Gou is a dark elf in Warhammer

Seeing Caladoria looking at him with an indescribable, even unsettlingly complex, gaze, Darkus shrugged slightly, then gave a slightly mocking smile. His smile was natural and casual, as if he had everything under control, as if her gaze was nothing more than a passing breeze.

He took out a cigarette case from his pocket, opened it skillfully, took out two cigarettes, and slowly handed one of them to Caladoria.

Admiral Asur remained silent for a moment, but ultimately did not refuse. She took the cigarette with a calm and efficient motion, as if she were carrying out some kind of pre-battle preparation, rather than accepting a cigarette from Duruci. Then, the two leaned side by side against the hull of the raiding ship, puffing away in the sea breeze.

The meal is finished, and as for the process... well, it was just so-so, neither deep nor shallow, neither salty nor bland.

“A microcosm…” Caladoria exhaled a puff of smoke, his gaze fixed on the distant sea. At the vast horizon where the sea met the sky, the light was tinged with white, and the wind swept across the water, as if fate was approaching in the shadows.

“Yes, a microcosm.” Darkus nodded slightly, exhaling a long, thin smoke ring. “That’s why I talked to him.”

"You're not angry at all." Caladoria exclaimed, her tone devoid of blame or sarcasm, but rather carrying a hint of surprised relief.

“Why should I be angry?” Darkus turned his head to look at Caladoria, his eyebrows slightly raised and a smile playing on his lips. “The fact that you say that shows you don’t really understand me.”

He spoke frankly, with composure and calmness; it was not an explanation, nor humility, but a statement of fact.

Is it worthwhile to chat with Hadris? Of course not.

Hadris was just an ordinary commoner, a regular Asur living in the Kingdom of Safri and running an inn. He had no power to influence the war, nor any say in determining the course of events.

Is it worthwhile to chat with Hadris? Of course it is.

Countless individuals eventually converge into a collective; countless people like Hadris determine the direction of the entire Asur society. Their thoughts, their fears, their acceptance and resistance determine whether this country, this land, this race can continue, and in what way.

This is why, after the gates to the Inner Sea were opened, he and Malekith chose to go to the Temple of Asuyan instead of immediately sending the Duruch army straight in.

Before Malekith was crowned the Phoenix King, many Asur who outwardly appeared to be on Duruchi's side were actually being manipulated and pushed along. They had no choice, because many things were never decided by themselves, even if they were nobles or military officers.

“Yes, I don’t know you.” Caladoria spoke slowly, her voice carrying a mixture of resentment and relief. “Perhaps that’s why you’re standing here… Duruci produced someone like you. I know you didn’t get to where you are today, or achieve what you have, through gentleness or pity.”

Dakos burst into laughter, a hearty laugh that he made no attempt to hide.

He certainly knew what Caladoria was trying to say.

It wasn't a threat, nor was it flattery; it was an exclamation—a weighty, undeniable fact.

The reason you can stand here is not because Caladoria didn't make a move, but because of the entire trend he represents—Druuch appeared in Ulthuan, Malekith became the Phoenix King, and the long winds of history finally blew him here.

He is the core of Trucchi, the main force, the star that leads the storm.

He relied on his choices, his careful planning, his ruthlessness in tearing away the fig leaf, and his willingness to take paths that others dared not take.

Caladoria and he are essentially the same kind of people.

One came from the abyss, the other from the light.

"What are you thinking?" After the laughter subsided, he looked at Caladoria and asked calmly.

"Are you asking me, or the warriors?" Caladoria didn't answer immediately, but instead asked in return.

Dakos shrugged, indicating that he could answer whatever he wanted.

"To be honest, I was originally against it, as you should know." Caladoria looked into the distance, her voice lowered but still firm.

“I know.” Darkus nodded, his tone flat. He had never expected Caladoria to be on his side from the beginning.

He had always known, but now, she stood there, holding his cigarette, and they were both puffing away.

This in itself says it all.

As far as he knew, Caladoria was very old and terrifying. She was born during the reign of the eighth Phoenix King, Edith the Singer, and witnessed the coronation of the ninth Phoenix King, Morvil the Reckless, in her youth.

