Chapter 162 One more into the fray

Words : 942 Updated : Oct 2nd, 2025

Jolthar sat on the edge of the fountain in the town square, his sharp eyes scanning the emptying streets. The once-bustling square now carried an eerie silence, broken only by the hurried steps of soldiers and the murmurs of townsfolk being escorted toward the safety of the mines. Cleora had made the decision to evacuate the people—a wise move, considering the mounting threat. The townsfolk would be safer in the mines, at least for the time being. Nora had been tasked with overseeing the evacuation, her calm demeanour helping to reassure the frightened townsfolk as they moved. Meanwhile, Cleora remained near the mansion, discussing defensive strategies with the soldiers. She was methodical, giving clear orders and ensuring every precaution was taken. Roblan, on the other hand, had been given the dangerous task of scouting the enemy's numbers—a critical mission, but one that left her uneasy. As Jolthar sat lost in thought, Nytheria appeared, her graceful figure emerging from the shadows like a wisp of smoke. Her presence was as enigmatic as ever, and her sharp violet eyes sparkled with faint amusement as she observed him. "What's got you wondering so much, Jolthar?" She asked, her tone light but carrying an undertone of curiosity. Jolthar turned his gaze toward her, his expression as unreadable as always. "Will you help me fend off those people?" he asked, his voice direct and unwavering.@@@@ Nytheria's lips curled into a smirk, her expression playful yet detached. "No," she replied simply, her tone casual but final. Jolthar narrowed his eyes, though he wasn't surprised by her response. "Why?" he pressed. Nytheria tilted her head slightly, her smirk fading as she gave him a measured look. "I'm only here to protect you, Jolthar," she said, her voice cool and matter-of-fact. "I can't involve myself in the petty squabbles of human affairs. Didn't your goddess already tell you this?" Jolthar sighed, leaning back slightly against the fountain's edge. "I know," he admitted, his tone resigned. "But I wanted to ask anyway." Nytheria gave a small shrug, her smirk returning. "At least you're persistent," she said lightly, before stepping back into the shadows, her form seeming to blend with the dim light of the setting sun. Left alone once more, Jolthar's thoughts churned. He knew Nytheria's purpose was solely tied to him, not the fate of the barony or the empire. Still, he couldn't help but feel the weight of the situation pressing down on him. The people of the barony were looking to Cleora for leadership and protection, but it was clear they would need every advantage they could get to survive what was coming. The mutilated envoy's body and the sheer audacity of Chittera's actions made one thing clear—this wasn't a simple territorial dispute or a negotiation gone wrong. Her annoyance was palpable, and one of her squad members, a young human with a wiry frame and nervous energy, hesitated before speaking up. "Big Sis, Commander told us to do whatever Lord Eude asks," he said, his voice wavering slightly. "After all, he's paying us a hefty sum, and—" Before he could finish, Preeyonka's piercing green eyes snapped to him, silencing him instantly. "You think I don't know that, dumbass?" She hissed, her tone sharp enough to make the man flinch. "Do I look like I need a reminder about who's paying us?" The man lowered his gaze, muttering a soft apology, while the others in the group remained silent, careful not to draw her ire. Preeyonka exhaled deeply, turning her gaze back toward the barony. "Whatever," she muttered. "Let's just get this over with." The same squad member, emboldened by her momentary pause, spoke again, his voice quieter this time. "Big Sis, don't forget—Commander told us to bring someone named Jolthar back alive. He was very clear about that." Preeyonka's expression darkened, and a slow, wicked grin spread across her face. She tilted her head, her black hair catching the faint moonlight. "Alive, huh?" she said, her voice dripping with mockery. "Well, that depends... on how lucky he is." As she spoke, she raised her right hand, palm upward. A chilling blue flame erupted from her hand, its cold light casting an ethereal glow on the surrounding forest. The flame danced and crackled, emitting an unnatural chill that seemed to suck the warmth from the air. The mercenaries closest to her instinctively took a step back, the frost radiating from the flame prickling their skin. The young man flinched as he stepped back. "Big sis!!!" Preeyonka watched the flame with a dangerous gleam in her eyes. "Let's hope Jolthar's luck holds," she said softly, her tone almost playful. Then her expression hardened, her voice dropping to a cold and menacing whisper. "Because if it doesn't, my ice flame will make sure he never gets the chance to regret it." The flame flickered and died as she clenched her fist, the air around her returning to its normal temperature. She turned to her troops, her commanding voice cutting through the stillness of the forest. "What are you gawking at? Come on, move out already. Get this shit over with," she shouted at them. The Crimsan Blade warriors nodded in unison, their faces grim and determined. Preeyonka turned once more to the barony in the distance, her green eyes narrowing as she surveyed the land. The corners of her lips twitched upward in a small, dangerous smile. "Let's see what this Jolthar is made of." Read latest stories on My Virtual Library Empire

Chapter 162 One more into the fray

Comments (0)