Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong Chapter 2918: 1596: Contemplation and Purpose_2

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Previously on Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong...
The Broken Wing King’s plan to exploit the famine by pitting various forces against each other and the Human Emperor was exposed. Despite the King’s attempts to pressure Hollis and the Half-Titans, Prince Chasing Shadow of the Dark Half-Elves unexpectedly spoke out, supporting the Half-Titans’ cautious approach to the King’s aggressive agenda.

Prince Chasing Shadow’s sudden speech was prompted by directives from the Dark Half-Elf Queen, instructing him to lend assistance to Leo Ray with the Dark Half-Elves.

Upon encountering Leo Ray, Prince Chasing Shadow had already discerned that Hollis, in his human guise, was among the formidable individuals accompanying Leo Ray. Consequently, it was only natural for him to infer the close connection between the Half-Titan and Leo Ray.

“Oh? And what astute observation does Prince Chasing Shadow possess?”

The hawk-like eyes of the Broken Wing King narrowed slightly, fixing upon the Dark Half-Elf prince, whose countenance remained impassive.

The Broken Wing King harbored a degree of bewilderment regarding Prince Chasing Shadow’s abrupt interjection.

However, his deliberations yielded no discernible link between the Half-Titans and the Dark Half-Elves.

Given the notorious seclusion of the Dark Half-Elves, they were unaccustomed to seeking favor with any faction and had never proactively aided others. Because of this, he could only surmise that Prince Chasing Shadow might be experiencing a mental lapse for some inexplicable reason.

“Nothing too brilliant, truly. It’s merely that, based on the intelligence I’ve acquired, this Human Emperor does possess certain capabilities and even commands a Land of Divine Favor.”

Prince Chasing Shadow offered a shrug, remarking with placidity, “And considering the inherent limitations of the Half-Titans, Stone Giants, and their ilk, why not task us with dispatching troops to confront this Human Emperor?”

“He not only brings up the Land of Divine Favor directly but even proposes deploying forces against me. Is this individual truly allied with me, or not?”

Upon hearing this, a wry smile played on Leo Ray’s lips, concealed beneath his Battle Helmet.

Despite a sense of amusement mingling with exasperation, Leo Ray understood implicitly that Prince Chasing Shadow’s meddling had, in fact, alleviated some of the pressure on Hollis.

The mention of the Land of Divine Favor was likely an attempt to prompt the Broken Wing King to reconsider the strategy of “setting a tiger upon a wolf.” A Land of Divine Favor, after all, was practically standard provision for First-class forces; its allure for a Second-tier Power was undeniable and considerably greater than that of ordinary domains.

Indeed, following Prince Chasing Shadow’s pointed insinuation, the Giant Horned King and his other subordinates, who had just regained their composure, were once again eager for action.

Notably, seated beside the Giant Horned King was a stout, burly humanoid boar Monarch with a rugged visage—none other than the Tusk King, a subordinate on par with the Giant Horned King.

The Tusk King’s rough face, adorned with bristling mane, was etched with impatience and avarice. After a brief period of deliberation, he ultimately inclined his head, deferentially approaching the Broken Wing King and inquiring, “Heh heh, Your Majesty, might I suggest entrusting this task to us?”

At his proposal, a flicker of contemplation crossed the Broken Wing King’s somber expression.

His original strategy indeed involved pitting two forces against each other and then reaping the rewards, and he had correctly assessed that entities like the Half-Titans would not dare defy his command.

The Land of Divine Favor was a primary catalyst for his intention to target Leo Ray. Even if Hollis and his group secured it first, he could always reclaim it later.

However, with Hollis now stepping forward and Prince Chasing Shadow also interjecting, he found himself uncertain of the underlying issue.

It appeared as though the Half-Titan King, the Dark Half-Elf Prince, and the others were bound by an unseen thread, consciously acting in opposition to him.

Yet, no matter his attempts at deduction, he could not fathom the nature of the connection between them. He had, after all, operated with impunity in this region for many years; any insignificant beings who dared to oppose him had long since been reduced to dust.

“Perhaps this Lonely King is merely overthinking matters. Unless someone is actively courting destruction, they would never dare to incite trouble surreptitiously. Employing a few insignificant Hunters rather than revealing themselves directly represents the utmost capability of such weaklings.”

