Chapter 1320 Looming Threat

Prince Xoler returned to the capital planet drenched in blood.

His right forearm was bitten off. A hideous bite a large chunk of his abdomen. There was a sharp cut near his neck, which could've been really dangerous.

But when the Prince's return got broadcasted in real time, everyone cheered out loud.

The reason was the three beast hands in his hands.

He won.

As a low rank 7, he had to face three creatures of same rank. In fact, they were much closer to mid rank 7 than him and were all significantly stronger.

Yet, he won.

Was it because of the healing treasures he used to save his life not once but twice? Was it because of his armor? Was it because of Zion's racial talent that allowed them to use gravity to escape to a distant place whenever they're in grave danger?

They were all factors but the biggest reason was his will to keep fighting. The victor wasn't decided until the last moment.

Xoler resolved himself to death, if he could just kill the enemy. Because if he didn't, a low rank 7 was more than enough to decimate the entire duchy.

When faced with a threat that could destroy his motherland, the Prince found that he was far more courageous than he ever thought he could be.

"Good thing he left," Varian commented as he watched the absolutely brutal battle between a single man and three mad beasts. "He's way more dangerous than these candidates."

"But what now? Prince Merov might be dead, Princess Sonya is still alive. No matter how much I search, there are no traces of her presence." Across the screen, the fairy Hazel folded her wings and said in a distressed voice.

Varian had a headache dealing with Isadora's sister.

Should he get her killed? What if Isadora wants revenge and desired to kill her sister herself? Capturing her was the best thing but would that even be possible?

Prince Rudolph who only recovered a portion of his strength proved to be a problematic opponent. Sonya at her peak power was just unwinnable for the present him.

"Prince Xoler had made it impossible to lure any rank 4s or rank 5s, forget rank 6s." Hazel complained.

Varian nodded. He shared the frustration.

With his current power, he could end Xoler. The question though, was stepping into that place even safe at this point?

A crazy formation might just activate if he harmed the ruler's bloodline. He didn't know. Jatuar was that crazy.

"How's the search for Jataur coming along?" 

"About that…" Hazel blinked and bit her lip, seemingly hesitant.

"Yes?"

"While I was trying to find his traces, my spies ended up poking a rank 6. He contacted me.

I concealed my appearance, but the man was certain I wasn't the one calling the shots. He wanted to make a deal. He'd send you the hardcore loyalists of the duchy if you promise to deal with them."

"What a cheap bastard," Varian's lips twitched. "That's it? He will send us the enemies and we'll have to deal with them. What's in for us?"

That Zion didn't know about Hortus' specialty. So, this was just a terrible deal for any onlooker.

"He promised a lot of things once he became the ruler," Hazel raised her palm and a holographic document floated in front of Varian.

"Let's see. State Investments, specialized potion recipes, allowing us to use his territory to spy on the region, enslaving and exploiting the population of nearby provinces." Varian shook his head. 

"A grand deal. All the terms are favorable." Hazel said, though her voice didn't quite mean it.

"Yes, a grand deal that 'might' materialize 'after' he becomes a ruler, 'if' he ever does." Varian slapped away the document and it disintegrated into sparkling lights.

"There is news coming that the kingdom will aid the duchy. Some say that Prince Xoler is being overly optimistic. But the public believe him."

At the mention of kingdom, Varian frowned.

The Pala candidates used various treasures to shield off any such distress calls.

But during the 'green star' incident, some powerful communication treasures were used.

Even as he kept fighting the three creatures, Prince Xoler's kept sending messages to people from the kingdom, asking for help.

"What do you think?"

"The kingdom will move fast if they have evidence of Alliance's involvement. If it's one duchy fighting against other, unless things get dire, they prefer to sit back and relax. The Providence Trial provides immunity from superiors, not of peers."

Varian tapped his finger on his chin. "Just in case, I'll close the space cracks."

"Then I'll keep in touch with the rank 4s and above that want to escape Zion." Hazel nodded.

Varian's figure blurred and he quickly moved through the space cracks he opened from the original space channel left by Abyss Emperor. With his space power, he patched them all up.

The only thing that's left was the space portal near the battle fortresses. There wasn't anyone to stop him from destroying it. 

But Varian hesitated.

The kingdom's assistance might not happen right away. Closing the portal now meant he'd lose bunch of rank 5s and rank 6s.

The destruction of portal itself might alert and alarm Princess Sonya. She could break her own rules and ask the kingdom for help. They'd rush here to check the problem, exposing solar system to more problems.

Lastly, Isadora's sister was a factor he couldn't ignore.

He didn't understand why a younger sister would betray an elder sister who loved her so much. If possible, he wanted to find any hidden truths and make it easier for Isadora.

While this happened on this side of the galaxy, Prince Merov who just recovered was having a big debate with his 'master'.

"But why? I haven't done anything yet! Not a single merit! I can't return like this."

"Listen to me, Merov. Baldur is out of competition, right? You can relax and focus on future victories. Don't be fixated on this too much." 

"But why?! You're not telling me something, master!"

"...I sensed the kingdom's forces."