Chapter 33

Chapter 33

Elion stood atop the main tower of Velka Palace, overlooking the sleeping city under the starry sky. The night wind swept through the dark stone towers, lifting his silver-lined black cape. The moonlight was reflected in his golden eyes as he watched the silent streets of Velka.

Behind him, Veyla stepped forward, her silent step betraying no emotion. She wore a tight black dress, split on her side, revealing an enchanted dagger attached to her thigh. Her silver eyes shone in the darkness as she approached Elion.

"The preparations are over. The Knights of Velka have been integrated into our garrison."

Elion turned his head slightly, his piercing gaze resting on her.

"How much?"

"Three thousand horsemen, two thousand foot soldiers, two hundred archers, a hundred battle mages."

Elion nodded slowly.

"What about resistance?"

Veyla had a cold smile.

"Minimum. - " Nobles are too terrified to revolt after what happened yesterday in the throne room. No one will dare to raise their voice against Sky."

Elion closed his eyes for a moment, letting the freezing wind caress his face.

"Velka is now Sky territory. But this is just the beginning."

Veyla approached again, her warm breath touching her ear.

"The other kingdoms are watching." Velka's fall will not go unnoticed. Neighboring barons will feel threatened."

Elion slowly opened his eyes.

"That's what I want."

A tense silence set in between them, only disturbed by the rustle of the wind.

"What should we do next?" asked Veyla.

Elion turned away from the landscape, his cold gaze fixed on the darkness of the night.

"It's time to integrate Velka's troops into our training system."

Veyla frowned slightly.

"Are you going to train them like our Sky soldiers?"

"No. They're not ready for that level of demand."

Elion walked away from the balustrade, his firm step resounding on the cold stone.

"We're going to evaluate their power level." The weak will be assigned to defense. The strongest will directly integrate the Black Legion."

"Do you think they'll survive Legion training?"

"Those who don't survive don't deserve to serve Sky."

Veyla had a cold smile.

"How long before the next military campaign?"

"Two months. By then, they must be ready."

Two days later, Elion stood in the large training courtyard of Velka Palace. Velka's soldiers, lined up in perfect rows, stood at attention under the stern gaze of Sky's captains.

Eridan, dressed in black armor struck with the silver phoenix, stood beside Elion, his arms folded.

"They are weak," he said, observing Velka's soldiers.

"They lack discipline," Elion answered in a sharp tone.

He took a step forward, his boots pounding the stone floor.

"You are now under the banner of Sky." said Elion, his voice echoing throughout the courtyard. "Velka no longer exists. You are now Sky soldiers. That means you'll follow Sky's military code."

A whisper ran through the ranks. Some soldiers exchanged uncertain glances.

"Do you think your former status as a knight or a mage will give you protection?"

Elion spread his arms, overwhelming pressure emanating from him. His black Ki unfolded like a wave of shadow, enveloping the courtyard in a suffocating atmosphere.

"There is no place for the weak in Sky's army."

He raised a hand.

- "First test: power assessment. If you fail, you will be excluded from the army. If you survive... you will become Sky soldiers."

A Sky captain, dressed in armor decorated with a black phoenix, stepped forward. He was wearing a magical orb shining with a purple light.

"This crystal will evaluate your power in Ki and elemental magic," announced the captain.

Velka's first soldier came forward cautiously. He put his hand on the crystal.

A pale blue glow escaped from the orb.

- "Level 2. Low elemental magic. Ki non-existent," said the captain.

Elion showed no emotion.

"Next."

The process continued. Some soldiers performed poorly, others showed modest potential. Finally, a massive knight in red armor stepped forward.

"Name?" asked the captain.

"Sir Kael, Knight of Velka."

Kael put his hand on the crystal.

An intense red light exploded from the crystal, hurling sparks of magic into the air.

- "Level 5. Advanced fire control. Ki level: intermediate."

A whisper ran through the ranks.

Elion smiled slightly.

- "Interesting."

Kael stepped back, short of breath. Elion walked towards him.

"You have potential."

Kael bowed.

"It's an honor to serve Sky."

Elion watched him for a moment.

"Let's see if you deserve this honor."

Elion slowly unsheathed his black sword adorned with runes. A wave of black Ki escaped from the blade, crackling in the air.

Kael swallowed, but did not back down.

"Defend yourself."

Kael drew his sword. His red Ki blazed around him, a circle of fire rising beneath his feet.

He attacked first, a fast charge targeting Elion's flank.

Elion dodged with a simple wrist movement. His sword fell towards Kael with supernatural speed.

Kael was narrowly pushed back, but was pushed back several meters by the force of the shock.

Elion smiled.

"Not bad."

Kael released a wave of fire. Elion raised a hand. His black Ki instantly absorbed the flame.

Before Kael could react, Elion appeared before him.

A black Ki explosion threw Kael to the ground.

"You have potential," said Elion. "But you still have a long way to go."

Kael, on his knees, his breath short, lowered his head.

"I'll learn."

Elion put away his sword.

"Then you'll join the Black Legion."

Elion turned to the lined up soldiers.

"The next campaign starts in two months. Until then... you'll be ready."

A heavy silence set in. Then the soldiers all knelt at the same time.

"Glory to the King of Sky!"

Elion smiled.

"This is just the beginning."