A hint of arrogance and disdain re-emerged on the Broken Wing King’s grave countenance. After a moment’s reflection, he ultimately nodded towards the expectant Tusk King, proclaiming, “Very well, the arrangement falls to you.”

“Heh heh, I accept your command!”

The avarice on the Tusk King’s rugged features intensified as he nodded repeatedly.

“Enough, I have granted you an avenue for survival, yet you hesitate to advance. In that case, do not hold this Lonely King accountable. Effective immediately, the augmented tributes shall be enforced.”

The Broken Wing King cast a casual glance at the Monarchs seated below, his voice utterly flat. Even though the Monarchs seated below wore faces full of sorrow and resentment, no one dared to rise and voice opposition. They could only resign themselves to it, even though this situation would cause their respective forces to fall even deeper into misery and ruin. "At the end of the day, that Human Emperor is nothing more than an insignificant little worm, not worth our continued discussion. It’s about time we moved on to the main topic." The gloom on the Broken Wing King’s face vanished, replaced by a meaningful smile as he continued, "The primary reason this Lonely King summoned you all here today is to further increase your strength." As soon as he said this, the Monarchs seated below exchanged looks, once again staring at each other in bewilderment.

Although none of them showed doubt and distrust on their faces, they all knew perfectly well in their hearts that the Broken Wing King wished nothing more than to trample all their forces beneath his feet, turning them into thoroughgoing slaves. How could he possibly be thinking of strengthening them? There had to be a catch. Sure enough, the Broken Wing King’s lips twisted into a crooked arc, and his playful voice rang out again: "To be frank, this Lonely King has established a Stronger Academy in the Royal Capital Suburb, gathering the most elite power and Cultivation Fields our Second-tier Power has to offer. Needless to say, rare Martial Arts and Magic are all available there, and all kinds of auxiliary promotion Formations and other measures are also fully equipped."

"With such a perfect training facility, it naturally requires the most distinguished students. It wouldn’t do for my Broken Wing Clan to monopolize it. Therefore, this Lonely King has decided that every force in the Throne Corridor will be granted a certain number of admission slots to send their young-generation elite experts to enroll." At this point, the Broken Wing King especially added in an unhurried tone, "This Lonely King has also specially opened the most top-tier training class, which only accepts the children and closest kin of each clan’s ruler, and the tuition is completely free."

"We thank Your Majesty for your magnanimity and favor! Long live Your Majesty!" At once, the Giant Horned King, the Tusk King, and the other henchmen loudly echoed their support. In stark contrast to the fervent atmosphere in the front rows of the hall, the Monarchs seated toward the middle and back all frowned slightly when they heard this. As the Broken Wing King’s words fell, they all had already begun to realize one after another: how was this helping them improve their strength? This was clearly turning their children and closest kin into hostages, in order to further tighten his grip on them!

It wasn’t hard to imagine that once their children and closest kin were all in the other party’s hands, what leeway would they have left? "Interesting. So this is the Broken Wing King’s scheme." Leo Ray’s eyes narrowed slightly under his Battle Helmet as he continued to observe how things would unfold. It was foreseeable that these Monarchs were no fools and naturally wouldn’t obediently comply. This would further strengthen the resolve of those forces standing on our side to oppose the Broken Wing King.

"What’s this? Everyone, faced with such grace from His Majesty the Broken Wing King, you all remain silent?" The Giant Horned King was the first to strike, staring gloomily at the other Monarchs in the rear rows. With the Broken Wing King backing him, he was naturally able to act high and mighty, bullying others in the tiger’s shadow. "Heh heh, I’d say it’s more likely they’re so happy they don’t even know how to express their gratitude to His Majesty, right?" The Tusk King’s massive face was full of mockery, his manner likewise condescending.

"So that’s how it is. This Lonely King thought you all had some misgivings." The Broken Wing King propped his chin on one hand, his expression full of amusement. "There’s no need to say too many words of thanks. Since none of you have any objections, then starting tomorrow morning, send everyone over." "This…" At that, all the Monarchs wore anxious expressions, yet no one was willing to be the first bird to stick its head out and voice an objection. Given the Broken Wing King’s temperament, the first person to stand up would absolutely not meet a good end; it wasn’t impossible for him to be seized on the spot. Under such a premise, no one wanted to become that unlucky target of public ire.

"I still have a few questions that need answering." Just as the Monarchs were at a loss as to what to do, a crisp voice full of resolve suddenly rang out.