Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong Chapter 2594: 1429: Resolve and Method (Part 2)

Dana’s expression remained cold and composed as she spat out a snort of defiance. “Your schemes will never come to fruition!”

“Haha, that Otherworldly Lord is truly a fascinating individual.”

A hulking figure, likewise concealed under heavy robes, slowly lifted a hand. In an instant, a Tier 6 longsword radiating a powerful, alien shimmer appeared, flooding the gloomy dungeon with a brilliant light.

“A divine weapon like this is a mere plaything for first-class powers. How could a third-class force like yours possess such a treasure?”

The robust figure’s voice took on a mocking tone as he continued coldly, “Furthermore, you are equipped with Tier 6 Armor and several other Sixth-order pieces, not to mention an abundance of Tier 6 Magic Potions and Magic Scrolls. When did you acquire such wealth? This must be the work of that Otherworldly Lord behind the scenes, mustn't it? There is a fascinating mystery hidden behind all of this.”

“Do not be impatient, however. Once I have dragged that Otherworldly Lord here, the truth will be revealed.”

As he spoke, the robust figure’s aura intensified, and his sinister laughter echoed through the cell.

“I told you already, your conspiracy is doomed to fail!”

Witnessing her captor brazenly brandishing the precious blade gifted to her by Leo Ray, Dana began to shake with rage. Nevertheless, she gritted her teeth and spoke with unwavering resolve, “Even if it costs me my life, I will never permit you to harm His Majesty of the Humans!”

“You foolish girl, have you still not grasped the situation? The moment you were imprisoned here, the Otherworldly Lord was already walking into a trap.”

The figure’s laughter became even more arrogant as he sneered, “Following the breadcrumbs I deliberately left behind, that Otherworldly Lord will surely mobilize his Cultivation forces to the border for the sake of a worthless pawn like you. When he arrives, the stage will be set for a magnificent performance.”

“Are you a member of the Desert Alliance? Are you trying to provoke a war between us and the Rainforest Fortress Alliance so you can profit from the ruins?!”

Dana was stunned for a moment before the realization hit her, and she shouted: “No, it is also possible the Rainforest Fortress Alliance left those clues on purpose. Are you from the Rainforest Fortress Alliance, or the Desert Alliance?”

“That is of no concern to a piece of trash like you. You will be reunited with that Otherworldly Lord soon enough; until that moment, I shall let you live.”

With a look of pure contempt, the robust figure’s body blurred and vanished into the darkness of the damp dungeon.

“I am so sorry, Your Majesty of the Humans. I have brought trouble upon everyone.”

Dana collapsed onto the floor in despair. She looked toward her Personal Guard Captain one last time, finally unable to suppress her quiet sobs.

***

Meanwhile, inside the King’s Hall of Lion Castle, curiosity peaked among the gathered allies. Upon hearing that Leo Ray possessed a way to summon the leaders of both the Rainforest Fortress Alliance and the Desert Alliance at once, everyone leaned in to listen.

“It is true that we have no diplomatic ties with them. Their sudden military mobilization suggests they view us as enemies. Given that these two factions are also bitter rivals, bringing them together is a monumental challenge.”

Leo Ray set his command staff down by the sand table and spoke with confidence, “However, there is a strategy that can achieve this effortlessly. We simply need a third party to act as a mediator—one they would never dare refuse.”

“Another power?”

Hanner Tree thought for a moment before nodding. “Are you referring to the second-tier power situated on the far side of those alliances? Their superior status might indeed force a meeting.”

“But even though things have been quiet for decades, those alliances aren't exactly on friendly terms with the neighboring second-tier powers either.”

Fanny tilted her head in thought, adding, “Besides, we can barely contact the alliances themselves; reaching out to those higher-tier powers would be even more difficult.”

The other powerful allies nodded in agreement, clearly failing to see the hidden meaning in Leo Ray’s words.

So far, only two forces above the third-class had maintained good relations with them: the Red Dragon and the Light Half-Elf. However, the former was unreachable, and the latter was currently embroiled in a stalemate between the Light Elves and Dark Elves. Assistance from either seemed impossible.

“You are all correct. As we move further into the Outer Region, we have found few allies. But you are forgetting one distinguished old friend—my secret weapon.”

Leo Ray offered a small smile as a reminder.

“Lord, do you mean the Shadow Market?”

Ariel Watson was the first to realize his meaning and spoke up quickly.

At Ariel Watson’s suggestion, the realization dawned on everyone simultaneously.

Whether it was during the chaos of the mutated storm, the struggle at the Dragon Nest, or various other conflicts, the Shadow Market had always stood firmly by their side. Because the Administrator was so mysterious and rarely appeared at summits, they had briefly overlooked them.

While no one knew exactly what kind of deal His Majesty of the Humans had made to gain the favor of such a high-ranking entity, it was clear the Shadow Market was backing them completely!

“Of course! If the Shadow Market is involved, this becomes simple!”

Broy’s eyes lit up with excitement. “The Shadow Market is known for being perfectly neutral and fair. Their reputation is legendary; no one would suspect a trap if the invitation came from them!”

“Exactly. Let us begin at once.”

Since everyone present was a trusted confidant, Leo Ray did not hesitate to contact the Administrator directly.

Shortly after, the Administrator’s voice echoed from the communication stone in Ice Stone City, reaching everyone’s ears via Mind Talk: “Your Majesty, I am at your service. Please give me your commands.”

Leo Ray had previously kept the Administrator informed of their progress. This had strengthened their bond of trust, as Leo Ray’s rising power directly improved the Administrator’s chances of being promoted within their own organization.

A key factor for that promotion was successfully managing relations with Outer Region forces and securing profits—an opportunity the Administrator, who was currently facing internal pressure, welcomed eagerly.

Essentially, while the Bazaar Brotherhood kept a close eye on him, preventing him from serving Leo Ray openly, the Administrator had long ago become a secret ally.

“Administrator, let us get straight to the point.”

Leo Ray skipped the small talk and explained the current crisis in detail.

“To think such a plot was unfolding... it is truly infuriating. Your Majesty is correct; once the culprit is identified, they must be punished severely!”

After hearing the explanation, the Administrator replied without a second thought, “Rest assured, Your Majesty. Since you have asked this of me, I will take full responsibility for the arrangements.”

The Administrator’s voice then took on a slightly hesitant tone. “However, as Your Majesty knows, my current jurisdiction only extends to the south of the Gleaming Rift Valley. These two alliances are outside my immediate territory, so I will have to send formal personal invitations.”

“Without a prior relationship, a standard invitation from the Market might not provide the results Your Majesty desires.”

The Administrator quickly added, “But please do not worry. I have a strategy to ensure your plan succeeds!”

“Go on, Administrator. Let us hear it.”

Leo Ray nodded, listening intently.

“Your Majesty, we shall organize a Shadow Market event of unprecedented scale to lure them in. They will come of their own free will.”

The Administrator’s voice was tinged with excitement as he concluded, “And Your Majesty shall be the true architect behind the entire event!”