Is this cheat code from Bika? Just do it!

“Persist? Easier said than done. Right now, our city's soldiers, plus the militia temporarily recruited, number only a little over three hundred. Moreover, everyone is either injured or exhausted. I am truly worried that if we face a few more waves of attacks, our Hailin City will probably be destroyed.” As the old city lord spoke, a trace of unwilling tears welled up in his eyes.

"Lord of the City..." Upon seeing this, the Knight Princess couldn't help but sigh. She really didn't know what words to use to comfort this old lord who had experienced so much.

Just then, a shout came from below the city wall: "My Lord, Slica, Desa, and Mulis have returned!"

"Slika and the others are back!" Upon hearing this, the old city lord's grief vanished instantly. He immediately rushed down the city wall, his steps hurried and frantic.

As the old city lord looked at his anxious back, the female knight couldn't help but sigh again.

This elderly city lord carries far too much on his shoulders, so much that it's heartbreaking.

At the city gate, three dusty soldiers were surrounded by a crowd, who kept asking them questions. However, the three soldiers looked very embarrassed and hesitated to speak.

"Slica, Desa, Mulis, you're finally back! You must have had a long journey."

The old city lord rushed over, excitedly grabbing one of the soldiers' shoulders, and instinctively looked towards the city gate. However, the area outside the city gate was empty, with not a single soldier in sight.

"Where are the reinforcements?" The old city lord's smile instantly froze, a mixture of expectation and disappointment in his expression.

"Bang bang bang!"

The three of them immediately knelt on the ground, heads bowed, as if they had committed an unforgivable sin.

“Lord of the city, I followed your instructions and rushed to Viscount Slanka’s castle without stopping, but the Viscount resolutely refused to send troops to help.” Slika lowered his head in guilt, his voice full of self-reproach.

“My lord, I have traveled a long way to the Western Territory and found your old friend, Marquis Puskin,” Desa said slowly, his head bowed.

A glint of longing flashed in the old city lord's eyes, and his body trembled slightly as he said, "I'm an old friend of Marquis Puskin. He's powerful and has a large army under his command. Are his reinforcements behind us?"

Desa choked up for a moment and said with difficulty, "Lord Pushkin said that he needs to help the Second Prince defend the imperial border outside the West to prevent foreign invasion, so he cannot send troops to help. He also told me to find someone else."

Upon hearing this, the old city lord staggered as if he had lost his footing. Seeing this, the female knight behind him quickly stepped forward to support him.

"Mullis, you...you over there..." The old city lord's voice trembled, his eyes filled with expectation.

"I'm sorry, Lord City Lord, I'm incompetent and failed to bring reinforcements. Please punish me." Mulis knelt on the ground with remorse, her head bowed deeply.

A sudden silence fell over the surroundings. The soldiers with broken legs, supported by their crutches, struggled to sit back down on the haystacks. The others also silently returned to their posts. The atmosphere was so oppressive that it was hard to breathe.

"Please punish us, Lord City Lord!" The four men knelt on the ground in unison and shouted.

The old city lord's white hair fluttered wildly in the wind. He waved his hand weakly and said, "It's nothing, it's nothing. You've had a long journey, go and rest."

With that, he dragged his worn and weary body away slowly.

134. The unbearable glimpse into human nature

The female knight lowered her eyes and stared at the three people curled up on the ground. She let out a long sigh, a sigh filled with helplessness and heaviness.

She had actually anticipated this outcome.

Those who returned before all brought back such disheartening bad news. Each time, it was like a sharp blade, mercilessly piercing the old city lord's expectant heart, leaving him disappointed time and time again.

"This is not your fault. You should all go and get some rest."

The knight's voice was soft yet firm, and after speaking, she hurried to keep up with the old city lord's slightly unsteady steps.

The old city lord strolled slowly along the street, his gaze sweeping over the people whose faces were filled with worry and sorrow that seemed to overflow.

His forehead, which was already covered with deep wrinkles, was now even more tightly furrowed, as if every wrinkle was etched with the vicissitudes of time and endless helplessness.

The female knight silently followed behind the old city lord, her heart churning with a myriad of thoughts.

She tried to say something countless times, but the words seemed to be blocked by something, leaving her speechless.

After struggling with her inner turmoil for a while, she finally mustered her courage, quickened her pace, and walked to the old city lord's side, raising her head slightly.

