Chapter 401 - 279: Meeting (2)

If that Balrog Flame Demon was really that strong, how could White Bone Fortress have held out this long with just Damon and his pack of scumbags? It would have been breached ages ago.

"Ahem. The creature really is a Legendary Powerhouse in the Abyss. Our world can’t yet accommodate a being of that level, so it had to suppress its strength to the Epic level to pass through the Space Channel. Still, it’s extremely troublesome and must be taken seriously," Bodoff said with a smile after clearing his throat twice.

In fact, the reason Solon Bai’en had remained in his Mage Tower ever since ascending to the Legendary level was because even though the Magic Tide had arrived and Elemental Power was surging, the world was still unsuitable for Legendary Powerhouses.

He could only manage to move by staying inside his Mage Tower.

"Tch!"

A chorus of disdainful scoffs immediately filled the tent. Everyone thoroughly despised Bodoff’s tactic of using a shocking gimmick for dramatic effect.

Just like a certain someone.

"’It’s actually quite reasonable when you think about it. You can’t raise a Giant Dragon in shallow water,’ Levi mumbled a saying none of them had ever heard, but they were already used to this.

"’Exactly! The few fish in a little river wouldn’t even be a mouthful for me,’ Sophia immediately nodded in heartfelt agreement.

"’If it were just the Balrog Flame Demon, we’d have a chance of holding it back with help from Her Highness Saintess and Lord Lancelot.’ Bodoff shook his head. ’But it’s attended by seven or eight succubi. It lives a life of such debauchery that this old man can’t even bear to watch. There’s simply no way to lure it away. And while those creatures’ Martial Arts are a complete mess, they are all proficient in various kinds of Magic, making them a real pain to deal with.’"

"’Damn, a bunch of hussies who only know how to cling to the powerful!’ the Lord drooled with envy, yet spat the words out with a straight face.

"’And after our surprise attack, they’re probably guarding the Space Channel even more tightly now.’ Bodoff laid his Magic Staff across his knees, stroking the Magic Stone on it. ’However, now that we have you with us, Your Excellency Levi, I don’t think they’re unbeatable. This is a rare opportunity to make a name for yourself in the history books and become a hero.’"

"’Master Bodoff, you overestimate me. I’m just a countryside lord. This is a job for someone more capable,’ the Lord said, shaking his head repeatedly. He then played dumb, lowering his head to gaze at Heather’s perfect, long legs beside him as if they were embroidered with flowers.

’Though I consider myself very strong, I’ve never truly faced a Legendary Powerhouse. I’m not some reckless hothead who would rush off to test the enemy’s strength just for the empty promise of a hero’s title.’

’Whether I could win or not is another matter entirely. If I rush in recklessly without knowing their true strength, I won’t even see my own death coming.’

’Every move I make might seem reckless, but in reality, I only strike when I’m certain my opponent is no match for me.’

’Simply put: play it safe, don’t get cocky, and wait until I have a clear picture.’

Just then, the sunlight at the tent’s entrance was blocked as a silhouette stepped inside.

"’I trust my appearance at this moment won’t disturb the mood of your little tea party,’ Fujero said in perfect Common Tongue, displaying the impeccable manners of a proper nobleman.

’This guy has already interrupted us, but he still has to put on that whole fake, noble act.’

"’Haven’t seen you in a few days, Old Fu. Your noble air is getting stronger,’ the Lord said sarcastically, tossing an apple to him.

"’When you’re surrounded by a group of nobles who strictly adhere to etiquette every day, the slightest mistake can lead to a lecture.’ Fujero wasn’t angry; he caught the apple and took a big bite. ’Even a pig would be taught to be meticulous.’"

Here in the High Cliff Castle camp, he completely let loose. He had an air of laziness and casualness about him, without the slightest bit of pretension.

He originally came from a small merchant family—one could even say he was a commoner. He was discovered by the old general because of his excellent Talent and had been with the Thorn Corps ever since.

After the old general passed away, his outstanding Talent was recognized by Fulina, and he naturally became the Legion Commander of the Thorn Corps.

