Sovereign of the Ashes

After the experiment concluded, Sein’s laboratory was in disarray, yet he remained unfazed. His gaze followed the path Reina had taken in her escape, murmuring softly, “I can’t believe she managed to free herself after such a high dose of a body-weakening potion and being secured with a magic alloy restraint strong enough to hold an adult dragon...”

In that moment, a flame ignited in Sein’s eyes.

This was the state of a truth seeker upon discovering a profound truth.

Countless insights and revelations now flashed through his mind.

This was the way for mages to grow stronger!

One might have expected Sein’s progress to slow after his advancement to Rank Two; at the very least, he should have taken time to consolidate his newfound power.

Yet, the continual emergence of research topics and the unraveling of truths propelled him onto a path of rapid growth!

***

Sein was on the cusp of entering a phase of high-speed growth and intensive research when an unexpected interruption halted his plans before they could even begin.

This was neither the tranquil Magus World nor the Divine Tower of Verdant Spring, where experimental materials were readily available.

Having just organized his laboratory and gathered some experimental materials and equipment, Sein received news from the command center—in one month, he would be deployed on a combat mission to the east.

“Has it been almost half a year already?” Sein mused, reflecting on the time that had passed.

Since the fortress defense battle, he had been granted a six-month respite by the command center.

Now, five months into this period, he was due to join the main force on the new battlefield east of the Thunder Plains next month.

With only a month left before returning to combat, Sein knew he could not continue his experiments.

His priorities were clear—preparation for war was paramount, as survival was the foundation of all pursuits.

After all, the dead could not unravel the mysteries of truth.

In the final month, Sein focused on meditating to improve his focus, regaining his strength, crafting potions, and preparing his alchemy items.

He reconnected with Gould and other knights he got along with, only to find they had received the same orders.

Maintaining strong relationships with these knights was crucial for ensuring a smoother experience on the battlefield of Thunderfall World.

Sein also crafted several recovery potions for them, charging a fee, of course.

This gesture earned him the favor of many Rank One and Rank Two knights.

Gould and the others had heard rumors about Sein and Reina, but they mostly joked about them without taking anything seriously.

In the space fortress, most of the knights did not take such gossip seriously; they were more likely just killing time, engaging in idle banter amidst the pressures of interplanar war.

Moreover, they harbored no real animosity toward Reina.

Although Reina had beaten up many knights within the Order of the Steel Fist, it was merely over verbal disputes because she was sensitive about her appearance and particularly disliked being called fat.

Despite not being particularly popular off the battlefield, Reina was highly sought after by all the knights during combat.

Almost every Rank One and Rank Two Knight was eager to team up with her for missions.

With such a formidable ally, their chances of survival and safety significantly increased.

The knights also gradually learned to steer clear of sensitive topics like weight and appearance around Reina.

Despite her imposing figure, she was actually quite nice.

At least, in times of crisis, Reina proved herself a steadfast ally, always ready to aid a comrade.

In essence, Reina was a dependable knight.

The private comments and light-hearted teasing from her fellow knights were playful remarks, not personal attacks.

***

Three days before the end of his recuperation period, Sein met with Natalya and Reina.

It seemed that a certain Sky Knight had influenced their assignment—they were not only assigned to the same area for their next combat mission but were also placed on the same team.

Upon seeing Sein again, Reina appeared rather nervous.

It seemed that without significant persuasion, she would be unlikely to agree to assist Sein with his body tempering experiments again in the near future.

At this moment, Reina was clad in heavy brass-colored armor, with her octagonal hammer slung across her back.

Beside her, Natalya wore crimson armor, her black heavy sword hanging at her waist.

Unlike others, Natalya seemed unaffected by the scandal surrounding Sein and Reina, being more familiar with the actual circumstances.

Natalya had recently fought with her mother, Sia, due to an ill-conceived suggestion from the latter.

If not for her mother’s poor advice, Natalya would never have agreed to let Reina help Sein in his experiment, further damaging her already tarnished reputation within the Order of the Steel Fist.

“Our next combat mission will take us to the Thunder Mountain Range to subdue its various inhabitants, including the Giant Thunder Lizards. We must eliminate all Garths capable of combat, while attempting to capture and recruit other Thunder Creatures, as per the command center’s directives,” Natalya briefed.

This mission was a collaboration involving five Land Knights, one Rank Two mage, and nearly a hundred Rank One knights.

Additionally, the team was charged with the oversight of seven thousand enslaved creatures.

Reina was undoubtedly the strongest member of their group but since the mission had been assigned by Natalya’s father, Natalya held nominal leadership.

Despite this, given Sein’s status as the only Rank Two mage, most knights tended to heed his counsel.

In the annals of Magus Civilization’s interplanar wars, mages had always played the role of strategists, while knights served as the primary combat force.

***

The Thunder Range was vast, encompassing not just a single mountain range but five distinct horizontal ranges, labeled #1 through #5 by the command center. Each range featured unique terrains, environments, and habitats.

The Giant Thunder Lizards were the predominant species in this vast mountain range.

Though few in number, their formidable individual strength allowed them to dominate the expansive area.

Prior to the Magus Civilization Army’s invasion, the Thunder Plains were ruled by the Giant Thunder Lizards, not the Garths who now controlled the broader Thunderfall Plane.

As the intense conflict over the Thunder Plains drew to a close, the tide shifted in favor of the Magus Civilization’s Army.

Now, the remaining races, such as the Giant Thunder Lizards, must decide their next course of action—die with the billions of Garths or strive to survive in this chaotic Thunderfall Plane.