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Chapter 301: A Special Feeling About Mystical Power
🕑 Added 2024-10-07 07:00:17 +0000 UTC"What is the reason?" Rhett asked.
"As you know, it's because of Locke. Freya only learned about it a week ago. Due to the urgent situation on the battlefield recently, the Coldstream Defense Line has been unable to spare enough manpower to form a new legion. Moreover, while Locke's strength is formidable, his personal experience and command ability are still questionable, so his appointment as legion commander has not yet been confirmed by the Frost Fortress," Laedros explained. "As a result, many legions are eyeing Locke like a hot commodity, and Freya is no exception. Considering your significant contribution in the Kava Valley operation, where you helped Locke, Freya hopes you can persuade him to join the Fourth Legion."
"I see," Rhett responded with a sudden understanding, rubbing his chin. "Talking to Locke isn't an issue, but... is it appropriate for someone of his current strength to join Freya's command?"
"Haha, you don't need to worry about that. It's only temporary. For Locke, the best path to further his credentials and prove his abilities is to seek another position as a vice-commander," Laedros laughed. "In fact, as I understand, many legions within the Coldstream camp have tried to recruit Locke, including even the First Legion's commander, who has grasped the mystical power of Earth—the Gravity Space. Yet, even he failed. So, Freya dared not approach Locke herself for fear of rejection and turned to you for help.
Honestly, if the Sixth Legion didn't already have you, I would be tempted myself, haha!"
Rhett raised an eyebrow, thought for a moment, and then responded, "In that case, I'll go have a chat with Locke, but I can't guarantee I'll be able to convince him."
"Haha, that's fine. Success or failure doesn't matter; after all, she came to me, so I must at least try to help," Laedros mused. "Consider this a favor I owe you!"
Rhett shook his head and asked, "Is Locke still at the Coldstream camp?"
"Yes, he's there. He's in a relationship with a female alchemist from the Alchemy Workshop, and they live together in Fort No. 12, near the workshop."
"Understood. I'll head back to the Coldstream camp now," Rhett said. "Do you need me to bring any supplies?"
"Bring some Phoenix Potion and Python's Kiss. We've been consuming supplies rapidly lately. I intended to restock last time, but there was a shortage of alchemical potions, so we couldn't replenish much. We must resupply this time," Laedros replied after some thought.
"No problem."
After a brief exchange, Laedros went back to drill his troops, and Rhett left the training ground, gathered some men, and set off for the Coldstream camp.
Two hours later, the team left the base. Tucker, scanning the familiar faces around him, relaxed slightly. He nudged Lawrence with his elbow and asked:
"Hey, Lawrence, how have you adapted to the war over the past few months? Are you still afraid?"
"Well, at first, I felt the cruelty and bloodshed of war, but... after witnessing the orcs' brutality, I wasn't so scared anymore."
Lawrence reflected, the youthful innocence on his face now completely gone, replaced by a more mature and resolute expression. His eyes had become more focused and determined.
"Not afraid after seeing the orcs' cruelty?" Tucker blinked his big eyes and muttered, "Interesting..."
"It's a matter of life or death. Once you understand that fear is useless, you realize that the best outcome of war is to annihilate the orcs, and the worst is just death," Lawrence shook his head.
"Wow, Lawrence, you've really got the right mindset. It feels like Lord Rhett said something similar in the past..."
At this moment, Tardel, who had been following them, took off his gray helmet and joked.
Since arriving at the Coldstream Defense Line a few months ago, the two of them had always been amidst the army, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, so their nerves were constantly tense, not daring to casually chat with others. But this time, Rhett had unusually only brought along a few men from Dark Eagle City, including his good friend Kurs, so they were finally able to relax a bit.
Lawrence was taken aback, recalling that Lord Rhett had indeed said something similar, but he couldn't quite remember the exact words.
"Tardel, there's no need for your nonsense. Lawrence grew up in Lord Rhett's territory, so it's normal for him to have such thoughts," Kurs, standing beside Tardel, took a swig from his water bag and said disdainfully, "You think everyone is like you, appearing serious on the outside but secretly eager to see female Shadow Tigers before coming to the Coldstream Defense Line."
Hearing Kurs say this, Tardel almost choked, and he swung a fist at Kurs's shoulder, but Kurs dodged it. Tardel, embarrassed and angry, retorted:
"Kurs, your ability to lie is getting stronger and stronger. You were the one who wanted to see the unique nature of the Dragonkin, yet you’re putting the blame on me!"
"This joke is not funny at all..." Widds suddenly turned to the two, saying coldly, "If you're so curious, next time I can send you both to the Dragonkin."
Kurs turned his head and met Widds' one-eyed cold gaze. He forced a smile and said, "Brother, that's not what I meant. What I said was, I wanted to see the Dragonkin and Shadow Tigers together in a den. How could I joke about our own people..."
"I can vouch for Kurs; he really said that. I didn't finish my sentence earlier. The rest of it was indeed about him being curious about what different combinations of orcs look like..." Tardel stopped joking and started explaining for his good friend.
Widds's expression softened slightly, but he no longer paid attention to the two, shifting his gaze elsewhere.
Tucker, now curious, asked, "Can different orc species produce offspring together? If not, does that mean they aren't really the same species?"
The moment this question was asked, the group fell into silence.
They all frowned and began to think. The question seemed naive and simple, but in fact, no one had ever asked it before, so they couldn't immediately answer.
Rhett, who was walking at the front, had overheard the conversation and pondered. This world... should also have reproductive isolation, right? But in reality, it's vastly different from the previous world. Just because species differ doesn't mean they can't produce offspring. The essence of transcendent life remains an unsolved mystery.
