BLACK CLOVER: The Whisperer - Yuno Grinberryall

CHAPTER XXXIV. From Another Land

──────────────────────────

"A message for the wizard king!"

The footsteps of the messenger reverberated through the grand corridors of the castle, each stride emphasizing the urgency of his mission. The soft clinking of armor and the distant murmurs of castle inhabitants formed an ambient backdrop to his loud proclamation, creating a dissonance of activity.

As the day's time reached its zenith, marking the culmination of night's descent, the castle hummed with ceaseless energy. The cacophony of tasks, the clang of armor, and the muffled chatter of diligent subjects never waned.

With an entrance, the cloaked messenger disrupted the ongoing activities, apologizing as he hastily kneeled before the composed figure of the wizard king. In the room adorned with regal decor, the air was charged with a sense of purpose.

"The Golden Dawn, the Crimson Lion Kings, and the Black Bull magic knights have embarked on the exploration of the dungeon," the messenger reported breathlessly, the echo of urgency still evident in his words as he tried to catch his breath.

Julius Novachrono maintained a steady and composed demeanor, his gaze unwavering as he allowed the messenger a moment to recover his breath. The urgency in the room was palpable, and the grandiosity of the space contrasted sharply with the gravity of the news about to be conveyed.

The messenger, now slightly composed, continued, "...and we have confirmed the invasion of mage troops from the Diamond Kingdom!"

A collective murmur rippled through the room, creating a low hum of concern and anticipation. Despite the buzz of activity around him, Julius remained silent, his contemplative expression revealing a mind at work, weighing the significance of the information presented. The atmosphere within the room seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the wizard king's response to this critical revelation.

"The Diamond Kingdom is our Clover Kingdom's neighbor..."

"A country of invaders that has been striving to expand its territory in recent years!"

"If the dungeon's ancient magic falls into the hands of a country like that, things could get ugly."

"How strong is this enemy force?!"

Amidst the tumult of questions and statements, the messenger stood silently, contemplating the weight of the information he was about to disclose. He bit his lower lip, the room holding its collective breath as everyone waited for the critical piece of information.

"The enemy's army is led by Lotus of the Abyss," he finally revealed, his expression laden with worry. The mere utterance of the name sent a ripple of tension through the room, as the kingdom braced itself for the impending threat.

The mere mention of the name "Lotus of the Abyss" sent shivers down the spines of those gathered in the room. Whispers of the memory and rumors surrounding this ominous figure spread like wildfire among the citizens of the Clover Kingdom, inducing fear and trepidation.

"Lotus of the Abyss? The Lotus?!"

The room buzzed with murmurs, a collective unease settling over those present. It was as if the very utterance of his name had opened a floodgate of apprehensive thoughts, each person grappling with their uncertainties.

The hushed discussions gradually quieted as the wizard king, sensing the rising tension, stood up from his seat with a calm demeanor. A reassuring smile graced his features, an attempt to instill confidence and assurance in the face of the impending threat.