FALLEN ORACLE

**Chapter 7: Sudden Changes (3)**

The three of them helped the completely broken Carl back to the dormitory. Only after closing the door did they hear his fragmented account of recent events:Seven days ago, in the Central Plains of the Divine Radiance River—the territory of Carl's father, Duke Sedek of the Duchy of Haisen—a cave was discovered inside a mine. Inside were thousands of unused staves.The miners dared not delay and immediately reported the discovery to Duke Sedek. Researchers under the duke identified the staves as having been manufactured by the Kingdom of Klem three hundred years ago, during their campaign against the Duchy.Possibly due to the subsequent mysterious withdrawal, the staves had been forgotten inside Haisen territory.Though three hundred years old, most of the staves were still usable. In terms of quantity, they were enough to equip three full mage regiments.Duke Sedek immediately reported the matter to King Mejer of Haisen and also sent word for Carl, who was studying magic at the academy, to come home and help catalog the massive stash.As Phil had said, with Duke Sedek's wealth and influence, he certainly didn't need to summon his son back for this task. But for Carl personally, it was a rare opportunity.Discovering such a vast cache of staves was a major merit. Duke Sedek believed that if his son participated, it would be a splendid addition to his resume.Securing such merit would not only win the king's favor but also benefit him when he inherited the title, navigated officialdom, and governed his people.Simply put, the staves didn't really need Carl's cataloging, but Carl needed the staves to gild his resume.But fate had other plans. On the second day after Carl returned home, a Kingdom of Klem army suddenly crossed the river and launched a surprise attack on the Central Plains.The duke's garrison was caught off guard. The enemy's tactics were well-prepared, clearly a planned assault. Within two days, the majority of the Central Plains fell under Kingdom control.Duke Sedek personally led his troops against the enemy. After a fierce battle, he was ultimately defeated and captured. Only Carl escaped, thanks to the desperate sacrifice of his family's warriors and mages.Though the Kingdom's army had swept through the initial days, reinforcements from other parts of the Duchy arrived in time. They immediately secured the mine where the staves had been found, and the two armies now faced each other near the mine.The unfortunate Duke Sedek had become one of the Kingdom's bargaining chips in negotiations.And the commander of the Kingdom's campaign against the Central Plains was none other than General Tros—Phil's father."So that's how it is," Chen Yi said helplessly after hearing Carl's account.The bad feeling Headmaster Morin had mentioned had indeed come true. War had broken out again between the two nations."Phil, I'm counting on you now. Please, save my father." Carl begged again, a bit more composed after some time."Ah... this is tricky. A military operation of this scale would have been ordered directly by His Majesty the King. Even if I could persuade my father, he probably doesn't have the final say," Phil said ruefully."No, no, no—not a full retreat. Just for General Tros to release my parents and family."After the duke's defeat and capture, his manor had been occupied by the Kingdom's army. Carl's entire family were now prisoners of Phil's father.Though Carl, as a duke's son, was usually approachable, none of them had ever seen him beg anyone so humbly."Phil, can you think of something?" Mendes urged."I can try, but honestly, Carl, you messed up a bit too. Discovering such a huge stash of staves—how could you just leave without telling us? You obviously don't treat us like brothers.""But... after all, you're from the Kingdom," Carl said dejectedly."You mean I'd betray you to the Kingdom?" Phil was annoyed.Suddenly struck by a realization, Carl blurted, "Wait a minute. The staves were discovered only a few days ago. How did the Kingdom find out so fast? It was you, Phil! Did you read the letter my father sent me?""You!" Phil was speechless with anger."Enough. Both of you, stop." Chen Yi said sharply.He knew that the once-unbreakable bond between Carl and Phil was becoming strained because of the tension between the Kingdom and the Duchy. That was the last thing he wanted to see."Ahem. Listen to me, a professor, for a moment," Mendes said. "The last thing we should be doing right now is accusing each other.""Let me analyze. In the current situation, Carl wants to save his father. And, Phil, your father, though currently at an advantage, is also threatened by Duchy reinforcements.""To put it bluntly: if full-scale war breaks out and he wins, the benefit goes to His Majesty the King. If he loses, whether on the battlefield or back at court, your father's future looks grim."Phil nodded, acknowledging Mendes's analysis. His expression softened a bit."Chen Yi and I both come from towns near the border. If war comes, we won't escape unscathed. So, as always, our interests are aligned. What we need to do now is work together on one thing—prevent the war."His words were reasonable and persuasive. The other three had no objections."But stopping a war is easier said than done," Chen Yi sighed.Then he saw the other three looking at him with hopeful eyes. He steeled himself and said, "Ahem. I mean... let's set out. Head for the Central Plains of the Divine Radiance River."---As they set off, news of the war also reached Rongqi Academy. The faculty and students, hailing from both nations, grew anxious.The four rode north along the Divine Radiance River. It was the rainy season, making the riverside roads even muddier and harder to travel.Though enduring rough conditions was tolerable, they had lost their usual cheerfulness, each burdened by their own thoughts.On the morning of the third day, the magnificent manor of the Sedek family gradually appeared on the northern horizon."Carl, you go to the mine and meet up with the Duchy's forces. Leave the negotiations here to us," Chen Yi instructed."Alright." With that, Carl spurred his horse and headed toward a different fork in the road.Phil's face showed some displeasure, but he said nothing. He knew that once inside the manor, facing his own father, he might not be able to guarantee Carl's safety.