24. War College

In Valoran, any potential conflicts between countries were prevented by the intervention of the War College. To resolve disputes, Summoner's Rift and Twisted Jungle were created. Summoners from each country could summon heroes to fight in offensive and defensive battles, with the winner determining the outcome. These rules ensured peace in Valoran.

The War College taught the "Code of Blades" to train warriors and mages. When a duel occurred on Summoner's Rift, these warriors and mages provided power to the Crystal Nexus, creating a line of troops. However, Aurelius saw the Crystal Nexus's ability to create an endless army as a war machine with unlimited potential. The troops were simply puppets controlled by the crystal nexus, and the soldiers controlling them were not truly dead. After a brief rest, they could rejoin the battle with renewed vigor. This was attractive to ambitious individuals.

Aurelius, belonging to the magical world, did not feel a strong sense of belonging to it. He knew that the magical world would eventually be exposed, regardless of any confidentiality laws. Both Grindelwald and Aurelius, as time travelers, were aware of this fate. The question arose: could Aurelius hide if the magical world was exposed, given his destiny? Perhaps, but he still needed a Plan B.

These children were his Plan B. Aurelius needed followers, especially until he gained the power to suppress the world. He needed manpower. The question was, where would these followers come from? The magical world had a limited number of people, but there were many thieves. If he wanted to recruit ordinary people, he would have to establish a country and follow the rules of the game, but that was not what Aurelius desired. For now, Aurelius planned to observe and wait for changes. He intended to teach the "Code of Blades" to the children in these orphanages, although not the entire church.

Aurelius did not expect that hundreds of children in this small orphanage would bring forth heroes. It was not because Aurelius was overly proud or looked down on these children. In Valoran, despite the "Code of Blades" being a required course for every War College student, no hero had ever been born, as the inheritance had told him. Not a single one. The life-long efforts of dozens of heroes in the Code of Blades can theoretically be regarded as an inheritance. However, it is unfortunate that no student from the War College has become a hero through the Code of Blades for many years.

In Valoran, all the elites can only work as soldiers in Summoner's Rift. Aurelius, who directly accepted the inheritance, did not believe he could become a hero. So why did he open this small orphanage in Salem? Can talents emerge in large numbers?

What if this is Arkham?

It is not feasible to expect to cultivate heroes by oneself, at least not now. Instead of trying to cultivate heroes, it is better to focus on training troops.

He needs a group of capable fighters, but he also wants to avoid being betrayed, so he must have the ability to control these followers.

He does not like to use methods like those of Grindelwald or Voldemort, nor does he like to force anyone.

The Crystal Nexus system in Summoner's Rift is a good idea.

He wants these children to become sources of power and control the soldiers in the military line. These children themselves have no fighting ability and are not dangerous.

He firmly holds the most critical crystal hub.

Those who are willing to serve him will gain the right to use power, while those who are unwilling to serve will lose their power and gain freedom.

Fair enough, right?

The War College only sees the Crystal Hub as cannon fodder in the canyon, but Aurelius believes it has huge potential.

It will not cause actual casualties and can provide a steady stream of combat power. The most important thing is that it is easy to control!

How could he not pay attention to such a war machine?

The problem is that the inherited crystal hub is not enough. Whether it is melee soldiers, long-range soldiers, or even artillery vehicles and super soldiers, their combat effectiveness is unsatisfactory.

If you follow the inheritance exactly, it's just cannon fodder.

The War College does not pay much attention to upgrading and transforming the Crystal Nexus minions. Maybe there are summoner skills like [Promotion] and equipment like the Banner of Command?

If Aurelius wants to use them, he must upgrade them.

This matter is not easy to articulate, but it is not difficult either.

But you can be sure that it will be sufficient in the short term.

He does not even have space for crystal hubs and summoning crystals.

These are just fleeting inspirations from Aurelius, and more plans will be made slowly.

In the past few days, his attention has been focused on Obscurus. Despite his contract, Obscurus seemed to have gained unprecedented power, but as a summoner, he had missed many classes.

Aurelius's training as a summoner was just beginning, so he couldn't dismiss Obscurus's tyranny as that of a rookie. In the War College, summoners are required to learn the "Code of Blades" because they summon heroes who are either warriors or mages to fight. It is important to note that warriors and mages represent different damage types—warriors inflict physical damage, while mages inflict magic damage. The distinction between melee and long-range combat is not so simple.

Obscurus possessed boundless potential, but Aurelius hadn't yet decided which path he wanted to pursue for cultivation. This decision would have a profound impact on his entire life, so Aurelius needed to be cautious. Regardless of his choice, he had to learn the "Code of Blades."

"I feel like my energy has significantly improved since signing the contract. Even after running around all night, I don't feel sleepy at all," Aurelius remarked, feeling great.

This was approximately 80% of the normal physical capability for a wizard who hadn't been affected by Obscurus. In his lineage, Aurelius hadn't discovered any physical enhancements that a summoner would typically gain.

Hiss...

"Wow! Look at that enormous snake flying in the sky!"

Aurelius quickly glanced upwards.

A gigantic snake resembling a dragon flew across the sky at a high speed, causing its wings to create a Category 5 wind as they flapped suddenly!

A bird snake?!

Aurelius blinked in surprise. Why was it flying here?

He didn't want the entire orphanage to be demolished.

However, upon closer examination, Aurelius sensed that something was amiss.

The behavior of this bird snake was not that of a creature in panic or pursuing in anger.

Observing as it twisted itself into a knot, Aurelius immediately realized that it was engaged in a fight.

And it seemed to understand that it was at a losing end. It desperately attempted to break free from the entanglement but to no avail...