Chapter 170: Phantom Assembly Is Humiliated

While the Radiant Church’s arrival in Eryndal injected a surge of hope into the human ranks, shadows stirred in the darkness. Lord Vortan, the enigmatic leader of the Phantom Assembly, was set to make his own move.

’Demons are on the rise, kingdoms are trembling… perfect time for opportunity,’ Lord Vortan mused in his hidden sanctum, a predatory glint in his eyes. ’Time to see if we can make some… mutually beneficial arrangements.’

His plan was audacious, ambitious, and utterly characteristic of the Phantom Assembly’s morally ambiguous nature. He intended to approach the mysterious demon commander, to open a dialogue, to propose an alliance.

’Conquest is always easier with allies,’ Lord Vortan thought, stroking his chin thoughtfully. ’And who knows what these demons might offer? Territory? Power? Perhaps even… knowledge.’

His ultimate goal was clear: to forge a pact with the demonic forces, to ride the tide of their invasion, and to carve out a significant share of the conquered territories for the Phantom Assembly. A joint human-demon dominion over the shattered kingdoms of men. It was a vision of twisted ambition.

’Imagine,’ Lord Vortan mused, a dark smile spreading across his face. ’The Phantom Assembly, ruling alongside demons. The balance of power… utterly shifted.’

But Lord Vortan’s ambitions extended beyond mere conquest. He harbored a deeper, more personal motive for seeking an alliance with the demons. He wanted to study them. To dissect their power. To unlock the secrets of their demonic magic.

’Dark magic… it’s always been our Assembly’s bread and butter,’ he thought, his mind already buzzing with possibilities. ’But it’s always been… derivative. Inspired by demonic texts, yes, but second-hand. Imagine… direct access.’

He envisioned conducting clandestine experiments on captured demons, probing their physiology, analyzing their unique magical energies, pushing the boundaries of dark magic to unprecedented levels.

’Demonic essence… raw, untamed power,’ Lord Vortan murmured, his eyes gleaming with avarice. ’Imagine what secrets we could unlock. What new spells, what new rituals… what new power we could gain.’

To initiate his audacious plan, Lord Vortan summoned one of his most trusted envoys, a cunning and resourceful woman named Meredith.

“Meredith,” Lord Vortan addressed her, his voice smooth and commanding. “You are to journey to the demonic fortress at Verdant Dawn Academy.”

Meredith, a seasoned operative of the Phantom Assembly, bowed her head in acknowledgement. “As you command, Master.”

“You will seek out their leader,” Lord Vortan continued, his gaze intense. “The… demon commander. Offer him greetings from the Phantom Assembly. Express our… interest in dialogue.”

He paused, choosing his words carefully. “Emphasize the potential for… mutual benefit. A shared future. Conquest… shared power.”

Meredith listened intently, her expression betraying nothing but professional attentiveness. “And if this… demon commander is amenable to discussion?”

“Then you will extend an invitation,” Lord Vortan replied, a hint of anticipation in his voice. “Invite him, or a suitable representative, to a… parley. A meeting to discuss terms. To explore the possibilities of… cooperation.”

He waved his hand dismissively. “Go now, Meredith. Time is of the essence. Be… persuasive. But also… cautious. These are demons, after all. Unpredictable creatures.”

Meredith bowed once more and departed, embarking on her perilous mission to the heart of demonic territory. Lord Vortan watched her go, his mind already racing ahead, envisioning the potential rewards of a demonic alliance.

Meanwhile, within the demonic fortress at Verdant Dawn Academy, Ingranad sat upon his crude throne, brooding, recovering, and solidifying his control over his newly awakened forces.

Suddenly, a demonic sentry approached, bowing low before the throne. “My lord,” the sentry rumbled, his voice guttural and deferential. “A… messenger has arrived. A human. Bearing a flag of… parley.”

Ingranad raised a massive, scaled eyebrow, his crimson eyes narrowing in amusement. “A human? Daring to approach our fortress? What foolishness is this?”

“She claims to represent… the Phantom Assembly, my lord,” the sentry reported, clearly uncertain how to interpret this unexpected development. “She requests… audience.”

