SSS-Class Overlord: My Harem Rules the Realms (18+)
Chapter 34: Sudden Ambush?

Chapter 34: Sudden Ambush?

The wind whispered through the scorched clearing as the last echoes of battle faded. The scent

of burnt timber and blood hung heavy in the air. Ethan stood among the fallen ambushers, rolling

his shoulders, breath still slightly ragged. The warmth of adrenaline still buzzed beneath his skin, a

subtle reminder of how close death had hovered.

Velexaria, her eyes sharp and watchful, gestured for the others to spread out.

"Check the bodies," she ordered coolly. "I want to know who sent these insects."

Kaeron grunted, kneeling beside one of the corpses and rifling through the man’s robe pockets.

"Empty. No letters, no insignias, no nothing. These guys were either professionals... or cannon

fodder."

Lysena nudged another body over with her boot, her dark hair spilling over her shoulder as she

leaned down. "Nothing here either. Not even spare coins. Thoroughly scrubbed. Whoever sent

them knew we’d be looking."

Ethan crouched near one of the men, pushing aside the torn cloak. A strange mark caught his

eye, burned into the flesh over the man’s left collarbone—a symbol like three interlocked rings

with a crimson dot at the center.

"Hey," Ethan called out, his voice tight. "Look at this."

Velexaria strode over, robes hissing like a serpent across the ash-strewn ground. She knelt beside

Ethan, her midnight eyes narrowing at the mark.

"Three Rings..." Kaeron murmured as he approached. "Damn. That’s not good."

Ethan frowned. "Three Rings? You know them?"

"They’re the Scarlet Oculus," Kaeron explained, folding his arms. "A criminal syndicate that’s been

terrorizing the Empire’s borders for months. Smuggling, assassinations, forbidden magic...

They’re ruthless. No one knows who their true leader is."

Ethan’s jaw tightened. "Well, looks like they know about me now. Lucky me."

Velexaria reached out, brushing her fingers lightly across the mark as if trying to feel something

beyond the ink and skin. For a fleeting instant, her eyes flashed—a glimmer of something

unreadable. Recognition. Perhaps even... unease.

She straightened abruptly, her face once more calm and composed. "It doesn’t matter for now.

We have more pressing matters in the Empire. Leave the corpses. Let the forest claim them."

Kaeron gave Ethan a wry look. "Welcome to the upper leagues, kid. Where every handshake hides

a dagger."

Ethan smirked faintly. "I wouldn’t have it any other way."

The rest of the journey passed beneath skies bruised with twilight. Their replacement carriage—

stitched together from conjured shadows and runes—moved in near silence across the winding

path. Inside, tension lingered, but a deeper focus had settled in each of them. The stakes had

changed.

Velexaria’s voice eventually broke the silence.

"Ethan," she said, her tone more deliberate now. "When we reach the summit, you’ll be in the

presence of legends. Young elites molded from childhood, trained by towers that believe only in

perfection. They won’t accept you. Most will mock you. Fear you. Hate you."

Lysena offered a crooked grin. "They’ll call you crude, uncultured, unrefined. Probably a few other

nasty things too."

Kaeron chuckled. "But just wait until you wipe the floor with them."

Ethan shrugged, lips tugging into a confident smirk. "I’ll give them every reason to talk. It’s more

fun that way."

Velexaria’s expression softened for a fraction of a second—barely noticeable, yet unmistakably

proud. "Good. Because this isn’t just about strength. It’s about presence. Make sure they

remember the name Ethan Graves."

Duskwatch appeared on the horizon like a mirage wrought of marble and crystal. Massive gates

towered before them, etched with runes of protection and history. Banners bearing the Empire’s

crest fluttered in the wind, and guards in gleaming silver parted the crowd for their carriage’s

arrival.

The streets within the city buzzed with activity. Merchants hawked enchanted goods, nobles

whispered beneath parasols, and towers loomed with silent grace. It was a city of order, of politics

and polished deception. Ethan could feel the weight of unseen eyes watching them from windows

and balconies.

They arrived at the Imperial Mage Assembly—a palace of glass domes and spires that touched

the clouds, where floating glyphs shimmered like constellations in daylight. The moment Ethan

stepped out, he exhaled low.

"Okay," he muttered. "That’s one hell of a building."

Velexaria joined him, expression unreadable. "Try not to get lost in the scenery. Politics are

bloodier than any battlefield."

Lysena snorted. "And far less entertaining."

Ahead, two groups had already gathered.

The Fire Mage Tower stood tall and proud—mages in crimson robes wreathed in subtle embers.

Leading them was a hulking man whose presence eclipsed the others. Tall, broad-shouldered,

and barrel-chested, he had maroon hair that flared like a wildfire and golden eyes that burned with

intensity.

He grinned as they approached.

"Tower Master Velexaria Duskvale," he rumbled, voice like distant thunder. "Late as always."

Velexaria’s smile didn’t waver. "And still more elegant than your entire tower, Inferax."

Inferax Blazegale, Master of the Fire Tower, let out a hearty laugh.

Beside them, the Ice Mage Tower stood in silent contrast. Their robes were shades of pale blue

and white, trimmed with silver threads that glimmered with frost. The man leading them didn’t

speak—only gave a cold nod. He was striking, with sharp cheekbones, snow-white hair slicked

back, and eyes like frozen oceans.

"Hmph," he said, barely acknowledging them.

"Frosthaven," Velexaria greeted with a nod. "Still as warm as ever, I see."

Kaeron leaned toward Ethan, murmuring, "Here we go. The annual pissing contest begins."

Ethan grinned. "Let’s make it fun."

Velexaria turned and gestured subtly to Ethan. "We’ve brought something new this year. A unique

talent."

Inferax’s molten eyes swept over Ethan with interest. "Really? This is your prodigy? Bit young.

Doesn’t look like much."

"Looks deceive," Velexaria said smoothly. "Especially in magic."

Ethan stepped forward slightly, smirking up at the towering Inferax. "Don’t worry. I’ll make you

remember this face."

That earned a chuckle from Kaeron and a grin from Lysena.

Inside the Assembly, rows of velvet chairs awaited the six tower masters. Velexaria moved to

claim her seat, her team standing in formation behind her. Ethan remained composed, watching

every mage, every team, studying movement and posture—looking for weakness.

Lysena leaned toward him. "Look at the others. The new generation’s arrived."

Ethan turned his gaze. A tall, scarred brute from the Fire Tower cracked his knuckles with childlike

glee—clearly a musclehead. But next to him was something else entirely.

A girl.

She wore deep crimson noblewear tailored to accentuate her curves—fitted at the waist, tight

over her chest, flowing at the hips. Her long black hair was coiled into an elegant bun, jeweled

pins sparkling through the strands. Her skin was porcelain-pale, her eyes a deep, unreadable

violet. Her lips curled ever so slightly as she whispered something to her teammate.

Ethan smirked. "Well. That’s going to be interesting."

Lysena followed his gaze, narrowed her eyes slightly. "Careful, she’s not just pretty. That’s

Seraphine Blazegale. Inferax’s niece. Top of the Fire Tower’s younger generation."

Ethan grinned. "Don’t worry. I’ve got everything under control."

Before Lysena could reply, a wave of silence rippled across the hall. The remaining three tower

groups were entering.

Now... the real war of generations was about to begin.

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.