Chapter 1308: The King’s Assessment ( 1308 )

Armand Nation.

Gaze City.

Armand Main Military Headquarters.

Garius sat at the main table, his eyes fixed on the portable mana computer, which displayed a live feed of the Elven border gate. The audio feed carried every word of the negotiation between Javier, Mikhail, Gorak, and Jaigar.

Alf sat nearby, while Erinette stood gracefully beside them, pouring drinks into their cups.

Garius exhaled slowly, his expression unreadable.

Alf glanced at him. "Your Majesty? Is something troubling you?"

"No..." Garius rested his cheek on his knuckle, his gaze still locked on the screen. "I’m just watching my youngest son handle his cover mission. I allowed him to plan and execute this mission his way, giving him the freedom to operate as he sees fit. But..."

He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

"The usual Armand way would be swift and efficient. Capture, extract information, eliminate. But Javier is deliberately provoking that man, Gorak. He’s poking at his pride, making him angry, making him hold a grudge. It’s not just about completing the mission. He’s setting something up."

"And that guy." Garius pointed casually at the screen where Jaigar was moving toward the horse-drawn carriage, a smirk playing on his lips. "He just said he plans to kill Javier. Based on the so-called divine weapon he wields, he looks like a close-range fighter, probably using knuckle dusters or something similar."

He chuckled and shook his head. "But judging by the weapon’s glint and the way he carries himself... It looks weaker than the weapons carried by the previous summoned heroes from the Human Nation, the ones Edmund summoned."

Alf smirked, leaning forward slightly. "Your Majesty, do you need me to inform our shadow operatives to handle them? We can intercept them before they even reach the border."

Garius smirked before leaning back in his chair. "No... I also want to see if those three ’goddesses’ blessed heroes are truly strong, or if their power is just a match for those former Human Nation heroes. Or perhaps even weaker."

He rested his elbow on the armrest, his cheek on his knuckle, a cold smirk curling on his lips.

"If their power is weaker than those previous heroes... then all our worry is for nothing. They’re just another group of arrogant fools who think they can challenge Armand."

Garius glanced up at Alf, a cold smirk playing on his lips.

"Perhaps that’s the reason my youngest son is provoking them, especially Gorak. Knowing how cruel and arrogant that man is, Javier is testing him. He’s poking at his pride, trying to see how he reacts under pressure. He’s gathering information on their temperament, their patience, and their weaknesses."

He turned his head and glanced back at the screen, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully.

"You also know, Alf, that my youngest has been fighting those so-called celestial beings, like Gumarak and Edmund himself. He killed all six previous heroes years ago. He has the experience, the knowledge, and the instinct to know who is a real threat and who is just a loudmouth with a fancy weapon. Not to mention his inventions, which have brought Armand to where it is today."

He paused, his smirk widening.

"If he’s provoking them this openly, it means he’s already assessed them and found them lacking. He’s not worried. And neither should we be."

Garius stood up, glancing around at all the Armand personnel and officers who were watching the live Sky Eye feeds on the huge screens, monitoring different locations across the continent. He clasped his hands behind his back and began walking, followed closely by Alf and Erinette.

"The only thing we need is one of them, either Gorak or Jaigar, alive. Just one. That’s all I need to use my Eyes of Truth to extract everything from them. How many heroes were summoned from their continent, their military capabilities, what their true objective is, and what those three so-called goddesses are planning."

He paused, his eyes narrowing.

"They possess weapons that are slightly different from what the Human Nation currently uses. Their cannons and firearm are more advanced, more refined. Not by much, but enough to give them an edge over the current forces of the Human Nation. I want to know where they got that technology, and how much more they have hidden."

They headed out of the room and walked through the hallway, their footsteps echoing against the polished marble floors.

"Erinette?"

"Yes, Your Majesty?" Erinette smiled softly, adjusting her maid dress as she walked gracefully beside him.

"I believe it’s time for you to go and pick up Liana and Gloria from the Elven Nation."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Erinette nodded, her tone calm and composed. "I’ve been waiting for the officers to prepare the mana helicopter. It should be ready shortly."

Garius smiled, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "My youngest son already told me that he brought those two along just so they could meet their parents and enjoy their time, not for the mission."

He glanced at Alf before smirking. "I’m sorry for making you two separate for a few hours, Alf. But knowing Liana and Gloria for so long, they wouldn’t listen to just any officer. They’d protest or try to follow Javier on their own. But with Erinette... they have no choice but to comply."

Alf smiled faintly, shaking his head. "It’s no trouble, Your Majesty. I understand. And with how fast the Armand mana helicopter is compared to land travel, I won’t be separated from my wife for long."

They kept walking toward the outside, heading toward the mana helicopter pad. Soldiers along the path snapped to attention and saluted, while higher-ranking officers followed at a respectful distance.

From a distance, a soft whirring sound grew louder as a female officer approached, stopping in front of Garius. She placed her palm over her left chest and bowed respectfully.

"Your Majesty, the mana helicopter is ready for departure."

Garius turned and glanced at Erinette. "You need to ensure Liana and Gloria board the mana helicopter and return to Armand. Do not give them the chance to protest, even after they learn that Javier is handling the mission alone."

"Understood, Your Majesty." Erinette placed her palm over her left chest and bowed slightly. "I will ensure those two come with me, even if I have to use force."

"Good." Garius then turned toward the female officer. "Tell the pilot not to fly over the main road where Javier will be traveling. I don’t want even a hint of our presence to raise suspicion. Fly with the invisibility setting activated. Ensure the passengers’ safety, and instruct the escort pilot to maintain full vigilance."

"As you command, Your Majesty."

"Mm..." Garius turned and glanced at Erinette, tapping his mana talkie in his ear. "Keep me updated, at least through Alf, so we know the situation at all times."

"As you wish, Your Majesty."

( End Of Chapter )