NO_NAME
patreon
Chapter 271: Total Annihilation
🕑 Added 2024-10-01 05:35:37 +0000 UTC“Good morning, Master Aisad, Wardle!” Rhett greeted them warmly. “I didn’t expect to run into you while taking a casual walk today, Master Aisad.”
Dismounting from Firegrill, Rhett approached them with a friendly smile and said, “Actually, Wardle and I had speculated that you might come this spring, and it turns out we were right!”
“Haha, it’s been two and a half years since my last visit, so of course, I had to come back and check on the Dark-patterned Eagles,” Master Aisad replied with a tone of nostalgia. He then looked up at the sky, where dark shadows circled above—mostly fledglings with a few adult eagles guarding the weaker members of the species. His eyes reflected a hint of joy. “They’ve multiplied wonderfully, just as I had hoped.”
Rhett glanced at the Dark-patterned Eagles as well and asked, “Master Aisad, do you have any particular requirements regarding the strength of the eagles?”
“I have no specific requirements. For me, every body is useful, but of course, the stronger they are in life, the more I can extract from them,” Aisad explained. “The higher their strength, the more material I can obtain.”
Wardle nodded in understanding. “I see. Then, Master Aisad, could you leave us some more of the stimulant potions? We’re running low on the ones you provided last time.”
“No problem. That’s exactly why I’m here this time!” Master Aisad replied. “I’ve brought a generous supply of stimulant potions this time. No matter how much the Dark-patterned Eagles breed, this batch should last for about five years!”
“Five years?!” Rhett was inwardly surprised. This was indeed a generous supply. However, considering that Aisad was an alchemical master with vast resources and wealth, such generosity wasn’t surprising.
Thinking of the impending escalation of the Coldstream Line’s conflict as foreseen in his simulations, Rhett casually asked, “By the way, I’ve heard that the situation on the Coldstream Line has been getting more severe. You live in Ice City, Master Aisad—how do you see the situation there?”
“Well… the Coldstream Line is indeed in a dire situation,” Aisad replied with a furrowed brow. “Prince Vilkin has invited me to join the Coldstream Line multiple times and shared some details about the battles. While I can’t reveal too much, I can tell you it’s been extremely brutal.”
“Did you agree to join?” Wardle asked, curiosity evident in his voice.
“No, I’ve turned down the invitation a few times because I wanted to maintain some freedom. But with the situation worsening, I’m genuinely worried that the kingdom might not hold out. So, I’ve decided to contribute my strength,” Master Aisad sighed. “Before coming here, I agreed to join the Coldstream Line upon my return.”
“Incredible. Your commitment is truly admirable, Master Aisad,” Rhett praised, giving a thumbs up.
“There’s nothing admirable about it—I’m just avenging my daughter,” Aisad replied with a bitter smile. When he mentioned his daughter, a flash of pain crossed his eyes.
“With your help, the Coldstream Line will surely benefit greatly. The Dragonkin will eventually be eradicated,” Rhett said, trying to offer some comfort. “Will you be fighting on the front lines, or will you focus on alchemy in the workshops?”
“Mostly alchemy, I suppose. But I’m still a high-level Grand Mage, so if necessary, I may have to fight,” Aisad replied.
Rhett nodded in understanding. The battlefield is unpredictable, and sometimes, extreme situations require everyone to fight.
Hearing Aisad mention his daughter, whom Wardle had once secretly admired, Wardle felt a pang of sorrow. He almost blurted out an offer to join the battle for revenge but reconsidered, realizing that his role in caring for the Dark-patterned Eagles might have a greater impact on the war effort.
Aisad then produced a large satchel from thin air. Unzipping it, he revealed countless potion bottles, each filled with a pink liquid. “Take these potions, Lord Rhett. I’m entrusting the care of these Dark-patterned Eagles to you. I hope that the next time I visit, their numbers will have exceeded a thousand.”
“With these potions, I’m confident we’ll achieve that!” Rhett smiled, then pondered aloud, “Though I do wonder… if the population grows that large, will some of them migrate elsewhere?”
Aisad seemed unconcerned. “If that happens, I’ll find a solution. No need to worry.”
“With your assurance, I’m at ease,” Rhett replied with a smile. “It’s been a long time since your last visit, Master Aisad. How about I show you around?”
