People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

Chapter 570 Undercurrent

Defiance came to deliver good news.

The pre-battle speech in Windermere was a success. Although the Sarkaz bandit leader Therese descended from the sky and launched a surprise attack on the Allied headquarters, Therese's plot failed thanks to the valiant resistance of the Duke of Windermere and his personal guards.

Windermere's decisive victory over Theresis bolstered the Victorian forces, boosting their morale and enabling them to launch a counter-offensive that dealt a heavy blow to the Sarkaz forces attempting an attack! This was arguably the first major victory since the start of the war!

At least, that's what the Duke of Windermere said in his reply to Daphne.

Ernst didn't know if the situation at the front was truly as described; the official battle report wouldn't be ready until tomorrow and would be on his desk. But from Ernst's personal perspective, the Duke of Windermere's urgent letter to Daphne contained many vague details, and the true situation might not be as optimistic as the letter portrayed.

Ernst believed that her pre-war speech was a great success; after all, it was one of the ten most famous speeches in Ernst's mind. If the Duke of Windermere had any courage and ability as a commander, she could not have messed it up.

But the idea of ​​Theresis suddenly appearing out of nowhere and launching a surprise attack on the Allied headquarters seems rather unbelievable.

In his letter, the Duke of Windermere stated that Therese had launched a surprise attack on the Allied headquarters using an "airship," but where did Therese get an airship? Ernst questioned why he hadn't passed on the airship technology to Therese, as it was one of the key factors that enabled him to organize the World Summit; how could it have been leaked so easily?

Was it stolen? Hadley, or the Shapeshifter swarm?

It's unlikely that Hadley would do it. Even if we take a step back, his wife, children, and elderly parents are all in Sherag, so there's no need for him to risk his life for Theresis.

The shapeshifter might have a chance of infiltrating the office and stealing confidential documents; after all, his ability seems ridiculously overpowered, and even Ernst, without external help like the Cyclops, wouldn't have a good way to detect it. But in terms of time, he wouldn't have enough time.

How long have the shapeshifters been in Kjerag? Even if they obtained the data, building an airship that can be deployed to the battlefield is not an easy task. After all, some of the functions of an airship can only be performed under "theoretical conditions," and the outside world does not have the ability to create "theoretical conditions" like Kjerag does.

So, the airship was built by the Sarkaz themselves?

That would be even more unbelievable. With the Sarkaz's level of education comparable to that of the Sheraq, where would they find so many skilled workers to complete the development and construction of such a major national project?

Where does your inspiration come from? How are your theories developed? Where are your blueprints, parts, and assembly line for building your airship? Bring them to the forefront!

So it's open, huh? Don't tell me you dug that thing up from the ground?

Putting aside the origin of the airships, Theresis's raid on the Allied headquarters is also somewhat worrying.

Ernst had some understanding of Theresis's strength; he was the only person, to date, whom the great god Yeragand believed had truly threatened Ernst's life.

During the Rhine Lab incident, even though Theresis's main target wasn't him but rather to take away the Balrog, it still forced the great god Yeragand to personally manifest, and it took a great deal of effort to force him to retreat. Could his surprise attack on the Allied Forces headquarters be so easily thwarted?

If he had been able to, the Duke of Wellington wouldn't have ended up seriously injured and forced to shut himself away from everyone.

The Duke of Windermere used many other subtle phrasings in his letter, such as mentioning that the Victorian army launched a counterattack and achieved its first major victory against the Sarkaz.

Although it may be a bit offensive to say this, there is no harm without comparison. Victoria doesn't seem to have won any major battles so far, so what counts as a major victory?

If you prevent the other side from achieving their objective, you can consider it a major victory.

Especially given that the Sarkaz forces were known to be concentrated in the city, and that Theresis launched the raid by airships, the Victorian army achieved a great victory over the Sarkaz there.

Ernst is hard to say; it feels like the answer is both easy and hard to find.

Even if you could convince him of these words, it wouldn't be easy to get this fellow villager's head.

After a moment's hesitation, Ernst refrained from saying these words, lest he dampen Defiance's rare moment of joy.

