[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system":3,"chapter-the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-114":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","The Exiled Duke's Lottery system",{"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},1366822,1809,"Chapter 114 - 107: The Sun Tyrant","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-114",114,"\u003Cp>The northern mountains burned gold beneath the night sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Storm clouds had vanished completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snow evaporated before touching the ground. Frozen cliffs glowed red from overwhelming heat. Entire mountain ridges cracked apart beneath the pressure radiating from Aurethar’s legendary form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the center of the burning sky, Aurethar descended toward Kieran Wolfblade like divine destruction itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Golden mana surrounded the dragon in massive waves while molten fire dripped from between enormous fangs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes no longer carried amusement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Pure ancient draconic power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile Kieran stood atop a shattered cliff beneath him, black blade raised calmly despite the overwhelming pressure crushing the mountains around him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The knight’s cloak had burned away partially during the previous exchanges while blood ran slowly from cuts across his face and arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet he still did not retreat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The silver runes along his sword continued glowing brightly against the darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the dragon attacked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOOOOOM.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar crashed downward with enough force to collapse the entire mountain ridge beneath Kieran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The knight vanished sideways instantly just before impact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too late.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even avoiding the direct strike barely saved him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shockwave alone blasted Kieran through multiple frozen rock formations before he finally slammed into a cliffside hard enough to crater the stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Entire sections of mountain collapsed afterward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien narrowed his eyes from the neighboring ridge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because Aurethar was no longer testing his opponent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now the dragon intended crushing this creature completely which dared to challenge it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kieran pushed himself slowly from the broken cliffside while blood dripped from his forehead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several ribs were cracked. His left arm trembled slightly from the impact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The knight raised the black sword again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar landed atop the shattered ridge before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon’s massive claws melted stone beneath their heat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You should surrender.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kieran spat blood into the snow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You should learn humility.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon actually thought about it for a good time what felt like eternity then answered\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That word doesn’t exist in draconic dictionary.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Kieran vanished again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silver mana exploded around the knight as he burst upward directly toward Aurethar’s throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Moonfang Style.\" \"Ninth Form.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sword flashed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A storm of silver slashes erupted across the dragon’s scales fast enough to carve glowing trails through the night itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CLANG. CLANG. CLANG. CLANG.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Golden sparks exploded across the mountains while several scales shattered apart beneath the barrage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar immediately countered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon’s tail slammed sideways through the storm like a collapsing fortress wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kieran barely crossed his sword in time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOOOM.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The knight was launched across the sky violently before crashing through another frozen ridge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snow avalanches thundered down mountains afterward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Above the mountains, Kieran rose slowly from the rubble breathing harder now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His sword arm shook slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar noticed immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re slowing down.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The knight steadied his breathing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re still talking.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon grinned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course.\" \"Mocking opponents improves morale.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Aurethar suddenly spread his wings fully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Golden flames spiraled outward across the sky while draconic mana gathered around him in enormous quantities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien’s eyes narrowed instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even he had never seen this technique personally before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air itself began vibrating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mountains trembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And slowly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive golden magic circle appeared behind Aurethar across the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ancient runes rotated within it like burning suns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even malen’s face paled immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...What is that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ironbreaker stared upward silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the dwarf looked disturbed now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar’s voice echoed across the mountains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You survived my lesser techniques.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Golden fire gathered between the dragon’s jaws.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So let’s correct that mistake.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The golden magic circle behind Aurethar expanded further until it covered nearly the entire sky above the battlefield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pressure alone forced snowstorms away from the region entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kieran’s expression finally sharpened seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he recognized the technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An ancient draconic legendary art.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One rarely witnessed because almost nobody survived seeing it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar’s eyes glowed like molten suns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Be honored, swordsman.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fire between his jaws condensed into blinding gold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is the technique that erased fortresses.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mountains shook violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Aurethar unleashed it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Solar Cataclysm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The world disappeared beneath gold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A beam of condensed draconic destruction erupted downward from the sky like the wrath of a god.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything in its path vanished instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mountains melted. Stone vaporized. Entire cliff faces disappeared beneath overwhelming heat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The attack crossed kilometers in seconds before engulfing Kieran completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The explosion illuminated the northern frontier brighter than daylight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Far below—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even coalition nobles watching from distant ridges felt their blood run cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because no ordinary living thing should survive that attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The beam continued for several horrifying seconds before finally fading.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smoke and molten rock covered the mountains afterward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive section of the ridge no longer existed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only burning destruction remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar slowly descended afterward while heat distorted the air around him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For several moments—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence filled the mountains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Cedric quietly muttered:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...He’s dead.