Magnus and Shadow returned to the scene of the two armies locked in combat.
Upon seeing Magnus and Shadow's return, the soldiers of the Faerie Kingdom grew even more fierce.
However, at the rear, the mood was quite different.
The sight of the lifeless body of Crown Prince Felix cast a somber shadow over them.
"What happened?" Magnus, who had come back, immediately sensed the tense atmosphere.
"That— Your Majesty, the Crown Prince—" The guard's words trailed off as Magnus's gaze landed on Felix's condition.
Though Magnus remained silent, an overwhelming sense of heaviness permeated the surroundings.
"Cult!" Magnus uttered coldly, his voice carrying the weight of his anger and grief.
Even Shadow, who stood beside him, remained silent.
"See to it that Felix's body is properly attended to," Magnus instructed, striding towards the battlefield.
He needed to channel his anger, and the army of the Jade Kingdom was conveniently at hand.
Though he had many sons and daughters as a king, Felix held a special place in his heart.
Moreover, Felix was exceptionally gifted, destined to surpass Magnus's own accomplishments, achieving what he himself hadn't managed.
But now, due to his own lapse in vigilance.
The escape of the cult leader Henry, his son's bright future had been snuffed out.
Soon, Magnus resembled a war god as he swept through the battlefield.
"A Tier 4 warrior bullying us!"
"Shameless!"
Among the soldiers on the opposing side, particularly the Tier 3 Earth Knights, a sense of bitterness brewed as Magnus drew closer.
"Hmph, a swarm of ants!" Magnus's aura no longer carried the regality of a king but instead exuded the madness of a frenzied soul.
He was akin to a mower, cutting down everything in his path.
Even the soldiers of the Faerie Kingdom felt a shiver and began to retreat, leaving their king to his wrath.
Soon, the soldiers of the Jade Kingdom were annihilated, denied even a chance to surrender.
"Clean up the battlefield," Magnus ordered before finally coming to a rest, allowing his tense nerves to relax.
In due course, the soldiers gathered their belongings, preparing to march back.
As for the Jade Kingdom territory, Magnus saw no need to conquer them.
Firstly, the distance was too great for effective management.
Secondly, his true desire was not for power.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have chosen the most barren part of the Curse Continent to establish his kingdom.
Lastly, consumed by grief, he had lost interest in all else.
...
A month later, while the soldiers of the Faerie Kingdom were making their way back, in Moonshadow Castle:
"Push!" the midwife urged.
"Aaah!" Erica strained, using all her strength to deliver her child.
After her unyielding effort, the child was born.
"Congratulations, Lady. Your child is a healthy boy," the midwife congratulated.
Maximus, who had been waiting outside, heard the cries cease and hurriedly entered the room.
"How is it?"
"Are you alright, Erica?"
"I'm fine, husband. With the potion you gave me, everything went smoothly," Erica replied with a smile.
Before giving birth, Maximus had provided her with a Tier 3 birth potion, which significantly eased the process.
She hadn't even felt any pain; she was just a bit tired.
"It's good that you're fine," Maximus sighed in relief.
"How is the child?" Maximus finally had a moment to inspect his child.
Earlier, he had heard his system beep, but he was too anxious to check.
"It's a healthy boy," Erica smiled, gently poking the child's cheeks.
The child didn't resemble a newborn but more like a few days old, with chubby cheeks.
"He has a bit of my handsomeness," Maximus boasted playfully.
"What should we name him, husband?"
"Let's call him Liam, Liam Shadowcrest," Maximus decided.
[Liam Shadowcrest:
Potential - Common]
"Hmm, a wonderful name," Erica smiled contentedly.
While they were conversing, three women entered the room: Hazel, Luna, and Livia.
"How's your baby, Erica?" Hazel inquired.
"Take a look."
"Wow, what a handsome boy," Hazel's eyes lit up.
Hazel had a deep fondness for children, and gazing at Liam, she couldn't help but imagine the scene when her own child would be born.
Her due date was just two weeks away, adding to her excitement.
"Hahaha, don't worry, yours will be born later."
"Hmm," Hazel nodded, gently stroking her belly.
"Luna, Livia, come and see my child," Erica couldn't resist showing off.
Yet, she also secretly hoped that these twin sisters would eventually warm up to her husband and become part of the family.
Five months had passed since their arrival, transitioning from initial caution to lively interaction.
Sometimes, Maximus was even able to coax genuine smiles from them.
Although he hadn't yet succeeded in breaking through their protective barriers.
"He's so adorable," Livia remarked, unable to resist taking the child into her arms.