There's no need for children to know about this. War is not something they should be involved in. Since the Duke of Windermere has decided to keep it a secret, Ernst has no reason to expose him.

Let the kids have some fun.

Moreover, although the origin of the Sarkaz airships is elusive, and the situation on the Victoria front has a feel of "our victorious retreat shows the style of a king, while the enemy's hasty pursuit cannot hide the trend of defeat!", to some extent, the Sarkaz's deployment of airships as an aerial armed force on the battlefield is not necessarily a bad thing for Ernst.

After all, there were some things Ernst couldn't do. When Theresis did them, she actually helped Ernst.

Theresis's deployment of airship technology into the war, at the critical juncture of the World Summit, demonstrated the destructive power of this new tactical weapon to the nations of Terra, as well as the potential revolution in the war system it could bring. This was more in line with Ernst's interests in inviting Terra to the World Summit by using airship technology and the Starstalking Project as bait.

To put it bluntly, from the perspective of Sherag's interests, the actions of the Tracy were not only harmless to Sherag, but actually greatly beneficial. As for the soldiers who died in Victoria's case, they weren't Sherag soldiers, and theoretically, Ernst didn't need to care at all. The Sarkaz were put in by themselves; they created the problem themselves. They had only themselves to blame, and they deserved to die. Besides, the impact of their deaths was far greater than their impact while they were alive.

Of course, the difference between humans and machines lies in emotions.

Even if the outcome doesn't change, Ernst wouldn't say such heartless things; at the very least, he would still offer a moment of silence for the victims of this war that should never have happened.

Just because Ernst has this basic morality doesn't mean everyone else does.

Operation Londinium was the second most talked-about event on Terra after the World Summit, and the attention from all nations to Victoria, a country at the center of attention, has never waned.

When intelligence about Theresis's use of airships for airborne operations and the airships' ability to suppress high-speed warships from the air, was relayed back to the leaders of various countries by their intelligence personnel, the consequences are self-evident.

Tactical uses of airships.

The possibility of using airborne tactics systematically.

The impact of emerging forms of warfare.

Victoria's victory in this battle, coupled with the Duke of Windermere's continued command, led to a reassessment of the overall situation in Victoria.

And, most importantly—

"When will I be able to see my own airships in the skies over our country?"

The number of deaths in the Victorian Allied Forces? That's not important. Their death toll is measured by two scales: more or less. And what determines this scale is not whether the leaders of the various countries feel grief, but rather how much strategic value the airship technology possesses.

If many people die, it means that the airship can indeed be called a revolutionary weapon with extremely high strategic value, which then triggers another extremely important matter.

How can you guarantee that my airship development speed will be faster than yours?

Everyone tacitly turned their gaze in two directions.

One, naturally, is Sherag, and Ernst, the one who first demonstrated the airship and promised to share the technology.

The other one is naturally the Sarkaz, Theresis, who was the first to use airships for war and had the "Sarkaz airship" as a finished product used in actual combat.

The undercurrents in Si tonight are no less intense than those on the eve of the four-nation war.

On the other hand, Kal'tsit also faces a terrifying problem.

In the darkness, outside Rhodes Island's main ship, a terrifying figure was leisurely following the speeding landship, seemingly waiting for her invitation.

It was an old man whose body was wrapped in strips of cloth, not revealing a single inch of skin, and who held a strangely shaped staff that emitted a ghostly green light. Even from a considerable distance, Kal'tsit could feel him watching the landship and herself standing on the bow deck.

Wu knew who that person was, and she also knew what that person meant.

At least, he didn't launch an attack on Rhodes Island. At least, he was quite polite; he wasn't invited, but just quietly and persistently blocked the door (gritting his teeth), instead of forcing his way in.

4. Even though he was just floating there, it was scary enough.

Taking a deep breath and after much deliberation, Kal'tsit took the initiative to extend an invitation:

"Chief of the Carrion Eaters, elder of the Sarkaz, what brings you here? Please come up and speak with me."

"An old man?"

The King of Carrion floated up and landed on the deck, his aged voice slowly saying:

"I can hardly be considered an old man."

