Chapter 55 Chapter 55: The Storm Approaches
Chapter 55: The Storm Approaches
"Manfred, what is that person, no, that 'Behemoth', really after?"
"Your Highness, I do not know."
"Recently, I've searched through many ancient texts about 'Behemoths'. Yan once had a history of slaying Behemoths, which proves they are not invincible."
Tresize lowered his eyelids, making it difficult to discern his thoughts.
But who was Manfred? As the general closest to His Highness, he vaguely sensed some potentially unfavorable signs on Tresize's face.
"Your Highness, you couldn't possibly..."
"That's right, Manfred. We can't wait any longer. The Sarkaz can't wait any longer either. We cannot afford to wait."
His expression was stern. Tresize had finally found a good opportunity, a time when the nations of Terra had no time to pay attention to the Sarkaz.
The internal conflicts in Ursus were becoming increasingly acute, with army groups turning against each other and the new emperor yet to seize power.
The throne of Victoria was vacant, and years of accumulated filth had long since rotted this once-prosperous nation to its core.
Yan was overwhelmed dealing with the matter of the Sui Beasts and had no time to spare.
With neighboring countries all in such states, if he missed this opportunity, how many more centuries would he have to wait?
Whether he or Theresa won, this war must end as soon as possible while preserving most of the Sarkaz's strength.
It could not exceed three years at the latest.
If the Doctor's appearance was merely a weight tipping the scales in Theresa's favor, then Kevin was a massive hand that completely crushed the scales.
The conditions Theresa reached with him must have limitations; Tresize understood this deeply.
But,
"I have already ordered the First Army to march. The Confessarius will also accompany them... and the large-scale witchcraft devices targeting ice-type Originium Arts have all been brought along."
Was it a desperate gamble? Not exactly, but mobilizing such a large force—if they were completely annihilated, it would undoubtedly be a devastating blow to the Military Commission's side.
However, facing the so-called "Behemoth," he believed all these preparations were worth it.
Manfred looked at his lord in shock. Without a doubt, Tresize was making an unprecedented high-stakes gamble.
The First Army was the most regular and combat-effective force of the Military Commission. Even a single Ursus army group would likely struggle to gain an advantage against it.
"At that time, the Fifth Army will launch a full-scale offensive first. Note: it's not a feint. We need to lure that guy out. As for the task of dividing the battlefield... has His Majesty recovered?"
"Probably... yes?"
Manfred seemed very hesitant about this question because he couldn't say for sure. His Majesty clearly had been traumatized by that guy.
He had been holed up in his palace for several days without showing his face. Manfred was skeptical about his mental state.
"Forget it, I'll go find him myself later."
"Manfred, I entrust the command of the Fifth Army to you. Do not disappoint me again."
Meeting Tresize's gaze, Manfred gritted his teeth and responded earnestly:
"Yes! Your Highness!"
Who said only the Bloodfiend Majesty was traumatized?
——————
After extensive repairs by the Engineering Department, Rhodes Island was now barely operational.
Although it still looked like that bizarre mix of old and new, Closure had replaced all the systems on board.
While everyone was unsure if this would cause any issues and there were debates about whether it would lead to performance degradation,
all these disputes and doubts were shut down by Closure's words:
"First of all, as a mechanical construct, if it works, then we can talk about performance. If it doesn't work, it's just a pile of scrap metal. Do you want it? I'll sell it to you cheap."
Over time, with the tacit approval of Theresa, Kal'tsit, and others, Closure and the Engineering Department operators finally completed most of the modifications today, except for the outer shell. It was even ready for onboard tours.
"Come on, come on! The Closure sightseeing team is about to depart! Tourists at the back, keep up! Ticket price is 10 pence Victoria silver coins per person, no bargaining... Ahaha, just kidding, just kidding! Everyone, put your weapons down."
Closure held up a small flag like a proper tour guide, with a group of operators following behind her.
Theresa was even among them. She followed behind Closure with great interest. Unlike Kal'tsit and the Doctor, this was her first time observing Rhodes Island up close.
"This is the dormitory area. The clutter has been cleaned up. Recently, Closure's Shop is having a big sale! If you're short on bedding or other supplies, bulk purchases get discounts!"
While leading the way, Closure didn't forget to advertise her little shop.
Kevin, who was also in the group, called out to Theresa.
"Theresa, I will leave in a week."
"Hmm, Kevin, I knew this day would come."
Theresa wasn't particularly surprised. In fact, after Kevin finished his conversation with the Doctor, he had stayed at Babel for so long and even occasionally accepted W's invitations to participate in missions...
This itself was already beyond her expectations.
From the very beginning, Kevin had made his purpose clear. Although she hadn't probed his mind, Theresa sensed no deception from him.
"Pfft~ Speaking of which, Kal'tsit is probably still puzzled. Kevin only has a very simple goal."
Theresa seemed to recall something amusing and chuckled softly.
"But please be magnanimous. I hope you don't mind, Kevin. Kal'tsit's personality is just like that. She... um... is quite confident in her knowledge, so she occasionally becomes a bit obsessive when encountering things she can't understand."
"Omniscience is merely an arrogant delusion... Well then, so be it."
Kevin was merely informing her; he wasn't seeking Theresa's opinion.
Ever since signing that agreement, he had always had the freedom to leave at any time. Kevin had already stayed in Kazdel for quite a while.
He had even participated in the war here. He hadn't originally intended to get involved, but the vortex called war was too deep and alluring. The only thing he could guarantee was that all his actions were of his own volition.
Autonomy is also part of being human...
After Kevin left, Theresa lightly stepped forward to catch up with Closure's tour group.
"Your Highness?"
"Oh, it's nothing. Closure, you can continue leading the tour yourself. Don't mind me."
Closure glanced at her suspiciously; she felt like Her Highness was hiding something from her. But there was nothing she could do—she couldn't just go over and ask.
She could only continue leading the tour forward.
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