Spiked Helm City
Li Shuyi has become increasingly skilled at using squad-level skill- Tether, and can often evade high-damage enemy skills at crucial moments.
This time, Alberta missed his target and crashed directly into a stone house, which collapsed with a loud bang.
The Butcher huffed and puffed as he charged forward, sweeping away the rubble with a swing of his massive scepter. Alberta spun around and charged at Bai Xiaowen again, but this time he lacked the element of surprise. The Butcher simply shifted half a step to the side, blocking his path.
With a muffled thud, Bai Xiaowen could clearly see the Butcher's belly ripple, making Alberta feel as if he had bumped into a wall of flesh.
Bai Xiaowen steadily fired shot by shot, clearing out Alberta's remaining Life Value.
The infantry and cavalry following Alberta, before they could even recover from the Butcher's slowing effect, were Breakthrough Charge and slaughtered by creatures like the Rageclaw and Skeleton Champion. Most of them had less than full Life Value and were also suffering from the negative effect of having their resistances halved, so they fell like wheat being harvested.
"Damn traitor..."
Alberta's body collapsed to the ground with a thud, and a Golden Treasure Chest appeared.
Bai Xiaowen grabbed the treasure chest with a swift motion; now it was time to clean up the battlefield.
Behind them, the Resistance Army soldiers, including Loga, who were gathering to resist the Imperial Army's siege, were overjoyed.
"This person is so powerful, he even wiped out the reinforcements sent by the Empire!" Obol still gripped the small dagger tightly, but his expression was no longer panicked.
"Yes, I didn't expect Dio to become such a powerful figure. Judging from the outcome of this battle, even if Archmage Kevin himself came, he might not have done better than him," said Loga.
The deaths of the Elite Tier Mystic Archer Emil and the heavy knight commander Alberta left the Imperial Army without command, causing chaos in the battle and leading to desertion among some Imperial Army soldiers.
After the battle ended and safety was confirmed, Bai Xiaowen met with Loga and Obol again.
Obol praised Bai Xiaowen's abilities, which showed that he was mostly trying to win him over.
"Brother Dio, I need to return to Spiked Helm City to report the military situation to Lord Usok. Why don't you come with me? I believe Lord Usok will be very happy to see you again," Obol said.
"Of course I want to see Lord Usok," Bai Xiaowen readily agreed.
On their way to Spiked Helm City with Loga and Obol, Bai Xiaowen first opened Alberta's Golden Treasure Chest.
The Battle Rating was B-Tier. Bai Xiaowen and Li Shuyi each drew Loot Card once, and the result was a piece of Gold Equipment and a special item: the Imperial Silver Medal, which can be used to exchange for 1,000 merit points in the Usok Resistance Army.
The Gold Equipment is called [Knight Greaves]. Bind on Pickup and, in addition to a 4% movement speed bonus for all footwear, it also increases Strength by 2 and Constitution by 3.
A total of 5 attribute points is somewhat inadequate for a Gold Equipment dropped by Advanced Boss, especially considering that this Knight Greaves doesn't come with any skills and has a base strength requirement of 20 points. It can only be classified as a piece of trash Gold Gear.
Even if Bai Xiaowen meets the equipment requirements, he wouldn't consider wearing it; he'd just stuff it into the Shared Storage Space.
Clearly, Alberta, the leader of the Heavy Knights, is not well-known in the Aaron Plane World; at least he doesn't meet the requirements for B-Tier, and the main quest has not shown any progress updates.
Bai Xiaowen didn't expect to complete the main quest so easily. During the rest of the journey, he subtly inquired about the Transformation in the situation in the Aaron Plane World, mainly in the Northern Frontier, over the past two years.
In Obol's words, over the past two years, the Resistance Army have spread like wildfire throughout the Northern Frontier. Under Usok's wise leadership, the Resistance Army have "liberated" many strategic locations in the Northern Frontier, including the strategically vital central Elu Territory!
After occupying, or rather, liberating Elu Territory, the Resistance Army effectively divided the Imperial Army's influence in the Northern Frontier into two parts, north and south.
Furthermore, with most of the lords in the Northern Frontier supporting Usok, the Imperial Army's control was reduced to only the Northshire Territory in the northwest and the Volterren Territory in the far south. These two territories did not border each other, leaving them unable to support each other.
The situation is excellent; if things continue to develop this way, independence for the Northern Frontier is just around the corner.
However, the road to liberating the Northern Frontier is still very tortuous.
