Chapter 4
The courtyard was filled with the tower mages, all discussing amongst themselves as to why they were summoned, since the Darkin's siege and takeover of their sacred tower the mages had simply been allowed to continue their training and research by the Darkin, although they were told to remain within the territory of August they were practically free to roam as they saw fit. Those who had travelled amongst Grim's personal entourage continued to stay by his side and even spread words of praise to their fellow magicians, many believed them to have been manipulated and brainwashed however there were those who were intrigued by the insights that Grim had provided the humans he kept by his side.
Grim had remained secluded at the top floor of the tower with Aprilla by his side, as he had continued to pour his vast mana into her she saw tremendous gains in her mana pool becoming both more vast and dense strengthening her already near unmatched powers, feeling such pleasure and reaping such rewards while doing so she had come to enjoy the time she spent with the dreaded Demon Prince, although she couldn't understand his motives or thoughts she was intrigued by the ancient warrior.
Grim sat at the end of his bed deep in thought while Aprilla gently caressed his broad scarred back. Since returning to the Middle Realm Grim's core had stirred sensing a familiar energy in the air, he felt himself longing for it and Aprilla along with the rest of the mages all seemed to be covered in the nostalgic energy only intriguing him more.
As the chatter began to get louder Grim was snapped from his daze by a firm knock on his chamber door, He stood up using his telekinesis to cover himself with his hide robe before opening the door.
"The mages have all gathered." Igor said while following Grim who walked past him.
The pair walked to the end of the hallway and opened the top story window before promptly floating down to the courtyard grounds at the awe and fear of the mages below.
Grim stood before the crowd leaving them speechless by the sheer density of mana leaking from him while towering over them, he looked indifferent to their stares and signalled for the Warriors surrounding the area to disperse leaving only him and Igor with the mages who were even more on edge as they were left unguarded with the Darkin leader who had taken over their home and defiled their sacred Tower Master, both things many still held a grudge over.
"Mages of the August Tower, You have been granted the honour of serving the 9th Division of the Demon Army." Grim spoke calmly but with a firm chilling authority and with his words the hearts of the mages froze.
Grim only continued "For your servitude I offer you vast knowledge you all so desire and the power to reach heights long forgotten by your kinsmen, all you must do is devote yourself to me both in heart and mind." he extended his hand for them to submit which many immediately did, those who were so filled with greed and curiosity as well as those who had already experienced Grim's favour however there were still many who refused to bend the knee murmuring amongst themselves and eventually reaching Grim's ear,
"What of Lady Aprilla?"
"How dare they defy the Tower Master."
"We must not be swayed, we must rescue the Master."
Grim smirked over the devotion shown by the mages and desired such loyalty in his own, it was at this moment as if hearing her disciples growing displeasure Aprilla emerged from the tower, as she walked towards Grim the Mages were silenced and only looked at their teacher who they thought was imprisoned, now standing beside Grim she bowed her head to her disciples before saying "I beg your forgiveness my children for I have already devoted my body and soul to the Lord, though selfish I plead for you all to do the same." as she rose her head she was stunned to see all those she had believed she had betrayed weeping tears of relief, with just a few words the remaining mages seemingly became entirely devoted to the cause in service of their Lady.
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Igor seemed troubled by the now divide of power in the Magicians between Grim and Aprilla however Grim firmly cast down his concerns as he preferred such loyalties especially as he knew that Aprilla whole heartedly served him. Igor unable to convince his Lord went instead took to consulting the 3rd and 5th commanders who were overseeing sparring between the young Darkin warriors.
The rugged burly warriors Pike and Duke drank a sickly potent jar of wine they had brought from the abyss while half paying attention to Igor as they were more interested by the sparring below.
"She is a threat and Grim's simply is blinded by his intrigue of those humans." Igor said before gulping down his cup of wine hastily to drown his worries.
Duke turned his full attention to Igor in annoyance "Then let him be blinded, Why should we care? I alone can shred the humans to pieces so why worry about how brother Grim chooses to rule the humans?"
Igor looked up in frustration and attempted to retort but was cut off by Pike who said while watching the spar below "He's right Igor, This is simply a pass time for brother Grim, I can't blame him since I too feel strange around these mages."
"Look Igor, Grim is rightful War Chief, If you question his rule then-"
"I would never!" Igor interrupted Duke slamming his fist on the table almost knocking their drinks over, before the two warriors could berate Igor's actions he stormed off leaving them momentarily confused before turning their attention back to the youngsters fighting below.
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Grim accompanied by Aprilla and her most trusted direct disciples were seemingly relaxing in the towers mana rejuvenating hall, Grim however only watched the mages while Kane reported his findings after surveying their newly acquired territory.
Kane and his scouts successfully located the whereabouts of multiple tribes the mages and captive soldiers called 'beastmen' , upon observing the humanoid races Kane concluded they were likely a species which emerged in these lands after the banishment of the Darkin. From the reports made by humans of skirmishes between human and demi humans the Darkin could potentially use the animalistic tribals in their army even if just to bolster their lower ranks.
Grim pondered long and hard before sending word for his generals to assemble, a new prey had entered his sights and his intrigue got the better of him, springing him into action...