Phantom Assembly? The name sparked a flicker of recognition in Ingranad’s ancient mind. He telepathically reached out to the three demonic Archmages, their minds still linked to his own.

’Archmages,’ Ingranad projected his thoughts, his mental voice echoing in their corrupted consciousnesses. ’Phantom Assembly. Does this name hold meaning for you?’

Natia, Clayton, and Sofiko paused in their respective tasks of consolidating demonic control over the conquered territories and responded in unison, their thoughts flowing back to Ingranad in a chaotic jumble of fragmented memories and corrupted knowledge.

’Phantom Assembly… dark guild… humans… terror… power… control…’

’Humans who dabble in shadows,’ Clayton added, his thoughts laced with disdain. ’They seek power through… forbidden means. Annoyances, mostly.’

’Dark magic,’ Sofiko projected, her thoughts cold and dismissive. It is pathetic compared to your might, Master.’

Natia’s thoughts were the most informative, drawing on her fragmented memories of human history. ’Phantom Assembly… it’s a human cult created a few centuries ago. They possess dark magic and are spread across the entire Kingdoms. Now that I possess the demonic magic, I understand that their dark magic is merely a way to try and emulate demonic power, but they lack true understanding. That is why it is weak and insignificant.’

Ingranad absorbed their fragmented assessments, piecing together a rudimentary understanding of this ’Phantom Assembly.’ A human organization dabbling in dark magic, seeking power, causing trouble. Insignificant, according to his Archmages. But… intriguing nonetheless.

’Dark magic,’ Ingranad mused, considering Natia’s assessment. ’Humans attempting to wield shadows… Imitation of demonic power, they say?’

A flicker of curiosity sparked within him. Demonic magic was power, raw and untamed. Could these humans truly grasp even a fraction of its potential? And if so… could that knowledge be… useful?

’Humans are weak,’ Ingranad thought, dismissing the notion of any true threat from a human organization. ’Their bodies are fragile. Their magic is different and weak. They cannot truly wield demonic power. They lack the… essence.’

He recalled Principal Bartolmew, the Archmage who had dared to fight an equal him. Even Bartolmew, for all his great human magical prowess, had been ultimately… limited and would not have been able to wield Demonic Magic.

Human magic was constrained, bound by mortal limitations. Demonic magic… was boundless.

’Still… I am curious,’ Ingranad admitted to himself, a flicker of arrogance coloring his thoughts. ’Let us indulge this… human messenger. Let us see what these… Phantom Assembly… humans dare to propose.’

He addressed the sentry, his voice echoing through the ruined hall. “Bring this… envoy… before me. Let us hear what these shadows-dabbling humans have to say.”

A cruel smile twisted his lips. “Amusement is… welcome. And who knows? Perhaps these humans might even prove… useful. In their own insignificant way.”

Lord Vortan, however, in his eagerness to forge an alliance and exploit demonic power, fundamentally underestimated Ingranad’s arrogance. He assumed that a being of such immense power would be pragmatic, would recognize the potential benefits of an alliance with a vast and influential human organization like the Phantom Assembly.

He was wrong. Ingranad, steeped in demonic pride and ancient arrogance, viewed humans as inherently inferior, as little more than insects scurrying at his feet. The idea of needing, or even wanting, an alliance with such insignificant creatures was utterly preposterous to him.

When Meredith, Lord Vortan’s envoy, finally stood before Ingranad’s throne, presenting her carefully crafted offer of alliance and shared conquest, she was met not with consideration, but with cold, dismissive arrogance.

Ingranad listened to her proposal, his crimson eyes narrowed, a barely concealed smirk playing on his lips. When she finished, he let out a low, rumbling chuckle that echoed through the ruined hall.

“Alliance?” Ingranad repeated, the word dripping with disdain. “Cooperation? With… humans?”

He gestured dismissively at Meredith with a clawed hand, his gaze sweeping over her with contemptuous amusement. “Foolish mortal. Do you truly believe that we demons, beings of inherent power, beings destined to rule this world, would require the… assistance of… traitors even to humans to our rightful dominion?”

