People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

But when he actually got his hands on Rhodes Island's information and saw the labels "main business: medical services, pharmaceutical products, large-scale building materials transportation, and consultants for dealing with infected individuals," he couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed.

"As far as I know, Rhodes Island is just a medical company, right? Why do you know so much about the Sarkaz?"

"Where is the basis for your assertion that the Sarkaz airships are not built with normal science and technology, but are fakes that are possessed by empty shells controlled by Sarkaz witchcraft and fly into the sky?"

Kal'tsit nodded slightly to Islam Witt.

She could tell that Speaker Witt's words were not meant to undermine her, but rather to help her.

Standing here, speaking to so many influential figures on Terra, her words must carry weight. But given her current position, the credibility she commands is indeed far too low.

Even if Islam Witte hadn't asked, the Duke of Caesar would have, and he would have asked even more bluntly, not even giving her a chance to answer.

At a meeting of feudal lords, what right do you, a mere horse archer, have to speak?

If it were Vittoria asking the question, Kal'tsit would at least have a chance to explain. If she couldn't answer, she would have to bear the consequences of her outrageous remarks on stage. But if she could answer, at least Ursus's question would be answered, and Victoria wouldn't want to directly embarrass Ursus.

Kal'tsit continued:

"To be honest, as a trusted partner of Mr. Ernst Shivaesh, Rhodes Island has always upheld the humanitarian spirit advocated by Mr. Ernst Shivaesh. Although Rhodes Island is small and weak in terms of influence and resources, it would like to do its part to provide humanitarian medical services to the wounded affected by the military conflict in Victoria Londinium."

"Therefore, we set off from Shelag and headed to Londinium."

"Now, we have just returned from the battlefield of Londinium."

"What I said above is based on what we have seen with our own eyes. There are also Sarkaz operators on Rhodes Island. I think the Sarkaz operators would not mistake their own racial culture."

Humanitarianism is indeed a very good reason, and although it's a bit embarrassing, Ernst's name is indeed very useful now.

By promoting these two brands, coupled with Rhodes Island's status as a pharmaceutical company primarily engaged in medical services, it not only serves as a convenient form of advertising, but even the Duke of Caesar wouldn't be able to say anything about it.

She also had to "congratulate" Rhodes Island for not being directly destroyed in the chaotic Londinium battlefield!

Oh, right. Everyone knows about the relationship between the Duke of Windermere and Ernst. As "Mr. Ernst's trusted partner," how could Rhodes Island be attacked by the Victorian army under the command of the Duke of Windermere, even if it is close to the battlefield?

As for evidence, Kal'tsit has it, but she hasn't shown it.

Logos faced Ersula on the airship, and Ersula's combat power was far weaker than Manfred's. Logos had ample time and indeed used a spell to knock down and preserve a fragment of the dead soul.

But Kal'tsit doesn't intend to make this public. How could Rhodes Island, a "very benevolent medical company," possibly board an airship and even bring down debris?

If it doesn't fit the persona, it will only make people suspicious.

That's enough for now. Ursus has already admitted it, and he's explained the background of his statements. Everything is legal and valid. Ernst, as the owner of the airship, wasn't just standing by. Duke Kast will eventually have to stop. If they were to forcibly seize it, Ernst wouldn't even need to say anything. Ursus, Yan, and Columbia—who would agree to let Victoria obtain the airship's combat data first?

Even if there were a vote, it would be 3:2 or 3:1:1, not to mention the existence of a veto power.

If we're going to do it, we should all start on the same footing and work together. It's a test of national strength, and everyone should rely on their own abilities. If you're willing to gamble, you have to accept the consequences. If you want to sneak away, no way!

Kal'tsit stepped off the podium, bowed slightly, and walked towards her seat in the audience.

As Ernst passed by, he extended his hand, and she reciprocated by giving him a high five.

As she passed the Ursus representative's seat, Islam Witt suddenly called out to her and whispered:

"Ms. Kal'tsit, after this is over, would you please stay behind for a moment?"

