Heroes of Might and Magic: Grand Consul

Chapter 116 Advanced Governance Techniques

Due to the strong intervention of governing techniques, Forrest's alienated state was halted.

Once the corrosive power from the mysterious dream was suppressed, Forrest was able to feel the long-lost magical energy. The enormous consumption, which almost cost him his life, demonstrates the difficulty of constructing the Four Kings' Palace.

But if he could pull through, the rewards would be immense. Forrest felt his arms sometimes as light as a magic pen, sometimes as sharp as a heavy hammer or a blade. He could move and cut wood and stone whenever he wanted, and all buildings became simplified in his eyes.

[Advanced Civil Engineering: Significantly reduces building construction time, allows for the expenditure of additional resources to imbue buildings with rare special functions (can be repaired again upon level increase. Enhanced by Governance, traits are always selectable, with a chance to construct wonder-type buildings). Allows for the separate expansion of faction-specific buildings for recruiting special units.]

Castle faction special building: Mystic Sanctuary

Special Unit: Arcane Prayer

Under the influence of his governing principles, Forrest gradually restored the original state of the building, and he no longer needed to sacrifice himself to balance the architecture.

Su Mu himself possessed the sealed treasure, the Dragon Wing Robe, which perfectly filled the vacancy in the Four Kings Hall.

To Forrest's surprise, Su Mu did not put the dragon wing robe in, but instead took out a special material, silvery shackles and threw it into the final giant pit.

The shackles were swallowed by darkness, and a raging flame erupted, bringing a wave of heat. After a series of agonizing screams, the ground began to tremble, as if some terrifying being was about to overturn the palace and devour them.

With the four sealed artifacts gathered, the power below reached its limit, yet signs of a violent uprising emerged.

Su Mu didn't indulge them. He turned over and sat on the chair at the end of the stone table, unleashing his full power of governance.

The four statues slowly lit up, each representing one of the four heroes who ruled under his command.

Standing at the forefront was Forrest, holding blueprints and surveying the city below. Although he appeared somewhat slender, his eyes were extremely sharp, as if he could build any structure in the world, even a temple in the heavens. Opposite him was Orling, who was guarding the archer's tower with his bow drawn and arrows nocked. Dozens of stone arrows floated behind him, and countless vengeful spirits scrutinized the enemy. The arrows pierced through the clouds and were invincible.

A young woman lay in bed, fast asleep, seemingly dreaming of some mysterious beings, her brow slightly furrowed. The next moment, she awoke and opened her eyes to find the monsters from her dream appearing around her, all staring at her. Dream and reality mingled, and she couldn't tell where she was. From the raging flames, a group of swordsmen wielding broadswords emerged leisurely. The leader wore no armor, yet the flames enveloped him, forming the thickest armor, providing him with complete protection.

The four heroes are both male and female, and each has unique skills. If they can grow into powerful figures in any field, they will become dominant forces.

At this moment, they all looked up at the person at the highest point in the hall, who sat on a chair, overlooking the world.

[Advanced Governance Skill: Your personally appointed talents have their special abilities enhanced by 300% and gain a designated attribute master, with 4/8 seats (allowing remote communication with all governing heroes). Learn the advanced magic of Aura Observation, allowing the construction and use of the Palace of Kings.]

Advanced Aura Observation (Aura Magic): By writing down the corresponding target, one can directly obtain the aura of individuals/armies within a certain range (the difference in spell power does not exceed a certain range). It can identify a person's loyalty, characteristics, and potential, and provides the best way to guide the promotion of talent (it can add status effects to individuals, guide heroes to acquire special skills, and increase the chance of hero promotion/those who have already become heroes can gain more insights in battle). It can also determine the precise number of troops.

[Curse Power +1]

The reason why the heroes under Su Mu's command were able to advance so quickly was directly related to his Qi Observation Technique. Of course, their advancement also represented the success of Su Mu's governance; this mutual achievement was the core of his governing strategy.

After he obtained the advanced ruling skill, the Four Kings Palace finally began to operate. The entire palace was filled with powerful magical energy, which suppressed all the treasures imprisoned in the prison below.

This palace not only combines the abilities of the four heroes, but also represents the hopes and support of more than 100,000 people in Cangmu Town, and only Lord Su Mu can fully unleash its potential.

Unfortunately, he is still just an ordinary baron. If he had more territory, he could build more advanced buildings and suppress more treasures.

However, with war looming, the Four Kings Palace is sufficient.

Su Mu used his Qi Observation Technique to write Ivo Kane's name on the table. Instantly, a silvery mist condensed, revealing all the enemy's information.

The ability to observe auras can reveal a hero's potential. People like Forrest and Orling were initially just gray mists that could barely make them heroes. With the improvement of their abilities through the art of governance, they have now only barely reached the color of bronze.

Ivo's color was silver, which showed just how terrifying his talent was.

Su Mu closed his eyes and examined the area carefully, becoming increasingly alarmed with each look.

This is a pure archery specialty plus a phantom archer expert, and can even directly upgrade to a high elf, who has at least 900 phantom archers under his command who can ignore city walls.

