Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

The secret intelligence center is located three underground levels in Twilight City.

This place was originally Euphemia's secret chamber for storing blood crystals, but it has now been transformed into the nerve center of the entire city.

A giant map that occupies the entire wall hangs on the wall, its surface inlaid with hundreds of miniature crystals, each corresponding to a key node.

At this moment, these crystals are flashing at different frequencies—red represents warning, yellow represents observation, and green represents safety.

Miller stood in front of the map, holding a rune-marking pen.

His eyes were bloodshot, clearly indicating that he had been working for more than ten hours straight.

But those eyes remained sharp as an eagle's, scrutinizing every detail on the map with an almost obsessive focus.

"Captain, you should rest."

Blake walked over and handed over a newly organized document:
"This is all the intelligence gathered over the past three days, a total of 187 pieces. I have already done a preliminary classification according to the method you taught me."

Miller took the document and flipped through it without looking up:
"Classification criteria?"

"Time, place, people involved, credibility, urgency."

Blake quickly replied:
“其中1级情报23条，2级61条，3级103条。”

"not enough."

Miller put down the documents and finally turned to look at his subordinate who had followed him for many years:
"The essence of intelligence work is not as simple as acquiring information; the real key lies in interpreting information."

He walked to a long table covered with countless slips of paper, each containing a specific piece of information.

Miller picked up a few at random:
“Look at these…”

"Three days ago, the patrol teams on the border of the Ya clan increased from three times a day to five times a day."

"Two days ago, the Fang Clan's alchemy workshop ordered a large quantity of 'concealing presence' potions."

“Yesterday, a marquis from the Ya clan secretly met with several ‘outsiders’.”

"Today, we detected unusually frequent energy fluctuations at the border of the Ya clan."

He placed the slips of paper side by side on the table and tapped them one by one with his finger:
"On their own, each one is unremarkable."

The increase in patrols? Perhaps it's just a routine adjustment;

Ordering potions? That's normal business for the Alchemy Workshop.
Receiving outsiders? The great clans receive all sorts of guests every day.

Miller's finger stopped on the last note:
"However, when you put these 100 seemingly unrelated pieces of information together..."

He suddenly looked up, a cold glint in his eyes:
"They can 'talk' to themselves."

Blake was stunned, then suddenly realized:
"So... the Fang Clan is going to make a move?"

"To be precise, they've already taken action."

Miller turned and walked back to the map, marking a circle in a certain area with his marker:
"The target is likely here—a new mine on the northern border."

"why?"

"Because that's our newly developed resource point, and its defenses are relatively weak."

Miller's pen tip lightly tapped on the map:
"At the same time, the mine is less than 100 kilometers away from the border of the Ya clan, which makes it easy for them to retreat quickly."

"The more crucial reason..."

He turned around, a cold smile playing on his lips:
“Disrupting mines can severely damage our resource supply chain, but it doesn’t reach the level of ‘declaring war.’ This is a typical ‘probing attack.’”

Blake gasped.

Although he already knew this from his previous exploration of the abyss in the main world, he still couldn't help but feel a little emotional at this moment.

The man before me possessed an almost terrifying insight—he could piece together a complete picture from scattered fragments and see through appearances to true intentions.

No wonder, after decades of exploration, all the former captains and team members had sacrificed their lives, and only Miller was able to retire unscathed.

"So what should we do now?"

"It's very simple."

Miller put down his marker and stretched his stiff neck.
"Since we know they're coming, let's give them a good 'welcome'."

"Go and call Camilla over, and have her bring the Shadow Sentinel squad."

"besides……"

His voice was low, like a cheetah before it pounces:
"Tell Silas to activate all monitoring runes around the mine."

"The level of precision has been adjusted to the point where we can tell how many flies have flown over that area."

Late at night, on the northern border of the city at dusk.

The moonlight poured down like mercury onto the desolate mine, turning the piles of ore into an eerie silvery-white hue.

The air was filled with a mixture of sulfur and metallic odors, and occasionally the low growls of nocturnal creatures could be heard from afar.

A squad consisting of vampire barons, excluding the captain, is approaching their target in an extremely professional formation.

