World No. 03245

"The Council has received a report from the front lines. The Five-Ring Great Wizard of Netherfire in World 03245 has fallen. After deliberation by the Council, you have been appointed to take over this world."

Listening to the message Jimmy sent through the Crystal Ball, Richard's gaze went unfocused for an instant, as though he had yet to wake from a dream. But he swiftly regained his clarity and replied to the Crystal Ball:

"Where should I go next? What should I do?"

"Come to Eternal City of Truth now. Someone will hand over the relevant materials to you. Once the handover is complete, you will immediately head to World 03245. From then on, you will be the supreme commander of World 03245, leading all the Wizards in that world into battle."

Jimmy's voice was grave and solemn. War was no child's game. While becoming the leader of tens of millions, Richard would also have to shoulder the responsibilities that came with it.

"...I understand."

After ending the communication, Richard drew a deep breath. His eyes suddenly sharpened, like a warblade drawn from its sheath, so piercing that few would dare meet his gaze.

On his shoulder, Ulysses said faintly, "The war has begun."

"This day was bound to come sooner or later."

Richard's expression remained calm. Apart from the change in his eyes, not a ripple stirred within him.

Half a year of self-training had left him with an almost numb attitude toward the battlefield. He had used Soul Sorcery to hypnotize himself more times than he could count. At first, every failed simulation brought him nothing but frustration, regret, shame, and even fear.

Yet he had never stopped.

In the end, he adapted to it all.

"Do you need me in this war?" Ulysses asked.

Richard shook his