The Conquerors Path Chapter 970 - 968-Bad Decision.

A Short While Later, Following the Lapse of Austin’s Protection:

Third Person POV:

Everything appeared to be functioning normally within the archery association. Members went about their business, and the air was peaceful as those in command began the quiet execution of the strategy Austin had established. Suddenly, however, the very air seemed to solidify. It felt as though an ancient, colossal gaze had fixed its sights upon the location.

Before anyone could process the shift, the space surrounding the tower began to distort. In a flash, three formidable vessels materialized, encircling the structure. It appeared as if the fabric of reality at three specific points had folded to allow these ships to emerge, their massive hulls immediately casting long, ominous shadows across the earth below.

The arrival drew the attention of everyone in Babylon City, particularly the powerful figures residing there. However, upon sensing the mana signature and identifying the insignia emblazoned on the hulls, most onlookers quickly averted their eyes. The emblem of the war council was displayed prominently. Soon, several high-level figures began their descent from the ships, effectively surrounding the building.

They moved with precision, fanning out to establish a perimeter that placed the entire sector under lockdown. Inside, confused onlookers watched as guards descended to manage the crowds, herding the trapped civilians to specific zones while segregating the association members into a different assembly.

The operation was executed with calculated, rapid-fire efficiency. The lockdown was nearly complete before most people could even formulate a reaction. However, a few responded with appropriate haste. The moment those ships were sighted, urgent messages were dispatched to the necessary contacts—actions taken just before the war council erected their barriers and severed all internal and external communications.

Their movements were swift and arrogant, as if they were the rightful masters of the domain. This display of authority was rapidly becoming a blatant show of disrespect toward such a prestigious organization.

"What is the meaning of this intrusion?"

Eldon, the human Quiverlord currently stationed at the tower, demanded. He narrowed his eyes at the man standing before him. The individual was another human who projected a calm, scholarly aura; his hair was meticulously styled, and he wore a pair of spectacles. Despite his refined appearance, the power radiating from him indicated he was at the level of a half-step Imperial realm.

"We have received reports regarding a certain brand of corruption taking root here. Our sensors indicate a significant threat surrounding this location, perhaps even a hint of a cover-up?"

The man emphasized his final words pointedly. Eldon remained outwardly composed, but a fierce anger began to boil within him. The mana in his vicinity grew volatile, feeling like a searing, sharp blade—resembling an arrow poised to fly at any moment.

"We were never informed of such an investigation. And just who the hell are you?"

Eldon asked with a cold smile. His mana was now sharp and sizzling, like a volley of archers ready to strike. Simultaneously, he suppressed the urge to attack, signaling the guards and staff to remain stationary. Any reckless movement now would be used as leverage by the war council.

"I am Lorel Von Biff, a certified inquisitor of the corruption division. I possess the legal authority to establish a perimeter in the event of corruption-related anomalies."

As Lorel spoke, a crushing restrictive force descended upon the entire tower. This oppressive power was so immense that Eldon’s knees buckled; he could feel the overwhelming presence of several Imperial realm cultivators hovering in the sky.

Eldon’s mind reeled at the realization. Beings who had surpassed the second level of the Imperial realm were figures of immense status—often leaders of entire organizations. The fact that several had arrived together carried a chilling implication.

Dread burned in his mind alongside his fury. Their preparation was absolute, meaning this would be no simple skirmish to repel. At this very moment, in the tower’s most secluded sector, Eleanor was pushing her limits to advance her strength. These intruders had arrived specifically to sabotage her progress.

Eldon saw through their scheme immediately. Despite her youth, Eleanor had already reached the third level of the Imperial realm and was on the verge of ascending to the fourth. Such a breakthrough would elevate the entire organization's standing. Furthermore, as a pioneer of her own unique path, her future abilities would be entirely unpredictable.

There was a possibility she could reach a level where even the war council could no longer dictate her actions—a prospect that clearly unsettled the powers that be.

