Heroes of Might and Magic: Grand Consul

Chapter 62 Moving reinforcements

The Kingdom's army has won a great victory!

This exciting news quickly spread throughout Elton, and Shilling Plains, being the area closest to the battlefield, was naturally among the first to receive the intelligence.

Sumu gave the townspeople a day off and offered them bread, meat, and wine to celebrate.

Victory was hard-won, as Sumu knew that Elton and Isildur were embroiled in a protracted war. But the first decisive battle was still of great significance, giving confidence to all the people of the kingdom.

Considering the previous situation, the North was fearful, the Valley was raided, and Longlet Castle was even attacked and captured. None of the news was good. It seemed that Elton was on the verge of collapse. Raven turned the tide and was truly a god!
Details of the battle have also spread, and people are talking about it with great interest.

The most widely praised was naturally the forge master Dylan, who used 15 catapults to bombard the fortress walls into pieces.

Previously, people thought that ballistics was just a dispensable skill, and that a single hero was useless against a fortified city. But Dylan showed what it means to be an army by himself.

Of course, the kingdom's immense wealth is the key. Magic scrolls are treasures that ordinary heroes carry with them for long-term use; they can't be used like disposable ammunition, as Dylan did. Only Elton's millennia of accumulated wealth could produce so many scrolls.

After defeating Isildur's army, Marshal Raven did not rush to pursue them. Instead, he ordered the troops to return to rest and reorganize, and to deal with any internal troublemakers.

As for White Rock, Longletburg has already rallied the lords of the fiefdoms to gather troops and send them to White Rock. It is said that Kyle is digging tunnels, but even Lloyd has been defeated on the front lines. How could they possibly dig back to the Wall Empire?
"That traitor Locke Kyle is a real clown!"

Baron Eugen's voice could be heard even before he arrived.

Su Mu received the Baron in the council hall, intending to treat him to a lavish meal to celebrate the victory. However, the Baron seemed to have changed completely, and was in a great hurry to discuss the encirclement and annihilation.

"Su Mu, the attack on White Stone City was well done! I heard that when Locke returned to town and saw the devastation in White Stone, he fell off his horse."

Longlet Castle rewards you for your bravery, bestowing upon you the Monument of Hero Kuraki, and also awarding you 5000 gold coins!

Su Mu glanced at the inscription in the stone box and politely accepted it. But when faced with the chest full of gold coins behind it, he immediately ordered Forrest to take it. The miserly architect picked up the treasure chest with both arms and hurriedly went next door to count the money.

“Oh, Baron, I, Su Mu, am utterly loyal to Langlitburg. How could I possibly be concerned with such mundane matters?”

The Kyle family of Whitestone City rebelled against the kingdom, and their crime was well-deserved!

Just as Su Mu finished expressing his loyalty, a whisper came from next door: "Lord, 4988 gold coins, twelve short."

When it comes to counting money, no one can outrun Forrest, but this is far too fast. Besides, it's only twelve gold coins; is it really worth fussing over such a small amount?
Eugen covered his face helplessly: "It probably got lost due to the bumpy journey. I'll have someone replace it."

Su Mu warmly pulled Eugen to sit down: "Baron, you are very magnanimous to know that it is not easy for Kuraki. I thank you for your kindness!"

Eugen was being praised so highly that he naturally couldn't say anything more, especially since he had a favor to ask.

"Su Mu, you probably already know why I've come here."

Lord Locke Kyle of Whitestone has rebelled, and Longleat Castle has ordered its vassals to gather troops to jointly suppress him. How many men can you send?

Su Mu looked troubled: "Baron, as you know, I contributed a lot to the last attack on White Stone City."

The battle with Guido was a Pyrrhic victory, with more than half of the Earthbowmen lost and only a handful of spearmen remaining.

My town has only just been built and is in a crucial period of development. The attack on Whitestone was to relieve the crisis at Longlet Castle. Now that the crisis is over, the vassals in various regions must be very eager to fight. I don't need to lead the charge anymore, do I?

Listening to Su Mu's complaints, the Baron nodded repeatedly. He knew some of Su Mu's situation, but the casualty rate in siege warfare was indeed very high, making it difficult for him to send troops.

But this order wasn't his idea; there was a more important reason behind it.

The baron first looked around, and Su Mu instantly understood his meaning: "They are all my trusted confidants, Baron, please speak your mind."

"Since that's the case, I won't beat around the bush with you anymore."

With Rex's death in battle, power in Longletburg has been reshuffled, the conservatives have lost their leader and have been reorganized by Lady Maggie.

As for the old guard, the Magic Guild Master, Galad Blackthorne, was seriously injured and recuperating at the Magic Tower, temporarily refraining from political affairs. The Griffinson family, however, seized the opportunity to usurp power, controlling a portion of the nobility, and attempted to pin the blame for the castle's fall on Lady Maggie.

