immediately drew astonished, displeased, and even hostile glances from those nearby.

Yet Bill remained composed and continued.

“In recent years, with churches established throughout the land, bishops have begun preaching among the slaves with notable success.”

“Many slaves have embraced the faith of the Natural God devoutly. Several have even risen to become white-robed priests. Therefore, chief priests across the regions have petitioned for amnesty for these slaves—to free the faithful from bondage.”

He spoke slowly, eyes fixed on Yadis, his expression unreadable.

Hearing this, Yadis turned to look at the countless slaves laboring diligently before him.

Above them, a faint spiritual radiance of faith shimmered and hovered in the air—a light weathered by storms but unbroken.

“To this degree, nearly all are devout believers,” he thought silently.

He withdrew his gaze, golden eyes turning aside, reflecting inwardly.

This was natural. Faith springs from the heart’s conviction; those suffering hardship and confusion often possess the purest devotion, their entire being filled with belief.

Still, he shook his head, looked at the assembled crowd, and spoke.

“Henceforth, an addition shall be made to the principality’s laws.”

“Any slave who has labored for the principality for five years from the date of enslavement and has learned the principality’s language shall be immediately freed and granted the status of a free citizen.”

“If they have converted to the Natural God’s faith, only two years of labor shall be required for emancipation. Moreover, if they have attained the rank of white-robed priest, they shall be freed at once, regardless of the length of their enslavement.”

Upon hearing this, Bill and the priests present rejoiced.

However, some governors and officials who had come to welcome Yadis bore less pleased expressions, exchanging strained smiles and showing signs of concern.

Half a month later, after traversing the vast northern territories, Yadis and his retinue, accompanied by part of the army, arrived at the northern border.

Here, Yadis sensed a deep, unsettling demonic aura brewing in the distance. A potent, corrosive magic was gradually seeping through the ever-present divine domains of the land.

This ominous sign caused Yadis to furrow his brows, sensing a daunting challenge ahead.