Chapter 69
The kingdom of Solnara Cererindu has been the center of wealth and transaction all over the region; many small kingdoms have made dealings with this massive walled kingdom. Unlike the other empires and kingdoms that hardly used their land and whose development stopped at the gates of their main capital, the kingdom of Solnara Cererindu is continuously expanding as more wealthy merchants donate and establish their warehouses and factories inside the districts, and industrial districts are being established with the biggest land mass.
The entire land that the kingdom of Solnara Cererindu has occupied is fifty percent of its current domain. The remaining were placed in places that were geographically challenging to inhabit, such as rugged mountains and barren land. And the small city of Lúthien, which is situated at the farthest land toward the west, is a vassal land state that sadly severed its ties with the main kingdom .
From the west district, where the mansion of Duchess Elleena Rothchester is located, traveling from that place and going out of the entire kingdom will last half a day, which is roughly a 40-mile radius.
The bustling Merchant's Kingdom was abuzz with activity as horses and carriages traversed the various roads. The central thoroughfare, the widest and most prominent, made its way straight to the heart of the city, the grand open center where most social gatherings and important announcements took place. At the very core stood an enormous, ancient mirror, its surface shimmering with an otherworldly glow. This was no ordinary mirror, for it possessed the incredible ability to receive broadcasts of images and moving pictures from far and wide.
According to legend, this amazing mirror was created by a once-disgraced craftsman who, thanks to his proficiency with the forge, had subsequently restored his family's honor. According to legend, the mirror itself possessed magical abilities, summoning these visual communications by responding to specific frequencies and archaic languages. However, how did it get such strength? The small, inanimate insects that appeared to be lodged in the crystal itself held the solution.
These transmitting insects, it was said, had been created through the embedding of magic within the flat crystal of the mirror. They were able to carry information and messages along the mirror's frequencies, allowing for rapid and private communication between those attuned to the device. This unusual method of communication had stirred up great interest and fascination among the populace. It was especially valuable for espionage and military operations, where secure channels of information were paramount.
Yet the mirror's power was not limitless. Despite being considered a Tier A1 artifact, it required vast amounts of mana to function, with its range curtailed by the distance it needed to span. Powerful high-tier spells could also interfere with its operation. Thus, while it was an incredible tool, its capabilities were somewhat limited. It was relegated to serving those who needed secure methods of communication, but only over shorter distances.
Still, for those operating in close proximity, the mirror remained an invaluable asset. Its secure channels provided a means of sending and receiving vital information, safe from prying eyes and ears. In a world where knowledge was power, this ancient artifact held the secrets of kings, and those who wielded its power held the keys to unlocking the very future itself.
The mirror's otherworldly properties had long been a subject of fascination for academics and collectors. Many sought to acquire such an item for their own use or simply to study and understand its ancient magic. Some whispered that if one could unlock the mirror's full potential, they could tap into the very fabric of reality itself. But for now, it remained a closely guarded secret, known only to a select few.
As the sun began to set over the Merchant's Kingdom, the mirror's glow seemed to intensify. It pulsed with a strange energy, as if beckoning in new information from across the land. Somewhere, in some distant corner of the world, a message was being sent—carried through the ether by these tiny magic-bearing insects—to appear upon the mirror's surface for all to behold. The wonder of this ancient technology was not lost on the common people, who watched in awe as moving images danced across the reflective surface.
Yet amidst the wonder, there was also a sense of unease. For if such a powerful tool could be created by human hands, what other secrets lay hidden just beyond their grasp? What other ancient magics could be unleashed upon the world? In a realm where magic was already a daily occurrence, the mirror served as a reminder that even greater powers might lie just over the horizon. And that thought, perhaps more than any other, was enough to send a shiver down the spines of even the bravest of men.
So the mirror remained, a constant presence at the heart of the city. A beacon of knowledge, of ancient mysteries waiting to be unraveled. And though the world may never fully understand its secrets, the magic it held was undeniable. For in a world where wonder was the currency of the realm, the mirror would forever hold a place as one of the most legendary and enigmatic artifacts known to man.
