Damn, I Have to Marry the Strongest Antagonist at the Start? - Chapter 314

Chapter 314: Chapter311-Academy City’s Past
“Now, the remaining factions, you may leave!”

As Owen’s icy words fell, the previously restless assembly of factions fell into absolute silence.

It was too sudden.

Some hadn’t even spoken, and yet Owen’s meeting seemed to be over already?

Before anyone could protest, a powerful, terrifying aura surged from Owen, forcing those who had intended to step forward back, one step at a time.

As Owen exerted his aura, the leaders of the factions who had pledged loyalty stood by his side, glaring at the remaining factions.

In that moment, a suffocating pressure filled the hall like a mountain, compelling everyone to hold their tongues.

Owen’s ruthlessness was well-known; if they lingered, he might truly take action.

His influence had become far more formidable than they had anticipated.

If they dared to oppose him now, it would be a death wish.

“Mr. Owen, if you need further support, the Alchemist Guild is more than willing to serve!”

“Our Hunter’s Association would also gladly lend its services!”

“The Sun Cult is at your service as well!”

Though they knew Owen had chosen his allies, they left a final word, hoping for consideration, before they departed, disappointed.

Before arriving, they’d thought of themselves as powerful factions, accustomed to authority and reverence in their regions.

They had assumed that, given their status, Owen would treat them with deference and, at the very least, negotiate.

Yet, here they were, treated as mere options at his discretion, dismissed with no ceremony at all!

It was outright humiliation—one they had never experienced.

However, considering Owen’s power and influence, they could only swallow their anger.

They now realized that Owen, while appearing as a god-tier mage, was effectively one of the most elite figures across the continent and Middle Earth.

After seeing the factions depart, those who had joined Owen—like the Black Iron Dwarves—looked at him, feeling both excitement and gratitude.

Being selected to remain meant becoming part of Owen’s inner circle, giving them a solid chance to survive the impending Millennial Cataclysm.

Seeing their relief, Owen spoke, “First of all, welcome to Azure Kingdom.

As long as you follow Leslie’s and my commands, I assure you that your power will multiply several times over!”

“When we advance on The Celestial’s territories in the Four Sacred Realms, this realm will echo with our names!”

Owen’s voice grew louder, filled with conviction. Recognizing the great potential in each faction, he painted a grand vision for them.

Hearing such promises, the leaders’ eyes gleamed with newfound anticipation.

If anyone else had made such claims—to elevate their power, influence, and even conquer the Four Sacred Realms—they would never have believed it.

But Owen’s life was full of legendary achievements, repeatedly accomplishing the seemingly impossible.

They were convinced that, under Owen’s leadership, they could indeed reach these lofty goals.

Their decision to join the Azure Kingdom, seen as disloyal to their forebears, was instead one that would bring them honor and secure their legacy.

As Owen stoked their fervor, Leslie swept her gaze across them, issuing a stern reminder: “I’ll reiterate: everything hinges on your complete obedience to Owen and me. If you plan to leave after the cataclysm, then don’t bother joining at all!”

“My hand will show no mercy to anyone,” she added coldly.

Her voice, clear and unforgiving, washed over them like icy water.

Immediately, their expressions sobered, and a greater sense of respect filled their eyes.

Owen seemed decisive and ruthless, but Leslie felt like a machine of relentless carnage. To her, outside of Owen, others were as insignificant as grass.

Killing them would stir no more emotion than killing animals.

“Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empress!” The factions knelt, placing their right hands over their hearts in a renewed pledge of loyalty.

Those closest to Owen, like Edward, exchanged glances, marveling at how perfectly Owen and Leslie played their roles in tandem.

Owen rallied them with optimism, while Leslie reinforced order. Together, they formed a seamless duo.

“Go back and make your preparations. Move your people here as quickly as possible. Azure Kingdom has abundant mana and resources that will aid in your cultivation and research,” Owen instructed.

The factions departed to begin the monumental task of relocating their people and families to the Azure Kingdom.

With the Millennial Cataclysm approaching, they needed to act swiftly.

Once they were gone, Leslie turned to Owen, curiosity in her gaze. “Why was Academy City so quick to join Azure Kingdom? From what I know, they’re ancient and pride themselves on neutrality, avoiding any alliances.”

Academy City’s decision to join had surprised even Leslie, despite her extensive information network and understanding of each faction’s history.

Owen chuckled. “Of course, it’s my personal charm.”

Leslie rolled her eyes. “Alright, your charm, sure.”

Smiling, Owen finally answered seriously, “Academy City agreed to my invitation because it was founded to oppose The Celestial. They’ve only been biding their time. Now, they believe the time is right.”

“The right time? Because of you?” Leslie asked, contemplating.

“Not just me,” he replied, gazing at her intently.

According to the storyline in the original anime, Academy City would be drawn into this conflict because Leslie’s actions stirred the entire realm.

However, due to Owen’s presence and the butterfly effect of his actions, some events had shifted, but the overall direction hadn’t.

Though Leslie hadn’t yet unleashed her fury, Owen and Leslie together still represented a beacon of hope to Academy City.

To Leslie, however, his words took on a different meaning. She grinned, “So, Academy City joining us is partially my accomplishment?”

“Naturally. I’ve always believed that as long as we’re united, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.”

“You trust me that much?”

Owen didn’t reply with words; instead, he leaned in and kissed her.

Madelyn and the others in the hall, watching this unexpected display of affection, were speechless. Moments ago, they had been immersed in serious discussions, and now…?

After the kiss, both Owen and Leslie blushed slightly, the air between them thick with warmth. Yet they kept it brief, not going any further.

Once composed, Owen explained to Leslie Academy City’s backstory: it had once been one of the main powers in the Four Sacred Realms but was driven out by The Celestial in a bloody purge.

Hearing this, Leslie nodded, feeling even more confident about their upcoming plans against the Four Sacred Realms.