[{"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-132":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},1366840,1809,"Chapter 132 - 125: The Tower of Stars (Part 1B)","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-132",132,"\u003Cp>The words lingered in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And when it opens.....the demons return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For several moments neither man spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crackling of the fireplace seemed unusually loud within the silence that followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien remained seated while the Guardian stood before the massive continental map.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage’s gaze remained fixed upon distant lands marked across the parchment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression had changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet beneath something else existed too that remembered the losses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually Lucien broke the silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How many times has it happened?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian smiled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A practical question.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned back toward Lucien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not when or why or how many.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage slowly returned to his chair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"More than recorded history.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That answer immediately caught Lucien’s attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian noticed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Human civilization likes to believe it understands its own history.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A soft chuckle escaped him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It doesn’t.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He settled into his chair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The oldest surviving records describe six major invasions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ancient elven records claim nine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dwarven archives suggest eleven.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage shrugged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The dragons as always disagree with everyone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien wasn’t surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For some reason, that sounded exactly like dragons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian smiled knowingly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Precisely.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage leaned back comfortably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The truth?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His shoulders lifted slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No one knows.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not even me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That admission surprised Lucien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one of the strongest mage on the continent openly admitting ignorance wasn’t something he expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian laughed softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’ll discover something important as you grow older.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Knowledge expands.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage gestured toward the thousands of books surrounding them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So does ignorance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian pointed toward one shelf.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When I was young, I believed that shelf contained most answers.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he pointed toward the rest of the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When I became adult, I believed this room contained most answers.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, he pointed toward the enormous tower surrounding them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now I know the entire tower contains only questions and no answers because any answer given only leads to more questions\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint smile crossed Lucien’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian immediately noticed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage pointed triumphantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That was definitely a smile.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien ignored him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian looked absurdly pleased with himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, after a few moments, the humor gradually faded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage’s expression became thoughtful once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The first mistake most people make is imagining demons as monsters.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien raised an eyebrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They aren’t?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, they are,they very much are\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes narrowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But reducing them to monsters is dangerous.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage folded his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Monsters are predictable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Animals are predictable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice grew quieter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But demons are neither.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room became still.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian’s gaze drifted toward the fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They think,they learn and They adapt.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression darkened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They hate us too to the bone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That final word carried unexpected weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The lower ranks behave like armies of beasts.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The higher ranks...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shook his head slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The higher ranks behave like civilizations.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that is what makes them dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian noticed Lucien’s reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It should concern you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He rose from his chair again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time walking toward another shelf.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment he removed an ancient leather-bound volume.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The book looked old enough to belong in a museum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Carefully carrying it back to the table, he opened it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several pages contained detailed illustrations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Battlefields,Cities and some strange creatures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The drawings possessed remarkable detail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian turned the book toward Lucien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His finger rested upon one image.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Was a Demon Lord.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien examined the drawing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The creature resembled a towering armored giant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Physically imposing and intelligent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the artist had somehow captured that impression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian watched him closely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do you see?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien studied the image.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Discipline.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned another page.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then another and another\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The creatures changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some possessed wings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others resembled walking fortresses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few looked completely alien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet all shared one characteristic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Purpose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They didn’t look chaotic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They looked organized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian closed the book.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is why previous generations nearly lost.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He rested both hands upon the cover.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They underestimated the enemy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage’s eyes hardened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"People hear the word demon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They imagine mindless destruction.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice grew colder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The smart ones build empires.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That statement lingered heavily between them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For several moments neither spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Lucien asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How close did humanity come to losing?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian didn’t answer immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, he stared into the fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression became distant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he finally spoke, his voice sounded quieter than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Closer than most people realize.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage slowly stood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then walked toward the window overlooking the capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snow continued falling beyond the glass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The city remained bright beneath the night sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It appeared peaceful and safe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian watched it carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As children...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice softened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...we imagine civilization as permanent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gestured toward the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As we grow we believe cities will always exist.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then we believe kingdoms will always stand.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes narrowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The invasion taught us otherwise.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage remained silent for several seconds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There were moments when entire continents believed humanity had already lost.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien frowned slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Remember the word -Entire continents.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The magnitude of that statement was difficult to ignore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage slowly turned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you know what saved us?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien expected some legendary weapon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some ancient artifact or maybe forgotten magic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead the Guardian smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cooperation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That answer surprised him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage returned to his chair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The heroes receive songs.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The kings receive statues.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The generals receive glory.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His smile faded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But at the end of day cooperation saved the world.