Chapter 271: The Darkmoon Family
Year 129, September 1st.
Bloodmoon City, sunny.
The golden sunlight pierced through the scattered mist, pouring down from the sky, creating a mesmerizing beauty.
Bloodmoon City, perched on the mountaintop, was not as close to the sunlight, appearing somewhat gloomy and cold.
On the bustling streets, adventurers curiously watched columns of soldiers slowly ascending from the foot of the mountain.
"As usual, just a bunch of farmers who've put down their hoes..."
"Maybe they used plows; hoes haven't been in use for that long..."
"Who knows, but they're really weak. They don't even seem properly trained, do they?"
"Their formation is all over the place; clearly, aside from a few noble families, the rest are just here to go through the motions."
"Haha, they've already secured the logistics task early on; the other nobles wish they could get that job."
"True, like the Carlisle Family just now; they're definitely not out of the combat sequence."
"Speaking of the Carlisle Family, didn't they take a big hit two months ago? But their army still looks quite formidable."
"The Carlisle Family is large and wealthy. Bay Territory didn't go all out, so they probably didn't lose many people."
"Have you heard? Bay Territory's soldiers are quite formidable, each equipped with enchanted weapons and armor..."
"Every single one? If that's true, their combat power could rival the Bloodmoon Knights, right?"
"Probably not. Each knight of the Bloodmoon Knights has mid-level combat strength, and all their weapons and gear are enchanted..."
"Look, is that them?"
Amidst the heated discussions, hundreds of soldiers in dark red leather armor slowly entered Bloodmoon City.
Behind them, several hundred cavalry followed.
The fierce aura they exuded subdued the surrounding chatter significantly.
However, without the dragon insignia people had been talking about, it was clear they weren't Bay Territory soldiers.
"Darkmoon Family? They've returned to Bloodmoon City?"
Only a few older, seasoned adventurers glanced deeply at the dark moon crest on the soldiers' chests, eyes filled with fear and apprehension.
The cavalry guarded a lavishly decorated carriage, drawing the attention of many adventurers.
They resumed their discussions, curiosity piqued by the absence of any other powerful military forces entering the city.
Where was Bay Territory's army?
Were they not coming?
Bloodmoon City Military Camp.
Over 30,000 soldiers gathered here, with each group finding their designated spots.
The densely packed formations showcased vastly different appearances.
Among the 30-plus groups, most were crooked and disorganized, clearly indicating minimal training.
They were just fulfilling the mission requirements!
However, some teams, like the Carlisle Family, stood in orderly ranks with decent momentum.
Leading the Carlisle Family's troops was Brown, who had painstakingly rebuilt this unit.
Of course, he had received significant support from Viscount Larry.
Otherwise, even with ample resources, Brown's capabilities alone wouldn't have sufficed to organize and train the unit in such a short time.
Viscount Larry had once shared some information about the mysterious Darkmoon Family with Brown.
Try not to provoke them, but if they make the first move, don't hold back.
That was the Carlisle Family's way of doing things.
Beyond that, Brown learned from Viscount Larry that the Darkmoon Family was connected to the Pfizer Merchant Guild.
It was even suspected that the downfall of the Red Wood Merchant Guild was their doing.
After all, while Bloodmoon City wasn't exactly small, it wasn't overly large either.
Only a handful of families possessed the strength to act so decisively, including Bay Territory and the Darkmoon Family.
The suspicion was too great!
For various families, evidence was often unnecessary to draw conclusions.
This was why many nobles had recently begun involving themselves in the swamp ruins.
If things escalated, they could still band together.
After all, who doesn't know how to huddle for warmth?
The only thing that puzzled Brown was Bay Territory's stance.
Every time he thought Bay Territory had shown all its capabilities, they surprised him again.
"But Bay Territory won't just not show up, right? Even with their good relations with the City Lord..."
At that moment, a bright light flickered in the sky above the camp.
Taling 343, dressed in a magnificent red armor, descended slowly from midair, immediately drawing everyone's attention.
With a calm gaze, she glanced at everyone before raising her hand and waving gently.
In front of the entire army, a bright spatial ripple appeared, connecting the magical channels of the Mage Tower and the city's magic array, surging with immense power.
As the spatial force gradually dissipated, a neatly arranged team appeared before everyone.
Their uniformly silver-painted armor gleamed under the sunlight.
The intricate, translucent enchanted patterns were visible even from a distance.
With their formidable aura held back, the soldiers stood in orderly ranks, tall to short.
Even without loud shouts, they exuded a chilling pressure.
The gleaming Bay Territory insignia declared their identity to all present:
Bay Territory Army!
The other troops in the camp, intimidated by the Bay Territory soldiers' powerful presence, looked on with hints of shock and curiosity.
The more knowledgeable leading nobles repeatedly examined the enchanted armor sets, unable to suppress their growing fear.
They couldn't believe that Bay Territory produced these enchanted items on their own and instinctively attributed this to the City Lord's influence.
Considering Taling 343's earlier actions, it was clear she regarded Bay Territory's forces as part of their own, which spoke volumes.
With all eyes fixed on them, Bay Territory's soldiers, accustomed to such attention, remained motionless under the scrutiny, like grand statues.
From the carriage at the center of the formation, Matthew slowly opened the door, holding the curious Yaya in one hand and a brightly glowing red staff in the other. Under the gaze of all, he thanked Taling 343:
"Thank you, Lord, for your assistance..."
Taling 343 nodded coldly, seemingly indifferent to his gratitude, though secretly delighted:
"Heh, earning these 5,000 gold coins was way too easy!"
She raised her hand slightly, revealing a detailed map of the entire Eastern Province in mid-air.
On the far eastern coast, a mass of densely packed red dots continued spreading southward.
They moved like a swarm of locusts!