Supreme BeastTamer: I Can Copy and Upgrade Skills 10x!-Chapter 568: The Beginning of the War

After seven days of ceaseless fighting with the corrupted dragons—whose numbers had only increased over the past few days—the eight monarchs, for the first time in decades, decided to call for a meeting to address the issue.

Although the fighting had cooled down, the week-long defense against the Scourge attacks had left the realm in shambles—territories torn, cities burned, resources depleted. But none of the monarchs spoke of rest.

They knew better.

This wasn't a one-time assault.

This was the beginning of something else.

War.

The meeting was called by Thomas Celestis, the Light Monarch, and one whom Zara described as the most rational one. It was held in a neutral land not inhabited by any kingdom, known as Skycliff—a vast island positioned at the border of all eight kingdoms.

It was an ancient island where past monarchs held meetings. This place was protected by enchantments no one truly understood, and used only for matters of critical importance. It had not been entered in decades.

Until now.

Eight thrones were carved from the island's core, circling a wide stone disc surrounded by a low blue flame that flickered gently in the thin air. No banners hung. No guards stood watch.

Just rulers.

Dracos of Frostpire sat quietly, his silver-blue robe fluttering slightly. Beside him sat the Inferno Monarch.

Across from them, Thomas of the Light Kingdom leaned forward, his eyes sharp and analytical. The Empress of the Shadow Kingdom remained half-veiled in mist, her presence quiet but unnervingly potent.

The Wind Monarch, the Water Monarch, and the Lightning Monarch completed the circle.

All of them remained silent for several seconds as the flickering blue flame crackled.

Finally, the wind Mornach broke the stillness.

"We fought for seven days." His voice was tired but steady. The wind stirred slightly around him as he spoke. "Seven days. And even now, our borders aren't secure. If not for our elite squads… we'd have lost entire provinces."

The Water Empress nodded slightly, her voice calm and smooth. "The sea was no different. We pushed them back, but the ocean is vast. We cannot guard every wave."

"They tunneled through jade caverns my people sealed centuries ago," the Earth Monarch exhaled. "That alone tells us this was not a coincidence."

"If it was, I'd have been at peace," the Light Monarch said. "This time around, the wave of corrupted dragons is far larger than the previous time. Furthermore, each kingdom has reported that they encountered at least one Champion Scourge—the direct and closest paw of the Alpha Scourge."

All eyes shifted slightly.

The term hadn't been said aloud until now.

The Alpha.

A name wrapped in myth. A monster older than most of their kingdoms. A being they had fought—barely survived—decades ago.

Thomas's fingers tapped against the stone edge of his seat. "We have reports from the Supreme Dragon Court. They're watching the situation… but we all know their course is different from ours."

"Right," Dracos scoffed, drinking a blue wine that was, of course, sprinkled with granulated monster cores. Then he added, "My gut tells me those old men want to make a move very soon."

The Inferno Monarch looked over. "You sure?"

"Just an instinct," Dracos said plainly.

"Yes, I agree with Dracos." The Light Monarch, Thomas, gave a long side-eye to Dracos.

"Then that means they won't help?" the Water Empress asked, a hint of irritation in her soft voice.

"Most likely," Thomas agreed. "Which means we're on our own."

There was a beat of silence.

Then Thomas, who had become the unofficial head of the monarchs due to his formidable strength, narrowed his eyes.

"We need to unify our response. No more isolated defenses. If the Alpha rises, we cannot fight kingdom by kingdom."

"Agreed," said the Lightning Monarch. Most times, there was debate among the citizens about who was actually the strongest—him or the Light Monarch.

The Lightning Monarch added, "But we can't abandon our territories either. The people need to see their rulers standing guard."

"That's why we do both," Dracos—known to be the most mysterious one—smirked. "We act together. But indirectly."

The monarchs glanced at him. Thomas had little idea what the Frost Monarch meant.

He continued, "We gather intelligence. We send scouts. Trusted warriors from our own lines—not generals. Not elders. The next generation."

The Earth Monarch's brow lifted. "You're suggesting we send the youngsters?"

"Yes."

Dracos nodded. "We've trained them. Honed them. They've seen battle. And unlike us, they're mobile. Underestimated. Furthermore, we've seen what they're capable of at the competition. So, what do you say?"

"I'd send Lumi, but with a shield of light," Thomas said quietly after a wipe of contemplation. "And other promising Light Dragons."

The Shadow Monarch looked thoughtful. "My daughter, Nyxirith, already asked to investigate the forest once. She feels there could be more to the Scourge dragons."

The Earth Monarch grunted. "Then it's settled. We each choose the most promising ones. They travel together. Mixed party. No one kingdom dominates the group."

The Inferno Monarch leaned forward. "They'll need a reason to go. Officially."

Thomas snapped his fingers lightly. "We call it a joint investigation unit. A peacekeeping force sanctioned by all eight kingdoms."

"Unofficially," Dracos said, "they're our eyes."

The Wind Monarch, still in his half-transformed state, looked up at the sky, his wings twitching slightly. "And if they encounter the Alpha?"

"Then they run," Thomas said.

Dracos finally spoke again, his voice low.

"They won't find the Alpha."

The others looked at him.

"Not yet," he said. "It's waiting. Testing. But it won't stay hidden forever."

A long silence followed.

The Wind Monarch slowly rose. "Choose your warriors. One week from now, we meet again. And send them into the forest—to the Marked Zone."

Dracos stood second. Then Thomas. Then the Lightning Monarch. One by one, the monarchs rose from their seats and turned toward the edge of the island.

The war had not begun.

But the realm had finally admitted it was coming.

And this time, they would not wait to react.

They would prepare.

They would act first.

And they would send their finest into the heart of the ancient forest where no dragon dared tread.

The Marked Zone.