Heroes of Might and Magic: Grand Consul

Chapter 398 Expanding Territory
Once the Congressional awards were issued, Sumu had already begun post-war recovery in an orderly manner.

The first priority, of course, is to repair Silvertop City. The great battle nearly destroyed this northern city; not only were the city walls destroyed, but the rest of the buildings were also in a terrible state.

Forrest used the portal to travel to Silvertop City and began repairing the buildings. Ivan took his place and returned to Kuraki to guard the city, to prevent Isildur from taking a risky sneak attack.

Within about a week, Isildur did indeed send out several waves of scouts to explore, and even the Golden Dragon flew up to the clouds, trying to find an opportunity. Unfortunately, Kuraki's main force had already gone south, no longer giving the fortress a chance.

Lloyd also considered a plan, mobilizing the Northern Hills Legion in an attempt to enter the North and create some chaos.

This is where Liliana's role comes into play. Whenever Lloyd tries to invade the North and cause trouble, the vampire army immediately mobilizes to create a horrific "disaster," targeting only the stronghold. Although they had lost many vampire troops due to the previous setback, they have made up for it through recent small battles. It can only be said that the vampires she commands are still too powerful.

After several battles, the fortress initially thought they had mistakenly entered the territory of the undead, but after a forced march around the hills, it still didn't work.

Lloyd and the others even suspected that humans and the undead were colluding, and that the ancient ruins were secretly helping Kuraki; otherwise, how could it be such a coincidence that they were attacked and killed by vampires time and time again?

Even though the North is ravaged by war and its population has drastically decreased, do you undead think you can pick and choose between good and bad units? Do you only want to eat bastion units?

So they sent spies to spread rumors in the territories of the other human nobles, saying that Kuraki was secretly colluding with the undead and wanted to overthrow the kingdom.

However, Su Mu didn't care at all. As long as he didn't send out the vampire army to fight alongside the kingdom's army, these rumors wouldn't shake his position.

From a human perspective, there is indeed concern about undead units, as they might weaken morale, and since the two are natural enemies, it might reduce their favorability towards the human faction. However, compared to ravenous wolves like Isildur and the Arcane Empire, the undead squeezed into the ancient ruins are clearly not a significant threat.

Even Elton's Church of Light proactively inquired whether he needed to send some of his Light Priests to help him exterminate the undead.

This suggestion tempted Su Mu. The ancient ruins were a thorn in his side; how could he allow others to snore beside his bed?

The Light Priest might be only moderately effective against other unit types, but against the undead, it's definitely a top-tier unit, capable of countering their necromancy and spirit-gathering techniques—it's practically a divine weapon.

However, after careful consideration, Su Mu temporarily rejected the suggestion. Firstly, having just finished a major battle, Kuraki desperately needed to recuperate. If they were to rashly launch another attack, especially on troublesome places like ancient ruins, problems could easily arise.

After all, even the wandering scholar wanted him to find something, so it must not be so easy inside.

Right now, the key is to defend the city, develop the economy, recruit talent, and mass produce troops.

While Forrest was repairing the building, he also collaborated with Cedros to conduct architectural research. With the help of resources and the all-out efforts of the Mysterious Prayer, the Watchtower finally completed the task of the Eye of the Atmosphere.

【Eye of the Atmosphere: Detection range +50 km, gain Level 3 True Sight, able to see through advanced disguise/concealment effects, identify spies, and reveal the location of some treasure illusions, ground mineral deposits, and magical treasures.

The next Tier Titan's Eye progress: 1/50000. It has Level 4 True Sight, can manipulate clouds and fog, and can unleash Titan's Lightning within the detection range, granting the battlefield True Sight for a period of time (each use has a cooldown of several days and requires the use of resources to accumulate).

Additional resources: 20000 gold coins, 50 logs, 50 gems, and 10 of various other resources.

With the Eye of the Atmosphere, the defensive coverage of Silvertop City has expanded significantly, extending almost beyond the northern border and encompassing the no-man's-land.

Moreover, even if the enemy possesses advanced stealth capabilities, they will be unable to sneak in. They will all be exposed to the watchtowers' reconnaissance. Even if the Arcane Empire truly intends to retaliate, they will be able to quickly learn of it and deploy defenses. The North will be safe!

In addition, the Alchemy Mystery Factory has also been upgraded.

【Alchemy Mastery Factory (Manufacturing Factory Auxiliary Building, Tier 3): Increases the attack power of the bronze golem, expands its size, and places rune cores. Rune cores can be researched in the Magic Guild (the more mages stationed there, the higher the research efficiency). Current progress is 50/500.

Next Tier: Advance to the Golden Man, increasing health, gaining higher magic immunity and lower magic counter. [Additional building costs 10000 gold, 10 mercury, and 10 crystals]

【Bronze Man (Tower Level 3 Super Tier Unit): Attack 11 (13), Defense 10, Damage 5-7, Health 45, Speed ​​5 (7), Medium Size.

Element: None.

Spell Resistance: Resist 80% of magic damage.

Spell Counter: Has a 5% chance to reflect spells onto nearby enemies if an enemy casts a spell on the bronze statue.

Rune Core (Conductive Core): Enemies fighting them will encounter more powerful lightning spells, which will take effect once they reach a certain area, with an amplification of 25%.

