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Finally, Nova led the two boys to the highest level of the base, where Karl met Ashen, just as the rumors described, his face obscured, shrouded in the shadow of his cloak.
Karl was initially worried and uneasy, especially since he was expelled from his tribe for being “useless.” But to his surprise, Ashen didn’t send him to learn how to fight but instead threw him into the library.
As for the other boy, a werewolf named Bal, Ashen had him follow Nova. The previously scorned fool, in the eyes of Karl, was said by Ashen to have a talent comparable to Nova’s.
“Thank you, Lord Ashen. I will definitely work hard and not let you down!”
“Big Sister Nova, from now on, you are my goal. I will definitely surpass you and become the top general of the Ashen Army in the future!”
So said the young Bal.
Beyond fragmented memories, Nova felt Renji’s arms around her tighten a bit more. Nova understood what Renji was thinking at that moment. .
After all, with what had happened in the Dragon Nation, Karl was still okay, but Bal…
“Master…” Nova tried to comfort him, but being not good with words, she didn’t know what to say and could only place her hand over Renji’s.
Renji looked at Karl and Bal in the fragments of memory, and after a long sigh, smiled at Nova, indicating he was fine.
The old era was indeed tragic, but to have such unity, centered around Ashen, with people sharing common dreams and aspirations, coming together to strive for a common goal, was truly a beautiful time.
Renji now appreciates Zero even more for showing him these memories, which he had never seen from the “player” perspective, in this form.
The evil dragon’s dream is not infinite and is soon coming to an end.
The end of the dream often means the “evil dragon” is no longer the protagonist, and another “she” takes over the protagonist’s role beside Ashen.
‘Following the order, after Suthia, Zero, and Nova, the next one should be…’
Renji looked towards the last fragment of the evil dragon’s dream.
As expected, the story within was related to Lena.
By successfully incorporating the demi-humans into the power structure, the Ashen base finally became the Ashen Alliance, the first alliance force in history.
Its influence expanded even further, and apart from the higher races and human bases, some “vassal races” proactively approached Ashen.
The most significant and proactive among them was the succubus race.
Succubus have always survived by attaching themselves to powerful beings. When the Ashen Alliance grew, the leader of the succubus proactively sent a vassal request to him.
They hoped the succubus could join the Ashen Alliance and receive Ashen’s protection. In return, they were willing to offer the succubus princess to Ashen.
The memory fragment of the evil dragon’s dream finally rested on this “Succubus Marriage Pact.”
“So, Lord Ashen, why did you accept it?” After the dream ended, Nova asked a question that not only she but many followers of Ashen, especially a certain young nun, found perplexing.
After all, it seemed so out of character for Lord Ashen.
Why…
‘Because her character illustration was too ‘large’!’
Renji: “The succubus race has always been among the best in special abilities and magic. I believe they could help us conquer bases.”
“I see, Master Ashen is indeed far-sighted.”
Nova gave a look of recognition and nodded. Indeed, with Lena’s joining, it was another huge leap for the Ashen Alliance.
Not just those sturdy human bases, but under Lena’s magic, they could be easily conquered by Ashen, like crumbling tofu, ultimately achieving the integration of power.
Later, in administration and management, Lena, as the succubus princess, also compensated for these weaknesses, helping Lord Ashen to plan the vast alliance meticulously, which was much stronger than her purely militaristic approach.
The only thing was
Nova recalled the process of Lena joining Lord Ashen’ ranks and couldn’t help but shake her head. It was indeed too complicated, especially Lena’s “repentance of marriage” and escape. No wonder Lena later developed a rebellious character, being the only one among “them” who dared to often contradict Lord Ashen, having her own strong opinions.
…
…
Meanwhile, on the other side.
Far away from the Mechanical Alliance, in the Forest Alliance, a pink-haired succubus appeared in front of the Forest of Illusions, the “gateway” to the Forest Alliance.
The Forest of Illusions, meant to block outsiders, was like mere decoration in front of Lena. The pink-haired succubus easily passed through the forest, then with a flash, teleported, arriving at the deepest part of the Forest Alliance.
There was a colossal ancient tree, seemingly existing since the beginning of the world, the absolute forbidden ground of the elven race, the World Tree.
Lena did not linger. After touching the World Tree, a tree hole leading underground slowly opened up in front of her. Following it down, she arrived at an underground space emitting a glow like fireflies.
Sitting at the very center of the intricate roots of the World Tree was a person, cloaked entirely in a cloak.
Seemingly sensing Lena’s arrival, this “cloak person,” who appeared to have not moved for a long time, like a statue, slightly lifted their head.
“You shouldn’t have come here, Lena.”
The voice from under the cloak was slightly hoarse but still retained a clear, ethereal quality, making one feel as if bathed in spring breeze, amidst nature.
This is a voice that only an elf could produce.
The person in the gray robe spoke with a trace of disapproval, but Lena didn’t care. Instead, she frowned slightly upon hearing the hoarseness in ‘her’ voice, a flicker of concern passing through her eyes.
Of course, Lena quickly hid her concern and casually said, “I came to visit because I was worried you might be lonely, Miyuki~”
The base of the World Tree is arguably the safest and most secretive place in the world.
The person in the gray robe, seated inside and whose face was covered by a ‘cloak’, seemed to chuckle softly after hearing the succubus’s words.
“Thank you.”
“But I guess you came here because there must be some progress on Lord Ashen’s side, Am I right?”
𝘪𝑎.𝘤𝑜𝑚