Her eyes held a hint of doubt and resentment as she said, "Lord City Lord, please forgive my bluntness, but I truly cannot understand. It's one thing for those lords and nobles not to come to our aid, but we are clearly subjects of the Human Empire! Hailin City is a vital strategic location on the northwestern border of the Human Empire, bearing the crucial responsibility of guarding the mouth of the Sipult River. Logically speaking, the armies of the First and Second Princes should have sent troops to our aid without hesitation, so why are they standing still?"

The old city lord listened quietly to the knight's words, then sighed deeply. The sigh seemed to travel through countless years, carrying endless emotions.

He slowly extended his calloused hands and gently grasped the Knight's hand. His gaze softened and deepened as he said, "Kuokas, you've been by my side for over twenty years. Do you remember when you were seven or eight? Back then, you were just an unfortunate child who had been shipwrecked, all alone, not knowing where your family was or where your home was. You were mercilessly washed ashore by the raging waves on the beach outside Hailin City, barely alive. It was I who found you, rescued you, gave you food, and allowed you to live. From then on, you've stayed close to me, like my shadow."

Kuokas listened quietly to the old city lord's words, his thoughts involuntarily drifting back to those unbearable years.

At that time, she was like a small boat lost in the vast ocean, lonely and helpless, with no glimmer of hope in sight.

It was the city lord who, like a beacon in the darkness, gave her a second life and sent her to the Imperial Knight Academy to train, giving her the opportunity to change her destiny.

She did not disappoint the city lord's high expectations. She trained hard at the Knight Academy and, with her tenacious perseverance and extraordinary talent, returned home after just a few years of study.

From then on, she devoted herself to helping the city lord train and manage the army of Hailin City, contributing her strength to protect the city.

"My lord, I will remember your and Hai Lincheng's kindness to me. I will spend my whole life repaying you, even if it costs me my life."

Kuokas's eyes were filled with determination, as if a blazing flame was burning brightly, illuminating the loyalty and resolve deep within her heart.

"I know you're a good kid, you've always been sensible and hardworking."

The old city lord gently stroked Kuokas's head with tenderness and affection, and continued, "Since you asked me that, I will tell you the reason. In fact, the empire is now in complete chaos, in an unprecedented state of disorder."

When the old city lord spoke the last few words, it was as if he had used up all his strength, and his voice trembled slightly, as if those few words carried a thousand-pound burden.

"Chaos...chaos? How is that possible? Why do you say that?" Kuokas asked, his eyes wide with confusion and shock, as if he had heard something out of the blue.

"It was my fault for not informing you of the news from the outside world in time, Kuokas. Now, the highly respected old king of the Human Empire has passed away, and the eldest and second princes are engaged in a fierce battle for the supreme throne. And those lords and nobles are all harboring their own ulterior motives, wanting to get a share of the pie in this turbulent time and seek personal gain."

"How...how could..."

"Do you know why I've gradually reduced our connections with the outside world over the past few years? It's because we're located on the northwestern border, like a forgotten corner. I don't want us to be caught up in the cruel and merciless war for the throne, causing innocent people to suffer. So, I try to avoid contact with other lords and nobles, and trade has decreased year by year, avoiding it whenever possible. I think that our Hailin City relies on fishing for a living, and we can be completely self-sufficient and live a peaceful and stable life."

The old city lord spoke slowly, his eyes revealing a profound wisdom, as if he had long seen through the conflicts and impermanence of this world.

"Those guys started secretly plotting and trying to win me over years ago. It wasn't just the First and Second Princes, but also those Grand Dukes and Great Lords. They were all ambitious and wanted to find an opportunity to take a piece of flesh from the First and Second Princes, establish themselves as kings, and dominate their own territories." The old city lord recalled these past events with a solemn expression, as if those dark days were resurfacing before his eyes.

"Why...why do this? We are all human beings, and we should unite to resist foreign enemies. This internal strife only gives foreign races an opportunity to take advantage of us and put us in an even more dangerous situation," Kuokas asked in bewilderment, her heart filled with incomprehension and indignation. She simply could not understand what these people were doing.

