Supreme Magus novel Chapter 4130

Chapter 4130: Old yet New (Part 1)

"Fighting Verhen right now would just be a waste of time and manpower. Let’s leave him alone unless it’s absolutely necessary and focus on undermining the Dead King’s authority while you grow yours." The Black Throne said.

"I like how you think." Jorl nodded. "Maybe we could also pit them against each other to keep them both in check. I could leak information about missions involving Orpal’s most loyal followers and let Verhen kill them for us."

"I’m glad I didn’t judge you wrong, kid." The Black Throne sounded like a loving grandfather talking to his favorite grandchild. "You have a good head on your shoulders. Let’s do our best to keep it where it is."

***

Jiera continent, ruined city of Tle’ket, a few hours later.

Jorl returned to the headquarters after completing the scouting mission he was supposed to perform near Mirana and coordinating his story with the surviving Upyrs.

The Black Thone had followed them, preparing his best spells on the nearest mana geyser.

’There’s no telling if Verhen has somehow contacted Orpal and forewarned him of my betrayal.’ Jorl thought. ’He should save such news for a critical moment, but maybe he aims for an immediate advantage.

’If Orpal and I fight, the Dead King will lose his strategist and almost a quarter of his army. Moreover, each side of the Upyr’s civil war has a mage tower, and Verhen could sit down and wait until our conflict betrays our position.

’Even worse, the Upyr recruitment campaign would go down the gutter.’

Flying close to his side, Akhton shared none of his worries.

’A mage tower. I’ve met a real mage tower, and we have a working plan to get rid of Orpal.’ He thought. ’Once this is over, I must ask the Black Throne to support me. With his help, unifying Verendi under my banner will be much easier.

’More importantly, if the Black Throne becomes my patron, I won’t have to worry about Jorl turning into a new Dead King. I like Jorl, but I’d rather be safe than sorry. I hope he won’t stand in the way of my dream, but if he does, he’ll find me prepared.’

"Remember what to say and most importantly, what not to say." Jorl slowed down as the ramparts of Tle’ket became visible on the horizon. "Orpal is not as stupid as he looks, and Night is just crazy.

"If either of them sees past our cover story, we need to be prepared to run. We have no chance of victory in a direct confrontation. Orpal would kill us all with Moonlight long before the Black Throne reaches us."

When they landed on the fortress’s keep, they found no guards armed to the teeth waiting for them, and the city’s arrays were powered down.

’There’s no trace of Orpal, but this could still be a trap.’ Jorl thought.

"Generals Jorl and Akhton, you are late." An Upyr elite soldier said, his voice full of spite. "The Dead King has been waiting for your return, and your report is long overdue.

The Storm Griffon recognized Ethral the Redcap, one of Orpal’s loyalists. He was always aggressive toward Jorl, but this time his belligerent tone sounded ominous.

"Where have you been all this time?" The Dead King welcomed the Storm Griffon and the rebel Upyrs in his throne room with a snarl, making them inwardly sigh in relief.

"How could a scout mission take so long, and how could you get half of your team slaughtered?"

"I was just performing my duty, my liege." Jorl gave Orpal a bow, his tone contrite. "It would have returned to your side sooner if only you trusted me."

"What do you mean?" The Dead King’s poker face as he feigned ignorance about the encounter with the Kingdom’s forces was good enough to increase the Storm Griffon’s worries.

"The tail you put after me, my liege." Jorl replied, and he was happy to see Orpal flinch. "He was so focused on escaping our notice that he triggered one of Mirana’s arrays. The city lord caught him and sent a full squadron of mages after us. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify