Lord of Caldera

Chapter 160

"The Barbarian King took two whole years to conquer this place."

And it wasn't as if he had been cautious about it, either. The Barbarian King had used the people from enemy barbarian tribes and northern lords' territories as human shields. The sacrifices were massive, but that approach allowed him to progress quickly. Despite that, it had still taken two years.

"They probably think they've completed around 30% of the dungeon. They'll be in despair once they know the truth."

That 30% estimate was based on the assumption that this dungeon was structured like the others. But this dungeon was nothing like those of the past. After all, it was a dungeon designed to entomb an ancient dragon. The number and danger of traps, as well as the depth and length of the dungeon, were on an entirely different scale.

"All we need to do is watch and wish them luck," Sylas said.

"And then strike when they're worn down?" Toby asked.

"No." Enjoy more content from My Virtual Library Empire

"What? Isn't that the whole reason we baited them with the dungeon?"

Sylas chuckled at Toby's confusion.

"We're going to attack Beldaine's stronghold."

Lugues' plan was successful. Though many soldiers had been sacrificed, the progress rate was as expected. Discontent was high, but he kept discipline with both enormous rewards and harsh punishments.

"Just a little more, a little more!"

With each step of progress, Lugues clenched his hands in excitement. In past dungeons, they would have been nearing the end by now. However, as days passed, everyone started noticing something strange.

"By now, we should have reached the treasure vault..."

"Did we miscalculate the length?"

"That can't be! The distance measurements were accurate!"

They rechecked several times, but it was no mistake. They had ventured deep enough to have reached the vault by now, yet there was no end in sight. Trying to dismiss the creeping unease, someone said, "Maybe this dungeon is just a little longer than the others. We're surely close to the end."

"Right...?"

They tried to reassure themselves, especially since traps had become sparse, which usually indicated the end was near. But their hopes were soon shattered.

"When did so many die? How did our numbers fall so drastically?"

He knew the answer. It was all due to his own greed, sending his soldiers to die in the dungeon. And now, this was the result. The overwhelming advantage was gone. If Biorn were to attack recklessly, it could even endanger Lugues' own life.

With his eyes closed tightly, Lugues spoke in a trembling voice. "Prepare to retreat."

It wasn't too late. They could still make a stand at the castle. While it would be difficult for him to eliminate Biorn, Biorn wouldn't be able to take the fortress, either. If he secured the castle and used the dungeon as a bargaining chip with other lords...

"My lord! My lord, urgent news!"

At that moment, a voice shattered his thoughts. Just as a knight was about to reprimand the messenger for his rashness, the messenger, sweating profusely, shouted out in desperation.

"Sir... the castle! Beldaine's fortress has fallen!"

"What are you saying?" Lugues asked blankly. The news was so absurd that he thought he must have misheard. But the messenger, near tears, repeated the message.

"The fortress has fallen! Enemy forces are now stationed in the territory!"

"That's impossible!" Lugues shouted, jumping to his feet.

"Even if Bjorn armed every single resident in the territory, it would still take years to breach that fortress! How could it fall in just a month?"

"It's true, my lord! The banner flying above the fortress bears a different symbol!"

"Ridiculous! Nonsense!"

"My lord," came a trembling voice. One of his loyal knights tried to calm Lugues down.

"Perhaps you should see for yourself. The fortress isn't too far from here."

"Fine! I'll go see it myself!" Lugues barked, storming out of the tent. He ordered his men, "Prepare my horse! Guards, follow me! We're returning to the territory for a moment!"

He couldn't believe the fortress had fallen. Surely, it was just drunken nonsense. Suppressing his growing anxiety, Lugues mounted his horse. The truth would reveal itself soon enough.

"This... can't be."

Lugues stared up at the fortress in shock, his eyes trembling. The banner displayed on the walls was not the one he had chosen after becoming lord. It was the symbol his older brother, the former lord, had used—a symbol that Bjorn, his nephew, still cherished despite being exiled.