Undercurrents

The Dawn Guard, after rushing through the North Territory for about ten days, finally arrived at the outskirts of Ugalamar. Looking at the winding, rugged mountains in the distance, Aurelion reined in his White Scale Horse and stopped.

"Stop, we'll camp here for today. Set up our tents."

As Aurelion gave the order, the accompanying Dawn Guard quickly dismounted and began setting up the camp in an orderly fashion. Aurelion, meanwhile, gently nudged his White Scale Horse and continued forward at a leisurely pace.

Noticing the messy tracks on the ground, he asked his attendant who had followed him, "Are the sentinels from Baiman City still following us?"

"Yes, my lord. Do you want me to drive them away?"

Aurelion dismounted and sat down on a nearby rock.

"No, he's worked hard enough. Once dinner is ready, send a portion over to him."

"Yes, my lord."

Seeing Aurelion wave his hand, the attendant retreated.

Meanwhile, in Baiman City.

"Kevin! Kevin!"

Count Mori waved his hand in front of Count Havent, who was zoning out during the meeting.

Snapping back to attention, Count Havent turned his head to look.

"What is it? Hadawei?"

Seeing his friend, who had been frequently distracted since Havent left, Count Mori helplessly touched his forehead.

"Kevin, are you thinking about little Vent again? Don't worry, he'll be fine. He's so smart."

Listening to Count Mori's comforting words, Count Havent nodded, then turned his gaze to the map hanging on the wall.

"The messenger soldier should be nearing the Imperial Capital by now. Hadawei, I hope your judgment is correct."

At this point, several noble lords who had received their tasks had already left the conference room, leaving only the two Counts holding the highest authority in the North Territory.

Count Mori, exuding an air of fatigue, took small sips of honey wine. The sparse hair on his head seemed even more noticeable under the glow of the magic crystal lamp.

"Levin has sent us a message requesting reinforcements. There's an unknown force harassing them outside the town, and his 800 Golden Bear Cavalry have already suffered more than half their losses. If reinforcements don't arrive soon, he'll have to abandon the equipment and flee for his life.

Furthermore, according to reports from the sentinels, the Dawn Guard has reached the outskirts of Ugalamar and is continuing to advance slowly.

Marquis Charlton sent word that our reconnaissance cavalry have discovered a large number of orc wolf riders about a hundred kilometers from the Armor Defense Line. The Mountain Third Heavy Swordsmen are currently unable to deploy, so only the White Lion Second Legion can be spared to assist us in clearing up the issues within our territory."

Count Havent listened to his old friend's words in silence, but the distorted silver wine cup indicated that the powerful Count was not at peace.

"Send the White Lion Second Legion directly to Falling Leaf Town to support Count Levin. We cannot afford to lose this batch of equipment under any circumstances."

At this point, Count Havent paused noticeably, gathering his thoughts before continuing.

"After our scouting parties have cleared the area, we've found over thirty thousand ghouls in seven territories. If we consolidate our existing forces, it should take about two months to clear them out with some effort.

And...

And I believe the North Territory needs to break some rules. I plan to have Solis contact the 'Platinum Tower.' We will accept the Mage Association's establishment here."

Count Mori was a bit surprised by his old friend's words. He put down his wine cup and asked doubtfully, "Are you sure, Kevin? While Solis is a good person, those mages aren't exactly the best sort. They're always messing with strange things, and it causes unrest in the territory."

Count Havent smiled as if recalling something.

"It's not that bad, really. According to Havent, the mages just make a lot of mistakes during their exploration of the world. Besides digging up corpses and sewing together different kinds of magical beast bodies, they often blow up houses and are quite expensive...

Uh~ In general, we need a fresh infusion of talent to enable us to resist the encroachment of external forces. The mage guilds are a good choice. If we can establish effective cooperation, it will greatly benefit the situation in the North Territory."

Count Mori looked at his old friend, who was speaking passionately, and smiled.

"Kevin, it seems the Hailan Family has produced a very good heir. Little Vent's understanding of the situation and his political acumen are truly sharp. Speaking of which, have you considered letting your son get to know my daughter?"

This time, Count Havent didn't evade his old friend's question.

"As you know, it's unlikely. His Majesty needs a united North Territory that obeys him, not a unified North Territory. If that were the case, His Majesty would be worried about us, not the Church."

After hearing his old friend's words, Count Mori let out a long sigh. Clearly, Count Havent was right.

Dawn Guard Camp.

After dinner, Aurelion was meditating on a cushion when a voice called from outside the tent.

"My lord, there's a message from Saint Helerid that requires your attention."

Aurelion slowly opened his eyes, a glint flashing in his amber irises.

"Come in."

As Vandersa, clad in mithril armor, lifted the tent flap and entered, Aurelion had already returned to his seat at the head of the table.

"My lord, this is from Saint Helerid, delivered by the Flying Eagle Holy Knights of the Light Sentinel. They are still waiting outside."

Hearing Vandersa's words, Aurelion's slender eyebrows twitched.

"Give me the letter."

Vandersa respectfully handed the letter over with both hands, then stepped back a few paces and stood at attention, awaiting further orders.

Aurelion took the letter. The front of the envelope depicted a sun with a human face that covered the entire surface. As sacred light flared in Aurelion's hand, the sun on the envelope seemed to melt away, vanishing from the cover.

[For Aurelion's Eyes Only

May the Eternal Sun always shine upon you, and Amanata will guide your path~

Regarding the transmissions from the North Territory, Kanra has already provided a detailed report...

-------Ursanus Corona]

Vandersa watched his leader's expression darken after reading the letter and cautiously asked, "Sir? What's wrong?"

A white flame ignited in Aurelion's hand, and the letter instantly turned to ash within the fire.

"Send word. The Dawn Guard will advance at full speed tomorrow and intercept the Church of Death in the mountains of Ugalamar."

"Yes, sir. Have we decided to exterminate these heretics? Do you require me to arrange for a holy ritual in advance?"

Having destroyed the letter, Aurelion rested his hands on his chin, leaning over the table in thought. After a moment, he slowly said, "No, just prepare for an interception. The objective is to drive the Church of Death back into the North Territory."

With that, to Vandersa's shocked gaze, he took out a scroll, quickly wrote a few characters, and then bit his index finger, pressing it onto the scroll.

"Have the Flying Eagle Holy Knights take this back."