King Deryth Cererindur and his wife, Queen Nimriel Cererindur, and consorts Maisha Cohnal and Aranel Finrod are using their own influence to increase the kingdom's reach until it has occupied all of the usable land in Solnara, excluding the massive, towering dimensional gate that the gatekeepers reside in and have full authority over.
The merchant kingdom that was still expanding due to a large influx of traveling merchants would camp outside the very city's outer wall just to save money, as renting a lodge inside was expensive and would ruin their budget, as most of them came from far-away places like the north and the south.
The entire kingdom was once just a single body protected by a 50-meter-thick wall , but as thousands of people from another place migrated toward the merchant kingdom in search of better opportunities, the city had to expand its walls to accommodate the growing population. The merchant kingdom now had a diverse population from all corners of the land, each bringing their unique skills and goods to trade. From above, many flying cargo mention the shape of the kingdom is now like a lotus flower with 8 petals representing the upper districts and the sepal to be the lower district. These are smaller enclosed walls between the petal walls; there are two sepal lower districts.
And above the two types of districts is the stigma that is divided into two areas. The larger area is dedicated to the royal family, and the remaining smaller area was for the cathedral magical tower that is being governed and managed by the two powerful Arch Mages: the Crimson and the Azure Mage. These two places are known for their grandeur and extravagance, with towering spires and lush gardens adorning the landscape. The stigma district is also home to the royal palace, where the ruling monarch resides and governs the kingdom.
The cathedral magic tower dispersed around the eight districts branches that offer magic single-use scrolls and other magic upgrades and items, in addition to the main cathedral magic tower, where all skill upgrades and attribute increases are held and sold. As the Eye of God is located, this ancient and godly artifact is the source of the skill being sold by the tower.
It was a very impractical way to gain a skill, but the old gods never minded these as they just copied what was in the virtual game. It's like buying a high-powered gun over the counter without even needing a license or background check. If the buyer has enough gold to buy it , they can instantly gain the skill without any further requirements or restrictions.
This weird and odd unique system has made the head developer of the Arcane Crusade virtual game in the past ,only scratch his head , but even if it was a bit unorthodox, it proved to be effective in attracting players to the game.
Eventually , the old gods seemed to like the unconventional and somewhat sloppy, yet successful, methods for skill acquisition, seeking to enhance their abilities quickly and efficiently. The Eye of God's power was unmatched, making it a coveted item among players seeking to gain an advantage in the game.
Nevertheless, many players liked it because they saw it to be really easy, as many virtual rich players were able to gain high-tier spells without truly putting in much effort. This was the earning plan of the Nexus corporation that financed Damon Lazarus's game, but he and his team created a system that rewarded hard work and dedication, ensuring that players who put in the effort were the ones truly benefiting from their skills. The Eye of God may have been a shortcut, but true success in the game came from perseverance and determination. But many players like to brag about their high-tier magic spells, but that was in the past. When the tower became real, the awakened players did retain their skills, but their mana capacity can only increase in size if they gain experience points.
Many players with high-tier attack spells need to consume 50 thousand mana points , so having a small mana capacity requires them to hunt and obtain more experience points in order to increase their mana capacity. This creates a challenge for players who rely heavily on high-tier spells, as they must constantly work to improve their skills and abilities in order to succeed and survive inside the tower.
Since the gatekeepers won't let any gold into the tower floor, it is not accepted in the human realm. Additionally, it is useless to store and bring objects inside of magical artifacts like dimensional storage and magical weapons because they won't activate in the human realm.
But now obtaining gold is hard in real life. Earning gold by working in the tower is totally different from the virtual game. The players found out the hard way. As many of them were swallowed by their greed and lost everything in the process. Some ended up living in lower districts.