"Your son is truly handsome," Luna praised.
"Of course, just look at what his father is," Maximus playfully boasted on the side.
"Oh, I hope you won't be as shameless as your father," Luna mused while looking at the child.
"Be a gentleman," Livia added with a silent nod.
That night, they celebrated the birth of Liam with a banquet, inviting their family to share in their joy.
...
Two weeks later, Hazel also gave birth.
"How should we name our child, husband?" Hazel asked in a more mature tone.
Her once-shy nature had dissipated since giving birth to her first child.
Gazing at the cute and lively girl, her maternal affection overflowed.
"Let's name her Lily, Lily Shadowcrest," Maximus suggested.
[Lily Shadowcrest:
Potential - Uncommon]
"Hmm, Lily is a wonderful name," Hazel agreed, pleased with the choice.
"Ba.. ba," Liam, on the side, was already attempting to mutter as he reached out toward Lily.
"That's your little sister, Liam," Erica informed him.
"Your kids are both beautiful and handsome," Luna couldn't help but praise.
"Hey, what about you? Do you want one?" Maximus playfully winked.
"You're truly shameless," Luna rolled her eyes.
"Baby Lily, your father is a rogue," Livia chimed in playfully.
"Hey, I'm majestic and handsome. How can I be a rogue?"
"Tsk, and narcissistic too," Luna added.
Lily looked around, taking in the new world she had entered.
With the addition of two children, Maximus's potential had undergone a change.
[Maximus Shadowcrest:
Tier 1 Official Mage: lvl 5
Potential: Uncommon (3/100)
Wives: 2
Children: 2]
Now that he had two children, he could get 2 potential points every day.
Sooner or later, his potential would rival that of geniuses.
Even if he did nothing, he would inevitably become stronger.
To achieve this, he needed to have more children.
Thus, he turned his attention to Luna and Livia.
"What?"
"Nothing..."
"I suppose the time hasn't come yet," Maximus thought.
"It can only be the two of you," Maximus silently uttered in his heart as he looked at his two wives, Hazel and Erica.
Unaware of the meaning behind Maximus's gaze, Hazel and Erica carried on.
However, a few months later, they would come to understand that they were pregnant once again.
...
Two months later, Johnson returned to Moonshadow City.
"Huh? The farmland can actually grow food?" Johnson was astonished when he saw a vast expanse of fields.
Due to being dispatched to the battlefield during the planting season, he had missed the transformation of the farmland.
Observing the large fields brimming with a golden hue, he stood mesmerized for a while.
After all, during his months of journey, he had encountered nothing but dirt and mud, which had somewhat numbed his senses.
Witnessing the vibrant and diverse colors now was a refreshing change.
Heading to the barracks, he encountered his friend Smith.
"It's you, Johnson. How did the war go?" Smith inquired.
"It was both relatively easy and tragic at the same time," Johnson began, recounting the events of the war.
He described the cult's involvement, the annihilation of the entire Jade Kingdom's army, and most significantly, the death of the crown prince.
This was perhaps the most shocking development in the entire war.
Following this, it seemed likely that the Faerie Kingdom would experience a significant shift in its dynamics.
"You should convey this to Lord Maximus as soon as possible," Smith advised.
"I'm aware, but how's the progress with soldier recruitment?" Johnson asked.
"It's been quite challenging. Not many people are enthusiastic about joining Lord Maximus's army," Smith explained.
"Fortunately, Lord Maximus lowered the recruitment target to 3,000 soldiers instead of 10,000," he continued.
"Hey, it's likely because there's a shortage of food, leading to people's lack of confidence," Johnson offered a comforting perspective.
"Now, just a few days later, on the day of the harvest, Moonshadow City will truly begin to flourish," he remarked.
"Hahaha, in that case, I'll go report to Lord Maximus."
"Alright."
EDITED.
Stonebridge City, within a lavish castle:
"How is it? Did you know how the city next to us managed to make their land grow food?" Count Laxus, the lord of Stonebridge City, asked.
"According to our informant, a few months ago, Moonshadow City collected a variety of materials," Martis, Count Laxus' advisor, replied.
"Based on the analysis, such materials can be used to make fertilizer," Martis continued.
"What kind of fertilizer?! How can fertilizer be effective?" Laxus exclaimed in shock.
It's common knowledge that, regardless of the fertilization methods you use.
Without addressing the core issue of the corrosive mana, you cannot make the land fertile and promote food growth.
Yet, the city next door managed to achieve just that.
"Did you check if there is an array formation set up?" Laxus inquired.
He didn't really believe that a simple fertilizer could revitalize the land.
