People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

Colombia could demand the return of the Agorian technology manuscripts and blueprints found in the ruined city. Victoria could, as is customary, demand the return of one or two ports. Ursus might make demands regarding tariffs, land, or capital, or it might simply use the area as a dumping ground for its domestic war desires; in any case, there will certainly be a price to pay.

Dario did indeed swallow his pride and chose to suffer the loss at the hands of the Terran Kingdoms over the Drought Reaper and the Terran Kingdoms.

Ernst said that the decision was bold and decisive!

But upon closer reflection, this also reflects Iberia's predicament. Carmen's proposal was conservative, but it was tantamount to letting the double-edged sword of the World Summit cut only to themselves. While it was neither a mistake nor a success, it was, for Iberia at present, nothing more than a slow suicide.

Dario's suggestion increased the freedom of the World Summit, increased the potential costs for Iberia, and could lead to future problems of becoming too powerful to control. But in the end, it can be said that Iberia, with its crippled body, wielded the sword of the World Summit to strike its enemy.

People need a present before they can talk about the future. If you're paralyzed and destined to die anyway, you might as well take drastic measures and gamble.

It turned out that he was right.

Both options—Iberia becoming stronger and Iberia being controlled by the World Summit—are beneficial for Ernst in preparing for the [Sea Heir] crisis.

Ernst, of course, would prefer the former!

Chapter 723 Terra Anti-Terrorism All-Stars!

The efficiency with which the World Summit handles international affairs depends on whether the matter is major or minor.

If it's a minor matter, it can be handled quickly. Now is the time for the World Summit to demonstrate its authority and promote order. With everyone cooperating, how could such a small matter be difficult?

If it's a major issue, we need to consider its significance and whether it's related to the Five Constants. If it is, then we need to handle it slowly and cautiously. If it's unrelated, how many of these can be considered major issues?

The assassination attempt on Ernst was a rare occurrence, a major event not directly related to the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, and theoretically, the response should have been slow. However, Ernst was unharmed and quickly provided an effective solution that was highly beneficial to the World Summit, thus allowing for a swift resolution.

The matter was settled almost without any obstacles.

The Emperor of Ursus will personally order the dispatch of two bodyguards specializing in [Secret Investigations]. However, it is somewhat strange that the information about these two individuals is ambiguous in the personnel list they submit to the World Summit.

Not only did he not show his face, but he was also dressed in a black leather coat with a large mask that looked like a respirator, making him look like an octopus. Wasn't that a bit too strange? Wouldn't he attract too much attention by walking around like that in Iberia?

No one could answer that question. At the World Summit, Vina was too embarrassed to simply send the two back to Ursus, so she approved the personnel application.

Colombia is quite interesting. It's not that the people they sent are as strange as those from Ursus, but rather that they provided a large amount of advanced weaponry, including power armor and large drones that have never appeared in public before.

These power suits and drones, besides bearing the Colombian Ministry of Defense labels, also featured the logos of various research companies. Vina had even recognized many of them, such as Raytheon Industries and Volvo Tzinski, both well-known companies in Trimont that had collaborated with Kjerag to varying degrees. Vina even spotted the familiar "infinity +-" logo on one of the power suits—the symbol of Rhine Labs.

These appear to be "orders" submitted by Colombian research companies to the military.

Colombia clearly wants to test these new weapons in Iberia.

Vina didn't think it was cruel. Those Iberian traitors dared to assassinate Ernst, so she couldn't easily abandon her post. Otherwise, she would have picked up her hammer, which she hadn't wielded in a long time, and tried to reason with those deep-sea scum. Being greeted by these new weapons was their good fortune.

Besides, if the Colombians don't test these weapons here, they'll test them elsewhere. There are only a few areas in Terra that are currently experiencing frequent warfare: Bolívar, Sargon, or Victoria, where fighting is still ongoing. Wouldn't it be better to let these weapons fall into the hands of ordinary people, or even the people of her homeland of Victoria, and benefit those traitors?

They deserve to die.

Ernst had also spoken to her in his letter, and Vina glanced at it briefly before approving the applications.

Victoria, on the other hand, is quite interesting.

Viscount Walton, Victoria's representative, openly promised at an emergency meeting of the International Summit that Victoria would send an elite force to undertake this task. So, did he send one?

They were sent out, but not all of them.

Or rather, he submitted the list, but these people haven't arrived yet. And Vina isn't sure if they'll even come.

After all, everyone on this list shares a common identity—they are Tara people.

Their resumes were all identical—they came from the Red Iron Guard!

That Duke Wellington's personal guard!

After the Duke of Wellington was assassinated by the shapeshifters, Abrahana stepped into the limelight and took over the armed forces left behind by the Duke of Wellington, including the flagship Gastrill and the Crimson Iron Guard.

But both Victoria and Ernst were skeptical about whether Abrahim could truly control the army and about the Duke of Wellington's current state of affairs.

In other words, the Duke of Wellington's army remained active and appeared well-organized and solemn, which prevented the other dukes from directly forcing their way in to ascertain the Duke of Wellington's situation. But since force was not an option, they never stopped their subtle probing.

