A Person on Terra, Out of Books: Chapter 38

And among the surrounding nations, Kazimierz, with some strength, had just suffered a major setback in Kazdel and was still vying with Ursus. Laterano was a neutral country that didn't get involved, and Siracusa wasn't even considered within the scope of the war.

This current situation immediately gave the nobles of Leithanien a feeling of a 'territory' buffet.

Territory basically equated to power, and the desire to expand territory instantly permeated everyone's minds. The Witch King expressed no opposition. He used the nobles' desires to harass Victoria's borders, create friction at the border with Kazimierz, and show deterrence to Siracusa.

This series of actions made the Electors a little scared. They weren't afraid of going to war with one surrounding country, but provoking so many people at once was simply too insane.

"That you would show cowardice is quite surprising to me."

The Witch King, who was flipping through books, placed a hand on his staff, and the Electors immediately cowered. He said casually, "I can distinguish that our current actions are merely a cover."

"Then, what is your objective?"

"Siracusa. That land was originally Leithanien's over a hundred years ago, and we can quickly reclaim it for Leithanien's territory."

"Then why are you sending our Infected towards the deserts around Kazdel, bribing refugees, and targeting the Sarkaz? This will cause unnecessary conflict."

Leithanien had allied with Kazdel for a period, and the Electors were well aware that Kazdel possessed many peculiar methods. Even if they didn't directly clash with the Sarkaz, the identity of the mastermind wouldn't remain hidden for long.

"Sarkaz... you are all aware of how closely these filthy people have been interacting with Siracusa recently. They trade with Siracusa, provide weapons, and even help them establish schools. Siracusa has also specifically obtained Oripathy containment medicine for the Sarkaz from Columbia."

The Witch King's expression became more and more distorted as he spoke, as if something had been defiled. "Do you know, just the day before yesterday, my informant noticed Sarkaz soldiers entering Siracusa."

Without giving the Electors a chance to interject, the Witch King continued, "This may hinder our reclamation of Siracusa. Since the Sarkaz have offended many by acting as dogs for Ursus and Yan, let them taste the bitter fruits of their own actions. Also, all of you, immediately count all your slave laborers."

"What do you need them for?" the Electors tried to ask.

"Containing the Sarkaz will consume a batch of Infected beforehand, and we will also need to prepare for battle with Siracusa. We need to replenish the deficit, otherwise, our Arts power will be affected."

The Witch King casually decided the fate of a group of people. This approach made even the Electors, who prided themselves on their noble bloodlines, feel a bit uncomfortable.

"Great Witch King, turning so many slave laborers into Infected, I'm afraid..."

Before this Elector could finish his sentence, he saw the Witch King's staff glow with the power of Originium Arts, and visible Originium energy flowed around him.

"Do you wish to defy me?"

"No, no, no..."

He was so terrified he didn't dare to breathe, and all the Electors retreated.

Chapter 78: Foreign Legion

"Your Majesty, a Leithanian Infected was found among those desert refugees. We deliberately left him aside. This person knows how to escape using Originium Arts."

The Absolvers were highly efficient; they had already identified the culprits who attacked the airship. "The Leithanian military gave him a crystal that seals Originium Arts and ordered him to come here to attack a Kazdel airship."

"Hmm, I see."

Theresica nodded, but merely identifying the culprit was useless. Leithanien would certainly not claim responsibility, and they had not directly declared war on Kazdel.

Now, how should this be handled? Leithanien hadn't sent any troops either. They had the Infected hide among the desert refugees and attack Kazdel's soft underbelly, which was almost a direct copy of the tactic Kazdel used against Kazimierz.

Should they carry out a crackdown? Desert refugees and bandits were essentially indistinguishable. If a real fight broke out, it would be impossible to tell them apart. Moreover, attacking one would stir up a hornet's nest. They already had a mess of unresolved issues from before. If Kazdel got involved again, trade would become truly difficult.

Should they use the same method to annoy the other party? Leithanien's scale was far greater than Kazdel's. A few desert bandits wouldn't affect them at all.

Should they ignore it? What if it affected Ursus and Yan? Kazdel was the closest one! Who knows who those two thugs would cause trouble for!

Ah! This is so annoying!

Theresica covered his face in pain. Had he played too much for the past decade, and now he had to face the consequences?

"Manfred, what's the current situation with Kazdel's forces?"

"Your Majesty... please take a look."

Manfred's expression was a little off. Theresica quickly took the document and glanced at it, then was stunned.

It had been some time since the battle with Kazimierz, and they hadn't replenished any soldiers?!

"What is going on?"

"Your Majesty, it's simply impossible to replenish them."

Manfred wore a bitter expression. Apart from active soldiers and the weak and infirm who lacked strength, everyone in Kazdel had been mobilized for production work. There wasn't a single idle person. If the army needed to recruit, they would have to pull people from the production units. However, the tasks of each production department were not light, and everyone was reluctant to let their subordinates leave their posts.

