https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-76-The-Ultimate-Protection-Ring-and-the-Frostbound-Necklace/12808359/
Chapter 77: The Betrayal
Chapter 77: The Betrayal
After more than a year of construction and refinement, the base had finally settled into a steady routine. Most of the mundane tasks were handled by the clay golems and the three apprentices, leaving Su Nan free to focus on more important matters.
He occasionally checked on the magical plant garden, but most of his time was spent meditating, crafting enchanted weapons, and brewing potions. His mental power and skill proficiency steadily increased.
Su Nan had expected this peaceful routine to continue until he reached the rank of Third-Class Mage Apprentice. However, a series of events soon shattered his tranquil life.
In the year 1251 of the Starlight Calendar, during the month of Ember Flame, the kingdom's reinforcements in the Frost-Stained Province faced a sudden and overwhelming attack by infected beings from multiple directions. The losses were catastrophic, with barely one in ten surviving.
The disaster in the Frost-Stained Province rapidly worsened, and the infected hordes began to spread to neighboring provinces. The Red Leaf Province, White Tower Province, and Blue Lake Province all came under intense pressure as the infected forces surged across their borders.
The three Dukes quickly mobilized their heavy troops to defend the frontlines, resisting the invasion of the infected.
For a time, the southwestern region of the kingdom was enveloped in the smoke of war.
In the council chamber, Su Nan frowned as he finished reading the battle report.
"The disaster is spreading too quickly, and the military's attempts to suppress it have failed in an unusual manner."
"Exactly what I thought," Koy said, handing over a letter. "This is from President Muzhuo. Take a look."
Su Nan took the envelope and opened it, his eyes narrowing as he read.
The letter was concise, detailing how Muzhuo had sent his guard, the beastman Ota, to investigate the outbreak of beastification in the Frost-Stained Province. Upon arrival, Ota discovered that his kin's settlement was deserted, with all the inhabitants vanished without a trace.
Following the trail, Ota inadvertently uncovered a group of mysterious individuals manipulating the infected. Just as he was about to investigate further, he was discovered by the enemy. After a fierce battle, he managed to escape, but not without sustaining severe injuries.
Fearing for his safety, Ota fled back to the Thornflower Kingdom. Upon learning the details, Muzhuo immediately realized the depth of the conspiracy and halted the investigation. To show his goodwill towards the Flashing Crest, he wrote this letter to inform Koy and Su Nan of the situation.
"So, the outbreak of beastification is indeed being orchestrated by someone behind the scenes," Su Nan said, setting the letter aside with a thoughtful expression.
"But what is the mastermind's goal?"
"Could it be the work of another country?" Koy suggested.
The Starlight Continent was far from peaceful. Every year, nations went to war over territory and resources. For example, the Azure Gold Empire, which bordered the Starlight Kingdom, had always had its eyes on the kingdom.
If not for the fact that the Azure Gold Empire had just concluded a war and needed time to recover, it might have already launched a large-scale invasion on the Starlight Kingdom.
Su Nan shook his head after a moment of thought. "That's unlikely."
"To orchestrate a disaster that affects multiple provinces, the mastermind must have deep roots within the kingdom. Other countries don't have that kind of influence."
Koy nodded in agreement. If another country had that kind of power, they would have better methods to conquer the Starlight Kingdom without resorting to such a devastating and far-reaching strategy. Even if they succeeded, they would inherit a kingdom in ruins.
"But if it's not another country, who could be behind this?" Koy asked, puzzled.
Su Nan remained calm. "Whoever it is, the mastermind's ambitions are grand. The scale of the disaster suggests they are about to make their move. Now that the situation has escalated to this point, the mastermind will likely reveal themselves soon."
It seemed as if Su Nan's words were about to be proven true, as Koy's secretary suddenly rushed into the council chamber.
"Lord Koy, we have new intelligence from Golden Rock City."
Koy's expression turned serious upon hearing this, and he quickly took the parchment from the secretary, unfolding it to read carefully.
By the time he finished, his face had grown gravely solemn.
He looked up at Su Nan and said with a somber tone, "The Marquis of Golden Rock has betrayed us!"
Su Nan was taken aback for a moment.
"Earlier today, the Marquis of Golden Rock declared the independence of Golden Rock Province from the Starlight Principality!"
"The Barons of Stormwind, Winter Frost, Black Marsh, and Feathered Serpent have all responded, raising the banner of rebellion and forming a coalition army!"
Su Nan's expression shifted, and he said with understanding, "I see. It seems the mastermind behind the beastification outbreak is most likely the Marquis of Golden Rock."
Koy had also come to the same conclusion.
The Marquis of Golden Rock's rebellion, using the power of an entire province to defy the rest of the principality's six provinces, seemed highly unwise at first glance.
However, the timing of his move was impeccable.
The Frost-Stained Province was already in ruins, its army decimated and no longer a threat.
The Red Leaf Province, White Tower Province, and Blue Lake Province were all struggling against the infected hordes, too preoccupied to deal with the Marquis of Golden Rock.
The remaining provinces, Soman and Purple Bamboo, were relatively safe for now.
However, these two provinces ranked among the weakest in the entire principality, and their combined strength did not match that of Golden Rock Province.
Even if they did not oppose the Marquis of Golden Rock, he would likely attack them to expand his power.
Or, perhaps his initial target was these two provinces all along.
Taking advantage of the spreading disaster, he could conquer Soman and Purple Bamboo to bolster his strength before moving on to other provinces.
Of course, it was also possible that the Marquis of Golden Rock was simply capitalizing on the disaster and was not the mastermind behind it.
However, considering his long-standing plans to control the entire Golden Rock Province, it was highly unlikely that he had not anticipated the current situation.
"We need to prepare as soon as possible," Koy said solemnly.
Su Nan nodded gravely in agreement.
Before launching a war against the outside, the Marquis of Golden Rock would first need to eliminate any internal dissent.
After years of covert development, the number of noble lords in Golden Rock Province who defied the Marquis had dwindled to a mere few.
Coincidentally, the Flashing Crest was one of them, and it was the most defiant of all.
It was clear that the Marquis of Golden Rock would make the Flashing Crest his first target.
In the worst-case scenario, the Flashing Crest would face a coalition of most of the Golden Rock Province's nobles.
The situation was dire indeed!
However, neither Koy nor Su Nan showed any signs of panic.
They had known for a long time that a confrontation with the Marquis of Golden Rock was inevitable.
Their relentless efforts to build strength were all in preparation for this moment.
Thus, when the moment finally arrived, they both felt a strange sense of relief, as if a long-expected burden had finally been lifted.
"Winter is just over three months away, and the Marquis of Golden Rock will want to end the war before the snow closes the roads. I expect he will send his army to attack us soon."
"We must be ready to face the war."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
