Chapter 354: Mass Transformation
The Empire's regular army is composed of ten legions.
The First and Eighth Legions defend Servington.
Four others guard the frontiers.
The Second Legion is stationed at the Red Fortress in the northwest corner of the Netheril Empire, defending against the northern orcs and western lizardmen.
The Third Legion is stationed at the Scarlet Fortress, on the border between the eastern province and the Karl Plain, opposing the northern orcs and northeastern barbarians.
This orc tide was a joint effort by trolls, barbarians, and orcs that breached the outer wall of the Scarlet Fortress.
The unprepared Third Legion suffered heavy losses and could only defend the inner walls, desperately holding the fortress.
As a result, with no reinforcements available, the Third Legion was unable to prevent the orc army from bypassing the Scarlet Fortress.
The Fourth Legion is stationed at the Tower of Death in the southeast.
Their duty is to suppress the ghoul court in the twisted south while defending against the Farsico Kingdom to the southeast.
The Fifth Legion is stationed at Sky City (a floating city) in the southwest.
Mainly to guard against the southern Lodain Knight Kingdom and the undead death zone in the southwest.
The Sixth, Seventh, Ninth, and Tenth Legions operate covertly, with their whereabouts unknown to outsiders.
However, Matthew knew well that these four legions were actually used by the Netheril Empire for invasions and conquests in other planes!
They are the sharp blades of the Netheril Empire.
Establishing bases in various planes, they plunder resources.
They have already conquered numerous complete and demi-planes, expanding the territories of the Netheril Empire.
These legions are under the four Grand Dukes and their noble subordinates, ensuring that nobles seize military merits, territories, and land.
The Netheril Empire could establish 36 floating cities and sustain tens of thousands of spellcasters.
Their plundering of resources accounted for at least half of this achievement.
"The Eighth Legion is famous for its Drakeling Knights and Dragonblood Cavalry; they have high mobility."
"Although they delayed their departure, they should be able to reach the battlefield within a week."
"It seems the Karl family has made quite the investment, and Karsas is held in high regard..."
If Matthew didn't know, and hadn't seen it himself.
That Karsas, in the future, would hammer the final nail into the coffin of the Netheril Empire.
He would surely feel:
"Such a born hero, destined to inherit the fortune of the entire empire!"
The crisis of the Karl family was essentially over.
Yaya, understanding more and more, curiously looked at the battered Karl City and asked:
"Yah? Will the Karl family plunder the surrounding territories next, to bring the entire Karl Plain under their control?"
Consulting his memories, Matthew smiled and nodded, speaking in a deep tone:
"If nothing unexpected happens, the Karl family will indeed do that."
"By then, having controlled most of the Karl Plain, with enough land and population."
"And with Karsas, the youngest and most promising Arch Arcanist, holding the fort."
"Within ten years, they might own their own floating city."
"They will most likely achieve a marquis-to-duke transition, becoming the fifth Grand Duke family of the Netheril Empire!"
At this point, a sneer appeared on Matthew's face, and Yaya listened curiously.
Every time Matthew showed that expression, something significant was about to happen!
Casually recording the data of a high-ranking orc warlord, Matthew continued nonchalantly:
"Perhaps in the eyes of the Karl family, in order to achieve such a grand goal, the civilian casualties and the deaths of lower nobles on the Karl Plain are negligible."
"But unfortunately, what people do, the heavens see!"
Hearing Matthew's voice in her mind, Yaya blinked, her blue eyes flashing with a curious light.
January 8th.
Bay Territory.
Arcane Laboratory.
Old Village Chief and Hall looked around nervously.
Several burly orc experimental subjects lay quietly inside glass cultivation containers.
Sensing the waves of threat emanating from them, Old Village Chief and Hall exchanged glances, their eyes full of disbelief.
These orcs seemed to have advanced to higher ranks!
Moreover, most of the scars on their bodies had disappeared, leaving only a few burn marks.
Leading the way, Old John waved at them, his voice full of energy as he said:
"Arnold is busy with other tasks, so I had some free time and brought you here."
"Just wait a moment, and don't be too surprised."
Old Village Chief Field and Hall exchanged another glance, even more curious.
After turning a couple of corners, they reached a spacious experimental area.
Several straight-standing figures caught the attention of Old Village Chief Field and Hall.
Each of them bore more or fewer injuries.
Either they were elderly and had lost the potential to continue growing stronger.
They themselves were in the same position!
Matthew stepped out, facing those resolute faces. Raising the Mage's Hand, he displayed several blueprints and said:
"To fully recover, you need to undergo at least four surgeries, each carrying certain risks."
"If anyone wants to back out, you can leave now after signing a non-disclosure magic contract."
Matthew waited for a long moment, but no one moved. Instead, he saw only burning eyes.
"No one is leaving. Alright, let's begin!"
Snapping his fingers lightly, Matthew gestured to Old Village Chief Field and said to everyone softly:
"Old Village Chief Field, age 58, level 9 Ranger, average physical condition."
"Here is his training plan. He will undergo the first surgery in three days!"
Old Village Chief Field stepped forward excitedly to receive the training plan, turning to everyone and shouting:
"Ha, it's tough, but don't worry, I'll be the first!"
With that, he went to the side to begin training.
With Old Village Chief Field setting an example, everyone else put aside their doubts, completely relaxing and stepping forward.
Once everyone began training, Old John rubbed his hands together, eagerly asking:
"When will the second surgery begin?"
After recording all the data, Matthew glanced at the feather pen and parchment in his hand, nodded, and said:
"Once all the transformation surgeries are complete, we can start preparing the experiments."
"Tomorrow, you can gather the troops and select a few capable adventurer teams to set off early."
Recalling the orc experimental subjects, Old John felt the vigor in his body and chuckled:
"No problem, I'll take care of it right away!"