Chapter 307
Ryan strongly suspected that this guy might have also been chosen by the God of Desire and granted power, otherwise how could he be even more powerful than Liu Bei's second brother?
"For the imperial conquest, for the great goal of the empire's rule over the Southern Continent, for the noble Emperor Vainay, for the glory of the Sun God to spread across the continent, for... in short, I intend to do everything in my power to take down Hersola!" Jonathan lit a cigarette, his tone filled with determination and resolve. A general dies in a hundred battles, a hero returns after ten years; if he fails to achieve his grand ambition, he will swear to never return to Augustus!
Ryan thought to himself, "This isn't some grand ambition, it's clearly just a case of being so happy you don't want to leave! I don't even care to call you out on it!"
However, Jonathan quickly proposed a feasible plan—fight.
This battle is not a bedroom fight, but a real sword fight.
"If we take Hersola and launch a war immediately using these two cities as a base, I think taking down the Kingdom of Loente will be no problem. The Kingdom of Oen is currently busy fighting the Kingdom of Castia on the other side. Castia is controlled by the City of Desire. You know, the Blood God doesn't get along with anyone, especially the God of Desire."
Although Old Joe usually seems unreliable, he is very reliable in everything he is asked to do. In the past two days, Old Joe has analyzed the surrounding situation and found that the Southern Continent is very chaotic and war can break out at any time.
Therefore, war is the most direct and effective means to seize territory and beliefs.
And what has Augustus been known for lately? War, of course!
Leaving aside the Holy Blood Army's unparalleled bravery, he had recently heard about the events in the Western Territory, Grand Duke Magana's Iron Blood Legion had evolved into the Death Legion, routing the Western Territory barbarians.
Jonathan wasn't worried at all that Magana would turn her attention to the Empire after dealing with the Western Territory, because with Ryan around, Ryan brother, while not invincible, was quite famous and would probably have already taken down Magana.
"War?"
Ryan pondered for a moment.
And you know what? This method actually works.
He had previously planned to proceed cautiously, but in reality, they did possess the qualifications to wage war.
Too few people? If we have territory, we'll have people. If all else fails, we can transfer people from Augustus and the Northern Federation.
However, Ryan prefers to develop his own territory first. After all, whether it's Augustus or the Northern Federation, any action would trigger a chain reaction. Although the Southern Continent is fiercely fighting internally, it has always been very united against external invaders.
Since 'Shally' has already arrived, and the seven hundred-plus Holy Blood Army are enough for now, it's not impossible to develop the Holy Blood Army here once we've captured two or three cities and have a strong foundation.
As for Augustus, once the Western Territory issue is resolved, the Ironblood Army can be brought over to draw attention. Ryan believes that as long as the Grand Duke stands there with her hands on her hips, the entire Southern Continent will tremble and everyone will have to be wary of her.
Then he can take the opportunity to develop steadily, right?
Thinking of this, Ryan quickly told Jonathan to get lost and go to Hersola to win over Lady Winchel's sister. He wasn't envious of that scoundrel who lived on the sisters' rice bowl at home.
After Jonathan left, Ryan returned to the manor and ran into the witch K, who was about to leave.
Good morning, Ms. K.
"Good morning..."
Witch K had a strange expression. "It's already noon, Adele still doesn't seem to be up."
She stared at Ryan as she spoke, then her gaze became even stranger. She knew he had gone to Adele's room last night, and she had even jokingly mentioned it before leaving, but she hadn't taken it seriously.
You two... were you really doing something last night?
Forget it, maybe young people these days are more carefree. What's the point of thinking about things like that when I'm an old man who's lived for over a thousand years?
"I've found a clue about the Death Temple and want to go check it out. I'll let you know when I have more information."
Leaving behind a single sentence, Witch K departed from the manor.
"This woman seemed to have a lot to say, but she only said the last sentence," Ryan muttered to himself as he walked into the manor.
"Rider Ryder"
The maid, Phyllis, stood inside the room, bowed to him, and then reported, "We've gained several dozen more followers in the past two days, but the Ring of Abundance has also taken notice of us, making it difficult to expand our reach any further."
"You've directly clashed with the Ring of Abundance?"
