Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong Chapter 2617: 1441: Sudden Upheaval

The eerie, unrestrained laughter of the Witch Demon Leader echoed through the moonlit Illusion Realm Dense Forest. Veins bulged on Reece’s lion-like face as he roared in fury, "You will never succeed as long as I, the leader, still draw breath!"

As he spoke, Reece’s aura flared violently. He brandished his shimmering Giant Axe and lunged toward the Witch Demon Leader in a fierce assault.

"Hmph, nothing more than the courage of a mindless brute."

Watching the enraged beast-man charge toward him, the Witch Demon Leader’s withered features twisted into a look of pure contempt. He paid the attack no mind, turning his back to lead his group of witch demons deeper into the woods with a leisurely stride.

Just as Reece was closing the distance, a massive Illusion Mirror materialized out of thin air. It perfectly captured the image of Reece’s face, which was twisted with murderous intent.

Suddenly, the "Reece" within the Illusion Mirror lunged out, wielding a duplicate Tier 6 Giant Axe. The two collided with a violent force, locked in a stalemate.

Reece found himself unable to move forward, his progress halted by his own reflection. He could only vent his frustration with savage, thunderous roars.

"Leader of the Rainforest, enjoy your duel with your own image."

Hearing the lion’s bellows, the Witch Demon Leader sneered. "It costs me no energy at all. Meet your end drowned in your own rage."

The Witch Demon Leader’s raspy laughter rang through the night air before he vanished into the shadows of the thick forest.

...

"Lord, you have been working throughout the day. Do you not intend to rest?"

Ariel Watson stood on the balcony of the Queen’s chambers within Lion Castle, gently draping the Emperor’s robe over Leo Ray’s shoulders with a look of concern.

"I am not weary yet," Leo Ray replied with a soft smile, though a subtle feeling of dread continued to nag at his mind.

After parting ways with the Administrator and returning to the Human Domain, Leo Ray had coordinated several tasks. He sent Sarah Shawn, Bianca White, and other elites equipped with containers to the ruins of the Loren Royal City. Their mission was to recover Old Roy and the other three Apocalyptic Knights. Once they were safely settled within the Lion King Temple, he had finally returned to the castle.

Everything seemed to be in order, yet the danger had not passed. The witch demon was notoriously treacherous, and that knowledge was likely the root of his anxiety.

"No, I must conduct one more inspection of our border defenses."

Pulling himself together, Leo Ray opened a Mind Talk connection and commanded Ice Stone City to wait outside the Royal Capital.

"I will return shortly. You should go to sleep," Leo Ray said, patting Ariel Watson’s head affectionately before departing the court and heading for Ice Stone City.

A short time later, Leo Ray arrived at the Desolate Fortress, a stronghold situated on the frontier of the Desert Alliance. Located at the giant’s boundary, it served as the closest defensive point to the desert and was manned by a joint force of giants and treant generals.

Under the pale moon, the fortress stood against the desert winds, overlooking a vast, shifting expanse of sand and dust.

"We greet Your Majesty!"

Haner Tree and Shuert immediately stepped forward to salute as soon as they spotted Leo Ray.

"Rise. Has there been any trouble here?" Leo Ray asked with a small nod.

"Everything is quiet, Your Majesty," Haner Tree reported respectfully. "We have three Tier 4 legions and fifteen Tier 3 legions stationed here, including our treant allies. They are all top-tier elites."

"Tonight is a turning point. We cannot let our guard down for even a second, as the witch demon is likely to attempt more schemes," Leo Ray cautioned solemnly. "Our progress today was indeed smooth, and victory is within our grasp. However, the more successful we are, the more vigilant we must become to avoid a sudden reversal. Make sure the commanders remain alert."

"By your command, Your Majesty!"

The blue, rugged face of the newly appointed Troll Clan Chief was filled with profound respect. Having witnessed Leo Ray handle the two alliance leaders at the Shadow Market, Haner Tree’s admiration for him was absolute.

Leo Ray gave a satisfied nod. But as he prepared to move on to the next outpost, Haner Tree suddenly pressed a hand to his ear, clearly receiving a Magic Communication.

His face grew grim. "Your Majesty, Cassie was scouting ahead of the fortress and found a critically wounded powerhouse from the Desert Alliance. It appears to be the masked individual who was with the Desert Leader at the Shadow Market!"

"Order Cassie to bring them in immediately," Leo Ray commanded, his expression hardening.

It was obvious from their previous encounter that the masked person was a vital confidant to Sina. If they were in this state, it meant Sina and the rest of the Desert Alliance were likely in extreme peril—a development he hadn't expected so soon.

"What could have happened?"

Filled with doubt, Leo Ray walked toward the entrance. "Let us meet them at the gate," he told Haner Tree and Shuert.

The two followed closely, sensing the urgency. It wasn't long before the fortress gates swung open and Cassie rushed in, carrying a small, limp figure.

In the moonlight, the figure’s black clothes were drenched in blood and their strange mask was shattered. It was indeed the masked subordinate, now unconscious.

"Your Majesty, their condition is dire," Cassie reported, pausing as Leo Ray waved off her attempt to kneel. "There are traces of petrification, magical explosions, and giant snake venom. My initial first aid has barely stabilized them."

"I will take over."

Leo Ray moved quickly, discarding the ruined mask. He administered a Tier 6 Healing Magic Potion and immediately tore open a Tier 6 Healing Scroll.

He knew the importance of this person. Waking them was the only way to find out what had transpired. Rare potions and scrolls were a small price to pay for such information.

Under the combined power of the medicine and the scroll’s golden holy light, the person’s shallow breathing steadied and their wounds began to knit together before their eyes.

With the mask removed, Leo Ray finally saw the person's face.

It was a young woman. She had wild, earth-colored battle markings on her cheeks and a pair of pointed, furry ears atop her head, similar to but smaller than those of Bianca White from the Snow Wolf Clan.

"A member of the Desert Catman Clan."

Leo Ray identified her lineage from his records; they were a powerful faction within the Desert Alliance.

As the thought crossed his mind, she opened her eyes. After a moment of disorientation, she recognized Leo Ray. Despite her agony, she struggled to her feet only to collapse into a kneel at his boots. "Human Majesty... please... save our leader! Save the Desert Alliance!"