In Terra, I Have No Books Left to Read

"Your Majesty," he bowed. "A Shapeshifter delivered a message. Kazimierz and Ursus have gone to war."

Theresica couldn't help but feel surprised. While he had anticipated another war between Ursus and Kazimierz, this revenge was too swift. Had it only been a little over a month since the ceasefire? Was the Kazimierz army not in need of reorganization and resupply? Or did they possess such terrifying mobilization capabilities?

"What's the situation?"

"Ursus's army has been defeated."

The King of the Scavengers said, "The death of the old Ursus emperor dealt a severe blow to Ursus's morale. The soldiers' attacks are no longer as fierce as before. However, the overall advantage still lies with Ursus. They still occupy a considerable amount of Kazimierz territory, and the final outcome of the war is still uncertain."

"That's good too. We can continue to make money from Ursus."

Theresica felt that this tsunami was quite fortunate. It hadn't affected Kazdel's Originium production, and Terra had medical Originium Arts. If an Arts Master discovered someone under the rubble, they could immediately begin using these Originium Arts to sustain the lives of those trapped until they could be rescued.

With the assistance of this special ability, the Sarkaz's personnel losses were actually not very significant and were within an acceptable range.

"However, the Shapeshifter also specifically asked me to inform you that some of our transport ships carrying Originium to Ursus have had sightings of Kuranta people around the anchorage."

"Have you confirmed this with Ursus?"

"Ursus responded that they were Ursus's Kuranta tribesmen."

"Oh, that's good, but we still need to maintain vigilance."

Theresica emphasized that the trade route between Kazdel and Ursus was currently an important supply line for Ursus. He didn't care if the Kuranta attacked Ursus, but they absolutely must not affect Kazdel's earnings.

"Your Majesty, I think the current transport tasks can be fully handed over to Ursus. This way, even if something goes wrong, Ursus will be solely responsible."

"Hmm... alright."

Theresica approved the King of the Scavengers' suggestion. Kazdel and Kazimierz were separated by nearly a third of Terra, and they had no old grudges. The possibility of them causing trouble here was extremely small. As for what happened outside... that was Ursus's problem.

"Ah, the Chieftain and Your Majesty are both here."

An Absolver entered the tent. She removed her mask, revealing herself to be the woman named Salus, who had accompanied him to Victoria last time.

"Your Majesty, the wave height data near the coast has been analyzed. The possibility of a second wave is zero."

"Is that so? That's truly wonderful news."

Theresica breathed a sigh of relief. Although the army's settlement points were set up in safe zones, there were still a large number of Sarkaz Arts Masters and medical personnel working in the dangerous areas affected by the disaster. If they suffered any losses, it would be a significant blow to Kazdel.

"However, we also discovered something strange, and we hope Your Majesty can come and take a look."

Theresica was also curious about what the Absolver had discovered that required him to personally inspect it.

"The... thing you discovered?"

He looked forward in surprise. It wasn't an object at all, but a person!

"Apologies, Your Majesty. We couldn't identify any racial characteristics on her, so I used the term 'object'."

Salus bowed slightly in apology. "The wave height observation team found her on the beach. Seeing that she was still breathing, they brought her back. However, the doctors are unsure of her race, so they chose to use medical Originium Arts to supply her with nutrients."

Theresica moved closer. The woman lying on the sickbed indeed had no familiar racial characteristics.

She had no horns on her head, no tail behind her, her ears didn't resemble the beast ears of Terra, and her exposed skin had no carapace. She was exceptionally tall, almost as tall as an adult male Sarkaz, and her attire... it was more fitting to call it a formal gown than clothing.

Who on earth was this person?

Theresica looked at Salus in confusion, but she suddenly drew the blade by her side. A cold glint flashed past him, striking directly behind him.

"Your Majesty, please step back."

Theresica immediately took a step back, and only then did he see what was behind him.

The woman had woken up and seemed to be reaching forward, but Salus's sword stopped her, pressing against her neck.

I was careless. I shouldn't have wandered off. Shining stayed in Kazdel today to treat the patients.

Facing the blade just inches away, the woman showed no sign of panic. She calmly lowered her hand.

"I am truly grateful for your assistance, but I believe our current actions may be due to some misunderstanding. I have no intention of bleeding here."

PS: Please vote for me!!!!!

PS2: I have exams coming up soon, with practical reports and revision. My update schedule may not be stable. I apologize for any inconvenience!!!

Chapter 40: Seaborn

After specifically questioning the oldest Sarkaz, the leader of the Absolvers, and the Bloodfiend Grand Duke, Theresica finally managed to ascertain the identity of the lady before him.

