In a dark and quiet room, illuminated only by the soft glow of candles neatly arranged on an antique wooden table, a beautiful woman sat calmly on a velvet black-upholstered chair. Around her, books lay scattered, reflecting the vast knowledge she possessed. Her long, light gray hair flowed softly, contrasting with a large hat adorned with violet flowers and an old ribbon perched gracefully on her head. A layered gown in deep purple and black wrapped her figure, exuding a classic yet authoritative aura, while lace accents and a high collar added a touch of the Victorian era. High boots paired with black stockings completed her look, simple yet elegant, reflecting the dignity of a leader. A small watch hung on her left wrist, adding a subtle sense of mystery.
Lin sat quietly, one hand supporting her chin while the other held a thick book. Her gaze was focused on the open pages, portraying her as a deep thinker.
Knock, knock.
A hesitant knock broke the silence. A maid entered with steady yet respectful steps, her expression neutral but slightly tense. She bowed deeply before Lin and spoke.
"Lady Lin, the Western Kingdom has launched a sudden attack."
Lin slowly lifted her gaze from the book, closing it with one hand without haste. Her gaze remained calm, devoid of excessive emotion, but there was a profound intellectual spark in her eyes. "The details?" she asked briefly but pointedly.
"Four kingdoms have formed an alliance. Their total forces are estimated to be around five million," the maid explained while staying bowed.
Lin paused for a moment, as if digesting the information with calculated precision. Without showing any sign of concern, she rotated her left wrist with a graceful movement. A large, intricately carved frame appeared before her, emitting a soft glow from the magical portal within it.
"Inform everyone to continue their work as usual. No need to panic," she said succinctly but firmly.
"Yes, Lady Lin," the maid replied before leaving the room respectfully.
Lin stepped into the portal with maintained elegance. Emerging, she found herself in the sky among the clouds, standing above a battlefield filled with enemy forces. They were arranged in a large formation resembling a modified phalanx, with mages and healers in the rear, magical sword units on the flanks, and the four kings heavily guarded at the center.
Lin observed the formation calmly, raising an eyebrow slightly, giving the impression she was critiquing something. "A formation like this?" she murmured, her tone almost a whisper. "Too conservative a strategy for a battle of this scale. They're still stuck in ancient tactics without considering modern flexibility."
She folded her arms across her chest as if time were under her control. "If this is the best they can do, I don't even need to think too hard to face them."
Her gaze now shifted to the horizon where the enemy prepared to attack. A faint smile graced her lips, signaling a combination of confidence and strategic intelligence. "Let's see how long they can withstand true calculation."
Lin looked down at the army below her with a composed demeanor, her light gray eyes reflecting the emptiness of the sky. With a graceful gesture, she raised her right hand, summoning a pitch-black staff shaped like a key. At the head of the key, small chains tinkled softly, adding an air of dominance and mystery.
Without a word, Lin pointed the staff toward the enemy forces. In an instant, the sky above the battlefield transformed into a cosmic sea. Magic energy reminiscent of starlit waves crashed onto the ground with immeasurable force, engulfing the enemy formation like sand swept by a storm. Screams and chaos filled the air, leaving destruction totaling 3,300,234 soldiers within seconds.
"Eternal Clock Pendulum," Lin murmured softly but clearly, her voice flowing like a whisper of destiny.
A giant black pendulum appeared above the battlefield, swinging slowly from right to left. Each swing emitted waves of dark energy that silenced the remaining resistance, deepening the ominous atmosphere. Lin watched the scene with an unreadable expression, her eyes narrowing slightly as if in thought.
"I truly wonder. The world I once visited... was not like this," she murmured softly, her tone carrying exhaustion mixed with annoyance. "Is this the work of Le Folle? That girl, with her simple clown makeup whom I met 1,730 years ago... a manipulator who turned this world into a tool for her own purposes?"
Lin lowered her staff slowly. The giant pendulum gradually faded, leaving behind silence accompanied only by the sound of the wind. With an elegant motion, she created another portal and stepped back into her room. Upon arrival, she walked calmly toward the door, her gown swaying lightly with her steps.
When the door opened, a maid awaited outside, bowing respectfully. Lin gave a slight nod before saying, "We will proceed as usual. I don't want to hear unnecessary commotion."
Without looking back, Lin continued down the hallway, leaving the room with an untouchable aura, bringing calm amidst t
he storm she had just created.