Theresica looked around at everyone and could guess the situation. Long-term external wars had led to a decline in the Sarkaz population, but then a civil war followed, which dealt another heavy blow to the Sarkaz population.

He pondered for a moment, "Can the airships fly higher?"

"No problem, but it might affect transportation efficiency somewhat."

"It doesn't matter, as long as it's safer."

Theresica waved at Zeppelin. The most important thing was not to affect Ursus and Yan.

"The cavalry will have to work harder and escort the airships more often. If they see suspicious individuals, they should try to drive them away first without causing too much conflict."

He didn't really want to commit troops to this kind of task. This could basically be considered a policing operation. If a force fought for too long, they would be worn down. Earth had examples of this.

But would this be effective? At best, it would only increase the difficulty for Leithanien.

Theresica stood up from his seat and paced back and forth, thinking...

"Banshee, immediately send a message through Ursus to the outside world, saying that Kazdel is forming a Foreign Legion. Regardless of whether they are Infected or not, anyone with combat experience is welcome! Kazdel will provide free Oripathy containment medicine to these warriors and their immediate families!"

Since the Sarkaz couldn't spare people to fight this policing war, they would let people from other countries do it!

"Your Majesty, outsiders are not to be trusted."

The Banshee frowned, still shaken by Theresia's situation. "Bringing aliens into the Sarkaz combat ranks, I fear..."

"It's fine, we'll recruit 5,000 people. Make sure there are no Sarkaz markings. That way, the bandits won't just target us for revenge."

Theresica looked at everyone present and said, "Besides recruiting the Foreign Legion, starting today, we will also provide assistance to the refugees in the wilderness. Genuine, tangible help. Send some much-needed salt and clothing. We can also organize doctors to treat them, provide them with essential medicines, and even a bit of Oripathy suppressants."

"Your Majesty, what are you doing?"

Manfred was confused. Weren't they just recruiting the Foreign Legion? Why were they giving things to those people now? Even suppressants!

"This is far from Leithanien. The desert refugees around here are, in a way, our neighbors. If we build good relations, perhaps they'll help us identify Leithanians. Who knows, maybe we'll even have fewer bandits."

The Royal Court clan leaders exchanged glances. The Blood Demon Great Lord, who usually favored fighting, was absent today. He had no interest in things like bandits.

"It's a bit naive, perhaps, but let's try. If we do this and the desert people still don't appreciate it, we can always do a thorough cleanup, and no one will have grounds to criticize us."

Hearing Theresica's words, everyone expressed their obedience.

"As you command!"

Kazdel's news of recruiting the Foreign Legion was released through Ursus, but there was no significant reaction. However, that was in the ordinary world. Among the infected of various nations, this brief message had already stirred up a storm.

Upon hearing that not only soldiers would receive Oripathy suppressants but also their direct relatives, a large number of retired soldiers from Ursus and Columbia rushed over. They had contracted Oripathy during the war, lacked the funds for treatment, and were discriminated against everywhere.

While preparing the Foreign Legion, Kazdel did not stop its aid efforts.

Under Warfarin's leadership, Kazdel's doctors arrived among the desert refugees. Taking only a few symbolic items as travel expenses, they began treating people in the refugee settlements.

For those with external injuries, Sarkaz doctors bandaged them. For the sick, Sarkaz doctors prescribed medicine, with anti-inflammatory drugs, deworming medication, and various other pharmaceuticals readily available. Especially when they presented Oripathy suppressants to the infected children of the settlements, the entire community was in an uproar.

"You... you're really willing to give them to us..."

The parents of the infected children looked at the medicine bottles with longing in their eyes, yet they hesitated to approach, a little fearful. Although the people sent by Sarkaz were doctors, many of them were more robust than the warriors in the refugee settlements.

To completely dispel their doubts, Warfarin opened a bottle in front of them and took a pill herself.

"This is a safe medicine. Call all the infected children over."

The children, in their innocent confusion, watched as a small white pill was placed in their hands by a group of people in white coats, while their parents expressed profuse thanks, with some even kneeling.

Within a single morning, the scene before them changed dramatically. The Sarkaz doctors found themselves somewhat bewildered in the settlement, surrounded by refugees. However, every face was beaming with smiles, as if the people here had forgotten their Fiend identity. Even the children dared to play around them.

Chapter 79: Light of Terra

The mobile city of Ursus, Chernobog.

Kal'tsit walked out of a research institute with a natural demeanor. Although she wasn't wearing the local uniform, she still managed to exchange smiles and greetings with those she passed.

She looked like an ordinary woman leaving work. She walked to the roadside, opened the passenger door of a private car, and got in.

"How is it, Ms. Kal'tsit?"

Scout, sitting in the driver's seat, asked.

"The Coffin's operational status is normal, you don't need to worry. Drive, let's head back to Rhodes Island's office."

After speaking, Kal'tsit fastened her seatbelt, lay back on the seat, and closed her eyes.

