Chapter 407
Shortly after, Doctor Kal'tsit came out.
Seeing that towering figure, as tall as a small mountain, she put her hands in her pockets and remained silent.
Finally, it was Broca broke the deadlock, politely greeting:
"Lady Kal'tsit, it's been a long time."
Thousands of years ago, Kal'tsit led the Sarkaz race, then known as the 'Tiracaz,' to become the most powerful race on the Terra. She also spearheaded the rapid development of their civilization and technology, earning them the exclusive title of lord.
She later lost the Demon King Power and was reborn after death.
More than two hundred years ago, he led Allied Forces of nations in a war against the Sarkaz, driving them back to Kazdel.
In the eyes of many Sarkaz, Kal'tsit was both a hero and a traitor.
Opinions about her are mixed, depending entirely on individual perspectives.
Kal'tsit didn't speak, because a pungent smell of rotten apples suddenly filled the deck.
An Old Man with unusual features greeted the two politely.
"The Last Wendigo, and Lady Kal'tsit, I never expected to see you both at the same time."
Kal'tsit stared at the Old Man, sensing the stench of decay emanating from the filthy bandages:
"It has been a long time since I have seen the Ancient Sarkaz Royal Court roam the land. What is it that compels you to set foot in this City-State, King of Scavengers?"
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Chapter 485 From Arrogance to Obsequiousness (Bonus Chapter)
The King of Scavengers grinned, and if it weren't for the stench of decay emanating from him, he would really look like a retired old man.
"Lord Kal'tsit, don't be so nervous. Just think of me as someone visiting an old friend."
Kal'tsit snorted coldly, her eyes looking extremely unfriendly. Anyone who has known her for a long time knows that she rarely treats outsiders this way.
Unless, of course, the other party has threatened the Doctor, directly or indirectly, putting him in a very dangerous situation:
"On the day she was killed, I saw a figure outside the ship—it looked just like you. I initially thought the royal court had already made its choice, which is why it stood idly by while this despicable assassination attempt occurred. But the information I've gathered over the years proves that the truth is quite different."
The 'she' mentioned by Kal'tsit is Theresa, one of the founders of the Babel and a former Empress Theresia.
At that time, Regent Theresis sent assassins to kill Theresia. This also severely injured the Doctor, who was the strategist of the Babel. In the end, she had no choice but to be placed in the Stone Coffin in Chernobyl to repair her body.
In other words, if it weren't for the intervention of the Sarkaz Royal Court, the Doctor would likely have lost his life.
This is absolutely intolerable for AMA-10, which is doing everything in its power to protect the remnants of Pre-Civilization.
The King of Scavengers quickly understood what she was talking about and chuckled:
"Lord Kal'tsit, then and now, the Scavengers' choice remains the same. We are Sarkaz, and we are loyal only to the Sarkaz. Not to thrones and crowns, or any ancient sorcery."
Over the years, I have devoured the flesh and blood of countless enemies and witnessed the fall of Sarkaz heroes on numerous occasions. Some died by the blades of powerful foes, while others perished at the hands of assassins. Even being betrayed by one's best friend was a common occurrence.
Given your current status, you are probably not qualified to judge the choices of Scavengers. Besides, I've come to catch up with this old friend, so I hope you won't bother me."
At this point, the King of Scavengers extended his withered arm, reeking of rotting flesh. He earnestly extended an invitation to the last pure-blooded Wendigo in the world:
"Since you disappeared into the icy plains of Northern Ursus, everyone in the royal court has missed you dearly. Come, follow me to Londinium to see the King of Sarkaz. I believe His Highness will be overjoyed at your arrival."
Broca hearing this, unaffected by the other party's words. His voice, emanating from his Antler Helmet, had an ethereal quality, as if shrouded in a veil:
"When I was fighting Demons in the North, why didn't you think of me? When I was leading the guerrillas in hiding, why didn't you think of me? When the Rhodes Island I once joined disbanded, why didn't you think of me? Did you only start thinking about me when I became stronger? Heh, what cheap longing you have."
The King of Scavengers twitched his lips, feeling somewhat embarrassed, but didn't lash out on the spot.
"At that time, the royal court was embroiled in a civil war that had lasted for years, and they simply couldn't extricate themselves. I know these past years have been difficult for you, but who has had it easy? We're like buildings that've been built and then demolished, rebuilt time and time again on the ruins. Fortunately, these days of hardship are coming to an end. Our king has found a completely new path, a path that will allow the Sarkaz to stand up again!"
