Struggling as a Villain-Chapter 279 - 278- New challenge

[One month left]

There were only thirty days left before Richard would have to go back to Clion—the place where it all began.

"The Phoenix force has been performing impressively recently, showing brilliant teamwork and their firepower is second to none in the whole clan…or I might say, on the whole planet." Bellarine, who was majorly in charge of most of the strike forces, gave the report.

They all were gathered in the conference hall, making the last changes in the teams who would be participating in the war with Richard as their leader.

"The Defenders are showing great coordination as well. They can easily go against my strongest spell, and even more than once." Bella responded as she showed others the clip of her launching a six-circle spell yet the barrier of the soldiers withstanding without anyone receiving any backlash of overexertion.

"The Nightshade team has become what I wished them to be. Silent, agile and focused. I have been training them through real-life dangers that’s why they have derived new ways of using their skills. And that’s quite impressive." Lilia spoke before touching the nearby terminal, and the projection of three hundred people wearing similar robes appeared on the table for everyone to gaze at.

Richard hummed…his desire to pick quality over quantity was heard by his comrades. That’s why only a thousand soldiers, quality soldiers, were picked among several thousand.

"Baby, what do you know about their forces? You said you recently received a report from Clion?"

Richard nodded. Brad was on that planet, hiding his identity and snooping around, trying to find as much information as he could on the enemy forces.

Getting up from his seat, Richard informed them, "Although I don’t know anything about the main headquarters of the Apostles, it was seen that several beasts, including griffon, dragons, and chimeras were being taken to Eldoria by the apostles."

That took many by surprise, as Ben asked, "Didn’t you say that the beasts on Clion are Ambrobates and the Apostles wouldn’t take their help?"

Richard sighed, "I did…but it seems Eleanor has changed her way of thinking. Or more like, she is not underestimating us."

Jasmine muttered, "That’s why they asked for the help of the elves as well…they are not taking any chances in this one, at all."

Nora’s heart clenched upon hearing that…although she knew that on the battlefield she would be seeing a few familiar faces, every time she was reminded of it, the girl felt her heart turning heavy.

"They are possibly using someone to control the beast, since knowing that Richard and his command over Aembr, Eleanor would not have made such a foolish decision," Elizabeth spoke.

"Most probably. So we need to face some mythical beast too, huh…" Rena muttered with her hands over her chest.

"But it isn’t like there would be changes in the formation. It’s not completely unexpected after all." Jennifer muttered, sounding a bit too casual about this.

"She is right," Bella added, "This doesn’t change many things."

"But what if they send out only magical beasts as their front army and our people have to face them alone? I can understand if it’s the Defenders, but are the other two groups ready to take the challenge?" Lena proposed the possibility.

The room turned silent for a brief period. There indeed was a chance, and the Nightshade group is trained to kill people rather than facing mythical beasts who have a tough defense and devastating offense.

"Can’t we ask the Generals to take care of the beast? I mean Itrhryx was quite strong." Carl suggested.

However, "No, we can’t. Asking for their help means inviting Ethan to the battlefield...and if he joins the battle, it would be the end." Richard stated.

That statement shocked everyone. Even Bellarine’s eyes were widened.

They had seen Ethan the last time when Eleanor came to earth...he didn’t give off that presence that could threaten the whole war.

"Richard?" Emily asked.

The redhead heaved a sigh, before informing them, "Brad recently came across a rebellion of Ambrobates which were about to attack Eldoria. It was a stampede of a thousand Bates...and against that, Ethan was sent."

"Him alone?!" Carl asked in a tone of disbelief.

Richard nodded before he tapped on the terminal before a scene appeared in the middle of the table.

"Huh?!"

This chapt𝙚r is updated by freeωebnovēl.c૦m.

"....that!"

"Can’t be..."

Every mouth hung open in shock as the holographic image flickered to life, revealing a wasteland of death.

Bones stretched as far as the eye could see, some piled high, others still standing upright as if their owners had been frozen mid-scream. Stripped of flesh, the remains were eerily clean, as if something had devoured every last scrap.

And at the heart of it all stood him—the silver-haired boy who was once weaker than even the frailest human. Now, he stood alone, untouched by the horror around him.

Elizabeth’s heart trembled at the sight of her beloved.

Nora can also see how much Ethan has changed in such a short duration.

His eyes....were devoid of any emotion. The person seemed to have lost all his hope for a better future...and a person without any hope is extremely dangerous.

Because they have nothing to lose.

"His Divine Essence has reached such heights that he can discharge it from his body and ’purify’ or in simple terms, obliterate anyone who carries impure energy, that is Aembr."

Richard explained.

This was the reason why he actually called this meeting. The report he received was quite stressful since Ethan was extremely stronger than his past life self.

Lack of support and people who can keep him positive, stole all the light from his eyes. And now, Ethan was the greatest threat that could ruin Richard’s every plan and turn the tides of this war.

Silence persisted in the room for quite a long time....when suddenly,

"Agh!" Richard groaned while pressing his fingers against his head.

"Richard?" Emily reacted as she got up followed by Bellarine and Bella.

Richard raised his hand to stop them before he slowly opened his eyes and called out, Your journey continues with novelbuddy

"The King of Demonic Beast...Thalvorn. How can I help you?"

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A/N:- Thanks for reading.