"This is the human heart, this is human nature! Kuokas, remember this: humanity's thirst for power is like an endless abyss, never-ending! For that supreme power, they will stop at nothing, even at the cost of countless lives." The old city lord's eyes held a hint of worry, as if he could see the dark and hopeless future of the empire, and his heart was filled with anxiety.

"This..." Kuokas felt her mind was in a mess, with all sorts of thoughts intertwined, making it impossible for her to sort out the complex relationships involved.

She simply couldn't understand why human nature could become so ugly and greedy in the face of the temptation of power.

The old city lord continued, "So, do you think they would care about the life or death of small places like ours? Although we are on the border, there is an endless sea outside. Even if our city is gone, it won't have much of an impact on them. It's like throwing a tiny pebble; it won't cause any ripples in their hearts."

"What about the lords and nobles in various places..." Kuokas asked, still somewhat unwilling, with a sliver of hope that things might turn around.

The old city lord shook his head and said with a wry smile, "They are all cunning old foxes. How could they not smell the gunpowder in the empire right now? They don't want to get involved in other people's business. They all want to preserve their own strength in case of emergency. In this turbulent time, no one wants to become someone else's victim. They all just want to protect themselves."

"So, does that mean we're just left to fend for ourselves?" Kuokas said in disbelief, her voice trembling as if she couldn't face this cruel reality.

In accordance with the chivalric doctrines she had learned, she remained absolutely loyal to her empire, and she was proud and honored by it.

She had once believed that the Empire was a united, powerful, and just place that would protect the safety of every citizen.

But now she realized that the empire also had such a dark side, like a dark cloud that obscured the bright sunshine in her heart.

In the calculations of those big shots, these small towns and insignificant people are nothing but dust, easily discarded like useless old objects.

Kuokas thought of his comrades who fought bravely and valiantly on the city walls to defend Hailin City, and of the soldiers who had been joking and laughing with him just yesterday, but now they were gone forever.

Thinking of this, a wave of grief and helplessness welled up in her heart, and tears welled up in her eyes, but she held them back.

135. Siren

"My lord, look ahead! That area shrouded in heavy dark clouds is our Hailin City!"

Master looked up at Link, who was steadily riding on the back of the steel dragon, and shouted at the top of his lungs. His voice carried on the strong wind, but it was full of urgency.

As the steel dragon soared into the sky, powerful winds and waves crashed against it like a surging tide.

With the help of the strong winds, the ten monorail sailboats sped like arrows, carrying Link's team smoothly all the way towards Seaside City.

Upon hearing Master's shout, Link rode Steel Dragon straight into the sky.

He hovered in mid-air for a while, taking in the surrounding terrain.

The city of Hailin was surrounded on three sides by treacherous terrain. Two sides were steep and precipitous mountains, which seemed to be natural barriers bestowed upon the city by heaven, faithfully guarding it. On one side was the boundless and turbulent sea, whose surging waves roared like wild beasts, constantly crashing against the shore and splashing high into the air. On the other side was a winding river, which flowed slowly inland like a graceful ribbon, following the terrain.

This is the mouth of the Sipplet River, and also the destination that Link's fleet is about to reach.

Adjacent to this river is a road that is not very wide. Following this road will also lead you smoothly to Hailin City.

Link pondered for a moment in mid-air. Then, he gently pulled the reins, slowly steer the steel dragon down, and loudly commanded, "Adoris, stop the ship here. Leave one hundred men to protect the fleet and ensure the safety of the ships and supplies. The rest of you, quickly check your equipment, ensure that weapons and ammunition are sufficient and equipment is in good condition, and prepare to depart! Kuratia, you take a few cavalrymen and go ahead to scout the way. If you encounter anything along the way, whether it's enemy tracks or potential dangers, return immediately to report. Do not fail to do so."

“Yes!” Kuratia replied, her voice firm and strong.

Then she shouted to the cavalrymen beside her, "You guys, come with me! Stay alert and pay attention to everything around you."

Having said that, the men, weapons in hand, mounted their warhorses and spurred them on, galloping ahead like lightning to scout the way, the sound of their hooves echoing in the silent air.

"My lord, I've been quite curious about those iron rods your soldiers carry all the way here. What are they? And what about those things wrapped in parchment..."

Master looked at the "iron rods" carried by the soldiers, his eyes full of doubt.

Along the way, the soldiers carrying the "iron rods" seemed to regard them as rare treasures. They even held them tightly in their arms when they slept at night, refusing to let go, as if they would disappear if they let go.

