Gathering Wives with a System Chapter 459: SWORD EMPRESS KNOWS!?, Emily’s Lord Quest

The new day dawned early. Isaac, ever the early riser, found himself awake before the sun, a habit that sharpened his focus. His first act was to step outside and inspect the crops. The soil, still holding the moisture from Avery’s nocturnal irrigation, cradled healthy-looking sprouts. He dedicated nearly an hour to tending the farm, a calming routine he usually cherished. However, the city today vibrated with an unusual energy. Movement stirred in every direction. After completing his farm duties, Isaac made his way to the gym. He proceeded with his standard training regimen: strength exercises, followed by endurance building, and finally, a controlled circulation of his Qi. The high-quality sealing bracelets, a gift from the Ashfang Tribe, now enabled him to train his physical attributes. Post-training, Isaac returned to his quarters for a swift bath and a change into fresh attire. By the time he entered the dining hall, the entire household was already active. Dragon maids bustled, balancing trays with practiced grace. Alice was engaged in conversation with Celia near the table, while Catherine stood by the window, engrossed in a tablet. Even the air seemed charged with anticipation, as if everyone was bracing for a significant event. Today marked Emily’s Lord Quest. Isaac took his customary seat and began his meal. Though the conversation remained light, a palpable undercurrent of tension prevented true relaxation. Every individual understood that a Lord Quest was far from a simple undertaking; it was fraught with peril, unpredictability, and the potential for rapid escalation. Even with thorough preparation, unforeseen complications were always a possibility. Following breakfast, the group commenced preparations for their departure. Weapons were meticulously inspected, and communication devices were distributed. Celia took charge of setting up the livestream equipment, while the Orc Overlords and the Eltari Overlord coordinated their movements outside. The entire operation proceeded with a honed efficiency. Just as Isaac moved towards the exit, Professor Catherine intercepted him, her hand catching his sleeve. She drew him aside, her voice a low murmur. "Be cautious regarding Master," she advised. Isaac’s brow furrowed. "What do you mean—" "The Trial," Catherine interrupted, her gaze steady. Isaac froze. For a fleeting moment, his mind went blank, then the memories rushed back in a flood: the Trial, the events that transpired, the conversations, the palpable tension, his own words. Catherine continued, "She’s acting completely normal. That’s precisely what concerns me. I suspect she recalls the Trial. It's the only logical explanation for her complete avoidance of you." Isaac’s face drained of color. *What. The. F***. Was the System attempting to sabotage him? Why would the Sword Empress remember the events of the Trial? This was not supposed to happen. Out of everyone present, why her?* Isaac’s mind raced, replaying every word he had spoken, every reaction he had displayed, every single moment during the Trial. His stomach churned. Then, a thought struck him. *’Wait a minute... why am I getting worried?’* he mused. He hadn't done anything wrong. If anything, the Sword Empress should be the one feeling embarrassed. She had been the one to cross boundaries. If she was avoiding him, it was likely due to guilt. Yes. Isaac realized he had no reason to be afraid. His expression gradually regained its composure. Observing the shift in his emotions, Catherine sighed and flicked his forehead. "Don't provoke Master. If she becomes angry or upset, you'll face severe consequences," she warned. Isaac rubbed his forehead and nodded in acknowledgment. "Understood." The group finally set off. They traveled towards Emily’s designated city. The entire area had already been evacuated, with all civilians relocated to Isaac’s city as a precautionary measure. The streets lay deserted, buildings stood silent, and the defensive walls were manned by awakeners and summoned forces. The sky gradually darkened as clouds converged overhead, imbuing the air with a heavy stillness. A faint, metallic scent drifted on the wind. Then, the first crimson drops began to fall. The Red Rain had begun. The sky dome activated instantaneously, manifesting as a transparent barrier above the city. The scarlet droplets struck the barrier harmlessly, cascading down its invisible surface. Beyond the dome, the rain intensified. The ground commenced a low rumble. In the distance, the initial waves of monster hordes emerged from the encroaching mist. Beasts, aerial creatures, and grotesque aberrations advanced in unison. Emily stepped forward, raising her hand. A colossal crimson magic circle materialized above her. With a deafening roar, the Crimson Sky Wyrm descended. Swiftly following, three more colossal flying monsters emerged – creatures Emily had acquired from the Great Dungeon. These were large, winged predators, equipped with wicked beaks and Lanceshaped tails. Their piercing screams echoed as they launched into the sky. The summoned beasts charged into the fray, instantly annihilating the first wave of monsters. The Crimson Sky Wyrm carved a path of destruction across the battlefield with its breath, while the aerial summons executed repeated dives, tearing through the enemy horde. Emily raised her hand once more. Her skill, Call of the Behemoth, activated. The fallen monsters began to stir and rise.