Their bodies were coated with the [Shadow Coating] specially made by the Tooth Clan's alchemy workshop.

This potion can absorb the surrounding light and scent, allowing the user to almost blend into the darkness.

The captain is a viscount with two hundred years of combat experience, codenamed "Blade".

He made a gesture, and the entire team immediately dispersed like shadows.

Six people were divided into groups to flank from the left and right; two people were responsible for rear guard; and the remaining four people were prepared to break through from the front.

This is a textbook example of infiltration tactics.

"Target confirmed. There are three large pieces of equipment in the center of the mine. Destroying them will paralyze the mine for at least six months."

Blade lowered his voice and transmitted instructions to his teammates through a resonance of bloodlines:
"Be quick. Complete the destruction within five minutes, then retreat. Remember, don't linger."

The voices of eleven baron members echoed in his mind at the same time:
"receive."

The team moved on.

Fifty meters. Thirty meters. Twenty meters.
Just as they were about to cross the perimeter of the mine...

"Drip drip!"

Amidst the piercing alarm, the ground beneath our feet suddenly lit up with a dense array of runes!
The runes spread and intertwined like living things, forming a huge array that covered the entire area!
"Oh no! A trap!"

Blade's pupils contracted sharply, and his first reaction was to order a retreat.

But it was already too late.

The rune array is not offensive; it simply transmits the precise coordinates of all intruders to the intelligence center in an instant via energy pulses.

At the same time, the previously silent shadows around the mine suddenly came to life.

Twenty figures emerged from the shadows, dressed in identical dark gray combat uniforms, their faces obscured by rune masks.

These people are the special combat force that Silas spent two years developing – the Shadow Sentinels.

Each of them had received a partial tissue transplant from [Shadow Sentinel].

Although it is far from reaching the strength of a marquis like Alex, it still possesses a shadow affinity and combat instinct far beyond that of ordinary people.

"Target locked."

Team leader Camilla calmly issued the instructions, a complex aiming rune appearing in her right eye:
"Execution Plan 2 - Non-lethal strike, objective: capture alive."

"receive."

Twenty voices spoke in unison.

The next second, the first wave of attacks arrived!
"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"

This is a specially made "barrier-breaking bullet"!
The warhead is filled with a high concentration of magic neutralizer, which is released immediately upon hitting the target, destroying all buffs on the enemy.

Twelve barrier-breaking rounds hit their mark precisely, instantly disabling the [Shadow Coating] on the Fang Clan squad!
The figure, which had blended into the darkness, was now exposed as if illuminated by a searchlight!
"Damn it!"

Blade gritted his teeth and immediately changed his strategy:
"Now that we've been exposed, let's launch a full-scale attack! A swift and decisive victory!"

He charged forward first, conjuring a blood-red longsword in his right hand, aiming directly at the nearest shadow sentinel.

However, just as he was about to get close...

"boom!"

The runes on the ground activated again, this time unleashing [Gravity Amplification]!
The gravity in the entire area has increased to three times its original level!
Blade suddenly felt his body become as heavy as a mountain, and his originally swift sprinting motion immediately changed, causing him to almost "crash" to the ground!
Not only him, but the other eleven barons also experienced this sudden gravitational suppression!
"This is a rune trap!"

One of the team members shouted in terror:
"They knew we were coming!"

Before the words were even finished, the third wave of attacks arrived.

A thin layer of dark green mist began to permeate the air.

That's [Pollutant Mist]—a special weapon refined from industrial waste, specifically designed to target the extraordinary characteristics of vampires.

Hold your breath!

Blade roared, but the vampires' "breathing" is not limited to their mouths and noses.

Their skin also absorbs energy from the air, and pollutants seep into their bloodstream in this way!
Under the pressure of three times the gravity, the team members' movement speed was reduced by at least half.

Under the corrosive influence of pollutants, the regenerative abilities and physical enhancements that the vampires are so proud of are rapidly declining.

At this moment, the shadow sentries launched a close-range attack.

Their target is extremely clear—joints, tendons, and nerve nodes—to quickly undermine the enemy's will to resist without causing fatal damage.

"what!"

The first baron was struck in the knee and fell to his knees.

