Chapter 11 : Chapter 11
Chapter 11. Keli Seriously Injured, the King Enraged
Duke Derek turned his head to look behind him, secretly hoping that figure would intervene. Yet he knew clearly that once she appeared, the legendary giant on the enemy’s side would certainly make a move as well.
At that moment, numerous magic arrays suddenly appeared above Frostspine Pass. Each one shimmered faintly as they interlocked with one another, spreading across the sky like a massive star map.
Keli’s figure appeared at the center of the magic arrays, her small body standing clearly within the glowing light.
Ancient incantations continuously flowed from her lips, and waves of overwhelming pressure poured down from the sky.
Both armies fighting below were instantly intimidated by this power. They stopped mid-battle and looked up in shock at the figure suspended in the air.
Almost at the same moment, an enormous figure that seemed capable of covering the sky appeared above the clouds. With a deep, rumbling voice, he spoke.
“Keli, what is it? Getting impatient?”
Keli did not respond. Her chanting grew faster and faster, and the brilliance of the magic arrays intensified, as if they were about to ignite the entire sky.
Seeing this, the giant stopped waiting. His massive body suddenly rushed forward, and his fist—larger than a washbasin—smashed toward her with the roar of breaking wind.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
Several heavy impacts rang out. A transparent sphere of energy suddenly appeared around Keli, blocking every attack.
As the final syllable of the incantation fell, Keli’s chanting abruptly stopped.
The next second, the sky seemed to tear open. Countless flaming meteors dragged long tails of fire behind them as they rained down like a storm toward the Barbarians.
“It is actually a Super-Tier spell!”
The giant shouted, a hint of surprise flashing through his eyes.
“Keli, what a clever plan! But how many times can you prepare such magic? Can your injured body still endure it?”
He did not even bother to look at the Barbarian formation below, which had already collapsed in an instant. Laughing loudly, he turned and soon disappeared into the clouds.
The meteors continued to fall.
Seventy to eighty thousand Barbarians were reduced to charred corpses amid the flames and shockwaves. The remaining Barbarians completely broke down, screaming as they fled deeper into the Broken Bone Plains.
The crisis at Frostspine Pass was finally resolved.
Keli looked in the direction where the Barbarians had retreated. A trace of exhaustion appeared on her pale face. Her body swayed slightly in midair before she slowly descended toward the city wall.
Duke Derek hurried forward with several others to meet her. Seeing the blood at the corner of her mouth, he said in a deep voice, “Many thanks for your intervention, Lady Crimson Chant.”
Keli waved her hand weakly, her voice faint.
“Hold… the pass…”
As soon as she finished speaking, darkness filled her vision, and she fainted.
Keli’s disciples immediately panicked. They quickly carried their master away from the battlefield and headed toward the rear lines.
Duke Derek watched the group of mages leave, then looked again in the direction where the Barbarians had retreated. His expression was grim.
His grandfather and great-grandfather had led the family’s magical beast knight regiment and two elite legions into that mysterious secret realm. No one knew when they would return.
The legendary Archmage Keli was now seriously injured as well.
How exactly was Frostspine Pass supposed to be defended now?
Silence fell over the city wall.
The soldiers stared at the fading glow of the magic arrays in the sky, then at the battlefield below, where corpses were scattered everywhere. In their hearts remained only the relief of surviving the disaster and deep reverence for that small, frail mage.
Meanwhile, the celebration in the royal palace was still lively.
The nobles raised their cups in a grand feast, music and laughter weaving together into a scene of extravagant revelry.
No one noticed that King Kroll II had quietly left the banquet with several dukes and important ministers.
The group arrived at a hidden council chamber. As soon as the heavy wooden door closed, Kroll II let out a cold snort, his voice filled with suppressed anger.
“What exactly is the Derek Family doing?”
“They possess two legendary-level combatants, yet they fight like a mere count’s territory, holding back at every step. Are they even unwilling to reveal the strength of their household?”
Duke Lane gently swirled the wine in his glass and spoke leisurely.
“Your Majesty, please calm your anger. After all, the flames of war have not yet reached the core territory of the Derek Family. Holding back their forces might simply be their way of preserving their strength.”
“That is far too naive, Duke Lane!”
Duke Carden rolled his eyes, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
“If Frostspine Pass falls, the Derek Family will suffer the same fate. Do they really think they can remain untouched? Ridiculous!”
“What do you mean by that?” Duke Lane set down his wineglass, his expression darkening.
The two dukes began arguing like children, and the atmosphere in the council chamber instantly became tense.
Kroll II frowned deeply and shouted in a heavy voice, “Enough! At a time like this, you are still bickering here!”
The two men reluctantly fell silent, and the chamber returned to quiet.
At that moment, a soft knock sounded on the door.
Kroll II raised his voice. “Come in.”
A royal knight quickly entered and bowed respectfully.
“Your Majesty, a message has just arrived through the communication array. It concerns Lady Keli of the Northern Frontier.”
He presented a letter sealed with wax.
Kroll II opened the letter and quickly scanned it. His expression grew darker and darker.
Moments later, he slammed the paper onto the table and cursed angrily.
“That damned Derek!”
“Even at a time like this, he still hides his strength and refuses to let the family’s legends take action!”
“Fine. Very well!”
He took a deep breath, determination flashing in his eyes.
“Pass down my order. Keli is to return to the royal capital immediately through the teleportation array!”
“The defense of the Northern Frontier will be entirely handed over to the Derek Family!”
“I want to see whether those two old men will still refuse to act once Keli’s barrier is gone!”
Duke Lane and Duke Carden exchanged glances, both seeing the same shock in each other’s eyes.
The king was forcing the Derek Family to reveal their hand.
The knight accepted the order and withdrew, leaving the council chamber in silence once more.
Kroll II stared at the lights of the royal palace outside the window, his fingers clenched tightly.
The situation in the Northern Frontier had reached a critical point. He did not believe the Derek Family would simply watch their territory fall into the hands of the Barbarians.
Kroll II’s gaze swept across the three dukes, his voice carrying unquestionable authority.
“You should contribute as well.”
“I plan to mobilize the Second and Fourth Royal Legions, along with eight second-rate legions, to garrison Dragonfang Fortress on the border of the Central Realm.”
“You three families will each send one legendary combatant to accompany the legions and defend Dragonfang Fortress.”
He paused briefly, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
“If those two old men truly dare to stand by and let the Northern Frontier fall, then there will be no need for the Derek Family to continue existing.”
“When that time comes, you will mobilize your private legions and knight orders and march into the Northern Frontier together to reclaim the lost land.”
Upon hearing this, the three dukes could not hide the smiles that appeared on their faces.
This was not only the king’s command—it was also a perfect opportunity to expand their families’ power.
The Northern Frontier was rich in mineral resources. If they could claim a share after the Derek Family collapsed, the benefits to their families’ growth would be immeasurable.
“We obey Your Majesty’s command!”
The three men bowed in unison, excitement barely concealed in their voices.
Kroll II watched their reactions and snorted inwardly. How could he not know what they were truly planning?
But the situation in the Northern Frontier was urgent. There was no time to worry about such matters. For now, he only needed to bind them to the war chariot with the promise of benefits.
“Go and make your preparations. Within three days, the legendary combatants must arrive at Dragonfang Fortress.”
He waved his hand, his voice tired.
The three dukes bowed and withdrew. Their steps were light and quick, completely different from the heavy mood when they had arrived.
Only Kroll II remained in the council chamber.
He walked to the map, his fingertip resting on the position of the Northern Frontier.
For a long time, he said nothing.