Rosie's Games

Chapter 495  Barrier 2

IDEPES KINGDOM Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Nestled between two vast empires, Edepes Kingdom stood as a haven of its own. For years, Edepes Kingdom maintained its solitary existence, utilizing its isolation as both a sanctuary and a protective barrier against the outside world.

The night air in Edepes held an enchanting stillness, much like the rest of the previous years. The usual chorus of crickets and rustling leaves painted a serene soundscape. However, this serenity was abruptly shattered when the ground beneath its citizens' feet began to tremble.

The first signs of the impending calamity manifested in subtle vibrations that disrupted the once-peaceful surroundings. Then Kingdom's land, which had remained firm for generations, suddenly cracked open.

These fractures zigzagged like scars across the landscape. As the cracks grew wider and deeper, an eerie scarlet light emanated from within, casting an otherworldly glow over the land.

Shadows danced in the unnatural light, and the air seemed to crackle with an unsettling energy, akin to the tension before a storm. Then, like a nightmare brought to life, the large veins of a creature emerged from the gaping cracks.

These serpentine appendages were as thick as tree trunks. They writhed and thrashed as they emerged from the depths. With a malevolent consciousness, they lashed out at anything in their vicinity, striking with a swift and vicious intensity.

The once-tranquil night turned into a chaotic battleground as these monstrous veins attacked the people unfortunate enough to be near.

The calm was shattered, replaced by the sounds of screams and the clash of these abhorrent veins against the brave souls that sought to defend their homes. The land that had always been their steadfast foundation had now become the source of their peril.

And just like that, Edepes Kingdom… fell.

....

SLORYN EMPIRE

Since Korusta declared war against Sloryn, the once-beautiful seaport had been overshadowed by a cloud of troubles. Sloryn, renowned for its vibrant seaport, had faced its fair share of challenges in the past.

However, the trial that unfolded on this particular day was unlike any they had encountered before.

In his quarters, General Alexander meticulously reviewed the reports from the soldiers stationed at Sloryn's borders. Each account detailed the setbacks they had experienced during the minor clashes that had occurred since the war started.

To his frustration, these skirmishes had all ended with Sloryn's forces on the losing side. General Alexander's brow furrowed as he contemplated the reports. The soldiers' narratives depicted a series of puzzling defeats.

The results didn't make sense because Slorynians had more soldiers and a better position.

Something about the situation just didn't add up.

As he continued to pore over the accounts, General Alexander could not shake the nagging question in his mind: How could they have suffered these defeats when they possessed both superior numbers and strategic positioning?

Was it spies? Or… sorcerers?

The reports seemed to be missing a crucial piece of information, and he was determined to uncover the truth behind these inexplicable losses.

"General," a soldier saluted, snapping General Alexander's attention away from the reports. "The Duke wishes to speak with you."

Setting the reports aside in his drawer, Alexander exited his quarters and made his way to the Duke's location. Upon arriving, he greeted the Duke with a respectful nod.

"Your grace. Your presence is unexpected." Alexander observed the Duke, noting the weariness that seemed to have taken a visible toll. The weight of the ongoing war appeared to have aged the Duke prematurely, transforming him into a matter of days.

Alexander felt a pang of empathy for the man who had been a father figure to him.

"I've been informed of the recent losses." the Duke's weathered face bore a somber expression. "What is happening, General? Shouldn't we be prevailing, given our advantages in numbers and familiarity with the terrain? Why are we suffering defeat?"

The Duke didn't mince his words, cutting straight to the heart of the matter. "I suspect spies... It's the only explanation for such significant setbacks!"

The Duke's words resonated with Alexander's own doubts. The inexplicable defeats on the battlefield had fueled suspicions of betrayal within their ranks. It was a painful notion to consider, but Alexander knew he had to address it.

"I share your concerns, your grace," General Alexander replied evenly, his voice carrying a mix of determination and frustration. "There are indeed questions surrounding these losses. We will investigate thoroughly and root out any traitors that may be compromising our efforts."

The Duke's gaze hardened, the weight of leadership evident in his eyes. "See to it that this matter is resolved swiftly, General. We cannot afford further setbacks."

"Consider it done, your grace. I will ensure that the truth comes to light, and those responsible will be brought to justice."General Alexander saluted once again.

With a curt nod, the Duke dismissed him. However, just as he was about to leave, an unexpected tremor jolted the very ground beneath him.

The room quivered, sending objects clattering to the floor and casting an air of disarray.

Startled, Alexander and the Duke steadied themselves against a wall. Their hearts raced as the earth rumbled with a force they had not felt before. The quake seemed to echo the turmoil that had gripped the Sloryn Empire since the war against Korusta had begun.

Alexander expected the quake to immediately vanish, but it took a couple of minutes before it finally subsided. Almost immediately, a distant unease settled over the room.

He glanced around, his thoughts racing between the recent battlefield losses and this unexpected seismic disturbance. "Your grace…" he immediately helped the Duke. "Are you— "

The Duke's eyes met Alexander's, and without a word, they both understood that the events unfolding were more than a mere natural occurrence.

"The very land beneath us is restless," the Duke's voice held a grave weight. "It seems as if the continent itself is responding to the unrest that plagues our empire."

....

A/N: There has been a BIG mistake in the past 3-4 chapters. IT IS NOT SERAPHENA BUT ISADORA. I APOLOGIZE. I sensed that something was wrong while writing it but I could not figure it out. I already made some changes. Thank you.