Chapter 393
"I thought you would have guessed it, Your Great Lord."
"Don't think that just because His Highness favors you, I won't dare to touch you. If there's a next time, I'll put your tongue in Crystal Casket as a gift from Banshee."
Perhaps because the mask concealed his facial expression, Salus seemed completely unafraid of his opponent.
"Neither His Highness nor the King of Scavengers will like your plan, Your Great Lord. How about this, as compensation for the lack of intelligence this time, I will suggest to His Highness that the task of hunting down the Exotic Demon King be given to you."
"Ha, Manfred failed as expected. I told you, he's a soft-hearted coward."
The Blood Demon Great Lord had come specifically for the matter of the King of Scavengers. Hearing the Confessors mention it, he casually steered the conversation back on track:
"Your His Highness, the Scavenger Army outside the city has yet to enter Londinium. The areas it was originally responsible for are now a mixed bag, and those with ulterior motives are stirring. I suggest that I take charge of managing these areas."
Salus snorted coldly and bluntly stated:
"Come on, do you want to manage these citizens, or do you want them to serve as nourishment for your bloodline?"
"What's the difference between me and the King of Scavengers? In the end, we both become nourishment for the Sarkaz. It's just that I'll make their deaths more meaningful."
That's enough.
Hearing their endless argument, Theresis rebuked them and gave them an order:
"If the King of Corruption returns before six o'clock tomorrow morning, immediately notify him to come see me. If he does not return, the Defense Zone under his jurisdiction will be handed over to the Great Lord."
The Blood Demon Great Lord was very satisfied with the reply and bowed slightly to Regent Theresis:
"As you wish, Your His Highness. I will wait until six o'clock tomorrow morning to take over the Defense Zone. Also, I accept the mission to capture the Exotic Demon King."
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Kal'tsit and Misery piloted their land vehicle to the outer wall area of Londinium.
To enter the city, they could only go through various border crossings. However, they saw that several entrances along the way were tightly closed, which gave the two a sense of foreboding.
Kal'tsit first tried to contact Amiya, but for some reason, communication failed. The engineer Closure followed her into the city, and currently, no one could be found to perform repairs.
She then opted for a less ideal solution, contacting Logos, who were waiting in the Outer District Londinium. She then drove the lander to a secluded spot, turned off the lights, and waited quietly.
Even before Logos arrived at the scene, Broca, who was following closely behind, had been chasing the taillights and tire tracks, so he hadn't fallen too far behind.
Knowing his advice was futile, Broca decided to stay and protect the two. The Rhodes Island This Ship was already far enough away that they were less likely to encounter danger.
Kal'tsit glanced sideways but didn't say anything. Mon3tr, usually the most aggressive and snarling dog, was now cowering like a big black dog. It knew perfectly well who it could mess with and who it couldn't.
Half an hour later, Logos arrived at the designated location.
He didn't recognize Broca and immediately went on alert upon seeing the burly man.
Even without Doctor Kal'tsit's introduction, Logos had already guessed the other party's identity.
That massive size, that overwhelming presence, and that iconic Antler Helmet... it must be Wendigo, a member of the Sarkaz Ten Royal Courts like myself!
Logos first sized Broca, then shifted his gaze to Kal'tsit. Seeing that she didn't show any particular emotion, he deduced that she was a friend, not an enemy.
"Doctor Kal'tsit, what brings you here? Just give me any task you need."
With outsiders present, Kal'tsit was unwilling to explain further. She simply stated it in one sentence, getting straight to the point:
"I have something very important to discuss with the Doctor. Do you know where he and Amiya went?"
Logos offer limited information, shakes head
"Doctor Kal'tsit, I'm not too sure about that. But they're with Crownslayer, so they'll probably be deep in the Central Urban Area. You could try contacting the Doctor on the Walkie-Talkie to confirm their location."
"I've tried, but it didn't work. Now you'll come with me into the city to meet up with the Doctor and Amiya."
"Yes."
Upon learning that the entrance gate was closed, Logos led the three to an outer wall. He lifted the Wooden Board that were being used as cover, revealing a large, dark hole underneath.
