Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong Chapter 2589: 1427: After the Advancement and Mutation

Still harboring a trace of uncertainty, Leo Ray composed himself and immediately reached out to Ariel Watson via Mind Talk.

“Lord, was your advancement a success?!”

Ariel’s connection was instantaneous; her voice, filled with a blend of shock and lingering anxiety, rang clearly in Leo Ray’s mind.

“The ordeal has finally concluded safely.”

A vibrant smile spread across Leo Ray’s face as he answered, “However, this was merely the Physical Energy Vortex. I am only halfway to total success.”

“That is wonderful news! I have been incredibly restless throughout the entire day. Even if it is only the Energy Vortex that has advanced, My Lord, you have truly stepped into the realm of a Tier 6 expert!”

Ariel’s tone shifted to one of pure excitement as she continued, “To think that My Lord would ascend to the Tier 6 expert level between dawn and midnight! Such a feat is beyond the wildest dreams of other cultivators. I have heard that certain experts in the Outer Region require several months for such a breakthrough!”

“So, it took me less than a single day to successfully evolve the Physical Energy Vortex?”

Leo Ray let out a long breath and nodded to himself in contemplation.

His transition to Tier 5 had already been remarkably fast, bolstered by the Power of Divine Grace and various Buff enhancements. Thus, completing this stage in under twenty-four hours was not entirely unexpected.

With those thoughts settled, Leo Ray quickly questioned, “Has anything significant occurred while I was occupied?”

“My Lord, we have followed your directives closely. The defensive measures against ‘Corrosion’ and our diplomatic communications with the various Outer Region clans are proceeding without any hiccups,” Ariel reported.

She then added, “However, messages have arrived from Flower Fairy Queen Fanny, Minotaur General Bruno, Troll Clan Chief Hanel Shuert, and Dragonborn Queen Dana. In the northern reaches of the Outer Region where our borders meet other powers, two separate alliances are visibly massing troops near our frontier strongholds. Their motives remain a mystery.”

“Oh?”

Leo Ray’s hand went to his chin as he pondered Ariel’s report.

The Dragonborn, Flower Fairy, Troll, and Minotaur—these four allied forces of his occupied a vast territory that touched the borders of much deeper and more formidable Outer Region powers.

According to his previous intelligence, these rival factions did not operate in isolation but were organized into massive alliances. Individually, each of those powers possessed strength that eclipsed his own.

“Earlier, I received reports about enemy spies infiltrating our lands, but there was no mention of a military buildup. These alliances usually maintain a delicate balance of power, as they must keep a constant watch on each other and the even more dominant second-tier influences.”

“Because of this mutual restraint, they shouldn't be recklessly moving troops toward us, especially right after sending scouts. It is simply too soon for them to have processed any intelligence they gathered; this was a point I previously agreed upon with Fanny and the other Outer Region chiefs.”

“The current landscape seems far more tangled than we first suspected. Why would these alliances mobilize near our borders? Could they be gearing up for a direct confrontation?”

“While that is possible, they are surrounded by rivals and superior second-tier forces. Launching a war against us would leave their flanks wide open to betrayal from their neighbors.”

“Logic dictates they should be seeking an alliance with us to stabilize the region, rather than preparing for battle without any prior dialogue.”

Feeling the weight of the puzzle, Leo Ray focused and asked, “Ariel, what is the current status of Fanny and the other leaders?”

Prior to his cultivation session, Leo Ray had already established a protocol for his absence.

He had instructed Ariel, the Seven Kings of the Human Clan, the Grey Elder, and other core Human Clan leaders to join forces with Broy, Shuert, Crisis, Fanny, Dana, Hanel Tree, Bruno, and the various Outer Region heads. They were to form a high-level committee to manage the situation and share intelligence in real-time.

Because of this, Ariel was well-informed regarding the movements of Fanny and the rest.

“My Lord, the leadership of the Dragonborn, Flower Fairy, Troll, and Minotaur forces, along with our own commanders, have moved to the border fortresses. They have also initiated a moderate increase in our defensive troop presence.”

Ariel replied promptly, “Meanwhile, the Dwarves, Elves, and other supporting forces from the Outer Region and the Human Clan are on high alert to respond to any crisis, though they have not yet been sent to the front lines.”

“A wise move. It isn't the moment for a full-scale mobilization. Thanks to the transport capabilities of Ice Stone City, we can shift our forces to any point on the border at a moment's notice.”

Leo Ray nodded in approval, adding, “Instruct everyone to investigate the true reason behind this troop movement. They should wait for me to finish my full advancement before we take any major actions.”

“Understood, My Lord. Please, proceed with the utmost caution!”

Ariel’s voice was tinged with concern as she gave her response.

She had originally wanted to stay by Leo Ray's side throughout the process, but he had declined her request.

His reasoning was twofold: he needed Ariel to serve as his voice to keep their coalition stable, and the breakthrough required absolute focus. Having Ariel there would have been a distraction he couldn't afford.

“Do not worry, the most difficult part is behind me. Now that I have the aid of a Tier 6 Physical Energy Vortex, the process of advancing the Magic Energy Vortex will be much smoother.”