Evaluation: This special unit, crafted from copper using alchemy, can summon even more powerful lightning.

With all Arcane Prayers stationed there, Silvercaps' tech tree developed significantly. Sederlos's recruitment of the Valar was partly driven by this idea; Silvercaps's strengthened Stone Golem unit composition was far superior to the Arcane Empire's, allowing them to specifically enhance their abilities and maximize their strength in conjunction with heroes.

Sederlos is a specialist in mage units, but with the addition of Vera, their strength will be further enhanced.

Perhaps in a few years, a tower city surpassing the Void Throne will appear in the North. After this battle, Silvercaps has held its ground and can look forward to the Council. Boundary stones are still somewhat scarce, but as for high-level tower buildings, with Vala, the lord of the Arcane Empire, there shouldn't be any problem.

Vera was an alchemist herself and had ruled a territory for many years, so she was naturally very familiar with the buildings that the council could construct.

Now all that's left is for the Duke to appoint him, and then Sumu will expand Silvertop City's rank. If the Elton Parliament doesn't provide resources, that's fine too; Sumu will simply plunder the fortified cities of the Far Forest.

Moreover, gaining public recognition meant having the actual title of duke, which made collecting boundary stones much easier.

[Council (Tower): Collect taxes and refine magical energy to earn 2000 gold coins daily.]

Resources needed: 5000 gold coins, boundary stone.

Towns are permitted to construct tower castles, level 3 magic guilds, prayer altars, libraries, carving houses, and resource warehouses.

If they could possess the God-Monster Lord, Silvertop City's strength would be enhanced once again. Moreover, according to Vera, the God-Monster Lord's prayers could also be helpful in magical research, which would indeed be a significant boost.

With the Burning Blood Vial, Sederlos has completely stabilized his depleted state and is now able to lead multiple potion research projects.

[Potion Tower (Level 2, Auxiliary Building of the Magic Guild): Allows potion-making classes to be conducted here, increasing potion research progress. Currently, research progress is 50/10000. Allows the creation of Level 2 potions.]

【Blood-Burning Potion (Level 2 Magic Potion): When a hero drinks it, it temporarily increases the damage of the troops under their command by 2 points, lasting for one battle or 3 days.

Cost: 1500 gold coins

【Speed ​​Potion (Level 2 Magic Potion): When a hero drinks it, it temporarily increases the speed of the troops under their command by 1, lasting for one battle or 3 days.

Cost: 1500 gold coins

Previously, the Potions Tower could only research level 1 potions, such as the Iron Potion and the Bloodlust Potion, which were very useful potions. Everyone drank one before the battle.

Although the increase is not large, it adds up and will eventually have some effect.

Now that level 2 potions have been developed, they can increase damage and speed, providing a more useful amplification effect.

While ordinary forces might not be able to afford the cost of the potion, given Kuraki's financial strength and having just obtained the Golden Pouch, it was a piece of cake for him.

Su Mu directly approved the resources, with each hero carrying 8 level 2 potions and 12 level 1 potions as backup, highlighting his wealth and generosity.

Even a hero like Vera, who had just been recruited, was able to receive half of the share, which completely stunned her.

It was only then that she began to understand that Somra's failure was not accidental.

Kuraki is united and of one mind. Cedros and the generals all possess combined treasures, and their gold resources are virtually inexhaustible.

In comparison, Somra is constrained at every turn. Even the Void Cult is suspicious of him, limiting the troops and resources they can provide. The difference in their support is like night and day, making it truly difficult for him to win.

What Vera admired most was Su Mu's vision. As a descendant of a demigod, who had previously studied in the Arcane Empire, Sidelos was still trusted so much that he was given full authority to manage Silvertop City.

And Sederlos was also willing to die for his confidant, racking his brains to develop Silvertop City and repay his lord.

Such a harmonious relationship is truly admirable.

Sometimes, words are one thing and deeds another. Su Mu's own territory is crucial, yet he dares to delegate authority in this way, which shows how confident he is in his own abilities.

According to Seelos, Sumu has accepted the official title from the human kingdom and is preparing to hold a ducal investiture ceremony in Kuraki, where the territory of the duchy will be announced.

Compared to the previously fragmented and connected enclaves, the entire Shilin Plain is now under Kuraki's jurisdiction. The northern border, stretching eastward from Frost Fortress to nearly a thousand miles of fertile land north of the hills, also belongs to Kuraki. Even the eastern heartland, connecting to Langlit Castle, includes several cities within the Kuraki Duchy.

Due to the continuous wars, the nobles in these regions were basically wiped out. The remaining forces were all in the territories ruled by Kuraki Hideo, so there were basically no legal disputes.

Even if there are disputes, who would dare to challenge Kuraki now? Besides, joining a powerful camp in a time of war might not be a bad thing.

Moreover, Su Mu planned to announce his marriage to Maggie, the Marquis of Longleatburgh and the jewel of the Garfield family, at the same time as receiving the title of Duke, and to reward all the meritorious officials.

In this way, the marriage and inheritance problem that had troubled Kuraki for so long at least had a way to be resolved, and all the heroes were granted ducal titles, so they were naturally more loyal.

Hidden dragon in slumber, with the world in his heart and the ambition to swallow mountains and rivers, Su Mu already has the qualities to become a king!
(End of this chapter)