Chapter 40: Lightning Trident
"Lightning Trident", Julian said with an indifferent tone.
Julian manifested the Lightning Trident in his hand, the air around it crackling with energy as arcs of electricity danced along its length.
The sheer force radiating from the trident sent tremors through the very foundations of the castle, rattling the walls and causing chandeliers to sway ominously overhead.
The light emitted from the trident illuminated the room, casting flickering shadows that seemed to dance in sync with the chaotic energy.
As he reveled in the power coursing through him, he could see the headmistress's expression shift from confidence to fear. Her eyes widened, reflecting disbelief and horror as she took in the sight before her.
"Impossible! That trident... it has the destructive force of an Arch Mage! How can a mere Mage Realm boy manifest such power?"
Julian stepped forward, the trident humming with potential destruction.
"Oh, it's quite simple," he replied, a sinister grin creeping across his face.
"Thanks to a little boost from my system, I'm more than just a boy from the Mage Realm. I'm about to show you just how far I've come."
He took another step closer, the trident glowing brighter, its power threatening to consume the entire room. The headmistress stumbled backward, a mix of fear and desperation swirling in her gaze.
"You don't have to do this! We can come to an understanding!" she pleaded, her voice trembling as she tried to regain her composure.
Julian chuckled, enjoying her predicament.
"Its too late dear. This trident is a symbol of my power, and soon, you will learn the lesson of defiance."
With a swift motion, he pointed the trident toward her, the crackling energy intensifying, ready to unleash its wrath. The air thickened with tension, and the headmistress realized she had gravely underestimated Julian.
As the realization hit her, Julian's laughter echoed through the chamber, a sound filled with both triumph and the promise of chaos to come.
"Please, forgive me, young lord!" The headmistress cried, her voice laced with desperation.
She dropped to her knees, hands raised in surrender, her once imposing demeanor crumbling under the weight of Julian's overwhelming power.
"I was just following orders! I didn't mean to cross you. You have no idea the forces I'm up against!"
Julian's eyes narrowed, the flicker of lightning in the air reflecting the tempest brewing within him. He took a step closer, the trident still crackling ominously, its energy swirling with the potential for destruction.
"Do you think I care about your excuses?" he sneered. "You've played a dangerous game, and now you expect mercy?"
The headmistress trembled, her gaze darting between the trident and Julian's intense expression.
"I-I can help you! I can provide you with information, resources, anything you desire! Just spare me!" she pleaded, her voice trembling as she clung to the hope of survival.
"Please!" she whimpered, desperation clear in her eyes. "I can help you rise to power! You could be greater than any of the dukes! I swear my loyalty to you! Just give me a chance!"
"Loyalty? From you? The same bitch that sold her own kingdom", Julian said with anger.
The headmistress took a shaky breath, realizing she needed to tread carefully.
"I know the secrets of the academy, the connections within the kingdom, and the weaknesses of our enemies. Together, we can ensure that you ascend to power beyond anyone's imagination."
Julian's mischief grew into a full smile, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"How very... tempting," he mused, the trident's light reflecting off his teeth. "But words are just words. I need something more tangible. Something that shows me you're truly devoted to our little alliance."
Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, the headmistress hesitated for a moment before slowly starting to unbutton her robe. Julian's smile grew wider as the fabric fell away, revealing her shapely figure beneath.
"Good girl," he murmured, his voice thick with satisfaction. "Now, get on your knees."
Her eyes never left his as she complied, her dignity shattering with each movement. The sound of her knees hitting the cold stone floor echoed through the chamber, a stark contrast to the electric tension between them.
Julian stepped closer, the trident's power pulsing in time with his heartbeat. "Now," he said, his voice low and commanding, "Tell me who were you talking to"
The headmistress looked up at Julian, her expression a mix of fear and desperation.
"I can't disclose that information," she stammered, her voice trembling. "If I do, he will come after me. Please, you don't understand the danger!"
Julian leaned closer, his presence imposing. "You'll tell me, or I will make your life a nightmare you won't wake up from. Now, who was that man?"
The headmistress swallowed hard, her pride bruised but her survival instincts sharp.
"The man I was speaking to earlier," she began, her voice small and trembling, "He is the Duke of the neighboring kingdom"
The headmistress swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper.
"He wants to destabilize our power. He's been gathering information to weaken our defenses. I was tasked with reporting on our new mages, but I didn't know it would come to this!"
Julian straightened up, a wicked smile creeping onto his face.
"So, you were just a pawn in his game? How delightful. And what else do you know?"
"They are planning to launch an attack, maybe within a couple of years", she said.
Julian's expression darkened as he absorbed her words.
"A couple of years? That's not much time at all." He stepped closer, his voice low and dangerous.
"What are their numbers? Their plans?"
The headmistress, still on her knees, trembled under his gaze.
"I don't have all the details," she admitted, panic rising in her chest. "But I overheard them discussing an alliance with other factions. They believe they can catch us off guard."
Julian's mind raced, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place.
"So, they think they can take our kingdom without any resistance?" He smirked, a spark of excitement igniting within him. "This will be fun."
He leaned in closer, his voice barely a whisper. "And you, my dear headmistress, will be the key to ensuring their downfall."