According to information obtained by Obol from the Walteren City, the Lionheart Empire has signed a truce with the Elves of the Saimu Isles, ceding one-sixth of the Empire's territory—the entire Hanmo Province— to those pointy-eared monsters!
The Hanmo Province is located on the western border of the empire's central region, with a considerable overlap with the Northern Frontier. Although it is relatively desolate and sparsely populated, it is rich in resources such as copper, iron, and coal, making it of great strategic value.
This news is highly reliable; it is said that the Lionheart Empire has already begun organizing the migration of its people.
Having paid such a heavy price, the Lionheart Empire finally freed up its forces that were confronting the Elves across the sea, and committed its two main legions to the war in the Northern Frontier.
Although the Northshire Territory and Volterren Territory in the Northern Frontier do not border each other, they can still maintain contact and transport military supplies and personnel through the wide, north-south oriented Poloni River.
After receiving reinforcements, General Arinas, who was stationed in the Northshire, began planning a military operation to attack Elu City —this was a secret message that Obol had obtained from the Walteren City.
Clearly, Obol had some other secret information to report back to Usok on his return to Spiked Helm City, and he wouldn't reveal that much to Bai Xiaowen.
Apart from the news that General Arinas was about to attack Elu City, none of the above information was top secret. Given Bai Xiaowen's friendly reputation within the Resistance Army, it was not a problem for him to know these things.
Bai Xiaowen also learned that they were currently at the border between the Volterren Territory and the Elu Territory. After the previous battle, they entered the Elu Territory and were already out of the control of the Imperial Army. The march to Spiked Helm City would only take two days.
Of course, the group encountered several waves of elite Imperial Army squads on the way, including assassins hired by the Imperial Army — Elite Tier killers from the Black Hand Brotherhood!
Fortunately, with Bai Xiaowen's addition, Bai Xiaowen demonstrated formidable strength in both reconnaissance and direct combat. His standing among Loga and the others rose rapidly, and he became the de facto commander of the guard team.
Bai Xiaowen and Li Shuyi actually quite enjoyed the continuous battles. Take Bai Xiaowen for example, the growth rate of his Black Soul Stone had soared to 1950/2000, and he had stored 1985 points of Soul Essence. Not to mention the other benefits.
After entering Spiked Helm Territory, the team encountered far fewer obstacles and eventually arrived safely at Spiked Helm City, where they were received by Usok.
Loga gave the report first, formally introducing Bai Xiaowen and her brother to Usok. Usok had a very good memory and recalled Dio's meritorious service in Assassination the imperial envoy. He nodded in praise and seemed very happy.
"Warriors of the Resistance Army, you have endured hardship," Usok's voice remained deep and trusting. "I can see the blood still fresh on your armor; it is proof of your bravery. Now, you are safe."
Loga knelt down on one knee in excitement. "Lord Usok, for your glory and the liberation of the Vikings, I am willing to give my life."
Bai Xiaowen stole a glance at Loga, whose face was flushed, and secretly sighed in his heart that Usok's persuasive skills had not diminished at all.
"Lord Usok, the news I've gathered in Walteren City is not good." Obol took a letter from his pocket and presented it to the steward Grima, who then passed it on to Usok.
As Usok read the letter, Bai Xiaowen felt a sharp gaze directed at him.
Looking up, Bai Xiaowen saw a familiar figure in black robes. He smiled and transmitted his voice through Divine Might, saying, "Hello, Master Kevin."
Kevin's expression darkened. He was clearly taken aback after receiving Bai Xiaowen's Divine Might message, narrowing his eyes. His lips moved slightly as he replied Divine Might, "Where have you been these past two years? Why has your strength increased so much?"
Bai Xiaowen shrugged and laughed, "Worried about being hunted down by Goliya, I've been wandering around deserted cemeteries and mausoleums incognito."
"Where is the Soul Stone?" Kevin asked in a deep voice.
"What, Master Kevin, you still want more? If you want it, I can't beat you, so of course I'll give it to you. But aren't you afraid I'll say something inappropriate?" Bai Xiaowen smiled slightly.
Kevin glanced at Usok and the other high-ranking Resistance Army leaders in the hall, and scoffed, "No need. Keep your mouth shut."
Bai Xiaowen was able to guess Kevin's thoughts.
It's impossible to say this guy isn't Greed for Soul Stone. Bai Xiaowen grew from a level 1 newbie to a level 6 Boss Template powerhouse (Boss Tier = Hero Tier) in just two years; Kevin definitely attributes all of this to the Soul Stone...
