Lu Ming stood atop his tower, watching his forces multiply day by day. His once small and weak draconic army now stood with formidable strength, having already surpassed the number of 15,000 soldiers. Each of them, with their powerful scales and enhanced abilities, were ready for the coming war.
The Draconic Priest beside him bowed slightly. "Master, the magic barriers are almost ready. These wards will not only strengthen our defenses, but will also increase the strength of our soldiers while they are on the perimeter. However, we must act quickly. The rumors that the elves and dwarves have left to seek dark aid are not unfounded."
Lu Ming nodded, aware of the growing threats. "We cannot allow them to find what they seek. Continue the barriers and strengthen our positions. Every corner of our territory must be guarded and protected."
The Draconic Priest retreated to continue his work, while Lu Ming returned his focus to his strategy. His spies had reported that the enemy army numbered over 30,000 soldiers, an imposing force that could not be taken lightly. It was essential to anticipate their movements.
Meanwhile, in distant lands, the Elven King and the Dwarf King marched with a small retinue to the east, passing through treacherous and hostile terrain. They knew that what they sought was dangerous, but desperation to stop Lu Ming drove them forward. The two kings, though allies, held a palpable tension between them, aware that they were toying with forces that could destroy them if they were not careful.
"This alliance with a dark mage is madness," the Dwarf King muttered, his voice echoing with distrust. "But if it is the only way to defeat that cursed dragon, we have no other choice."
The Elven King nodded silently, though his thoughts were more cautious. He knew the price of this alliance could be high, but he was willing to risk it all. "We must be prepared for anything. This wizard will not help us without demanding something in return."
The trek to the dark wizard's lair was arduous, filled with wild beasts and natural traps that seemed to want to stop their advance. However, they eventually reached their destination, a cavern deep in the heart of the mountains, where darkness reigned and the air felt heavy with ancient and dangerous magic.
The dark wizard appeared before them, a figure shrouded in shadow, his presence radiating fearsome power. "Why do you come to me, kings of distant lands?" His voice echoed with a malice that sent a chill down the warriors' spines.
"We come in search of power," the Elven King declared, his voice firm despite the fear he felt. "We need your help to defeat a common enemy."
The dark wizard smiled, showing sharp teeth that seemed to gleam in the gloom. "My help comes at a price," he said, extending a skeletal hand. "A price that only the truly desperate will be willing to pay."
The Dwarf King frowned. "What is it that you want?"
The dark wizard did not answer immediately, letting silence fill the cavern. When he spoke, his voice was lower, more dangerous. "A relic, an object of great power hidden in your lands. A dwarven jewel, forged in the deepest flames of the mountain. Bring it to me, and you will have my help."
The two kings exchanged tense glances. They knew what relic he was referring to, and they knew, too, that handing it over could have disastrous consequences for their people. However, the need to defeat Lu Ming was pushing them to consider the deal.
The chapter ended with the decision still up in the air, as the kings retreated to discuss their next move. Meanwhile, in his stronghold, Lu Ming sensed something dark looming, a shadow that would soon cover the battlefield, and he prepared to face it with all his power.