Cataphracts, surviving in a world full of mods

"This is wheat that's almost ripe..."

The old man blinked with a sigh, stood up, took two steps forward, and stood on a large rock beside him, looking at the vast expanse of wheat fields that had just been hidden by the bushes:

"This is truly a rich and bountiful place, with such vast and fertile land. If it were even slightly barren, such lush and abundant ears of wheat would not grow."

"Yes, there are good fields everywhere here. You can drive cattle for half a day without feeling tired... Large tracts of land have been reclaimed around our current settlement. Unlike small plots of farmland in the mountains that need to be cultivated for several years, we can just reclaim them and let them rest for a while before planting."

Black Usachi was clearly good at starting conversations with others. This mountain man was exceptionally talkative compared to his companions, and he was also very interested in the knowledgeable Bivis, often coming over to chat with him.

"...Perhaps it is precisely because this vast and fertile land is indefensible that the people of this land have been forced to be so warlike...After all, defending this fertile land is no easy task, and no one would not covet it."

The old man said with some emotion... The imperial army is invincible on this land, and the people of the empire are able to live on this land not because of their wealth, but because of their strength, or rather, it is precisely because of their strength that they are wealthy.

Throughout history, neighboring countries have never given up their covetousness for this land. They have formed alliances to try and divide this rich country, but without exception, they have all failed and suffered painful lessons. Perhaps they could gain some advantages at the beginning, but they would all give them back in double measure and be repeatedly ravaged by the empire's professional and powerful legions.

The mountains surrounding the Central Plains eventually became their main defense against the Imperial army, serving a defensive function most of the time rather than a group of fortresses that could become offensive nodes.

The Empire has never given up its plan to destroy its neighbors... It's as if every member of the Empire has a sense of crisis, believing that they will never be truly safe unless they completely destroy these evil neighbors who covet their land and wealth. However, in the past, they have always been unable to make any progress due to natural barriers and geographical advantages, which has kept this stalemate and anxious state for hundreds of years.

Everything changed when a man named Tersolius rose to prominence in the Imperial Legion... Now he has accomplished what countless generals, consuls, and marshals could not, completely destroying the threats from the east and south. Even while fleeing from pursuit and traveling to various places, he has never missed hearing news about this man.

The people of the Empire naturally praised and blessed him, while the surrounding countries were filled with fear and dread, anxiously awaiting every piece of news of his victory that reached them, listening to him destroy cities time and time again, annihilate enemies who dared to stand in his way, stain flags with blood and burn, and destroy nations under his lash and ravages.

Now, he was going to see the other party with his own eyes, to see this General Tersolius... and to see his own student, who was probably the most outstanding and promising. Fate is always so unpredictable and often brings him, an old man, surprises that exceed his previous experience.

He didn't know how his student had gotten to this point, but he believed that the kind-hearted girl wouldn't change her nature. Based on that alone, he naturally developed some trust in General Tersolius.

………………

After a short rest, everything went smoothly. They disguised themselves as fur traders and made their way to the pre-arranged location, where they would wait for a day. If no one came to meet them after a day, they would leave immediately and head to their next destination to avoid being exposed.

With their perfectly authentic and valid identification documents prepared in advance, they traveled freely on the roads of the empire, calmly dealing with the checks by patrol teams in the towns. They also rented an abandoned stable in the village as a place to rest for the night and waited there for the approaching team.

Next, they would follow that group to meet General Tersolius, and then head towards the imperial capital, plunging into a vortex that everyone else would avoid...

Chapter 437 Counterattack (4)

The old man rubbed his hands together excitedly, trying to calm himself down, but he could not hide his expectant look. His eyes were filled with a unique kindness and nostalgia, and he would turn his head to look at the entrance of the tent from time to time.

Bivis never thought he was suited to be a teacher. Although he often liked to be a know-it-all and tell others all sorts of random things, most of the time it was just based on a long-suppressed desire to share. Only that little girl was different... Only this girl would starve to death without his help, while the others just listened to the ramblings of a strange man and went about their own business. Their lives were not affected.