The three jumped down one after another, and when Broca landed, it made a loud noise.
Seeing this, Kal'tsit looked hesitant and ultimately said nothing. If saying something can't change the outcome, then it's best not to say it.
The four people walked along the underground pipe and, after reaching the end, went down the stairs to the ground.
The Outer District of Londinium are inhabited by slum dwellers, and the underground pipes are far fewer than in the Mid-level District.
The group walked through the deserted Long Street and headed towards the Sardien District under the yellowish lights.
Logos is the current Mistress of Banshees; although a rare male, he is incredibly agile. Misery possesses Space-Time Ability and is equally fast. Even Kal'tsit, with her ordinary human physique, can easily evade simple sentry posts by running.
The Broca enormous, and its gait resembled the movement of a small hill, producing a dull sound.
No matter how careful the three of them were, such a commotion would still give them away.
Finally, Kal'tsit could no longer tolerate it and warned:
"Could you please not follow me?"
"No, my mission is to protect you."
Broca's answer was very straightforward:
"No need to worry about encountering Sarkaz. I'll take care of anyone who blocks my way."
Seeing that he wouldn't listen at all, Kal'tsit knew that further words were useless, so she simply shut her mouth. Following Logos's pace, she quickened her pace and walked forward.
The Sarkaz in the Outer District and Mid-level District, following Manfred's orders, abandoned their strongholds and returned to defend the Central City District.
This resulted in no one patrolling the streets of the Outer District, and only a few local residents could be seen wandering around occasionally.
Kal'tsit hadn't seen Sarkaz along the way, and curiously asked:
Where are the garrison troops here?
Logos had been stationed in the Outer District and had no further information about the Mid-level District and Central Urban Area:
"I don't know. They suddenly started retreating into the city in the afternoon. The specific reason needs to be verified."
As they approached the Sardien District, Broca sensed danger lurking in the shadows. He looked closely but couldn't see anything.
"Wait a minute, there's an ambush."
Broca threw a horn-shaped rock directly at the suspicious spot.
Ascalon, Rhodes Island's top assassin, was hiding in the shadows. He didn't move an inch even when he saw the large rock fall nearby.
Unexpectedly, the next second, Ascalon's body uncontrollably attacked the stone, instantly exposing his entire figure to everyone's view.
What the hell is this thing?!
Seeing Broca gripping his Rock Spear, poised to throw it, Kal'tsit quickly intervened to stop him, preventing him from harming Ascalon.
This shot is no joke.
"Don't hurt him, he's one of our own."
Once Broca, Ascalon to stand before the group:
"Doctor Kal'tsit, who is this...?"
"Well, you can think of them as bodyguards. What I want to know is, what's the situation in the city right now? Why haven't we seen Sarkaz along the way?"
When Ascalon escaped from The Shard Building, he discovered that people in the Mid-level District were gathering in the Central Urban Area.
Later, when he sneaked into the Mid-level District, he happened to witness the City Defense Cannon bombarding the Residential Area.
At first, Ascalon thought that these Sarkaz were targeting him, but he later found out that they weren't.
He suspected they were bombing the Doctor, so he searched back and forth in the Mid-level District, but unfortunately found no clues. He had no choice but to retreat to the Outer District and try to contact his This Ship.
Ascalon recounted his experiences to everyone present. He had attempted to explore the Underground Core of the Shard Building, but was discovered by the Confessors.
"Now, not only the Sardien District, but the entire Mid-level District of Londinium is in danger. Who knows which Sarkaz commander might suddenly go mad and raze the entire Residential Area to the ground with the City Defense Cannon."
Kal'tsit has lived for tens of thousands of years; she's not easily frightened. Knowing there's danger, she'll still go:
"The Doctor and Amiya may have already penetrated deep into the Central City District. You will come with me to ensure the Doctor's safety is not compromised."
"Yes, Doctor Kal'tsit."
With Ascalon's return, the five-man squad successfully entered the territory of the Sardien District.
Despite their small number, this group includes two leaders of the Ten Royal Courts. They could even escape unscathed from the City Defense Army of thousands.
