Kingdom Building Game: Starting Out With A Million Upgrade Points! - Chapter 57

Chapter 57: A Small Display Of Power
The gusts pushed them backward, their boots skidding against the ground as they fought to maintain their footing. Some fell to one knee, their armor clanking loudly as they struggled to resist the overwhelming force.

“What is this?!” one knight yelled, his voice barely audible over the raging winds.

“This is beyond anything we’ve seen!” another shouted, his shield raised to protect his face from flying debris.

“This isn’t just power… it’s divine wrath!” a third whispered, his trembling hands clutching his weapon like a lifeline.

In all the chaos, Seraphine stood firm, her eyes wide with shock. The reins of Arkanos’s horse were gripped tightly in her hands as the frightened animal neighed loudly, its hooves scraping against the ground in panic.

NEEEEIGH!

The poor beast collapsed, trembling as it lay flat on the ground, unable to withstand the overwhelming pressure.

Even Seraphine, as composed as she was, could feel her heart pounding in her chest.

‘Is this truly my lord’s power?’

She wondered, her mind reeling as she glanced toward Arkanos.

There, in the storm of his own making, Arkanos stood still and calm, his figure barely moving in the chaos. The golden glow of his holy aura swirled around him like a massive, golden flame, flickering with intensity.

The sound of rustling leaves and distant echoes of falling trees finally faded into silence as the light dissipated, leaving a scene of absolute devastation in its wake.

What was even more shocking was… it was absolutely leveled.

Yes, although there were some tree trunks here and there, what they could all see… at least the hundreds of them at the front… was a completely smooth, leveled earth.

Arkanos’s power was not just a display of strength… it was a song of destruction. Each sound, each tremor, was proof of his might, a display of power that left the knights in awestruck silence.

….

Meanwhile, over half an hour ago, right after Arkanos had left the castle in his carriage…

Sylvana approached the palace’s inner gate with a serene smile, her wooden staff slung casually across her back. She wore an emerald green tunic made of flowing, lightweight fabric that shimmered softly in the sunlight.

Patterns resembling vines and blossoms were embroidered in golden thread along the edges of her sleeves and hemline.

Over the tunic, she donned a dark brown leather corset etched with runes of protection, cinched snugly to emphasize her figure.

Her leggings were the color of rich brown, reinforced with bark-like textures at the knees.

A slender belt with small pouches and hanging charms of carved wood and crystal cinched her waist.

Her hair swayed lightly as she strode forward. A faint scent of wild roses and pine followed her, an aura of nature’s purity.

The guards at the gate, clad in polished armor that reflected the sun’s rays, stepped forward, their hands instinctively resting on the hilts of their swords.

“Halt!” one commanded firmly. “Identify yourself and state your purpose at the palace.”

Sylvana’s lips curved into a soft smile as she stopped a respectful distance away. “Calm yourselves, gentlemen,” she said.

“I am Sylvana, the mage the Emperor put in charge of the farming project. I’ve come to relay important news.”

The guards exchanged skeptical glances. One of them raised an eyebrow. “We’ve never heard of any mage working directly under the Emperor. Are you another scholar hoping to gain an appeal for some research?”

“Research?” Sylvana echoed, tilting her head in confusion. “No, I’m not here for any such thing. Nor am I a mere scholar. I am someone of importance to the Emperor. If you doubt me, send word that the hero Sylvana is here to see him.”

The guards frowned, their patience wearing thin. “We don’t have time for rambling,” one snapped. “Move along before we are forced to—”

Before he could finish, Sylvana’s green magical aura flared with intensity. The air seemed to thrum with energy as vines of light spiraled faintly around her body, and an overwhelming sense of power radiated from her. The guards froze, their bravado vanishing as they staggered back, wide-eyed and trembling.

“I have spoken gently and with respect,” Sylvana said, her voice calm yet intense, her glowing emerald eyes locked onto them.

“And I will not tolerate being dismissed after doing so.”

The guards exchanged frantic looks, clearly unnerved, and scrambled to comply. “W-we will send word to the Emperor at once!”

Meanwhile, in the palace courtyard, Lady Sephira stood alongside Arvel, observing the notes he had taken down while walking beside Arkanos earlier.

Suddenly, Arvel stiffened as he heard the guards’ voices echo from the palace gates.

“What’s that commotion?” Arvel asked, his head snapping toward the distant gates.

He squinted, his monocle glinting in the sunlight as he recognized a familiar figure.

“Lady Sephira…” Arvel said hastily, tucking his monocle into his pocket. “Excuse me for a moment.”

He turned and began striding toward the gates. Sephira raised her eyebrow slightly as she asked,

“What’s the matter, Advisor?” she called after him. Her curiosity was piqued as her gaze followed Arvel’s, landing on the figure of a woman standing near the gates in the distance.

“Who is she?” she asked with a touch of suspicion and irritation. For some reason, she assumed in her thoughts this woman had some sort of romantic entanglement, so she began to follow behind Arvel.

Arvel didn’t respond immediately, his pace quickening as he neared the guards. Sylvana, noticing him from afar, waved cheerfully, her magical aura calming.

“Advisor Arvel!” Sylvana called. “It’s good to see you again.”

Arvel reached the gates, his expression a touch of relief and exasperation. He addressed the guards sharply, “Do you realize who this is? This woman is an important guest of the Emperor himself! What are you doing keeping her outside like some common petitioner?”

The guards stammered, their earlier bravado now replaced with nervous apologies. “W-we didn’t realize, Advisor. She didn’t provide the proper credentials, and we—”

“Enough excuses,” Arvel snapped, pointing toward the gates. “Open them immediately.”

The guards hurried to obey, the heavy gates creaking as they swung open. Sylvana smiled serenely, stepping forward.

“I did try to tell them,” she said lightly, a playful note in her voice.

Arvel sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Yes, yes, I can imagine. Please, come inside. The Emperor will no doubt want to hear whatever news you bring.”