Heroes of Might and Magic: Grand Consul

Chapter 113 Dream Architecture
On the walls of Longlet Castle, Ivo and Isabel stood side by side. Just a moment ago, they were discussing a surprise attack on the northern border to cut off Duke Salman's retreat, but the next second, their thoughts were disrupted by sudden intelligence.

"Report! Strongbow Town has been captured by the enemy. The defenders, Jayne Richie and Fool, have both been killed in action. The enemy general is Orling from Kuraki Town."

"In the Battle of White Stone City, Lord Levin launched a full-scale attack, with Su Mu providing rapid support from the rear. Ultimately, a chaotic battle broke out within the city, but they were no match for the combined forces of the enemy and Argyll, and suffered a crushing defeat."

I heard that Levin and Nelly have both been killed in action.

Upon hearing this news, the two commanders of the Isildur vanguard were almost stunned on the spot, and even thought they were hallucinating.

Ivo was the first to accept the bad news, analyzing, "Since Su Mu has divided his forces to launch a surprise attack on Qiangnu Town, Richie really can't stop him. This city seems to connect the valley and the plain, but in reality, with Langlit Fort, the importance of Stream County City has been greatly reduced. Besides, we can send troops to take it back at any time, it's not a big deal."

But Whitestone City truly hadn't anticipated that Levin, leading an army of over a thousand, and being a high-level forest mage himself, with the support of Nellie, a hero proficient in air elemental magic, could possibly lose to Su Mu.

Isabel was furious: "What a bunch of useless trash! They planned to ambush them, but they couldn't even defeat the enemy when they were chased and trapped in the city."

Actually, if this town defense battle had taken place in the open field, the Silver Pegasus and Centaurs wouldn't have been able to charge so quickly, and they might have actually won. Once Ivan's magic ran out, even with their strong counter-attack capabilities, the shieldbearers would be killed by higher-level units, and the outcome of a trade of lives was uncertain.

Unfortunately, they were unaware of the specific circumstances of the battlefield and could not comprehend the situation based solely on the heroes and troop deployments.

Isabel paused for a moment, then asked, "Could there be hidden troops and heroes in this Sumu?"

After thinking for a moment, Ivo shook his head and said, "Elton's national strength is declining. I have studied Su Mu. He has only been the mayor of Cangmu Town for a few months. Even if he tries his best to recruit soldiers, he can only gather a little over a thousand low-level soldiers at most, and that is if he has sufficient funds and there are no restrictions."

Considering that Kuraki Town is based on logs, and the price of logs in both countries has soared, even if he is wealthy, buildings cannot be completed in a day, and his military strength must be limited.

Moreover, if he truly had sufficient troops, he would have already come to Longlet Castle to fight us decisively. He wouldn't be acting so cautiously; that's not his style.

Ivo usually conducts thorough research on dangerous enemies. For heroes like Sumu, who have risen to prominence within the marquisate, Ivo gathers even more information and develops targeted strategies.

Information he had gathered included heroes with archery specialties and the powerful ranged abilities of the Earthbow.

"It seems that Su Mu and Argyle can work together. I don't know what his specific abilities are, I only know that he has a high-level earth element mastery, but with this skill alone, it is impossible to defeat Levin."

At this point, Ivo had begun to have doubts. He had previously thought it was Ouling and the Earth Bow that were powerful, but now it seemed that Su Mu might have some kind of amplification skill that could enhance the hero's abilities.

Ivo looked at Isabel: "Does Your Excellency have any insights about Sumu?"

Isabel pondered for a moment, but couldn't think of any powerful skills the human race possessed: "Perhaps it's some kind of skill that enhances synergy; it might not work alone, but it can be used effectively with special heroes."

Argyle possesses defensive abilities; if we disregard mana consumption, having him command a large number of melee units would indeed be quite challenging.

Even the proud young unicorn clan leader had to admit the terror of defensive magic, but because the opponent had not yet grown up, it was not given a very high priority.

"No matter what the other side does now, the important thing is to avenge Levin. Otherwise, the morale of the Eltons will slowly recover."

Isabel looked at Ivo, her eyes almost overflowing with murderous intent.

The Isidores are known for their vengeance and repayment of debts.

She was already considering personally leading troops to attack, and she was willing to give up Langlitburg, but she could not swallow this insult.

She vaguely sensed that if Su Mu won a few more rounds, the resistance in the plains would grow stronger and stronger, and then it would be impossible to suppress.

No matter what skills Su Mu possesses, Cang Mu's army is limited. As long as she leads the unicorn army to attack, the enemy has no chance of victory.

After thinking for a moment, Ivo shook his head: "He deliberately attacked from all sides, perhaps to provoke us. Longlet Castle is still a key place. As long as we hold out until the boundary marker closure period ends, we can get a steady stream of troops."

Isabel scrutinized the Forest Child before her. This national war had rapidly matured this Storm Ranger, making him comparable to veteran heroes. Even more remarkable was his meticulousness and strategic thinking; he was a promising talent.