She was a citizen of the Sea Kingdom of Aegir. In the distant past, the Sarkaz had had contact with Aegir for a period of time.

"My knowledge is not extensive, and the existence of a Sea Kingdom is truly beyond my imagination."

"The erosion of time is irresistible. You confirmed my identity without asking me, and I pay my respects to you and your race."

Gladiia's every move perfectly adhered to the requirements of etiquette. Looking at her attire, Theresica felt that it was a symbol of status and upbringing anywhere, certainly not someone pulled from the street.

Moreover, this woman's physical strength was very high. If he were to observe her physical strength, Theresica found that in his eyes, this woman would become a person who had lost her 'texture map' and was only a single color. This was the first time he had seen such a thing, as even the Absolvers and the Bloodfiend Grand Duke had vulnerable parts.

A person with status and position, who also possessed the physical strength of a warrior, why would she be lying on the beach?

A simple dining table had been set up in the command tent. Theresica felt that the atmosphere would be more relaxed in this situation.

"Ms. Gladiia, how did you end up lying on the beach? Was it because of today's tsunami?"

"You are correct, it was the waves of this tsunami that brought me ashore, but the destructive power of this tsunami has not yet been fully unleashed."

"Can I learn the full picture from you?"

"Of course. As the leader of this region, your excellent patience makes me feel fortunate."

After a small compliment, Gladiia said, "A disaster is brewing in the ocean. The Seaborn, a species with astonishing learning and adaptation abilities, are expanding their population in the ocean and harming other races."

"Seaborn... are they highly intelligent life forms?"

Theresica asked, but this caused Gladiia's brow to twitch slightly. "This is the first time I've heard the word you just used from someone outside of Aegir. It surprises me."

"Is that so? What a coincidence."

Theresica replied evasively. This was based on his middle school biology knowledge that humans were the only highly intelligent life forms on Earth. Hearing Gladiia say it was a disaster in the ocean, he thought it was an opponent that could fight with sea dwellers, and subconsciously treated them as beings similar to humans.

"There is a misunderstanding in our communication. If you confirm it yourself, you will have a more accurate understanding."

As Gladiia spoke, she stood up. Various sounds then arose from outside the tent, among which the whistle of soldiers assembling was particularly urgent.

"You can sense them?"

Theresica looked at her in surprise. Gladiia took off her hat and bowed gracefully.

"These filthy things, even a hint of them nearby can set my nerves on edge."

On the sea, several Sarkaz drones hovered in the air, and the scenes displayed before them were continuously transmitted backward.

At the command center of the First Experimental Division, Theresica saw on the screen a not-so-small island slowly approaching the coastline of Kazdel.

"Report! It has no territorial certification information, but its outer hull is engraved with the emblem of Iberia. It is expected to reach the coastline in 7 days."

After hearing the reconnaissance report from the Machinist, everyone present couldn't help but show a hint of confusion on their faces.

On Terra, only Iberia could build mobile cities at sea. Whether they had markings or not, everyone knew it was their territory. But the Sarkaz had never had contact with the Iberians. They had always kept to themselves, so what were they trying to do today?

"If it has no territorial certification information, will our drones approaching it cause a diplomatic incident?"

Theresica asked cautiously. The country of Iberia was separated from Kazdel by Laterano, but it was not a force to be trifled with. Its economic prosperity was widely spread throughout Terra.

At this moment, Gladiia's figure quietly appeared in everyone's sight. She bowed calmly and elegantly, "Its name is Saltwind City. All the equipment on this isolated island lost its functionality a month ago. According to the rules on land, you can go and ask if it needs help."

Inside the command center, the clan leaders silently activated their Originium Arts, casting vigilant glances at the woman who had suddenly appeared. Theresica quickly raised his hand to stop them and ordered.

"The drones will enter the airspace above the city to observe."

The drones hovering over the sea suddenly began to fly forward. They skimmed over the sea and soon arrived above the city. The full appearance of this mobile city in the ocean was displayed in the command center.

In the gray-white city, the Iberians had lifeless faces. They wandered aimlessly through the streets like zombies, or rummaged through collapsed ruins. On the other edge of the city, one area was completely destroyed.

"Did the Seaborn do this to the city?"

"Land dwellers were also involved. Some ignorant people worship the Seaborn as gods and guide the Seaborn to invade their homeland."

Gladiia said, "However, there are still some Iberian Inquisitors in Saltwind City. They attacked the swarming Seaborn, which then caused this tsunami, and I was unfortunately caught in it."

A cult?

