In the capital of Cloud Dragon Emperor country, Cloud Dragon City, the emperor frowned deeply, lost in thought.
Below him, Barre, the former great commander, and another ninth-level powerhouse, Jia—the expert archer—were both half-kneeling.
"Village chief of Floating Cloud Village?" the emperor's voice carried authority and curiosity.
He then glanced at the civil official beside him. The official stepped forward and bowed first. He was Cloud Dragon Emperor country's foremost scout and knew the land best—not that the emperor was unfamiliar, but some remote villages were not under his direct knowledge.
"Your Majesty, I recall that village is not far from the border city. The villagers there are simple farmers. Though close to the border, I remember nothing particularly special about it."
The official had passed by the village once a year, but aside from its geographical location, there was nothing unusual.
Their annual tributes were always on time, without fail. It was a simple and honest village.
But there was no reason for a ninth-level warrior to point out that village's chief. Could it be that the old village chief was hiding something important? That seemed unlikely.
"Hm... what do you think?" The emperor turned to Allen, the empire's top strategist and also a ninth-level powerhouse.
"Your Majesty, no matter how ordinary that village may be, I think it's worth a visit. If someone at that level felt compelled to call out, it must be very important," Allen said, frowning deeply. The characteristics of that monster had deeply threatened him.
It was a threat sweeping the entire world. According to Barre, if Jia hadn't been there to ambush, they all might have been in danger. Especially with the ninth seat still unoccupied, Allen felt this mission was critical—critical to the fate of the whole continent.
"Indeed... no matter the situation, it's the most important matter. What's the current status of that monster?" the emperor asked, looking at Barre who then produced the information from this morning's report.
"According to the great princess, that monster is constantly attacking villages around the junction of the three empires. None who encounter it survive..." Barre's voice was steady, and the entire hall fell silent. None survived...
"I see... have the great princess return immediately. Allen, this time it looks like we'll need your help!" The emperor sighed helplessly and looked at Allen.
Allen nodded without refusal. Indeed, such matters were better handled by him.
"But... what about the others who may come later?" Barre frowned suddenly, realizing something. Being ninth-level, he could speak frankly.
"Sigh... is this the time to worry about that? Haven't you realized? This crisis concerns the entire world. If we don't eliminate that monster, what will disappear is the whole world—or the entire ninth-level seats," Allen said, rubbing his temples. "Barre, haven't you caught on yet?"
This time, all humans stand on the same line. If killed by the monster, and the seat remains, that's one thing. Many eighth-levels can then rise.
But the problem is that if the monster absorbs them, the seats themselves disappear. The only outcome left is that all ninth-levels vanish from the world, the seats vanish, and the eighth-levels have no way to ascend.
In the end, that mad monster will have wiped out all humanity.
"Attack? Don't joke. One ninth-level needs twenty eighth-levels to take down. How many people will it take to take down a monster stronger than ninth-level? That's beyond human numbers."
"But... the border city..." Barre frowned again. "If it's at the border city, isn't that like opening the gate for the enemy?"
"You all go as well! With three ninth-levels present, even if you can't handle it, you have to think about your own survival," Allen sighed helplessly. But Barre's concern was valid.
They had to be cautious... really... why did this crisis happen right at the border city of Cloud Dragon Emperor country?
"...Fine!" Barre frowned. Though he and Jia were exhausted, this wasn't the time for concern. They had to hurry back.
"I'm leaving it to you, Allen..." The emperor rubbed his head in frustration.
Though it seemed trivial now, it brought many problems. Opening the gates for the enemy was already a big issue—especially when what came through were ninth-level beings.
However, if the two other empires had any sense, they wouldn't have acted now. They'd choose to strike when the monster was about to kill everyone, when everyone was exhausted.
But at that time, the emperor would have a trick up his sleeve.
For now, the best situation was that the monster was not within any of the three great empires.
"Send word to the other two empires. If they want to enter Floating Cloud Village, fine, but only from the border city's side. No other routes are allowed!" After thinking, the emperor issued the decree.
If they refused this time, it would be a problem of humanity's united front.
So to silence the critics, he opened only one path, guarded by the empire's knight corps.
All eighth-levels, to prevent any ninth-level from doing anything reckless.
"Also, have Yun Ying and Fei'er return immediately! No more loitering! The priority now is to observe and counter that monster!" The emperor couldn't ignore that Yun Fei'er was missing.
Though he didn't expect his daughter to go to such a dangerous place, thankfully, the news came that both were unharmed. He breathed a slight sigh of relief but could only say Yun Fei'er was spoiled.
Watching the officials silently withdraw and Allen about to leave, he paused, then slowly spoke.
"Allen!" His voice was soft but made Allen immediately stop.
With some puzzlement, Allen turned his head, waiting for the emperor to speak. Under his gaze, the emperor slowly said,
"Please thank him for me. Looks like I really gambled right this time~!" A faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
Allen's face instantly showed understanding. No hesitation, he nodded.
He naturally knew who the emperor referred to— or rather, that peculiar monster.
If it weren't for Fang Chen, Yun Ying, Yun Fei'er, and the border city might have become a dead city.
This book comes from：m.funovel.com。