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Lucien believed it likely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No human should survive that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not even legendary knights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then movement appeared below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar narrowed his eyes immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deep within the burning crater—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kieran Wolfblade still stood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The knight remained upright only because his sword supported him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His armor had partially melted. One side of his body carried horrific burns. Blood covered the snow beneath him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But somehow—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He still lived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon stared silently for several moments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then slowly laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A deep rumbling laugh filled with genuine admiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You absurd creature.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kieran coughed violently before speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You missed my heart.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar’s grin widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Unfortunately.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The knight tried lifting his sword fully again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His arm barely moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar noticed immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the dragon slowly approached the crater.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each massive step shook the broken mountainside beneath him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kieran forced himself upright despite the burns tearing across his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still refusing surrender.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still preparing to fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar stopped several meters away before lowering his enormous head slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the dragon spoke calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You can’t win.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kieran answered through bloodied teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yet you still stand.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I was paid.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That answer made Aurethar laugh again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You humans are mentally damaged.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For several moments neither moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Aurethar suddenly glanced southward toward the distant coalition camps below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Golden eyes narrowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...And honestly.\" \"I’m beginning to dislike your employers more than you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kieran slowly lowered the sword slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon snorted smoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They marched north with arrogance.\" \"Mocked trenches.\" \"Mocked rifles.\" \"And now they’re feeding thousands of soldiers into kill zones.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Far below, artillery flashes illuminated the battlefield briefly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar laughed again after seeing them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh look.\" \"They’re probably reorganizing another terrible assault plan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kieran remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon continued mockingly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Maybe this time they’ll charge machine guns with shields made from optimism.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Lucien nearly smiled hearing that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kieran finally spoke carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re not entering the battlefield.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar looked back toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The knight narrowed his eyes slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon’s grin widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because watching them lose like this is entertaining.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Aurethar added smugly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I enter personally the war ends too quickly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kieran slowly exhaled afterward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His body still trembled from the near-fatal attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet now the purpose of the contract had technically succeeded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar remained away from the battlefield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And strangely—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon seemed willing continuing that arrangement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally Kieran lowered the black sword fully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll remain here then.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar tilted his head slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To stop me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To make sure you don’t get bored and change your mind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon laughed deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That might be the smartest thing anyone in this war has said.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hours later—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>High above the battlefield, Aurethar continued watching the coalition army with endless disappointment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon rested atop a shattered mountain ridge while smoke drifted lazily from his nostrils into the freezing air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside him, Kieran silently treated the burns across his arm with medicinal cloth while trying very hard to ignore the dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ignoring Aurethar was impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially when the dragon found something funny.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And currently—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The southern coalition was extremely funny.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Far below, coalition engineers attempted reorganizing damaged artillery positions near the western ridges.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Supply wagons struggled through deep snow while officers screamed at exhausted infantry trying to reposition heavy shields uphill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar watched silently for several moments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then slowly tilted his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Why are they placing artillery there?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kieran glanced downward briefly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Higher elevation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon snorted smoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\" \"Directly beneath the most obvious northern ridge imaginable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost immediately afterward—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A northern artillery shell crashed into the position below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOOOM.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snow, wood, and soldiers exploded upward across the hillside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar stared downward silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then burst into deep roaring laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I KNEW IT.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon slapped one claw against the mountain hard enough to crack stone beneath him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They practically painted a target for Lucien.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kieran quietly wrapped another burn wound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You enjoy this too much.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar looked genuinely confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How could I not?\" \"They marched an entire coalition army into mountain trenches.\" \"That already suggests severe intellectual problems.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hours later, another coalition scouting detachment attempted advancing through a narrow frozen valley west of the main battlefield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soldiers moved cautiously between cliffs while trying avoiding direct sightlines from northern trench positions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar watched them carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then sighed dramatically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No.\" \"No no no.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kieran didn’t even bother asking anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon pointed downward with one massive claw.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That valley funnels directly into overlapping rifle sectors.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The knight looked again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You can tell from here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m a dragon.