Hearing the other party's impassioned tone, Broca felt not even the slightest ripple in his heart:
"But what does this have to do with me?"
The King of Scavengers knew he harbored resentment, but his current state did not suggest submission to the royal court.
"Huh? Of course not! You are a member of the Ten Royal Courts, a bloodline determined from birth. Do you not wish to embrace the king, but instead intend to escape in a more despicable way?"
"I did not run away."
The vents in Broca's helmet made a whooshing sound, as if he were trying his best to suppress his anger:
"And you've got one thing wrong."
"Oh?"
"That is your king, not mine."
The King of Scavengers narrowed his eyes upon hearing this, somewhat incredulous that he would utter such a statement.
"What do you mean? Do you intend to abandon the noble bloodline of the Ten Royal Courts and instead serve another master?"
Broca paused for a moment before giving an affirmative reply to his old friend:
"That's right. I've already exhausted my entire tribe in the Far North Land to fight against the Demons. The Wendigo lineage will be completely wiped out in my hands. I owe you nothing in the past, and I owe you nothing now."
My king has saved me from danger countless times. He not only provided me with supplies and granted me abilities, but also built a home where I can live and thrive. If the Sarkaz have a future, he is that future."
"Hehehehehe..."
Upon hearing the last sentence, the King of Scavengers let out a sinister laugh:
"The future? All that talk cannot conceal the fact that you betrayed the Ten Royal Courts! I will relay your reply to our king later."
"Now that I have severed ties with the Ten Royal Courts, there is no question of betrayal. Just wait, you will eventually meet him. The King never intended to be a leader, but as long as he is willing to fight, I will follow him."
"Okay, okay, okay."
The King of Scavengers clapped his hands and said "good" three times in a row, then looked behind Kal'tsit:
"The lone Confessors, come forth. If I insist on attacking, you will surely draw your sword, won't you? I won't be able to stop you unless that sword is fully drawn."
"..."
Upon being discovered, Shining emerged from the shadows. Holding a longsword, she stood before Doctor Kal'tsit, her intentions quite clear.
"I've known the Confessors for centuries, but I never expected you to come to the side of that Xenolithic Heir. Can you truly bear the consequences of disobeying the king?"
Shining pondered for a moment, then replied:
"This has nothing to do with whether I can bear it; I was born with those sins."
"Not bad, neither humble nor arrogant. You're more interesting than that masked junior from Londinium. However, you still lack a bit of experience. Is that young Great Female Demon who refused the royal court's summons still on the ship? If he's here, your chances of winning will increase."
Kal'tsit did not give a direct answer because the answer concerned the deployment of Operator and could not be revealed casually.
Seeing that she remained silent, the King of Scavengers did not press further but instead changed the subject:
"Lord Kal'tsit, let me ask you this: Is this raft built upon the remains of a colossal ancient artifact the exiled palace of Demon King, Xenolithic Heir?"
Amiya's Demon King Power was bestowed upon her by Empress Theresia before her death. Because she is Casters Clan, she is referred to by the Sarkaz as the Xenolithic Heir.
"We have never called ourselves Demon King, not even when the Empress was still alive."
Upon hearing this, the King of Scavengers scoffed and said:
"The Xenolithic Heir have led you to Londinium, what's there to be ashamed of?"
When faced with something important, Kal'tsit abandoned her Kal'tsit's Speech and firmly denied it with a resolute gaze:
"It's not that we dare not, it's that we never have the courage. We don't want the war to escalate, nor do we want any more unnecessary sacrifices. You and the Victorians have already shed enough blood."
"Heh heh heh, how laughable. A weakling from Xenolithic Heir doesn't even dare to claim the title of king dares to dream of stopping this war and saving the Sarkaz?"
Kal'tsit knew that this King of Scavengers, who had lived for thousands of years, was an arrogant old man like the other Royal Court Member, and he spoke without any mercy:
"Why don't you learn from your many defeats? I have a little doubt about whether you can bring victory to the Sarkaz."
"Presumptuous!"
These words struck him like a needle piercing a sore spot, causing the King of Scavengers to raise his voice sharply. He had participated in most of the Sarkaz's battles against external threats, but the final results were not so pleasant. In the context of war, an individual's influence becomes extremely insignificant.