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian leaned forward slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Human kingdoms that hated one another shared supplies.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Elven realms opened borders.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dwarven fortress-cities emptied their armories.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even dragon clans abandoned centuries of isolation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The invasion forced everyone to understand a simple truth.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What truth?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage smiled sadly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No one survives alone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room became quiet once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien considered the statement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian watched him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You understand.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sounded satisfied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage relaxed slightly afterward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For several moments they simply sat beside the fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two cups of tea rested upon the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snow drifted beyond the windows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere felt strangely peaceful despite the subject matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually Lucien asked another question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What happened afterward?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A very old sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The kind carried by someone who had repeated the same story countless times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Humanity won.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression became more complicated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s not correct.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage stared at the fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Humanity survived yes it survived \"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is a difference,a very small difference.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room grew quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian’s eyes reflected the dancing flames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Winning requires strength.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Surviving requires sacrifice.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice softened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We survived.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And then we did what people always do.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A tired laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We forgot.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The answer came immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without any hesitation or doubt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We remembered the victory.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His smile became bitter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And forgot the lessons.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage leaned back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The alliances dissolved.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Old rivalries returned.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Borders closed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Politics resumed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze shifted toward the map.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The world healed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then his expression darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And once the wounds faded...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...people convinced themselves they would never open again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fire crackled softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian’s voice lowered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That was nine hundred and fifty years ago.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes met Lucien’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And now another cycle approaches.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room fell silent once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside, snow continued falling over the kingdom of Asterion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the Tower of Stars, one of the oldest men alive quietly watched the future drawing closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And for the first time since arriving in the capital, Lucien began to understand why the Guardian seemed concerned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he had seen this before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he recognized the warning signs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The question was no longer whether another invasion would come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The question was whether the world would remember the lessons of the last one before it arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room remained quiet for several moments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fire crackled softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside, snow continued drifting across the capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, Lucien asked the question that had been lingering in his mind since the conversation began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How do I fit into all of this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian’s eyes shifted toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a brief moment, the old mage simply studied him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then a faint smile appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I was wondering when you would ask.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage rose from his chair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slowly walking toward the massive map once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His finger traced several regions across the continent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Places where previous invasions had been fought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The strongest among us are not weak.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice remained calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Dragon Clans possess elders capable of shattering mountains.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The elves maintain guardians older than many kingdoms.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The dwarves possess fortress-cities that have survived for millennia.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Supreme Mage Council commands power beyond what most rulers can imagine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian looked back toward Lucien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When the next invasion comes, we can match their champions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien frowned at champions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Demon Lords.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Abyssal Generals.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The great horrors.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint smile appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The strongest among us are not weaker than the strongest among them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then his expression hardened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But that was never the problem.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian’s gaze became distant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As though remembering battlefields from centuries ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The problem is numbers.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words carried unusual weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When the Tear opens...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice softened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...millions no billions emerge.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not Demon Lords or legendary monsters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ordinary demons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Endless ranks of ordinary demons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian slowly turned toward the window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The kind that overwhelm villages, consume supply lines,exhaust armies through sheer attrition.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes narrowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"History remembers heroes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he looked directly at Lucien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It forgets logistics.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The statement struck immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I thought you would appreciate that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He returned to the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then gestured toward the capital below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Every previous invasion nearly collapsed beneath the same problem.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not enough soldiers.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not enough weapons.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not enough armor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not enough supplies.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice remained calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But when I began receiving reports from Elarion...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time, genuine interest appeared within his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I saw something different.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A territory producing weapons in quantities previously considered impossible.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A territory building factories instead of relying solely upon craftsmen.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A territory where production increases every year.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage smiled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then came the machine guns.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\" the artillery.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And the Warhound.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And suddenly I realized something.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room grew quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian looked directly at Lucien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For centuries humanity has searched for a way to solve the numbers problem.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice lowered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Perhaps the answer was never a stronger hero.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Perhaps it was a better factory.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage’s smile widened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When I learned what you were building in Elarion...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I saw an opportunity.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien’s eyes narrowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What kind of opportunity?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian’s expression became serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The opportunity to ensure that when the next invasion comes...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze shifted toward the dark horizon beyond the capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...humanity finally possesses enough weapons.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fire crackled softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage looked back toward Lucien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If the next invasion arrives when expected, your factories may save tens of thousands.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then his voice became quieter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If it arrives earlier than expected...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian’s ancient eyes met Lucien’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...they may save millions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1912,"2026-06-05T21:32:57.730Z",1,"novelbin.me","1e3635bea5529638a77edc9524d7e236cd1116a6f18e364cecd8efa767bd7cc1","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-133","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-131",144,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-cover.jpg"]