【伊沃·凯恩（风暴游侠）：攻击7（14），防御6（14），咒力5（9），知识5（13）

Element: Air
Advanced Stormbow: For every 2 points of attack and defense a hero has, the attack power of Wood Elves (including upgraded units and Phantom Archers) is increased by 1 point, and the bonus from air elemental magic is doubled. It possesses the special magic Phantom Storm.

Intermediate Archery: Ranged units take +25% damage, including ballistae.

Intermediate defensive spell, intermediate air magic.

Intermediate Natural Leadership: Increases the morale of the entire army by 2. When leading bastion units, if they suffer from morale-weakening magic, the unit's morale will be reduced to a minimum of 0.

【Phantom Storm: Creates a storm magnetic field, where Wood Elves/Great Elves can be promoted to Phantom Archers (requires gold and resources). The total number of transformations is affected by spell power.】

Phantom Shooter (Level 4, Special Neutral Unit): Attack 12, Defense 10, Ammo 32, Damage 8-10, Health 15, Speed ​​9, Small Size.

Element: None, Ranged Unit

Phantom Arrow: Damage is unaffected by walls and distance.

Assessment: Under the aim of the Phantom Arrow Technique, no one can survive.

Ivo can currently convert a whopping 900 Phantom Archers, and with the added bonus from his Storm Bow, no one can rival him.

It was precisely because of his dazzling marksman talent that Ivo suspected there was a hero of the same type in Kuraki Town. Others couldn't understand why marksmen could have such powerful offensive capabilities, but he found it perfectly natural.

"You take the unicorns to defend the city. I'll go myself. Cangmu's walls can't stop me. While the enemy's troops are scattered in various places, I'll completely wipe out Sumu's stronghold!"

When Ivo volunteered, Isabel had nothing to say.

In fact, the Isildur vanguard was commanded by Ivo to some extent, including the initial infiltration, the battles in the valley, the capture of Streamshire, and the raid on Longlet Castle. It was all inseparable from this Storm Ranger.

He was by no means the kind of person who acted impulsively; all his plans were for the sake of the empire.

"The opponent is very strong. Even Levin was tricked and killed. Are you sure you want to go alone?"

At this moment, Ivo finally revealed the domineering aura unique to the son of the forest: "If I cannot defeat an enemy with superior archery skills, it will be difficult for my Storm Bow to improve any further. This is a unique revelation given to me by the sacred tree."

The enemy archer is formidable; I wish to engage him. Of course, the Empire's interests come first. If the enemy proves too weak, I will eliminate them without hesitation.

Isabel nodded: "Take all 900 Phantom Archers with you, but don't bring the slow dwarves, they'll get in the way. Also, bring 1000 Stormrage Centaur Hunters and 600 Pegasus Spellbinders."

With your magical powers and knowledge, controlling this force will be a piece of cake.

The enemy has a high-level earth mage. Bring Meg Carson; her advanced water elemental mastery can help you out of danger, and even if Conrad launches a surprise attack, you can retreat in time.

Only when dealing with this young son of the forest did Isabel show a rare tenderness. For he truly was Isildur's future hope, destined to join the council of elders as he grew older, and if he could hone his skills on the battlefield, perhaps he could advance even further.

Even Isabel didn't want to make any mistakes with such a racial genius.

The Vanguard suffered considerable losses in the battle between the Vanguard and the Bucks in Stream County. Garn Amirka fought desperately, and with the boundary markers closed, they hadn't received reinforcements for quite some time.

Xu Nuoyi's rapid-fire troops already make up half of Langlitburg's current manpower. With such a formidable army, coupled with Ivo's strength, she doesn't think there's any general in the plains who can rival him.

Unless Conrad arrives from another region and launches a cavalry raid, Ivo could easily escape even if he were defeated.

Ivo is right. The Empire's primary goal remains to use county towns as stepping stones. Her main reason for going to the battlefield is to defend a county town.

With her stationed at Longlet Castle, even if Conrad attacked, he wouldn't be able to take the city, thus leaving a way out. "I have a feeling that the boundary marker closure will be lifted soon, in ten days at most, and then a large army will come to support us."

"If you sense danger, return to the city immediately and do not linger in battle."

Ivo nodded, sensing the concern of the young unicorn chieftain: "Now is a crucial moment, and I will not act rashly."

Does Su Mu think that only he would divide his troops into north and south and attack their weaknesses?
I also prepared a small gift for him, hoping it will surprise him!

……

Orling, guarding Strongbow Town, was contemplating whether to continue westward and outflank Isildur.

But then suddenly a message arrived.

"What? Wright City has fallen? Even Griffin Cliff has been lost?"

Light City is close to Kuraki, but far from Strongbow Town. Although Light City became unsafe after the fall of Strongbow Town, Lord Zoran insisted on defending it and strengthened its defenses, showing his unwavering loyalty to the kingdom.