Theresica suddenly remembered that Iberia, like Laterano, was a theocracy.

"Your Majesty, they've noticed us."

The Machinist suddenly shouted. On the screen, it could be seen that the Iberians on the ground were excitedly opening their arms to the sky. However, there were a few people holding weapons and wearing unified uniforms who looked over with solemn expressions.

"Send down a communication device. I want to talk to them."

Theresica instructed, "Call Mostima. I need to submit a diplomatic letter to Iberia."

After making all the arrangements, Theresica stood in front of Gladiia. He looked up at the exceptionally tall woman.

"You said you could sense them. Does that mean there are still Seaborn left in this Saltwind City?"

"Yes."

"I want to know, after this city reaches the coastline, what will be the most serious consequence?"

"They will notice this place and come ashore again."

Gladiia's voice sent a chill down his spine. "They have no emotions, no pain. They only know survival and reproduction."

PS: Tomorrow at 6:40 AM, I have a nucleic acid test and two consecutive exams...

Chapter 41: Aegir: Leave Me Alone

The letter sent to Iberia was delivered by Mostima, but Iberia's response was unusually swift.

Mostima had not yet returned to Iberia, but Iberia had already used long-distance communication to send its diplomatic letter to Siracusa, which was then delivered to Kazdel by an ordinary Calamity Messenger.

'Oh, my dear friend, I will visit you soon. Please do not make any announcements or prepare any welcoming. Let there be a little more surprise, shall we? Thank you.'

This was the content of the letter, signed by Carmen.

This did not look like a diplomatic letter at all, yet it was indeed sealed with wax in the shape of the Iberian national emblem.

After reading it several times and not being able to discern any deep meaning, Theresica had no choice but to set it aside and deal with the immediate matters.

After learning about the existence of the Seaborn from Gladiia, Theresica had designated the entire coastal area of Kazdel as a military zone, prohibiting entry to ordinary civilians. The Sarkaz residents who originally lived there were all relocated to live around Kazdel. The planning committee had prepared a full set of daily necessities for them, as well as a temporary tent for each family. Construction of permanent housing had already begun.

After learning about the Kazdel National Planning Committee, Gladiia commented, "It's a peculiar social model, unlike anything in Aegir or the rest of the continent. It seems dull and monotonous, yet it ensures the survival of the entire group."

"I will do my best to make him better," Theresica said. He had been staying with Gladiia these past few days. Gladiia learned about Kazdel through him, while he learned about the Seaborn and other things he didn't know through her.

To counter the threat of the Seaborn, Aegir established the Abyssal Hunter units to fight them, and Gladiia was the captain of one of these teams.

Aegir had been fighting the Seaborn for a long time. They initially used powerful weapons against the Seaborn, but the Seaborn quickly optimized their weaknesses during combat, adapted to Aegir's weapons, and became increasingly stronger.

After repeated verification, Aegir concluded that a method to eliminate the Seaborn without causing them to evolve was to use the simplest cold weapons and kill them cleanly before they noticed, thus completely avoiding the activation of the Seaborn's adaptation mechanism.

"So, the Sarkaz's current backwardness in weaponry is actually quite fitting."

Theresica chuckled self-deprecatingly.

"Not quite. The real key to dealing with the Seaborn is to ensure that no Seaborn that survives a high-tech weapon attack returns to their group and triggers the adaptation mechanism," Gladiia explained. "The reason for using cold weapons is that even if some escape under these circumstances, the Seaborn will not optimize themselves."

Understanding the key to dealing with the Seaborn, Theresica immediately summoned the leader of the Absolvers, the chieftain of the Banshees, and the King of the Scavengers. The group began searching through the long history of the Sarkaz for combat techniques that could counter the characteristics of the Seaborn.

These individuals were living history of the Sarkaz. After a brief search, they all pointed to a continuously cast field spell.

'Soul Erosion.'

"Your Majesty, since the lady beside you said that the Seaborn can quickly adapt to our fighting methods, then we simply don't need to fight them," the Absolver said. "Within the influence of this spell, the enemy's vitality will be continuously drained by us. They will become powerless and, in their weakened state, unknowingly meet their death."

"Why have I rarely seen this spell mentioned in books?" Theresica asked, confused. If something was useful, it should be widely known. How could it be buried in this sea of books?

"Your Majesty, it is not a spell directly used for combat. Its effect on humans takes a very long time. Moreover, it is a field spell that requires constructing nodes on the ground. Not only is it restricted by terrain, but it also requires personnel to protect it, making it a very conspicuous target. However, the current enemy is non-human..."