Chapter 360: Chapter 330: Regaining Face Sooner or Later

In the northern reaches of the continent, the frosty wind cut like a knife.

Autumn arrived much earlier on the Vorn Plain than in the south. The grass had long since withered yellow and lay flattened against the ground under the wind’s heavy hand. A grayish-brown dirt road wound its way through the dead vegetation, leading toward a massive city built of gray stone in the distance. That was Blood Claw City, the central heartland of the Blood Claw Race.

Likenso stepped down the airship’s gangway. The wind blasted directly from the north, whipping fine gravel into his face and carrying a dry, biting scent. He pulled his cloak tighter and glanced back at the vessel.

The grayish-white transport was still unloading. Several Wolf Race soldiers dragged iron-sealed crates out of the hatch, each stamped with the crest of the Blood Claw Race.

"Careful, don’t break anything," Likenso ordered in a deep voice. "Once everything is unloaded, transport it to the storehouse immediately. Don’t waste time on the road."

He had been traveling for nearly half a month on this expedition. The crates contained his greatest haul—the very items he intended to present to the Clan Leader and the elders. There was no room for error.

"Yes, Lord Likenso." The leading Wolf Race officer immediately straightened his back and responded respectfully. He turned and barked a few low orders at the soldiers behind him, urging them to hurry.

Likenso said no more. He turned and strode purposefully toward Blood Claw City.

In the distance, the city gates stood wide open. The flow of people moving in and out was sparse, a far cry from the bustling crowds he had seen before his departure. An invisible weight seemed to press down on the air itself, making every breath feel heavier. Likenso frowned, his sharp instincts immediately picking up on the abnormal atmosphere.

He quickened his pace toward the Inner City. Just as he passed through the stone gates, he bumped into Baal coming out of a side corridor. The Wolf Race man, older than him by a dozen years, was the deputy commander of the Inner City guard. Baal had a stocky build and was missing a chunk of his left ear—a battle scar claimed by a Dragon Race enemy years ago.

Seeing him, a faint smile appeared on Baal’s face. "I figured you’d be back right about now. Drinks tonight? The usual spot, that tavern on East Street. The owner just brought in a batch of strong liquor from the south. I hear it packs a real punch."

"Sure," Likenso nodded, then lowered his voice. "What happened in the city? The atmosphere feels off."

"Your instincts are as sharp as ever." Baal fell silent for a moment, his smile fading. "Lord Ska is dead," he murmured.

Likenso froze, his eyes widening in shock. "What happened?"

Lord Ska was a Saint, standing at the very pinnacle of combat power on the continent. How could he die so suddenly? Outside of the Dragon Slaying War, he had never heard of a Saint falling.

Baal sighed and recounted the entire sequence of events.

Upon hearing the tale, Likenso stood rooted to the spot. His mind buzzed with disbelief. Of course he knew about the Fallen Dragon Sword Saint of the Silver Moon Race. That man was a Peak Legend, a Legendary Powerhouse easily on par with the Five-Star Pillar. But never in his wildest dreams did he imagine that such a person could actually kill Lord Ska.

A Legend slaying a Saint? If anyone other than Baal had told him, he wouldn’t have believed a word of it. It was utterly absurd.

It took a long while for Likenso to regain his composure. He took a deep breath, suppressing the shock in his chest. "What do the higher-ups say? Are we mobilizing the army to avenge Lord Ska?"

"No official word yet, but..." Baal hesitated and shook his head. "I doubt we’ll deploy troops. We’re just too far from the Silver Moon Race. Nearly half a continent separates us. If a war actually broke out, the supply lines alone would drag us under."

Baal paused, turning his head to look toward the distant city walls. A note of unconcealed dread crept into his voice. "The troop transport capacity and flight speed of those Silver Moon Race airships are terrifying. If we went to war with them, our rear supply lines would be laid bare right under their noses. They could sever them whenever they pleased. Unless we solve that problem, any expedition is just a pipe dream. It’s better to play the long game."

Likenso remained quiet for a moment before slowly nodding.

He knew perfectly well that Baal was right, but he still couldn’t swallow his anger. The Blood Claw Race was a veteran, first-rate power on the Dawn Continent. Backed by the Blood Roar Fortress, they had absolutely no reason to fear anyone outside the other four apex factions. When had they ever suffered such a massive loss? One of their Saints was dead, yet they couldn’t immediately strike back in revenge. Once word got out, countless factions would mock them in the shadows. They would laugh at their inability to handle a single Elf Race.

Seeing through his thoughts, Baal patted his shoulder. His voice deepened. "The Blood Claw Project is our most urgent priority right now. Once it succeeds, it won’t be too late to turn around and deal with the Silver Moon Race. This debt won’t be forgotten."

Likenso inhaled deeply, slowly forcing down the frustration in his chest. "You’re right."

Baal changed the subject. "By the way, did you find anything on your trip east?"

"I got some leads." Likenso’s expression relaxed slightly. "I’m heading over to report to the Clan Leader and the elders now."

"They’re all in the council hall right now." Baal stepped aside to let him pass. "Once you’re done, we’ll get that drink. The usual spot."

"Alright."

The two men parted ways. Likenso continued deeper into the Inner City, arriving at the doors of the council hall shortly after. Two guards stood motionless on either side of the heavy stone doors, short blades hanging at their waists. They looked like carved statues.

One of them recognized Likenso. After confirming his purpose, the guard raised a hand and rapped against the heavy stone. KNOCK, KNOCK.

A moment later, a hoarse voice called out from within, "Come in." Only then did the guard push open half of the double doors, gesturing for Likenso to enter.

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