Chapter 2: New Century (Epilogue)
Chapter 483: Ready to Depart
With only half an hour remaining, Balner, despite his desire to show Nobody Does Human Things around the factory, had to forgo it to avoid delaying the mission. However, judging by the expressions of Nobody Does Human Things and (Player Name), it was evident they were already stunned by the factory before them.
Little did he know, the King of Winter was equally astonished…
Xi Wei had never visited the South Continent before, only possessing superficial knowledge from books.
Later, he captured a group of graduates from the South Continent Magic Academy in Karari and, through rigorous interrogation, gained an understanding of the current situation on the South Continent that surpassed any written record.
The South Continent was comprised of five empires in total.
The most powerful among them was the holy land of mages—the Saint Lodia Empire.
The empire was ruled by Fario, a Legendary Mage and the builder and promoter of the Magic Net across the entire South Continent. It was rumored that he was already approaching the threshold of demigodhood. Every mage who used the Magic Net provided Fario with faith. However, lacking a corresponding divine position and inheritance, he needed to find his own divine fire and condense his godhead without any reference. This was an incredibly difficult task. With bad luck, he might never become a demigod in his lifetime.
The second strongest nation was Kalun, an empire where alchemy had reached a high level of development.
In that country, alchemical products had advanced to an unimaginable degree.
Their alchemical products were bestsellers throughout the South Continent, but they specifically refused to sell to the North Continent.
The sages of Kalun believed the North Continent was merely a group of barbarians, undeserving of using their alchemical products, even for money.
The third strongest nation, the Saint Ellis Empire, was known as the Dragon-Slaying Empire.
It was the only country on the South Continent where both mages and knights had developed to a high degree. The king had even signed a contract with Dragon Island, and each year, Dragon Island would send a batch of dragon cubs to partner with the powerful knights of the Saint Ellis Empire. They possessed the formidable combat unit known as Dragon Knights and specialized dragon-slaying masters specifically for the Five-Colored Evil Dragon.
The fourth nation, Suwenriel, was ruled by the Souther Continent’s only Empress and was renowned for its mastery of pharmacology.
The fifth nation, Shannaduo, was the most mysterious country on the South Continent. It was home to the most powerful astrologers and master occultists on the entire Cain Continent. Furthermore, many necromancers resided in Shannaduo, and their research into soul studies allowed them to hold a special, unostnovelly status, free from discrimination and expulsion.
Judging by the massive alchemical factory currently visible.
It was likely that the second strongest nation in the South Continent, Kalun, was backing the Winterbreaking Organization.
Xi Wei lightly wiped his used hoe on the damp soil.
He pondered in his mind when he might have offended Kalun. Could it be those graduates from the magic academy?
But that didn’t seem right. Those graduates were from the Saint Lodia Empire, and word had definitely not leaked. They were supposed to be out adventuring for over a year, and it hadn’t even been three months yet.
Where exactly had something gone wrong…
Loli, nestled in Xi Wei’s arms, gazed at his profile with her large, adorable eyes, blinking occasionally.
She wasn’t sure what was on her master’s mind today. He would stop for a moment and then resume with unusual intensity.
While she enjoyed the feeling, she keenly sensed the change in Xi Wei’s emotions.
“Master, is something troubling you?”
The little maid kissed Xi Wei’s chest and, curling her tail, gently rubbed his arm, as if to soothe his worries.
“It’s not exactly troubling, just that I’ve inexplicably gained another powerful enemy.”
Xi Wei sighed, gently stroking the little maid’s furry ears.
He wasn’t particularly worried, though.
No matter how powerful Kalun’s Golem Soldiers were, or how quickly they could be produced, they would never be a match for players who could resurrect infinitely.
Their understanding of the “Fourth Catastrophe” was still somewhat superficial.
Once this batch of players returned to Winter City, he would start helping them break through their advancements. Challenging monsters? That was nothing.
Under the rules of the Cain World, with the system’s assistance, there were too many loopholes he could exploit.
For instance, arranging some injured monsters for the players, or having them challenge Great Knights who might go easy on them, and so on.
“Okay.” Seeing that Xi Wei didn’t seem inclined to elaborate, Loli, being sensible, didn’t ask further. She extended her delicate fingers and drew on Xi Wei’s chest, smiling as she said, “No matter what difficulties arise, I will always be by your side, Master.”
Having been busy for so long, she was already a little tired and curled up on Xi Wei’s chest, falling into a deep sleep.
…
On the other side, Balner had swiftly gathered five thousand Golem Soldiers.
When he returned to the hall, twenty heavily armored Templar Knights were already waiting.
Balner recognized the leading Templar Knight, Burgertri, who had introduced him to the Winterbreaking Organization.
Before becoming a Templar Knight, Burgertri was just a hunter.
One stormy night, he was attacked by a monster and nearly died. Balner happened to pass by and saved him.
At that time, Balner had a sudden impulse and injected the hunter with an awakening agent.
Unexpectedly, the demi-human blood factors in the hunter’s awakening agent were highly compatible, and he directly became a Templar Knight.
His ability allowed him to transform into a tall werewolf, significantly increasing his resistance and strength. Four or five ordinary Great Knights would struggle to contend with him.
“Lord Balner.” Burgertri bowed to Balner.
Even though his current strength surpassed Balner’s, he remained humble, always grateful for Balner saving his life.
“It’s you, Burgertri. How have you been lately?” Balner smiled, a hint of pride flashing in his eyes.
“Thanks to you, my life has become much better.”
This was the truth. Although using his powers as a Templar Knight reduced his lifespan, the daily treatment for Templar Knights was truly excellent. Food, lodging, and everything else were provided. The Winterbreaking Organization even offered various women according to the Templar Knights’ preferences.
Balner glanced back at Nobody Does Human Things and pointed to Burgertri:
“See, this is a talented individual I recommended to become a Templar Knight. Nobody Does Human Things, you also have considerable talent. After this mission is completed, I will recommend you to the Lord.”
Nobody Does Human Things feigned a look of longing.
Inwardly, however, he scoffed. Who couldn’t make empty promises?
When he first arrived, the old wizard had said he would introduce him to the so-called “Lord” immediately, but now it was postponed until after the mission.
With everyone ready, they departed from Winterbreaking Fortress under Balner’s lead.
The massive fortress then retracted back into the spatial rift, completely vanishing from above the waterfall.
Just then, the mission system refreshed:
[Epic Quest: Clash with the Winterbreaking Organization has begun (Current Stage: Stage Four)]
[Quest Description: You have completely gained the trust of the Winterbreaking Organization and uncovered some of their secrets, such as that colossal Golem Factory, which seems to be backed by a massive power from the South Continent!]
[Mission Objective: Foil Balner’s plan to retrieve Winter standard equipment, kill all Golem Soldiers, and draw out the powerhouses behind the Winterbreaking Organization.]
[Mission Restrictions: None.]
[Note: As you are currently within the Winterbreaking Organization faction, you may choose to provide intelligence to Winter City, or continue to lie low.]
[Mission Rewards: 20,000 Experience Points, 10 Equipment Enhancement Scrolls, 3 Master-level Equipment Coupon, Rare Mount Acquisition Permission (probability based on contribution), Advancement Opportunity (probability-based).]