Phyllis quickly replied, "No, it was Dyson and his group who were discovered, but they escaped and returned without a direct confrontation. The people from the Ring of Abundance don't know anything about the manor."
"Why not fight back? Is it because you can't win?"
"... Huh?"
Phyllis was taken aback. "A conflict?"
Wait, aren't we developing this covertly to avoid being discovered?
Ryan nodded and said, "Of course, if they want to fight us, then we should fight back. If you can't beat them, tell Sesia and let her fight. If Sesia can't beat them, then come back and tell me. I have plenty of ways to take care of those guys."
Phyllis: "..."
"What's wrong? Is there any other problem?"
"No... Rider Ryder, didn't you say we should be careful not to be discovered by other churches?"
"If we kill them, then no one will know we exist, right?"
"?"
Phyllis nodded, seemingly understanding but not quite. It seemed right, yet something felt off. In this river? No, since Rider Ryder said so, then it must be fine.
"I understand, but Rider Ryder, we still have relatively few Supernatural Being, and I'm afraid we can't defeat those from the Ring of Abundance."
"Don't worry about that." Ryan smiled slightly. "For now, don't take action against the Ring of Abundance. Check what other churches are in Port of Misi. If you find any, eliminate them all. Leave the Ring of Abundance to me."
Now that Lady Winchel has been taken down by Old Joe, the power of the Ring of Abundance here naturally belongs to him. Those who obey will be kept, and those who disobey will be eliminated. The key is to be swift and decisive.
As for the other churches, with 'Shally' as their wife, what are they afraid of?
After giving Phyllis the mission, Ryan opened the game and sent 'Shally' with the Holy Blood Army to infiltrate Port of Misi.
With only a little over 700 people, their dispersed and hidden positions wouldn't actually cause much of a stir.
Once we completely seize control of the faith in Port of Misi and then deal with Hersola, the population base under the Primal Church's jurisdiction will be significantly increased.
Port of Misi is a large coastal trading port with a permanent population of up to 400,000, not counting transient residents. Hersola is much less developed. Although it is also a border city, it is not located by the sea. Even if it were to fight the Kingdom of Oen, the Ring of Abundance would not care, much less provide special support.
The population has consistently been less than 100,000, the economy is a mess, and the military is utterly lacking. No wonder the younger sister is jealous; they are both core figures in the Ring of Abundance, so why should the older sister enjoy such superior resources?
I wonder if Old Joe can handle it; this is certainly no less difficult than getting Empress Kachia to bend over and wait for his favor.
"It feels like I'm back in Berman City, fighting alongside Old Joe."
With a slight sigh, Ryan walked towards Adele's room.
This guy, the sun's already high in the sky, and he's still not up.
On the other side.
Sesia sat in his room, looking at the magical letter from Arcadia in his hand, his expression momentarily falling silent.
This was sent by Kachina. She first talked about the situation in the Southern Continent and told her to unconditionally support whatever Ryan wanted to do.
Originally, it would be too difficult for a single person to develop the church's influence in the Southern Continent. Therefore, the twins thought that Ryan's move was very good. He could help the well-established Primal Church seize territory, and then in turn help Arcadia. This would be useful whether they were advancing into the Southern Continent or attacking the Northern Continent.
Of course, this is all predicated on the Primal Church keeping its promises. The Twins, of course, trust Ryan's abilities; after all, he is the Chosen of the Earth God, representing the Earth Goddess in their cooperation. What is there to worry about?
Even if we fail, what loss would we suffer?
Therefore, Geminis have a very open-minded view on the development of the church.
More important than that is what Sesia mentioned earlier.
"His Your Majesty and the others have agreed..."
A hint of joy appeared in Sesia's eyes.
Yes, Gemini agreed.
Although Kachina initially thought that Sesia had grown too big for her britches and dared to compete with them for the Prince, after calming down and thinking about it carefully, she realized that Sesia had grown up with them since childhood and had always been loyal as their guardian knight.
Therefore, Kachia felt that Sesia was thinking of the empire wholeheartedly. After all, her talent was undeniable, and without any special opportunities, it would probably take her many years to reach the seventh rank. These past few years had been a crucial stage in the empire's development, and if she, as the leader of the Watcher Legion, had not been able to break through to the seventh rank, it would have a significant impact.
