123. The Fall of the Doma Empire

Shortly after Cain evacuated the Dorma Empire, the massive enemy fleet waiting in the empire’s offshore waters, having received no response to their repeated signals, launched a full-scale landing. The enemy soldiers swarmed the coast of the Dorma Empire. At first, these cautious landing troops found no sign of life upon disembarking. Then, as reinforcements poured in relentlessly, they surged forward like an unstoppable tide, and within mere days, they had seized the entire Dorma Empire. The empire fell completely.

No wonder the dwarf general in the fleet stammered when reporting the enemy’s return to the empire. The invading soldiers had already packed the Dorma Empire to the brim. Even the small border town abandoned by the Jinshi Empire had fallen. The enemy’s vanguard had crossed the border between the Death Empire and Dorma Empire, advancing dozens of miles into the Death Empire. Their numbers were more than three times greater than those of the bear clan’s last invasion.

In the capital city of the Death Empire, Cain stared blankly at the pile of reconnaissance reports on the table. He never expected the enemy to bring so many troops—so many that for the first time, he dared not dispatch the cavalry. Based on previous battles, the enemy soldiers were reckless but far inferior in combat prowess compared to the berserkers. Now, only their sheer numbers were daunting.

Fortunately, the Death Empire had never been populous. People near the capital had been evacuated inside the city, while others had either retreated to large urban centers or hidden in the nearby mountains or forests of neighboring empires, much like the Death Forest. Still, a considerable number of imperial civilians remained.

“What should we do? What should we do?”

Veed had never seen Cain like this before. His beard had grown long, his fierce berserker image had faded, and he kept running his hands through his hair, muttering the same three words over and over.

“Cain, there’s no need to fret so much. The young lord might even return tomorrow. What’s the use of worrying? Besides, the magic array hasn’t been activated these past few days. They must be on their way back soon,” Veed said.

Veed was right. By now, Mo Fei had already concluded trade negotiations with King Yan, ending on a mutually satisfactory note. Whatever Mo Fei offered, King Yan accepted without hesitation, paying exorbitant prices—all in diamonds and platinum jewelry. Mo Fei laughed because once the jewelry was transported back to his continent, it would fetch an excellent price. Elder Ofu laughed because when Mo Fei requested to visit King Yan’s jewelry workshop, the king immediately agreed upon seeing the heavily armed wagon parked outside. Elder Ofu not only witnessed the most exquisite jewelry craftsmanship on the continent but also asked the artisans many questions. Naturally, the artisans, recognizing their king’s honored guest, spoke freely. With Elder Ofu’s shrewdness, he absorbed all their knowledge and experience.

Mo Fei stayed only three days at King Yan’s court to finalize trade. By the afternoon of the fourth day, he returned to the base to focus on training sixty magicians. Otherwise, he would have been back in the capital long ago.

During Mo Fei’s absence, the magicians had already learned to activate the magic array in groups of four. Any fewer and it wouldn’t work. Mo Fei was pleasantly surprised by their progress. Once immersed in their magical studies, they even forgot to eat. Were it not for the other berserkers and dwarves at the docks, these sixty magicians might have starved to the ground by the time Mo Fei returned.

Through this period of intense willpower training, the magicians experienced things they never had before. When Mo Fei asked them to try the basic introductory spells they had learned previously, they could hardly believe the deep cuts on a huge boulder by the dock were caused by such an inconspicuous magic.

When one of them cast their usual massive explosive fireball, the crater it left startled them even more. But that was not all. After Mo Fei shared some of his peculiar insights into magic, the magicians fell into deep contemplation. Mo Fei did not disturb their reflection; he instructed someone to care for them and let them sit before the magic array all night.

“How is it? Any realizations?” Mo Fei arrived early by the magic array, eager to see what effect his modest insights had on these seasoned magicians. “What I shared yesterday was only my personal perspective on magic—far from definitive. It may not suit everyone, so there’s no need to get stuck inside trying to prove it right. That would be my fault. Just take my words as a reference, nothing more. I might be wrong.”

“No,” an older magician stood. “Your insight, Lord Sorcerer, is something no one on our continent has ever mentioned. It may not fit everyone, but it has helped me greatly. My magical progress had long stagnated. Simply by encouraging us to engage the magic array, my power and skill have improved significantly. Last night, your words meant a great deal to me…”

As he spoke, the magician waved his hand, and a huge fireball descended from the sky, striking the boulder. No one noticed the exact damage from the explosion, but all saw that this fireball required a lengthy incantation to cast, yet the magician unleashed it effortlessly while speaking. They could not help but be amazed.

Everyone knew Mo Fei’s prowess. With just a few words, he had elevated one of their own to the rank of magus. Following Mo Fei’s lead, perhaps someday they too could become the continent’s most honored sorcerers. They had spent the night pondering Mo Fei’s words but had not reached the same depth of understanding. Initially, they thought he was talking nonsense, but the magician’s display gave them a clear goal. No longer would they underestimate Mo Fei’s teachings. Their eyes now burned with resolve.

“Good. I’m glad it’s useful to you. But I must say farewell soon. We’ll be leaving shortly and won’t see each other for a while.”

“Ah, Lord Sorcerer…” The magicians’ faces fell in disappointment; they hadn’t expected Mo Fei to leave so soon.

“I will come to visit your continent again, don’t worry,” Mo Fei said, seeing their disappointment and feeling somewhat sorry.

“Lord Sorcerer, we’ve already told the retreating commanders ahead that we’ll accompany you for some time. Wherever you go, we’ll follow—if it’s convenient.”

“If you want to visit my empire, you’re welcome. There’s no inconvenience. With you by my side, our forces become even stronger.” Mo Fei was pleased they wouldn’t be returning home immediately. Taking them into the empire would allow more interaction and showcase the empire’s military might. Perhaps it would be useful if the two armies clashed again someday.

“Young lord, a bear clan warship has appeared offshore,” a berserker reported as he ran over.

===============================

Mo Fei watched as a bear clan warrior disembarked, looking around before heading straight toward him. A sudden unease crept over Mo Fei.

“Your Majesty.” As expected, the warrior had come for him. “By order of the chieftain, I bring this letter for you.”

Taking the letter with both hands, Mo Fei’s unease deepened.

“Esteemed Your Majesty,

Greetings! I am Udos Naping.

But that formal title feels awkward; I’d rather just call you big brother. Yes, from now on, I’ll call you that. I prefer being brothers with you. Alright, that’s settled. You won’t reject me as your little brother, will you?

Now, to the matter at hand. Your empire is in grave trouble. I sense a tremendous force has appeared on your continent. I suppose your berserker commander has received word as well. After our caravan returned and spoke, I became even more convinced that what I sensed earlier is real.

Your empire is now fully mobilized for war. I envy you for having such a wise commander. This alone proves my own wisdom. Don’t laugh, big brother. I learned from my caravan what you’ve done recently. I deeply admire your berserker commander’s swift and thorough preparations.

In this regard, our bear clan falls far short. Our reconciliation and cooperation with you, big brother and emperor, only prove my wisdom, right?

Enough of that. I’ve sent three thousand magicians to aid your empire, along with five thousand of our finest warriors. But I fear they won’t make much difference. I considered sending more but worried about causing trouble on your continent.

Alas, big brother, by the time you receive this letter, it will be days later. Run while you can. Your empire may already be at war.

If there’s anything your little brother can do, just say the word. If you accept me as your brother, then your empire is mine as well. Ha ha!

Your little brother, Udos Naping.”