Chapter 103

[Congratulations Host for acquiring battle art: Seaton Serpent Spear]

Kane and Akak searched the study for the art as quickly as possible. Kane was luckily able to find it hidden in a secret compartment behind a painting. Kane stashed it in the bag he picked up from Helen's body.

"Come on Akak! Let's head to the Sparrows nest."

"Yes sir!"

When Kane and company arrived they were greeted by several soldiers. They took him to meet with General Oki inside his tent while Akak and the rest were taken to other tents to rest.

"Sir Kane I see you made it," said Oki.

"I did General. Thank you for your hospitality."

"It is my pleasure. I am very interested in your kingdom. I hope I may visit once we've defeated all the Kokarian scum."

"You will be most welcome. Is there anything you and your men plan on doing here? I assume it will be difficult to operate in enemy territory especially now they know you have passed through the frontlines and killed one of their battle masters."

"Yeah well, we got the information that we came for. I have already sent it back home. There is one thing though. Apparently, a large contingent of knights has been sent toward your home. It seems that whatever issue you had with them was not forgotten or taken lightly. They wish to make the Iron Rose Kingdom a holding ground for their troops to come into our territory."

Kane tensed up at this information. If this is true it means war has officially started for him as well. He was not nearly as prepared as he waned to be. This could get dangerous if he was not careful.

"I am afraid I am still needed but I realize the strategic importance of your kingdom. Our alliance is not official but I offer a portion of my troops to go with you and help deal with any trash you might find."

"That is very kind General but I should be fine. I will deal with them and then head to your kingdom. It is time we show the Kingdom of Kokar who we are."

"Very well! Good luck with the coming battle. Here have some wine before you go. And rest as it will be a long and tough journey."

"To new friends and the destruction of our foes!"

Kane drank with the old general and then headed to his tent. He was tired and they had a busy day coming up.

Kane came into view of his tent and saw the Kazaki nomads outside standing watch.

"You guys saddle up. I need you to get a message to Annius and the rest."

Kane would take a break but he still needed the word to reach his kingdom. They had to be prepared for blood and battle.

Kane, Akak, and Asice were riding galloping war horses, going down a dirt road at max speed. Kane had explained what General Oki said to him to Akak. The group set up early morning. Kane was originally stressed about the battle but looking at Bots notification he saw a few things that would be very useful.

"Bot please show me all the rewards I earned from these past few days."

[Congratulations Host for reaching level 30 and completing several hidden quests. Rewards include: 20 B-rank Crimson Crusader Cavalry, 1 B-rank Crimson Cavalry Captain, 1 Instant learn scroll (Battle arts), 1,000 gold coins, and 30,000 shop points.]

Kane was elated. The cavalry would be extremely useful in the coming war. And having another instant learn scroll is also a good gain. Plus he has been saving shop points for a while now which he may now need to win this coming war.

"How many shop points do I have now?"

[67,000]

"And coins?"

[Including the Iron Rose Treasury as well as any other big amounts gathered your faction has about 190,000 gold coins. That is enough to live very wealthy but not never close to the amount most kingdoms have. Luckily your merchant has been giving us a good supply of coins.]

"Interesting, thank you."

Kane eventually wanted to find something to invest in. For now, he will focus on rushing to the aid of his kingdom. He wasn't as worried as he was originally due to the fact he had faith in his troops as well as the giant wall that protected the kingdom. Plus the Kazaki nomads were very fast and Kane was confident they would arrive in time to warn of the invaders. Especially if the invaders were a bigger force they would definitely not be traveling as fast.

"If we keep this pace we should be there by tomorrow afternoon," said Kane turning to Akak.

"As excited as I am to see your kingdom I fear it will not have the chance to blossom if we are not careful."

"You are right Akak. I am confident that we shall make it back in time though."

"As you say, sir."

Asice rode behind them and still looked uncomfortable. Kane noticed it wasn't as bad and he assumed Akak talked to her about their conversation and promise. This eased his soul as Akak was an exceptional ally and had the ability to increase Kane's strength by a lot.