Lord Summoner's Freedom Philosophy: Grimoire of Love
Chapter 282: The Underground Empire Residents

Chapter 282: The Underground Empire Residents

In the depths of the earth, far below the surface world, lay the sprawling underground empire of the dark elves. The cavernous expanse was illuminated by the glow of bioluminescent fungi and enchanted crystals, casting an eerie, otherworldly light over the dark stone architecture. Towers and buildings of intricate design rose from the cavern floor, connected by bridges and pathways that wove through the stalactites and stalagmites.

The air was thick with a mix of dampness and a faint metallic tang, a testament to the minerals in the surrounding rock. The dark elves moved with purpose through their city, their black skin and sharp features blending seamlessly into the shadows. Their eyes glowed with an inner light, a constant reminder of the dark magic that coursed through their veins.

In the grand hall of the dark elf king, a group of high-ranking elves gathered. The hall was a marvel of engineering and magic, with columns carved from the living rock and adorned with runes that pulsed with dark energy. At the far end of the hall, on a raised dais, sat King Vespian. His presence was commanding, his eyes cold and calculating as he surveyed his subjects.

Vespian’s advisors and generals stood in a semicircle before him, their expressions ranging from concern to determination. Among them was Valara, a tall and imposing figure with silver hair and eyes that burned with intensity. She was the king’s most trusted advisor, known for her strategic brilliance and ruthless efficiency.

"Speak," Vespian commanded, his voice resonating through the hall. "What news do you bring?"

Valara stepped forward, her gaze steady. "My lord, our scouts have reported increased activity among the surface elves. They seem to be fortifying their borders and mobilizing their troops. It is clear they suspect our movements."

Vespian’s expression remained impassive. "The surface elves have always been a thorn in our side. We will deal with them in due time. What of our preparations for the upcoming campaign?"

General Kael, a burly dark elf with a scar running down his face, spoke next. "Our forces are ready, sire. The soldiers are eager for battle, and our weapons are prepared. However, there is a matter that requires your immediate attention."

Vespian’s eyes narrowed slightly. "Continue."

Kael exchanged a brief glance with Valara before speaking. "The Duke Ravindor, the human noble we captured, has proven more resilient than anticipated. The spell imbued by their court sorcerer to protect his mind has been broken, but it was not our doing. Someone else interfered, and we have been unable to identify who."

A murmur ran through the assembled elves. The king’s gaze darkened, his fingers drumming on the armrest of his throne. "Who could have done this? Have our spies reported anything?"

Valara shook her head. "No, my lord. It has been several days since we last heard from our agents. It is as if they have vanished without a trace."

The silence that followed was heavy with unspoken questions and growing unease. Vespian rose from his throne, his presence dominating the room. "This is troubling news. We cannot afford to have unknown forces meddling in our plans."

He descended the dais, pacing slowly as he spoke. "Our people have endured centuries of darkness and hardship, hidden away from the surface world. We have thrived in the shadows, building our strength in secret. But now, the time has come for us to reclaim what is rightfully ours."

The assembled elves listened intently, their faces reflecting a mixture of reverence and resolve. Vespian’s voice grew more fervent, his eyes blazing with a dangerous light. "The surface world is weak, divided by petty conflicts and fragile alliances. They are unprepared for the force we will unleash upon them. We will bring them to their knees and establish our dominion over all."

General Kael stepped forward, his voice firm. "Our warriors are prepared to give their lives for this cause, my lord. We will not falter."

Valara nodded in agreement. "Indeed. But we must remain vigilant. This unknown interference cannot be ignored. We must discover who or what is behind it and eliminate the threat."

Vespian paused, his gaze shifting to the map of the surface world laid out on a nearby table. "Our spies will continue their investigations. Double their efforts. We cannot afford to be blind in this critical moment."

The room fell silent as the king’s words sank in. The dark elves knew the stakes. Their future, their very existence, hinged on the success of their plans. The surface world represented both a threat and an opportunity—a chance to finally emerge from the shadows and claim the power they believed was rightfully theirs.

Vespian turned to face his advisors once more, his expression calm but resolute. "We must also strengthen our defenses here. Ensure that our borders are secure and our people protected. The surface elves may try to interfere, and we must be ready for them."

