The Rise of the Black Plain

As they saw young Stuart arriving at the side of one of the elders of the tribe, all the serpents in that place turned to speak to Minos at Virtus' side.

They had a lot of respect for Minos because of his first-rate talent. And upon seeing this young man here and having scanned his current cultivation, these serpents were more than satisfied.

They had made an accord with Minos that, at first, they would help him more than the other way around. But once this young man reached a certain level, which was not far off, this would be reversed.

However, even with their expectations for Minos, they had not imagined that he would reach his current cultivation so quickly!

They knew of his level due to the communications sent from the Black Plain by their tribe members. However, knowing this and personally probing Minos' figure was completely different!

Many of these serpents had met Minos when this young man was only at level 43, but now, in only about four years, this young man was already almost at level 53. 

It was amazing!

Such a thing was far above what they expected of him!

So, they all were more than satisfied with their deal with Minos and could not help but admire this young man.

Anyway, after Minos had greeted several of those strongest serpents of this tribe, he, Virtus, and two other elders continued on that special place in the Flooded Valley.

And it was not long before the three serpents were settled in the lower part of that clay temple, while Minos found a place at the top of there, where he could converse on the same level as those spiritual beasts.

"Young Minos, are things on the Black Plain difficult? We have some information from our tribe members, but we're not sure of the scale of the problems brought on by the war." One of those three serpents commented on that.

That tribe's role in the war had so far been either external, directly in the Flooded Valley, or logistics, within the Black Plain.

So, there were not many of those beasts fighting around the Black Plain for these tribe members to send the best information to Virtus' group.

On the other hand, since there was no need for those serpents to know the minute details of Minos' war of independence, they were in the dark about many topics.

Hence the question of that elder!

Minos then replied. "It is not easy..."

"Just as I had predicted before, the first and longest part of the war is being quite tough for my side."

"So far, we have lost outermost parts of our territory to the enemies, as the balance of forces on the Black Plain has always been unbalanced in their favor."

"On the other hand, we also lost a lot of human power, something irreplaceable for my side."

"So, that's it..."

"This war is tough..."

Those serpents commented in low voices, still paying attention to what Minos had to say.

"In any case, several of my strongest soldiers and allies have had level advancements since the arrival of the counter-revolutionary troops from other regional states."

"And with that, I would imagine that the situation may balance out in the next three to six months."

"Oh?" Virtus said in surprise. "So, the war is near the end?"

Virtus naturally knew that virtually all of Minos' allies, including them, would become more active in the war when stability was achieved.

After all, that would be the best time to enter the war for those not necessarily forced to fight!

And since such organizations, individuals, had interests that the independence of the Black Plain happen quickly, they would act with everything to help Minos resolve the conflict.

Consequently, Virtus thought that if what Minos had said was correct, the war might finally be over in less than a year!

But Minos did not think things would be so simple. "Probably not."

"If it were up to the regional forces alone, I would be confident that the war would be over in less than a year from now. But unfortunately, the enemies have their own plans to take us on."

Hearing this, the big eyes of those serpents sharpened, each of them already worrying about what Minos was about to say.

"If they get the church's endorsement, maybe they'll get some support from outside the region..."

"If that happens, we might have to fight for a little longer."

'I see...'

'As expected from these humans. They can't solve their own problems and seek outside help!'

'They are cowards!'

Those serpents commented among themselves, using their mental connection.

Virtus then asked Minos. "Doesn't that worry you?"

"Yes..."

"That's why I'm on this trip, instead of fighting around my territory," Minos commented with a discreet smile.

"Got it..." Virtus said right after realizing that Minos was on a trip to decrease the current enemies, thus eliminating certain additions that might happen in the future.

Another serpent then asked. "But can you do that on your own? Are you sure you don't want our help?" 

"It would be nice to have help... But at the moment, I believe that if I go alone, I will be able to act more covertly."

"You're too big, guys."

"Hahahaha!"

"Hehehehe, that's true." The three of them laughed upon hearing Minos' joke.

"But anyway, I believe I will reach level 53 in less than two months."

"That should happen before I complete a third of my journey."

"That way, I believe I won't have too many problems even if I travel alone."

"I see... So, when are you leaving? How about spending the night in our tribe?"

"Thank you very much for the offer, elder Virtus." Minos made an appreciative gesture as he looked at that being. "But, I am in a hurry to resolve certain matters..."

'Getting Charles Walker out of the Kingdom of the Waves before he assumes the throne of that state is a must!' Minos thought about it without giving details to those serpents.

There were two scenarios for the Black Plain regarding Charles. One was that in which Minos succeeded in his mission before that prince took over such a state. The other was that happening after that person took over this kingdom.

What is the difference? 

Well, in one case, Minos could quickly force the replacement of the heir and the rise of a new king. But, on the other hand, if Charles were already in power, then even if the young Stuart killed such a person, things would not happen so quickly.

After all, there was a protocol to be followed when one king died, and another was to ascend.

And at a time as delicate as the present, even days could make a lot of difference to Minos!

Therefore, to avoid missing the best of scenarios, he was rushing to reach the capital, where he would do his best to capture his target.

"That way, I plan to continue travel later today. The only thing I depend on to continue traveling is a good flying beast so that I will have fewer problems along the way."

The three serpents then looked at each other, thinking it was a shame that Minos could not stay any longer, but at the same time understanding this young man's dilemma.

So, none of them pressed the matter, and soon they left that place beside Minos, heading outside the estate of the Feathered Serpent Tribe.

"Young Minos, we already have some flying beasts selected for you," Virtus commented as he moved in front of the Black Plain sovereign.

"We had been warned by our fellow tribesmen living in Dry City about your journey. So, everything has been set up so you can choose one of them and continue your journey."

"Oh? That's truly good!" Minos said in satisfaction. 'It's good that they have dominated this forest region...'

'That has helped me many times!' He smiled as he walked through that area.

And it did not take long before they reached a place further out in that swampy area, already in the middle of a sea of trees, where there were three giant winged beasts.

One of them was a Red Falcon, which was almost 3 meters high, level 53. 

Another was a Gray Winged Lizard, level 54, a little larger than the falcon, with smooth scales that perfectly shaped its muscular body.

Finally, a Winged Tiger, level 55, a beast the same size as Emlyn when retracting its wings and wholly black, was there besides those others.

Seeing this, Minos analyzed each of them while listening to Virtus' presentation.

"From now on, one of you will serve as a mount for young Minos. But don't feel humiliated because the one who will ride you will be the strongest person in this region!"

"Young Minos, who will you choose?" That great serpent asked.

"I will go with you, Maida," Minos said as he looked at that Winged Tiger.