Chapter 138: Chapter 137: All is Ready, We March

The many tasks at hand seemed complicated, but time always flew by once the work actually began.

Ever since Jon went to the Lord’s Mansion this morning and exposed Harir as a Lurker, the Sun Church, the Lord’s Mansion, and the Golden Maple Leaf Trading House had immediately begun to gather their forces, preparing for the rescue mission outside the town.

This commotion naturally triggered various reactions from the other powers within the town.

Some were terrified, some were expectant, and some simply watched from the sidelines.

But none of this had anything to do with Jon.

After he took the sisters Xia and Xina to see Reya, he dove headfirst into his workshop and began his planned preparations.

Additionally, with the addition of the two "aerial units"—the Church twins—his planned ammunition supply was now insufficient. He had to make another batch.

Fortunately, the steel spikes and catapults were already made. He just needed to assemble two more feeding mechanisms and combine them with the projectile accelerators, which wasn’t too much trouble.

After finishing the "aerial strike weapons," he quickly whipped up a large cauldron of Frost Resistance Potion and handed it over to the trading house staff to be bottled.

This bold method of concoction completely overturned everyone’s impression of "alchemy" as a delicate and sophisticated job, and for a moment, they were filled with admiration for Jon.

But Jon didn’t care what they thought. He did whatever was most efficient.

Just as he was making explosives, before he had even finished a few, Evans came knocking.

"Jon, it’s time to go."

"Alright."

’Looks like there’s no time to make any more big bangs.’

But Jon’s face showed no trace of regret. He fastened his helmet, grabbed his shield and the box of explosives by his feet, and walked out briskly.

Outside the door, Evans had also changed out of his usual Swordsman’s Armor. He was now wearing a set of heavy, earth-yellow Battle Armor, its style somewhere between ordinary heavy armor and Super Heavy Armor. It looked imposing and sturdy.

However, it was a far cry from the magnificent and brilliant Crystal Scorpion Armor Jon was wearing, making Evans look like his subordinate.

Evans himself didn’t mind having his thunder stolen, however. As he walked toward the rear courtyard with Jon, he briefed him on the arrangements for the operation.

"The three remaining Knights from the Lord’s Mansion will all be deployed. Alek will lead the main force, while Yadri and Hank will lead the Scout units to investigate the situation."

"What about us?"

"Since this operation involves multiple factions, we can’t use overly complex tactics."

"But we have enough Knight Level combat power. We just need to concentrate our superior forces and push through."

Evans’s voice was as calm as still water, yet it carried an unstoppable resolve.

"If the enemy dares to block our path, we’ll clash with them and see who’s tougher."

Jon smiled slightly at his words.

"Excellent. I like the sound of that—"

As they spoke, the two arrived at the rear courtyard.

The guards assigned to the sortie had already assembled and were awaiting the order.

Reya, Rosalind, Ivory, Joyina, and Vedri were also present.

Jon scanned the crowd with a serious expression, then spoke.

"Looks like I’m the last one to arrive?"

This playful remark, delivered in a serious tone, instantly eased the tense and grim atmosphere.

Even the guards who had never interacted with Jon couldn’t help but grin.

’This Mr. Jon is certainly relaxed...’

But no one looked down on Jon for it, because they had all witnessed his strength!

The composure and relaxed demeanor shown by such a powerful expert on their side undoubtedly gave them a sense of security, the feeling of having solid backup!

One must be serious in battle, but not overly tense. That was the principle at play.

Seeing how Jon took command of the situation like a pillar of strength the moment he arrived, the other Professionals present each had their own thoughts.

’This air about him, this composure before a battle... What are his origins?’

Ivory, who had been standing next to Big Mimi and petting the creature with Rosalind, saw that no one was responding to Jon, so she chimed in with a teasing smile.

"Hehe... We all knew you were busy with important matters. No one would dare disturb you, the great Alchemist Master..."

"Brewing hundreds of potions in one go... I’ve never heard of such a method of alchemy, not even in the Imperial Capital..."

Her words served as another reminder to everyone.

That’s right, the Mr. Jon before them wasn’t just a powerful Warrior, but also a brilliant Alchemist!

The potion vials tucked away in their pockets were filled with life-saving potions made by this very young and mysterious man!

For a moment, the gazes of the guards toward Jon contained not just reassurance, but also a measure of awe.

Jon, however, acted as if he didn’t notice and waved his hand dismissively.

"It’s just a few minor tricks, not worth mentioning."

He handed the box in his hands to Xia, telling her to load it onto Big Mimi’s back, then turned to Reya, who was staring at him in a daze.

"Now that we’re about to depart, shouldn’t our Miss Reya say a few words to boost morale?"

Everyone’s gaze immediately focused on Reya’s face, making her startle slightly.

But she quickly recovered from her slight embarrassment and looked openly at everyone present.

"Everyone, as someone who cannot fight alongside you, I shouldn’t have much to say."

"But as I stand here and look upon all of your valiant figures, I cannot help but want to say a few words."

She took a step forward, her small, pale face tilted up into the wind and snow, an especially heart-rending sight.

"I am immensely grateful to all of you."

"This battle is not fought for your own individual interests, but for this town, for our association, and for all of us as a whole."

Her gaze fell upon Ivory, Evans, Jon, the sisters Xia and Xina, and every single guard, filled with sincerity.

"You could have stayed out of this, but you chose to step forward. You chose to stop the spread of evil and to save a Lord in distress."

"For this courage and sense of duty, I, Reya Xavier, on behalf of the Heta County Noble Union Chamber of Commerce, and on my own behalf, offer you my deepest respect and thanks!"

Her voice rose slightly.

"This is no ordinary conflict. This is a righteous war to defend our home, protect the innocent, and fight against the darkness!"

"My Lord Po Ao is watching from above! His gaze is upon every soul who holds light in their heart and practices justice! Victory will surely be ours, for this is not merely a contest of power, but the inevitable triumph of light over darkness!"

"After this battle, the name of every participant will be forever bound to this glory, remembered by the United Commerce Association, and cherished by Birch Town!"

Having said her piece, Reya piously brought her hands together before her chest, her fingers interlaced, and bowed her head slightly with her eyes closed.

Her posture was solemn and holy, her red hair fluttering in the wind like a burning flame of faith.

"Oh, my Lord Po Ao,"

she chanted softly. Her voice was not loud, but it reached every person’s ears clearly.

"You are the incarnation of endless light, the sharp sword that dispels the shadows. Please bestow your grace and protect these fearless warriors before me."

"May Your radiance light their path forward, grant them the courage for victory, and bless them, that they may be kept from harm and return safely."

As she prayed, a soft yet brilliant golden light spilled from her clasped palms, transforming into countless tiny motes of light.

When this light landed upon them, boundless courage and strength welled up from within!

Reya murmured softly.

"Justice will prevail."

In response, everyone shouted in unison!

"Justice will prevail!"

Move out! Attack!

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