Immediately afterwards, she participated in the expedition that all Asur would never forget, and personally experienced the infamous "Day of Blood".

She survived by a hair's breadth and escaped that hellish place back to Ulthuan. Upon her return, she did not choose to retire and live in seclusion, nor did she turn to the more stable rule of the nobility. Instead, she chose to continue serving in the navy, to continue wearing armor, and to continue standing between the sea wind and the sword, becoming an unbreakable barrier.

As many of her older, more experienced colleagues perished on that day, her path to advancement was quickly opened.

When Darkus first arrived in this world, he clashed with the powerful and scheming nobles in Krakarond, engaging in a battle of wits and courage. Although his actions in alliance with his cousin were extremely aggressive, even excessive, at that time, the two sides had not completely broken off relations and still maintained some semblance of restraint.

But then...

The situation changed rapidly, and the two sides finally broke off all pretense of civility, leaving no room for maneuver. And in this storm formed by undercurrents, the unexpected connecting point was Caladoria.

What does Duruci's internal strife have to do with Asur?
That's great.

The Black Ark of the Heart Eater family, the Fortress of Hatred, was attacked by the Asul Navy while returning to Nagaros after completing an expedition.

Almost all of its raiding ships were destroyed in the battle, and the Black Dragon escorting it was also beheaded in the fierce fighting. The Fortress of Hatred itself struggled to survive under heavy damage, and finally managed to escape with the help of the cover of night and the desperate restraint of the remaining warships.

When news of all this reached Krakarond, the Hearteater family was practically thrown into chaos. The precarious balance was shattered in an instant, and what had started as tentative skirmishes and minor skirmishes escalated into a chaotic war that engulfed the entire city and the family alliance.

Thus, the "Fortress of Resentment," originally belonging to the Heart Eater family, became Dastan Cold-Eye's flagship—the Black Ark "Herald of Despair."

At the time, it was said that the Fortress of Hatred encountered Aislin's flagship, the dragon ship "Calandirian," but later, upon checking the records, it was discovered that this was not the case. The truth came to light: the one that made the move was actually Caladoria's flagship—the "Sunspear," known as the Spear of Ulthuan.

This ancient woman, who has lived for nearly a thousand years, has been stationed in the waters between the Withered Islands and the Drifting Islands ever since she was promoted to Admiral of the Asur Navy, defending against the harassment of Duruchi and Norsca. She is like a steel needle buried deep in that sea, and every time she pierces it, she takes the blood and life of the enemy.

When Darkus's Harksia Trial Voyage caused a great stir in Nagarus, many of the Duruci nobles saw a new opportunity and couldn't help but develop an inflated sense of self-importance. So they changed their destination from Elsin Alvin to Ulthuan, trying to seize their own glory in the aftermath of his success.

The result...

Caladoria: Hi hi hi.

She's like a boss, or more accurately, a gatekeeper—cold, precise, and powerful, always standing there, waiting for challengers who think they can cross the threshold to walk into her trap.

Countless people died at her hands.

Asul always criticizes the Asul of the Nagareth Kingdom, but in reality...

The sailors of the Kingdom of Kosquie, having left their families and the land that nurtured them, became cruel and savage. In battle against Duruci, they were no different from pirates, perhaps even more frenzied. Pirates might spare lives for ransom, but they would not. Their weapons were silent, a judgment upon their former kin.

And those Duruci who fell into their hands...

Being able to feed the fish means you've been blessed by Matheran.

They would torture Duruqi using the methods he was best at, even going so far as to intensify the torture, mixing in the anger and sorrow deep in their memories, their deep-seated hatred for Duruqi, and their instinctive aversion to 'betrayal'.

After all, in their eyes, Duruci was not only an enemy, but also a former compatriot, a "fallen mirror," the shadow who once stood beside them but now pointed swords at them.

The punishment of one's shadow is often more cruel than that of a stranger or enemy.

Caladoria is their leader, the embodiment of "We Will Not Forget." She has survived to this day not because of her caution, but because of her ruthlessness, precision, and composure. She is a blade, a weapon used by the Kingdom of Kosqui against Duruci, Norsca, and other external enemies.