Many people, disagreeing with his views, turned to support Lady Maggie, since she was the rightful ruler.

Su Mu looked at the Baron thoughtfully and found that the other man was radiant with an ambition he had never had before.

It seems Old Deng has been given an important position. But thinking back to the Lumber Guild incident, Eugen's appointment as guild master based on his baronial status suggests he must have had backing. Furthermore, his connections between various families, yet his detachment from the realities, are undeniable.

Su Mu thought that the old man was too old to get involved in the vortex, but now it seems that the Baron has long had someone else in his heart.

It was well hidden!
Su Mu's lips curled up slightly, while Eugen remained unfazed, truly shameless.

"With Longlet Castle fallen, the city is temporarily short of troops. Griffinson's griffin army is still intact, and he thinks Whitestone is his for the taking, and wants to take advantage of this war to show his strength to the vassals of the Marquisate."

Therefore, we must not let him take Whitestone City, and you naturally become the best candidate.

Besides, if we just sit idly by and watch Griffinson's power grow stronger after their previous conflict, Kuraki Town will be in trouble!

Su Mu and Eugen exchanged a glance: "I don't have any deep-seated hatred for him. Does destroying a runaway treasure count as such?"

Eugen just smiled mysteriously and didn't say anything.

Su Mu shook his head: "The Kyle family has too many guards. Griffinson might not be able to take them down. Let him give it a try."

Eugen explained, “His family alone is certainly not enough, but this time he has gathered more than a thousand lords from the Marquisate. If he leads this army to take White Rock, Griffinson’s position will be secure in the future.”

Su Mu still refused: "I don't do things that show off! Let the Marquis find someone else."

Seeing that Su Mu was unmoved by reason, Eugen was quite angry: "Others may not know about the situation in Cangmu Town, but I do."
The daily output of logs is extremely high, making a fortune every day.

With the watchtower and archer tower successfully constructed, and a large number of soldiers obtained from the refugee camp, you'll undoubtedly be the strongest force in the area. If you can capture White Stone City, Lady Maggie is willing to grant you a title!

Only the king has the authority to bestow titles of nobility. Although the nobles of the Xilin Plain are now in a state of decline, they once made contributions.

However, as a marquess family, Garfield naturally had much more say, and if the heir promised to grant someone a title, it was not impossible for them to do so.

But Su Mu really doesn't care about that!

Having said all that, Su Mu simply opened up: "I don't want the title; it's just an empty name. White Stone City is difficult to defend with my small force; there are too many people who covet it."

If Your Excellency insists that I send troops, so be it.

The windmills and watchtowers of Serri Town prove my right to rule, and the quarries of Whitestone City belong to me! The abandoned griffin nests in this area also fall under my jurisdiction.

"And my only responsibility is to prevent Griffinson from occupying White Rock City; as for others taking it, that's none of my business!"

Eugen glanced at the map; Serri was already under Kuraki's control, so it didn't matter if he cleared his name.

White Stone City rose to prominence by relying on raw stones, and their mines are indeed valuable. However, they are currently occupied by the Kyle family. If Su Muzhen comes to help, it wouldn't be a problem for Xu to go out.

As for the final griffin nest, it's located on some cliffs west of Kuraki Town, almost half-abandoned, and it's said that fewer and fewer griffins have been roaming there in recent years. Affected by this wave of turmoil, the original lord no longer manages it, so it's acceptable to use some connections to take it over for Sumu. Sumu's requests aren't unreasonable; Maggie has just taken control of Langlit Castle and needs time most of all.

If Su Mu can strike at the Griffinson family, this marquis heir would probably be willing to pay even more.

Eugen hesitated for a moment, then tried to bargain, but seeing Su Mu's determined eyes, he decided not to let this small matter hurt their feelings, since he would need Su Mu's help in the future.

"Okay, it's a deal!"

"I'll arrange for another batch of wild griffins for you, so you won't have to worry about these flying units every day!"

After hearing the Baron's words, Su Mu finally smiled broadly.

Old Deng understands him best.

Since that's the case, there's no point in him being coy anymore.

"Your Excellency, your timing is perfect! Our Level 1 Magic Guild has just been renovated. If you're interested, please come and take a look!"

Ou Ben was originally planning to go downstairs to relax, but he didn't expect such a good thing to happen.

The magic guild can never have too many magical exchanges, no matter which hero you are!

The two walked together into the newly built magic tower. The bookshelves were piled high with books and scrolls, and an atmosphere of civilization and mystery permeated the air, making them feel exceptionally comfortable.