"Yes, there seems to be something that was blocking the corrosive mana from reaching the ground," Martis explained.
"I see, no wonder," Laxus couldn't help but nod.
It's no wonder that fertilizer is effective.
Without the corrosive mana affecting the land, growing food is just a matter of time.
"But how could they afford to hire a formation master?"
"I heard the previous count was obsessed with training. How could they still afford to spend millions of gold coins?" Laxus couldn't help but wonder.
"This, I don't know."
"Hmm, it's possible that the previous count sold some treasures while he was still alive," Laxus concluded.
As for the possibility that Maximus was the formation master, that didn't even cross his mind.
"That count should have had a lot of money. Spending millions of gold just to grow some food is quite extravagant."
Even Laxus, given such an enormous amount of money, wouldn't think of investing in food production.
After all, it's not a worthwhile investment.
If he had that kind of money, he would spend it all on his cultivation.
After all, strength is all that matters.
Now he's in the same situation as the previous count of Moonshadow City, saving money only to spend it all on training.
"What do you think I should do, Martis?"
"That... Should we rob him?" Martis suggested.
After all, Laxus was a Tier 3 Earth Knight himself.
Robbing some kid should be easy.
"Hmm, that's not decent. We should act nobly and engage in business."
"I'm sorry for suggesting such a thing, my lord," Martis bowed, acknowledging his mistake.
"It's alright," Laxus waved his hand.
"Then what kind of business should we do?"
"Perhaps we could hire some assassins to kidnap the count's relatives."
"Kidnap?" Martis couldn't help but question.
What happened to doing legitimate business?
"Hehe, selling people should fetch millions of gold," Laxus laughed.
How could he truly engage in business?
Isn't that nonsense?
If he really had some talent in business then he wouldn't be envious of some kids.
...
A few days later, during the harvest season, in the Moonshadow City castle:
"Maximus, I saw that your farmland is beaming with food," Francis, Erica's father, said excitedly.
When he had come to visit his daughter, he was greeted by a vast expanse of land filled with crops.
"Hey, it's because I planted a mini-formation," Maximus excused himself.
Sooner or later, many people would notice the peculiarity of his territory.
After all, only with a formation can you grow food.
"Do you know about formations?!" Francis exclaimed with shock.
The reason he was so surprised was that formation masters were nearly extinct in the Sunburnt Plateau.
If you wanted someone to set up a formation for you, you had to pay exorbitant prices.
"I know a little. There's a formation inheritance left by my father."
"After years of study, I became quite proficient," Maximus explained.
"So that's it!" Francis couldn't help but nod.
"Then you set up the formation in the farmland to isolate the corrosive mana?" Francis asked.
"Yes, unfortunately, I'm barely skilled in formations."
"Oh, that's already very impressive," Francis sighed with envy.
However, when he thought about asking Maximus to set up a similar formation when he had his own territory, he couldn't help but smile.
After all, Maximus was his son-in-law, so asking him to set up a formation should be easy.
"By the way, father-in-law, I heard that your restaurant is causing a sensation in the Imperial Capital."
"Hey, I'm glad you asked me. After I received the 100 thousand gold from you, I used all of it to establish a high-end restaurant."
"Now, after a few months of operation, it earns tens of thousands of gold every month," Francis bragged.
Originally, he was an imperial chef, so after he set up the restaurant, the business flourished.
"In the future, I might have to rely on you, father-in-law, to support our family," Maximus joked.
"Hahaha, don't worry. How could I forget about my daughter and grandchildren?" Francis laughed.
While they were engrossed in conversation and laughter.
Maximus suddenly felt the protective ring on Hazel's hand activated.
"Hazel!" Maximus called her name.
Without hesitation, he activated a speed-boosting jade token, darting out of the castle and heading straight for Hazel.
...
A little while earlier,
"You're here, Hazel!" Grace, Hazel's mother, exclaimed.
"Hmm, I missed you."
"You also brought little Lily with you."
Just a few days ago, after Hazel gave birth, there was a banquet where their parents had the chance to meet Lily.
Now seeing Lily again, Grace couldn't help but cuddle her granddaughter.
"My husband said that it's good for the baby to bathe in the sun," Hazel explained, giving Lily to her mother.
"That's indeed good. When you were young, I often took you out in the sun."
"Now look at you, growing up so beautifully and capturing the Lord's heart," Grace chattered.
Although she wasn't sure if it was really good, since the Lord said it was, she believed it to be so.
"By the way, where is Father?" Hazel asked, not seeing her father around.
"Oh, your father is helping Robert oversee the food harvesting."