The Sarkaz City Defense Army in the Mid-level District did indeed withdraw as ordered by Manfred. However, they deployed several drones to search for Rhodes Island and capture the assassin who escaped from the Shard Building.
No matter how fast Kal'tsit and her group are, they will still be photographed. After all, this squad includes Broca, whose massive size makes them easy targets.
Noticing the drone hovering overhead, Broca had no intention of shooting it down. He'd already taken the photos; shooting it down now would be pointless.
Moreover, although he entered Londinium under the guise of protecting Kal'tsit and Misery, Broca actually had other intentions.
If members of the Royal Court Army came looking for him, that would be ideal. He wanted to discuss the future of Sarkaz with them, and even with Regent Theresis.
Although Broca did not know the extent of the Sarkaz's military strength in the city, it would be quite difficult for them to fight against the entire Victoria on their own.
A few years ago, he might have agreed with the idea of 'War to Support War'. Kazdel, ravaged by war, had no choice but to wait for its demise.
But things are different now.
In Liyue City, Broca discovered a New Path he had never imagined: a path of peaceful development without invasion.
Gazing at the pitch-black night, the Cyclops' prophecy about the Wendigo tribe suddenly flashed through his mind.
"I see cities ravaged and devastated. I see Originium scattered across the land. I see you, crowned with Black Crown, turning countless lives into memories. I see the Demon King, enslaving all races."
The prophecy foretells that the Pureblood Wendigo will die at the hands of the Demon King. Currently, there are only two Demon Kings: the Exotic Demon King Amiya, and the Regent Theresis.
Broca had a strong premonition that he might perish on this trip to Londinium. But he hoped to do everything in his power to change the prophecy, alter fate, and lead the entire Sarkaz race onto the right path.
June 23, 9:02 pm
After the third door of the Secret Passage opened, the group followed the passage forward and finally discovered light.
A young woman with short silver hair, dressed in a magnificent military uniform, stood at the Passage Entrance.
Vigna noticed that she was being stared at, and knew that the woman was coming for her, so she asked warily:
"Who are you?"
"Alda Cumberland".
The woman's smile was like a spring breeze as she extended her hand to shake hands with Crownslayer.
"If you find the name hard to remember, you can call me Adele. I am a friend of Clovicia, the head of the Londinium Citizens' Self-Rescue Army in the Oktriug District. I just received her message and guessed that you would take this route, so I waited for you here in advance."
"Cumberland, Cumberland."
Vigna murmured the name, finding it very familiar. After a moment's thought, she quickly remembered:
"Noble Cumberland! If I may be so bold as to ask, what is your relationship with the Duke Cumberland?"
"I am the daughter of the Duke Cumberland. At that time, my family was besieged, and only my Butler and I escaped."
Shi Lei has a basic understanding of Terra History, and he can now readily quote anecdotes from various countries.
"Noble Cumberland" refers to Cumberland's well-known loyalty to the Aslan Royal Family. This honorific title praises their unwavering commitment to integrity.
26 years ago, in 1072.
At that time, Victoria was under a period of 'Dual Monarchy', with Aska and Dolak ruling together.
Victorian Emperor, then known as the 'Lion King,' was murdered by other Duke who supported the Dolak Royal Family.
The Cumberland family, who openly pledged allegiance to Aslan, were naturally implicated and faced annihilation.
Various history books claim that no one from the Cumberland family survived. Now, however, a Cumberland family bloodline has stepped forward, a stark contrast to those claims.
A fleeting hint of melancholy flashed in Alda's eyes as she spoke of her identity. It was unclear whether it was regret over her family's destruction or something else entirely.
"Actually, I was just a child when my father passed away. After every fencing competition, he would always rub my face with his sweaty beard. More than 20 years have passed, and this is the only memory I have left."
As a descendant of the Lion King, Vigna felt deeply guilty about the affairs of the Cumberland family. Although it was a matter of a later generation, she still felt she had a share of responsibility.
Seeing that Crownslayer seemed hesitant to speak, Alda, as if knowing what she was thinking, comforted her:
"My father embarked on the only right path in his mind for the sake of his ideals. I admire him very much, which is why I am here."