He still remembers the scene when he first met the girl... The disheveled little girl, dressed in tattered clothes, was trying to catch fish in the stream, but because she was weak and thin, she couldn't catch those cunning and agile creatures at all. After two attempts, she fell into the stream and struggled for a long time but couldn't get up. She was about to drown when he happened to pass by on the road and saw this scene. He quickly pulled the little girl out, thus preventing another corpse from appearing there.

He had a rare opportunity to show his compassion—having just escaped from a country and carefully erased his tracks, he hadn't encountered any of the organization's pursuers for a long time and had a chance to catch his breath. So, after giving the little girl his food, he inquired about her family situation out of curiosity. He learned that the girl's parents had died at the hands of bandits, leaving her all alone and barely surviving on the daily charity of the villagers. However, the villagers were also struggling financially, often going hungry.

Afterwards, he saw a village that was relatively secluded and quiet, and decided to hide there for a while. After a little negotiation, the local villagers let him stay in an abandoned house that no one lived in. He also started doing things like selling herbs to treat people's illnesses. At the same time, he felt a connection with this little girl, so he naturally took care of and taught her... That period was one of the few quiet days he had after leaving the organization. He didn't have to think about those dirty and sordid things, and he could just live a peaceful life like an ordinary person.

He taught the girl a great deal, clearly overkill for a village doctor, much of it things she might never use in her lifetime… But in his most pessimistic prediction, if he died, his unique research findings would likely be completely destroyed, never to be known again. He was ultimately unwilling to let his hard work and wisdom vanish into thin air, so he couldn't resist imparting all his knowledge, hoping the girl could carry on these traditions.

But no matter what, even if he suddenly went mad, in the most insane delusions, he couldn't possibly guess how Talina had managed to become the Imperial Commander's advisor so quickly! So at this moment, besides the expectation of seeing that child, he was also intensely curious about it—this was an important part of his damned and troublesome personality; he was always full of curiosity about many things, and this had brought him immense disaster.

Finally, as he anxiously rubbed his fingers for the third time, light footsteps sounded outside. He stood up abruptly, then pursed his lips with some worry and fear. His left hand instinctively tugged at his beard, and he stared longingly at the thin curtain of the tent.

The light footsteps suddenly disappeared outside the tent, as if someone had hesitated and stopped. After a while, the soft curtain was lifted and a graceful young woman stepped in. She looked up at him with a worried and doubtful gaze, her fingers nervously twisting together, her bright eyes filled with expectation.

At just one glance, he was immediately certain of his judgment—this was the girl he had taught and raised years ago. Even though she had grown up, that unique, dazzling blue color, like the wings of a butterfly, was one in a million.

"Fate is so fickle..."

"teacher!"

The old man smiled and embraced the girl in front of him, his eyes full of joy. Only at this moment did he belatedly realize what kind of feelings he had for this girl... It was not just a master-disciple relationship that lasted only a few years, but rather he regarded her as the continuation of his life and wisdom. Just watching her grow up, live a safe and healthy life was enough to fill his heart with almost infinite happiness.

"Perhaps I've always prayed to see this... but forgive this old man for saying one more thing: it's so good to see you, my student..."

Tarina's eyes were already brimming with tears, which she wiped away somewhat awkwardly with the back of her hand, trying her best to force a smile:

“I have always missed you, teacher... I even thought I would never see you again in my life... I am really happy now.”

The girl sniffed, looking somewhat flustered, yet with a genuine smile... Aside from that, she always seemed to want to say something but then stopped, as if she had a lot to say beforehand but didn't know what to say at this moment, and could only smile foolishly. The old man's smile never stopped either, and his smile seemed to smooth out some of the wrinkles on his face, but other parts of his face became more dense, implying his old age and vicissitudes, telling everyone about his weariness.

“I have many questions for you, my student. I believe you can answer this old man’s doubts… Don’t blame me for being a spoilsport, it’s just that this is the way this old man is.”