\" \"My eyesight is superior.\" \"Also the coalition commander placed scouts into what is essentially a snowy execution corridor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three minutes later—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rifle fire erupted from hidden northern positions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scouting formation immediately collapsed into chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several soldiers tried retreating only to discover the narrow valley trapped them together perfectly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar groaned loudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh gods.\" \"They somehow made it worse.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon leaned backward laughing while Kieran closed his eyes tiredly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I was paid by these people.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That makes your life funnier.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Later that night, coalition engineers began constructing additional shield barricades near the frontlines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Large reinforced steel walls were dragged slowly through snow toward forward assault sectors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar watched quietly for several moments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Wait.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kieran sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon sounded genuinely offended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They’re building stationary shields.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Yes?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In front of artillery coordinates Lucien already mapped.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the dragon threw his head backward and roared with laughter so loudly snow avalanched from nearby cliffs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"THEY’RE DIGGING THEIR OWN GRAVES IN FORMATION.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Kieran almost smiled slightly at that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost with a smile that felt too ugly to be called one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another day passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The coalition continued preparing for larger assaults while Elarion reinforced trenches and artillery batteries across the northern lines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And throughout all of it—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar provided commentary like a deeply judgmental god overlooking mortal stupidity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At one point coalition cavalry attempted testing northern response times by advancing near exposed trench sectors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The riders moved carefully through the snow while maintaining loose formation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar narrowed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Interesting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kieran looked toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They’re actually doing something intelligent?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Possibly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon leaned forward slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah.\" \"There it is.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cavalry commander suddenly ordered the formation tighter while advancing uphill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar immediately buried his face beneath one massive claw.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"WHY.\" \"WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seconds later hidden northern artillery opened fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first shell detonated directly among clustered cavalry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Horses and riders scattered violently across the snow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another shell followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire cavalry formation broke apart almost instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar slowly lifted his head afterward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Lucien doesn’t even need strategy anymore.\" \"The coalition keeps volunteering for death creatively.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kieran sat beside the fire silently sharpening his sword afterward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually he spoke calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You sound almost disappointed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am disappointed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon sighed heavily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I expected ambition.\" \"Competence.\" \"Adaptation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar gestured dramatically toward the battlefield below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Instead I received nobles repeatedly discovering artillery the hard way.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The knight looked toward the distant coalition camps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kieran glanced toward the dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then why are you so confident?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar slowly grinned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because Lucien learns faster than they do.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon’s eyes shifted toward the trenches below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"simply because every failed assault improves Elarion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another explosion echoed across the valleys below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A coalition ammunition wagon had apparently detonated accidentally during unloading.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flames erupted upward while soldiers ran chaotically around the burning supplies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar stared downward silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then spoke in complete disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...They exploded themselves.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kieran watched quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon blinked again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They weren’t even under attack.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several more secondary explosions erupted afterward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar nearly fell over laughing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"OH THIS WAR IS INCREDIBLE.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At another point, coalition infantry attempted constructing temporary snow fortifications directly within visible northern observation range.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soldiers worked for nearly two hours dragging wood and shield plating into position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar watched patiently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then slowly asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do they know Lucien can see them?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kieran shrugged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Apparently not.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon stared downward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Why would you build fortifications slowly in front of artillery observers?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then northern cannons fired.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOOOM. BOOOOM. BOOOOM.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The unfinished fortifications disappeared beneath explosions instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar’s laughter echoed across the mountains again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I refuse believing these people govern territory successfully.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually even Kieran became mildly affected by the dragon’s constant mockery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At one point another coalition officer attempted marching heavy infantry through partially frozen marsh terrain west of the ridges.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kieran observed silently for several moments before speaking first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...That ground looks unstable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar slowly turned toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You’re learning.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seconds later multiple soldiers sank knee-deep into freezing mud beneath collapsing ice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The formation immediately stalled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then northern rifle fire opened from hidden trench sectors nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar looked almost emotional afterward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You see?\" \"You’re adapting faster than coalition officers already.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kieran deeply regretted participating in the conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These are small advances which are happening all day around to occupy a better place as near as possible to mc soldiers. Thank you:)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I will soon update power levels and comparision too and for mc i will just keep telling you where he has reached because his power doesn’t matter till now.\u003C\u002Fp>",2301,"2026-06-05T21:32:57.730Z",1,"novelbin.me","7c90d6f52df946b8e29f56013b58c4237aa53ce1b360902421f79a7a8f6b99d0","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-115","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-113",144,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-cover.jpg"]