While these dangerous thoughts raced through Eldon’s mind, he felt the restrictive power pin him down. Lorel maintained his polite, gentlemanly facade, offering a warm smile as he continued.

"Please, do not make this more difficult than it needs to be. We have discovered something deeply concerning regarding this tower, and we must act for the safety of the world."

Hatred flared in Eldon’s eyes. He strained against the invisible shackles binding his body but found them unbreakable. It was clear the entire tower had been taken hostage in an instant. It was likely that the other towers were facing similar assaults; this was a coordinated strike intended to shatter the prestige of the archery association.

"Stop."

A voice suddenly rang out. Before Eldon could even blink, the crushing pressure upon him vanished. In that same heartbeat, Eleanor appeared, standing directly in front of him.

"Master..."

He whispered, his voice thick with a mix of fury and concern. Eleanor stared at Lorel. Though the inquisitor kept smiling, a single bead of sweat rolled down his forehead as he faced her. Her presence felt like a physical weight pressing against him; he was only spared from being crushed by the intervention of one of the Imperials.

With a disdainful snort, Eleanor vanished. She reappeared high above the tower, confronting the Imperial realm beings who were floating far beyond the sight of ordinary men. Among the three figures at the third level of the Imperial realm, there were two elves and one beastperson. Leading them was another elf at the fourth level of the Imperial realm, who wore a faint smile.

This fourth-level Imperial elf appeared older, his face marked by small wrinkles and framed by thinning grey hair. His mature appearance suggested his true age was beyond contemporary imagination.

"Child, do not escalate this. Permit us to conduct our search. If all is in order, we shall resolve this through the proper channels."

"Hehe... if things were truly 'normal' and you desired a civil resolution, you never would have staged an ambush like this."

Eleanor countered. Her eyes and expression were eerily still, but that was the only calm thing about her. The atmosphere around her began to warp in response to her temperament as her mana trembled. To Eldon below, it felt as though the mana itself was forming into arrows.

The high-level beings in the sky could feel it too—the sensation of arrows being drawn against them. It felt as if sharpened points were already boring into their flesh, driven by her sheer intent alone. Eleanor hadn't even made a physical move yet.

The lead Elf realized the danger. Her intent was potent enough to slay a half-step Imperial instantly; she wouldn't need to lift a finger—just a single thought would leave her enemies riddled with holes before they even realized they were dead.

With that thought, the Elf unfurled a scroll before Eleanor. It contained the official mandates and referenced the oath she had sworn upon entering the Imperial realm—a vow to protect the realms that required her to stand down should the oath be invoked regarding matters of corruption.

"By the authority vested in me, I place the Archery Association under the inspection of the war council. I hereby invoke the oath you have sworn. Stand down for the protection of the realm and allow us to fulfill our duty to safeguard all life."

As the words were spoken, invisible chains born of Eleanor’s own oath coiled around her, restraining her. Her power flared as she instinctively tried to resist or shatter the binding, but then the elf spoke again.

"Consider your followers, the legacy you have built, and consider your successor. If you fall here today, who will be left to protect him?"

Those final words caused Eleanor to freeze. Suddenly, a killing intent so massive it seemed to drench the entire realm erupted from her. The Imperials were shaken, and the war council guards fell to their knees, gasping for air. The entire world seemed to turn a shade of blood-red.

"Eleanor, restrain yourself!"

The elf yelled as the oath’s shackles tightened, choking her. She resisted, her eyes bloodshot as she glared at the Elf.

"If you dare lay a finger on my successor, I will tear you and everything you hold dear apart with such agony that you will beg for the mercy of death."

Following that threat, she retracted her killing intent and bloodlust, restoring a tense peace as she floated there with a cold, steady gaze. The other three Imperial realm cultivators moved quickly to flank Eleanor, locking her in place. She was successfully detained, and the lead Elf allowed a smile to spread across his face.