Tarina smiled and nodded, her eyes filled with joy:

“Of course, no problem, teacher, but we’ll be setting off again soon. I can answer your questions on the way… Also, before that, our commander wants to see you.”

The old man stroked his beard and nodded thoughtfully.

"I've heard of Lord Tersolius before..."

"I've long admired your name, Mr. Bivis."

Tersolius stood up with a smile to greet him. Compared to Tersolius's tall figure, the already somewhat thin old man appeared even smaller. However, the old man's composure and calmness remained unchanged. He even rudely raised his eyes to look at Tersolius's face. In the dim light, the rubbing nail plates reflected a cold light, causing the old man to squint.

"I am truly unworthy of such treatment. How could a humble and down-on-his-luck man from the mountains like myself deserve such courtesy from you, sir!"

Without a word, Thesolius grabbed the old man's withered hand and easily pulled him into the tent with one hand. The scene was comical, like pulling a large kite, which made the old man's originally calm expression momentarily flustered. He was clearly not expected the other party to be so enthusiastic.

“There’s no need for formalities, Mr. Bivis. I’ve truly heard so much about you… Talina has mentioned you countless times. I’ve always been curious—who must Talina’s teacher be to produce such an outstanding student? Now it seems you are indeed a wise man, so please don’t try to hide your talents from me.”

A chair had already been placed in the large tent. Without saying a word, Tersolius pressed the old man down onto it, then took two steps forward and sat down on a wooden chair. He turned around and carefully examined the old man.

Like any elderly person of his age, Bivis was not particularly distinguishable in appearance, except that his face was more amiable. He had a thick beard that covered the lower half of his face, and his white hair on his head indicated a noticeable bald patch starting from his forehead. His skin was rough and dull from the weather, but he kept himself very clean. Clearly, he had not enjoyed life much in recent years and had been living a life of hardship.

The only thing that made this old man stand out was his eyes. Even in the midst of the heavily armored soldiers in the military camp, he showed no sign of panic, remaining as calm as a block of ice about to melt. He appeared unperturbed by everything, displaying remarkable experience... After all, someone who had never witnessed such a scene before, arriving for the first time in a solemn and imposing military camp that was almost suffocating, would certainly not be so composed.

"Then I won't waste any more words, sir. Where are you going next? What are you going to do?"

"Are you trying to recruit me, sir?"

The old man wore a constant smile, his eyes flickering with an inscrutable emotion. Thesolius also smiled, but his smile was unrestrained and blatant:

"Of course, I hope you can stay with me, sir. This is something I've had for a long time. What do you think?"

"I believe you understand, sir, that I hold a significant position in the empire, so I can readily provide many things that people dream of, as long as they are of value to me. But I think what you're pursuing is not so simple, so I'm very willing to hear your explanation."

The old man nodded, then thought for a moment before speaking:

“I heard from my students that you have fought against them many times, sir… In that case, you must have a basic understanding of them.”

Tesorius seemed to sense something, and raised an eyebrow slightly:

“That’s right, I have learned quite a bit about them. I even know that their headquarters are located in the west, and my brother is currently leading a large army to attack the lands of the western countries. I have already told him this news.”

The old man pinched his beard with his fingers, then stroked it downwards, plucking out two or three loose hairs in the process, his expression becoming very serious.

"Then there's no need for me to say anything more, so I can tell you straight here... I, this down-on-my-luck person, escaped from there ten years ago, and have been constantly hunted down and captured by them. I've escaped death many times and stumbled along the way to survive until now."

"Then I suppose the old man thought you must know quite a bit about this organization."

"...I think there are probably few people in the world who understand me better than I do." The old man gave a bitter smile, a smile that contained a complex mix of emotions: nostalgia,感慨, hatred, disgust, incomprehension...all of these swirled within it.

"After all, I am one of the three founders of this organization. I watched it rise and I also watched it fall into ruin, watching it plunge headlong into the bottomless abyss, stained with sin and blood, and completely turned into a stinking cesspool."

