Chapter 414: A Promise
"Oh? Is that what you think, Elder Hog? Why don't you take another closer look?" Aengus said mysteriously.
"Huh?"
Hog narrowed his eyes but did as he was told. The next moment, disbelief flashed across his aged face.
"This... so many Supreme Talents? But how?" Hog muttered in shock.
Baldor was equally astonished. "Not only that, Grand Commander. Their physical strength is also far above average, despite not being awakened as Seekers. Where did these people come from?"
Leon, Felix, Martin, Sen, Sienna, Quin, and the others stepped forward, introducing themselves.
"Greetings, Elder Hog! We've heard about you and everything that happened in the Kievan Empire. Thank you for aiding our Emperor in achieving such a feat," Leon said on behalf of everyone, offering a respectful greeting.
The old man felt slightly embarrassed by all the praise. "No problem. We haven't done anything significant enough to be remembered. It was His Majesty who was wise and powerful."
He paused for a moment, a sudden realization dawning on him. "Wait a minute... do you mean to say he originated from your world?" Hog asked, his eyes widening.
Leon and Quin exchanged proud smiles.
"Unfortunately, no. But technically, yes. His rise began in our world, Mythraldor. He is also the Emperor of our United Liberation Empire."
"Ohh..." Hog and the others looked intrigued, sensing there was a story to be told. "Please, do share the story with us in lone time! Ah, but first, I haven't even asked your names yet. What are they?"
Leon and the others stepped forward to introduce themselves.
"I am Leon, this is Felix, and he is Martin," Leon said. "We are the three Generals of the United Liberation Empire."
"I am Quin, His Majesty's First Commandment," Quin announced with a proud smile, while the other high-ranking officials like Sen, Sienna introduced themselves with excitement.
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Hog could barely contain his anticipation. He recognized a few of their names, recalling stories of their past exploits. He was eager to hear the full tale of their Emperor from these people who had witnessed his journey firsthand.
At that moment, Aengus suddenly spoke addressing Baldor. "Grandmaster Baldor, let me introduce you to some of the finest craftsmen of intelligence and skill."
He gestured toward a small group of Ancient Dwarves—Sirgrid and nine others—whom he had met in Ancient Dwarvania.
The sight of them shocked everyone. The Ancient Dwarves were nearly equal in size to the Giants, a revelation that astonished even the seasoned craftsmen.
Grandmaster Baldor's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Are these the Intelligent Craftsmen you spoke of, Your Majesty?" he asked. For once, his usual doubt and arrogance were nowhere to be seen.
Aengus nodded. "Yes, indeed. I believe their talent and skills will impress you. Train them well and work together to construct another Heaven-Class Battleship on your own."
Sirgrid and the other Ancient Dwarves were already on the verge of tears, overwhelmed with excitement. Their gazes locked onto the massive, white, shining behemoth before them—a true marvel of magical engineering.
"Your Eminence, thank you for granting us this opportunity. We will not let you down," Sirgrid declared with unwavering determination. "With our combined skills and the guidance of these experienced master craftsmen, we will surely build one of these marvelous creations ourselves! We will make proud."
As the winds of the barren desert whispered alongside the new guests across the land, Belial and Celeste—along with Belial's other wives and children—stepped forward, their eyes filled with anticipation and longing.
Celeste's voice trembled slightly with anxiety. "Son-in-law, where is Bella? I don't see her here yet. Does she… not want to meet us?"
Aengus turned back to her, his expression calm yet reassuring.
"Don't worry, Mother-in-law. She is just a little busy. And… I forgot to tell you—" He paused, a small but genuine smile forming on his lips. "She is going to be a mother very soon. Wait a little while, and I will take you all to meet her."
A moment of silence followed.
"Huh? Really?!"
Belial and Celeste gasped in shock.
"I… I'm going to be a grandfather?!" Belial exclaimed, his eyes widening in disbelief before joy overtook his features. "That's great news!"
Celeste clasped her hands over her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes.
"My Bella… is going to be a mother…!"
Their overwhelming joy radiated into the air, lightening the once heavy atmosphere.
However—On the other side, another family stood in stark contrast to this moment of celebration.
Ashter, Astrid, Drake, and Yona stood quietly—watching but not celebrating.
Their heads were slightly lowered, their faces dark with worry and sorrow.
Because they already been informed about the happenings of between Aria and Aengus.
They knew of the uncertainty surrounding Aria.
Their girl who once stood strong and fearless was now missing, lost to the unknown.
Ashter, her father, clenched his fists.
"Why did it have to be her?
"Why did his daughter, of all people, have to face such a cruel fate? What did she do wrong?"
The pain in his heart was unbearable.
Aengus, sensing their emotions, stepped forward. His presence was steady and comforting.
He reached out, placing a firm yet comforting hand on Ashter's shoulder.
His dark eyes met the older man's sorrowful ones. The old man waited for a decade and now he had to hear such a disappointing news. It was heartbreaking.
"Please, don't be so worried, Father-in-law," Aengus said, his voice carrying both conviction and warmth.
"I am sure she's fine… and that she hasn't done anything against her own will. I still love her just as I always have."
A breath of silence passed.
Then, Aengus firmly declared,
"One day I will find her. And I promise I will bring her back."
His words carried the weight of an oath—one that could shake the heavens if necessary.
Ashter, despite his sorrow, looked into Aengus' eyes and saw something unyielding.
A man who would cross the ends of existence itself for the one he loved.
With a deep sigh, Ashter slowly nodded.
"I will hold you to that promise, Aengus."