Chapter 25: The start of the war , traitor?

"Alright, Garrick, I will be more cautious," Kael said as Garrick nodded. At least he had warned the crown prince. If he didn't listen now, that was his own decision. But another question lingered—what had killed his master, an ancient warrior?

"Oh, son of destiny, you just saw your death, and now you're telling me to be cautious? Hah! Laughable. The benefit of being the hand controlling everything from the shadows," Kael mused, amused, as Garrick left.

The hour of battle was approaching, and armies from various kingdoms began arriving—some in the tens of thousands, others in the hundreds of thousands. The soldiers of the Jimi Kingdom watched in shock, fully aware that this massive turnout was due to the Eryndor Kingdom's influence.

At the entrance of the valley, a vast army stood in formation, rows upon rows of gleaming armor and battle-hardened men. The blazing sun bore down upon them, making the atmosphere even more stifling. Behind them, on a raised podium, stood one man.

"There is little I can say to you," Kael began, his voice booming across the assembled army of nearly a million. Even he was surprised by the reach of his voice, but it was thanks to a special prop—a device resembling a microphone, only larger and rounder.

"We have gathered here to battle the Fin Land Kingdom, the rival of my Eryndor Kingdom. For those unaware, Fin Land dared to assassinate me, but they failed. The Jimi Kingdom, under our banner, took revenge, and guess what? Their crown prince is dead," Kael said with a chuckle. Everyone already knew this, so there was little reaction.

"Now, they have declared war on the Jimi Kingdom, and I will protect them with my army. Each of you has your own reasons for being here—some to gain recognition from the Eryndor Kingdom, others to obtain resources. You all have a goal. But those goals can only be achieved if we win this war. So fight! Fight for what you desire!

"A man who has accomplished all his goals has nothing left to live for, but you all still do. Some of you seek higher positions, wealth, or even noble status—a baron, a viscount. But I know this…" Kael paused as the army's morale surged.

"That still isn't your final goal. Which man doesn't wish to be the strongest? To have his name etched into history for accomplishing something great? It all starts here, young men.

"As for the Jimi Kingdom's army, you are leading this battle. As you fight, remember—your families await you at home. Know that if you die, they live. So trade your lives for five of theirs! Fight for your sons! For your daughters! Or…" Kael's voice grew colder. "Do you want your wives to be raped by the Fin Land Kingdom's army?"

The soldiers' eyes turned murderous.

"Army! Get to your posts! This battle is ours to take!" Kael roared.

"OURS TO TAKE!!!" the soldiers bellowed in unison. Kael grinned.

"My voice is almost hoarse... but my first time in a war, and with numbers like this… I wonder how this battle will go. There's a first time for everything," he thought as some soldiers scattered, climbing the valley to where massive boulders had been prepared.

Time passed, each moment stretching with anticipation. Then, at last, a rhythmic march echoed through the valley as dust filled the sky. The opposing army had arrived. Its sheer size was magnificent. However, the soldiers on Kael's side remained unfazed—they had expected an even larger force.

"Kael, Crown Prince of the Eryndor Kingdom," a voice rang out, transmitted toward him. Kael looked up to see a man strikingly similar to Lucian, but younger.

"You've made a mistake coming here. You will die," the man declared coldly.

"Oh? The little brother is here too?" Kael smirked. "The last bloodline of the Fin Land Kingdom has come to die. I must be lucky."

The man opposite him gritted his teeth.

"Attack!" the order came.

A flood of soldiers surged forward, darkening the valley like a swarm of locusts. The ground trembled under their charge.

Kael watched, then, at the perfect moment, gave the command.

"Drop it," he said.

Massive boulders rained down, crushing soldiers beneath them. Agonized screams echoed as blood splattered the earth.

"Repulsive," Kael thought.

(Host gained Chaotic Energy +1 +4 +6 +8 +9 +7)

(Congratulations on breaking through to Grandmaster Realm Stage 3)

"Cool. One rank up after so much death," Kael mused, gazing at the battlefield littered with broken limbs and pulverized bodies. The scene was gruesome, the air thick with the metallic scent of blood.

As the smoke cleared, his eyes narrowed.

"Huh… Darius, why do they still have so many soldiers?" Kael asked.

Darius, standing beside him, frowned. "Crown Prince, it seems we have a traitor in our midst. Less than ten percent of their cannon fodder stepped in."

Kael's expression darkened. "Human greed…" he muttered, stepping forward.

"The plan has failed. A traitor is among us. No retreat—this battle will end with only one army alive!!!" Kael's voice roared with an overwhelming presence. A terrifying aura erupted from him—Grandmaster Realm, Stage 3.

"What?!"

"When did he break through?!"

"Talent…"

"Talent, you say? This is a monster!"

Whispers spread as the Grandmaster Realm experts of Eryndor finally stepped forward. Their crown prince had made his move—how could they still remain hidden?

"Incredible… the Crown Prince… Our kingdom is blessed," Darius thought as he released his own aura.

Kael turned to him, stunned. "What the hell? Grandmaster Realm, peak stage?"

Darius smirked but said nothing.

"Go forth and kill them all!" Kael roared, taking the lead as his army's eyes turned bloodshot.

Why were they like this? Normally, upon discovering a traitor, morale would plummet. The will to fight should have weakened. But something was happening—something mythical, something even Kael didn't understand.

A chaotic energy had descended, clouding their minds, filling them with bloodlust.

The Chaotic Body was revealing one of its hidden traits.

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Next up is the full war arc, which character do you want to see ? Which character is your favorite and any suggestions so far .

After the battle arc is the end of the chaos orb trial guys then we move either to the void trial or the nothingness trial.

Thanks for following this novel and for the support.