Chapter 177. War Profits, External Forces Begin to Intervene
As Reinhardt’s resources were delivered in an endless stream to the Kroll border, the Second, Fourth, and Fifth Legions of the Noble Legion also set out one after another, all heading for Prince Kata’s encampment, the royal capital of the Silver Oakleaf Royal Territory.
Over the next few months, the Kroll Kingdom made a solid fortune from the war through its “resources in exchange for troops” model.
Grain, ore, and Magic Crystals piled up like mountains. Not only did they cover the cost of military expansion, they also greatly enriched the national treasury.
However, the peace did not last long.
Dragon Kingdom, Kadiya Kingdom, and three kingdoms neighboring Reinhardt successively sent envoys bearing lavish gifts, requesting that the Kroll Kingdom dispatch troops in support.
There was something distinctly abnormal about it all.
When William received the envoys in the Council Hall, he immediately sensed that something was wrong. These kingdoms could all be counted among the top-tier powers of the Eastern Continent, so how had they suddenly fallen into difficulty one after another?
When he pressed for details, the answer was alarming: lately, the combat strength of the surrounding non-human kingdoms had suddenly skyrocketed, and their tactical methods had also become strange and unpredictable. The armies of the human kingdoms were suffering repeated defeats and were almost completely unable to fight back.
“It’s not as simple as them merely becoming stronger.”
The envoy from the Dragon Kingdom wore a grave expression.
“It is as if their soldiers have been infused with some kind of power. When they charge, they fear neither injury nor death, and even the speed at which their wounds heal is absurdly fast.”
“And what’s more... their commanders seem to have suddenly become enlightened. Their tactics are so vicious and unconventional that we can hardly guard against them.”
In private, the various kingdoms all suspected that forces from other continental regions must be interfering behind the scenes.
Otherwise, no matter how deep the foundations of those non-human kingdoms were, it would have been impossible for them to undergo such a drastic transformation in such a short time.
What made matters even more troublesome was that the Domain-Level Powerhouses of the non-human kingdoms had still not made a move, so the human kingdoms likewise found it difficult to casually deploy their own experts of the same level.
After all, the non-human side already had more Domain-Level Powerhouses than the human kingdoms to begin with. Now that outside forces had joined in as well, once that balance was shattered, the human kingdoms would only lose even more badly.
Silence filled the Council Hall. Tos was visibly worried.
“Your Highness, if other continents really have intervened, then the situation has become far more complicated. Should we...”
“We can agree to provide support, but the terms must change.”
William cut him off, his gaze settling on the section of the map marked with the territories of the non-human kingdoms.
“Double the resources, and they must include rare ores and magical materials. In addition, have them open up their border trade rights. We cannot merely profit from war, we must also widen the road ahead.”
He paused, and his tone grew heavier.
“Tell those envoys that Kroll’s Legions are not a firefighting force. If they want us to act, then they had better show enough sincerity. As for the forces backing the non-humans...”
William tapped the map lightly with his fingertip, his eyes deep and unreadable.
“They want to muddy the waters, so we’ll go along with the current. This is the perfect chance to see whether these suddenly empowered non-humans are stronger, or whether the Gold Legions of the Kroll Kingdom are stronger.”
Tos bowed and replied, “This subordinate understands. I will draft the terms at once.”
Though the envoys were quite dissatisfied with the doubled demands, faced with the fierce assault of the non-human kingdoms, they ultimately had no choice but to grit their teeth and accept.
Soon, another batch of Kroll’s Noble Legions set out for different battlefields.
Standing atop the city wall, William watched the departing army formations and knew that the chaos engulfing the Eastern Continent had already been thoroughly stirred into a pot of mess.
The intervention of other continents, the soaring combat strength of the non-humans, and the pleas for aid from the human kingdoms... every step reeked of calculation.
But he was not worried. On the contrary, he saw it as an opportunity. Only by seeing every side’s hidden cards clearly amidst the turmoil could Kroll stand more firmly in the struggles to come.
The days of calm did not last long. An urgent report burst into the Kroll Royal Capital like a thunderclap.
The Barbarian tribes had suddenly launched a fierce assault on Despair Fortress, and even more shocking was that Ice Dragon Riders had appeared in their ranks.
When William received the news, the feather quill in his hand abruptly halted above the parchment, leaving a blot of ink spreading across the page.
“Ice Dragon Riders?”
He almost thought he had misheard.
“How could the Barbarian tribes possibly possess such a force? They can barely scrape together decent armor, so where would they get Dragon Riders?”
The Barbarian tribes had always been regarded as the most primitive force on the Eastern Continent, surviving in the wild lands through brute strength and their familiarity with the terrain.
Not to mention Dragon Riders, they only had a single Magical Beast Legion, the Giant Legion. If not for the sheer number of their Domain-Level Powerhouses, the Kroll Kingdom would have already launched an attack against them.
“Other forces must be supporting them from behind the scenes.”
Kroll II’s voice carried suppressed fury, and his grip turned the armrest of the throne pale white.
“Other than those foreign powers watching from across the sea, who else would have the ability to provide Ice Dragon Riders?”
Father and son quickly reached the same conclusion: Despair Fortress could not be allowed to fall.
It was the strongest bulwark against the Barbarian tribes. Once it fell, the Kroll Kingdom would be left with only Dragonfang Fortress to defend itself, while the other fortresses of the Northern Frontier would be utterly unable to withstand such an assault.
“Pass down my order. The Second Gold Legion is to depart at once and reinforce Despair Fortress,” William said in a deep voice. “In addition, have the five assembled Noble Legions march with them to strengthen our forces.”
The Second Gold Legion was one of Kroll’s elite forces, equipped with the finest armor and weapons. William had originally thought it would be enough to turn the tide of battle.
However, the battle report that arrived three days later drove the atmosphere in the Council Hall down to freezing.
The battlefield had fallen into a deadlock, with both sides evenly matched.
Not only did the Barbarian tribes have Ice Dragon Riders holding the line, they had also deployed three “Gold Legions” composed of Lesser-Dragon Riders. Those lesser dragons were not as powerful as ice dragons, but they were thick-skinned, durable, and possessed astonishing impact power.
“If not for the strength of Despair Fortress’s defenses, the Second Gold Legion likely would not have been able to hold out much longer.”
The messenger knight’s voice trembled.
“The enemy’s Lesser-Dragon Riders coordinate flawlessly, and the barbarian warriors fight without fear of death. Our casualties are extremely heavy.”
William stared at the casualty figures on the battle report, his fingertips turning white.
The transformation of the Barbarian tribes was far too strange. They had gone from a disorganized rabble to a force capable of contending with Kroll’s elite troops, and had even fielded legions of Lesser-Dragon Riders.
The power driving this from behind the curtain was doing far more than merely “offering support.”
“It seems those foreign forces have not only intervened, they have invested heavily in this.”
Kroll II’s tone was icy.
“They want to use the Barbarians’ hands to tear open a breach in the Eastern Continent. Do they really not fear that their own enemies might suddenly strike them?”
William drew in a deep breath and walked to the map, his eyes fixed on the location of Despair Fortress.
“Have Kru lead the First and Third Gold Legions to Despair Fortress. Also transfer the Royal Ninth and Tenth Legions there, and have them bring siege ballistae and Magic Crystal Cannons.”
He paused, and his voice carried absolute resolve.
“Inform the front lines that they are to hold the fortress at all costs. In addition, send spies to infiltrate the rear of the Barbarian tribes. I want to know exactly who is backing them.”
Tos accepted the order and withdrew, leaving only the father and son in silence within the Council Hall.