"Boom!"

The second baron's right arm was severed, and his weapon was knocked from his hand.

"Crack!"

The third baron was struck in the spine and rendered incapacitated.
The battle was completely one-sided.

This was not because of a huge difference in strength between the two sides; in fact, every member of the Ya clan's squad was an experienced warrior.

The real difference lies in:
One side was well-prepared, while the other was completely unprepared.

One side has a clear advantage in terrain, while the other is in dire straits.

One side has a clear goal, while the other is in a state of panic and confusion.

Eight minutes.

From the moment the rune trap was triggered to the complete end of the battle, it only took eight minutes.

Camilla stood in the center of the ravaged battlefield, tallying the spoils of war:
"Ten people were captured, and two of the seriously wounded have died."

"Three of our soldiers sustained minor injuries, but no one died."

She turned to look at the communication crystal:
"Captain Miller, mission accomplished."

Miller's slightly tired but satisfied voice came from the crystal:
"Well done. Bring the prisoner back; I want to interrogate him myself."

"besides……"

His tone suddenly became serious:
"Be vigilant; this is likely just the vanguard. The real feast is yet to come."

The interrogation room beneath Twilight City.

The furnishings here are extremely simple—a chair, a magic lamp, and a huge mirror hanging on the wall.

The ten prisoners were held in separate rooms. The first one to be interrogated was the captain codenamed "Blade".

Miller sat opposite him, holding a cup of hot tea, looking as relaxed as if he were just chatting with an old friend.

"Mr. Blade, or should I call you by your real name—Cooper Wesley?"

He slowly took a sip of tea:
"The elite of the Third Legion of the Ya Clan, who participated in seven large-scale battles, with kill records including three viscounts and twelve barons."

"Outstanding military achievements, with a promising future."

Cooper sat silently, his face expressionless.

"I know what you're thinking."

Miller put down his teacup:
"You're thinking that as long as you stay silent, there's nothing I can do about you."

"The Ya Clan will come to your rescue, or at least they will try to get you back through diplomatic means."

"I just need to get through this period, and everything will return to normal."

Cooper remained silent, but a flicker of emotion crossed his eyes, clearly indicating that Miller had hit the nail on the head.

"such a pity……"

Miller stood up and walked to the mirror:
"All of your ideas are based on a flawed premise."

He tapped the mirror gently, and ripples began to appear on its surface.

Then, the screen appeared.

That was a typical scene in a residential area within the territory of the Ya clan.

A female vampire who looks to be in her early thirties is selecting ingredients at a street stall.

She was accompanied by two children, a boy and a girl, who looked to be about seven or eight years old.

All three had smiles on their faces, looking like an ordinary family preparing dinner.

Cooper's body suddenly stiffened.

"Leo Wesley, your wife."

Miller's voice sounded behind me:
"And your two children."

"They are safe and living peacefully now."

Because the Fang Clan has declared that you and your team were 'completely wiped out' in this mission.

"in other words……"

Miller walked back to Cooper and bent down to look at him:
“In your clan’s records, you are already dead.”

Cooper's breathing became rapid.

"Now, you have two choices."

Miller held up two fingers:
"First, keep the secret and remain silent."

Then we will 'regretfully' send you back to the Ya clan and tell them, 'This is one of yours; we kindly saved his life.'"

"Until then……"

His voice turned cold:
"How do you think someone who 'should already be dead' would be treated if they suddenly came back to life?"

"Traitor? Spy? Or a failed idiot?"

"What kind of 'special treatment' will your wife and children receive?"

Cooper's face turned deathly pale.

He was well aware of the clan's approach to "abnormal situations"—better to kill the innocent than let the guilty go free.

"Second option..."

Miller's tone suddenly softened:
“Tell me everything you know.”

Mission objectives, follow-up plans, command chain, resource allocation—all the details.

"In exchange, you will receive new identities and live in Twilight City."

"We will arrange jobs and accommodations for you, and may even allow you to continue in combat-related professions."

After all, I admire your abilities.

"As for your families..."

Miller points to the image in the mirror:
"We will also try to get them out."

While it may take some time and effort, it's better than leaving them there to face the risk of 'collective punishment'.

