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 energy tide's fluctuations growing stronger, we foresee the resurgence of giant beasts across the Federation happening more often and in greater numbers."
Once Speaker Lawson wrapped up his statement, over a dozen top Federation generals shot looks at each other, murmuring quietly among themselves.
"What... does the frequency have to rise even more?"
"The military's already stretched to its limits."
"Even our latest giant airships and cannons struggle to deal lethal blows to those giant beasts. That one in Westin City got driven off only because Federation elites stepped in, but so many of them got pulled away last time..."
"You're right, I've caught wind of some key exploration site that needs checking out, but with all this chaos right now, shouldn't we get things under control first?"
...
"Gentlemen, during this meeting, I'd like to get your ideas, instead of just counting on the Federation's elites completely." Speaker Lawson rapped the table in irritation.
The conference room went quiet the instant he spoke, yet Lawson's expression darkened further. In a grave tone, he demanded, "With all of you present, is there really no one with any ideas?"
"Well, not quite—if we had plenty of Ajax golems, they could handle it too. In Oberdin City, three Ajax golems teamed up with an armed airship squadron to push back that giant frog monster." One general responded.
"Are you referring to the massive magic statue developed by the Federation Mechanical Research Institute, drawing from ancient goblin tech?" Speaker Lawson mused.
"That's correct, Mr. Speaker. In my view, developing golems that are simpler to manage could hold the secret to winning future battles."
"That said, word is that Director Haleem from the Institute got sent off to probe that exploration site, which has dragged down Ajax golem production even more," noted a politician handling logistics.
"I propose we ease up on digging into that site to get the current mess sorted?"
"But the real issue is, can we actually sort it out? Sometimes it's smarter to tough out the immediate hurt for bigger rewards down the line. If that site brings us breakthroughs in tech, a bit of temporary strain seems like a fair trade."
"And who can promise that poking around the site will definitely pay off?"
...
Here, the 'long-term faction' and 'short-term faction' butted heads over their views, as most leaned toward calling back the Federation elites to bolster defenses.
Right at that moment, a male attendant hurried into the room, went up to Speaker Lawson, and murmured something in a rush.
This sudden event hushed the entire chamber.
The male attendant served as Speaker Lawson's secretary. His interruption during the session clearly signaled major news.
"What! By himself?" Speaker Lawson muttered softly once he absorbed the update.
By himself?
By himself for what reason?
The assembled high-level Federation officials felt equally baffled.
"While the Dragan Empire accepted the joint exploration proposal, they've only sent one Imperial Guardian." Speaker Lawson announced with a grave look, relaying the information to all in attendance.
The revelation sparked immediate chaos in the meeting room, like throwing cold water on sizzling oil.
"This is outright rude! No, it's outright scorn!"
"Is this how they show up for a partnership?"
"I recommend we reach out to the Dragan Empire once more, pressing them to honor the diplomatic ties between our countries properly!" A prominent council member declared in fury.
"Hold on, could I inquire which Guardian the Empire dispatched?" Councilor Trena, a woman, suddenly remembered something and questioned the Speaker's secretary.
"Councilor Trena, the Empire has dispatched Lord Rein," the male attendant answered, dipping his head slightly.
"Lord Rein? If it's him, Mr. Speaker, then maybe... we don't need to fret quite as much..." Trena gave a quick rundown of Rein's history.
"Councilor Trena, but no matter who they send, dispatching just one person shows way too little regard for this alliance!"
"We asked for seven to ten Imperial Dragon Knights; even scaled back, we figured on at least five. Sending only one now is just..."
"Absolutely! No single person, no matter their power, can do everything. For this mission, we've gathered seven Federation elites, and the Empire offers only one? Could one truly outmatch our seven together?"
...
"Everyone, stay calm. Per the alliance pact, rewards from the exploration get split according to each side's input. Besides, the Empire did provide an elite. I figure we haven't truly come out worse in this deal."
"On the exploration timeline, Councilor Trena, get in touch with Lord Terrio. I'm aiming for initial results from the joint effort in half a month." Speaker Lawson stated decisively.
"Ah... got it, Mr. Speaker." The elegant Trena inclined her head.
...
Dragan Empire.
Dragon Scale Brotherhood Secret Realm.
"Your Highness? What brings you here?" The grotesque Lunfrell eyed Second Prince Everton with mild surprise.
He sensed something unusual about the prince but couldn't quite identify it.
"Potions... got any remaining?" Everton, seeming a bit rigid, held up the vial meant for the super evolution potion.
"Oh... Your Highness, you consumed it? It wasn't even..."
All at once, Lunfrell trailed off, spotting Everton's crimson-and-ebony eyes, as a fierce shiver gripped his core.
It felt like icy water cascading over him from crown to toe, locking him in place.
What sort of gaze was that!
Not even a Frost Wolf, famished for three winter days, would glare with such savage intensity.