Chapter 62: And So It Begins

    The system chimed with a notification.

    ? ? Current number of knights present is 4,566 ? ?

    ? ? Increasing the level of all knights present would cost the player 45,660 upgrade points. ? ?

    ? ? Does the player wish to proc— ? ?

    ''Yes.'' Arkanos swiftly responded, not even letting the system finish.

    The system''s response came as it proceeded.

    ? ? Upgrading.... ? ?

    Suddenly all the knights present noticed as their bodies began to radiate a bright green glow, causing all of them to look at each other in awe.

    "What is this strange light?" Kael asked, gazing down at his hands and his body.

    Esten glanced at Kael, clenching his fist tightly. "I don''t know, but... I feel incredible. My body feels lighter, stronger... and it doesn''t feel like enhancement magic... No."

    "It''s more like... our bodies are instantly gaining the strength and experience we would normally take weeks... no... months to obtain, and it''s doing so in mere seconds."

    Laris let out a deep breath, one hand resting on the hilt of his sword, the other raised above. "This power... it''s like my strength has been restored, no, amplified. It''s unlike anything I''ve ever experienced."

    Lionel flexed his fingers, eyes wide with awe as he gazed at them, feeling an overwhelming surge of energy coursing through him. His thoughts raced,

    ''What is this... I feel the best I''ve ever felt in my entire life... No... I feel even better, almost as if I could power through anything that stood before me.''

    Another knight spoke up, his voice tinged with amazement. "Look at my hands. They''re glowing! I feel like I could swing my sword endlessly without tiring."

    "I can feel it too."

    "It''s like my very blood is brimming with energy."

    Kael turned to Esten as he asked, "Do you think this is... the emperor''s doing? Is this what divine power feels like?"

    Esten nodded slowly, his eyes fixed on the radiant glow. "It has to be. There''s no other explanation. Lady Sylvana wasn''t exaggerating when she said he wields divine power."

    Kael exchanged a glance with Esten and Laris. "This is it," he said. "Our chance to prove ourselves."

    Esten nodded, a fierce grin spreading across his face. "Let''s show the emperor that we are more than just weeds."

    Laris adjusted the hilt of his sword and took a deep breath. "No turning back now."

    Lionel clenched his fists, the memory of his newfound strength fresh in his mind. ''For the empire,'' he thought, stepping forward.

    The knights marched into the maze, their armor glinting faintly under the dim light of the jungle''s edge. As the last of them disappeared into the dense greenery, the massive doors began to close with a deafening groan, sealing them inside.

    Arkanos watched with a faint smile, his piercing gaze lingering on the now-closed doors. He spoke with a touch of both pride and expectation.

    "Let us see who will rise to greatness and who will be left behind."

    Arkanos then strode toward his horse, his cape trailing behind him.

    As he reached his horse, Seraphine approached him curiously with a look of concern.

    "My lord," Seraphine called softly, "I must ask... Are you certain this was the right course of action? Removing so many knights from their posts at once leaves us vulnerable."

    Arkanos paused as he untied the reins of his horse from a nearby tree. He turned slightly to glance at her, allowing her to continue.

    "There will be no one to change shifts with those already stationed at the walls. Our patrols will thin, leaving our borders exposed. And what of the dwarves?" She paused, then said, "When they venture out to acquire the resources necessary for the train project, who will ensure their safety?"

    Arkanos silently mounted his horse, then gazed down at Seraphine with a calm yet commanding expression.

    "The walls of the capital could easily be protected by Sylvana alone," he said.

    "Her power is more than enough to handle any threat that dares approach."

    Seraphine frowned slightly but didn''t interrupt as he continued.

    "As for patrols and protecting the dwarves..." Arkanos trailed off, a faint smile gracing his lips. His sharp eyes glinted with a look of confidence.

    "I will simply have to summon more heroes."

    Seraphine''s breath caught as she stared at him in surprise. "More heroes?"