Kal'tsit frowned slightly, intending to refuse. But Islam Witt smiled meaningfully and continued,

"Don't worry, I just think you look familiar. You look like an old acquaintance from the Royal Academy of Ursus, so I just wanted to catch up with you."

"Please do me the honor."

Kal'tsit's expression stiffened, she pursed her lips, and nodded nonetheless.

Next up was the representative from Kazimierz, Russell, whose topic was the issue of hosting the next "World Games." Following her was Rembitox, and then several other organizations and corporations.

Chinese group: Yi-yan Lu... Help! Yi-sha Because there are too many applicants, the free speech period will last for three days.

There was still plenty of time, and Kal'tsit had many questions she wanted to ask Ernst.

Leave request: There's something going on at home.

It was quite an unexpected incident. Something came up at home; an elder relative had fallen victim to a telecom scam. Luckily, I had downloaded an anti-fraud app for him, and the police intervened in time. However, he still doesn't believe he's been scammed and is still at the police station. The police called and asked me to come home.

If I can't make it back today, I'll have to take a day off. I'm very sorry.

Chapter 595 Battle for the Soul Forge

"Dead souls, I didn't expect those old fogies to come out too."

Shelag, Tukarim, Sakaz Residents' Committee.

Even though powerful female demons like Ramalen couldn't directly enter the venue of the World Summit, Fremont and Nasti would naturally relay the information after the meeting.

It's nothing new that Kal'tsit took Rhodes Island to Londinium. The little car that Lamaren left next to Logos hasn't been removed, so she's naturally well aware of Rhodes Island's whereabouts.

In a way, the fact that they would go after Theresis to settle things actually brought Ramalen some comfort. This at least meant that Rhodes Island, or rather the old guard of Babel, and Kal'tsit, were not as cold-blooded and ruthless as they appeared on the surface.

After all, for the Sarkaz, life and death are commonplace. Members of the same mercenary squad, even blood relatives, often fight each other for profit, and life and death are the norm. Therefore, among the Sarkaz, the standard for measuring the sincerity of our friendship is not how many gifts you give me, but whether you will be willing to avenge me after my death.

Rhodes Island's dismantling of the Tower of Babel, its facade of neutrality, and its efforts to heal and save lives across the land can be interpreted by Ramalen as a strategy of biding her time, enduring hardship, and accumulating strength. However, as time goes on, some criticism inevitably arises, with some feeling that Kal'tsit, in the end, has failed to live up to Theresa's trust and the heavy responsibilities she received.

Now, the island of Linguord has finally set off for Lentinium to deal with Theresis. Although Ramallen doesn't say it, she is somewhat relieved.

As for Logos' safety, she wasn't so worried. After all, the royal court valued interpersonal relationships.

Although Lamaren is no longer in her position, all the rulers of the royal courts know how much she loves her children, and who wouldn't give her face?

Go ask the Blood Lord, ask the King of Carrion, and ask the Shapeshifter horde. If they saw Aifanir, which one of them would immediately take it seriously?

Everyone knows their limits, especially someone as proud as the Blood Lord, who values ​​the royal court and respects strength. He would have to give way to Aifanir at least three times.

The first time, out of consideration for Aifanil being still a child, and not wanting to bully the younger, he yielded. The second time, out of consideration for Ramalen, out of respect for the former Six Heroes and to preserve her bloodline, he yielded again. The third time, out of consideration for their shared status as rulers of the royal court, remembering the past contributions of the Deathstroke Royal Court to Kazdel, and the negative impact of the infighting among the rulers of the royal court, he yielded once more.

Only after he's given up three times will he be able to get serious. And even then, he might have to activate a blood-boiling buff to elevate Aifanir, that little banshee, to the same level as himself before defeating her fair and square.

Despite his seemingly carefree and ambitious demeanor, where he feasts on Feline flesh and drinks Lupo blood with a smile, he is, in some ways, the most reasonable person among the ordinary Sarkaz in the Sarkaz royal court.