“That sounds delightful. Dark Eagle City is even more beautiful than I remember. I’d love to take a look around,” Aisad agreed readily. He glanced at the Dark-patterned Eagles again and added, “Before heading to the Coldstream Line, staying here for a month in this peaceful place sounds like a good idea. Lord Rhett, can you recommend a good place to stay in Dark Eagle City?”
Rhett had anticipated that Aisad would stay for a while, but he feigned surprise and said, “Master Aisad, you plan to stay? That’s wonderful news! Dark Eagle City is bustling and lively, not exactly a quiet place. How about staying at the Alchemy Tower?”
“Oh? The building modeled after the Round Tower? That sounds intriguing!”
“Haha, I’ll take you there right away. They’ll be thrilled to know you’ll be staying at the Alchemy Tower!”
As Rhett and Aisad walked away, Wardle’s expression turned somber. The death of Aisad’s daughter, whom he had once loved, was a wound that would never heal. Shaking his head, he turned and walked back toward the solitary peak.
A month later, Master Aisad departed for the Coldstream Line, and Rhett personally saw him off. On his return, Rhett made a point to visit the Alchemy Tower, where he learned that Aisad’s stay had been incredibly beneficial. Everyone had gained something from his presence.
This news filled Rhett with joy, and he strolled leisurely back to the estate.
On the stone path, Sveta, dressed in a black suit, hurried up to him and said, “Master, there’s something I need to report. Young Master Riley was here earlier and mentioned that he plans to have White Hat paint a family portrait. He wants you to decide on the timing.”
“A family portrait, huh? Let’s do it in three days. Be sure to notify everyone about it,” Rhett replied casually, not giving it much thought.
He then returned to his room and began to meditate. But just as he closed his eyes, he remembered that White Hat was a formidable Level 6 Grand Mage. If he could be recruited, it would greatly enhance the territory’s strength.
The last time they met, Rhett had failed to recruit White Hat. But back then, he was only a Level 6 Grand Mage himself. Perhaps this time, if he revealed his strength as a Level 7 Grand Mage, the outcome might be different.
Rhett believed it was worth a try. However, given White Hat’s mysterious and elusive nature, a painter who traveled from place to place, Rhett knew he needed to learn more about the man if he wanted to bring him into his service. A direct investigation might be too risky, so Rhett decided to use a simulation to explore the possibilities.
He hadn’t forgotten the troubling simulation where the Coldstream Line’s forces were ambushed by the orcs, creating a dire situation. With this opportunity, Rhett planned to report the matter and see if he could change the outcome.
After some contemplation, Rhett activated the system.
“Do you want to start a text simulation? Each year of simulation will consume 5 Destiny Points.”
“Yes, simulate for one year.”
[Year 481 of the Kingdom’s Calendar, February 21: White Hat arrived at your estate and created a beautifully detailed family portrait. You invited him to a banquet and, in private, found an opportunity to extend an invitation to join your service. White Hat initially declined politely, but you persisted, sincerely inviting him and revealing your power as a Grand Mage, which greatly impressed him.]
[This time, White Hat hesitated and, after much deliberation, confided in you. He revealed that his homeland was in the Kingdom of Greylu and that he bore a deep grudge. His entire family had been massacred years ago, forcing him to flee for his life. While building his strength, he had relentlessly pursued the culprits. Only five years ago did he finally uncover the truth: a mid-level noble from the Kingdom of Greylu was responsible for the massacre. White Hat meticulously planned and successfully avenged his family.]
[He then revealed an even more shocking fact: the mid-level noble was an evil alchemist, and from his home, White Hat had found a blood-red pearl. When White Hat showed it to you, you recognized it as a Blood Source Pearl. You were deeply shaken and urgently questioned him further. White Hat then disclosed that after ten years of investigation, he had discovered that this dark power had infiltrated several nobles in the Kingdom of Greylu. You were horrified by this revelation, your mind racing with possibilities. Ultimately, you shared the story of the Blood God Cult, though with some details omitted, and promised to help White Hat bring the true mastermind to justice. Deeply moved, White Hat pledged his loyalty to you.]
[March 9: A band of robbers fled to the southwestern border and committed several crimes. You personally led a team to kill the group of more than twenty people, including a Level 4 Earth Knight.]
[March 15: Earl Nilo visited you, seeking to arrange a marriage between Dick and one of his descendants. You agreed.]