He sat back down in his chair.
"The choice is yours, Mr. Cooper."

"I'll give you ten minutes to think about it."

After saying that, Miller got up and left the interrogation room.

The moment the door closed, Cooper finally broke down.

He held his head in his hands, his body trembling violently.

Loyalty? Honor? Mission?
Faced with the lives of family members, these things suddenly become so insignificant.
Ten minutes later, when Miller pushed the door open again, the answer he received was not unexpected.

"I said."

Cooper looked up, his eyes filled with pain yet also with a sense of relief.
"I will tell you everything I know."

"I only ask one thing of you..."

"Protect my family."

"make a deal."

Miller extended his hand:
"Welcome to Twilight City, Mr. Cooper."

Hold the two hands together.

This scenario repeated itself seven more times over the next few days.

Of the ten prisoners, eight ultimately chose the second path.

Miller not only obtained the detailed action plan of the Tooth Clan, but also successfully turned eight experienced warriors to defection.

When he submitted the compiled intelligence to Ron, the black-robed wizard remained silent for a long time after reading it.

Should they be made to swear allegiance?

After a long silence, Ron suddenly asked.

"Not for now."

Miller shook his head:
"It's too early now. They've just 'betrayed' their clan and need a psychological buffer period."

"Forcing loyalty will backfire."

“My suggestion is to let them live in Twilight City for a while and see for themselves the differences between here and the Ya Clan.”

"When they truly embrace the values ​​here..."

A glint of light flashed in Miller's eyes:
"Loyalty will arise naturally."

Ron nodded and set the intelligence aside:
"So, what is the next step for the Fang Clan?"

"According to the prisoners' confessions, the first attack was just a 'probing strike'."

Miller pulled up a detailed analysis report:
"Their original plan was to expand the scale of destruction if the first attempt succeeded; and to escalate the attack if it failed."

"Now that the first attempt has failed, so..."

His finger pointed to a name on the report:
"Their next target is likely our core team..."

"Oh?"

Ron raised an eyebrow.

"To be precise, they are the core technical personnel of Twilight City."

Miller unfolds a list:
"This is an assassination list obtained from prisoners of war, containing 15 targets."

"Silas is in first place, Euphemia is in second place, Edwin is in fourth place, and I am in sixth place."

He paused:
"And you are not on the list."

"Oh?"

Ron, on the contrary, became interested:
"why?"

"Because the Ya Clan's intelligence department, after assessment, concluded that..."

Miller's lips curled into a strange smile:
“Ron Ralph is too powerful, and the success rate of assassination is less than 5%. It is not recommended to list him as a priority target.”

"Their exact words were: 'Instead of wasting resources trying to assassinate someone who can't be killed, we should destroy his support system.'"

Ron was both amused and exasperated after hearing this.
So, I was 'respected'?

"In a sense, that is indeed the case."

Miller rarely cracks jokes:
"But this is good news for us; at least we don't have to worry about your safety." "As for Silas..."

His expression turned serious again.
"According to intelligence, the Ya Clan will send two earl-level assassins."

"This time, the opponent is far more dangerous than the last team."

Ron pondered for a moment:
What are your plans?

"Lue the snake out of its hole."

A dangerous glint flashed in Miller's eyes:
"Since we know they're coming, let's prepare a 'big gift' for them."

“I need Silas to cooperate in a play, and you need to lend me ‘Shadow Whistle’ for one night.”

"Then……"

His voice was lowered:
"Let the Fang Clan understand who the real hunter is in the intelligence war."

………………

Silas walked alone on the path leading to the research institute.

He was dressed in a scholar's robe, carrying a briefcase full of experimental equipment in his right hand and a cane engraved with illumination runes in his left.

The crystal at the top of the cane emitted a soft light, illuminating an area within three meters around it.

"Honestly, why did they have to choose such a awful place to conduct the experiment?"

Silas muttered a complaint under his breath, his voice unusually clear in the quiet night:

"That guy Ralph always makes some weird requests."

What do you mean by 'requiring an absolutely isolated environment'? Aren't underground laboratories isolated enough?

He muttered to himself as he walked, appearing completely unsuspecting.

