?Outside the secret realm, two years later, at the western border of Kingdom Escalante, Ratric's body floated above the border.
The old man's white hair swirled gently as he observed the bloody battle unfolding on the other side of the tall and sturdy border.
Countless individuals adorned in pale golden armor were locked in a fierce battle with various types of monsters. But it wasn't just them, many people in regular clothes were also fighting.
A faint chuckle echoed in the air as Duke Evan thrust his spear into a green six-eyed snake. He raised his head, breathing heavily, and looked at the man fighting beside him.
"Valenza, I think I won! I killed the ninth (S)-Rank monster!"
Duke Valenza stabbed his axe into the ground, causing a vast area in front of him to shatter into pieces. The monsters cried out, but instead of retreating, they attacked the border with even more ferocity. His forehead was drenched in sweat as he stared back at the man, both amazed and concerned by his audacious actions in such a dangerous situation.
"Hey, seriously, how do you even have the energy to talk after fighting for three days straight? Haaa..."
A sharp cry pierced the air behind the duo, indicating yet another death, but they simply closed their eyes and continued the battle.
Ratric's eyes gleamed with a brilliant light as he gestured toward the countless mages standing in rows above the border.
In an instant, the air crackled and a barrage of spells rained down upon the monsters, creating a massive wave of destruction within seconds. Yet, it seemed like the monsters were never-ending, continuously pouring out from the dense trees opposite the border.
After a minute, the distant trees quivered, and two enormous black leopards leaped out from the forest. Their eyes glowed ominously as they surveyed their surroundings, crushing the ground beneath their mighty paws.
Evan and Valenza's eyes widened. They were exhausted but now two more formidable monsters had emerged from the dark forest. Nevertheless, they brandished their weapons, charged forward, and launched an attack on the leopards before the monsters could approach the border.
Ratric's eyes narrowed as he swiftly vanished from his position and reappeared before the duo.
"Let me handle this."
With a wave of his hand, a massive layer of earth surged from the ground, crashing into the leopards and sending them hurtling backward.
Duke Evan tightened his grip on his weapon, wiping the sweat from his forehead as he looked at the man who had been his rival for as long as he could remember.
"How much longer can you keep going?"
Duke Valenza chuckled.
"Until I can still stand."
Without any further words, the duo resumed their fight. They knew that if they faltered, the countless weak citizens behind the border would be the next target of the relentless monsters.
After defeating the leopards, Ratric hurriedly retrieved a communication crystal from his storage ring. A familiar face appeared in the crystal as George delivered another piece of bad news.
"The northern border is under attack as well. The monsters seem to be endless. Kingdom Whiteland has sent reinforcements, and the academies have dispatched their elders and strong students. But if this continues, I don't think we can hold out for more than a week."
George clenched his teeth.
"When will the reinforcements from the West and Central Continent arrive? When we're already dead?"
Ratric's expression turned grim as he rubbed his temples and shook his head.
"I reached out to the King. Like us, he's also waiting for a response. But neither continent has sent the elite forces they promised before we sent the kids into the ancient realm."
He let out a sigh.
"I thought we had at least six to eight years. Who would have thought the Monster Lords would attack before the estimated time? This is just the initial monster wave. So, I believe we can hold them off for a while."
George nodded, knowing they had no choice but to fight until the end. He had even gathered all the remaining kids from the Royal Academy who were willing to fight for their Kingdom.
"Also..."
"What is it?"
Ratric's brow furrowed as he sensed hesitation in George's voice.
"I just received news from Kingdom Tersia. They have three borders with the dark forest, and with reinforcements from Kingdom Hoekan and Kingdom Loringnad, they were able to control the monster wave easily. But suddenly, the dark mage Ziner attacked one of their borders."
Ratric's eyes narrowed with anger.
"That bastard! Does he have a death wish? Why is he attacking when the East Continent is already in such a dire situation!"
George's expression turned grim as he informed the old man about the destruction of one of Kingdom tersia's borders. Also, for some unknown reason, the dark mage had reached the (SSS)-Rank.
Ratric took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the situation. They were already dealing with two Monster Lords, and now the dark mage was causing trouble!
He closed the communication crystal with frustration and unleashed his anger on the monsters.
"If only I could leave, I would definitely put that bastard in his place."
....
At the same time, inside a lavish study room, King Cedric let out a frustrated shout at his first son, Casper.
"No news again? It seems like the Central and West Continent have no intention of helping us!"
He grabbed his weapon and armor, prepared to head to the nearest border.
Casper sighed and hurriedly took the weapon from his father's hand.
"I'll go to the border. As the crown prince, it's my duty. The initial wave can be handled by Ratric and the others. You need to focus on reaching the next rank. It'll give us a better chance of survival."
The King massaged his temples and sank into his chair. He had been on the verge of a breakthrough for some time now. The violent mana coursing through his body was a small price to pay for protecting his kingdom.
He gazed at his older son, who had been training under his trusted aide. Only recently had he discovered that Casper had achieved a very strong rank.
"First Carcel, and now you too. Both of you certainly know how to surprise me."
Casper's smile faded as he thought about the place where his brother was.
"Hmm, Father, when is the realm gate opening? Everyone strong in our kingdom is occupied. Who will be there to protect the survivors?"
Cedric let out a tired sigh.
"Elder Han has been held back in the Central Continent due to his disciple, the one with the legendary beast. He had to pay a hefty sum to leave, but because he was reluctant to part with his wealth, King Istalian forced him to guide the realm gate with the other Array masters."
"He recently contacted me and said that he saw some movements in the air. Maybe the gate will open in two or three weeks."
Casper nodded with concerned eyes.
"I just hope Carcel is safe. He would have grown into a remarkable young man."
King Cedric's smile was bittersweet.
"Indeed. Once he returns, I will properly discipline him for always doing as he pleases."
However, deep down, both of them knew that Carcel's chances of returning alive were slim.