Seeing the tense atmosphere, Broca suddenly unleashed a tremendous pressure. This was a technique he had learned from Shi Lei to conceal his aura; he had intended to communicate properly with the King of Scavengers, but he hadn't expected the king to be so arrogant.
"You're the one who's being insolent!"
The immense pressure caused everyone present to tremble. Not only Kal'tsit and Shining, but even the King of Scavengers felt his body trembling uncontrollably.
"Wendigo, I have not questioned Lord Kal'tsit's statement. As I said at the beginning, I am speaking to you as an old friend. Since you have chosen a new master and are no longer willing to serve the royal court, I will relay this truthfully to the King. Farewell."
The arrogance of the King of Scavengers vanished instantly; he quickly ended the conversation and slipped away.
His arrogant attitude followed by obsequious behavior was laughable.
Seeing that Broca still standing in place, showing no intention of pursuing, Shining asked:
Are you just going to let him go like that?
She felt that if she chased after them, there was a very high probability that she could either capture them or severely injure them. This would reduce the pressure on the teams entering the city.
"Yes, the mission I've been assigned to is to protect This Ship and its Operator. Pursuit isn't my responsibility; leave that to you, sir."
Seeing that Shining didn't ask any more questions, Kal'tsit spoke up:
"You told me before that you still had some unresolved matters with the Confessors. You said you would decide whether to stay or leave when you met again. So, what is your choice...?"
The King of Sarkaz is here, and so is the Confessors. This time, Shining is unwilling to run away again:
"Doctor Kal'tsit, Liz and I are preparing to enter Londinium and will be leaving soon. We have had a peaceful and fulfilling three years on Rhodes Island, and we are truly grateful."
"Looks like you've made up your mind?"
Shining nodded and solemnly replied:
"Doctor Kal'tsit, if we stay here, it will bring disaster and misfortune. If Rhodes Island ever falls into crisis, we will be there."
Although Broca didn't know what the other party was carrying, he still chimed in:
"If you're afraid of getting into trouble, come to Liyue City. With the adults here, no one can hurt you."
Kal'tsit was utterly speechless upon hearing this. Is poaching people this direct now? Like this, going all out right in front of you?
June 23, 0:10 pm
The Shard, Londinim-Sadion district.
A Sarkaz Soldier handed the bombardment data from the Secondary Cannon of the City Defense Cannon to the Confessors Leader. After quickly reviewing it, the leader nodded in satisfaction.
"Not bad, at least some results have been achieved."
"Should we report this to His Highness?"
"No need, these matters are all under His Highness's control. To gain the Royal Court's approval, Manfred needs more substantial achievements."
Smooth use of the Secondary Cannon is only the first step. Tell him later that His Highness doesn't need the unimportant plots of land in the city. If data on artillery firepower is lacking, try bombarding a few Residential Area to see the effect. He..."
Seeing that the Confessors Leader had suddenly fallen silent, Sarkaz raised his head slightly and asked cautiously:
What's wrong with you?
The masked Confessors Leader ignored him and instead looked towards a shadowy spot in the hall:
"It's quite surprising that you managed to break through layers of guards and infiltrate here. But if it's you, it's barely acceptable. I remember you swore allegiance to the Xenolithic Heir, Ascalon. Are you here because she also came to Londinium?"
The light and shadow in the hall shifted slightly with the candlelight, but no one could be seen.
"You talk too much nonsense."
"Heh, that's because you gave me a chance to speak. Your control over shadows is so skillful that I can't detect it immediately. If you want to make a move, why don't you get closer to me?"
The Confessors Leader placed his hands behind his back, ignoring the soldiers who were looking around in confusion.
"Stop hiding, come down and let's have a go."
"I admit, you're much better than the others."
The Confessors Leader smiled knowingly, staring at the shadows as he began his analysis:
"So, that's why you haven't made a move? Or is it that you have something more to gain? Do you think the life of a Confessors isn't worth exposing yourself? But the problem is, you've already exposed yourself, so why don't you show yourself?"
The sound echoed in the hall, but there was no response.
The Confessors Leader remained silent for a long time before confirming that the other party had left. He then instructed his soldiers:
"Immediately inform His Highness that Ascalon and the Xenolithic Heir should have entered the city. Tell him to be on guard. Also, instruct the City Defense Army to seal off the Sardien District and Trenfield District and impose temporary military control."