Tersolius sat up straight in surprise... He had not expected this at all, or rather, unless the old man said it, there were probably only a handful of people in the world who would know this.

At this moment, Bivis's expression was filled with sorrow, as if he were mourning a rotting, stinking friend who had been placed in a coffin, reminiscing about his former vitality and loathing his current decay and filth.

"...Of course, now I'm just a stray dog. It's laughable to even myself for saying this. Back then, I failed to notice the corruption and depravity of one of our members, nor did I perceive his terrifying ambition and evil. I also failed to take any effective action when everything was collapsing beyond repair. All I could do from beginning to end was run for my life..."

Suddenly, orders came from the camp outside the gate. Officers kept calling out and commanding the soldiers to pack their bags, prepare to end this short rest and continue on their way, setting off while the moonlight was still bright... This would be their last rest before reaching the imperial capital, after which they would have to travel non-stop.

Not a single person complained. The soldiers here were the true elite of the empire. They had fought countless bloody battles, beheaded countless enemies, and trampled through battlefields littered with blood and corpses countless times. They were used to arduous battles and had marched at night more than once, trekking through towering mountains until they were exhausted. And today, they were to accomplish their most glorious mission—to destroy a group of enemies who were trying to launch a rebellion to assassinate the emperor.

"...On the way to the capital, we have plenty of time to hear what you have to say, Mr. Bivis, but now we must depart immediately...Some kind of threat is trying to tear this country I protect apart, and I will not allow that possibility to occur in any way."

Thesolius slowly stood up, gestured for the old man to follow him, and a pleased smile appeared on his face:

"Trust me, you will definitely not regret this trip... After all, not everyone has the opportunity to participate in the war to save the emperor."

Chapter 438 Counterattack (5)

Footsteps on the smooth marble mosaic floor tiles produce a crisp, clear, and resonant sound with each step—the specially designed spacious hall amplifies even the smallest sounds to a level that makes them clearly audible, ensuring that any person offering advice will remain humble.

The towering Ingersoll walked across the floor, each step heavy as if he were treading on iron. The edges of his scale-armored skirt, which reached all the way to his ankles, were inlaid with gold threads, and as he walked forward, they resembled rolling dragon scales. His broad, crescent-bladed axe was polished to a gleaming shine, without a single scratch, clearly indicating that it had not been used in a long time.

Clad in iron armor, she walked through the long corridor constructed of marble and silk, the wall lamps on either side reflecting bright light, illuminating every detail. At the corner, guards wielding halberds stood watch over the burning braziers, silently saluting as she passed.

As the most prosperous and magnificent city in the world, the capital of the empire has four layers of city walls, including the outermost main city wall, the inner inner wall, the walls of the imperial city, and the walls of the imperial palace. The empire's most brilliant scholars have meticulously designed a complex and ingeniously interconnected structure, which can resist foreign invasion layer by layer, turning the entire city into a bloody meat grinder, making the city's defenders capable of fighting ten against one.

In this defense system, the imperial palace, where the emperor resided, was regarded as the last fortress in case the city fell. While it was built to be magnificent and splendid, it was also completely defensive. The thousands of imperial guards stationed here have repeatedly caused bloodshed to enemies who tried to seize the emperor's palace throughout history.

As the commander of the Royal Guard, Ingersoll was intimately familiar with the complex palace. Over the past decade, she had walked through it countless times, knowing the location of every corner and the placement of every brazier. She personally arranged the patrol teams to be airtight, ensuring that no one could infiltrate for an extended period without being detected... not even the henchmen.

Since the previous emperor, Ingersoll has served as a guard in the imperial city... so she is very clear about her duties—to protect the emperor, nothing more. No matter who the emperor is, all she has to do is protect the emperor and the one who is in the imperial city and sits on the throne. Therefore, she will guard against anyone who is a threat, not all ambitious people.

