Dragon Monarch System Chapter 1068:- Magic Monster Horde Attack
Previously on Dragon Monarch System...
Axel City, the unofficial center of the Ashen Covenant Faction, boasted exceptionally unique and advantageous geographical characteristics. This entire city was constructed within a locale shielded by immense mountains on three sides, providing natural fortification and making it exceedingly difficult to assault from most directions.
Pure spring water cascaded unceasingly from the mountains, branching into numerous streams that meandered through various sectors of the city. After several kilometers, these streams converged to form a grand river, which became one of the region's most crucial resources.
The western expanse of Axel City greatly benefited from this river. Expansive tracts of fertile farmland stretched across the area, yielding abundant harvests year-round. Concurrently, numerous industries and workshops established themselves near the river's banks due to the convenient access to water and efficient transportation. Over time, this significantly bolstered the already formidable economy of Axel City, further cementing its status as the true heart of the Ashen Covenant Faction.
However, approximately twenty kilometers beyond the developed zones, a vast forest could still be observed, extending limitlessly into the distance. Originally, this entire territory was once part of a single, enormous rainforest, with even the mountains encircling Axel City connected to this greater forest ecosystem.
In bygone eras, the forest descended from the mountains and expanded in all directions without obstruction. At that time, Axel City was merely a modest settlement, founded by a few hundred souls striving for survival amidst the wilderness. Through the centuries, increasing portions of the forest were felled to expand the city, cultivate agricultural lands, and establish diverse industries. Consequently, a substantial clearing gradually emerged in what was once an unbroken woodland.
Nevertheless, this development also presented a significant challenge for the city.
Given that Axel City remained encircled by dense woodlands on most sides, incursions by Magic beasts occurred with far greater frequency compared to other cities within the Empire. Potent Magic animals often ventured near human habitations, particularly during specific seasons. This rendered the outlying areas of the city exceptionally perilous for ordinary civilians. Venturing too far beyond the protected perimeters without escorts or cultivators was deemed highly risky, as countless lives had been claimed by Magic animals over the years.
The Harrington family was compelled to expend an immense amount of wealth annually to guarantee the safety of not only Axel City itself but also the industries, farmlands, and smaller hamlets situated beyond the city ramparts. Safeguarding these outer regions proved considerably more arduous due to their closer proximity to the forests, the frequent haunts of Magic animals.
Substantial contingents of guards, cultivators, patrol units, defensive ramparts, lookout towers, and arcane formations were perpetually maintained to ensure the security of the surrounding territories. Without these fortifications, the villages and farmlands outside the city would have long ago succumbed to becoming easy prey for Magic animals.
Yet, when contrasted with the astronomical revenue the Harrington family garnered from Axel City each year, the expenditure of a considerable fortune on safeguarding the populace and industries was deemed more than justified. In their perspective, every gold coin invested in defense was a contribution towards the region's stability and prosperity.
Moreover, over the past few decades, the Harrington family had progressively augmented their spending on defenses against Magic animals. Additional patrol routes were established, more formidable cultivators were deployed near hazardous zones, and supplementary protective measures were implemented around villages and industrial centers. All these actions were undertaken to ensure that both the city and its surrounding territories remained secure and tranquil, despite their proximity to the vast forests.
Since encounters with magical beasts were far more prevalent in this area and constituted nearly a daily occurrence, the troops garrisoned in Axel City were significantly more seasoned and prepared for such eventualities than the soldiers in most other Imperial cities.
Whenever a section of the city or an area proximate to the outer territories faced an assault, Harrington’s trusted second-in-command, who held oversight of the region's entire military apparatus, possessed the complete authority to instantly deploy any necessary number of troops and armaments. He was not required to seek prior authorization from the Duke or the patriarch of the Harrington family before initiating action. The paramount concern always remained the safety and security of the city and its inhabitants.