His voice dripped with scorn. “We do not need your Phantom Assembly, human. We do not need your… dark magic imitations. We demons will reclaim this world through our own strength, through our own power. We will not share our conquest with… insects.” Read exclusive content at ReadNovelFull.com.Côm

Ingranad leaned forward, his crimson eyes burning into Meredith’s soul. “Tell your… Lord Vortan… that we demons have no interest in alliances with humans. Our destiny is to rule. And humanity’s destiny is to… serve.”

His words were final, absolute, leaving no room for negotiation or compromise. Lord Vortan’s carefully laid plans, his ambitious vision of a human-demon alliance, had just crashed and burned against the unyielding arrogance of the demon commander. The Phantom Assembly’s overture had been rejected, dismissed, and utterly scorned.

~~

After Meredith departed the Demonic Fortress, the chilling arrogance of the demon commander’s rejection still echoed in her mind. She wasted no time, immediately pulling out her Phone to contact Lord Vortan.

Her fingers flew across the screen, initiating the secure call. Lord Vortan’s image materialized, his expression as inscrutable as ever. Meredith bowed her head slightly in respect before launching into her report, relaying Ingranad’s dismissive words verbatim.

“Master,” Meredith began, her voice steady despite the underlying tension. “I have delivered your message to the demon commander at Verdant Dawn Academy.”

She paused, allowing her words to sink in. “His response… was not as we anticipated.”

Meredith then recounted Ingranad’s arrogant pronouncements, his scornful rejection of any alliance, his declaration of demonic supremacy, and his utter dismissal of the Phantom Assembly as insignificant insects.

Lord Vortan listened in silence, his expression unchanging throughout Meredith’s report. When she finished, a slow smile spread across his face, a smile that was not of disappointment, but of something akin to… exhilaration.

“Insects, is it?” Lord Vortan mused, a low chuckle rumbling in his chest. “Arrogant fool. Precisely what I hoped for.”

Meredith blinked, slightly taken aback by her master’s unexpected reaction. “Master? But… he rejected our offer outright. He sees us as…”

“Insignificant,” Lord Vortan finished for her, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “Yes, precisely. And that, Meredith, is… perfect.”

He leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled beneath his chin, his mind already racing ahead. “If they had accepted an alliance, think of the complications. Sharing resources, territories… And more importantly…”

Lord Vortan paused for dramatic effect. “Experimentation. How could we truly study these demons, dissect their power, if we were bound by an alliance? No, this… rejection… is far more advantageous.”

He tapped a finger on the armrest, his smile widening. “Now, we are free. Free to observe, to analyze, to… acquire specimens… without the constraints of diplomacy.”

Lord Vortan rose from his seat, his movements fluid and purposeful. “The demons believe they need no allies. Let them believe that. Let them underestimate us. It will be their downfall, and our… opportunity.”

He turned to Meredith, his gaze sharp and commanding. “The Phantom Assembly’s directive has shifted. We will no longer seek alliance. Instead… we will subtly assist the kingdoms in resisting the demonic invasion.”

Meredith raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. “Assist the kingdoms, Master? But… our Assembly has always operated in the shadows, against the established powers…”

“Circumstances change, Meredith,” Lord Vortan stated, his voice brooking no argument. “And opportunities arise in unexpected forms. We will not openly declare allegiance to any kingdom. That would be… foolish. But we will… subtly tip the scales in their favor.”

He elaborated his plan. “Our intelligence network is vast. We will provide information, warnings, strategic insights… to those kingdoms that are… receptive. We will undermine demonic efforts where we can, discreetly, without revealing our hand.”

Lord Vortan’s true objective, however, remained unchanged. “And most importantly,” he emphasized, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, “we will acquire… specimens. Demon corpses. As many as possible. They are to be preserved, stored, and made available for… research.”

He gestured dismissively. “No envoys to kingdoms. They would reject us, as you said. We will work from the shadows, as always. We will wait for opportunities, and when they arise… we will seize them.”

Lord Vortan immediately set about disseminating his new command. Encrypted messages, carrying the revised directive, were dispatched to all high-ranking members of the Phantom Assembly across the land.

Brita Kuusk, still residing within the Steele Family mansion, received the coded message on her own Phone. She decrypted the message, her emerald eyes scanning Lord Vortan’s words with focused attention.