Su Mu also promised that Kuraki would provide immediate support should Wright encounter any problems.

Unexpectedly, the city fell suddenly. How did Isildur manage to get through it?
"It was the dwarves. The dwarves dug a tunnel through the mountains and launched a surprise attack from Longlet Castle. Lord Zoran happened to be collecting resources in the wilderness for the week when he was ambushed and his fate is unknown."

The city of Wright, without its garrison commander, was captured the moment it sent out a plea for help!

While dwarves are short-legged on the battlefield, they are extremely skilled in fortifications and tunnels. If Isildur had planned to attack Wright beforehand, it would indeed be difficult to defend against.

Thinking of this, Ouling took out the map and checked the resource site, and suddenly broke out in a cold sweat.

The resource site is near Griffin Cliff and very close to Kuraki Town.

Lord Sumu was openly pursuing Kyle with his army. However, it's possible that their true objective wasn't just to attack Light City, but rather to break through Kuraki's defenses.

The encounter with Lord Wright might, in a way, have shielded Kuraki from an arrow.

The enemy general, enraged by the failed sneak attack, turned his anger towards the weaker city of Wright; perhaps this is the real reason.

No, we must return to Kuraki immediately; the enemy plans to besiege the city!

Su Mu's orders were originally intended to harass the enemy, and he did not plan to occupy Qiangnu Town for a long time. Now that their base was in danger, Ouling made a decision that they had to return immediately.

He had a vague sense of unease; perhaps Longletburg was about to send a powerful hero to begin the final battle.

……

Inside Kuraki Town, Forrest gathered the remaining troops and deployed them to key locations.

He had already received news of the fall of Wright City, and scouts had also discovered traces of the enemy outside the city. The enemy wanted to use a caravan to inquire about the situation in Kuraki Town.

Forrest simply sealed off the city, prohibiting merchants from traveling inside and outside, and even halting shipments. Although this would affect the log business, in this life-or-death moment, there was no time to worry about anything else.

"Have Mead lead the shieldbearers to guard the city wall, patrolling day and night until the lord returns."

"Summon the thieves in the tavern and investigate anyone behaving suspiciously in the city. If anything seems amiss, imprison them immediately!"

"Yes!"

Such high-pressure policies often result in some wrongful convictions, especially among the Thieves Guild. Although Wayne has conducted strict screenings, he cannot change their nature.

However, special circumstances call for special measures, and there's no time to worry about all that.

"Send a messenger to Ouling and tell him that Kuraki is in danger and to return immediately!"

The scout hurriedly took the letter and rushed south.

After Forrest had arranged everything, he went into the Interior Hall, sat in his designated first seat on the left, and slowly closed his eyes.

Suddenly, the light in the entire hall dimmed, and the chair at the end of the stone table shimmered with golden light. A blurry figure appeared on the chair and looked at Forrest.

“Isildur sent troops to dig tunnels and launch a surprise attack on Wright City, but I suspect their real target is Cangmu Town. Orling is far away in Qiangnu Town, and you are in White Stone City, so I can only temporarily close the city and hold it while waiting for reinforcements.”

At this point, Forrest looked at the lord, only to see the Shadow of Radiance nod in approval of his actions.

Forrest was immediately relieved and continued, "I've also temporarily halted city construction, the level two magic tower isn't finished yet, and the timber trade has been stopped. We'll make a decision once you return."

This is the best course of action at present. Although Forrest is very talented in architecture, he is really lacking in combat skills, and he is aware of this.

Kuraki Town doesn't have many troops at the moment, but it can hold out for a while if it holds out. If the enemy really wants to launch a strong attack, Forrest is determined to defend to the last moment, even if it costs him his life.

As he gazed steadfastly at the lord, an arm rose from the radiance and gently touched his head.

Forrest instantly entered a dream, as if he had arrived in a prison with dozens of cubicles. Instead of prisoners, each cubicle contained strange objects.

Blood-drinking swords, shields made of skulls, exoskeletons that automatically generate armor, bows and arrows that can aim, boots with eyes...

Countless treasures, all in a strange state, turned towards the stranger the moment Forrest entered.

Welcome, new member!

Forrest looked down and saw that his body had disappeared, transformed into a long scroll containing various architectural drawings.

What he called eyes were actually a compass and a magic pen, constantly moving around.

"what!"

With a scream, Forrest awoke from his dream, clutching a phantom architectural blueprint in his hand, which resembled a prison, but was upside down underground.

It was covered by a magnificent palace with four pillars, exuding an aura of holiness and authority.

【The Hall of the Four Kings of Prison】

"This building is somewhat dangerous; you should only build it when you are prepared."

The ruling Forrest was able to perceive the special nature of this building, especially at such a crucial moment. Sumu commissioned its construction, and its significance is self-evident.

Perhaps the lord has already mastered advanced governance techniques? Even if he hasn't reached that level, he's certainly not far off.

This building is likely the key.

"I will definitely accomplish it!"

(End of this chapter)