The throne room gleamed under the soft torchlight.Rafael sat upon his throne, his gaze sweeping across the grand hall where hundreds of armored figures knelt before him. In front stood his five Grand Generals — Gabriel, Uriel, Arabella, Alexander, and Vladimir — each radiating a distinct aura of power and loyalty.
Rafael rested his chin on his hand and spoke with calm authority.
"From this day forward, each of you will carry out your duty."
He turned to Uriel first."You will take to the skies. Watch over the lands and report any sign of intrusion or approaching threat. If anyone dares march toward this castle — I want to know immediately."
Uriel bowed gracefully, his wings spreading wide. "Understood, my king."
Rafael's gaze shifted to Arabella."You and your division will head to the Capital. Register the Obsidian Legion under the Vanguard Guild. But only you, your three Arch Mage Generals, and your three hundred mages will be listed. You'll accept missions and earn resources for our castle."
Arabella nodded, her voice steady. "As you command, my king."
Then Rafael turned to Vladimir."You and your vampires will explore the forest. Learn its terrain, locate its resources, and ensure no threat lurks within. Report back regularly."
Vladimir grinned slightly, his crimson eyes glowing faintly. "We shall scour every inch, my king."
Rafael continued, "Alexander, you and your Protectors will guard the castle's entrance. No intruder must set foot here."
"Yes, my king," Alexander answered, pounding his fist against his chest.
"And Gabriel…"Rafael's tone softened slightly. "You and your knights will remain here — guard me and the throne."
Gabriel knelt, lowering his head. "It will be done."
One by one, his subordinates accepted their orders and departed to fulfill their missions. Arabella and her legion soon marched out toward the Capital, their staffs glowing faintly under the moonlight.The spies remained at the castle, awaiting new instructions — after all, they had nothing to trade yet.
Meanwhile, Vladimir gathered his division in the forest.He stood atop a large rock, his crimson cape swaying.
"You've heard our king's command," he said, his voice echoing through the trees. "We explore the forest — every path, every shadow. Leave none unsearched. We shall comply with all our might!"
The vampires shouted in unison before vanishing into the dark woods.
Back at the castle, Rafael leaned back on his throne and sighed."I forgot something… they still need to eat."
He rubbed his temples in frustration. Feeding a thousand soldiers wasn't exactly easy.
"Alexander!" he called.
The Guardian stepped forward and bowed. "Yes, my king?"
"Use your division to build a large farm near the forest. Cut some trees, find a water source, and raise animals for breeding. Do not kill them all — we'll need them to sustain the Legion."
"As you command."
And so, the work began. The sound of construction echoed beyond the castle walls as soldiers cleared land and built pens for livestock. By afternoon, the Obsidian Castle had transformed into a small, bustling fortress.
Meanwhile, in the Capital…
Arabella and her three hundred mages arrived before the city gates, their majestic robes and glowing staves drawing every eye. The guards froze at the sight of the massive procession.
One of them stepped forward nervously. "Wait—three hundred mages? Where did you all come from?"
Arabella's calm gaze met his. "We are here to register our guild — the Obsidian Legion — with the Vanguard."
"A new guild with over three hundred members?" The guard's eyes widened. "That's insane… how did you even gather so many?"
But before he could ask more, the sun had already set, and the gates were about to close."Fine," the guard said with a sigh. "Come in before night falls. The Vanguard Hall is straight down this road."
"Thank you," Arabella replied softly.
As her group entered the Capital, people whispered among themselves as they passed.
"Where did they come from?""I've never seen robes like those…""Are they from the Demon Army?""So scary…"
But Arabella ignored the murmurs. With graceful composure, she and her generals walked straight toward the Vanguard Headquarters.
Once there, she turned to her army."The three hundred of you will stay outside. Only my generals will come with me."
They obeyed instantly. Inside, the bustling hall grew quiet as other guild members noticed the newcomers. Eyes followed them — curious, cautious, even fearful.
Arabella walked calmly to the counter.
"Excuse me," she said. "We'd like to register our guild under the Vanguard."
The receptionist blinked, momentarily stunned by Arabella's presence. "O-of course… may I have your details?"
She handed over a parchment. Arabella filled it out quickly, listing Obsidian Legion – 304 members.
The receptionist froze. "Three… hundred? Are you serious?"She looked up again, but Arabella's expression told her it wasn't a joke.
"Then… please proceed with the examination process," the receptionist said nervously.
Arabella nodded to her generals. "You first."
One by one, her Arch Mage Generals stepped forward to be scanned.The crystal orb flared with intense light each time.
"Magic Power: 3,086. Mana: 12,000."
Gasps filled the room.
"That's… Grand Master level!"
The examination was repeated twice more, and each result was just as powerful.The crowd started to whisper frantically.
Then it was Arabella's turn.
When the orb scanned her, it exploded in brilliant light that flooded the entire hall.
"Magic Power: 7,864. Mana: 24,603."
The receptionist stood frozen, her hands trembling."She—she can one-shot an Arch Demon…"
And then she noticed the skill list.
Skill: Tempest Domain.Changes the weather to a storm and controls thunder, fire, and wind.
The receptionist nearly dropped her quill."That's an… Absolute-tier ability!"
The entire hall fell silent.Someone whispered, "That's the second Absolute in the country… after Lyra."
The news would surely spread by morning.
After the registration, the receptionist leaned forward. "Miss Arabella… with your strength, you could join the Ascendant League. It's above the Vanguard — seven Grand Masters and one Absolute lead it. They oversee every guild and prevent wars between factions."
Arabella shook her head firmly."My master ordered me to earn through the Vanguard. I have no interest in higher leagues."
The receptionist hesitated, then nodded respectfully. "Understood."
Arabella and her generals left the hall, walking into the quiet streets of the Capital.They had no money for an inn, so they settled in a peaceful, empty corner of the city, resting beneath the glowing lanterns.
As the night deepened, thunder rumbled faintly in the distance — a quiet reminder of the power she held.