Return of the Warriors

The week-long hunt had been grueling but immensely rewarding. Lucian and his companions had ventured deep into the forest, facing formidable beasts whose soul crystals would significantly bolster their cultivation. Each battle had been intense, the thrill of combat electrifying their senses as they pushed their limits. By the end of the week, they had amassed a substantial collection of soul crystals, their levels rising even further.

As they approached the palace, their eyes widened in surprise. The grand structure was adorned with vibrant decorations, a sight that filled their hearts with a sense of homecoming. At the entrance, Richard, Marek, and their companions stood in formation, flanked by the ten women from Sera's sect and Lucian's ten female royal guards.

Lucian's eyes sparkled with amusement as he approached his guards. With an evil smile, he sauntered over, his gaze lingering on their enhanced figures. "My, my, you all seem to have grown even more alluring in my absence. Have you been cultivating in secret?" he asked, his voice dripping with flirtation.

The guards blushed but maintained their composure. One of them, stepping closer, unleashed her aura at full capacity, enveloping Lucian in a hypnotic fragrance. "My lord," she purred, "we've indeed grown stronger. Would you like to test our abilities? Perhaps a bath with all ten of us would be a suitable demonstration?" Her voice was sultry, her gaze intense.

Lucian chuckled, his eyes gleaming with desire. "Tempting, very tempting. But for now, we have a feast to attend." He winked at her, enjoying the playful banter.

After a brief rest, Lucian and his companions ventured into the city to speak with the civilians. They were eager to understand how their people had fared during their absence. The conversations were heartfelt, the gratitude of the civilians evident in their eyes.

One elderly man approached Lucian, his hands trembling with emotion. "My lord, the improvements you've made have brought us hope. The new watchtowers are a testament to your dedication to our safety."

Lucian placed a reassuring hand on the man's shoulder. "Thank you. Your safety and prosperity are my highest priorities."

A young woman with her child spoke to Aria, her voice filled with admiration. "Lady Aria, the changes in the kingdom are remarkable. We feel protected and cared for."

Aria smiled warmly, her heart swelling with pride. "We will continue to work hard for you. Your support means everything to us."

After speaking with the civilians, they visited the construction sites of the watchtowers. The structures were nearing completion, and the workers' dedication was palpable.

Lucian addressed the laborers, his voice strong and encouraging. "Your hard work is building a safer future for us all. I am immensely proud of each one of you."

The laborers beamed with pride, their spirits lifted by Lucian's words. They cheered, their voices echoing through the construction site.

Upon returning to the palace, they were led to the grand hall, where a welcome party awaited. The atmosphere was festive, the hall filled with laughter and joy. Leo stood up, a look of determination on his face.

"My friends," Leo began, "it's time for me to return to Luminara. My stay here has been wonderful, but my duties call."

As he prepared to leave with his soldiers, he turned to Lucian. "If you need any more resources or help, just send someone to Luminara." His eyes met Sera's, conveying a silent message. Sera's eyes widened slightly, understanding the depth of his gaze.

This did not go unnoticed by Lucian and the others. They exchanged knowing smiles as Leo departed. They followed him to the kingdom's exit, bidding him farewell before resuming their daily routines.

Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and months into a year. Aldoria thrived under Lucian's rule, the construction of the twenty watchtowers and the bridge finally completed. Peace and prosperity reigned, but Lucian's mind never strayed far from the impending revenge against Elodoria.

On the day of the bridge's opening ceremony, Leo arrived, his excitement palpable. As they gathered, Leo's eyes searched for Sera. When their eyes met, time seemed to stand still for Leo. After a few seconds, he greeted the others, sharing stories of their year apart. They had all reached level 50, their power unmatched.

Lucian and Leo divided their forces, fortifying the bridge with their soldiers. The ceremony concluded successfully, marking a new era of unity and strength.

In the evening, Lucian gathered everyone in the grand hall. His voice was filled with resolve as he spoke. "Now is the time to take back what is ours. With our combined strength, we will overthrow Elodoria and avenge those who have wronged us."

Cheers erupted, their spirits united by a common goal. After the meeting, they retired to their private rooms. Elara, seeking solitude, walked alone in the garden. Suddenly, a shadowy figure appeared before her—the same messenger from her family.

The messenger handed her a letter and two soul crystals. "One of these crystals is a gift from your parents to test your strength. They cannot come themselves due to urgent matters. However, you must return to your family. If you do not, the elders will send others to bring you back, and if Lucian or anyone else tries to stop them, they will be killed on the spot."

The messenger vanished, leaving Elara stunned. She opened the letter, her hands trembling. The message confirmed her fears: she had to return home, or risk endangering Lucian and the others.

Elara felt the ground slip away beneath her feet. The weight of her family's expectations and the threat to Lucian and her friends weighed heavily on her mind.

What will Elara do? Will she return to her family without telling Lucian and the others, or will the elders send their people to forcefully take her back? What will Lucian do? Will he try to stop Elara, or will he fight against those who come for her? Can Elodoria be taken over by Lucian, or will he meet his end without achieving his revenge? The answers to these questions hung in the balance, the future shrouded in uncertainty.