n

n

nEzekiel was sitting beside him so he naturally felt his surging wrath which prickled his scalp. He knows what he's like when he's mad. Angry Lukas is definitely a nope Lukas.

n

"They were the ones who established the empire during the first great war. Brought down a lot of kingdoms and nations, annexed them all. They were called the conquerors. After the magic was sealed, The Von Brandts were one of the few families who could use magic because they are the descendants of the chaos goddess. With that, their position as the empire's rulers remained unchanged.

"

nRecalling the glory of the founding family brought a sense of awe to the emperor. He wasn't alive during those times but he could just imagine. To be able to stabilize the kingdom, conquering lands until they prospered as an empire, during the great wars of the past… How astounding the leadership would one have? Even retaining their bloodline as successors of the ever-growing kingdom despite political turmoils.

nIt's a pity that their reigns were forcibly cut.

n

"And then the massacre happened. It is said that the entire royal family was slain during that night but that is not the truth. Only the servants were killed. The emperor died protecting the empress and the prince but in the end, they were both taken away. They haven't been found since then.

"

nThe shock it brought to the masses was huge. How can their great dynasty end just like that? And the next person who sat on the throne was an idiot who can't even hold a candle to them. Dolt Ronan, an emperor who only ruled for two years after angering the tower. The people would undoubtedly revolt.

n

"It's not just the palace that was attacked but also the archduke's, the emperor's brother, who fortunately survived. The people wanted him on the throne but he refused. Because by then, news of disappearances and kidnappings was rampant in every kingdom and empire. The targets were all those families that descended from deities. The Windsors are not spared either.

"

nIt was just their luck that the arcane towers had already taken root. With their appearances, these people vanished like air.

n

"They call themselves, 'conquisitor est magicae', or conquerors of magic.

"

nThey all know about what the emperor had narrated, and had learned it from the history books. Even so, they were still compelled by the story. Especially when it's linked to their current problem.

nNo one knew when was the exact time these people appeared but it was years after the magic was sealed. They were like ghosts, spreading terror overnight as they religiously plundered kingdoms and empires, robbed them of powerful people. They will make their presence known, not fearing that they would be recognized because that was their aim.

n

"Your majesty is saying that Nadia is being targeted by these people?

" Leon's eyes widened.

n

"And the artificial mages are from this notorious group?

" Nathaniel seconded.

nHow could that be? If it's really like the emperor assumed then Nadia is in grave danger!

nWith that line of thought, both father and son fall into melancholy.

nSeeing their dejected faces, the emperor was also distressed. After all, they are also not safe from falling into these people's clutches.

n

"There's a big possibility. How else could they use magic using these magic crystals?

"

nEzekiel heaved a deep breath.

n

"It all makes sense now…

"

nThe reason Nadia was ambushed was that they were planning to kidnap her!

n

"Then they want my daughter's magic…

" Leon's face was filled with black lines, appearing gloomier by the second.

nHe can't use offensive projectiles nor erect barriers, how can he protect his daughter? By relying on manpower? That's absurd. Swords are nothing against magic at all.

nLukas suddenly let out a dark chuckle filled with mockery. There was a sneer on his handsome face and his purple eyes were bright and electric, glowing with animosity.

n

"Those fvckers… So they are also from that group huh. Excellent…

"

nTwo birds. One stone.

nLukas believes that fate was giving him this chance. He had been waiting for too long, searching for too long… And now these people who seemed to vanish like smoke had come knocking on his door. Why would he even let them off?

nHis family… All of those of his blood had either died or got taken away by them. He's now alone. A lone wolf of the Von Brandt lineage.

nHe still remembered the exact night when he was deprived of everything he had. Family… An identity… Freedom...

nHis eyes narrowed, feeling bloodthirsty.

nThe people present were startled, staring at him in horror. How intense was that bloodlust? It almost suffocated them!

n

"Lukas. Don't be hasty. I know you have been looking for them but this is not the time.

" The emperor immediately reasoned out to him. He fears that Lukas would suddenly storm out and do the unthinkable while being driven with anger.

nNathaniel was confused why Lukas' reaction to the story was so strong. He looked at his cousin and whispered.

n

"Is he perhaps…?

"

nEzekiel gravely nodded, confirming his suspicion.

nNathan's brows furrowed in puzzlement.

n

"But he's the duke of Agera?

"

nIsn't he? He was the heir to the dukedom that was also massacred overnight. Although the Ageras weren't particularly a blessed bloodline, they were still slaughtered without a cause.

nIf he's a Von Brandt, then why is he called Lukas of Agera?

nEzekiel met his gaze and sighed.

n

"There's an explanation for that.

"

nHe didn't elaborate so Nathaniel put the matter aside. After all, the topic of interest is just a few meters away.

n

"Our goal is to track them down. And now that we have guessed their identities, it will be easier to get a hold of them.

" His sincere eyes were still on Lukas. He was like trying to calm a wounded agitated animal down with the way he was appeasing him.

nLukas didn't say much and remained silent, albeit seething. But that's already enough.

nThe emperor then looked around, meeting each of their gazes.

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"Nadia is their current aim so we have to protect her. Right now, her identity is equal to that of an unofficial saint. Her powers are beyond that of my understanding which means her potential is limitless.

"

nIndeed. Such rare talent should be cultivated and preserved. If it fell to the hands of those people, what would happen then? She will also disappear in the face of Terra as if she never existed.

n

"I have gathered you all here to discuss this seriously with you. Someone should stay by her side all the time.

"

nNathaniel steeled himself and immediately volunteered.

n

"Then let me. She's my sister, I will--

"

nHe was then cut off by the silent Lukas before he could finish his words.

n

"No.. I will guard her.

"

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