He glanced at Kal'tsit lightly, his tone carrying a hint of the teasing characteristic of the elderly:

"Even if we don't count you standing in front of me, whose face and figure are somewhat different, just considering the Sarkaz race, haven't we resurrected someone whom I have to respectfully call an ancestor?"

Although there was only an empty hole beneath the strip of cloth wrapped around her head, Kal'tsit still felt a scrutinizing gaze sweep over her—the interrogation of Ner'tsrei, the King of Carrion, the Sarkaz God of War.

"Moreover, it's not just that one; I've recently heard that many Sarkaz, and even the royal court, are flocking to that place."

"Lord Kal'tsit, the once trusted favorite of the merciful demon lord Theresia, I have heard that you too have set foot in that snowy land."

"I wonder, do you have any clue about this?"

Chapter 571 King of Carrion Eaters, behold!

What's the clue?

What clues could I possibly have? Forget about clues, there isn't even a pig on Rhodes Island!

Why do the Sarkaz always run to Sherag? Don't ask me that kind of question, I want to know the reason even more than you do!

And those royal courts, I don't know what kind of spell Ernst cast on them, they came one after another, it was overwhelming.

Kal'tsit remembered that before she left Kerrig, the last time the Kerrigan Sarkaz Residents' Council held a meeting, the number of Royal Court races present was already greater than when the Kazdel Military Council held its general assembly!

In the past, she could comfort herself by saying that it was okay, just because there were many royal court races present did not mean that there were many royal courts present. Not everyone is a representative of the people, so how could they issue an ultimatum so easily?

But now, she's a little less confident saying those words.

Seeing Kal'tsit's face turn pale and then red, and that she refused to speak, the Carrion King was somewhat puzzled.

Before landing on Rhodes Island, he shouldn't have used any intimidating spells. Although he didn't come with good intentions, he certainly didn't intend to do anything to this landship. Why was Kal'tsit so afraid?

The King of Carrion simply couldn't believe he was that scared. He was joking. Back in the Tower of Babel days, who didn't know Theresa had a courtier named Felin by her side? Although Kal'tsit wasn't part of the Military Council, but worked for Theresa's private army, the Tower of Babel, those members of the Military Council had dealt with her quite a bit; they were practically acquaintances. How could she be so easily frightened?

Furthermore, even if we take a step back, the King of Carrion is also one of the Sarkaz Six Heroes. Guess who he defeated to earn the title of one of the Sarkaz Six Heroes?

Unable to understand where Kal'tsit's aggrieved look came from, the King of Carrion could only remind her: 4

"Theresis has told me that the Cyclops Royal Court, which lives alone in Sami, has arrived in the land of Kjerag. The shapeshifters who were originally on our side have also taken a liking to Kjerag. I have even heard some rumors that the Demon King's friend, the former lead singer of the Death Knell Royal Court, Lady Lamarlene, has also been making some unusual moves lately."

"Don't you have anything to explain to me?"

Kal'tsit's face was tense.

She really wanted to coolly retort, "I, Kal'tsit, have never explained my actions to anyone!" to shut down Nertzley's questioning. But upon reflection, she realized that while one can eat whatever one wants, one shouldn't say whatever one wants.

Since Nertzley already knows about Sherag—although Ernst has caused such a stir within the Sarkaz, it's highly unlikely he didn't—Kal'tsit no longer needs to hide anything.

Even if you can't change the outcome, at least explain it clearly, and create a reason that benefits her and Ernst.

After a moment's consideration, Kal'tsit spoke:

"Your intelligence is outdated, Chief of the Carrion, Lady Ramalyn. They have already arrived in Sherag."

While trying to focus on the scavenger's non-existent expression, Kal'tsit slowly explained,

"I think you don't really need any explanation from me for all of this. You should already have an answer in your heart."

“You and I both know that the Sarkaz are not the kind of creatures that submit to others and are slaughtered at will. The royal races, including you, are all fighting for the survival of the Sarkaz. Your title as the God of War is proof of this struggle.”

"Therefore, you should also be very clear that royal courts like the Cyclops, Banshees, and Shapeshifters could not have made such choices out of coercion against their own will; they must have their own reasons."

