I Received System to Become Dragonborn

Chapter 697 The Uncertainty

King Gulben sat in heavy contemplation, his fingers pressing against the armrest of his throne. Fairon's suggestion was a bold one. He was saying that they should attacking first at those who had long been their enemies then ensuring they could not ally with Laston before his forces fully emerged.

It was a logical move, but without undeniable proof it was also a dangerous gamble. If they acted on mere suspicion, they might start an unnecessary war when those kind that have been their enemies were now laying until low. That war could weaken them before the real battle even began.

He exhaled slowly before meeting Fairon's gaze.

"I understand your reasoning, but attacking now without clear evidence could turn uncertain enemies into certain ones," he said with calm and firm voice. "We need more proof before we act."

Fairon let out a quiet sigh, his expression shadowed with concern.

"I understand," he admitted. "But this situation is bigger than we know. Even if we attack those who seem to be our enemies first, I'm not sure it will be enough to stop Laston. He may already be several steps ahead."

Gulben remained silent, his mind weighing every possible outcome. He could feel the pressure mounting, the weight of his people's safety resting on his shoulders.

After a long pause, he finally spoke. "Then we wait for the scouts to find something concrete. If there is any sign of an alliance forming or any proof of Laston's involvement, we will act immediately."

Fairon held his gaze for a moment, his sharp eyes searching for any hint of hesitation. The tension between them was clear now, the unspoken fear of being too late lingering in the air.

But at last, Fairon gave a slow nod, choosing to respect Gulben's decision.

Without wasting time, the scouts were deployed.

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Elite squadrons of five Elves each who riding swift ivory coated unicorns raced across the kingdom. They rode toward the north, south, west, and east of the Palace. Their cloaks billowing behind them as they urged their mounts forward at the highest speed they could muster.

The wind howled past them and the shadows of the trees blurred as they pushed ahead.

Their mission was clear. They have to search, observe, and report back immediately. They had no time to waste.

---

Aurdis stepped again into Saeldir's chamber, her eyes immediately falling on Erend and Eccar who stood rigid with expressions looks heavy with tension. The air in the room felt thick and charged with concerns that not yet been spoken.

She hesitated for only a moment before stepping forward.

"Did something happen while I was gone?" she asked, her gaze flicking between the two of them. "Did the orb start beeping again?"

Erend and Eccar both shook their heads.

"No," Erend answered. "Nothing's happened, for now."

Aurdis let out a quiet sigh of relief, but it did little to ease the weight pressing down on her chest. Just because the orb had remained silent didn't mean there was nothing to be concerned about.

They had already confirmed that something was shifting and stirring in the dark beyond the palace walls. Ignoring it would not make it disappear.

Saeldir barely spared a glance before looking away in irritation. "Do I need to answer that?" he replied dryly. His lips curled slightly in distaste but beneath that was something sharper. It was anger at the sheer lack of decorum and at the way people here seemed to revel in filth.

Arlyn, meanwhile, remained silent, though his grimace also spoke the same disgust in his mind. He had no intention of thinking about what he had just seen any longer than necessary.

As they pressed forward, the towering structure of Skyreach Tower became more visible through the gaps between buildings. The looming spire pulsed with blue-white light. Even from here, they can feel its Magic energy coursing upward in erratic bursts.

"There it is," Saeldir murmured. His voice was tense and focused. "We need to move faster."

Without hesitation, they quickened their pace, weaving through the darkened streets with their destination now in sight.

---

From the other side of the city, Aerchon and Sylra also moving with quick and deliberate steps. Not like Saeldir's group, they walked a more well lit district where neon signs flickered in vivid colors and the streets, though still polluted with crime and corruption, held a semblance of order.

Here, people had a little more decency, or at least the appearance of it.

But that wasn't an advantage.

With more light came more scrutiny at them. In the shadows, one could slip through unnoticed but here, any unusual movement would be seen.

The two Elves had to walk in careful balance. Fast enough not to waste time but cautious enough not to attract attention.

The Skyreach Tower loomed ahead, growing larger with each step. Its sleek metallic structure pulsed with artificial blue and white light, veins of energy coursing up its frame like a living thing.

The closer they got, the more Aerchon felt the weight of the moment settle on his shoulders. He glanced at Sylra and she met his gaze with an understanding nod.

Minutes later, they reached the perimeter of the tower's base. Aerchon came to a halt, his jaw tightening as his eyes swept over the area.

It was guarded. He had expected as much, but the sheer number of sentries stationed around the entrance was more than he had anticipated.

Some wore heavy metal armor. Others were leaner and faster looking with weapons integrated directly into their limbs. A few stood unnervingly still, their faces obscured by glowing visors, scanning the area.

Aerchon gritted his teeth.

"This won't be easy just like we thought," he muttered under his breath.

Sylra exhaled slowly. "We need to find another way in. A direct approach is suicide."

Aerchon's eyes narrowed as he observed the guards' movements.

"Then we start looking," he said. "There's always another way in. Let's find Saeldir and the other."

With that, they slipped back into the city's underbelly.

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