Chapter 340
"I thought I heard some strange noises and came to see. Where''s the Commander?" Hamund
asked, his demeanor as serene as a gentle breeze.
"The Commander is pondering over his magical treasure, that one from Antis. He must have
discovered something just now, causing a little stir. It''s nothing to worry about," the Elder lied
smoothly.
"And you are here because...?"
Elder Codin, a venerable figure of considerable age and wisdom, noticed Hamund''sck of caution
and chuckled with a carefree air. "I was just nearby when I heard themotion and came running.
The Commander had tasked me with standing guard outside to ensure our meeting remained
undisturbed."
"Your efforts are appreciated," Hamund nodded in thanks, then turned to leave.
"Allow me to escort you, Hamund. I''ve heard that Celesse has reached Novice Mage Stage III
under your tutge—quite the aplishment..."
Suddenly, Hamund raised his hand, and in a sh of cold light, a crimson longsword cleaved
through Elder Codin''s neck. With the ease of slicing through a ripe melon, his actions were decisive
and deadly!
The expression on Elder Codin''s face was still one of a smile, even as his head flew off and
bounced with a thud, rolling into the underbrush. The headless body slumped heavily to the ground,
life extinguished.
Hamund''s face was devoid of emotion as he gripped the crimson longsword, striding into the cave
dwelling.
The Commander was impaled by five chains, his body wrapped around a stone pir, with three
middle-aged Protégés standing guard.
"Hamund? What are you doing here...?" They sprang to their feet, but in the next moment, three
heads soared into the air, bereft of even a moment to resist.
The Commander slowly lifted his head. "Hamund... you''vee,"
"What''s happened here? Why are Lord Viperbane and Tobin present?"
"The Grand Elder has betrayed us, along with many others. They''ve...colluded with Lord Viperbane
and Tobin. Cobalt Strike... is ruined... by my own hand..." The Commander closed his eyes in
agony. The pain of his wounds was nothingpared to the torment in his heart. He was filled with
hatred, regret, and sorrow. “It was my oversight. If only I had known, I would have struck earlier.”
"Is he after the Commander''s position?" Hamund''s face twisted in disgust. To think someone would
stoop so low as to ally with Lord Viperbane and Amber Valley for the sake of power!
"He doesn''t just want the Commander''s position. He wants... the Kings'' eptance..." It was only
now that he understood. The Grand Elder wouldn''t betray them just for the role of Commander, and
if he did, it wouldn''t be now, nor would he side with Lord Viperbane and Amber Valley. There was
only one possibility – he wanted the Kings'' eptance, using Lord Viperbane and Amber Valley for
his own ends.
Now consumed by regret, the Commander also recalled the look in the Grand Elder''s eyes that day
in Antis. Perhaps at that moment, the Grand Elder had made his decision.
The Grand Elder wanted the Kings'' eptance and was willing to forsake everything for it!
"What''s this Kings'' eptance? A secret of Antis?"
"The true secret of Antis is the Kings'' eptance, and it rests with vin. Hamund, promise me
you''ll find vin and get him out! Quickly!"
"vin?" Hamund was taken aback once more.
"Forget about everyone else and me. As long as the Kings'' eptance is out of reach, the Grand
Elder won''t dare to kill me. Protecting vin is crucial. We must not let him fall into their hands."
"I''ll take you with me!" Hamund swung his sword, severing the thick chains.
"Forget about me. Find vin, quick!" The Commander whispered weakly, blood pouring out.
"I don''t understand anything right now. Let''s leave together, and you can exin on the way."
Hamund hastily staunched the Commander''s bleeding and hoisted him up, rushing out of the cave
dwelling. "Wait, are they after vin?"
"They don''t yet know who holds the Kings'' eptance. Lord Viperbane and Tobin might also be in
the dark. They''re off to y the Elder of Botanic Haven now."
"What?" Hamund''s expression shifted slightly.
"It''s toote! It''s already toote." The Commander moaned in pain.
"What do we do now!" Hamund asked urgently, still unclear on the situation.
"Go... find vin..." The Commander murmured twice, then fell unconscious.
This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.
Hamund carried him away from the Sacred Territory, anxious to save the Elder of Botanic Haven.
Yet halfway there, he felt a tremendous surge of energy erupt from the peak of Botanic Haven.
Clouds roiled and surged into the sky, like a raging river between the heavens and the mountaintop,
with a tremendous and awe-inspiring force.
The battle had begun!
Was it toote? Was it truly toote?