Chapter 377
As Stormcast surged with change, within a mere three days, tens of thousands of mighty beings converged on the wilderness outside the city. A sea of figures, stretching as far as the eye could see, hailed from different lands and factions. Among them were Novice Mages and even Master Mages, some purely spectators, others with specific purposes. It was a gathering of grand scale, and all eyes were fixed on the ancient city's turbulent events.
The Commanders of the five great Organizations-the Hidden Essence, the Skyborne Rivers, the Earthbound Spirits, the Starlit Echoes, and the Stellar Precepts-graced the gathering with their presence. Lords such as Falconcrest, Mountguard, Warbringer, and Skyveil arrived in quick succession.
This unprecedented assembly reminded many of the allure of the Kings' Acceptance and provided a feast for the eyes of onlookers. There was a rare assembly of Archmages, among which renowned figures such as Viperbane and Falconcrest were present. These mighty rulers of the Northlands, seldom seen, graced the gathering with their full presence. Many renowned chieftains and household leaders from the Northlands also made their appearances, causing quite a stir.
The Kings' Acceptance drew much attention because many had deciphered powerful secret magic from relics obtained from Atlantis. They had heard tales of guardian spirits that could withstand a direct confrontation with the likes of Lord Viperbane, hinting at the terrifying might of the ancient "kings" and the tantalizing secrets of the Kings' Acceptance.
With hopes and dreams, many believed that chaos breeds opportunity, and so they mingled within the crowd, each with their own agenda.
Elders and Protégés from Cobalt Strike burst forth from the dense woodlands, arriving at the wilderness. Given the situation, they stayed at a distance, not daring to approach the ancient city too closely. From afar, the eight Commanders, five Lords, and their powerful followers, including twenty Archmages, floated high in the sky. Their energies churned like a vast ocean, warping the very fabric of space. Their presences varied-some majestic, some wild, some solemn, and some grim-each with their own unique flair.
The energy of the land within a hundred miles was thrown into disarray, drawn ceaselessly toward the vicinity of Stormcast.
The sky darkened, and clouds gathered thickly, obscuring the heavens with thunder roaring and bright flashes within. On the wilderness below, fierce winds howled, and water seemed to twist in the air while the earth itself undulated irregularly, all due to the excess accumulation of elemental energies.
Tens of thousands of strong beings kept their distance, none daring to approach. They watched the skies with reverence, wary of the divine-like warriors.
As the Commanders of the Organizations and the Lords arrived, the opposing factions began to take shape amidst the chaotic disputes and confrontations.
Lords such as Warbringer were irate at Lord Viperbane's interference in the Eight Orders' affairs, but after seeing him bloodied by Jarad's blows, they grudgingly joined forces with him, forming the most formidable power bloc.
On the side of Stormcast, there gathered the Bloodlore Commander Jarad, the Earthbound Spirits Commander Banneth, the Starlit Echoes Commander and friend of Kashann, and the Floral Enchantress Commander.
The Earthbound Spirits Commander Banneth, known for his straightforward nature, chastised Lord Viperbane and the Grand Elder upon arrival. As the third-ranked power of the Eight Orders, and with a fiery temper, he nearly came to blows. It was this that forced the likes of Lord Warbringer to reluctantly stand by Lord Viperbane's side. They couldn't just stand by and watch Lord Viperbane be torn apart by the Earthbound Spirits Commander and the Bloodlore Commander, could they?
The Stellar Precepts Commander, the Hidden Essence Commander, and the Skyborne Rivers Commander remained ambiguous but seemed to covet the secrets of the Kings' Acceptance. They repeatedly demanded Alavin's presence to further clarify the mysteries of the Kings' Acceptance.
The Floral Enchantress Commander had made her stance clear; she would only defend and not intervene, meaning if the situation spiraled out of control, she might be the first to withdraw.
And so...
Three major camps formed around the outskirts of Stormcast, both sides coveting the secrets Alavin held within the ancient city, with Jarad and his allies under immense pressure.