She had been truly exhausted lately. Rhodes Island was transforming into a pharmaceutical company covering all of Terra, specializing in targeted treatment for Oripathy. She needed to collect information on the differences between various countries and races, then categorize and summarize this information, and design drug plans.

Countless matters occupied Kal'tsit. The travel time was her rare opportunity to rest.

"Yo, Kal'tsit's back."

As the car pulled up in front of the Rhodes Island office, Outcast's voice could already be heard.

"Kal'tsit, you haven't eaten yet, have you? Come have something first."

"No, I still need to organize some patient records. I'll eat later..."

Kal'tsit was about to refuse, but Outcast cut off her unfinished words.

"Something you're interested in has arrived. It just got here. Besides, wouldn't it save more time to eat while looking at this?"

"...Alright."

Hearing Kal'tsit's response, Outcast smiled, knowing Kal'tsit's habits.

Kal'tsit entered the office. Dinner was already laid out, steaming hot as if just taken from the pot. Beside the tableware, several newspapers were placed.

These were international newspapers from Ursus, specializing in foreign events. Outcast had already skimmed them. She had specifically picked out the reports concerning Kazdel and Leithanien that Kal'tsit would want to see, with slips of paper filled with characters attached beside them.

Rhodes Island had its own offices in both Kazdel and Leithanien. The day after Leithanien began making subtle moves, Kal'tsit had indeed found out.

She instructed the people at the office to keep a close eye on the exchanges between Kazdel and Leithanien and to report to her at all times.

[Screech—]

The sharp sound of a chair scraping against the floor echoed. Scout and the other staff members turned their heads, only to see Kal'tsit abruptly stand up, her face filled with astonishment. Everyone was curious, but Outcast, standing nearby, remained calm and composed, as if she had anticipated Kal'tsit's reaction.

'What is going on here?'

Kal'tsit considered herself to be the most well-informed person on Terra, yet such a thing had never happened on this land before!

Kazdel recruiting the Foreign Legion and promising free Oripathy suppressants to participating soldiers was understandable. It was merely hiring mercenaries at a high price to do some dirty work for Kazdel.

But what followed was somewhat out of character.

Theresica instructed Kazdel to provide substantial aid to the desert refugees, supplying them with warm clothing, much-needed salt and medicine, and even dispatching doctors to treat them. They even provided them with Oripathy inhibitor drugs!

Is this Sarkaz? Theresia didn't even have time to do something like this!

The information published in the newspaper had a certain delay. After finishing this, Kal'tsit began to sort through the slips of paper attached to it, which were collected by Rhodes Island's administrative office.

After Kazdel provided genuine, substantial help to the desert refugees, Leithanien's infected found their sneak attack tactics suddenly ineffective.

Even refugees have their own activity zones and limits. Once the desert refugees near Leithanien were sent to the vicinity of Kazdel, they were essentially complete strangers. After the Sarkaz gave their instructions, the refugees near Kazdel began to keep an eye out for these individuals.

Many Leithanien infected, disguised as refugees, were apprehended by local refugees before they could even approach the airship activity zone. They were tied up and sent to Kazdel, traded to the Sarkaz for supplies.

This left the Witch King dumbfounded, but what was even more infuriating was that some Leithanien infected were captured by refugees, while others directly revealed their identities and surrendered to the Sarkaz.

Their demands were simple: allow them to join the refugee settlements near Kazdel and work for the Sarkaz in exchange for Oripathy inhibitor drugs.

Leithanien Infected: It's much more comfortable here than in Leithanien! To hell with the Witch King! Go [Leithanien profanity]!

If this was somewhat surprising to Kal'tsit, then what happened next completely exceeded her imagination.

The Witch King, not wanting to provoke Ursus and Yan, and merely wishing to see Kazdel bogged down in quagmire, had never formally declared war on Kazdel.

Without being able to openly break ties, they couldn't dispatch regular troops, so they could only continue to send infected to harass Kazdel. To ensure their plan ran smoothly, the Leithanien Witch King announced.

From this moment on, the management system for infected within Leithanien would be improved, with numerous adjustments made, raising the minimum income and providing some social welfare.

Although the changes were minor, they were real changes.

Kazdel, under Theresica's instructions, then took new actions. Soldiers of the Kazdel Foreign Legion who distinguished themselves would receive monetary rewards, the injured would have all medical expenses covered, those with dismemberment would receive economic compensation according to Kazdel soldier standards, and the soldiers themselves would be provided with Oripathy inhibitor drugs for life. Those who died in battle would receive economic compensation for their immediate families according to Kazdel soldier standards, and their immediate family members would receive free Oripathy inhibitor drugs for life.

At the same time, they increased the relief efforts for the refugee settlements in the desert.

Kazdel's doctors were no longer just conducting general check-ups for the refugees; they were now bringing professional diagnostic equipment and discovering many hidden severe illnesses among them. These included deformities, improperly set bones, internal organ problems, and a host of other ailments.

The Sarkaz doctors brought them back to Kazdel's hospitals, where they performed professional surgeries and cured many desert refugees.