Before Dastan rose to prominence, he had actually met Caladoria. At that time, he was just a family leader eager to make a name for himself, searching for a passage into Ulthuan near the Withered Isles.

If he hadn't run fast enough that time, and if the sea fog hadn't miraculously descended, obscuring his vision, and if he hadn't made the quick decision to steer the ship into the misty waterways of the Withered Islands, he would have been stranded there.

Then none of the subsequent events occurred.

Now, the knife stands beside Darkus, smoking his cigarette, talking about war, about the future, and about the point where their respective destinies intersect.

A long silence followed, so long that it seemed like the silence would end, but Caladoria didn't utter another word. Only when the cigarette was finished did she slowly exhale the last puff of white smoke, followed by a heavy sigh, as if a breath that had been pressing on her chest for a long time was finally being released.

“In the end… it was Finnubal who convinced me,” she said, her tone devoid of brilliance or arrogance, only a calm and weary acceptance of the situation. “And then things turned out the way they are now.”

Dakos remained silent, only nodding in agreement. He understood that it was Caladoria's time; she had to speak, and he would listen.

However, he actually admired Finnubar for being able to persuade these strong-willed and clear-headed naval commanders to march on Anaheim and launch a major offensive under such circumstances.

That can't be achieved with just a few slogans or visions.

However, the credit for this event cannot be entirely attributed to Finnubar. What truly played a role was the years of groundwork laid, the key role played by Bellorda, his profound reforms of the Truc Navy, and the scars, memories, and awe left behind by fifty years of frequent collisions at sea.

Without this background, without his and Serene's sacred status casting a "destined" halo over the entire transformation, no matter how much Finnubal pleaded or how much he shouted, the sea generals would not agree.

Why should they do it?
There was no reason, no motivation.

"To be honest, I personally don't want to get involved. This feeling... is very strange. I've been hurt by Duruci, and the Kingdom of Kosqui was destroyed by Duruci. I've personally killed many Duruci, really, many, I can't remember them all."

As she spoke, she held out her hand, making a gesture as if to hold a cigarette. Dakos understood, and without saying a word, simply took out a cigarette case from his pocket and handed her the entire pack of cigarettes.

"Give it to you."

Caladoria took the cigarette case and nodded slightly. Then, looking into the distance, or perhaps into the past, she continued.

"The soldiers are also very divided. They believe in Matheran, that's true, but they are not... fanatics like the Heirs of Matheran. They joined the army and shed blood at sea to protect the Kingdom of Kosqui and prevent their land from being trampled on again."

She paused for a moment, as if suppressing some kind of fluctuating emotion.

"You also know what the Kingdom of Kosqui has been through in the past."

Seeing that Caladoria had no intention of continuing, Dakotas pointed to his temple.

"Thoughts, culture, the past, and the present."

She smiled, but the smile revealed a sense of helplessness at being forced to face reality.

“But that was in the past. Now… things are different. The situation has changed. They’ve begun to yearn to fight for you, for the Daughters of Matheran, for the Phoenix King. So!”

As she said this, she put the cigarette between her lips, raised her hands, and spread them wide open, as if to embrace this changing world, or as if to present a helpless answer sheet.

Dakos didn't reply, but simply put his hands behind his back, sighed softly, and looked through the stone railing on the cliff to the two dragon ships moored in the harbor—the Sun Spear and the Calandirian.

"Let's decide based on the actual situation when we get back to Lorthern."

He spoke neither humbly nor arrogantly, without affectation or politeness, but simply stating the facts.

The next phase of deployment will undoubtedly revolve around the inland sea. This decision is not a spur-of-the-moment one, but rather a key point already marked on the strategic map. Although giant islands like the Black Ark cannot enter the inland sea due to their size, the existing Truch fleet is still sufficient, even with a surplus.

When he first conceived the entire plan, he had already prepared for the worst-case scenario—that is, having no support from the Asur navy at all.

In short, it means that the Asur navy was wiped out by the Durucci navy and sent to the sea to be eaten by sharks.

But reality did not slide into that darkest scenario. Through the multifaceted collaboration and intense diplomatic maneuvering of him, Serene, Matheran, and Finnubal, the Asur Navy was preserved.

