It took less than an hour before Mathew was ready to go. The long part was waiting for Agnox and Cherry back to him. During his wait, he located Guardian Prime, the lead golem guard for Blue Oaks.

“How fast will you be ready to fight against a forty-man army over at the Volkar Dungeon?”

The Guardian Prime didn’t waste a moment to reply. “Currently there are ten Guardians with one Elite stationed there. I can send another thirty there in less than three hours. What type of enemy can we expect?”

“Elven Bowman with a mix of humans with unknown capabilities. We are running Code Ruby Shield. In total, I expect at least fifty of our own people to report there with an average level of twenty-four. The enemy level is unknown, but I doubt they will send weaklings.”

“Acknowledged. How do you wish for the Guardians to act?”

“Without restraint against the elves. The humans aim to detain. If any are too destructive, knock them out or if you must, kill them. We will not risk Blue Oaks' lives to save those who wish to attack us.”

“Acknowledged by all reacting Guardians. I will also establish two five Guardian teams to scout for spies, thieves, and other various acts while most assets are targeted at the Dungeon. One extra elite will also report to the Volkar Dungeon as a precaution due to the heightened threat of Elven opposition.”

Guardian Prime did not have knowledge outside what they were told or given. Mathew had fed the guardians as much information as he could afford or he himself knew to allow them better capabilities to react to threats. With the recent discovery of a possible elven Dungeon nearby, he spared no expense.

Zack compared them to orcs from Earth fantasy. Ruthless killers who take no prisoners. They had little in terms of honor, but they respected those with power or those few who knew of their traditions. The one similarity is their appearance and their abnormal knack for magic.

According to Mathew’s research, their race gives them ten spell slots, five skill slots, and four ability slots. All at the Novice rank. Mathew at first thought it was a huge unfair advantage. But then he remembered the requirements for ranking up. To go from Apprentice to Student, you can’t have a single power in the Novice Rank and all slots must be filled.

Cherry had spent a week praying to Gaia to talk to their Wind Goddess, but she had nothing to show for it. Mathew knew it was getting to her to not be in constant contact with Gaia. Cherry tried to not show it, but Mathew could tell. Either it was because they were bound or that she secretly wanted Mathew to know.

Mathew let Guardian Prime do what he thought was best. He was in a preloaded mana vehicle that sat next to a few others.

Dozens of people were meeting in their predetermined groups if they were in the adventures guild. Those in the guard were forming up in a large formation. Captain Henderson was barking orders with Sgt. Mope helping her out. When she wasn’t around, he was her second in command.

Mathew didn’t know who the guards rather have barking orders at them. They were equally ferocious but it was to ensure nobody made mistakes so nobody died.

His vehicle shifted as the weight of Jeffery and Agnox climbed in. “What’s up Boss? I was told to find you here and be ready for battle.”

“The Volkar Dungeon is being attacked again. We are preparing for a big fight.” Mathew summarized. “You two ready to go?” He looked back at Jeffery who was already armored up.

“Yup! And don’t worry, we won’t let them get a chance of entering the Dungeon.” Agnox had a sinister smile on his face. “Nobody takes what belongs to you. Not without getting through me first.”

Mathew nodded and saw Cherry walking over to their vehicle. He did note she was wearing a flower crown on her head. She climbed into the backseat and closed the door with a soft click. “Well, I almost carried over here. Must be important. Is it the other zone?”

“They and the elves are working together.” Mathew filled them both in on what he was told by Aaron. “The scout kid said to expect about forty. A mix of humans and elves.”

“What’s the plan? Are we really going to war over a Novice Dungeon?” Cherry asked.

“We defend what is ours. But this is good. We weaken them and put their own people against their leader. Once we capture as many as we can alive, we show them we are stronger. Then we march into their zone and take it either by force or by their leader surrendering. The tough part will be the elves.”

Mathew looked over at Cherry, “Still no word from Gaia?”

She solemnly shook her head, “No. It’s as if she is ignoring me. But nobody who has prayed to her had received a response yet. So, maybe it has to do with the planet still being in its integration phase.” Cherry had a bit of hope in her voice.

“Maybe. Then we proceed blind. I don’t want to take the possible elven dungeon by force. Having them as allies will benefit Blue Oaks far more than it will weaken them. An entire archery division will be a huge boon to us. The problem will be convincing them to join us. Hell, I am curious as to how the other city zone did it. From what I read, Elves don’t work with other clans or groups. Not unless it is absolutely necessary.”

“Who cares. Either way, we will show them we are better.” Agnox said. “When do we leave?”

Mathew looked around and saw everyone was mostly ready. “Looks like we are about to right now.”

The order was given out and all those who were going to the fight started to roll out. It was only hours away, but that was assuming they were not there already. Mathew was only slightly worried.

In the end, he knew nothing would stand in his way of ruling over the world. If he had to kill people to do it, so be it. This new enemy would just be that, a new enemy. They could be a challenge, but he had faith he would not be needed.

