Chapter 356: Encounter with the Elves of Ail Again
January 15th.
Bay Territory.
Clear skies.
The bright sun shone down upon the land.
The radiant, fresh light brought a joyful atmosphere.
The streets of Bay City were still empty, as it wasn't yet time for people to relax after work.
Inside the spellcaster teaching building at the Lord's Manor.
"How many shop windows have I wandered past? How many inns have I stayed in? Only to find separation is not unjust..."
Matthew hummed softly, waving his hand as he assigned a pile of homework to the young spellcasters.
Under their excited gazes, Matthew turned and left the classroom, heading to his study.
Just as he stepped inside, Ralph, the butler, approached him excitedly, handing over the Arcane Report of Servington from today. He said, a bit thrilled:
"The Eighth Legion has arrived at the Karl Plain and will reach the battlefield the day after tomorrow!"
Matthew understood what made Ralph so excited.
The remaining tens of thousands of orcs, once faced with the combined assault of the Karl family and the Eighth Legion, were bound to collapse.
By then...
Whether it was chasing down the orcs to gain merits and move forward in rank.
Rescuing slaves and nobles captured by the orcs, spreading Bay Territory's reputation, and recruiting more talent.
Or recovering the towns and castles occupied by the orcs to openly gain more territory.
They were all great and rare opportunities.
The Bay Territory had already begun preparing troops for battle a few days ago, anticipating this moment for a long time.
However, unlike Ralph's delight.
Matthew took the newspaper and, while browsing through it, which matched his memory exactly, he let out a faint, cold laugh:
"Inform the troops to get ready to depart."
"Also, tell the other adventurers that their chance to make a fortune has arrived!"
Watching Ralph leave, Matthew sat down seriously, holding the newspaper, and carefully read it word by word.
Servington Arcane Report (Year 130, January 15th):
News Section
1.
Situation in Karl Plain.
The Karl family halts the orc army.
The Eighth Legion is about to arrive to provide support.
2.
The battle on the Glorious Plane has ended.
The Glorious Plane is now under imperial rule.
The army brings back millions of beastmen captives.
The Glorious Plane yields numerous Flesh Faction spells.
3.
Changes in the Loken Mines.
During a new round of inspections, personnel discovered that the third underground level of the Loken Mines had nearly a hundred individuals infected with a necrotic plague.
A request for further comprehensive inspection of the Loken Mines has been submitted.
4.
The Southern Situation.
Conflicts continue.
Council mediation has failed.
Large numbers of refugees are beginning to appear.
Nearby territories are requested to provide shelter and settlement.
War Section
1.
Karl Plain.
The Third Legion has issued an alert. Orcs, trolls, and barbarian allied forces are approaching the Scarlet Fortress.
The council has decided to send Arcanist reinforcements.
2.
Voice of the Council.
Gaunt Tight denies the gathering of orcs in the Western Wilderness.
Even if orcs launch an attack, it's impossible to break through the defenses of the Red Fortress.
His viewpoint has gained support from many nobles in the west.
3.
Situation in the Shadow Plane.
Beast hordes have been discovered in the Shadow Plane, with multiple imperial bases under attack.
The council has decided to postpone withdrawal, and the floating city will continue its watch.
4.
Increased Barbarian Wanderers in the Northeast.
It's estimated that nearly a million barbarian wanderers will enter through the Dark Forest and the East Coast from the eastern province.
Nearby territories are requested to gather troops and prepare to repel the barbarian wanderers.
Arcane Section
1.
Arch Arcanist Karsas has developed a new 4th-circle spell.
2.
The White Tower Organization has made a prophecy:
"The number of barbarian wanderers in the northeast will rise to tens of millions within three years!"
Hopefully, this prophecy will not come true!
3.
In the eastern Dwarven Empire, Arch Arcanist Kronorman has discovered a new mithril vein.
The mithril vein is medium-sized.
It is located near a large ogre tribe, making mining very challenging.
4.
The Order of Truth has refined the 6th-circle spell - Heart Transplantation!
Success rate improved to 70%!
International Section
1.
The Lodain Kingdom has discovered a large mithril vein in the New Continent.
The vein has abundant reserves and is easy to mine.
It is expected that the price of mithril will drop by 20% starting next year.
2.
The King of Farsico has been confirmed to be in a coma.
The cause of the coma is still unknown.
The northern army of Farsico is gathering.
3.
The Kingdom of Core Elves is amassing troops in the north.
Preparing to continue the fight against the rebellious Ail Elves.
Predicted to gain the upper hand within three months.
4.
Disturbances in the Flesh Court.
Numerous ghoul nobles are gathering in the west.
There are rumors that two of the six Ghost Kings are rallying forces to wage war.
Closing Note: A new year, a new beginning.
"Indeed, no one notices the looming threat of the orcs in the west..."
"I didn't pay much attention before, just like the orc attack on the Scarlet Fortress."
"But now, it seems their approach is ruthless, with immense influence."
"Multiple troubles arising simultaneously, something doesn't feel right..."
"A meticulous chain of plots, manipulating the entire Netheril Empire..."
"Which faction could it be?"
Matthew silently touched his chin, glancing at the Arcane Report, then at the map.
Many factions seemed highly suspicious!
"Wait..."
Raising an eyebrow slightly, Matthew suddenly thought.
Perhaps it wasn't just one faction trying to cause trouble for the Netheril Empire!
In recent years...
The number of strategic floating cities had been steadily increasing.
Along with a surge of new spellcasters like Karsas.
It was inevitable that pressure would be placed on neighboring nations.
Perhaps, a collective conspiracy had led to the current situation?
"Maybe the Netheril Empire collapsed under such pressure..."
"If such a powerful empire could fall, would the Bay Territory also face the same fate in the future?"
"Well, take things one step at a time; thinking too much won't help..."
Thinking of the imminent upheaval in the coming days, Matthew let out a long sigh.
Gathering troops and preparing for the right moment.
Just as Matthew was about to return to the laboratory, Ralph returned.
Behind him were two unexpected figures.
Paris, the steward of the Silverleaf family, and Aenie Silverleaf, the heir!
Instantly, information about the Ail Elves being attacked by the Core Elven Kingdom flashed through Matthew's mind.
"It seems they intend to purchase supplies and equipment from Bay Territory..."
"If that's the case, what benefits could we gain from the Ail Elves?"
"The magical plants they cultivated over thousands of years are good, as is their knowledge of spells, and the production of some high-level magical creations..."
Quickly evaluating, Matthew realized that, despite being pressured by the Core Elven Kingdom, the Ail Elves still possessed many valuable resources.
Another potential ally...
Bay Territory needed more!