This means that the relationship between Duruci and Asur did not lead to complete annexation or destruction, but rather to a kind of consensus reached through negotiation, a kind of "community of shared destiny".

That afternoon, after the coronation ceremony, a meeting was quickly convened with a clear theme: to systematically plan the next phase of operational and governance deployments.

Of course, while it was called a discussion meeting, it was actually a concrete implementation meeting.

The real plan had actually been prepared long ago. Tariendan had countless contingency plans, which he had rehearsed one after another, covering almost every possible path from the most optimistic to the most desperate.

At the meeting, the follow-up deployment plan was officially unveiled.

The Duruch army forces, concentrated in Lorthen, have begun their advance into the northeastern part of the Kingdom of Ithaaan. They will advance by both land and sea, ultimately reaching Angrel, the Kingdom of Ithaaan's second-largest city.

Once the political climate in the Kingdom of Safriars becomes clear, the Duruch army will depart from Angrel, swiftly cross the Taur Peninsula, and enter the Kingdom of Safriars, with its primary target being the Kingdom of Safriars's largest port city: Port Eleste.

This port's significance extends beyond military control; more importantly, it will become the core hub for agriculture and the supply chain of the entire Duruch-Azur faction. Supporting agricultural equipment, massive iron tower structures, and engineering materials transported from Nagalos and Acyriel will converge here, rapidly enabling agricultural development across the Windswept Plains to ensure long-term food supply and strategic reserves.

Meanwhile, the army will continue its northward advance, with its sights set on Tal Finnu, a key town to the north of Safre.

The purpose of this deployment is very clear: the garrison will guard against surprise attacks from the Kingdom of Avalon, firmly control the strategic passage of the Finnuval Plain, and reserve a security barrier for subsequent agricultural development.

Once agriculture on the Windswept Plains enters its first stable harvest period, the focus shifts to the Finnuval Plain to the north to begin planting.

And then no more.

At this point, the Kingdom of Safre was completely under the control of Duruchi, and it formed a connection with the Kingdom of Itien in the south, the Kingdom of Iris in the southeast, and the Kingdom of Kosqui.

The southeastern part of Ausuan will be cleared of fighting in a very short time, becoming a solid strategic rear area for the Duruch forces – a safe zone.

Meanwhile, deployments were also being made in the direction of the Kingdom of Charis.

The army of the Kingdom of Kosquie, together with some elite troops from the Kingdom of Iris, will cross the Fire River, reach the capital of the Kingdom of Charis—Tal Achar, and begin a long-term siege.

The intention is clear: to put pressure on the Kingdom of Charis.

This deployment also takes into account the homeland defense needs of Kosqui, ensuring the strategic security of the two key port cities of Tar Denor and Elisia, which border the Kingdom of Kosqui.

As for Targold, the second largest city in the Kingdom of Charis, there is currently no particularly good solution. Targold, this once overlooked mountain town, has shone brightly during the Great Division.

The Kingdom of Charis fought desperately in that war, turning the town into a natural fortress with its complex terrain and control over key transportation routes, making it extremely difficult to switch between offense and defense.

Of course, from a purely military perspective, a direct assault could also take it down; have you heard of the Twisting Cannon? Besides the Twisting Cannon, there's also magic.

But the problem is, it's meaningless.

The Kingdom of Avalon and Phoenix Gate Fortress are still there, like two nails driven into the edge of the map, unmovable and unremovable.

To solve the problem of Tal Geld, the prerequisite is to solve these two places. This is why Taliendan's plan is to remain still, rather than recklessly advance. The core is clear—simply ensure that the Asul army doesn't break out from the forests of the Kingdom of Avalon, and hold onto the strategically vital Fennuval Plains.

As for actively invading the Kingdom of Avalon? That's not being considered for now.

The reason is simple: waging war in the forests of Avalon would be like venturing into a thicket of thorns, severely weakening the fighting capacity of the Duruci side. The Asur, who live in Avalon, are skilled in forest ambushes and guerrilla warfare, while the Duruci side emphasizes rapid marches, suppression, and assaults. Once they enter the forest, they would become the enemy's prey.

The entire advance plan was not implemented step by step, but rather launched in a comprehensive manner, with a multi-pronged attack unfolding simultaneously.