It's just that it's very anthropomorphic to outsiders.

Lamarlene and Fremont both knew the reason Rhodes Island went to Londinium, but neither of them realized Theresis's methods.

The Sarkaz airship is a semi-living aerial fortress with undead spirits at its core.

How did Theresis come up with this idea?

Fremont tends to think that Theresis was inspired by the Kjerag airships and thus used the industrial facilities in Londinium to build this magnificent vessel. But Lamarlene has a different idea; she feels that Theresis may have had this intention all along.

He arrived in Londinium before the World's Fair in Sheqilag, where he unveiled the technology of the nine airships. Before that, no one, including her, believed that a Sarkaz group that had seized control of Londinium while the Dukes Cavendish and Stafford were locked in a nighttime feud, could accomplish anything significant, even though this Sarkaz group was called the Kazdel Military Council.

Therese is strong, but Victoria is too strong.

But Theresis persisted. Not only did he persist, he also rallied demons in Lentinium, arranging for people to occupy key positions in the city to fill the power vacuum, seemingly preparing to turn Lentinium into a war fortress.

At the time, everyone following news about Sarkaz and Lentinium invariably asked the same question: "Where does his confidence come from?"

These people included Lamarlene, Kelsey, and even Ernst.

Now they know that Theresis's confidence stemmed from the first airship used for war. But upon closer examination, it becomes clear that the timeline doesn't add up.

If Theresis gained his confidence by being inspired by Ernst and developing the airship, then what gave him the confidence to occupy Londinium in the first place? It doesn't make sense. He's not a Cyclops who can foresee the future and see that the Sarkaz will build that thing.

But if Theresis did indeed use airships as one of his trump cards, and with this as his confidence, to seize Londinium, then there seems to be only one answer: Theresis's airship plan had been in the works for a long time.

This leads to an even more chilling question.

When did he start planning this?

Kazdel's industrial capacity is sufficient to manufacture teapots, stools, and chairs, but certainly not a behemoth like an airship, not even an empty shell. If Theresis's airship plan existed long ago, how would he acquire the industrial capacity to build the shell? Had he already set his sights on Victoria, embroiled in internal strife, and Londinium, which was considered a mere trifle to the Grand Dukes, back then?

The capital of the Eighth Empire, a place that is neither palatable nor worth abandoning, is, in fact, the base where the Sarkaz gladly build their secret weapons.

Meanwhile, the Grand Dukes, led by Kasper, held a secret meeting and personally sent the Sarkaz inside, where they forged deadly weapons against them in their own homes and factories.

Ramalyn believed it must be full of fateful coincidences, but she was even more convinced that Therese might have had her sights set on Lentinium from the very beginning.

No other country on this land would treat its capital, a “mega-mobile city,” in such a way.

“I know what you’re thinking, Lamaren.”

A hand gently rested on Ramalien's shoulder, jolting the great banshee out of her mental turmoil.

She turned around and saw Fremont standing behind her, looking calm. The Sarkaz around them, however, looked somewhat worried.

Clearly, the increasingly alarming speculation in Ramalyn's mind had not been perfectly concealed; her expression betrayed her thoughts and aroused doubt and worry among those around her.

"Feel sorry."

The great succubus pursed her lips and softly expressed her apology.

Fremont gave a soft snort, released his grip, and said calmly:

"Thinking about it so much is pointless."

Lamaren regained some of her spirits and laughed, "Aren't liches the race that Sarkaz thinks about the most?"

Fremont glanced at her, crossed his arms, and retorted:

"The lich explores knowledge, but knowledge is not just rambling on and on, nor is it endless speculation! Knowledge needs to be verified and supported by sufficient evidence. Otherwise, what do you think the Temple of Knowledge has become? A cesspool of wild thoughts?"

This is why, even though he could guess Ramalen's thoughts, and even think a step deeper than her, he still believed that Therese's airship was inspired by Sherag.