He was going for the publicity. To show that he had a stake in the fight with his own life. He was curious how his army would stand up against the Elves.

Mathew paused and thought over his thoughts. “My army. Well, I suppose that is correct. I do have an army.”

The rough and wild terrain made for a bumpy ride. Mathew sat in silence, simply waiting until they were at the Dungeon to set up defenses.

Once the area around the Vokar Dungeon was within sight, he let out a small breath of relief. “Looks like they haven’t shown up yet. Everyone out and start preparations!” Mathew yelled.

Henderson and Sgt. Mope started to get to work and barking orders. Everyone was pulling out equipment and dining armor. Temporary barricades were built with magic or from physical objects. Occasionally Henderson’s eyes would turn gold and her normal voice had an edge that somehow made people move faster to prepare.

A half-hour later the marching of the Golem Guards was heard thundering toward them. The sight of an extra unit of expendable lives was a joy felt among the people. In total, Mathew had just under a hundred fighters excluding him and his summons.

There was a fifteen-man team that was ordered to go into the Dungeon once any hint of the enemy came nearby. Their job was to ensure that whoever went into the Dungeon, didn’t come out unless they were a member of Blue Oaks.

Mathew ensured everyone knew not to go for killing blows. If he wanted to take the other zone without too much worry, showing that he was merciful would give him favorable social points. “It’s all about manipulating the perspective. Ensuring people view me as the good guy and their leader as the bad guy. I hate that I have to resort to such a cheap tactic. But, it’s effective and hasn’t failed me yet.”

Mathew had the laws he created that outlined what was allowed and not allowed within Blue Oaks. This other zone violated those laws. Sure, they were more like a guideline, but even he had to follow them. He was banking on people to people holding on to the old world understanding that breaking the law meant you got in trouble.

“A good leader made laws. A great one followed them. The best leaders knew when to break them.” Mathew muttered to himself. The words of his mother from years ago came to him for some reason.

Mathew knew he had the moral high ground. In the end, he would claim their Hearth Crystal and either ally or defeat the Elves.

King Keith Green rode the back of a horse as his army marched forward toward the Dinosaur Dungeon. He was technically a Baron by System Titles, but he liked to be called a King. After all, it is a proper title he was promised by a being of power known as The Judicator when he was first visited just before the First Phase started for Earth by The System.

Keith was situated near the rear, but not without some to guard his back. If any other group were to attack them as they traveled, they wouldn’t live long enough to cast a single spell.

With ten of the elven archers to aid them, this will be a one-sided battle. “That is unless their leader truly cares about his people. Once he sees the army I have with me, he would surrender unless he is willing to let his own people die.”

Keith took a long breath and let it out. “He has to accept surrender to me. There is no other way I can come out alive in this.”

His time dealing with the elves taught him something important. Humans were weak. They held too many attachments to other humans. Wishing to ‘be nice’ and ‘save lives’. The Feathered Halo Clan was brutal. He knew how brutal they were firsthand.

“Brutal, but idiots. I’ll handle this Mathew fellow, but without the same mistakes as before. The Blue Oaks leader might be over level 50, but to get that strong one must constantly push themselves forward and take the easy path to power. I sat back, accumulated multiple sources of power and I am comfortable enough to extend my hand out this far. Levels are not the end all be all. Simply having overwhelming power can’t save you from everything. Otherwise, why would the Elves not go and do it themselves.”

Keith was only partially wanting revenge for his niece. She wasn’t needed for his plans, but having a loyal family member like her would have been useful. His sister was distraught and locked herself away to grieve for the past couple of weeks.

With over sixty other warriors to fight for him if needed, he knew this would be a steal. Everyone here was above level 20. Exactly 23 people were over level 25, including himself. He might not be the highest in level, but Keith had power.

While everyone else went into the World Dungeon he remained behind and on his own fought the other dungeons under their control. He trained with the elves and learned a few interesting and unique powers.

After all, they treated his new royal status with respect. Just like any royal should be treated. Others should bow before him. Soon, he will have new subjects to rule over.

Traveling through the forest was annoying. They had to stop twice to camp. He didn’t have many servants. In reality, the two he did have were criminals forced to do his bidding or die. Keith gave them the choice, and they chose eternal servitude.

“Sir, we are almost there. Another hour or two and we will be at the dungeon.” Someone said in a half bow.

“Good. We will set up our positions just a mile away. From there we will prepare our assault upon the Dungeon. It will make a good foothold to march toward Blue Oaks.”

The reporter ran off. Keith grinned to himself. Mentally going over his plans. There were two. One if Mathew showed up, the other if he didn’t.

Keith knew this would be harder if Mathew was not there. He had hopes Blue Oaks would underestimate them. Even if the possibility that a spy heard of them coming, there was no chance they could prepare quickly enough.

Yet, he needed Mathew to be there. “The bastard better show up. Otherwise, I’m screwed.”