55 Last preparations

The last month passed fast as the Ash Expanse was slowly entering the atmosphere of war. In the last few days, the three nations didn't care about being exposed and boldly gathered their armies, showing a united front.

The Battle Mage Academy had also noticed this and started making last-second preparation. After all, even if they were stronger than the three nations, these organizations' combined force and resources weren't something to be taken lightly.

Xue Mo and Lu Yao didn't have any thoughts about joining these fights. Xue Mo wanted a war to reap countless resources using the Assassination Academy, but his power was too strong to be wasted here.

Hesroth also knew that and put Dominic in charge. It was time to see if the Assassination Academy were worth spending resources on; if not, then they would make it worth it. Disposing of the trash was a good way.

In Dominic's office sat three people. They were the known higherups of the Assassination Academy, Dominic, Declan, and Sarah. They were discussing how to distribute missions and rewards for the upcoming war.

Following Hesroth's warning, they knew that if they screwed up here, it might be the last days of the Assassination Academy. Currently, Declan was trying to find the best ways to nurture the students and make sure that they survive. Even if they were strong with their Cultivation, the overwhelming power of a higher stage or a gang up of others would kill them.

"So, it was Master Mo who suggested this," Sarah spoke melancholically. "I know that he is doing this to cull the bad seeds and better the good ones, but considering the aptitude of our students, I don't think they would survive."

"You are right, but we won't lose anything; instead, we might get rewarded by the Sect if we give them trained life and death survivors. Their will for Cultivation and power would be greater than before!"

"Sigh, I know that you two." Dominic had a sorrowful look as he clenched his hand. "But we have seen them grow up and taught some of them, yet we have to see them die! Isn't that too much!"

The other two looked down and bit their lips; they knew how Dominic cared for everyone as his family. But it is necessary for the betterment of the Sect. They might even be able to go back to the main Sect if the students did well.

While the three were having a hard time, a knock on the door made them hide their expressions. With a gruff voice, Dominic said, "come in."

Hiari and Myzer entered the room, but this time didn't bow. The elders in front of them were people they respected, but their new positions didn't need them to bow. Even their teacher Sarah, the one who took them under her wing, wouldn't mind after seeing their recent growth.

"Principal, Vice Principal, and Teacher. We came today to request to join the war when it starts!" Myzer spoke, respectively. He still didn't believe that he grew this powerful in such a short period.

Declan and Dominic were surprised, but as if she had already expected this, Sarah looked at her two students and smiled warmly. "You two grew up nicely. Under Master Mo's leadership, you two will accomplish great things."

Hiari and Myzer shook a little, hearing their Teacher's praise, and nodded. They knew with Xue Mo's help. They would soon surpass her and seeing how supportive she was made them happy. Sarah was like a mother to them.

Dominic also didn't mind how these two would make a better situation for the Academy. "Very well. Myzer and Hiari, you two will be notified when a big mission worthy of you comes. Your request to join the war is granted!"

Myzer and Hiari bowed after hearing what Dominic said; although they didn't need to, they did it out of their respect to the three in front of them.

After conversing a little more, they left as the three started adjusting their plans to include Myzer and Hiari in them. Dominic seemed slightly more relaxed now. Not many knew Myzer and Hiari's power, but they saw it, and it impressed them.

Back in Hesroth's place, two beings left the room they had spent a long time in; they were Xue Mo and Lu Yao.

Although they didn't need to nor would they join the war, they wanted to oversee the operation as it was their plan from the first place. Furthermore, Xue Mo wanted to check some people he had his eyes on, such as Myzer, Hiari, Deckim, and another woman he saw Jace's potential.

Lu Yao left the room with vibrant steps; her body was full of vigor after all these months cooped up in the room. Although her strength and knowledge had advanced all this time significantly, she wanted to know just how much it increased.

Before the two left, they got the notification from Infinite Darkness about the modification of the Soul Strengthening technique was completed. After giving it another command and what to focus on, they felt it was time to leave.

Hesroth was in his hut drinking tea with Arch Energy exuding out of it; it must have had an Arch Plant in it. He saw Xue Mo and Lu Yao walking out of the inner chamber and got up to greet them.

"Congratulations on your successful seclusion, Divine one, and Madam Lu Yao!"

Xue Mo nodded his head as Lu Yao jumped on his head to sit. "Where is he?"

Knowing who Lu Yao was talking about, Hesroth clapped his hands twice before a middle-aged man entered the hut. The man was wearing a farmer's clothes and had disheveled black hair. It was surprisingly Nathan, Udanem's previous king, and William's father.

"Hmm, I see." Xue Mo took one look at him and knew what happened. After giving Nathan to Hesroth, the latter took care of him as he extracted all the information they needed.

Nathan was a shell of his former self, but he hadn't lost his mind yet, so Hesroth made him sign an oath that had too many restrictions before making him start Cultivating. Hesroth checked Nathan's potential and found out that the latter had a high talent for Cultivation.

Doing the natural thing, Hesroth provided Nathan with how knowledge on how to Cultivate and put him to work in mining and taking care of his backyard. After all, it was full of Arch and Mana stones, and he was too lazy to mine himself.

Xue Mo knew that Nathan would be a good slave once nurtured well, especially with his already high level and Magic power. So, Xue Mo asked Hesroth to hypnotize him to follow Xue Mo's order and never have thoughts about betraying the Sect.

Although the oath would do that, it was always better to have a willing slave, even if tortured to do that. Xue Mo wanted to see Nathan precisely for that; he wanted to torture him into submission.

Staring at Nathan's eyes with the dragon-like slit, he coldly exclaimed, "we will have fun soon."