’Subtly assist kingdoms… acquire demon corpses… research…’ Brita thought, rereading the directive, a thoughtful frown creasing her brow. ’So, no alliance. Instead, opportunistic… scavenging.’

She leaned back against the plush cushions of her guest room, considering the implications of Lord Vortan’s command. Her gaze drifted towards the closed door, beyond which, she knew, Alaric Steele resided.

’Should I inform him?’ Brita wondered, her thoughts turning to the enigmatic Grand Mage. ’He is… technically an outer member. This information… could be relevant to him.’

A flicker of hesitation crossed her face. Their last encounter had been… less than amicable. Their relationship was strained, bordering on hostile. And yet…

’His power… as a Grand Mage… it’s undeniable,’ Brita conceded internally, acknowledging Alaric’s formidable magical prowess. ’For the Assembly’s objectives… against this demonic threat… his strength could be invaluable.’

She made her decision. Despite her personal reservations, despite the lingering animosity between them, she would inform Alaric. The Phantom Assembly’s directive, however subtly, was now aligned with the kingdoms’ fight against the demons. And Alaric Steele, whether she liked it or not, was a significant asset in that fight.

’Duty before… personal feelings,’ Brita sighed internally, steeling herself for the inevitable encounter. ’Time to go and speak with that hateful bastard.’

Meanwhile, Alaric was immersed in his training, pushing his newly amplified magical abilities to their limits. He had chosen one of the Steele estate’s expansive training fields, a vast open space designed for honing martial and magical skills.

He was not alone. His mother Lyra, his aunt Cassandra, and his cousin Fiora were also present, engaged in their own rigorous martial arts training in a separate designated area of the training fields. The rhythmic clang of steel and the sharp cracks of sparring blows echoed across the grounds, a testament to the Steele family’s dedication to combat prowess.

But one entire training field was reserved solely for Alaric. Here, he unleashed the raw power of his Grand Mage abilities, the air around him crackling with intense magical energy. Runes of power shimmered into existence and dissolved, elemental forces danced at his command, and potent spells flared and faded in controlled bursts of magical might.

As Brita Kuusk approached the training field, she paused at the edge, her emerald eyes widening in genuine shock. The air thrummed with palpable magical energy, an almost visible aura of power radiating from Alaric’s training area.

’Incredible…’ Brita thought, her breath catching in her throat. ’Such… raw magical intensity. It’s… almost overwhelming.’

She had sensed powerful mages before, Grand Mages among the Phantom Assembly’s ranks, Archmages within the kingdoms’ courts. But none had ever exuded such a concentrated, pure, and intense magical energy.

’It’s… unbelievable,’ Brita mused, her mind struggling to process the sheer scale of Alaric’s power. ’It’s as if… he’s on the verge of breaking through again. To Grandmaster Mage?’

The thought sent a jolt of surprise and a pang of something akin to envy through her. Grandmaster Mage. The next echelon of magical mastery, a realm of power few mages ever reached. And Alaric Steele… seemed to be on the cusp of achieving it.

’Just months ago… in Porthaven,’ Brita recalled, her mind flashing back to their confrontation in the auction house. ’We were… equals. Master Mages, clashing evenly. And now…’

The disparity was staggering. Alaric had not merely progressed; he had leapt forward, leaving her, a high-ranking member of the Phantom Assembly, seemingly far behind in his magical ascent. Brita, for the first time, felt a sharp sting of insignificance, a humbling realization of the vast gulf in talent that separated her from Alaric Steele.

’Grandmaster… so soon?’ Brita thought, her gaze fixed on Alaric’s figure in the distance, a figure wreathed in shimmering magical energy. ’He hasn’t reached it yet… not quite. But… it won’t be long. A few months, perhaps? Weeks, even?’

A wave of envy washed over her, a bitter taste in her mouth. Brita Kuusk, a mage of considerable skill and ambition, had dedicated her life to mastering magic, to climbing the ranks of power within the Phantom Assembly.

Yet, here was Alaric Steele, effortlessly surpassing her with his seemingly boundless as his progress continued on a meteoric rise.

In that moment, Brita understood, with a chilling clarity, the true extent of Alaric Steele’s extraordinary magical gift.