[May 1: You led Tuck, Teles, Hylin, Macoff, and others, gathering all the nobles from the southwestern border who were called to return to the Coldstream Line.]
[May 26: As you and your troops traveled through the mountains, reaching the village of Iron Furnace, you were ambushed by three mysterious individuals, each with the power of a Sky Knight. Because you had taken precautions, you killed all three. One of them committed suicide by poison as they were captured, so you obtained no information from them.]
[October 5: You joined the Sixth Legion in marching to the central battlefield. This time, you requested support from the Fourth Legion. On the way, you encountered the Third Legion engaged in battle with a Dragonkin army. It was a large-scale conflict, but the Third Legion was clearly at a disadvantage. Fortunately, with your arrival, the tide of battle quickly turned, and within half a day, the enemy was routed.]
[October 10: Upon returning to camp, you hurriedly contacted the Third Prince, Hoggus, reporting that you had received another letter from the mysterious informant. The orcs were planning to concentrate their Saint-level forces, withdrawing from other battlefronts to launch a surprise attack on the Coldstream Line. This news shocked Prince Hoggus, who believed it and promised to report it immediately.]
[December 9: You received intelligence that the orcs had reinforced the Coldstream Line with nearly a thousand Shadow Tigers, adding to your sense of foreboding.]
[Year 482 of the Kingdom’s Calendar, January 7: You led your forces in a fierce battle against a unit of Shadow Tigers. Both sides suffered heavy losses, and you were forced to retreat strategically. While resting at a forward base, you received a scout’s report that the orcs had gathered five Saint-level warriors, preparing to ambush your Saint-level commanders. You also learned that nine of your Saints were preparing a counter-ambush. But when the confrontation occurred, you were horrified to find that the orcs had fielded sixteen Saint-level warriors. Three of your Saints were killed, and the remaining six were severely wounded and barely escaped. An emergency order was issued, and all forces were instructed to retreat to the main camp immediately.]
[January 9: Ten Saint-level warriors led an orc army to assault your camp. Your six remaining Saints, still wounded, fought desperately.]
[January 11: The world was painted in the colors of elemental magic and combat energy as the battle raged on. Blood flowed like rivers across the land. After two days of relentless combat, two orc Saints were killed, but all of your Saints perished. Your forces were massacred.]
“The text simulation is over. Would you like to continue simulating?”
“No!”
After reading the simulation, Rhett’s face changed dramatically.
He gripped the sheets tightly, twisting them into a crumpled mess, his eyes filled with disbelief.
“Damn it! How could this happen?!”
“I clearly reported the intelligence in time according to the previous simulation. How did the orcs manage to adjust their strategy?” Rhett was bewildered, full of doubt as he stared at the fading screen before him.
He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. The simulation had delivered a powerful blow—humanity had suffered a devastating defeat in the final battle, leading to a partial collapse.
After a moment, he opened his eyes, analyzing the situation. “The orcs shouldn’t have any way to foresee the future. The power of Insight is not enough to predict such events. The most likely explanation is that there’s a traitor in our ranks who leaked the information!”
Rhett’s eyes narrowed. He had already processed his emotions, and with time on his side, he was determined to find a solution.
“Could it be that Prince Hoggus leaked the information?” Rhett’s eyes flickered with uncertainty. After all, Hoggus was the person he directly reported to, and he couldn’t help but consider the possibility.
“Forget it. Whether it’s true or not, another simulation should clarify things!” Rhett resolved to try again and activated the system.
“Do you want to start a text simulation? Each year of simulation will consume 5 Destiny Points.”
“Yes, simulate for one year.”
“The text simulation is over. Would you like to continue simulating?”
“No!”
Rhett let out a sigh of relief.
This time, the simulation produced the same result as before, even though he had reported the information to Prince Vilkin instead of Prince Hoggus. This confirmed that Hoggus wasn’t the problem, and it also made it unlikely that Vilkin was the traitor. After all, both princes were raised in the royal palace, making it highly improbable that they had been compromised by the orcs.
But then, where did the problem lie?
Today is my birthday, and I’m another year older...
Not feeling great, a bit of a cold, hope it’s not something worse.
Thanks to everyone for your support with votes, it’s deeply appreciated.
Previous Chapter | | Next Chapter
