Ultimate Level 1
Chapter 524: A Message Delivered

Chapter 524 - A Message Delivered

I can feel the power radiating from you. I sometimes think you forget that when you grow stronger, I do as well.

Oh, I do not forget. Right now, I’m just frustrated that you and I aren’t able to spend enough time together. The demand of the tower, city, my Faction, Tanila, and the rest. No one ever tells you that everyone will want a piece of you.

Laughter echoed in his head.

That is not true at all. I told you what would happen and how you must act. Do not let others choose your path. Only you can decide how to live. Stop being that nice guy; you will have more time to spend with Rakonath.

The silver dragon he was sitting on began to thrum, both wings outstretched, gliding through the sky.

I come to enjoy your skill more every day.

Max groaned as the two of them picked at him. He had been busy since helping the group Cordellia had found. Orders had to be given that no one else could be of assistance, as every noble in the city started trying to give aid once word got out that he had taken the group under their wing.

People will always try to gain your favor. Fowl was right. You could start relieving yourself into a cup off the porch of a tavern, and everyone would race there to do what you did. The number of bald men and women in your city is alarming.

Max laughed as he remembered the crowd they had flown over, all waving and so many shiny heads down below.

I must tell Everett not to allow anyone in the Faction to get that haircut. Soon, my unique look will be lost.

Rakonath snorted and turned his head, his silver eye staring at him.

I agree with Bob. You must be careful and start pulling back. Tanila told you that those you help may be at risk if people use other methods to earn favor. But do not worry about that for now. Tell me how you are going to handle the problem before us.

Grunting, Max looked up into the night sky. The moon illuminated the clouds below, turning the image below into a glowing sea.

We are going to give Sylvandra a chance to rule. Tanila believes she can be reigned in, and fear will do wonders.

And if she resists and is foolish enough to defy you?

I will take her life.

He could feel Bob’s agreement with his statement.

And you’re certain you don’t want me to land? They will not hurt me.

While I suspect they aren’t prepared or have weapons that would injure you, I do not want someone who is spooked to make the mistake of attacking you. I’ve killed more elves than I want to admit, and the part of me who makes me the man I am is tired of doing so.

I’m not foolish enough to believe peace will last while the woman reigns, but it will give me time to do what I can to get our friends and faction into a position of power. When we defeat the tower and whatever happens next, I want to know that I did everything possible to ensure their safety and well-being.

Right now, I doubt anyone would be foolish enough to make a move against your Faction. Everett told you the number of applications he has gotten from adventurers in other Factions wanting to join. Besides, Dexic and the team you are helping will be strong enough to attempt the 60th floor soon enough.

Nodding to no one, Max was glad to hear that she had found a group and things seemed to mesh well. His ability to take them through the tower and grind out experience and gems had already propelled them to new heights.

Finding out that if someone from their group goes in first and then the leader outside invites me, the tower floor is not nearly as dangerous was a boon. Besides, I’m already doing what I can to stockpile gems for Everett.

Eventually, you must rest. I know you don’t require sleep, but you never stop unless you are with your family or friends. Every other hour is spent preparing for your departure. Tomorrow you plan on going into the tower and attempting the first boss.

Remember, there is more to life than just the tower.

Scratching the scale on Rakonath’s neck, Max knew his dragon was right. Everyone who knew him said the same thing.

I’ll try. For now, let us talk about other things and enjoy the trip to Mylho Alora. And don’t forget, I’m choosing to fly with you rather than just teleport myself there.

Perhaps I should bow my neck and thank the great Max Hoste for his kindness.

Both Bob and Rakonath laughed and after a few seconds, Max joined in, admitting he needed this moment to relax.

***

Guards were streaming into the garden as he stood there, waiting for the one he had come to see to arrive.

One had released an arrow, a good shot, yet it didn’t matter as the projectile shattered against his armor.

All it had taken was a glare, and the elf dropped to his knees, bowing low while begging for mercy.

“Bring me your queen,” Max bellowed. “Do not make me ask a second time.”

Weapons fell like rain as the truth of who stood in their midst reached them all.

“He’s the one!”

“Slayer of our Kin!”

Their words had flowed like water down a river, a cascading effect of none staying on their feet that long.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

You might need to inform them that it is their job to ensure she comes. Otherwise, you may soon have the entire castle prostrate before you.

Sighing, Max strode to the closest elf and cleared his throat.

The guard was trembling, and a scent of having wet himself arose.

“I’m not going to kill you. Go and ensure she is on her way.”

In a single movement, the elf was up and racing toward the hallway, running like his life depended on it.

