Chapter 987: Second Chance


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    "My lord, I believe it''s time for us to request reinforcements. We can''t delay any longer," The Shadow Sword remarked in a calm tone.


    This wasn''t just any Shadow Sword- It was a Level 43 Dark Emperor leading the miniature Shadow Sword system stationed on Planet R1. It was safe to say that he knew everything happening on the battlefield, perhaps even more than Alexander himself.


    Alexander''s stern expression slowly shifted into a sarcastic smile. "I understand that Shadow Swords have to work hard during the war- for reconnaissance, point calculations, delivering reports, and even direct involvement in battles. I know you''re exhausted, but has your fatigue robbed you of your common sense to this extent?"


    Alexander then cast a glance over his shoulder. "It hasn''t been long since we learned that His Excellency requires 60% of our forces as urgent reinforcements for the Poison Rock Planet. The messenger told us he was battling a colossal wave of beasts led personally by Durger the Devourer. Not to mention, there are two Marshals and 200 Imperial Guards stationed on that planet who will undoubtedly intervene in the battle. I''m already ashamed that I didn''t send the requested reinforcements. Do you want me to be the one asking for help? Wouldn''t that be like an ill person seeking aid from a corpse?"


    Shaking his head, Alexander turned forward again. He had been entrusted with this challenging planet for a reason- His Excellency trusted his ability to subdue it. Not only had he failed to subdue it, but he needed to seek help in such a dire situation? This is out of the question. Death would be preferable. At worst, he would halt his advances and defend this position until conditions improved.


    "We don''t have to request support directly from His Grace, Governor. There are other sources," Shadow Sword reminded him again.No?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Do you mean I should request reinforcements from Supreme General Sakaar?" Alexander shook his head once again. "Forget it. The task assigned to the Demons is no less critical or dangerous than what we''re dealing with, and after what they went through, they''ll be out of combat readiness for a while."


    Of course, Alexander had heard of the appearance of the Dark Shadow and the assassination of King Morin, which had nearly wiped out a third of the Demon army. It was a miracle they had been tasked with guarding the Southern portal, and an even greater miracle that they actually obeyed and took up the position!


    "Hmm?" Aru, who was hovering above, overseeing the progress of today''s sacrifice, was drawn toward Flora''s voice. He descended to her side, accepted the scroll, and read it carefully. A smirk crept onto his face. "He''s getting his backside handed to him on one of the planets under the Great Serpent Empire, and now he''s turning to US for help? And he''s doing so on his own responsibility, not even under direct orders from His Excellency?"


    After finishing, he rolled up the scroll and tossed it back to Flora. "So, this is the Alexander everyone talks about? Seems like he''s just a wishful fool."


    "Don''t underestimate him. Alexander holds a very prestigious position within the empire. Remember when His Excellency promised you your rank? He said he''d make you a governor, like Alexander, he is only one step under the Supreme Generals." Flora reminded him, glancing at the scroll in her hand. "Writing this message must have been very difficult for him."


    "Hmph. If I were in his place, I wouldn''t have written it, even if it cost me my neck," Aru scoffed, waving his hand dismissively as he prepared to fly back to the top of the pyramid. "Ignore it. We''re not fighting for this Alexander. Don''t move unless you receive an imperial decree directly from His Excellency."


    "Not move? What about you?" Flora quickly grabbed her lover''s hand. "You''re not planning to defy orders, are you?"


    "Defy who? That option is long gone for me," Aru shook his head. "It''s just that I''m not officially part of the Empire yet. Didn''t you hear His Excellency? He said he''d make a custom oath tablet just for me before granting my rank and promises. That hasn''t happened yet. So officially, I''m not a member of the True Beginning Empire."


    "You''re the only one he''s done this with. He doesn''t trust you, not even a little," Flora said, her gaze dropping to the ground. Serving Robin under such circumstances would always be clouded with suspicion, even if Aru took the most severe oath imaginable. And everyone would always see Aru as a slave rather than an ally.


    "...I can''t blame him. I''ll have to live with it." Aru shrugged, his expression bitter. If he were in Robin''s place and knew his own history, he wouldn''t have lasted a minute, let alone been given a second chance.


    "Don''t you want to change how he sees you?" Flora smiled mischievously, waving the scroll in her hand.