It wasn’t just Solmere that was preparing; the entirety of Verandis knew about this. Everywhere, there was the same scene.

Preparation, training, and gathering. That’s it.

Now came the third strongest Empire in Verandis. This Empire, once mocked and dismissed, now stood toe to toe with the supergiants of Aelvorn and the Myriad Beast Alliance.

The Human Empire, Valdenmere.

It was a central continent and occupied the landmass between Aelvorn’s southern coast and the vast sea lanes Solmere controlled.

Valdenmere’s geography leaned a bit towards agriculture, vast plains, river systems, mountain ranges, and natural defensive borders. This Empire screamed...survival.

But this Empire existed solely because of a single man and his sword.

Kaelen Verdant Valdenmere. The name that every single mother cooed to their children when warding off something evil. The name that every single citizen was born with the knowledge of.

Born in the fourth millennium of Elven dominance, in a human settlement that had been purged dozens of times by the Elves, he emerged.

He was not a chosen one nor the prophesied one; he was simply a...Human.

An absurdly talented and stubborn human. His cultivation and Spirit Root were impossible by every Elven standard that they had established for human potential.

He was born with the highest tier of Spirit Root. Kaelen Verdant Valdenmere was already a Verth Shaper when he had graced the lands.

Massive libraries and a cultivation tomb had been built in order to store his legacy and knowledge. He was basically a god among mortals.

The Royal Palace of Valdenmere, the Verdant Castle.

It was as huge as any Empire’s castle, no. Humans were naturally extravagant and, in an attempt not to fall behind other races, their castle’s proportions were massive.

Inside the Royal Court, the parties were divided into two major sides. These were the two clans that controlled the entirety of Valdenmere under the Royal family’s influence.

But as powerful as they were, they still bowed their heads in the presence of royalty, specifically the man sitting on the throne.

At the end of the massive courtroom, atop a grand throne, sat a majestic man. His cold gaze pressed down on the present humans.

He was the current king, Aldric Verdant Valdenmere.

Yes, he was the grandson of Kaelen Verdant Valdenmere. The man who had entirely inherited the massive legacy left behind by the godly human.

Today, the royal court was tense for various reasons, and Aldric’s silence didn’t help ease the tension in the room.

His cold blue eyes swept across the members of Clan Ashenveil and Clan Dawnspire, the two hegemons of Valdenmere.

At the very forefront of the warriors of Ashenveil stood Marren Ashenveil. A woman of immense power and authority. Her name wasn’t just famous in the Human Empire; her records and achievements were off the charts. And she was favoured by the throne. Her beauty was classified among the top five most beautiful women in Valdenmere.

On the opposite side of the courtroom stood Seveth Dawnspire, a middle-aged man in his late thirties.

He was quiet, lean, and had a calculating expression on his face. The Dawnspires managed the economy, trades, and businesses in the Empire, alongside having a massive share of the Alchemy Guild in their pockets.

Between the two giants, some minor clan heads stood quietly.

"The summit is approaching in three months, and I want our final delegates decided today."

Aldric spoke, his voice creating a small wave of pressure that pressed on the current practitioners.

Marren took a step forward, "I suggest a military representation, we enter with the large guns. Because last time, I’m sure any other methods we used didn’t grant us equal quotas to those of the beasts and Elves."

Her voice was flat; there was a certain amount of certainty and confidence in it that couldn’t help but make people stare at her in awe.

Hearing this, Aldric had a pondering expression on his face.

On the side, Seveth frowned, "My Lord, the amount of manpower Miss Marren is asking for...is simply wasteful in my opinion. We should just send trained observers and diplomats to negotiate and come out victorious."

"The quotas of the previous—"

"The quotas of the previous summit were less because a fool gave in to a fit of anger and fell for an Elf’s provocation. Every other race is going for resources, treasures, and cultivation materials. The warriors will fight over what comes out of the EverHeart realm, not...this."

Seventh spoke smoothly, earning several nods from the people. Even Aldric stared at him for more than a few seconds.

"Such pretty words, unfortunately. We are the descendants of Lord Kaelen Valdenmere, if someone dares to insult him. Heh."

Marren smirked, but her aura...it was anything but silent. It was suffocating.

Seeing this, Aldric’s eyes shifted. "Calm down, Marren."

Hearing his words, she gradually calmed down. Looking down at them, he slowly stood up.

"Both of you are correct," he said, looking at the two of them simultaneously.

Stepping down from the dais, he folded his hands behind his back.

"We send both of them. Seveth will join the delegation and lead the negotiation, that is intelligence, observation, and documentation. And Marren will provide the security and be the head figure in the summit...beside me."

Marren frowned when she heard this, "Your Majesty, you need not trouble yourself with—"

"My words are final, also. This time’s EverHeart realm will be interesting. Prepare well! We are leaving in three months!"

The moment his voice echoed, both Marren and Seveth hurriedly bowed.

"Long Live His Majesty!"

"Long Live His Majesty!!"

"Long Live His Majesty!!!"

The other clan members slowly left the hall, alongside Marren’s and Seveth’s subordinates. Marren looked at Aldric in confusion, wondering why they were asked to stay back.

But Aldric ignored her, looking at Seveth. He spoke,

"So? What was written in my grandfather’s manuscript you found in a tomb?"

He asked, surprising Marren. She snapped her head towards Seveth.

Seveth sighed when he saw this, but he met the Emperor’s gaze steadily.

"It is confirmed by the Lord Emperor; it has been exactly three thousand five hundred years since the last branch of the EverHeart Tree was found. And according to Supreme Kaelen’s words, this opening will be the one containing the root. I am sure of it."