The most outrageous thing is his Storm Bow's double air element bonus. For ranged archers, air is the best elemental bonus, providing a huge boost to everything from swiftness and speed to perfect accuracy and atmospheric shield.

Ivo didn't even need to do anything; he simply cast the Great Shield on the Phantom Archer, and no matter how strong the damage from the Earth Bow and the Orling was, it couldn't even break through the opponent's shield.

Of course, in specific battles, there are ways to deal with blindness and exorcism. However, the enemy has double speed boost, which means they will definitely be able to strike first. With their attack power, they can wipe out the shield soldiers in one round. By then, Su Mu will have no chance to fight back.

"We cannot allow Ivo to launch an attack, not even a single salvo!"

In fact, Su Mu's decision to return to Kuraki was not a rash one; he already had a plan to deal with Ivo.

The enemy's entire talent is concentrated in the Phantom Archer. This unit deals full damage within its range and can ignore obstacles, making it one of the strongest archers. However, they are not without weaknesses. Once the enemy gets close, they will be entangled, and their archery skills will be ineffective.

But how do you get close to the Phantom Shooter without being detected? That's the key.

Just then, a scout rushed in.

"My lord, Ivo has arrived outside the city and wants to speak with you outside..."

"say what?"

"He... he wants you to surrender... otherwise Kuraki will be destroyed."

Forrest was furious: "Who does Ivo think he is, daring to be so arrogant?"

"Hirrel has already slaughtered so many human cities, and he, Ivo, knows nothing about it. He's trying to scare us with city massacres? Let him wash his neck and wait to die!"

Forrest, hammer in hand, wished he could run out right then and there and smash Ivo's mouth to pieces.

"Hey, no rush, let me go listen to what he has to say."

Fearing something might happen while Forrest was building the Four Kings Palace, Su Mu first rode the strong winds back to Cangmu Town, while Maggie followed closely behind with the main force.

Actually, the military strength of Kuraki Town is still very weak. They originally wanted to hold out against the enemy for a while by relying on the city walls, but they didn't expect the enemy to have phantom archers. It seems that they have to find a way to hold the enemy off until the main army returns from the north.

After mastering the advanced governance technique, Su Mu was able to communicate with the governing heroes at any time. Maggie traveled day and night and was already not far away. Even when the two armies were locked in a stalemate, he could quickly join the battle.

Su Mu didn't want to rush things; he also wanted to meet the legendary hero, Ivo.

"You stay inside the city and don't come out. I'm going to meet them."

Forrest had something to say, but a glare from the lord made him swallow his words.

When Su Mu climbed the city wall, a kilometer away on the south side of the city, Ivo had already led his army into battle formation, ready to launch an attack at any moment. In fact, Ivo had sent someone to call for the city's return only to probe the enemy's strength; based on his prediction, Su Mu was very likely not yet back.

If that's the case, then lead the army to attack the city and take Kuraki Town.

Just as Ivo was about to wave his hand to attack the city, he saw a hero standing on the city wall, their eyes meeting.

Without even asking, Ivo was certain that this was the lord of Kuraki Town.

The young man in his early twenties possessed an extremely composed gaze, showing no fear in the face of his extraordinary army. His magical power was solid and formidable; even from a distance of over a thousand meters, he could sense the opponent's immense and powerful magical energy, which was no less than his own.

The shield bearers beside him raised their shields, and they were surrounded by atmospheric shields. Earthbows and ballistae were also positioned on the towers, aimed at their own ranks. Even negotiations required meticulous preparation; he was indeed a thoughtful man.

Combined with this person's past experience, from an unknown forestry manager to the lord of Kuraki City, he fought in many battles without ever being defeated, truly a hero of a chaotic era.

Is it possible for someone like that to surrender?

Ivo shook his head. Now that he was out, let's see what he has to say.

"The seal on the Langlit Castle boundary marker will soon be lifted, at which time Isildur's Holy Tree Warriors and Holy Unicorns will teleport here and head straight for Elton capital. Salman's northern forces have encountered difficulties in their advance to the hills and have stalled. The kingdom is preoccupied with its own problems, and you have no reinforcements at all."

Rather than have my city slaughtered and my family wiped out, I'd rather submit to the empire.

"With your talent, Su Mu, you are sure to receive the highest treatment. The kingdom's bestowal of a baronship upon you is a gross underestimation of your abilities. If you are willing to submit, I will petition the council of elders to grant you the position of Grand General of the Western Expedition, where you will be able to fully display your talents."

Even from such a distance, Ivo skillfully used his magical power to transmit his words to the city walls, like thunder and lightning, shaking people's hearts.

"The Storm Ranger and the Forest Child's magic is indeed exquisite, but now they've brought a large army to the city gates and are demanding my surrender. Isn't that a bit too sudden?"
"After all, I have a group of brothers, and the more than 100,000 people in Cangmu Town depend on me for their livelihood. They all need my care. What if Isidor breaks his promise, sets Cangmu Town on fire, and seizes my forest? I'll be left without soldiers or generals, and I'll be left helpless."

The earth shook violently; every piece of soil and rock seemed to be making a sound. The legion, a kilometer away, could clearly hear every word coming from beneath their feet.

