Alive

After inspecting the war front.

Mel knew there was no way to open up a second battlefield now. The war against the demon race alone was already close to dragging the country down.

As long as the war had not ended, resources would need to be continuously invested. The massive wartime expenditure was detrimental to the country's recovery.

Compared to the human faction, the demon race did not require enormous logistical support. Aside from pure-blooded demons and mixed-blood monster breeds, most monsters did not have such high food requirements. Monsters could slaughter one another, use their own kind as food, and even eat humans.

As long as the Demon King remained alive, armies of monsters would continue to emerge and recover again after every period of time.

For the time being, all Mel could do was restore production, wipe out scattered rebel forces and bandits, and restore domestic commerce—especially the sea route to the Volcanic Country and trade with Gard.

He returned to Hess City to discuss the matter with everyone.

"Mel, if we want to restore trade with Gard, it probably won't be easy. We took the pass, and Gard is exposed to our military edge. They won't give up so easily," Claire offered her opinion.

"We can't simply abandon the territory we've already occupied either."

Right now, it was as if Exar had placed a sword directly against Gard's throat. Whether and when to swing it depended entirely on Exar.

Under such circumstances, if not for the immense pressure brought by the Demon King's army on the front line, the two nations would likely have already gone to war.

The pressure at the front prevented the Gard Empire from redeploying its soldiers back home.

Mel wanted to take the opportunity to continue advancing north, but according to Saik's