Not long ago, he was ennobled as the Baron of Maple Leaf Lake. Before that, the names other nobles called him in private were not very pleasant.

In reality, he disliked such disingenuous things, but he had no choice but to learn them in order to deal with the other nobles.

"’Why bother with them? Just live how you want to live,’ the Lord said dismissively. ’I doubt they’re going to eat you.’"

’Take me, for example. I used to be notorious among those nobles. In private, they called me a backwater Baron, a crude Barbarian who was only fit to marry some farmer’s barefoot daughter.’

’But ever since I marched south and effortlessly took Kalia Town, captured Admiral Cross alive, breached Kolon City, and accomplished one great feat after another...’

’...my reputation did a complete one-eighty. My lack of etiquette was reframed as being unconventional, and my crude language was seen as friendly and down-to-earth.’

’Suddenly, it felt like I was surrounded by a bunch of nice guys, with none of the ostracism I faced before.’

Fujero shook his head, not dwelling on the topic.

’I can’t compare myself to the Marquis of High Cliff Castle. I only got my title by riding his coattails.’

’That’s why I always feel like my title wasn’t properly earned, and I can never really hold my head high about it.’

"’I came to inform you that you’re to attend a pre-battle meeting. The rest of the reinforcements just arrived, and everyone is preparing to discuss how to resolve the Demon problem once and for all,’ Fujero stated his purpose for coming.

Since Andao’s death, he was the only one in the Northern Territory on good enough terms with this Lord to act as a messenger.

The man was now an Honorary Marquis; sending a common messenger would seem disrespectful, so it was more appropriate for him to come himself.

"’Got it,’ Levi said with a wave of his hand.

Besides the Griffin Knight Order that had arrived earlier, the King had since dispatched fifty thousand soldiers from Gonda. The Duke of the East had gathered a dozen or so nobles to form a support force of sixty thousand soldiers. The Western Territory, pressed by its own border issues, only provided a certain amount of supplies.

Nearly three hundred thousand soldiers were now gathered here. Just assigning them to encampments was a massive challenge, but thankfully, Fulina was an experienced veteran and had prepared for this in advance. Thus, the reinforcements were able to settle in easily upon arrival.

Due to the sheer number of people, a warehouse built from white birch trees was tidied up and repurposed as the new legion command headquarters. It was surrounded by wooden plank walls, and other than being sturdy and able to withstand the wind, the exterior had no extra decorations.

The Lord led Bodoff and Fatir over to the meeting. His current reputation was already thunderous throughout the Northern Border Corps, and the Silver Armored Long Halberd Soldiers guarding the entrance quickly saluted him respectfully. "My Lord, Duke Fulina and the others are already inside."

"Lord!"

Just as Levi was about to step into the building, a voice called out from behind him.

"’I didn’t expect to see you here,’ a thin young man with a sinister face said, forcing a smile as he walked over with small steps from a distance.

’Uhh... who is this guy?’

Levi put on an awkward yet polite smile. "Please forgive my poor memory. And you are?"

"’Lord, my name is Bodun Debei. We met last time in Mislin Land.’ Bodun’s smile didn’t falter, and he remained very courteous.

"’The illegitimate son who became the heir after his brother died? I know you.’ Upon hearing his name, Levi immediately lost interest. ’I hope you’ll bring prosperity and well-being to the people of Terror Castle, rather than relying on despicable methods like flaying to maintain your rule.’"

’And here I thought it was some big shot from the Royal City. Turns out it’s just another scumbag.’

To be honest, Levi felt nothing but disdain for this family. It had nothing to do with politics; he simply looked down on them.

A family that relied on flaying and various tortures to maintain its rule and uphold its dignity was truly beneath contempt.

Although the freemen living under other nobles were also heavily exploited, they could at least get by with enough to eat and had some guarantee of safety.

But it was said that the farmers living in Terror Castle prayed every day that they wouldn’t run into anyone from the Debei family.

Because if one of them was merely in a bad mood, they might be seized, flayed, and tortured just to satisfy some inner urge.