Since Hazel's family didn't have a job, Maximus gave Hazel's father the position of supervisor and assistant to Robert.
"I see. Then I'll go see him," Hazel said.
She intended to take Lily out to soak in the sun anyway.
"Then go, come back later, and I'll cook you some food."
"You're too cute, little Lily."
Grace couldn't resist pinching Lily's cheeks – she was such an adorable child.
"Hmm, well, I'll be back later."
"Let's go to the farm," Hazel said to the guards as she boarded the carriage.
As Maximus' wife, she naturally had a group of escorts.
"Yes, madam."
The carriage moved slowly through Moonshadow City.
"How does the outside world look to you, Lily?" Hazel talked, gazing out the window.
"Ba...ba..." Lily babbled endlessly as if understanding what Hazel was saying.
While they were bonding, the carriage suddenly came to a stop.
"Assassin!" The guard outside suddenly noticed someone approaching Hazel with hostile intent.
However, soon silence prevailed.
Hazel even thought that it was just her imagination.
"What happened?" Hazel questioned, holding Lily tightly.
Bang!*
The door of the carriage suddenly swung open.
"Who are you?!" Hazel demanded, seeing a man holding a bloodied knife.
"You must be Hazel, Count Maximus' wife," Lucas said with a wide grin.
"What do you want?!"
"Hehe, some people just want some bargaining chips to use against your husband."
"Don't worry, if you cooperate peacefully, you won't be hurt."
Before Lucas could get any closer, Hazel activated a jade token, unleashing an attack comparable to a Tier 3 earth knight.
"Damn!" Lucas suddenly sensed danger and dodged.
Unfortunately, the attack came swiftly, severing his arm.
"Damn, witch!" Lucas cursed.
It was supposed to be an easy job; little did he know that this girl possessed alchemy talismans.
Blinded by anger, Lucas forgot his initial goal and attempted to kill Hazel.
*Dang!*
However, an energy barrier abruptly materialized.
"Huh, another alchemy item?" Lucas' eyes reddened.
Who said that this was a simple kidnapping mission?
"Escape!" Realizing he couldn't stay any longer, he fled.
"Huh? The ring my husband gave me is really effective." Although Hazel was scared, her maternal instinct enabled her to think clearly.
Seeing Lucas about to escape, she pulled out another jade token and activated it.
"Another one?!" This time Lucas was prepared, so he dodged without sustaining further injury.
Yet, the impact alone sent him flying.
"Oh, it's truly powerful," Hazel muttered as she retrieved yet another token.
Besides the ring of protection, Maximus had armed her with a bunch of tokens.
As Lucas grew frustrated, he barely managed to dodge, losing his legs in the process.
"Damn, this is endless,"
Lucas didn't know how many times he curse his employer in his heart.
He, Lucas a tier 3 earth knight vagrant from another kingdom.
He just arrived in Faerie Kingdom, so he thought of doing some easy mission to get some quick cash.
But who knew that a simple mission is something that will kill him?
"Really persistent!" Hazel grumbled.
While she didn't like killing, the danger had almost taken her daughter's life, filling her with rage.
Now, faced with the fourth token and unable to move, Lucas had given up.
*Boom!*
Lucas disintegrated, leaving behind rubble and dust.
"Huff."
"Huff."
Hazel breathed heavily after such a harrowing experience.
"Da... da..." Lily, who had witnessed it all, clapped as if it were a play.
"Huh, you really don't care about your old mother," Hazel remarked, looking at the oblivious Lily.
Lily seemed to understand and gave her a kiss and a toothless smile.
"Hmmm, that's good enough," Hazel smiled.
However, seeing the ruckus that had happened, the guard's body that was littered across, and the fact that she just killed someone.
Hazel's emotions were quite complex.
"Hazel!"
In less than a minute, Maximus arrived at Hazel's side.
"Are you hurt?!" Seeing Hazel safe and sound, Maximus couldn't help but ask.
"I'm fine, husband," Hazel reassured with a smile.
"It's good to see you're okay," Maximus sighed in relief as he embraced Hazel and Lily.
"Hmm," Hazel hummed, feeling comforted by Maximus' embrace.
"Ba... ba..." Lily seemed uncomfortable and babbled as she patted his chest.
"Baby Lily, it's good to see you're fine," Maximus said, leaning in to kiss her.
Lily chuckled and returned the kiss.
Seeing that both were unharmed, he cast a gaze over the surroundings.
Surveying the dead guards and Lucas' body, a sense of darkness overcame him.
"Who dares to threaten my family?" Maximus thought with a fierce expression.
EDITED.
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