After unleashing his composite magic—Thunderfrost Inferno—Kael proved too much for Lone Wolf to handle. His strength far exceeded Lone Wolf's expectations, rendering even the Divine Flame Doppelganger useless against the devastating spell. Struck head-on, Lone Wolf was blasted into the ground, grievously wounded.
Of course, casting such a powerful composite magic drained a considerable amount of Kael's mana. But then again, Kael was a monster—compared to his terrifying reserves, this expenditure was merely a drop in the ocean.
Calmly hovering midair, sustained by his Soaring Flight Technique, Kael gazed down at the unconscious Lone Wolf.
The bandit leader lay severely injured, his body scorched and smoking amidst the blackened earth. Kael had held nothing back in that life-or-death moment—nor would he ever.
Meanwhile, Amanda's face twisted in despair. The long-legged beauty sprang forward with explosive force, her eyes burning with hatred as she screamed, **"Die!"**
Pushed to her limits—even verging on a breakthrough—by Lone Wolf's defeat, Amanda fought like a woman possessed, a testament to how deeply she cared for him.
Yet Kael merely raised a hand, his staff intercepting her strike as his Lightning Domainerupted around her. With a flick of his wrist, arcs of electricity coalesced into razor-sharp blades, slashing into Amanda before she could react.
"Aaaagh—!"
The lightning blades hurled her into the valley's rocky walls with a thunderous crash, sending debris flying. No matter how strong she was as a Level 7 Peak fighter, the gap between her and Kael remained insurmountable.
His gaze icy, Kael swept his eyes over the remaining bandits. Most stood frozen, either too stunned to flee or trapped—Alaric and the Unicorn Rhinos had already sealed off all escape routes. They were nothing but fish in a barrel now.
"Drop your weapons and surrender. Do that, and I'll spare your lives."
His voice, amplified by mana, echoed clearly across the valley, leaving no room for defiance.
Hundreds of Unicorn Rhinos stood poised for battle, their presence alone enough to intimidate. Combined with Kael's defeat of Lone Wolf and his effortless crushing of Amanda, the bandits now saw him as an invincible figure. Many dropped their weapons in surrender.
Of course, there were still stubborn fools who refused to yield—all of whom were swiftly eliminated by Kael and the Unicorn Rhinos. After a few such examples, the remaining bandits obediently gave up resistance.
And so, the Rogue Bandits, the greatest obstacle hindering the Lefay Territory's development, were finally eradicated by Kael's own hands.
From this day forth, the name of the Rogue Bandits would be erased from the Lefay Plains.
Jett stared at Kael, his heart surging with exhilaration. This Earl had brought him one miracle after another, far exceeding all expectations.
With the floods receding and the bandits wiped out, perhaps the Lefay Plains could truly rise to prominence on the continent!
Jett's eyes gleamed as if already witnessing the territory's glorious future.
"Round up these bandits and keep them under watch," Kael commanded with a wave of his hand. Jett immediately nodded in response—he now regarded Kael as nothing short of a deity.
Gods above… Over a hundred Level 8 contracted beasts? Who in the world had ever tamed so many at once?
Ella, too, watched Kael with a complicated gaze. Mana Surge, lightning magic, a legion of Level 8 beasts… And most shockingly—the long-lost Soaring Flight Technique!
Just who was he?
As she observed Kael hovering effortlessly in the air, Ella grew increasingly convinced of his unfathomable depth. Deep down, she made a silent resolution—perhaps following Kael would be the key to her own breakthrough.
With the Rogue Bandits officially disbanded, the garrison troops Kael had stationed nearby finally had their moment. They swiftly bound the remaining bandits, securing them as prisoners.
"Kael, the Alpha Merchant Guild wishes to speak with you."
Amelia approached gracefully, her silver light armor gleaming, long hair flowing like silk. Her clear, stream-like eyes locked onto Kael as she smiled.
Only then did Kael descend slowly, his expression softening at the sight of Amelia. Perhaps only with her could he ever truly relax.
Taking her delicate hand in his, Kael frowned. **"The Alpha Merchant Guild wants to see me?"**
But his brow soon smoothed—he already had an inkling of what they wanted.
If Kael was the biggest winner of this valley battle, then the Alpha Merchant Guild was undoubtedly the ultimate victim. Their shipment had drawn the full force of the Rogue Bandits, and their family's elite guards had been completely wiped out. Now, they were like lambs to the slaughter.
Kael pondered for a moment before smiling faintly. **"Bring the Alpha Merchant Guild's representative to me."**
Amelia nodded. Soon, a tall, lean middle-aged man approached, kneeling respectfully on one knee in a formal salute. **"I am Alpha, at your service, Lord Kael, Earl of Lefay."**
News of Kael's ennoblement had long spread across the three continents, and merchant guilds, with their sharp ears, were well aware.
Kael gave an indifferent nod, motioning for Alpha to rise. Then, his voice cool, he said:
"Since the Alpha Merchant Guild recognizes me as the Earl of Lefay and has transported goods through my territory, why was no tariff paid?"
Tariffs!
These were the Lefay Plains' most crucial source of income. Bordering both the Mide Empire and the Guy Empire, Lefay City legally required all merchant guilds passing through to pay a tariff—typically one-tenth of the goods' value, a substantial sum.
Yet over the years, Lefay City had declined. Bandit threats had deterred merchants, and major guilds like the Alpha family's had outright evaded taxes.
Under Kael's piercing gaze, Alpha broke into a cold sweat. His back was drenched, beads of perspiration rolled down his forehead, and his face turned ashen with fear.
"My lord, please allow me to explain—this was all a misunderstanding! Here is our guild's tariff payment for this shipment… along with a small token of our sincerity."
Fortunately, Alpha was no fool. Under Kael's scrutiny, he swiftly produced a crystal card, presenting it with utmost deference.
Kael took the card and, upon sensing its contents, paused in surprise.
The Alpha family had deep pockets indeed—this card held a staggering 200,000 gold coins.
No wonder these damned merchant guilds are called "bloodsuckers" across the continent—they're filthy rich!
Kael pocketed the 200,000 gold coins without so much as a flicker of expression.
Alpha forced a smile, bowing deeply as he added, **"Rest assured, Lord Earl, the Alpha family will pay all tariffs dutifully from now on! We'll also spread word of your lordship's might to every guild in the Guy Empire!"**
"Good."
Finally, Kael smiled. Seeing this, Alpha exhaled in relief. Right now, the Alpha Merchant Guild was nothing but an ant before this unfathomable earl—and from the looks of it, he was ruthless enough to crush them without hesitation.
Unaware of the terror he'd inspired, Kael watched as Alpha wiped his sweat-drenched forehead and stammered, **"Then, my lord, with your permission… I shall take my leave."**
Kael nodded dismissively.
Alpha practically fled as if pardoned from execution.
Watching his retreating figure, Kael felt a surge of satisfaction. Once the Alpha Merchant Guild returned to the Guy Empire, news of the Rogue Bandits' annihilationand the Lefay Territory's newfound strength would spread like wildfire.
Merchant guilds were like wolves—once they smelled profit, they'd come swarming.
Kael could already envision the Lefay Territory flourishing beyond imagination…