"Kuraki Town is only a level 1 guild, yet it has acquired just as many books from the mysterious cursed realm as Langlit Castle. That's truly remarkable!"

Su Mu couldn't very well tell him that this building was meticulously constructed by Forrest and also possessed an additional magical element.

So he could only cover it up and lead Eugen up to the high platform.

The first high platform is surrounded by a water curtain, and a holy grail is slightly tilted, making those showering below feel infinite power.

【Holy Spirit's Blessing (Level 1 Water Magic): Increases the minimum damage value of the selected friendly unit to the same as the maximum damage value. The duration of the effect is affected by the spell power.

Benefits from Water Elemental Mastery level.

The thief used this magic when Su Mu fought Farik in the tomb.

When it comes to magic that enhances lethality, this is unique in the early stages, and its effect is quite good. It's worth it for the magic guild in Kuraki Town to have this magic.

Eugen was quite interested; although he had lived for so long, he had never actually practiced this kind of magic.

There are a great many level 1 spells, and magic guilds are not open to everyone in each city. He is not usually the kind of person who practices asceticism, so it is quite rare for him to encounter one.

So the two took turns practicing, spending nearly half a day to master it first, and then slowly practiced it.

The second option is more mainstream, but it's the most direct form of magic.

【Magic Arrow (Level 1 Magic, Four Elements): Condenses spells into a divine arrow; all four elements can be transformed. Damage is affected by the hero's spell power.

Intermediate Earth Magic Mastery: Spell Power * 10 + 20 damage.

Direct damage magic, simple and brutal.

Eugen wasn't very interested in this one, clearly having already studied it.

Su Mu then used his intermediate-level earth elemental mastery to quickly incorporate it into his spellbook.

Previously, it was mostly status magic, but now it finally has its own direct damage magic, which may have an unexpected effect in critical moments!
The two continued walking forward, and a patch of flames turned the stone platform red. People nearby felt unbearably hot inside and had an urge to vent their anger.

【Bloodlust Magic (Level 1 Magic, Fire Element): The hero selects an allied unit, increasing its attack power by 3 points. The duration is affected by spell power.

Comment: When your blood boils, your fists get heavier.

Powerful fire elemental magic is quite useful in the early game.

Eugen was very proactive this time, sitting on the stone platform and studying hard, and finally mastered this fire magic.

Su Mu wasn't in a hurry, after all, it was his own magic guild, and he could learn as much as he wanted.

After reviewing the three spells, Eugen reciprocated by promising, "Lady Maggie is willing to select some treasures from her family treasury. I will have them brought to you before you set out on your campaign, so that they may be of assistance to you."

"There's another piece of news. I heard that the legendary figure from this great battle, Knight Commander Conrad, is going to Longlet Castle to rest. If you have the chance, you can go there."

"Thank you, Your Excellency!"

It must be said that although the Baron's strength is somewhat lacking, he still has connections.

No wonder Garfield was willing to recruit him; even acting as an intermediary would be a good choice.

Of course, it's also related to Eugen's weakness. Maggie had finally managed to remove a huge obstacle from her path; how could she possibly seek out another powerful figure?

In chaotic times, without power one cannot subdue this pack of wolves and tigers. Perhaps Maggie Garfield is hiding her true strength? We'll have to wait and see.

Originally, I was planning to return to the council chamber to entertain Eugen again, but old Deng slipped out on his own to have some fun.

This guy's lecherous nature remains unchanged, and coupled with his hero physique, he also has abundant energy.

After seeing the Baron off, Su Mu returned to the guild.

He passed through three stone platforms and entered a secret chamber. In the center, a fierce wind raged, and in the vortex, a mark floated, its magical power spreading continuously.

【Whirlwind Carving Blade (Level 1 Magic, Air Element): Uses the power of gales to repair treasures or buildings, requiring a certain amount of resources.】

The damage is affected by the level of the air element (if it's high-level, wind power can be used to repair the mysterious map and fill in some missing parts).

This is a special effect created by Forrest, adding an extra magic spell, located in a secret chamber.

Su Mu originally thought it was a combat magic, but it turned out to be a production magic.

Upon learning that the Guild possessed the Gale Carving Knife, Su Mu immediately requested the Griffin's Nest from the Baron.

This magic is extremely rare, and the people of Longlet Castle would never have thought of being able to repair it. If they learn this magic and use it to repair the abandoned griffin nest, then Kuraki will have a level 3 unit.

How could Su Mu not seize such an opportunity?

Without further ado, Su Mu pulled Ou Ling over, and the two of them studied magic together.

Without learning this method, one shall never leave the pass.

As for dealing with the Kyle family, those traitors, let Griffinson run into a wall first, otherwise they'll really think White Rock City is easy to conquer.
(End of this chapter)