Back in the day, when Harrington himself was still the ruling Duke, he personally went to the battlefield almost every time magical beasts attacked the city. In truth, ninety-nine percent of the time, he would personally lead the troops and fight shoulder-to-shoulder with his soldiers without a second thought. Because of this unwavering dedication, the soldiers of the Harrington Faction harbored immense respect and loyalty toward him. However, after Harrington retired and his nephew took over the position of Duke, circumstances shifted somewhat. More authority was gradually delegated to Harrington’s trusted right-hand man. Over the span of more than two thousand years of steadfast service, this individual had completely demonstrated his trustworthiness and reliability. Throughout all those years, never once was he accused of abusing his authority or misusing his power. Consequently, the Harrington family placed their faith in him, granting him greater command over the region's military affairs. This man’s name was Vardy Spectre. He was a Dark Elf who had been abandoned at the tender age of six and subsequently cast out from his own tribe. The reason behind this was quite simple: among his kin, he was considered an anomaly. Despite both his parents being pure Dark Elves, Vardy was born with ears shorter than the typical length for his race. This led many within the tribe to mistakenly believe he was half-human. To the proud and traditional Dark Elves, such a notion was regarded as a source of shame and was deemed unacceptable. Yet, the reality was quite different. It was entirely plausible that Vardy’s distinct appearance was merely the outcome of a rare genetic variation. Even within races possessing strong bloodlines, unusual traits can occasionally manifest without any external influence. However, the tribe showed no inclination to comprehend or investigate the truth. Instead, they opted for the simpler path: rejection and expulsion. And without parents or any relatives, he was already isolated within his own tribe. Thus, he was already perceived as nothing more than a burden. His slightly short ears provided everyone with a convenient pretext to simply push him out of the village. As a consequence, Vardy grew up abandoned by his own people long before he could even begin to grasp what he had supposedly done wrong. .... Today proved to be an exceptionally shocking day for Harrington's right-hand man. Vardy discovered numerous astonishing facts. But the most astounding, and concurrently the most exhilarating, revelation he encountered today was that the exiled crown prince, who had been unjustly banished from his homeland and sent to a distant locale, had finally returned and had openly declared his intent to reclaim his rightful inheritance. This thrilling tidbit of news placed him in an exceptionally good mood. He found it difficult to restrain himself from immediately proceeding to the palace to meet his master’s grandson. But he managed to hold back. Even after serving as Harrington’s right-hand man for over 2,000 years and commanding the entire Harrington family’s troops, he still felt unworthy of entering the palace simply to glimpse Harrington’s grandson. Today had been an incredibly surprising day for Vardy. Throughout the day, he absorbed one unbelievable piece of news after another. Yet, among all the information he received, the most astonishing and exhilarating news pertained to the return of the exiled Crown Prince. The prince, who had been unjustly banished from his native land and dispatched far from the Main Continent, had finally made his return. Moreover, he had unequivocally announced his intention to reclaim that which rightfully belonged to him. Merely hearing this news was sufficient to elevate Vardy's mood to an unusual level of cheerfulness. For a brief moment, he struggled to prevent himself from heading directly to the palace with the sole purpose of meeting his master's grandson. The prospect of finally encountering the individual Harrington held in such high regard filled him with both excitement and intrigue. However, in the end, he exercised restraint. Despite having served as Harrington’s right-hand man for more than two millennia and assuming the role of commander for the entirety of the Harrington military force, Vardy still harbored profound respect and humility towards the Harrington family. In his own estimation, he was merely a devoted subordinate. He did not consider himself qualified to casually enter the palace simply to converse with Harrington’s grandson. Regrettably, that elation was short-lived. Just as darkness began to fully envelop the outside world, one of his subordinates rushed into his office while Vardy was still engrossed in reviewing military reports and strategic defense matters. The urgent sound of his footsteps was enough to signal that a grave situation had arisen. "What is it?" Vardy inquired, a frown creasing his brow. "Sir, a vast horde exceeding 5,000 magical beasts, comprising multiple particularly formidable magical creatures, is advancing towards the city from the southern mountains." Upon hearing these words, Vardy instantly rose to his feet without a moment's delay.Commanding the entirety of the Harrington military, with over two millennia of experience facing such crises, he was a veteran of countless magic animal assaults. He felt no panic; instead, his mind immediately began formulating strategies and defenses.
Without a moment's delay, orders began to stream forth.
The same soldier who had delivered the news was dispatched to mobilize the city's entire military might, preparing all forces for an extensive engagement.
This urgent development had not yet reached the current patriarch of the Harrington lineage. At this precise moment, the Duke and other prominent family figures were occupied, enjoying time with their grandson, engaging in conversation, laughter, and reconnecting after a prolonged absence.
Vardy deemed it unnecessary to interrupt their reunion for this particular event.
In his estimation, this was merely another magical beast onslaught, a scenario he had personally managed innumerable times throughout his long existence. He had unwavering confidence in both his seasoned experience and the formidable capabilities of his soldiers. Leading the defense himself, he saw no plausible cause for defeat against a simple beast swarm.
"Let us proceed."
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