[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-sss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical-":3,"chapter-sss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical--sss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical--chapter-279":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","SSS-Ranked Awakening: I Can Only Summon Mythical Beasts",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1326730,1762,"Chapter 279: Lord Raegon's Attack II","sss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical--chapter-279",279,"\u003Cp>\"A war…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The messenger gasped for air, obviously exhausted from the distance he'd covered, running from Lord Ellian's manor down to the Mercenary Guild building.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took a few seconds to catch his breath before finally speaking again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A war is coming! Lord Ellian has requested the assistance of every one of you.\" The messenger said in one sentence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien and Arielle didn't wait with the others to hear all the messenger had to say and immediately headed outside to go confirm for themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Damien and Arielle stepped out of the Mercenary Guild, another guard rushed toward them, his face flushed with urgency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sir Damien! Lady Arielle!\" he called out, barely stopping himself from stumbling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien raised an eyebrow. \"What's going on?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Town Lord,\" the guard gasped, catching his breath. \"Lord Ellian is calling for you both. Immediately.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arielle folded her arms. \"Why us specifically?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guard straightened, his eyes serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because he believes you two are the pillars of this town.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien's expression didn't change, but Arielle smirked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The pillars, huh?\" she murmured, glancing at Damien. \"Sounds like you've got a reputation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien sighed. \"Let's just go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before they left, Arielle turned to the gathered mercenaries who were still listening to the other messenger's story about the incoming war.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You heard the guard,\" she called out. \"The Lord has sent messengers to organize a defense. If you care about this town, get yourselves moving!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mercenaries murmured amongst themselves, some already preparing their gear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien didn't wait to hear the rest—he and Arielle were already moving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon arriving at the manor, the atmosphere was intense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guards were in full armor, runners carrying weapons and orders back and forth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien and Arielle were quickly ushered inside where the Lord of Westmont, Lord Ellian, was in the middle of preparing for war.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stood in front of a large wooden stand, various maps spread across it, and several of his captains were gathered nearby, all clad in steel-plated armor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what caught Damien's attention most was that Lord Ellian himself was gearing up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A servant was tightening the straps on his chest plate, while another handed him his belt and sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'He's going to fight,' Damien noted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Ellian noticed them enter, his frown immediately softened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A relieved smile crossed his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damien, Arielle,\" he greeted, stepping forward. \"I'm truly glad you came.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien gave a polite bow, while Arielle offered a curtsey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's not waste time,\" Damien said. \"Why did you call us?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lord Ellian's smile faded, his expression growing grim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Westmont is in danger,\" he said simply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He went on to explain everything—the army led by Lord Raegon. Their intentions to conquer Westmont. The siege that would be upon them in a few short hours.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what caught Damien's attention the most was the Lord's next words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are seen as our savior,\" Lord Ellian admitted. \"Some believe you to be Westmont's secret weapon. But I believe I know the truth.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze flickered toward Arielle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You only remain here because Arielle is still here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arielle's eyes widened slightly, but she said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien remained silent, offering no confirmation or denial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But his silence was answer enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lord Ellian's expression softened, though a shadow of desperation lingered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will be frank with you, Damien,\" he said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—to everyone's shock—Lord Ellian suddenly dropped to one knee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A nobleman, kneeling before a mercenary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arielle's eyes widened in disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The captains and servants in the room stood frozen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Westmont cannot stand against Raegon's army alone,\" Ellian pleaded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I beg you. Join our forces. Help us defend this town.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien sighed. \"You didn't need to kneel.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He crossed his arms, regarding Ellian carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That said,\" he continued, \"I already decided to help. Since Arielle is willing to fight, I will too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ellian let out a quiet breath of relief, nodding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Damien wasn't done.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However,\" he added, his voice firm, \"I have a condition.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ellian frowned slightly. \"A condition?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will act independently.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped forward, his sharp gaze meeting the Lord's.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I won't take orders from anyone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I fight, I fight on my own terms. I'll do what I believe is necessary without interference.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room was silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The captains exchanged uneasy glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Ellian—without hesitation—nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Very well,\" he agreed. \"Do as you see fit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien smirked. \"Good.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned toward the door. \"Then I'm leaving.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arielle blinked. \"Already?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien ignored her question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they stepped outside, he summoned Aquila.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The massive Griffin appeared in a burst of energy, its sharp eyes scanning the area before focusing on Damien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Stay with Arielle,\" Damien commanded. \"Protect her by all means and at all costs.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aquila let out a low, approving screech before turning to Arielle, standing protectively by her side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arielle frowned. \"Where the hell are you going?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien stretched his arms, rolling his shoulders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ambushing the invaders,\" he said casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arielle gawked at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you serious?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She grabbed his arm. \"Damien, that's an entire army! Even you—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I won't fight them all,\" Damien interrupted. \"I'll weaken their forces from behind. Cause chaos. Force them to split their troops before they even reach Westmont.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arielle stared at him, her grip tightening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're insane,\" she muttered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien grinned. \"You're just realizing that now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arielle sighed, releasing his arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine,\" she said. \"Just don't die, alright?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien winked. \"I won't.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And with that Damien turned and vanished into the shadows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien moved swiftly through the outskirts of the town, his steps silent as a predator in the night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His goal was clear. 'Strike first. Disrupt their movements. Make sure they never reach Westmont in full strength.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he neared the enemy camp, he could hear the rhythmic marching of soldiers, the occasional clash of weapons, and the muffled conversations of warriors preparing for battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien's eyes narrowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn't facing common soldiers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raegon was a conqueror, and his men were seasoned fighters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Attacking them recklessly would be suicidal. Even for Damien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Damien wasn't reckless. This time, he would be a strategist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A predator waiting for the perfect moment to strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And as he observed the movements of the troops, the layout of their camp, he smirked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is going to be fun.\" Damien murmured, disappearing into the darkness, his mind already formulating his attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the time Raegon's army realized what was happening—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would already be too late.\u003C\u002Fp>",1065,"2026-06-05T19:28:51.148Z",1,"novelbin.me","cd93b73838b3d00a06a74762ed79f35add63193ef6ad5e893e03cccd37a955bb","sss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical--chapter-280","sss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical--chapter-278",548,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical--cover.jpg"]