The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne

Chapter 682: War (1)

The atmosphere on the battlefield grew silent and tense. Both armies stood in their formations, weapons raised, as if ready to charge at any moment.

”Thousand Faces,” Erkan called out in a heavy voice. ”Help me wipe them out with a single strike. But at the same time, save Elina Lorian, Nolan Lorian, and Seira Lorian. Can you do that?”

As much as possible, he didn’t want any casualties on his side. And since he held an advantage the enemy lacked—the presence of Thousand Faces—he would use it, even if it felt shameful and unethical.

Thousand Faces floated forward slowly, then glanced at him with a casual expression.

”An additional ten thousand Rune coins, and I’ll help you.”

Erkan gritted his teeth but didn’t refuse. He nodded heavily and answered in a strained voice, ”Deal.”

Thousand Faces nodded in satisfaction, then shot up into the air. Raising his right hand high, he whispered, ”Burning Seal of Valtherion!”

Buzz!

Two mysterious seals appeared in the sky. At the same time, the temperature within a two-kilometer radius skyrocketed.

Soldiers on both sides felt their bodies grow weak, and their breathing became labored.

”Damn...” Darius cursed, staring at the two seals in horror. ”How can that man cast magic this powerful? Could he be a Celestial Mage? If so... this is truly dangerous!”

A Celestial Mage could wipe out eight thousand soldiers in an instant. If only he had known, he would’ve brought more mages from the eastern region.

Unfortunately, it was already too late. They were trapped in a disadvantageous position.

”Hahaha! Burn to ashes, all of you!”

Thousand Faces formed a mysterious hand seal, and the two seals in the sky glowed even brighter. Moments later, two fire dragons burst out from them and shot toward the soldiers.

Nolan and Elina remained calm, but Seira, standing in the distance, was already panicking.

”Nolan! Elina!” she shouted as she tried to run toward them, but the soldiers immediately held her back.

Boom!

The two fire dragons exploded. The blinding light stung their eyes, forcing the soldiers on Erkan’s side to cover their faces with their arms.

A few moments later, the light gradually faded.

They lowered their arms and looked toward the enemy ranks.

With the power of that attack, the enemy soldiers should have been reduced to ashes. Yet the sight before them left everyone frozen.

Nolan, Elina, and their soldiers were still standing, completely unharmed.

”This... how is this possible!?” Erkan shouted in horror.

”Look—someone’s up there!” a soldier yelled, pointing toward the sky.

Erkan and the others looked up. And sure enough, a woman in a black dress, wearing a half-face mask, was floating high above them.

Because her face was hidden, they couldn’t see her features clearly. Even so, they were certain she was incredibly beautiful.

”I-Impossible! My ancient magic was dispelled just like that!?” Thousand Faces trembled in fear.

”Burning Seal of Valtherion” was an ancient spell created by a fire master of the past.

He had accidentally discovered its scroll in an ancient ruin near the western border of the Ancient Kingdom of Eron.

The Ancient Kingdom of Eron itself had existed longer than any other kingdom or empire in this world.

Perhaps only the Izanagi Eastern Empire could rival it.

For that reason, the land within its borders held countless hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.

And now, one of the ancient spells he had mastered had been easily countered by that woman, proving she was no ordinary person.

Malverna gazed at Thousand Faces calmly. A glimmer of admiration shone in her eyes.

’This person cannot be underestimated,’ she whispered. ’But... that’s all.’

After saying that, she darted toward Thousand Faces.

Caught off guard, Thousand Faces was struck and sent flying back.

The sight made Erkan panic. It was only a feeling—or maybe not—but he sensed that the woman was far stronger than Thousand Faces.

’No... that must just be my imagination. It’s impossible for Thousand Faces to be defeated,’ he muttered, forcing down the anxiety in his chest.

He looked forward again, raised his sword high, and shouted, ”Charge!”

Then he kicked his horse and surged ahead.

”Charge!” the soldiers behind him shouted in unison as they surged forward.

”My soldiers, charge!” Elina shouted.

She and Nolan rushed ahead, drawing their swords.

”Charge!”

Their soldiers followed immediately.

And so, the battle between the two forces officially began.

...

Ragan paced back and forth, his face filled with anxiety.

If his ministers saw him like this, they would surely be shocked.

Ragan always appeared calm and rarely lost control of his emotions, even when dealing with matters involving the Holy Empire of Valtanir.

But now, the man who could usually remain composed in any situation looked panicked, worried, and restless.

It was all because of his foolish son, Nolan Lorian.

Whoosh!

Orion suddenly appeared before him. He bowed his head and greeted, ”Good evening, Your Majesty.”

Ragan forced himself to calm down and turned to face him. ”Any news about Nolan and Elina?”

Orion straightened his posture and replied respectfully, ”Yes, Your Majesty. According to our spies, Prince Nolan and Princess Seira are being pursued by the royal palace’s troops. However, their current whereabouts are still unknown.”

His report did nothing to ease Ragan’s worries. Instead, it only made his anxiety worse.

”Can’t our spies dig up more information?” he snapped. ”Order them to track down Nolan and Seira and report to me immediately! If either of them gets hurt—let alone dies...”

His red eyes radiated intense murderous intent. ”I will destroy the Ancient Kingdom of Eron with my own hands!”

Orion shuddered and quickly dropped to one knee.

”D-Don’t worry, Your Majesty. I’ll give the order immediately!”

After saying that, he vanished.

Ragan took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. He returned to his seat and was about to resume his work when a knock sounded at the door.

Knock!

”Your Majesty, may I come in?”

A soft and polite woman’s voice came from behind the door.

Ragan stiffened. He recognized that voice—it was Vanessa.

”Come in.”

The door opened slowly, and Vanessa stepped inside with an elegant stride.

She wore a modest nightgown, and her golden-brown hair was tied into a neat bun that suited her perfectly.

Seeing the gloomy look on Ragan’s face, Vanessa raised an eyebrow.

”What’s wrong with you?” she asked.

Ragan shook his head. ”Nothing. What do you want?”

Vanessa was annoyed by his bluntness, but she quickly composed herself.

”There’s something I want to discuss with you,” she said. ”It concerns Aldrian.”

Ragan narrowed his eyes but remained silent, waiting for her to continue.

Vanessa paused briefly, then spoke her request.

”I want Aldric sent to the northern border.”