Chapter 624: New Threats in the North
Chapter 624: New Threats in the North
Lord Lindsey led the five young people through the city, taking a detour to show them the inner workings of the Forest Capital. The group was awe-struck by the bustling city and its prosperous residents, a stark contrast to the desolate Wildlands. The people of the Forest Capital seemed content, dressed in simple yet comfortable attire, and even the precious sight of smiles was abundant.
As they entered the reception room, Lindsey spread out a map and began to study it. The five young people, including the most hot-tempered among them, now displayed friendly green markers, their attitudes transformed. They fidgeted with nervousness, the one on the far left feeling out of place in his animal hide clothing, while the hot-tempered youth had reddened eyes, as if something within him had been stirred.
The young man who had spoken with Lindsey earlier maintained his composure, observing Lindsey's actions with respect. "Please, take a seat," Lindsey gestured with his right hand, indicating the water pitcher on the table. "You all look weary. Help yourselves to some water if you're thirsty, and I'll have food prepared if you're hungry."
This time, the five young people remained unmoved. The calmest one among them stepped forward and spoke with determination, "Lord, we did not come here to beg for charity!"
Lindsey nodded slightly, "I've been informed that you seek aid."
The young man across from him spoke with gravity, "Yes, we do seek assistance."
"But more precisely, the entire world is in dire need of unity to confront the greatest crisis!" After stating their purpose, the young man proceeded to explain, "You may not be aware, but this world once had a glorious history. People lived happily here, unlike the current state of the Wildlands. The evil that plunged this world into desolation has not completely vanished but remains lurking in the shadows..."
Lindsey interrupted, "You're referring to the Deviators hiding underground?"
"The Awakened ones who use human flesh and desecrate the dead?"
The young man was visibly stunned. He never expected Lindsey to be aware of such information and stood in disbelief for a few seconds before exclaiming, "You... you know about them?"
Lindsey gestured for him to calm down, "Indeed, I've encountered them and eliminated several of their camps. Unfortunately, the humans they kept in captivity have lost their humanity. I'm still seeking a way to restore their intellect."
The young man across from him, despite his composure, was at a loss in the face of this unexpected reality. Sensing this, Lindsey assumed the demeanor befitting a lord, "More importantly, I'm curious as to how you learned of this information."
"If you've known from the start, these details should have already spread across the Wildlands. If you've only recently discovered them, I'll need to reevaluate your origins and intentions." Lindsey's tone carried a hint of oppression as he sought the truth.
Hearing this, the hot-tempered youth immediately reacted, "I... we couldn't possibly be associated with those monsters! Even if you are the lord of this territory, I..."
The calm young man quickly stopped him.
Lord Lindsey nodded, indicating his understanding and respect. "I can understand your concerns, young one."
The young man bowed his head, acknowledging the gesture. "If you wish to know, I will tell you about our origins."
"Then, by all means, share your story," Lord Lindsey said, curious.
The young man began, "Before they were completely stripped of their civilization and intelligence, a small number of humans managed to escape their underground captivity. However, trapped beneath the surface, they could never find a way out and were forced to survive in the darkness."
"Until..." The young man paused, searching for the right words.
After a moment's thought, he continued, "According to those above ground, after the sun had risen hundreds of times—several years ago—we finally found a way out of the underground. But when we arrived here, we discovered that the civilization above was just as thin, and the people were filled with hostility and danger."
Lord Lindsey asked, "So, you want me to help rescue your companions from the underground or settle them in the Forest Capital?"
The young man didn't hide his desire, "Of course, that's what we hope for. But more importantly, there are the Poisoned Ones, the Deviators you mentioned. They've been hiding underground for years, collecting human corpses and amassing power. I'm certain they have malicious intentions, and that's the real problem we must address!"
Lord Lindsey remained calm, "Since you've lived underground for so long and interacted with the Deviators, you must have gathered valuable information about them."
"Absolutely," the young man replied.
"The Deviators' main base is in the north of the world."
"Once, an incredibly powerful Awakened being guarded it, leaving us with little hope."
"But a few years ago, the most formidable entity there seemed to have traveled to the east of the world and then disappeared."
"Their absence caused a shift in power, and that's when we finally found the opportunity to escape to the surface."
The Deviators' main base was in the north, but it seemed the real threat was in the east.
Upon hearing this, Lord Lindsey thought of the severed World Junction.
The missing Deviator leader was likely connected to this.
However, now wasn't the time to delve into that matter, so Lord Lindsey shifted his focus to the Wildlands itself.
"So, you want me to send troops to the north, destroy the Deviators' base, and rescue those trapped underground?"
Lord Lindsey's tone indicated his agreement.
The young man, sensing this, relaxed.
But then, with heightened caution, he continued, "That's the essence of our plea, Lord Lindsey."
"However, there's a new and terrifying force emerging on this land, beyond the Deviators."
An enemy other than the Deviators?
Given their experiences, could they have news of the Green Marsh?
Lord Lindsey's eyebrows arched in interest, "Go on."
The young man explained, "Our years underground have adapted us to that environment. As we traveled to your territory, we discovered that this world has given birth to a new breed of hideous bugs!"
"They frequently engage in combat with the Deviators."
"If you wish to save this world and protect your great domain from threats, I believe we must also pay attention to these creatures!"
(End of Chapter)
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