[If the Soul Stone were mine... how strong would I become?] This thought flashed through Kevin's mind, growing wildly like weeds.
However, Kevin did not continue to look Bai Xiaowen Bai Xiaowen in the eye, but instead avoided her gaze.
By this time, Dio was no longer a pushover that Kevin could easily manipulate. Revealing the story of forcibly taking Dio's Soul Stone would do Kevin no good.
Of course, Kevin was still very confident. Even if Dio's strength had improved, he would never be his match—this was based on their levels. Dio's Psionic Particles fluctuations were only level 6, not even qualifying Advanced Boss.
Even with Dio's new companion—his sister Charlotte —there's no way they could beat me, Kevin thought.
Just as Kevin was secretly assessing Bai Xiaowen's strength, Bai Xiaowen also secretly unleashed an Insight.
[Kevin Gray (Level 8 Boss Tier)]
[Race: Human Species / Human Race]
[Occupation: Sorcerer]
[Attributes: Strength 28, Agility 30, Constitution 46, Spirit 85]
[Skill 1: Frost Inscription: Passive, Kevin inscribes frost runes onto his skin, increasing the control duration of ice spells by an additional 30%. Actively activating Frost Inscription allows the casting of a Frost Lance / Frost Armor (cannot be cast simultaneously).]
[Skill 2: Flame Inscription: Passive, Kevin inscribes flame runes onto his skin, increasing the damage of fire spells by an additional 30%. Activating Flame Inscription allows the casting of Blazing Dash / Flame Spear (cannot be cast simultaneously).]
[Skill 3: Arcane Inscription:???]
[Skill 4: Dragon Breath: Omitted.]
[Skill 5: Resistance Army Leader LV2: Increases Life Value by 400 points and grants 40% resilience.]
After sharing the data with Li Shuyi, Li Shuyi exclaimed in the team channel, "This guy is insane! He has 85 points of Spirit and so many spells!"
"Judging from his attributes, Kevin is undoubtedly Rare Boss," Bai Xiaowen sighed. "Having someone like him on your radar is really unsettling. Fortunately, he won't dare to attack me—unless he can ensure I'm killed without anyone knowing. Otherwise, I'll expose all his dirty secrets and make him regret it."
Li Shuyi nodded, biting her lip, and said, "If this guy really dares to make a move, we'll find a chance to kill him."
Usok finally finished reading the secret letter. He looked up at the high-ranking Resistance Army leaders in the hall.
"Grima, convene a high-level military meeting."
"Yes, my lord."
Chief Grima led the group to a small meeting room, and then announced the Summoning Call of the other high-ranking Resistance Army from Spiked Helm City.
Bai Xiaowen said to Grima, "Steward, I hope to attend the meeting. I have much to say to Lord Usok."
Grima frowned and said, "Brother Dio, you don't have a formal rank in the Resistance Army yet, and you're not qualified to attend high-level military meetings."
Usok, standing to the side, waved his hand and said, "Grima, let Dio and his sister in."
"But this meeting is discussing classified matters, involving your arrangements in Walteren City," Grima advised in a low voice. "Although Dio was once a member of the Resistance Army, we haven't seen him for two years..."
"It's alright, I trust the Dio brothers," Usok said calmly. "If he were disloyal to the Resistance Army, he wouldn't have helped Obol and the others escape. What would happen if the Imperial Army captured Obol? I don't need to elaborate on the consequences."
"Yes," Grima replied.
Bai Xiaowen was allowed to enter the small conference hall to participate in the high-level military meeting. He felt a little emotional in his heart that strength is everything. It was only after Ursock saw the powerful strength of this "Necromancer" that he started to win over him, showing his sincerity and his heroic demeanor.
In the small conference room, Grima first read out the contents of the letter. After the group of high-ranking officials listened, the conference room fell silent.
Bai Xiaowen understood immediately; the letter's contents largely matched his guess.
In the Walteren City, there lived a noble family second only to the lord. Dissatisfied with the Imperial Army's practices, they had secretly made contact with Usok and had been exchanging pleasantries for a long time. This time, the nobleman finally couldn't hold back any longer and wrote to Usok, hoping that Usok would send troops south to conquer Walteren City! He would act as an inside agent.
There was a bug with the Black Soul Stone's growth rate; the process of completing the Scavenger quest and obtaining the Soul Essence from killing Naheh were not included in the calculation... This is hereby corrected.