At the top of the mountain, there was tension in the air. Everyone looked very serious. As the darkness of the night descended on the Glouto Mountain range, the atmosphere started to get colder. And the glacier around them had dropped the temperature even further.
The Glouto Mountain range is almost covered in glaciers. Almost all its peaks have glaciers. Some of these glaciers are old as 100,000 or even 200,000 years. With each passing year, the thickness of these glaciers only keeps on increasing.
The water that comes from the melting of the glacier mostly runs through the Echo Dominion Empire before reaching the sea. And other remaining rivers go into the Mystic Spring Empire and the Echo Nexus Empire. Despite having the second-largest mountain range in the northwestern region at its border, the Qeyesha Empire doesn't really get any water from the Glouto Mountain range.
And the Echo Dominion Empire never shared abundant fresh water with the Qeyesha Empire. As the Qeyesha Empire always stood with the enemies of the Echo Dominion Empire and never had any good political relationship.
"Reporting! Our scouts have spotted the enemy troops."
"Good job. Continue with your work."
Receiving a compliment from the commander himself was a big thing for a mere low-rank soldier. The soldier was very happy.
As the soldier walked away, the Commander of the 1,000,000 troops turned to the young Fox woman sitting opposite of him in the tent.
"Amber, what do you think?" Asked the tall blond-haired man named Alexander Dixon. Alexander Dixon has been made the commander of the combined army of the Echo Dominion And the Istarin Empire. Amber has been made the vice commander. The main reason, Alexander was given the position of commander is because of his age and experience. Alexander Dixon led the Echo Dominion Empire's army the last time, they went to war against a foreign empire which was around 67 years ago. It was because of Alexander Dixon, the Echo Dominion Empire was able to win the War within three weeks.
Amber is very young and inexperienced compared to Alexander Dixon. Not only that but also, compared to Amber, Alexander Dixon is more powerful which gave him an edge. Alexander Dixon was one of the best Peak 5th-order mages in the entire Echo Dominion Empire. He was the best fire user in the empire.
Even though Amber didn't become the commander, she wasn't sad about it or anything. She just accepted her position and was doing her job but this Alexander Dixon has been getting on her nerves for a while now. Ever since both of them met along with their Empire's army, Alexander Dixon has been flirting with Amber.
Amber can see that Alexander had a big crush on her. But she wasn't the least bit interested in him. She couldn't even imagine someone like Alexander as a lover. And at this point in her life, she was ready to commit herself to any relationship.
"Let's welcome our enemies with fireworks." Amber was talking about using Cannons to welcome the enemies.
Amber did not look at Alexander. After their first meeting, she always put a distance between them. Amber couldn't reject Alexander's advances when he never made things clear. Other than some hints and passively trying to flirt with her, Alexander never did anything else.
"It will a while before the enemy comes." Alexander took out three cups from his storage ring. He then filled the three cups with a strange light green liquid.
Alexander Dixon pushed one of the cups slightly toward Amber who was sitting to the other side of the table. There was another person sitting Next to Amber but he was so quiet that his presence was almost invisible. He always kept his eyes closed as if he was lost in his own thoughts. Neither Amber nor Alexander Dixon distributed as they knew that he always listened to whatever they discussed. Sometimes, he would even give his opinion on the matter and make suggestions. Other than that, he completely kept himself isolated.
"What is this?" A sweet aroma reached Amber's nose.
"This is a special liquid made from a rare herb known as 'Sun Joy'. The herb can only be found near the Glouto Mountain range. This herb doesn't look anything special. It looks like grass. Anyone can mistake this herb for a simple grass and step on it. This is why these herbs are extremely hard to find. The only time the Sun Joy herb can be distinguished from regular grass is during dawn. At the time of dawn, for a brief period, the entire body plant glows in yellow."
"That's really interesting." Amber replied with an awkward face.
'I only asked what is this? There was no need for such a lengthy answer.' Amber thought in her mind. On the surface, she was listening to everything but inwardly, she was cursing this man. The more she interacted with him, the more she came to dislike him.
"After harvesting the Sun Joy herb, salt is sprayed on the herb and then the herb is stored in a very cold temperature for over 6 months. When 6 months pass, the taste of the herb completely changes. The Sun Joy herb is mainly used for making Sun Joy Juice. Aside from that, the herb is also used by alchemists to make low-ranking healing potions. The Sun Joy juice is very popular, especially in this part of the Empire."
"Drinking this juice would slightly increase the healing speed. Regularly drinking this juice for 6 months can clean the impurities within the body. Though the juice isn't that effective for cultivators who are above 3rd-order. But I still drink this juice as it's very delicious and tasty. You will also become addicted after drinking this juice." Alexander Dixon continued to speak about the Sun Joy herb while holding the glass cup.
'Will he shut up already?' Amber was inwardly losing her mind. Alexander thought that his knowledge would impress Amber but instead, it was doing the opposite. Her impression of Alexander Dixon was only getting worse.
What she would do knowing about a herb that is completely useless for her? In the Istarin Empire, she never really lacks herbs or pills. Having the goddess of alchemy as your best friend makes sure that you never run out of pills or potions.
Alexander Dixon began to enjoy the Sun joy juice. The other person sitting next to Amber also silently drank the juice. But Amber did not even touch the juice. After listening to Alexander Dixon, she already had lost her appetite to drink this juice.
"Amber, why don't you tell me a little about yourself?" Suddenly Alexander asked failing to see that Amber hasn't even touched the drink that he had served to her. Her face was slowly becoming more and more cold with each passing second.
She couldn't wait to get out of this tent. The only reason she was here, is because Alexander Dixon had called them for discussion about the upcoming battle. She came here thinking that they were going to discuss and make plans and strategies. She never thought that this guy would call her here just to flirt with her.
"Not interested." Hearing Amber's cold response, Alexander Dixon felt awkward. He suddenly found himself lost. He didn't know what to do in such a situation. Alexander Dixon never has found himself in such an awkward position in his life. After all, he was very handsome, charming, powerful, and gentle; especially towards the girls. That's why, he always has been able to get the attention of the girls.
But Amber was totally different. She wasn't attracted to him. And her cold response made him realize, that he was over-pushing things. She wasn't the slightest bit interested in him.
'That can mean one thing...She has a crush on someone or She is in love with another man.' Alexander Dixon wanted to Amber. Ever since he saw her, he was in love with her but Amber unfortunately didn't share the same feelings.
With a smile, Alexander took another sip of the Sun Joy juice before looking at Amber. Amber was ignoring Alexander and was looking at the map of the entire Glouto Mountains.
"Amber, why are you so secretive about your personal life? Do you have any crush or any boyfriend or maybe a fiance?"
Amber gave Alexander a frosty glare before responding. "I don't want to speak about my personal life. Let's keep things professional and not bring your personal lives into it. If there is nothing else to discuss, I will take my leave." Saying that Amber left without saying another word.
Seeing this Alexander was left stunned.
A minute after Amber left, Alexander turned to the man who has been sitting next to her and asked.
"Why is she like this?"
"Don't worry. Even though both of us serve the same Master, she and I very rarely interact. But from her reaction, it was clear that she isn't interested in a human like you." Spoke the beginner 5th-order Dragon Warrior who has been sent here along with Amber.
Really Thank you very much to all those who sends support with valuable golden tickets. I hope we can keep it up!!!