Sadly, turf and gang wars in the slum district began to happen. This was mainly due to players manipulating and forcing poor, impoverished people to join their gangs and earn gold illegally.
These players weren't interested in clearing the tower or eliminating the possible threat to the earth realm; they just focused on their own personal greed. And many criminal earth organizations have entered the first floor and established their base wherever they can. This caused a divide among the residents, leading to violence and unrest in the slum district.
The merchant kingdom of Solnara Cererindu was built on the foundation of blood and death, but when the younger generation used their minds rather than fear and intimidation, they conquered a medium-sized kingdom, and with thousands of warriors supporting the Cererindu,
Siblings, they were able to eliminate their uncle and take the kingdom in a different direction.
The only kingdom that focuses on business rather than waging war and territorial disputes
Under the rule of King Deryth Cererindur and his wife, Queen Nimriel Cererindur, and consorts Maisha Cohnal and Aranel Finrod. Who were his war supporters who made the transition possible? The vast kingdom filled with so many different organizations, different guilds, and various races live and roam the streets, hoping to earn more.
That is why Mary Kaye established just a small branch of her guild near the entrance of the Sepal district , just to gain information on what was happening in the merchant kingdom. Inner and outer walls
The High Strategy Guild members are known to be scholars and adventurers, and a supply merchant. They have a hard time taking on quests as they lack the manpower to actually hunt.
This guild was established to be the face of gathering knowledge and resources for those in need, for a price of course, as well as providing a safe haven for those seeking information and guidance in the bustling city. Mary Kaye's strategic placement of her guild near the entrance of the Sepal district allows for easy access to valuable information and resources for both members and non-members alike.
Their main base is hidden away from prying eyes, and considering what they just accomplished in the evolved drake, it was a smart decision to not remain at the merchant kingdom's influence and reach, as many criminal organizations have been targeting them in the past. Mary Kayer looked innocent, but among the Lazarus, she is the most cunning and resourceful of them all.
As she acts like a clumsy and easygoing person, she is always staying one step ahead of their enemies. With her guild's reputation for getting the job done discreetly and efficiently, it's no wonder they are sought after for their services in the city.
As the two reached the main exit gate of the kingdom, it was already midday, and the weather was windy, and many travelers who lacked money were already setting up camps outside the capital wall. Charlotte asked Mary Kaye concerning their request toward their uncle and aunt at the South Lazarus Guild about their participation in the Empire of Graves quest. Mary Kaye nodded and told Charlotte the letter would reach the south four days from now; she paid the pixie messenger twice the gold. Just to rush the delivery. Charlotte thanked Mary Kaye for her help, and they continued on their journey, eager to hear back from their relatives about their reaction and hopefully supportive response to their biggest upcoming quest.
The horses Charlotte and Mary Kay weren't normal; they were war mounts. These creatures were bread for war and were known for their speed and endurance in battle. As they exited the main wall , merchants that had limited resources were allowed to set up temporary camps outside as a way to supplement their income. As the two passed the campsite and headed toward the direction of the East Lazarus Guild, they sensed they were being followed. The two just took an annoying deep sigh, as they hated this constant feeling of being watched. Their instincts were heightened as they continued on their journey, wary of any potential threats lurking in the shadows.
The land outside the merchant kingdom wall was open and filled with patches of small forest where the soil is fertile. These tiny areas where trees thrive are protected as mythical creatures live in these small areas. The landscape outside the protective wall is different, like any typical landmass. It was created to resemble what humans typically see in their own rural backyards and farmland.
Darkness is the greatest danger to a traveler, and the roads were now uneven and rugged. It appeared to be around 4 p.m., and the sun was now slowly setting behind the horizon, casting long shadows across the land. The merchant kingdom's wall stood tall and imposing, a stark contrast to the peaceful and natural beauty beyond its borders.
Likewise, at the same moment, at last, Duchess Elleena Rothchester completed reading the letter from Wrenla Bouldergrove. It never occurred to her that the letter had nothing to do with the two players who came to see her. According to their response, they thought the letter she heard contained the same details as the one they got.
