Chapter 211: Troop Mobilization
“Mo Ran, do you know the Shadow Lord’s background?” If he were a player from the Dark Faction, he might have some relevant information.
“No… Forget the lord, the most I’ve come across these days are skeleton soldiers, and the next level up is skeleton mages. I suspect staying here too long will even skew my sense of aesthetics.”
“Alright…” It seems it’s unlikely to gain any information from him.
Once they approached a suitable distance, Zane, Starry, and Fenghua shattered their teleportation scrolls.
Mo Ran waved, “I’ll just send you off here. I’ll wait in Jiyue City for your good news!”
…
As the scene shifted, the three appeared in Yunshui City.
Unlike the bustling scene earlier, after the NPCs stopped moving, many players had directly teleported to other cities.
After all, last time’s event served as a warning with Silverglow City.
“Fenghua, are you going to teleport to another city to grind for points first or…” Zane asked.
“Guide Station.” She replied decisively.
Looks like they had the same idea.
“Then I’ll go with you,” Starry said.
“Mm.” She nodded.
“I won’t be going to the guide; I need to make a trip to the general’s mansion.”
“You…? The people inside won’t see you, right? I remember a player with over 300 reputation wasn’t allowed in.”
“Ahem, I have my ways,” Zane said mysteriously.
“Being all secretive…” Fenghua gave him a peculiar look.
…
This siege was suspicious, and there were many aspects that needed clarity; they couldn’t just rush out to siege without understanding.
The quickest way to find out would naturally be to ask Alna. Of course, asking Xiin would be a method too; combining both sides would be more efficient.
Five minutes later.
Looking at the tightly shut Guide Station, Fenghua opened her mouth slightly as if wanting to say something, but then bit back her words.
“How about… we find your master to see?” Starry suggested.
“He… I can’t contact him directly.”
“…Guess we’re in the same situation!
At the entrance of the general’s mansion, there was only one guard watching, and the courtyard was quiet, seeming to have no one around.
First, let’s use the main body to ask for news.
Zane swaggered over and patted the guard’s shoulder.
“Hey, brother, why is it so quiet in this mansion?”
“Hu—hu—hu—ZZZZZ”
“…”
Y’s job is too unprofessional!
He shook the guard vigorously.
Once the guard woke up, his eyes suddenly widened as if recalling his task, “Who! Who is it!”
“It’s no one special, just a passing adventurer,” Zane stepped back two paces to show politeness.
“Adventurer…? Unruly people should not approach here.”
“I’m a soldier who performed outstandingly during the last defense. Isn’t that enough qualification?”
After saying this, the guard scanned him from top to bottom, then nodded, “You are indeed a brave adventurer… but, the general instructed me that no one is allowed to enter, I’m sorry.”
“Is that so… Since you’re following orders, then…
He pulled out a pouch of gold coins, weighing no less than 500 pieces.
“Guard, can you see this…” Zane raised an eyebrow; this kind of thing is only understood, not spoken.
Unexpectedly, the guard scoffed, looking at him like a beggar, “Even as a gatekeeper, I know my duties. Don’t even think about such things… and,
this amount of money isn’t even enough for a little drink.”
In other words, not enough money.
“…” This NPC was too human-like; Zane almost couldn’t help but retaliate.
Calm… calm.
Surely it’s best to use the old method.
Finding a hidden corner, he activated Transformation, and the long-awaited blonde girl made her appearance! He circled back; this time he should be able to go in shamelessly.
Zane swaggered back into the guard’s line of sight.
The guard exclaimed in surprise, “Miss!? You’re back so soon?”
Hmm? So, Alna isn’t here?
“Uh… Yeah, I’m back.” Zane nodded.
“Great… While you weren’t here, something big happened. Other cities have already dispatched troops towards Huawucheng, yet our Anshui City has been silent for a long time. Lord Kurei is about to buckle under the pressure!” The guard said nervously, then glanced back at Zane.
“Miss, didn’t the general come with you?”
“He… has some matters to deal with. But before that, please tell me what happened.”
“Alright! It’s like this…”
…
The guard led Zane to the city lord’s hall near the North City Gate, which is where wartime discussions and office activities took place.
Players definitely cannot enter this place, at least not now.
Along the way, he provided a lot of information.
First, Alna and Aijue had been gone from Yunshui City since yesterday, seemingly headed to the Imperial City.
After they left, some unfamiliar officials arrived to notify Kurei—Aijue’s new adjutant—to prepare gear as soon as possible.
Kurei was confused but, thinking the general should be prepared, he hastily agreed; later, upon hearing of other cities dispatching troops, he felt regret.
“Miss! You’re back!? So… where is the general now?” Seeing Zane, he jumped up excitedly.
“He… might not arrive so quickly.”
“That’s fine, Miss, take me to find him. This matter cannot be delayed!”
“I mean… he hasn’t returned yet.”
Crack.
Kurei sat back down, dejected.
“It’s over, it’s over…” He tangled his hair, saying, “I’ll jeopardize everything. If the general doesn’t return soon, I’ll have to lead the guards out.”
“Don’t panic, just tell me what’s going on.” Zane confidently patted his chest.
“Miss, can you contact the general?” However, he completely disregarded that question.
Tell me!
“Fear it won’t be possible…”
“…” Kurei buried his head in despair, standing up suddenly after a moment, “No choice… I’ll have to go on my own!”
“Tell me about it!!”
An hour later.
The guards of Yunshui City mobilized half towards the East Gate to rendezvous.
Zane followed Kurei around rallying the guards, though she didn’t really want to be there.
However, the adjutant said that if the miss was present, commanding the troops would have more authority.
Such commotion surely didn’t escape the players remaining in the city; it turned out the NPCs hadn’t abandoned the idea of dispatching troops, and there was still hope for Yunshui City!
Hmm… Upon seeing the NPC commander leading the team was merely a Silver Grade adjutant, at least half the people immediately teleported to other cities.
Who would want to follow this guy?
More remained because they saw Alna was still here.
“Miss, thanks to you, I’ve gathered over 3,000 excellent soldiers now!”
“Thank you for your hard work…” Juchan nodded gloomily; now even thinking of escaping isn’t convenient!
According to Kurei, they had to advance to the west of Huawucheng within a day and merge with the forces of Qianyan City; departing now was already pressing.
