Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong Chapter 2565: 1414: Surprise and Gratitude (Part 2)

“Even though its rank has increased, the core effect remains unchanged, precisely as I anticipated. This allows me to bring one Tier 6 subordinate under my command every single day!”

Leo Ray examined the data in the attribute column, his expression radiating pure joy.

It was a known fact that even with his current leveling capabilities, he could typically only acquire Tier 4 Recruitment Orders, occasionally reaching Tier 5 only through the specialized talent of Penelope Welbourn.

However, possessing this Contract Crystal Stone was essentially a shortcut, bypassing Tier 5 entirely to reach the Tier 6 threshold!

“As for the priority of recruitment, the leaders of factions like Shuert, Broy, Fanny, and Crisis are the obvious choices.”

“While my authority has been firmly established through various upgrades and strategic moves, only the formalization of these contracts can guarantee absolute loyalty. It will bring their territories fully under my dominion, ensuring my expansion remains unshakable.”

Amidst his excitement, Leo Ray shifted his focus to the final notes of the item description.

The text indicated that once bound, the item is exclusive to the owner and vanishes upon their death. This made sense, as it was a unique artifact from the Lord Arena, likely forged by the divine "Prompting Voice" itself.

But the phrase "before it is bound" caught his attention. Did this imply such treasures could be traded among lords?

“Currently, it seems only the top-tier lords of each region have received these artifacts. Without an open Chat Channel for them, how could commerce even exist?”

“Is it possible that events like the Lord Arena are precursors to the opening of free trade channels between lords? Or perhaps some other marketplace exists?”

“Then again, these artifacts offer such immense benefits that few would ever consider selling them. Lords are at a pivotal moment of entering the Outer Region and lack the luxury of parting with such power.”

“No matter, with my current knowledge, finding a definitive answer is impossible.”

“Furthermore, that ‘Prompting Voice’ is becoming harder to read. As a deity, its motives are naturally beyond human comprehension.”

Pushing those thoughts aside, Leo Ray stowed the crystal and turned his attention back to his surroundings.

The City of Ten Thousand Ships had faded into the distance and eventually vanished. In its place, the massive forms of sea monsters reappeared, and the silhouette of a lonely island began to surface on the horizon.

This was a clear sign that they had successfully exited the Barrier Area of the City of Ten Thousand Ships and returned to the repeating Sea Area where they had begun.

“The loop should be broken now. The population of sea monsters has dropped by more than half; they likely retreated to their own zones.”

Noticing the few remaining leviathans becoming active again, Leo Ray nodded to Bruno, signaling him to command the fleet to accelerate and move away from the Barrier Area guarding their territory.

As they sailed through the crashing waves, it wasn't long before Bruno rushed over with an ecstatic report: “Your Majesty of the Humans, magic communication with Boundless City is back online! We have broken through the Barrier Area and reached the open sea!”

“Long live the Human King! Long live Your Majesty!”

A roar of celebration instantly swept across the fleet, growing louder by the second.

Every minotaur soldier on deck dropped to their knees toward Leo Ray’s flagship, showing their deep respect and devotion. Many were moved to tears, their fur damp and matted with emotion.

Their Human King had risked everything, leading powerful allies into a death trap and bringing them back safely. Such a selfless act filled them with overwhelming gratitude, despite not being of the human race themselves.

“Stand up, everyone. We are brothers-in-arms with no barriers between us. This was simply my duty,” Leo Ray said with a gentle wave of his hand and a warm smile.

The journey continued without further incident, and the fleet soon docked at Boundless City, the heart of the minotaur realm.

At the harbor, the new minotaur king stood at the head of a massive crowd of ministers and soldiers, all of whom offered their heartfelt thanks to Leo Ray once more.

Following a grand banquet at the palace, Leo Ray departed for the Human Domain alongside his loyal subordinates and human elites.

For Broy, Crisis, and Fanny, the journey home was instantaneous, as they utilized the human Teleportation Stations to return to their respective lands.

Upon stepping back into the familiar King’s Hall of Lion Castle, Leo Ray’s first action was to present three incredibly rare Tier 6 high-grade magic medicines to Taylor, Jasper Richardson, and Louise.

He didn't stop there. He also provided them with over a dozen Tier 6 auxiliary medicines and corresponding magic scrolls, including vital emergency healing potions. This ensured that their upcoming breakthroughs to Tier 6 would be as safe as possible.

Reaching Tier 6 was a perilous ordeal, often described as a dance with death. Even legends like Shuert had spent centuries preparing for a single attempt at this stage.

With such high-level resources, his subordinates could drastically cut down their preparation time and proceed with far greater security.

“We are eternally grateful, my Lord!”

Their hands trembled as they accepted the treasures. The three subordinates were visibly shaken with emotion, kneeling at Leo Ray’s feet and refusing to rise.

Taylor, the very first to join Leo Ray, wore a look of immense pride mixed with nostalgia on his weathered face.

He remembered being summoned to a tiny shack in a dark forest, back when the Lord was inexperienced and uncertain. At that time, he had doubted if he had made the right choice.

Now, having walked the path together, the Lord had become a titan among the Outer Region powers, holding immense influence. This glory was bought with blood and countless battles. One wrong move could have ended it all.

Taylor had seen every step of the journey. Even though newer allies were now stronger than him, the Lord had never cast him aside. This loyalty moved him to tears.

Jasper Richardson felt the same. Her pointed ears twitched with excitement, her face flushed with joy as she sobbed. It was the Lord who saved her clan from the Half-Orcs and found the Tears of the Elves to restore her lost power.

And now, the Lord was personally ensuring her ascension to the next realm. She felt that even a lifetime of service could never repay such kindness.

Beside her, even the usually boisterous Louise was solemn, her eyes brimming with tears until she finally let out a loud cry of gratitude.

“Go now and prepare. You are relieved of all duties for the time being. Focus entirely on your advancement,” Leo Ray said, helping them up with a smile.

“You have stood by me through every life-and-death struggle. These gifts are the least I can do.”

“We will continue this journey together. I expect every one of you to stay by my side until the end.”

After a long while, Leo Ray finally saw the three subordinates out of the hall.

As the King’s Hall fell silent once more, a look of deep reflection returned to Leo Ray’s eyes.