The message Duchess Elleena got was more of an invitation to support her husband's campaign to hire more skilled workers to earn money to support their families. The message was clear, but she still thinks there is something more to the letter that she needs to uncover. As she pondered over the straightforward contents of the letter, Duchess Elleena couldn't shake off the feeling that there was a hidden message waiting to be discovered. But this was Dane's plan in the first place: to be straightforward with the request and let the situation unfold naturally and without burden. Dane pointed out, based on the gathered details about the Duchess's current action, she was being cautious and suspicious.
As the person or group that orchestrated the kidnapping and death of her husband is still active, she feels they are just watching her actions, and his assumptions were correct. Dane pointed out their plan should come naturally and not use underhanded tactics, as he sees it to be counterproductive in gaining the duchess's trust. He emphasized the importance of patience and transparency in their approach to avoid further escalating the situation.
In the same manner, Dane was hoping to fulfill his promise to the Aspidochelone turtle and get a sufficient answer to clear the Duchess Elleena quest. while Dane was in his Netherborn form, the six ogres were still attacking Dane viciously, but because the six didn't train in a coordinated attack, some received wounds from their own allies. This allowed Dane to eventually overpower them one attack at a time.
The ogre attack pattern was rough and very predictable; their fighting skills were based on hunting wild animals. Unlike Dane, he was trained by his own mother, and Miyako doesn't hesitate; all her strikes are fatal, and she just stops her blows inches away from his neck or body. Even at a very young age of twelve, he never cried nor got emotional. The cuts and wounds he got from the training were so intense a normal person should have died ten times over.
He was relentless and calculating, every mistake and forcing his mind and body to adjust, pushing himself to the brink of exhaustion in order to become the perfect student. His inhuman resolve, discipline, and focus set him apart from others. This young man named Dane demonstrated a unique and impressive fighting style - tactical, strategic, and calculated. Even when confronted by ferocious dire wolves and ogres, his movements were fluid and precise.
"You six are just using raw force to fight; the foundation of your skills is poor," Dane remarked coolly as he faced off against the towering ogres. They snarled and advanced on him with brute strength, but Dane remained unfazed. "You six can never defeat me in an open battle."
The ogres scoffed at his bold claim, but Dane's unshakable confidence made them pause. "I got wounded a few months ago while inside the cursed forest," he explained matter-of-factly. "Those dire wolves were more cunning and actually learned to use their surroundings to wound me. Here inside the gorge, you all haven't learned anything from your previous hunts and fights."
As if to prove his point, a female ogre using a bow let loose a volley of arrows in Dane's direction. Without even thinking, she fired wildly, not considering that the arrows would hit one of her own clan in the process. Sadly, an arrow has a single trajectory. Dane just calmly moved and used his nimble footwork to stay away from the deadly projectiles.
At the same time, he smoothly drew his gun blade, and like a shovel, he plowed soil and rocks under his foot and directly into the path of the incoming arrows. And as the arrows clattered harmlessly to the ground, Dane activated multiple fire bullets as he swung his blade in a circular twisting motion.
The ogres were caught off guard by his unexpected counterattack, throwing them into chaos and disarray. As the smoke grenades detonated and the bullets flew, Dane never exposed his back as he continued to move, running, dodging, and strategically delivering a kick here, a punch there, and a light stab to the ogres' nonfatal parts.
Dane saw potential in these ogres; they were really good at fighting. Under the right training, they could become even better warriors. The ogre couldn't understand why their enemy was moving in this manner though; they knew it would take a toll on his stamina, but it seemed they were mistaken - they were the ones who were catching their breath.
The small wounds and bleeding cuts Dane gave them were beginning to slow the ogres down, showing that his strategy was working. As the ogres started to tire, their attacks and movements growing sluggish, Dane saw an opportunity to end the fight quickly and decisively.