If Ernst were here, he would definitely have commented that Kal'tsit's words were as good as saying nothing at all.

In short, it boils down to this: I know, but I won't say it. I think you should know it in your heart, and you don't need to ask me.

This tactic is not much different from the saying of the charlatan, "Heavenly secrets cannot be revealed; figure it out yourself."

But to be fair, Kal'tsit did indeed have a good grasp of the Sarkaz's mentality.

This isn't surprising, really. What's the oldest race on this land? Without a doubt, it's the Sarkaz, the native race. So, who do you think Kal'tsit, whose lifespan is almost as long as civilization itself, learned most of her riddle-solving skills from?

Precise rhetoric for targeting the Sarkaz.

Especially for older Sarkaz like Niezire, he really falls for this kind of mystical answer!

Because he did indeed have such an answer.

Nezre is an elder among the Sarkaz. Among the existing Sarkaz race, he is almost the oldest. Under normal circumstances, only the hidden old silver coins among the liches could possibly surpass him in the realm of age.

Of course, we have to leave the Balrog aside for now.

Nyetzer's understanding of the Sarkaz race and the royal court far surpasses that of some Demon Lords. This system, originally established by Quiron, though seemingly rotten to the core, still continues to function.

The Sarkaz culture died out, but the Royal Court did not. The Sarkaz lacked leaders, but the Royal Court did not. The Sarkaz were in dire straits, destitute and homeless, but the Royal Court still had its own strongholds: the Banshee Valley, the Carrion Swamp, the Cyclops Cave. The spark of civilization was actually preserved, even if only a single "spark" remained.

Indeed, some young Sarkaz are dissatisfied with the Royal Court system, believing that the Royal Court and ordinary Sarkaz have become two separate races, even adversaries. But Nezrei never pays attention to such complaints and accusations. You can curse all you want; the Royal Court will still carry the Sarkaz forward, and he will still carry the Sarkaz forward. Unless you can demonstrate that the Sarkaz have other ways of survival besides having the Royal Court preserve their lineage, any hostility is meaningless.

That was his attitude, and he knew that many rulers of royal courts shared the same attitude.

For example, the great sirens Lamaren, and Ducarre, who appears exceptionally arrogant but actually fulfills his responsibilities as the ruler of the royal court.

Why did he describe the Demon King Eresh as a "cowardly" king? It's because Eresh gave up.

The Demon King was supposed to be the one to find a way for the Sarkaz to continue their civilization outside of the Royal Court, and Elesh did indeed have that ambition at first, to contribute to the construction of Kazdel, but he later gave up.

Niecilei didn't know what he saw after obtaining the Black Crown, but the result was that this man gave up, simply abandoning his responsibilities and handing over all matters, big and small, to the royal court. As a demon king, he was the first to admit defeat, prepared for death, and entrusted the flame of civilization's survival to the royal court before his death. What is this if not cowardice?

Then there are Theresa and Theresis, a special brother and sister pair, both possessing the strength and capacity to be kings. Neltzere both admires and worries about them, because the Cyclops' prophecy points to a fate that will lead the siblings to a bitter rivalry. In the end, the prophecy proves its validity once again.

Fortunately, both Theresa and Theresis maintained their fighting spirit until the very last moment. They did indeed establish the Kazdel Military Council, build the mobile city of Kazdel, and pave a possible path to survival independent of the royal court.

They never gave up, which is why Niezire, who chose to stand with Theresia when she died, paid tribute to her and Ducarre felt sorrow.

Because Theresa may not be the best demon lord in history, but she is the most steadfast and courageous demon lord in modern times.

After the civil war, the Banshee Royal Court and the Military Council completely broke ties. The reorganization of Rhodes Island at Babel, and Aifanil's permanent residency on Rhodes Island, all symbolized that even with the Demon King's death, her faction, the Banshee Royal Court, still intended to continue supporting Theresa's chosen path. This indicated that the Banshee Royal Court believed this path was possible, and that the flame could be preserved.

Even though the Demon King is dead.

So, considering the actions of the Banshee, the Cyclops, and even the Shapeshifters, we now have an answer.

"They think Sherag can?"