Chereads / Conqueror of Worlds: The Wicked Ascendancy / Chapter 20 - Chapter 20: The Gathering Storm

Chapter 20 - Chapter 20: The Gathering Storm

The city of Clavis was in an unparalleled state of prosperity. Streets came alive with magical vibrancy, children played, effortlessly manipulating tendrils of magic, stalls overflowed with enchantments, and houses shimmered under protective charms. However, as the city basked in this newfound magic-infused euphoria, storm clouds of political and military upheavals brewed on the horizon.

A mesh of rumors spread like wildfire, centering around envoys from the Lysandria Empire. Their intent? Unknown. But the anxiety they stirred was palpable. Though Clavis was riding high on its magical economic boom, the potential interference from the empire was an ominous shadow that could not be ignored.

Deep within the grandeur of the palace, Lucius sat in contemplation. The passage of trillions of years had imbued in him a disdain for humanity's fleeting struggles. To him, these power plays and skirmishes were nothing more than a child's game. But they were games that promised the chaos he sought, chaos rich in the essence of souls and blood, the sustenance he craved.

His gaze settled on the territories marked under the Lysandrian Reformation Council on a sprawling map. The three generals, leading this rebellious faction, had not only impressed with their military tactics but were revered for the noble reputation they cultivated among the people. Associating with them would grant Lucius both a formidable force and the façade of a just ruler. Their act of rebellion, their defiance against the empire, was the first note of the symphony of chaos Lucius aimed to conduct.

To achieve this, he envisioned an army unlike any other. The city guards of Clavis already boasted armor crafted from dark ore. This armor, incredibly durable yet not restricting, would now evolve under Lucius's direction. More streamlined, designed for stealth and agility, and at its core, the arcane crystal, a conduit for channeling the souls and blood essence of the fallen to the main crystal, feeding Lucius's insatiable hunger.

Lucius envisioned these troops, each soldier's identity concealed behind a mask helmet, rendering them faceless harbingers of doom. Their visage hidden, they were depersonalized, unified, a single entity under his command.

Army structure:

Division:Size: 10,000 soldiers

Composed of: 2 Brigades

Led by: Division General of middle-stage Mage strength

Brigade:Size: 5,000 soldiers

Composed of: 2 Regiments

Led by: Brigade General of early-stage Mage strength

Regiment:Size: 2,500 soldiers

Composed of: 2 Battalions

Led by: Colonel of late-stage Adept strength

Battalion:Size: 1,250 soldiers

Composed of: 4 Companies

Led by: Major of middle-stage Adept strength

Company:Size: 312 soldiers

Composed of: 5 Platoons

Led by: Captain of early-stage Adept strength

Platoon:Size: 50 soldiers

Composed of: 5 Sections

Led by: Lieutenant of late-stage Initiate strength

Section:Size: 10 soldiers

Led by: Section Sergeant of middle-stage Initiate strength

Specialized healers and engineers would form the backbone, ensuring the army's prolonged efficiency in extended campaigns. With Clavis's vast resources, raising two divisions was within grasp.

Lucius's thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of Commander Veron. The commander's demeanor was one of unwavering commitment, his emotions suppressed, eyes devoid of individual will.

"You summoned me, my Lord?" Veron inquired, kneeling before Lucius.

Lucius, peering down at the commander, replied, "I have a task for you, Veron. You are to lead the restructuring of our forces according to this design," handing him the detailed plans. "Ensure it's done swiftly. The coming days will test the might and resilience of Clavis."

Veron nodded, absorbing the plans. "It shall be done, my Lord. The might of Clavis will be unparalleled."

Lucius leaned closer, his voice a whisper but laden with intensity, "Ensure the soldiers know only part of the truth about the arcane crystal in their armors. Tell them it grants them strength from the defeated. The deeper purpose must remain a secret, known only to us."

Lucius motioned for Veron to come closer. Placing a hand on Veron's forehead, Lucius's eyes glowed an eerie crimson. "I grant you knowledge," Lucius intoned. After a few moments, Lucius removed his hand, and Veron, slightly disoriented, took a step back.

"You now possess the knowledge of burning one's potential to forcefully advance their strength," said Lucius. "Use it wisely and cautiously. We cannot afford to weaken our forces due to reckless acceleration."

Veron's emotionless eyes met Lucius's, "Your wishes will be executed, my Lord."

With that, Veron retreated, leaving Lucius to his contemplations, the weight of trillions of years and the impending storm pressing heavily upon him.