Valara inclined her head. "It will be done, my lord. Our sentinels will be on high alert, and our patrols will be increased. No one will enter our domain unnoticed."

The king’s eyes glinted with approval. "Good. And what of our allies? Have they been informed of our progress?"

Kael stepped forward again. "Yes, sire. The goblins and trolls have pledged their support. They are eager to join our cause and share in the spoils of our victory."

A rare smile crossed Vespian’s lips. "Excellent. Their assistance will be invaluable in the battles to come. We will show the surface world the true power of the dark races united."

The conversation shifted once more, this time to matters of faith and prophecy. The dark elves’ reverence for their dark god was a cornerstone of their society, and Vespian was its chief priest as well as its king.

Valara spoke reverently. "The seers have had visions, my lord. They speak of a great upheaval, a time when the surface world will be bathed in shadow, and our people will rise to dominance. The signs are all around us."

Vespian nodded, his expression thoughtful. "The prophecies have guided us for generations. We must heed their warnings and embrace their promises. Our god has not led us astray yet."

The air in the hall seemed to thrum with a tangible sense of purpose. The dark elves believed fervently in their destiny, a destiny that was now within their grasp. They had prepared for this moment for centuries, and they would not be denied.

Vespian turned his gaze back to the map, his eyes tracing the borders of the human kingdoms. "We must be patient," he said, his voice a low rumble. "Our time is near, but we cannot afford to act rashly. We must strike with precision and overwhelming force."

He looked up, meeting the eyes of each of his advisors in turn. "Continue your preparations. Strengthen our alliances, secure our borders, and find out who interfered with the Duke. When the time is right, we will unleash our fury upon the surface world. And we will not stop until it is ours."

The room was filled with a renewed sense of determination. The dark elves had faced countless challenges, but they had always emerged stronger. Now, with their plans in motion and their god’s favor upon them, they were ready to claim their place in the world.

Vespian’s gaze lingered on the map, his mind already envisioning the battles to come. "Patience," he murmured to himself. "Our time will come. And when it does, the world will tremble."

The dark elves departed from the hall, their hearts burning with the fire of their king’s words. They knew that the path ahead would be fraught with danger, but they were ready to face it. For in the depths of their underground empire, they had forged themselves into a force to be reckoned with.

As the last of his advisors left the room, Vespian remained, staring at the map. He could almost feel the surface world’s fear, its uncertainty. And he relished it. For too long, his people had been hidden away, their potential unrealized. But soon, that would change.

The king of the dark elves allowed himself a moment of quiet satisfaction. The pieces were in place, and the game was about to begin. He would watch, he would wait, and when the moment was right, he would strike.

And the world would never be the same again.

_____________________________

Name: Lyan Arkanium Evocatore

Occupation: Mythril-ranked Mercenary, Unofficially Baron Evocatore of Grafen

Money: 3,775,710,950 Elnes / 3775 gold 71 big silver 9 big coppers 5 coppers

Weapon: Magic Glaive, 1 (Decent) One-handed Sword, 5 (Good-Quality) One-handed swords, 1 (Decent) bow, 1 Gryphon-Winged Sword

Equipment: 3 Black leather cloak, 2 Leather Armor, 2 Breastplate, 4 Health Potions, 2 Poison Vials

Grimoire’s Companions: 8 High Spirits, 3 Valkyrie, Shadow Goblin Lord (Lv. 5), Papilio Slime (Lv. 45), Galewing Butterfly (Lv. 45), Rock Golem (Lv. 50), Deadlight (Lv. 74), Moonlight Butterfly (Lv. 45), Ice Golem (Lv. 50), Acid Ant Queen (Lv. 19), Magma Bear (Lv. 1), Fey Mammoth (Lv. 1), Arcane Retriever (Lv. 1), Winter Wolf Alpha (Lv. 12), Fenris (Lv. 1), Gargoyle (Lv. 1), Shadow Nymm (Lv. 1), Seltas Queen (Lv. 1), Rune Wolf (Lv. 1)

Grimoire’s Army: 6 Shadow Servants, 800 Skeleton Army (24 Goblin Champion Skeletons, 226 Hobgoblin Skeletons, 550 Goblin Skeleton Army), 80 Acid Ants Workers, 30 Acid Ants Soldiers, 4 Female Winter Wolves