"Dammit! Of course, she had everything planned out!" Lapis yelled, slamming his fist on his desk.
"M-My lord, we’ve just gotten word that Amber has reclaimed the Castle and plans to launch a full-scale attack on us within the next few days." One of Lapis’s advisers informed him.
During the last two months, Amber took the initiative and stuck her siblings factions that same night Zion made his proposal. Since her siblings weren’t expecting it, she was able to get the upper hand and have her faction claim most of the territory in Astir.
For the next few weeks, Amber did small raids on their land, pillaging their resources and diminishing their numbers.
But unfortunately for her, Ruby had had enough and launched a surprise attack that forced Amber to go back to the drawing board temporarily.
Seeing his opportunity, Lapis attacked his younger sister, but unfortunately for him, she expected him to attack her, so she set a trap.
A massive Null-Void was placed over the place where Lapis attacked, and since his forces were primarily mages, his men were slaughtered like cattle without even getting the chance to fight back.
Those who surrendered were either forced to pledge their loyalty to Amber or die. Not wanting to die, 90 percent of them pledged their loyalty, and with her new numbers, she launched an attack at the Royal Castle, driving out the Royal army and forcing them under her command.
"What should we do now?" The advisor asked
"How are the preparations going at the magic tower?" Lapis asked
"According to my most recent information, everything is going well, and the device should be ready in three days. Since we lost some mages, Master Julius said he needed some extra time to work and get everything done."
Lapis nodded. "Good. And what about Master Raidon?"
"I have been informed that his breakthrough to the Peak of the Transcendant Stage has been a success. He now needs to take some time to consolidate mana and get used to his new power. He claimed he will be ready once the device is ready as well."
"Great. I’ll go speak to my grandfather to have our plans accelerated.
Ruby was in her own personal training room located in her grandparents’ home. After her minor victory over her sister and her brother’s failed attempt at completely crushing Amber’s forces, she decided to play the long game, waiting for the right moment to strike while building her own forces.
Sweat poured down her face as she swung her sword for the 10,000th time, pushing her body to the limit without the use of mana to enhance her body. Her abs glistened with sweat, and her breath was harsh after working out for hours on end with no breaks.
"Excuse me, Princess Ruby, I’ve come with news." A woman who entered the training room spoke.
She was the new Knight’s Order Master, Epora Ayn.
"Speak," Ruby said while catching her breath.
"The order you put in for the magic-resistant armor has been completed alongside the mass production of runic weapons. We’ve picked them up and are handing them out to everyone as you ordered."
"Good. Anything else?" Ruby asked, wiping off her sweat with a towel.
"Our spies have learned that Prince Beryl and his forces plan to make a move on the Castle soon. We weren’t able to get a date, but we’re still keeping an eye on things. As for Prince Lapis, he is also planning on making a move, but we don’t know what it is. All we know is that he has something major planned and is waiting for some device."
A nearby maid walked over to hand Ruby some water, and after she drank it, she headed toward the door. "We’ll make our move soon as well. Continue to prepare and be ready to move out when ready. I have to speak with my grandfather."
When Ruby arrived at her grandfather’s study, her mother was also there, going over plans with him.
"Ruby, my girl! Come to see grandpa?!" Duke Parth opened his arms for a hug, which Ruby declined, making him sad.
"The armor and weapons are ready," Ruby informed, taking a seat.
"Yes, we are aware. We’re working on our next move right now." Parth said as he focused back on the papers in front of him. "Since the church is planning on attacking the Castle, this would be a good time to flank them."
"But the barrier the Pope places around the church, which has their main forces, is making things difficult." Rayna, Ruby’s mother, finished
"Then we don’t attack them," Ruby said expressionlessly.
"Ruby," Parth chuckled. "That’s not an option. With Amber now having command of the Royal Army, it’s forcing us to move according to what she does. You already saw that the army has stationed its forces everywhere. We’re trapped, and it’s either do or die. The best thing we can do is wait for one of your siblings to attack so we can jump in and wipe them out once they’re weakened."
"How about we attack Duke Ellan Colak’s castle instead? With Beryl’s forces moving in on the castle alongside Lapis’s own, this will leave their main bases unguarded. Since the church has a holy barrier that we can’t break, this leaves us with only the Colak Estate as our target. If we destabilize their base, their forces will fall apart."
What Ruby proposed was a great plan, but there was only one flaw in it.
"I agree with Ruby, Father. This could be our chance."
Parth could only shake his head at his daughter and granddaughter. "Your plan is good, but you’re forgetting one thing. The Duke himself. He won’t leave his home unguarded, and if he’s smart, he’ll stay there himself to protect it. Lapis has a transcendent mage on his side, along with Master Julius, who is a Peak Ascendant mage. He has more than enough firepower to attack the castle."
"Can’t you handle him, Father? You’re a Proficient Transcendent Martial Artist."
"My dear, it’s not that simple. Duke Ellan is a Proficient Transcendent as well."