Our Family Has Fallen

Even Bruce’s robust physique was the result of the Earl sparing no expense. It stemmed from cruel training since childhood, coupled with various precious Extraordinary potions. Furthermore, he was bolstered by a few pieces of Extraordinary equipment.

Moreover, some Transcendents were secretly nurtured within the Bastia territory, and connections were established with numerous Supernatural Organizations. The only unfortunate aspect was their family’s lack of Extraordinary Talent.

However, the Earl was clear that Transcendents definitely did not possess the power to devour an entire city of hundreds of thousands of people in a short span of time.

It was precisely the Great Cataclysm that turned Hamlet Old City into ruins. The abyss-like terror of the legends surrounding it instilled fear in everyone.

Various powers continuously encroached upon the lands of Hamlet Old City, yet no one dared to tamper with that specific place. Aside from mutual restraint, there was still lingering fear of the past Great Cataclysm.

”Then, what about Alvin’s actions?” Bruce asked, somewhat puzzled. ”The remaining areas, aside from the city ruins, are almost entirely wilderness, containing only villages and towns. Apart from Ovando City, there isn’t even another large city.

”More importantly, our actions would undoubtedly attract others’ attention. Simultaneously, we would face pressure from enemies in two directions: the Permafrost Tundra and the desert. Also, the eerie nature of the city ruins must be dealt with. From this perspective, the losses outweigh the gains.

”Father, please reconsider!”

Faced with Bruce’s admonition, the Earl seemed unconcerned and slowly posed a question, ”Do you know the core of Hamlet’s prosperity?”

”Because Hamlet is one of the few land-based continental junction points. To its northwest lie the foothills of the Misty Mountains, and to its north, the Permafrost Tundra. It is also a world-famous port city. Trade routes converge here, and during stable times, commerce thrives,” Bruce replied. He did know this, after all; he was being trained as the heir.

The Earl continued, ”Bastia’s steady foothold is due to its victory in the decisive battle, but its development stems from trade with the Deerhead Tribe.

”Why can Bastia control the Mountains? Its geographical location is key. It’s part of the mountain ranges, forming a strategic pass. The surrounding area is mostly mountainous land, difficult to cultivate, with poor soil that simply cannot sustain so many people.

”Without the road toll from the Deerhead Tribe, Bastia lacks a significant source of funds. Without this money, maintaining our current state is already difficult, let alone pursuing further development.”

The Earl stood up and approached the map of the Empire’s four northern provinces hanging on the wall. He pointed towards Hamlet and said, ”Do you know why the Hamlet Ruins are situated there?”

”That’s where many rivers extending from the Misty Mountains converge, forming alluvial plains over thousands of years,” Bruce answered.

”Exactly!” The Earl didn’t sit back down. Instead, he moved even closer to the map, his gaze filled with unconcealed desire. ”If we control Hamlet, we will gain the most fertile plains. To the east lies the Bay formed by the river’s mouth. Heading north, we can open the Ancient Sand Path, connecting the continent. By then, not just the Empire, but the entire world will resound with the name Bastia!”

Bruce was not Alvin; he wasn’t swayed by Baron Lawrence’s few words into blindly believing he could easily control Hamlet.

”What about the other nobility? If we act, they will likely follow suit. If it escalates into a melee, we will also be dragged into the war. If we cannot suppress the Barbarian Tribes and their allied army descends from the Mountains, we will face a two-front war.”

”Then we will deal with them all at once. Hamlet can only bear the name Bastia!” The Earl almost gnashed his teeth, revealing unprecedented ferocity. ”I will recreate Hamlet!”

It seemed both Baron Lawrence and Bruce were mistaken; the Earl’s ambitions extended far beyond that—he intended to revive the prosperity of Hamlet.

”Of course, Bastia’s future development is merely an internal factor. The real external factor brings us back to the earlier question.” The Earl calmed down, turning his gaze to Bruce. ”Why must we strike the Fang Tribe?”

Bruce remained silent upon hearing this. This question was already answered. Why bring it up again?

Fortunately, the Earl wasn’t testing him and quickly provided the answer. ”This is because the inflated ambitions of the Fang Tribe have disrupted the stability of the Mountains. In this dynamic, we are the challenged, and the Fang Tribe is the challenger. There is no room for reconciliation between us.

”Therefore, we must strike them before they bare their fangs at Bastia. This will show them who is dominant here and also deter the restless Barbarian Tribes in the Mountains.”

”So, Hamlet is also a challenger?” Bruce asked, recalling the recent rumors.

The Earl responded, ”Are you referring to those rumors?

”I don’t believe they are just rumors. You must understand that rumors never arise without reason. While we are unclear about the specific cause, this tacit agreement has now been broken. Importantly, we were not the ones to break it; we are merely responding.

”Moreover, summer has passed, and with autumn approaching, the Barbarian Tribes will become more ferocious as they prepare for winter. We only need to provide some supplies and Gold Coins to hire more Barbarians to fight for us, which will simultaneously deplete their strength.

”Furthermore, the Empire is currently preoccupied with internal strife and cannot attend to matters here. If the surrounding nobility dare to act, it would actually provide us with a pretext. From any perspective, this is an almost perfect opportunity for us.”