The Conquerors Path Chapter 981 - 979-Beginning Of The Changes.

Truly, the mystery revolved around Austin’s current state. For the majority, it was common knowledge that Austin had collapsed into unconsciousness a week prior, and rumors suggested he had yet to open his eyes. The most skilled healers from across the globe had been summoned. Even the Saintess of Life, a figure who almost never meddled in the trivialities of the mortal world, was moved to intervene.

Her diagnosis provided a glimmer of hope and a sense of relief to those around him. The reality was straightforward: Austin had overextended himself while wielding such immense power. He was utterly drained, both physically and mentally, which was a dire state to be in. Such actions carried heavy consequences. Fortunately, the primary concern for now was mere exhaustion. Given enough time, he would wake up naturally. All that remained for everyone to do was endure the wait.

So began the long vigil, and seven days slipped by. Despite the passage of time, the atmosphere remained grim. Many of the women privy to the secret were spiraling into a state of frantic concern. Lora, despite her usual regal bearing, was practically falling ill. She had lost her appetite and remained in a perpetual state of agitation. She felt a powerful urge to abandon her duties just to remain by Austin’s bedside, yet she forced herself to maintain her composure.

Her only solace was the certainty that Austin was safe and would eventually recover. Meanwhile, her fury intensified toward those who had pushed the man she loved into such a predicament. She was already crafting ruthless strategies, determined to turn this crisis into an advantage for her own ends.

Lora hungered for vengeance; she was practically crying out for blood.

The terrifying reality was that she didn't stand alone in her rage. Several women involved understood that this crisis occurred because Austin was backed into a corner, forced to take such drastic measures. The foul avarice of the war council was laid bare for all to witness, and they all understood Austin’s character. He was not the type to retreat while the things he cherished were destroyed, a quality that was among the many reasons they all loved him.

However, this did not resolve the immediate problems. Many of the women were consumed by anxiety. The primary princesses, who had already established deep bonds with Austin, were bordering on madness, fueled by a thirst for retribution and a growing desire for rebellion.

Olivia pushed her body to its limits in training. Carmel was overwhelmed with worry, barely kept in check by Carmelia. Marlene and Catherine utilized every resource at their disposal to search the seas for any remedy, their own fury burning just as brightly.

Mika and Rika remained secluded in their training, their obsession with gaining strength reaching new heights. Sana and Rina followed a similar path. The men were no different, acting like enraged beasts as they threw themselves into their work. The core members recognized the gravity of the situation. Austin might be incapacitated, but the hyenas circling their territory had not retreated. If anything, their greed had only intensified.

Austin had revealed the true extent of his power, and now that he was sidelined and disliked by various organizations, they felt emboldened to dismantle everything he had built. Indeed, the Elders were eager to witness his downfall. Austin’s recent actions had offended many powers because he had simultaneously tarnished their reputations by exposing the corruption within their ranks.

This resulted in a multitude of incensed Elders backing their subordinates. Furthermore, while the war council offered smiles and pledged their full cooperation, those smiles masked a boiling bloodlust and a rage that threatened to consume everything. Consequently, the youngest members of the war council were given a green light to tear down Austin’s legacy. There would be no repercussions, provided it was done discreetly and within certain bounds. The academy could not tolerate any further scandals at the moment.

Because of this, Alex was nearly losing his mind trying to manage the chaos. The moment he learned of Austin’s fate, his eyes were filled with a mix of insanity and wrath. In truth, all the men were on the verge of going berserk, but they suppressed their impulses. They held onto their pride, working tirelessly to keep the faction stable, ensuring that the trust Austin had invested in them would not be betrayed.

Moreover, the situation was far more difficult than outsiders anticipated. When the war council attempted to move against Austin’s faction, they struck an immovable object. The majority of the academy—specifically the senior students—had united in Austin's defense.

Many of these students owed their lives to him, and several faction leaders were women deeply in love with him. They all mobilized without hesitation. In an unprecedented display of unity, they joined forces to shield Austin. It was a collective effort the likes of which had never been seen before.

Usually, the collapse of a rival faction is seen as a benefit, but not this time. Everyone rallied to help. Olivia, her eyes bloodshot, ensured no one dared to move against them. Carmelia became like a shard of ice, ready to strike anyone who posed a threat to Austin. Marlene added her significant influence to the cause.

Angelina offered her protection without a second thought, and even Isabella intervened. These choices had major ripples, as the scions of other organizations were displeased. It felt as though the established hierarchy of the last millennia was being challenged, leading to massive complications.

Yet, neither the students nor their leaders faltered under the strain. Instead, they pushed back even harder. Elders from their homelands urged them to withdraw. Emperors demanded they stand down. But not a single student yielded to that pressure. Had it been only one or two, they might have been suppressed.

But with the entire body of students standing together, the authorities were powerless. The elite only exist because of the masses beneath them. Without its subjects and people, a King holds no real power.

It was a difficult lesson, but a potent one. For the first time, the powerful were forced to hesitate; pushing further risked breaking the entire system. Every "ant" they thought they controlled was now in open revolt. This unprecedented unity blossomed into something beautiful and formidable.

Strategic experts worked as one. Alex received vital assistance as Emily and Ella teamed up. Emily still sought a deeper connection to move her goals forward, and she viewed this crisis as a way to learn more about Austin’s life. Meanwhile, though Ella kept it to herself, she still harbored a crush on Austin and hadn't forgotten the date he owed her.

The other women were equally active. Nathalia channeled her heartbreak into her craft, retreating to the forge with a burning resolve to create something that would protect Austin. Lanoa poured her grief into her music, seeking to compose a melody that could stir Austin’s soul or mend his spirit.

Zoe buried herself in her laboratory, attempting to brew a potion that might aid his recovery. Clara appeared to be the most distressed, acting almost manic as she repeatedly pushed her healing abilities to their absolute breaking point. Sonia remained isolated in her training, her mindset shifting under the influence of Nyla, whose eyes now held a murderous glint.

Everyone focused on how they could contribute, desperate to distract themselves from the tragedy. Even beyond the academy walls, the situation was tense. The dwarven women were consumed by worry, only kept calm by the steady flow of updates reaching them.

Each person carried their own blend of anxiety and hope. A legend was being written piece by piece, and academy classes were once again suspended. The institution was under intense pressure and required time to stabilize itself.

It was a scene of chaos, transformation, and strange beauty.

However, at the heart of it all, within the manor Grace owned inside the academy where Austin lay in bed, the atmosphere was suffocating. The strain on the family was unimaginable, and the reality was far more perilous than most realized. The sheer volume of killing intent and raw fury permeating the air was beyond comprehension.

The entire manor was under lockdown. The most elite and cold-blooded warriors serving Max Lionheart stood guard, their overwhelming power and killing intent enough to make those with weak wills collapse in fear.