Minutes passed, and just before Max wondered if he would have to go searching for her, Sylvandra appeared, flanked by a set of guards in red chain armor, weapons on their hips.

She wore an overly ornate dress with gold and silver threads sewn into it.

Her face bore no expression, as if his summoning of her was no different than walking to the bathroom, yet the moment she got into range of his sonar, Max could sense her pulse racing.

Both guards moved behind her, each rigid like a board.

“Max Hoste, I came as soon as I heard you were here,” Sylvandra said, slightly bowing.

In the light of the rising morning sun, her golden hair and eyes seemed dim, unable to compete with the sun.

“I doubt that but still, I’m here to give instructions and not haggle. There will be no debate. Do what I say or die.”

She opened her mouth and Max raised his hand.

“Think carefully before you speak, Sylvandra. I bear no more ill will and you should thank your daughter that she believes for now it is best if you reign. I tire of the endless lives I must take. But do not believe for a moment I won’t snap your neck without hesitation if you disobey me.”

He watched as her mouth clamped shut, and the woman trembled slightly. He had seen her upset and enraged when he and Dexic fought for their lives, but this time was different. Max could smell her fear of him like she had bathed in perfume.

“Of course.”

Sylvandra’s reply was short and her tone was the first time he had ever heard her speak without seeming arrogant.

“Good. Now listen and know I won’t repeat myself. You will learn to live differently from your husband did. Stamp out those who call themselves zealots. Either make them understand that path will lead to the eradication of most of your kind, or take their lives. Just know if I hear of that number growing, even after what I did to your people and husband, it will not go well.”

A small nod came as her golden eyes barely held his glare for over a second.

“Next, find a way to create goodwill between your people and the other nations. You must find a way to show them you will not repeat the same mistake as your husband. It will not be easy and I have no doubt it will be costly, but you need their help for those who are innocent to survive.”

After a few seconds of him not saying anything else, the queen nodded again.

“Finally, be a better queen, Sylvandra.”

Her eyebrows furrowed and she glared at him for only a moment before averting her gaze again.

“You know what I mean. Get rid of the belief that your people are meant to serve you. Instead, learn to serve them. Find a way to be a better person and queen, or I will find one who can.”

She flinched and then quickly nodded.

A letter appeared in his hand, and Max snapped his fingers.

“This letter is from your daughter. I do not know what is in it but if she tells you to do something, consider it coming from me. Do not believe for a moment I will tolerate her name being slandered or you attempting to control her. Tanila is her own elf and a mage unlike any you have seen in so long. It is a shame you couldn’t find a way to encourage her and love her. Perhaps your husband would still be alive if–”

The elf on her right began to cry out, her hand grabbing her weapon and moving toward him.

It was comical. She was so slow, her movements were like she was barely moving.

He watched as Sylvandra reacted, her hand rising to stop the woman, reaching for her arm as the guard raced past.

He stood there, doing nothing, not dodging or attempting to block the blow.

A single thrust was given, her sword striking his armor and stopping like she had attacked one of the courtyard walls.

It caused the elf to stumble, and Max felt mana come from Sylvandra. An ice spell pierced the woman from behind, coming out of her chest.

The guard's green eyes looked down at the piece protruding from her sternum. She stumbled as she turned to look at the queen.

“Thuyja will–”

Blood sprayed outward, coating the queen in the mess as an airwall stopped the gore coming at him.

Two stone blocks, eight feet tall, crushed the elf before she could say another word.

All around him, gasps and grunts came from those who were on their knees, having been brave enough to watch this moment.

She was weaker than I expected.

And much slower. Tanila was right. They have almost no one left with any real power.

You could still end them all.

I could, but then I would be no better than the one they worship.

Bob went silent, choosing instead to cause the stones he had created to sink into the dirt, burying the guard's bones.

“I am glad you attempted to stop her,” Max said, watching the queen look at herself in horror as bones, teeth, blood and paste dripped off her outstretched arms. “Now then, do what you were told, or know a death like that would be considered mercy compared to what I would give.”

Having spoken all he wanted to, Max leapt into the air, racing toward Rakonath, who was circling up above.

I can sense the satisfaction of that moment. Even from up here, I could see what took place. Did that guard really believe she had a chance?

She was a zealot. Her commitment to Thuyja goes far beyond common sense. What person attacks a dragon with simply a stick just because they’re upset at the dragon?

Loud thrumming came as he drew near to his friend.

Now you believe you are like a dragon? Tell me, what must it be like to have a pair as big as yours?

Groaning, Max flew to his spot on Rakonath’s neck, giving it a playful slap.

As I’ve told Fowl many times, I won’t show them off lest you find yourself lacking and unable to deal with being the lesser dwarf or dragon.

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