As the night wind blew, the leaves of the blood vine rustled and spun, like countless snakes slithering in the shadows.

Silas suddenly paused.

He stopped, adjusted his rune-covered glasses, and scanned his surroundings warily.

"Who is there?"

The sound echoed in the empty wilderness, but received no response.

There was only the sound of the wind and the low growls of nocturnal creatures in the distance.

"I guess I was too nervous."

Silas muttered to himself and continued walking forward.

But he didn't notice that just a moment ago, a faint rune light flashed on the edge of his glasses lens.

That's a mark from the [Resonance Rune]—proof that an "Observer" is watching nearby.

Behind the broken walls of the abandoned research institute, two figures waited silently, as if blending into the shadows.

The figure on the left is slender, yet possesses a dangerous, serpentine aura.

Her codename is "Poison Rose," a count-level vampire who is skilled in poisons and assassination.

The figure on the right was as burly as a bear, his muscles taut beneath his armor, ready to explode at any moment.

His codename is "The Ripper," and he is also an Earl-class, known for his pure violence and speed.

"Target confirmed."

The voice of the Poison Rose is transmitted through bloodline resonance:
"Silas Draven, Moon-level Wizard, core technical staff of Twilight City."

"Intelligence indicates that he is skilled in runes and spatial magic, specializing in defense, and must be killed in one blow."

"clear."

The Ripper cracked his knuckles, making a series of snapping sounds.

"You're in charge of sealing off the space, I'll take charge of the raid."

"End the battle within three seconds."

The two exchanged a glance, and their figures disappeared into the shadows at the same time.

Silas continued moving slowly, less than fifty meters from the entrance to the research institute.

His cane tapped lightly on the ground, making a rhythmic "tap-tap" sound.

Thirty meters.
Twenty meters.
Just fifteen meters from the entrance...

"Do it!"

Poison Rose's figure flashed like a black lightning bolt from Silas's side and rear!

She held a poisoned dagger in each hand, the blades gleaming with a ghostly green luster in the moonlight.

That's a mixture of paralyzing toxin and corrosive toxin.

A tiny cut on the skin is all it takes to render a Moon-level wizard incapacitated within three seconds.

At the same time, the Ripper charged out from directly in front!
He was so fast that he left afterimages in the air, his hands transforming into sharp, bloody claws, aimed directly at Silas's heart and head!
Two count-level vampires attacked from both sides, their attacks coming from extremely tricky angles!

however……

"Snapped!"

Silas's figure shattered into countless points of light after being hit by the attack!
[Afterimage of light and shadow]!
"not good!"

Poison Rose's pupils contracted sharply, and her first reaction was to retreat.

But it's too late.

"Shh!"

The ground beneath their feet lit up with a dense array of runes!

This is a [Imprisonment Array]!
Countless magical chains surged from the ground, wrapping around the two assassins as if they were alive!
"Damn it! It's a trap!"

The Ripper roared, its body suddenly expanding, its muscles bulging like rocks.

He entered his second transformation state, and his power increased dramatically.

"Tear it!"

The chain was forcibly broken in half!
Before he could even catch his breath, the second wave of attacks arrived.

Twenty figures appeared simultaneously in the ruins of the research institute!

The shadow sentries launched their attack from their designated positions, each holding a specially made crossbow.

"Boo! Hah! Hah!"

Twenty obstacle-breaching rounds fired simultaneously!
Poison Rose reacted extremely quickly, her body twisting in the air, managing to dodge most of the attacks!

However, three shots still hit her left shoulder and right leg.

"puff!"

Her invisibility effect then disappeared.

The Ripper was in an even worse predicament; his massive size made him a sitting duck in the intense barrage of fire.

All seven obstacle-penetrating rounds hit their targets!
His armor shattered, and he fell from mid-air, crashing heavily to the ground.

"boom!"

Smoke and dust were everywhere.

The attack is not over yet.

The runes on the ground changed again, this time unleashing a [Gravity Field]!
The gravity in the entire area has increased fivefold!
Just as Poison Rose was about to use her agility to fly away, she found her body suddenly as heavy as lead.

Her once graceful figure now appeared as if she were stuck in a quagmire.