Speculation is just speculation; there's no concrete evidence. He won't share these speculations with others or use them to create panic. Until he obtains proof, he will insist that airship technology is a product of the collaboration between Scherrag and Rhine Lab, and is "Sherrag's intellectual property."

Intellectual property rights are sacred and inviolable!

"Besides, what's the point of thinking about when Theresis started building that airship now?"

"The construction of the airship is a done deal. He has the ability to cram all our ancestors onto the airship. Who knows what else he has prepared?"

Fremont's face was grave, his brow furrowed.

"No, I have a bad feeling about this."

The existence of undead souls might be unfamiliar to ordinary Sarkaz; they only know that undead souls burn in the Soul Forge at the center of the mobile city of Kazdel, but few have actually seen one. However, for members of the Royal Court like Fremont and Ramalen, undead souls are nothing rare.

What's truly astonishing is that those guys who were constantly yelling "kill, kill, kill," and who were just wailing, screaming, and spouting nonsense, were actually managed to be mobilized by Theresis and even become the spirit of the airship.

Why?

How did Theresis convince them? What kind of agreement did they reach with Theresis?

Suddenly, Fremont seemed to remember something and became alert:

“Emanggard, when was the last time we received a message from Kazdel?”

Emengard, who had been pretending to be inconspicuous and watching the big shots dabble in the drama, was suddenly called out by name. He let out a somewhat unexpected "Ah!" before stammering:

"Three...three days ago, right?"

With the path of the warp, liches can transmit information far faster than ordinary races; information from three days ago should be no more than five days old.

"What should be reported in the newspaper?"

"It is said that the Military Council is recruiting soldiers on a large scale in Kazdel, and many Sarkaz have left Kazdel, with many heading towards Sherag."

"In addition, Kazdel has deviated from its original course and seems to have gone into hiding."

The intelligence seemed fine, but Fremont couldn't shake a feeling of unease.

There are also factions among liches. Although all liches aim to pursue knowledge as their ultimate goal, as living, breathing human beings, each of them has their own ideas.

Many older people are actually quite dissatisfied with his decision to "open the temple of knowledge." However, they remain silent because of his current status as a "transcriber," the checks and balances from the pro-peace faction within the organization, and his power.

But that doesn't mean they won't tamper with other things.

They don't have the guts to sabotage the impending establishment of Kazdelnia. But they do have the audacity, and perhaps a great deal of audacity, to secretly support Theresis and seek a "second solution" to the Sarkaz problem!

After all, seeking knowledge and answers naturally includes "political questions." Doesn't his transcription also carry the title of "arbitrator of civil disputes," that is, the head of the neighborhood committee?

The intelligence in Kazdel stated that Theresis was merely recruiting soldiers and didn't seem to warrant much attention; in fact, everything appeared normal. Some Sarkaz, unwilling to go to Londinium to fill the gaps, voluntarily deserted Kazdel, which was also understandable. The Military Council, to secure their own escape route, derailed Kazdel and hid it in the wilderness, which was also plausible.

At first glance, these things don't seem like a big deal. But now that suspicions have arisen, Fremont suddenly feels a bit doubtful.

Airships have appeared, but what about Kazdel's Soul Forge? And what about the dead souls inside?

There are different levels of strength among the undead. Fremont couldn't distinguish which undead was on the Military Council's airship, but he knew that the Soul Furnace was initially ignited by a powerful undead that captured its own kind and threw them into it as firewood.

Theresis now controls the city. What is the status of the dead souls in the Soul Forge? Have they been persuaded and taken away by Theresis to be used as fuel for the airship? Or are they still in the core of Kazdel, maintaining the operation of that mobile city?

Or rather, Theresis has more than one airship?

After all, the energy from the Soul Furnace, burning fiercely, could power an entire city. If the dead souls within were cut apart, the number of airships that could be created would probably be more than one.

Fremont didn't believe that someone like Therese wouldn't "make the most of what he has."

Did he really hide Kazdel? Or was he trying to cut out the Soul Forge to build more airships?