The packages wrapped in parchment were also closely guarded by the soldiers, who did not allow anyone to touch them easily, as if they contained some earth-shattering secret.

"You'll find out when the time comes."

Link's lips curled up slightly, revealing a mysterious smile that seemed to conceal endless mysteries.

Then, with a light leap, like a nimble swallow, he landed steadily on the steel dragon's back. He gently patted the steel dragon's huge head and said tenderly, "Little dragon, you stay here and protect the fleet. Come over when I blow the whistle to call you, okay? Be a good boy/girl."

Steel Dragon affectionately nuzzled Link's palm with its head, as if responding to his request, its docile appearance resembling that of an obedient pet.

Then, it found a comfortable spot, lay down, and quietly waited, like a loyal guardian spirit.

Just then, Dilva led a sturdy horse to Link's side and said respectfully, "Sir, everything is ready. The horse is ready, and the equipment has been checked. We are just waiting for your command."

"Let's go!" Link mounted his horse with effortless grace.

With a single command, his momentum was overwhelming; his voice seemed to pierce the clouds, inspiring the fighting spirit of everyone.

Brush brush!

The group walked steadily along the road by the riverbank, and could clearly hear the sound of the rushing river water crashing against the rocks. The sound was like a stirring symphony, as if it were the battle horn played by nature.

Sometimes, splashes of water from the river would playfully land on Link's face, bringing a cool sensation and helping him stay more alert for the challenges to come.

Bah!

Suddenly, a crisp gunshot rang out from afar, like a bolt of lightning ripping through the silent sky and shattering the momentary tranquility.

Then Link saw Kuratia and her group riding back at breakneck speed, their hooves kicking up clouds of dust.

"All hands on alert! Heavy armored shield bearers, form battle lines. Musketeers, load your weapons and prepare to fire, ready to respond to any enemy attack!"

The experienced Claudia reacted quickly, immediately shouting loudly and firmly, her voice filled with the air of a commander.

Dilva and Fiorena also drew their longswords without hesitation, their eyes scanning the surroundings warily, like two sharp cheetahs, not letting any possible danger slip by.

Tap tap tap tap!

Although the footsteps were somewhat noisy, the soldiers were well-trained and, like precise machines, quickly formed their formation according to the requirements of their daily training.

Their neat steps and orderly movements demonstrated their professionalism and discipline.

The heavily armored shield bearers stood at the forefront, like an impregnable city wall. Clad in thick armor and wielding massive shields, they inspired a strong sense of security. Each soldier was spaced one body length apart, a gap perfectly positioned to provide an opening for the musketeers to alternate firing, ensuring the continuity and effectiveness of their attacks.

By this time, Kuratia had returned with the cavalrymen.

She looked nervous and hurriedly reported, "Sir, there is a group of strange creatures ahead. They have fish scales on their bodies, but they also have feet and are carrying some weapons. There are many of them, roughly estimated to be four or five hundred. They look very ferocious, so we must be careful."

“Sirens! These are all characteristics of siren!” Master said in a panic, his voice trembling, fear spreading through the air like a plague. “Sirens have appeared here! Has Sealink City… suffered a catastrophic disaster?”

"They're here! The sirens are coming!" Master shouted again in a panic, his eyes filled with fear, a fear that overwhelmed him like a dark tide.

Link looked up and saw some strange figures appearing 300 meters away.

They looked like huge fish, but with hands and feet, and they even wore some cloth to cover their bodies like humans. They looked very strange, like monsters that crawled out of hell.

"Is this what a siren looks like?" Link asked curiously, his eyes revealing a hint of inquiry, his curious gaze like a torch exploring the unknown world.

"They are just the lowest level of the sirens, fishmen, just like our human infantry. However, they are very good at close combat. Although they are not good at running, their speed in short-range attacks is almost as fast as that of a well-trained human knight. Moreover, they are numerous, like a swarm of locusts, coming on strong."

Master swallowed hard, his voice trembling slightly, his nervousness evident.

Indeed, the merfolk carried simple, shell-like shields, as well as strange spears and short swords.

Perhaps it is because of the fish tails they still have on their backs and their short legs that they can only move at half the speed of normal human soldiers, like clumsy snails crawling slowly.