"Damn it, what is this?"

She couldn't finish her sentence because the third wave of attacks arrived.

The familiar dark green mist began to permeate the air—[pollution mist].

The toxins extracted from industrial waste are specifically designed to counteract the extraordinary physique of vampires.

As a count-level vampire, Poison Rose has a much higher resistance to toxins than an ordinary baron.

However, this pollutant has a completely different mechanism of action; it targets the blood vessels themselves and is unrelated to the level of resistance.

"Damn it. Damn it, damn it, damn it!"

The Ripper struggled to stand up, but the five times gravity combined with the corrosive effects of the pollutants made it difficult for him to even lift his arm.

Just then, a tall figure walked out from inside the research institute.

The moonlight shone on him, outlining a breathtaking silhouette.

That was the Shadow Whistle – formerly Alex Valentine, now a living puppet.

He exuded the aura of a marquis, a sense of suppression that originated from the depths of his bloodline, making it almost impossible for the two earl-level assassins to breathe.

"mission completed."

Camilla's voice came from the ranks of the Shadow Sentinels:

"The two count-level assassins have completely lost their ability to fight."

"We have zero casualties."

Miller's satisfied voice rang out from the communication crystal:
“Well done. Bring them back; I have a lot of questions to ask them this time.”

"besides……"

His tone was somewhat teasing:
“Tell Silas that his acting was pretty good; I almost believed him.”

On the other side of the ruins, Silas's true form emerged from a hidden underground chamber.

He pushed up his glasses, a smug smile spreading across his face:

"Of course, I rehearsed for three days in advance."

"From the way he walks, the content of his nagging, and even the rhythm of his footsteps, everything is precisely calculated."

He looked at the two imprisoned assassins:
"After all, to deceive the senses of an earl, one must achieve 'perfection'."

“Any mistake, no matter how small, will alert them.”

Camilla walked to his side:

How are you so sure they'll make their move here?

"It's very simple."

Silas points to the surrounding environment:

“An abandoned research institute, far from the city, with no support in sight.”

“For assassins, this is the ‘perfect’ location for an attack.”

“And I just happened to demonstrate a reason that I had to come here—the special experiment that Associate Professor Ralph had instructed me to conduct.”

"No professional assassin would let this opportunity pass them by."

He turned to look at the Shadow Whistle:
"Of course, the most crucial insurance is still this 'final guest'."

"Even if the plan encounters unexpected problems, having a marquis-level combatant present can ensure that everything goes smoothly."

Camilla nodded, then gave the order:
"Fall back, take the prisoners with you."

"Remember, handle this carefully. Captain Miller said these two might be worth more than the ten from last time combined."

The interrogation room beneath Twilight City.

This time, Miller did not use the same "mild" approach as before.

Because he knew very well that the willpower of a count-level vampire was far superior to that of an ordinary baron.

Threatening with family members? Vampires of this level are already mentally prepared to sacrifice their families.

Using incentives? They are high-ranking members of the clan; what haven't they seen?

Therefore, Miller chose another path:

“I know you will not betray the Ya clan.”

He sat opposite Poison Rose and got straight to the point:
"Therefore I will not waste my time trying to persuade you to surrender."

Poison Rose stared at him coldly, without saying a word.

"I just wanted to tell you something..."

Miller took a document from his pocket:
“Your mission this time has been a ‘sacrifice plan’ from the very beginning.”

"What do you mean?"

Poison Rose finally spoke, her voice hoarse.

"literal meaning."

Miller pushed the documents in front of her:

"This is intelligence we obtained from the last group of prisoners. After cross-verification, it is highly credible."

"The strategic goal of the Ya Clan is not as simple as assassinating a few technicians."

He stood up and walked to the map on the wall:
"Their real purpose is to create a 'pretext for war'."

"The first attack was to sabotage the mine and test our reaction."

"The second attack, the assassination of an important figure, has enraged us."

"and then?"

Miller turned around, a cold glint in his eyes:

"They are waiting for us to retaliate."

“As long as Twilight City takes the initiative to cross the border to retaliate, the Fang Clan will have a reason for ‘self-defense’.”