She continued forward through the long corridor, across a bridge spanning a pond, and amidst the croaking of frogs, entered the grand hall. She walked through carved window lattices and mosaic tiles, around tall and majestic marble pillars, and through towering bas-relief doors, until she arrived at a seemingly ordinary room.

Compared to the ornate carvings and luxurious decorations elsewhere, this door appeared quite simple, made of sturdy hardwood with copper plates reinforcing the edges, and decorated only with beautiful intertwined floral patterns along the edges, much like a servant's residence... But Ingersoll wouldn't come looking for a servant for no reason.

Soft noises came from the room; if you listened carefully, you could hear the baby's cheerful laughter and soft, tender babbling.

She raised her hand and gently knocked three times on the door, conveying her message with a special technique. Soon the door opened from the inside, and bright light rushed in, illuminating her entire steel armor.

The woman who opened the door for her was a female official who had been by the emperor's side for many years. Her hair at the temples was already gray, but it was still neatly tied back. The wrinkles on her face were hard to hide, and the corners of her mouth were always pursed with a resolute look. She maintained her usual serious demeanor and nodded slightly to her.

Ingersoll nodded in response and walked past her, and after a few short steps, around the screen, the Emperor appeared before her.

The emperor was dressed very casually at this moment, wearing a purple silk dress and strappy leather sandals. The belt around his waist was a beautiful pearl white, and his hair was secured with silver hairpins, making it almost indistinguishable from real silver unless you looked closely. The entire room was lit by a crystal lamp, making every corner bright but not too dazzling, and making the emperor's silver hair shine like real silver.

At this very moment, the emperor was holding a baby bouncing around in his arms with a very gentle gesture... It was a chubby baby with beautiful big eyes and a plump face. Its arms and legs were round and chubby, with gaps squeezed out at the joints, clearly indicating that it had never lacked nutrition.

The child, dressed in a soft cotton outfit, was struggling energetically in the emperor's arms. He was clearly not used to it and occasionally let out dissatisfied babbling, pawing around with his little hands and legs.

The emperor clearly had little experience in this area, but instinctively didn't want to hurt the child. He didn't hug him too tightly, but he always pulled the child back just as the child was about to break free, causing the child's dissatisfied babbling to ring in his ears from time to time.

The baby laughter that Ingersoll had just heard outside the door came from another direction—Christina was also sitting on another chair in the room, on that soft-leather-covered, carved wooden chair, teasing the little girl in her arms. With just a few brief changes in her expression, she made the child giggle, curled up in her mother's arms, not even wanting to move much, which was in stark contrast to the energetic little boy next to her.

Compared to other children of the same age in the entire empire, these two babies were probably the healthiest and most robust. Their faces always had the rosy glow characteristic of those with abundant blood and energy, making them look like exquisitely carved jade. They were lively and adorable, enough to win the hearts of any normal person... At least for Ingersoll, she couldn't help but glance at the two little ones a few more times while preparing to report on what was to come.

"Your Majesty, there seems to be some commotion in the city."

The emperor raised his eyes, his expression showing no surprise. After a moment's thought, he spoke in a calm tone:

In which area is it?

“There have been some unusual movements in 17 districts, but none of them are very obvious and it is difficult to determine the cause… ‘She’ has already gone to investigate and should be able to report back soon.”

The emperor nodded knowingly... They all knew very well who this "she" referred to... And probably only the emperor had ever seen that person's face and knew her identity. Even among the high-ranking officials of the empire, she was a taboo subject that was rarely mentioned. Apart from her, there was no other person.

The little boy in his arms started to fuss again. The emperor, both amused and annoyed, gently pinched the baby's soft, glutinous face with two fingers and pulled it to one side with just the right amount of force. As he let go, he witnessed the remarkable elasticity of the baby's cheek and also received a sudden, loud wail.

Children's tears always seem to come so inexplicably, so easily controlled. They are clearly ignorant, have not experienced any hardships or grievances, yet they can cry whenever they want, crying pitifully and immediately calling for their protectors.