The Conquerors Path Chapter 981 - 979-Beginning Of The Changes.

Truly, the mystery focused on Austin's current state. To the public, it was known that he had collapsed into a coma a week prior, and rumors suggested he had yet to wake. The most skilled healers across the globe had been summoned. Even the Saintess of Life, a figure who famously avoided the entanglements of the mortal world, was moved to intervene.

Her diagnosis brought a wave of relief and serenity to those waiting. The reality was straightforward: Austin had overexerted himself while wielding a power far beyond normal limits. He was utterly drained in both body and mind, a condition that was dangerous in every respect. While there were repercussions, the silver lining was that his only current ailment was extreme exhaustion. He would eventually wake up on his own given enough time. For now, everyone was forced to wait.

So began the long vigil, and seven days passed without change. Despite the wait, the atmosphere remained grim. The women who shared in his secrets were spiraling into madness from the stress. Lora, despite her usual regal bearing, was physically ill from worry. She had lost her appetite and remained in a foul temperament. Though she was tempted to abandon her duties to remain at Austin’s bedside, she restrained herself.

Her only solace was the certainty that Austin was safe and would eventually recover. Meanwhile, a cold fury burned within her toward those who had pushed the man she loved into this predicament. She was already crafting merciless strategies to turn this crisis to her advantage.

Lora was thirsting for vengeance; she wanted blood.

Terrifyingly, she was not alone in her rage. Many of the women involved recognized that Austin had been backed into a corner, forced to take such drastic measures. The blatant, filthy avarice of the war council was clear to everyone, and they all understood Austin’s character. He was not the type to stand idly by while the things he cherished were destroyed—a trait that had won him the hearts of these women in the first place.

However, this did not solve the immediate crisis. Many were sick with anxiety. The princesses who had already established a bond with Austin were losing their minds, consumed by a thirst for retribution and a growing desire for rebellion.

Olivia was pushing her body to the breaking point through training. Carmel was overwhelmed by worry, only kept in check by Carmelia’s presence. Marlene and Catherine utilized every resource at their disposal to search the seas for anything that might aid his recovery, their own fury burning just as bright.

Mika and Rika retreated into their cultivation, their obsession with gaining strength intensifying. Sana and Rina followed the same path. The men were no different, acting like enraged beasts as they threw themselves into their work. The core members understood the gravity of the moment. Austin was incapacitated, but the hyenas circling their group had not retreated; if anything, their greed had only swelled.

Austin had revealed the true extent of his power, and now that he was out of the picture and hated by several major organizations, his enemies had the backing they needed to dismantle everything he had built. The Elders, in particular, were eager to see him fall. Austin’s recent actions had insulted many factions, as he had simultaneously exposed the corruption hidden within their ranks, damaging their prestige.

Consequently, many furious Elders were now supporting their subordinates in an offensive. Even the war council, despite their outward smiles and promises of cooperation, harbored a murderous rage beneath the surface. They gave the youngest members of the council full permission to tear down Austin’s legacy. They were assured there would be no blowback, provided they acted with a degree of secrecy. The academy was in no position to handle any further scandals for the time being.

Because of this, Alex was nearly driven to madness trying to manage the fallout. The moment he learned of Austin’s condition, his eyes were filled with a wild, vengeful fire. All the men were on the verge of going berserk, yet they maintained their composure and pride. They worked tirelessly to keep the faction stable, determined not to betray the trust Austin had placed in them long ago.

The task was far more difficult than outsiders anticipated. When the war council attempted to move against Austin’s followers, they struck an immovable wall. The older students of the academy had united in Austin's defense.

Many students owed their lives to him, and several faction leaders were women deeply in love with him. They mobilized immediately. Without hesitation, they formed a united front to shield Austin, creating a level of cooperation that had never been witnessed before.

Under normal circumstances, the collapse of a rival faction is seen as an opportunity, but not this time. Everyone rallied. A red-eyed Olivia ensured no one could sabotage them. Carmelia became like a blade of ice, striking at anyone who dared threaten Austin. Marlene added her substantial influence to the cause.

Angelina pledged her protection without a second thought, and even Isabella intervened. These acts of defiance caused further friction, as the scions of other organizations resented the interference. It felt as though the established power hierarchy of the last millennium was being challenged, leading to significant conflict.

Yet, neither the students nor their leaders faltered under the weight of the pressure. They fought back even harder. Elders from their home territories demanded they stand down. Emperors ordered their withdrawal. But the students refused to break; not a single one yielded to authority. Had it been only one or two dissenters, they might have been crushed.

But with the entire student body standing as one, the authorities were powerless. Those at the top only hold power because of those at the bottom. Without his subjects and his people, what is a king?

It was a difficult question to face, but a potent one. For the first time, the elite were forced to pause. If they pushed any harder, the entire social structure threatened to shatter. The very "ants" they ruled were revolting, and their unprecedented unity blossomed into something beautiful and formidable.

The greatest strategic minds worked in unison. Alex received vital assistance from Emily and Ella. Emily still sought a way to deepen her connection with the group, and she viewed this crisis as a chance to finally integrate herself into Austin's inner circle. Meanwhile, Ella, though she kept it quiet, still harbored feelings for Austin and hadn't forgotten the date he owed her.

The rest of the girls were equally active. Nathalia channeled her heartbreak into her craft, her mind racing as she worked the forge to create something that would ensure Austin's future safety. Lanoa poured her grief into her music, hoping to compose a melody that could reach Austin’s soul or perhaps even heal him.

Zoe buried herself in her laboratory, desperately trying to concoct a restorative potion. Clara appeared the most distressed, bordering on frantic as she pushed her healing techniques to their absolute limit. Sonia remained secluded in her training, her focus sharpened by Nyla, whose eyes now held a predatory, murderous glint.

Every individual was fixated on how they could contribute, using work to distract themselves from the tragedy. Even beyond the academy walls, the tension was palpable. The dwarven women were consumed by anxiety, only kept in check by the steady stream of reports they demanded.

Everyone hovered between dread and hope. The legend of Austin was being written one day at a time, while classes remained suspended. The academy was under intense scrutiny and required time to stabilize.

It was a period of chaos, transformation, and strange beauty.

However, at the heart of it all, within the manor owned by Grace where Austin lay in bed, the atmosphere was suffocating. The strain on his family was unimaginable, and the reality of the situation was far more perilous than anyone realized. The raw fury and murderous intent permeating the air were enough to terrify the bravest souls.

The entire estate was under lockdown. The most elite and cold-blooded warriors of Max Lionheart stood guard, their overwhelming killing intent and power making any weaker person tremble in their presence.