Warhammer Divine Throne

The Duke knew why this powerful weapon was so formidable. As a Holy Grail Knight, he personally feared it not, as he could cleave the flying cast-iron shell in half with a single sword, and even if hit, he would barely be injured. However, his army was a different matter, so Francois attempted to steer the conversation: ”I heard the Long-bearded Ones encountered many difficulties, and that Laine helped you.”

”Even without Lord Laine, we could have persevered. The mountain people never fear trouble,” Dugen the Ironman immediately retorted, his Dwarf Engineer face full of pride: ”Dwarves never ask for help, I mean it.”

Dugen’s high-handedness quickly drew the discontent of many knights, as the masters of Brittania had never been subjected to such arrogance. A young Ranger Knight promptly pulled out a white glove, wanting to duel the Dwarf.

Yet Francois motioned that it was of no concern. The Duke was dressed in a luxurious Secret Silver Full Plate Armor today, the shimmering blue and white patterned Pure White Pegasus Down Cloak rustling in the wind, while the Unicorn Sword at his waist glimmered. He wore a gentle expression, waiting for the Dwarf to continue speaking.

Sure enough, after his bluster, Dugen continued: ”But perhaps it is indeed as Your Grace the Duke said, we have wandered the mountains for too long, the children are starving, we have thirsted for too long. Upon reaching Lord Laine’s lands, we found a new home, enough malt beer, and work to do, and we are very satisfied.”

”Your original homeland?” Francois pressed on, His Grace the Duke exuding a leisurely air, displaying elegance and noble demeanor even during a tense march, with an extraordinary style.

”My clan is called the Angland Clan, we were once the honorable inhabitants of Karaz Eight Peaks, the great ’Silver Abyss Empress’s Mountain’ that was second only to the Eternal Peak Karaz-A-Karak, the capital of the Supreme King,” Dugen said sadly: ”About over a thousand years ago, the underground tunnels of Eight Peaks Mountain connected with the Demon Rat Empire, on the surface, the Dwarves built indestructible fortresses, but underground, even we couldn’t distinguish which tunnels led where, which tunnels needed defending. Above ground we faced the Green Skin invasions, below we battled the Ratman, yet we held on for over a hundred years...”

Dugen left the rest unsaid, but Francois understood: ”I am very sorry.”

”This has nothing to do with humans.” Who would have thought Dugen wouldn’t appreciate it, the Dwarf just monotonously muttered to himself: ”Our king, Belgar, is still trying to gather the scattered clans, alas... but we just want to live well in our new home.”

A mighty army of over two thousand was marching on the road to support Boldro. In the shade by the roadside, several bats hung upside down under the thick branches of a great tree.

Two bats whispered to each other: ”These are reinforcements, Winford’s reinforcements are on the move, we must immediately report to the Red Duke!”

”We haven’t completed the task of locating the Blood Knights. The Witch Demon King doesn’t believe Anak and thirteen Blood Knights could disappear silently in the forest! Even if they did encounter a group of Holy Grail Knights, not all of them would fail to escape!”

”But we have searched for more than ten days and cannot waste any more time. The news of Winford’s reinforcements’ imminent arrival must be reported immediately... Laine Macado apparently did not set out with Winford’s reinforcements?”

”Yes, he seems to be waiting for reinforcements from other Dukes, hence his delay around Gene Town.”

”What a fool, forget about it, let’s head back first.”

”Alright.”

The two bats flapped their wings and flew away.

At the same time, inside the Gene Baron’s Castle, Laine stood in the master bedroom, and the Dark Elf Maid approached from behind: ”Master, Mr. Francois has already left the territory with his troops.”

”Good!” Laine nodded. He drew aside a corner of the curtain; outside the castle, a few bats lurked in inconspicuous places.

”Ice Arrow!” With a cry, a burst of Frost Energy instantly shattered those bats, and the female sorcerer Teresa held up her purple Magic Staff, surveying Laine’s castle.

”That is the spell of the Undead, summoning bats as their magical minions. A competent Undead Mage can remotely control these bats, sharing a viewpoint, as an important means of reconnaissance.” Ollica spoke softly from behind Laine: ”Master, we have already eliminated two waves of magical minions, under these circumstances, even a powerful Undead Mage must temporarily rest.”

Inside, Lake God Witch Mogiana lay weakly on the sofa chair in the master bedroom, covered with a blanket. Mogiana’s expression was calm, and she spoke lightly: ”Laine, you surely have a plan, otherwise, you would certainly follow Francois to war.”

”Yes, in fact, I believe that even if I reach the front lines, the situation cannot change; the opposing Vampire army numbers over twenty thousand and continues to grow. My reinforcements heading to the front cannot tip the scales.” Laine released the curtain and walked over to Mogiana’s side, speaking warmly: ”I need other ways to help His Grace Duke Bodric.”

Mogiana turned her head away, seemingly indifferent to the matter: ”That’s your concern, not mine. Do as you will.”

The little hand of the Lake God Witch emerged from beneath the blanket, handing a woolly Protective Talisman woven by her own hands during her leisure to Laine: ”Take this, Laine, may the Lady grant you victory.”

The talisman bore the insignia of the Golden Chalice. Though devoid of any divine or magical powers, Laine felt Mogiana’s intentions, and his usually composed and smiling face showed a hint of emotion. He closed his eyes and accepted Mogiana’s talisman: ”Your Highness, your blessing surpasses everything. It ignites courage in my heart, more effective than any other blessing.”

”Go.” Mogiana’s emerald eyes appeared complex. She knew she did not dislike Laine, yet their relationship was awkward. She watched him leave the room and softly sighed: ”Ollica? I am tired and wish to rest.”

”Of course, Your Highness.” The Dark Elf nodded, assisting Mogiana’s delicate form to the Prayer Room, which had recently been transformed into the Lake God Witch’s living quarters.

Lying on the soft feather mattress, the Lake God Witch suddenly called Ollica: ”Dark Elf.”

Ollica paused, ”What is it?”

”This is not a suitable topic, but I’ve researched your background,” Mogiana said nonchalantly.

”The Lady has no objections; I don’t have much to say. Whatever you think, go ahead. Do as you see fit.”

”...” Mogiana hesitated before saying more, when she saw a transparent bottle appear in Ollica’s hand, within it a swirling purple mist. With a calm expression, she stated, ”Since the Lady agrees, I have no further objections, I just hope you’ll properly settle here.”

Leaving the master’s room, Laine put away his emotional facade and adopted a serious demeanor. He pulled the window curtain aside with focus and proceeded down to Baron Gene’s castle. Inside the now furnished conference room awaited the personnel he needed: ”My Baron!”

”Everyone’s here, that’s good.” Laine noted, taking a seat at the head of the room, signaling Surya, Paladin Alfred, Kingdom Knight Sir Jerald, and the female knight: ”Laine, sir, do you have something to announce to us?”

”Yes, I have an announcement to make to you all.” Laine nodded. He indicated for everyone to be seated before commencing, ”I have decided upon our next course of action.”

”””