While advancing towards the Kingdom of Safre, Duruchi will simultaneously mobilize and integrate his fleet, concentrating his forces to strike directly at the Kingdom of Elion, blocking that crucial central axis passage, severing the communication network between the Kingdoms of Charis and Avalon and the three major kingdoms of Elion, Kaledo, and Tyronlock, ensuring that no large armies converge and the pressure is amplified.

As for the Phoenix Gate and the Kingdom of Nagarius...

What's that saying again? "Becoming evil makes you three times stronger, becoming good makes you three times weaker."
Meanwhile, in order to further weaken the resistance and reduce the burden on the front lines, the Duruch Navy and a portion of the army will appear in the vast ocean to strike the Queen Dragon Bay of the Kingdom of Caledo, and simultaneously launch an attack on the Kingdom of Tyrenlock. This is partly to contain the enemy, and partly to disrupt their logistical supply lines, completely severing Caledo's connection with the interior and cutting off its military supplies.

The core idea behind all of this boils down to one word: segmentation.

Cut them to pieces, cut them so that they can't support each other, cut them so that they have no hope of coordinating with each other, and fight their own battles.

Why is Lor'then important? Why is it called the "key" to Ulthuan? The reason lies here. If Lor'then and those gateway fortresses remain standing, the Asul faction can win.

but now……

As for the fate of Asul's navy? Just as Darkus said before: we'll decide based on the actual situation when we return to Lorthen.

The colonies of Twilight Fortress and Dawn Fortress both require extensive manpower to defend, leaving no gaps in their defenses. At the same time, the possibility of Norscan raiders emerging from the sea must be considered, and Elsin Alwyn needs to deploy the navy to ensure the safety of the Marienburg elves and Lauren Loren.

Caladoria didn't say anything more; she had said everything she needed to say.

Dakos nodded to his companions who were waiting in the distance, indicating that the conversation should end there.

"Have a safe journey." Caladoria took a step back and solemnly gave Dakous a standard military salute, his eyes revealing a complex meaning, as if he were saying goodbye, or as if he were making a promise.

Under Saril's skillful operation, the raiding ship trembled slightly and began to slowly rise. Only when the passengers' view opened up did they truly see the magnificent panorama unfolding beneath their feet.

Vast plains stretched out like a carpet from the edge of the field of vision, undulating in layers, interspersed with green and gold, the sense of harvest brought about by magic like a summer day frozen in time. The halo of energy appeared and disappeared in the air, like a thin veil of mist suspended between heaven and earth, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.

Between the paddy fields, the sounds of birdsong and insects hummed, as if a painting depicting the abode of the gods had been forcibly pulled into the real world. A faint fragrance of crops filled the air, not just the scent of wheat or the sweetness of fruit, but a wondrous aroma that blended magical ripening with natural abundance, bringing a sense of peace and intoxication.

“So beautiful,” Darkus exclaimed sincerely.

At the edge of the field, a solitary white stone temple stands, its crumbling walls constructed of the same stone as the cliff face, bearing the marks of time yet still maintaining a certain aristocratic solemnity and elegance. The temple's design is quite peculiar; the statues within are not solemn and sacred, but rather scattered across the field in a haphazard manner, as if they are personally harvesting rice sheaves, like an eternal agricultural myth.

Dakos turned and glanced at Saril.

“The temple of the goddess of mist, Radlily,” Saril answered truthfully.

“Ah~” Dakous drawled out, responding in a tone that was both playful and slightly regretful.

Without lingering, the raiding ship swept across the sky above the temple in the dim light, speeding straight toward the White Tower of Hoss.

The scene before him was still a vast, boundless plain, but Dakos knew it was different from the plains he remembered.

He recalled that when he passed through the North China Plain and the Liaohe Plain, he could hardly see an inch of open land. The area between villages and cities was neatly divided into endless farmland, row upon row, piece upon piece, so dense that it was impenetrable.

But here, in the heart of Ulthuan, a place constructed of magic, there was a beauty he had experienced when he stayed there for the second time after arriving in Ashriel.

"With this kind of performance, you think you can manage Elsin Alvin?" He scoffed and looked away. "You haven't even figured out how to handle things on your own soil yet." (End of Chapter)