While air magic is exquisite, it relies more on powerful spells to penetrate the air; earth magic, on the other hand, is exquisite to the extreme, using resonance techniques to transmit sound, truly deserving of its advanced mastery.

But to Ivo's surprise, the other party seemed to be softening their stance.
"Lord Kuraki, there's no need to worry. If you're willing to submit, this region will still be under your jurisdiction. Not only will the forest be yours, but your Griffin Cliff and Archer Tower will also be returned to you. Moreover, after we've used Longlet Castle, we can give you all the surrounding cities, including at least five resource sites. You won't have to hold onto that small piece of land anymore."

If you can advance north into the snowfields and south into the valleys, helping me, Isildur, to conquer cities and seize territories, all the lands you occupy will be yours.

"The world is vast and there's much to be done; isn't that better than being stuck in this small place and suffering humiliation?"

Surprisingly, Ivo is quite knowledgeable about the kingdom's system.

Even if Su Mu made many contributions, he would still be rewarded gradually, and human nobles would pay more attention to titles and ranks.

Before Su Mu received his title, no one in Longlet Castle respected them; they were simply called country bumpkins by the people of Kuraki Town. Even now that he has a baronial title, he is still the lowest-ranking noble. Traditional heroes like Griffinson and Jeff Payne have always felt that Su Mu's title is too low and looked down on him.

If it weren't for Isidore's army besieging the city and Sumu's exceptional fighting skills, those nobles would have been plotting and scheming all along.

It is not surprising that such a human kingdom would decline.

"Storm Ranger is right, I can't stand this humiliation either, but you're just making empty promises, and I'm afraid you'll go back on your word."

Why don't you bring in ten cartloads of gold coins, and I'll discuss it with the generals?

Avoiding war is naturally the best policy, since who would want to fight if they could just farm?
I have always been a peace-loving person; it was only in chaotic times that I was forced to take up arms in resistance!

In front of so many people, Su Mu actually said he agreed to consider it?

The soldiers of Isildur in the camp were stunned and could not help but admire the spirit of the Son of the Forest. Only a hero like him could terrify the enemy general.
Otherwise, would Lord Kuraki, who already had a small reputation, be willing to surrender?
If Su Mu were to bind his own hands and kneel out of the city, they might spare his life, but he would certainly be subjected to humiliation.

As for the Elton people in Kuraki Town, if they submit, that's fine; if they remain stubborn, then don't blame them.

Ivo glanced at the city wall again and found that only Su Mu was standing on the top; the other heroes were nowhere to be seen. He estimated the distance and realized that he needed to move forward a bit more to reach the enemy, which would put him within the enemy tower's attack range.

Moreover, with shield soldiers protecting them and the Great Shield of Atmosphere shielding them, even a few Phantom Archers cannot take them down.

After some thought, Ivo decided to abandon the surprise attack.

"Alright, then I'll go and gather the gold. Lord Kuraki, go back and persuade your men not to put up any futile resistance."

"If Isildur surrenders, everyone will be put to good use, and you will all live!"

Having said that, Ivo, to demonstrate his credibility, voluntarily retreated his army several miles, giving Sumu time to consider.

Upon seeing this, Su Mu walked down the city wall and returned to the city. Even the shield bearers were withdrawn, seemingly to discuss surrender.

The Holy Tree Priestess, Meg Carson, rode her white horse closer to Ivo and asked doubtfully, "Are we really going to send gold to Cangmu Town? I don't think Sumu will surrender, otherwise he wouldn't have rushed back from the North."

He's stalling for time!

When facing his own people, Ivo's expression turned cold, and the friendly smile he had shown during the negotiations was gone.

"He will definitely not surrender. He must be reorganizing his troops and thinking of a strategy right now. Because Ouling launched a surprise attack on Qiangnu Town with a huge number of Earth Bows, he does not have enough ranged archers in the city, and he also lacks archery heroes. He can only call back the troops from the south."

"I left a group of troops to ambush in the mountains. Once the enemy's traces are discovered, they will be sent back by magic, and I will immediately ride back on my flying horse to command the encirclement and annihilation."

The enemy's trump card is the Earth Bow. If we can kill this army that must return to reinforce, victory is assured!

"Even if we can't find the Earth Bow, it doesn't matter. Once my troops are fully assembled, we'll attack the city directly. The enemy is short-handed and wants to delay, but little do they know that I'm also waiting for the Phantom Archers?"

The Pegasus Guardians were the fastest and therefore arrived at the battlefield first, hoping to find an opportunity to attack the city. Since Su Mu had already returned, there wasn't a good chance, so they had no choice but to launch a direct assault.

His Phantom Archers and Stormrage Centaur Legion were still behind him. Ivo only brought a small number of personal guards on Pegasus. The formation that the enemy saw was just a disguise.

Once the entire army arrives, it won't be about delivering gold anymore.

If he can afford to drag it out, why should the other party?

Even if a few hundred more shield soldiers were to rush back, would it make a difference?

Kuraki's defeat is inevitable; even God cannot save them!

(End of this chapter)