Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1606 - 555: A One-Man Team (Part 2)
Previously on Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys...
"Indeed, the energy tide. With the surges of the energy tide growing stronger, we foresee that the appearances and occurrences of giant beasts across the Federation will ramp up even further."
Right after Speaker Lawson uttered those words, over a dozen high-ranking Federation generals shared looks, murmuring among themselves.
"What... does the frequency have to rise even more?"
"The armed forces are already stretched to their limits."
"Even our latest massive airships and artillery struggle to deliver lethal blows to those giant beasts. That one in Westin City got driven off only because Federation elites stepped in, though many of them were pulled away previously..."
"True, I know there's a crucial exploration area demanding attention, but with all this chaos now, shouldn't we secure our position first?"
...
"Everyone, during this session, I'd like to get your ideas, instead of depending solely on the Federation's top fighters." Speaker Lawson rapped the table irritably.
His statement instantly hushed the conference hall, yet Lawson's expression darkened further. In a grave tone, he demanded, "With all of you assembled, is there truly no plan from anyone?"
"Well, not quite—if we had sufficient Ajax golems, they'd do the job as well. In Oberdin City, three Ajax golems teamed up with a squad of combat airships to push back the massive frog creature." One general responded.
"Are you referring to those enormous magical constructs developed by the Federation Mechanical Research Institute, drawing from lost goblin designs?" Speaker Lawson mused.
"That's right, Mr. Speaker. In my view, developing golems that are simpler to handle could hold the secret to our upcoming triumphs."
"That said, word is that Director Haleem from the Institute got sent off to probe the exploration site too, which has delayed Ajax golem manufacturing even more," noted a supply chain official.
"I propose we ease up on delving into that site to steady the current mess?"
"But the real issue is, can we actually steady it? It might be wiser to weather brief hardships for lasting benefits. Should we uncover tech breakthroughs at that site, I reckon the temporary strain is a fair trade."
"Who's to say probing the site will definitely produce anything worthwhile?"
...
Here, the 'long-term group' and 'short-term group' butted heads over their views, as a larger share leaned toward recalling the Federation elites to bolster defenses.
At that instant, a young male aide hurried inside, went up to Speaker Lawson, and murmured a few urgent words.
The sight suddenly stilled the entire room.
This young aide served as Speaker Lawson's personal secretary. His interruption during the discussion surely signaled vital intelligence.
"What! By himself?" Speaker Lawson whispered softly upon receiving the update.
By himself?
By himself for what reason?
The assembled top Federation leaders felt equally baffled.
"While the Dragan Empire consented to the shared expedition, they've merely sent one Imperial Guardian." Speaker Lawson announced gravely, relaying the information to all in attendance.
The revelation sparked immediate chaos in the chamber, akin to splashing icy liquid on sizzling fat.
"This is outright insolence! No, it's outright scorn!"
"Is this how they approach partnership?"
"I recommend we reach out to the Dragan Empire once more, pressing them to honor the alliance between our realms properly!" A prominent assembly member fumed.
"Hold on, may I inquire which Guardian the Empire dispatched?" Councilor Trena, a woman, abruptly remembered a detail and questioned the Speaker's secretary.
"Councilor Trena, the Empire has dispatched Lord Rein," the young aide answered, dipping his head respectfully.
"Lord Rein? If it's him, Mr. Speaker, then maybe... there's less cause for alarm..." Trena quickly outlined Rein's history.
"Councilor Trena, yet no matter the individual, dispatching just one shows far too little regard for this alliance!"
"We called for seven to ten Imperial Dragon Knights; even reduced, we anticipated at least five. Sending only one now is simply..."
"Exactly! A single individual, no matter their power, faces boundaries. For this venture, we've gathered seven Federation elites, and the Empire offers merely one? Could one truly outmatch our seven together?"
...
"Everyone, settle down. Per the alliance terms, rewards from the expedition split according to each side's input. Moreover, the Empire did provide a top expert. I feel we're not truly at a disadvantage here."
"Regarding the expedition timeline, Councilor Trena, kindly connect with Lord Terrio. I expect initial collaborative findings within the next half month." Speaker Lawson concluded decisively.
"Oh... yes, Mr. Speaker." The elegant Trena inclined her head.
...
Dragan Empire.
Dragon Scale Brotherhood Secret Realm.
"Your Highness? What brings you here?" The grotesque Lunfrell gazed at Second Prince Everton with mild surprise.
He sensed an unusual vibe from the prince but couldn't quite identify it.
"Potions... got any remaining?" Everton, seeming rather rigid, held up the vial meant for the super evolution potion.
"Oh... Your Highness, you consumed it? It wasn't even..."
Abruptly, Lunfrell trailed off, spotting Everton's crimson-and-ebony eyes, which sent a fierce shiver through him.
It felt like an icy deluge cascading over him from crown to soles, rendering him immobile.
What sort of gaze was that!
Not even a Frost Wolf, famished for three winter days, would possess such a savage stare.