Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong Chapter 2642: 1454: The Situation and Worries (Part 2)

This explains why, when they heard about the ancient mine's discovery, the Outer Region powers allied with us charged ahead without hesitation to seize it—rare mineral deposits are exceedingly rare in the outer fringes of the Outer Region.

It's clear from this that any second-tier power attempting to seize the Rainforest Fortress Alliance or the Desert Alliance would face heavy casualties for minimal rewards, so they won't readily launch an assault.

Should they end up severely depleted, they'd become easy prey for rival second-tier powers, and the result would be predictable.

That said, this balance isn't foolproof.

If it were, groups like the Rainforest Fortress Alliance and the Desert Alliance, as third-class entities, wouldn't have banded together. Such unions create fear in second-tier forces, preserving a fragile equilibrium.

“In the present circumstances, it's probable that a second-tier power is trying to shatter this equilibrium, which is why they've aligned themselves with the Witch Demon.”

With that realization, Leo Ray creased his forehead deeply and asked once more: “Rainforest Leader, which second-tier power do you suspect might target us?”

“To be frank with Your Majesty of the Humans, this very puzzle has occupied my thoughts. At least five second-tier powers border us and the Desert Alliance, and they've clashed in varying degrees of conflict, complicating any assessment.”

Loris reflected briefly, then shook his head in resignation and added, “Furthermore, based on my most recent reports, these adjacent second-tier powers are all dealing with internal turmoil, endless quarrels among themselves, and troop buildups at mutual frontiers. In theory, they lack the resources to side with the Witch Demons, or else I wouldn't have relocated my primary forces here.”

“This is truly baffling. If not these powers, then who exactly is supporting the Witch Demon?”

Leo Ray knitted his brows even tighter, absently rubbing his chin.

His drive to expose this hidden backer stemmed from the need to brace for the upcoming brutal clash with the Witch Demon.

After all, the Land of Howling, home to the Witch Demon, remains perpetually veiled in toxic miasma that bars entry to anyone below Tier 5, while the Witch Demon and its Undead Army remain utterly unaffected.

Thus, if our core troops and top fighters deploy fully, and the Witch Demon's allies strike then, both the Rainforest Fortress Alliance and the Desert Alliance would struggle to hold their ground.

At that point, we'd face an impossible choice, with spirits plummeting and the risk of total collapse looming large.

To avoid this, pinpointing the enemy's identity allows for precise countermeasures and solid preparations.

The shared border of the Rainforest Fortress Alliance and the Desert Alliance spans vast distances, nearly traversing the whole continent.

Though each has a solid array of Teleportation Gates, shifting an entire Grand Army elsewhere demands considerable time.

And should foes first disrupt those Teleportation Gates, the peril would escalate dramatically.

“Fortunately, Ice Stone City enables rapid transfers, and as a last resort, the Administrators can push forward with troop movements, providing fallback options.”

Just as Leo Ray mulled this over, Loris's resolute tone cut in: “Your Majesty of the Humans, even aware of the Witch Demon's supporters, the Rainforest Fortress Alliance stands ready without a second's delay. We'll ensure they face fitting consequences!”

“We're on the same page—if we don't crush them now, these troubles will persist. Speed is crucial.”

Leo Ray gave a faint nod, then stated gravely, “No more delays, then. I'll rally all Tier 5 and higher assets right away; we'll converge in the Land of Howling soon.”

“I've awaited those words, Your Majesty!”

Loris unleashed a hearty burst of laughter, then took his leave from Leo Ray, soaring toward the Rainforest Fortress Alliance's domain and vanishing into the distant sky.

On this occasion, Loris exercised utmost vigilance, surrounded by the Rainforest Fortress Alliance's crack troops, leaving no chance for the Witch Demon to pull off its earlier deceptions.

Following the established strategy, Leo Ray assembled the bulk of his Tier 5 experts, retaining just a few Commanders for defense, and after mustering a million Human Clan soldiers, he stationed every Tier 4 Legion in Ice Stone City as a safeguard.

In the midst of these arrangements, Leo Ray paused to employ the [Contract Purple Crystal] to secure loyalty from Fanny, who pledged herself fully to him, as well as the Flower Fairies.

With preparations complete in short order, right before departing for the Land of Howling, Leo Ray paused at Ice Stone City's entrance, his brow still furrowed faintly.

Beyond the shadowy threats, two pressing issues demand attention.

First, while the immediate danger has eased and the Witch Demon's role stands revealed, Dana, Davis, and their companions remain unaccounted for.

Moreover, having suffered defeat at our hands, the Witch Demon might lash out in fury against Dana and the rest.

Second, of course, Frank's absence lingers as a concern; his unique ability counters the Witch Demon effectively, and his arrival would bolster our strength immensely.

“For now, wiping out the Witch Demon takes precedence; these other concerns must wait.”

As Leo Ray considered this, moments from stepping back through Ice Stone City's portal, Fanny approached deferentially: “Your Majesty, fresh intelligence from the Flower Fairy scouts in nearby woods reports spotting a brown-robed powerhouse identifying himself as Frank!”

“Really? Fetch him at once!”

Leo Ray's gaze brightened as he responded on impulse.

Soon enough, a senior figure clad in a brown mage's robe stood before Leo Ray, who advanced to greet him alongside Grey Elder, Yonir, Lina, and the others.

“Your Majesty, it's truly Frank, that crafty old fellow!”

Grey Elder offered Leo Ray a salute with hand to chest before hurriedly presenting the newcomer: “My old comrade, meet the emperor we've spoken of!”

“This old one salutes Your Majesty!”

A booming declaration echoed as the brown-robed elder dropped to one knee before Leo Ray, proclaiming, “I've heard tales of how Your Majesty has elevated the Human Clan to glorious new peaks, fulfilling the wildest aspirations of generations of rulers. Witnessing it firsthand is an immense honor!”

The voice, weathered yet vibrant, betrayed profound thrill and delight.

“Stand, please—if not for your aid, the Wailing Fortress would have endured a savage fight.”

Leo Ray stooped to assist the elder to his feet, replying with a warm grin.

The man's face glowed with health, his lines far subtler than those of Grey Elder or Yonir, radiating vitality and unyielding determination.

Furthermore, the presence of this legendary Dragon-slaying Hero pulsed far stronger, on par with Jess, suggesting he had attained Tier 6 Five Stars.

“Your Majesty overpraises me; as a Human Clan member, despite my long wanderings in the Outer Region, I've never lost sight of our homeland's landscapes. This was simply my duty.”

Frank's eyes, lined with years, shone with boundless admiration as he inclined his head firmly: “Beholding the Human Clan's resurgence under a leader as mighty and astute as Your Majesty stirs unmatched pride and elation in my soul.”

“You honor me too much, elder. I merely fulfill my role, walking this road with companions.”

Leo Ray glanced at Grey Elder and his followers nearby, his smile steady: “Your legendary exploits have reached my ears ages ago; meeting you now brings genuine astonishment and pleasure.”

With those words, Leo Ray's face turned earnest again, pressing on: “Elder, eradicating the Witch Demon demands urgency; if it suits you, shall we talk details within?”

“Your graciousness overwhelms me, Your Majesty. The Witch Demon has tormented these realms far too long. I've yearned to strike back, but my power fell short—now, with you commanding the Human Clan's mightiest here, how could I hold back?”

Frank inclined in respect before adding, “That said, prior to anything else, I must inform Your Majesty of one crucial matter!”