"I believe 'orc' is just a general term. They might not actually be the same species," Mccough, who had been silent with his eyes closed, opened them and said, "Like magical beasts, they come in many varieties, but they can't interbreed and produce offspring. Orcs should be similar."
Widds nodded. "Hmm... Makes sense."
Tardel and Kurs didn't think much and agreed with a few nods.
Tucker, still blinking his bright eyes, asked, "Then why can't magical beasts produce offspring? Are orcs and magical beasts fundamentally the same?"
Mccough frowned slightly, shook his head, and said, "This question is too profound; no one can answer it. But I believe it's just a matter of natural law. It's hard to understand the essence, just like no one can clearly explain where our powers come from."
"Alright..." Tucker scratched his head. He was just speaking whatever came to mind and didn't actually care to delve too deeply.
At that moment, Rhett, who had remained silent, spoke up. His calm voice drifted back to them:
"Perhaps because we were born in this world and are inherently connected to it, it's easier for us to grasp the extraordinary powers of this world. Just as magical beasts inherit the powers of magical beasts, we humans inherit the powers of humans. But if you take a broader view, we're all born of this world. Whether human or magical beast, our powers... should all come from the world itself."
Hearing these words, some people's eyes brightened with understanding and they nodded thoughtfully, while others frowned in confusion. Widds was the first to speak:
"Is that your theory, Rhett? It sounds reasonable, but I'd like to ask, why haven't the orcs inherited the world's power? Although magical beasts don't have mages or knights, their strength, aside from physical might, is merely another form of using battle energy and elements, fundamentally not that different from us. But the orcs' abilities are vastly different from both magical beasts and humans. Why is that?"
Mccough interjected, "As Rhett said, we are the world's offspring. Orcs... may be more like unique siblings."
"They're too strange. I wonder if they were swapped at birth," Tardel casually remarked.
Rhett turned to glance at Tardel. His unintentional words were actually closer to the truth.
In this world, information exchange is rather limited. Without something like the internet, much of history from ten thousand years ago has not been preserved. Especially concerning the secrets of the world, these were strictly guarded by the Saint-level experts a millennia ago and were not spread outside, so the general populace remains unaware of such deep truths.
"Who knows, anything is possible..." Rhett said softly, "But no matter whose child they are, the orcs must die!"
As the sun set, shadows covered the land, and a gray snowfall silently began to descend from the sky.
Rhett extended a hand, feeling the coolness of the snowflakes in his palm. Then he looked back at his men and said, "We're approaching the Coldstream camp. Let's pick up the pace!"
Not long after, the group followed Rhett, passed through several checkpoints, and returned to the Coldstream camp.
Rhett stood at the edge of a wide street and said to Tucker, "Take some men to the execution ground and visit Tyrell. It's been a while since you two brothers have seen each other. This is a good opportunity."
"Haha, you're right. It's been ages since I've seen that rascal Tyrell. I wonder how he's been these past few months," Tucker said with a grin, quickly adding, "In that case, I'll head over right now!"
"Alright," Rhett nodded, watching Tucker leave, then addressed the others, "Consider this outing a short break. You're free to move about the camp, but you must gather at the checkpoint by dawn."
"Understood!"
Everyone responded in unison, smiling. After months of tense battles at the Coldstream Defense Line, a little relaxation was a welcome change.
After dismissing the group, Rhett left alone, heading toward Fort No. 12.
After walking seven kilometers along the street and passing through a beautiful flowerbed, a domed, square fortress appeared before him.
There were two knights stationed outside the fortress. Rhett approached, identified himself, and stated his purpose:
"I am Rhett, Vice Commander of the Sixth Legion. I need to speak with Locke. Please inform him."
The knight on duty stiffened, saluted, and replied solemnly, "No problem. Commander Locke returned not long ago; I'll go inform him right away."
"Thank you!"
As the knight walked away, Rhett stepped back and began to casually observe his surroundings from the opposite side of the street.
"Oh, Rhett? What a pleasant surprise!"
Before long, a familiar figure appeared ahead. Locke quickly approached, giving Rhett a big hug, then asked, "What brings you here today? If it's nothing serious, I'm happy you stopped by to chat. But if it's something important, please tell me, and I'll do my utmost to assist you!"
Rhett led Locke back to the flowerbed they had passed earlier and said thoughtfully, "Locke, I did come to discuss something with you. I've heard that your position has been somewhat awkward these past two months, and you haven't joined a suitable legion?"
Locke hesitated slightly before replying, "That's true, but it's not awkward. Your information might be a bit off because I haven't been idle these past few months. I've often been sent out on missions. I only just returned the day before yesterday."
"Then... are you currently interested in joining a legion and fighting the orcs deep within the frontlines?" Rhett inquired, "If you're willing, I can recommend a suitable place for you."
Locke hesitated for a moment but eventually shook his head. "I'd rather not. I don't plan to join a new legion for now. At least... I won't apply for a transfer myself. Unless the commander assigns me a new role."
After saying this, Locke paused briefly before changing the subject. "However... if you, Rhett, ever become the Tenth Legion Commander, I'd be more than willing to fight alongside you. With two extraordinary beings like us who have grasped mystical power working together, we could deal a devastating blow to the orcs!"
"No problem. I'll hold you to that. If I ever get promoted, I'll definitely invite you," Rhett said with a hearty laugh.
Locke nodded and then said, "Rhett, there's something I'd like to ask you."
"Go ahead."
"Well... when you first grasped mystical power, did you experience any special sensations?"
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