Kachia understood Sesia's good intentions, because she had been in the same boat before, determined to break through to the Eighth Tier and contribute to the empire.
If Ryan hadn't insisted on going to the Southern Continent, Kachia would have even wanted to keep Ryan in the room day and night!
Kachia had also made up her mind. Once things with the Northern Continent were settled and the situation in the Eastern Continent had stabilized, she would go to find Ryan day and night if Ryan hadn't returned yet.
As for having another Sesia, it doesn't matter. Anyway, she and Kachina take up at least four days a week. If we leave one more day for Sesia, and then Ryan can rest for two days, that's enough.
See, isn't this easy to arrange?
That was indeed what Sesia thought. In order to make the empire stronger, she went to Ryan's room that very night.
Ryan was startled when Sesia knocked on the door. He had planned to talk to Adele that night, but Sesia had come instead.
"You've made up your mind?" Ryan coughed lightly. "First of all, I'm doing this for your own good. Secondly, I have to remind you that once you start something like this, there's no going back."
After all, once the membrane is broken, it's broken; it can't be fixed by simply patching it up.
"Yes, His Your Majesty also supports it, Prince Rider. You don't need to worry about anything. This is all my own idea, and I won't regret it. I only want to succeed."
"Alright, come in."
Ryan stepped aside to let Sesia into the room, then glanced nervously at the outside before closing the door. For a moment, he felt a pang of guilt, like a missionary seducing an innocent young girl.
By the Earth Goddess, I truly did not force her to do this.
Ryan was somewhat surprised that Gemini agreed, which seemed to increase his hopes of sleeping with his other wives in the future.
The door to the room was closed, and soon rustling sounds came from inside. The suppressed moans of a girl could be faintly heard, and an invisible Magic Power began to emanate from the room.
The golden halo shimmered like the surface of a lake under the sun, wave after wave, bobbing up and down in a rhythmic cadence.
After an unknown amount of time, the shockwave formed by the golden light suddenly burst forth, surging outwards from all around the manor like an invisible giant wave!
"Um?"
In the room on the second floor, Adele opened the door and peeked out, glancing in the direction of Ryan's room before pursing her lips and closing the door again.
The next day.
Three poles in the sun.
Sunlight streamed into the room, the dazzling light causing Sesia's eyelashes to flutter slightly as she slept. She opened her eyes, rubbed them, and sat up. Soft, golden hair fell from her shoulders, outlining curved, bright golden lines.
A strand of hair fell onto the Confucian scholar's chest. She paused for a moment, then suddenly felt a jolt of surprise.
"I... broke through?!"
Power, an unprecedented sense of power surged within him—this was... the seventh rank!
"Congratulations, Sesia," Ryan said, lying on the bed with a smile. "Your dream has come true."
"Incredible... Absolutely incredible, Prince Rider, what could be the reason? Can you really bestow blessings like Goddess?" Sesia exclaimed.
"Well, that's a secret," Ryan smiled. "You just need to know that I'm helping you for the future, and for the sake of the empire. That's all."
"Hmm... then I won't ask."
Sesia didn't care about any of that.
Anyway, Ryan would never betray the Empire.
Perhaps this is the power of being Chosen of the Gods?
It is said that each Chosen of the Gods is granted various powers, and when they use their powers to the fullest extent, they can become beings closest to gods.
No wonder Her Your Majesty and the others wanted Rider to be Prince. With that kind of ability, even I... No, Sesia, how could you think like that? They are Her Your Majesty!
But...
His Your Majesty are not here now.
Sesia lowered her gaze, looking at the naked Ryan with burning eyes, as if she were looking at a fragrant little lamb.
"Uh... Sesia, what do you want to do?"
"Prince Rider, it's still early, why don't we try again?"
Ryan glanced at the bright sun outside the window. It was already high in the sky; was it still early? Time to get down to business!
"Good."
On the other side.
St. Gero City, Gate of Janus Headquarters.
A gray-white vortex of Magic Power unfolded in the air, and Sylvia's figure emerged from it step by step.
"We don't have enough Chosen of the Gods. The sacrifices required for the Balshatt ritual are too special. Continuing to capture Chosen of the Gods isn't a solution either. If this goes on for too long, it will definitely attract the attention of other forces... no, it may already have."