"At that time, they can launch a full-scale war with impunity and occupy the moral high ground in the vampire council."

"And you..."

He pointed to the poisonous rose and the Ripper in another room:
"It would be great if your mission succeeded this time;"
The failure itself serves as evidence of 'Twilight City's aggressiveness.'

"No matter the outcome, you are all expendable resources."

Poison Rose's expression changed.

She was certainly not stupid; Miller's analysis was reasonable and explained many things that she had previously found "strange".

For example, why was the preparation time for this mission so rushed?

For example, why did the superiors insist on carrying out the mission even though they knew that Twilight City might be on guard?
For example, why is the "retreat route" so crude after a mission failure?
After the psychological warfare was over, Miller stepped aside, nodded to Ivy who was slowly walking out behind him, and handed the stage over to the Blood Bride.

For the next two hours, intermittent cries of pleasure mixed with pain could be heard from inside the interrogation room.

After the Blood Bride shook her hand and walked out of the interrogation room with a calm expression,

Miller brushed past her with a look of awe, and from the "Poison Rose," who was soaking wet and had a flushed face, he got everything he wanted to know:
The Fang Clan plans to gather 3,000 elite vampires and 500 tamed magical beasts in ten days to launch a full-scale attack on Twilight City.

There are three routes of attack: the main attack is on the northern mine, while the feint attacks are on the eastern trade route and the western residential area.

The commander-in-chief was the commander of the second legion of the Ya clan, a marquis with hundreds of years of war experience.

The logistics supply lines were set up at seven secret outposts along the border.
By the time all the intelligence was compiled into a document and placed in front of Ron, it was already the next morning.

Ron read each document carefully, his brow furrowing deeper and deeper.

"Three thousand elite troops, five hundred magical beasts"

He put down the last page and looked at Miller:

"If this war really breaks out, can Twilight City hold out?"

"We can't hold it."

Miller answered without hesitation:
"Our current standing combat force is only 800 people, of which less than 500 are actually available for combat."

"Although we have rune-protected defensive positions, contaminated weapons, and the trump card [Shadow Sentry]..."

"But the difference in numbers is too great."

"It can only delay things for ten days at most, and then the city will be captured."

He paused:

"Unless you take action yourself."

"With your Dark Sun-level strength, combined with the [Dark Threshold] ability, you can play a role far beyond imagination in defensive battles."

"Even facing three thousand enemy troops, we can defend the core area."

Ron was silent for a moment, then shook his head:

"If I intervene personally, the war will escalate."

"The Ya Clan will send out even stronger forces, and it may even attract the intervention of other clans."

"By then, the situation will be completely out of control."

He stood up and walked to the window:
"Therefore, we cannot let this war break out."

"At the very least, we can't let the Ya clan have a 'just cause' to start a war."

A glint of light flashed in Miller's eyes:

You mean information warfare?

"Yes."

Ron turned around, his eyes resolute:

“Since the Ya Clan wants a ‘legitimate’ reason for war, then we will not give them that opportunity.”

"Spread all the intelligence."

"Let every clan know what the Fang Clan is doing."

"Let the Vampire Council know, let the Reform Alliance know, let those neutral clans know..."

“Even let the enemies of the Ya clan know.”

He spoke each word clearly:
"With the whole world watching, will the Ya clan still dare to launch a war of aggression?"

Miller took a deep breath and nodded solemnly:
"understood."

"I'll make arrangements right away."

He turned to leave, but Ron called him back:

"and many more."

"And one more thing."

Ron took out an exquisite communication crystal from his pocket:

"Also pass the intelligence on to the Industrial Alliance, the Church, and even the observers at the Wizarding Academy here."

“Let them get involved too.”

"If the Ya Clan really launches a war regardless of everything..."

His voice turned cold:

"Then let the whole world see who the 'invader' is."

Miller accepted the crystal, his eyes filled with admiration.

This is a skillful political maneuver.

When war is unavoidable, at least ensure that you stand on the moral high ground.

"I'll do it right away."

Miller strode away.

Ron stood alone by the window, watching the sky gradually brighten.

"Let me see how the Fang Clan will handle this 'public opinion storm'." (End of Chapter)