Their bodies, shuddering, rose once more. A temporary revival. Under her command, they spun around and plunged back into the fray.

She continued her onslaught.

Isaac and Celia exchanged bewildered glances.

They had anticipated a grueling engagement. Yet, Emily was single-handedly managing the entire situation.

She wasn't merely holding her ground; she was dominating the entire battlefield.

Her individual power rivaled that of a city's complete defensive force. While other Lords depended on allies, coordinated tactics, and defensive formations, Emily simply overwhelmed all opposition herself.

Both the Eltari Overlord and the Orc Overlords observed the spectacle with profound awe.

The entire conflict was being broadcast live to Isaac's city. Citizens—both Eltari and humans—tuned in via massive projection screens. Alice stood, arms crossed, a look of immense pride on her face as Emily orchestrated her minions' actions.

Celia managed the livestream feed while Isaac stood silently behind her, intently watching the unfolding events.

The battle raged on.

Then, a new presence emerged from behind the monstrous ranks.

It was a rhinoceros.

But this creature was unlike any they had seen.

It was colossal. Its body appeared to be constructed from overlapping plates of metallic armor. Every thunderous step it took vibrated through the ground. The Crimson Sky Wyrm initiated the assault, plummeting towards its back in a ferocious dive. The attack, however, left barely a scratch.

The three aerial summons then engaged. Their talons scraped against its formidable armor, sending sparks flying. Still, the damage inflicted was negligible.

"That is a Catastrophe. An Iron Armor Rhino," Catherine stated, her brows knitting together in concern.

She drew her whip sword.

Isaac also stepped forward, ready to act.

Before either of them could make a move, Emily's voice cut through the air. "Let me handle this one alone."

Catherine halted, her gaze shifting to Isaac.

Isaac met Emily's eyes.

She was looking directly at him. Her expression appeared calm, yet he could discern the tight set of her shoulders. She was determined to face this challenge on her own terms. Emily harbored a deep-seated fear of Catastrophes, a fear that had always lingered. Now, she yearned to conquer it.

Isaac understood her resolve. A gentle smile touched his lips.

"Alright," he conceded. He stepped back, allowing her the lead. He would only intervene if the situation escalated to a truly dangerous point.

Emily offered a faint smile before turning her attention back to the chaotic battlefield.

She unleashed her Lord Talent. [Kingdom of Ghosts]

Every fallen monster stirred and rose again. Dozens, then hundreds. This resurrected legion surged towards the Iron Armor Rhino, swarming its legs, attacking its vulnerable joints, and impeding its aggressive advance.

The Rhino bellowed and charged, instantly crushing dozens of its assailants. Yet, for every one crushed, more took its place. Emily continued her relentless summoning, resurrection, and command without pause.

Her three Abyssal Summons converged, engaging the Catastrophe directly. They occupied its formidable attention while the aerial summons executed repeated dives from above, relentlessly accumulating damage.

The arduous battle wore on.

The Rhino's armor proved incredibly resilient. Most attacks proved superficial. However, Emily possessed overwhelming numbers. Her assault was incessant. The constant harassment, coupled with the gradual accumulation of damage, began to tell.

An hour elapsed.

Finally, the massive Rhino faltered, staggering under the sustained assault. Its formidable armor began to fracture. The Crimson Sky Wyrm unleashed a breath attack at its full power. The aerial summons struck in unison. The Abyssal Summons managed to immobilize its legs.

The Iron Armor Rhino crashed to the ground.

Emily stepped back, her breath coming in ragged gasps, but a triumphant smile graced her features. She had achieved her goal.

The remaining awakeners finally joined the fray. Cannons mounted on the city walls commenced their bombardment. The Eltari Overlord and the Orc Overlords joined the coordinated assault. With the primary threat vanquished, the remaining waves of monsters were swiftly subdued.