If nothing unexpected happens to Vina, this is a test.

The Red Iron Guards may not even know that they have been sent out as an anti-terrorism task force, but the Duke of Castells and the Duke of Windermere have reached an unprecedented consensus on this matter. The Duke of Castells used his connections to obtain their list and submitted it to the Duke of Windermere, who will likely soon order them to be transferred from the front lines to Iberia.

It's unclear whether Abrahana will release them, or whether these people will actually go.

Vina was also curious about this. The probing had gone this far; if the Duke of Wellington were still alive, would he remain unmoved and steadfast as he watched his elite troops being transferred to the Iberian coast, a mere ten thousand miles away?

Or will he step in and stop this transfer?

After all, the Iron Guard, as the Iron Duke's personal guard, is a formidable armed force. Its transfer will inevitably weaken the Duke of Wellington's influence on the Londinium battlefield.

After hesitating for a moment, Vina did not approve these people's applications immediately, but instead set them aside.

We'll make a decision when Ernst returns.

With Yan and Letania not sending troops, the five permanent members of the UN Security Council have completed their arrangements. What remains is for the Terran nations to respond to the call and decide to send personnel to provide support.

Kazimir generously provided a knightly order, but judging from the information on the members, Vina found they were mostly greenhorns. It seemed less like they were going to fight terrorism and more like they were going to broaden their horizons and get some experience. While they weren't exactly incapable of fighting, these men were born into noble knightly families, their ancestors being veterans of the Kazimir Plain Horse Banner, possessing some family tradition and martial skills. But as for how skilled they were in combat...

I feel it's not as good as Cintrea.

But it's the thought that counts, and as long as they don't hold us back, even if they're just cheerleaders, Vina will approve.

Lateran, as an ally of Sherag, was truly generous; the Papal Court directly dispatched a musketeer, along with an old acquaintance.

Andorn also plans to go back to his hometown to see how strong he is. Vina doesn't know, but she thinks that someone who could walk from Iberia to Lateran at such a young age must be quite formidable!

However, what made Vina's expression a little subtle was an application that followed Lateran.

Kazdel

Yes, you heard right, Kazdel!

Kazdel is also planning to lend a hand!

Who was most furious about Ernst's assassination?

Aside from Shelag and Colombia, the Sarkaz are probably the only ones who can handle it! Even the Duke of Windermere might not be as annoyed as the Sarkaz!

After all, Duke Windermere's side only has less than a quarter of Victoria, but the Sarkaz here have all advanced to the second stage!

When the news reached Shelag, quite a few Sarkaz people, shouting "I'm fed up with all the formalities!", tore off their clothes, shouldered their weapons that hadn't been used in a long time, and headed straight for Iberia from the town of Sarkaz outside the city!

They may not know where Iberia is, but they know that someone wants to harm their benefactor!

People with less education and knowledge tend to value gratitude and loyalty more. The more they know, the more they consider factors like costs, benefits, and future prospects, which can make them hesitant and unable to act swiftly and decisively.

Therefore, the most righteous are often from humble backgrounds, while the most ungrateful are often scholars. Ironically, there aren't many scholars among the Sarkaz.

When the locals get angry, even the residents' committee can't stop them.

Besides, why would the residents' committee need to pull them? They're getting frustrated too!

Before Hedley could even speak, W's radiant red glow already outweighed all sweet talk!

Assassinations on the spot!

Nothing could stir W's heartstrings more than those two words. Too lazy to even report to Hadley, W left a note and prepared to leave.

She wasn't going to fight terrorism; she was going to show the Deep Sea Cult what terrorists really are!

There was also a heated argument in the Lingsaqaz residents' committee about who would be the most suitable to go.

"Actually, this matter is best handled by the Inner Demons; they can see through the treacherous Deep Sea Cult members at a glance. It's a pity."

Unfortunately, the Lord of the Court of the Heartbreakers is not here. The Heartbreaker currently residing in Sherag...

Fremont was hesitant to say. He felt that Neve was not suited for this line of work; she was too young and, moreover, a little too kind.

"Then I'll go."

"Ramallen said softly."

She also has a way to suppress lies; a single incantation, "Lies have nowhere to hide," can force people to tell the truth. The only inconvenience is that she has to chant the spell every time.

Besides, she hasn't exercised in a long time, so going out for a walk wouldn't hurt.

But the group of shapeshifters nearby shook their heads:

"We don't think you're a good fit."

"I find it incredible that you even came to the conference, let alone that you actually spoke?"

Lamarle retorted somewhat displeased.

She's anything but gentle; her gentleness is reserved for her children. Before becoming a mother, she was a true Valkyrie—a female war heroine!

However, the shapeshifter horde never bought into that. He didn't even blink at Lamaren's sarcastic remarks, continuing to speak to himself:

"We think we should go."

"The Banshee Queen should stay in Sherag and monitor your son through your sorcery device, lest Nezile lose control and accidentally kill your son."

Lamaren blushed, then raised her hand in a fit of embarrassment and anger.

Everyone knew she was spying on her son using the magic car, but no one said anything. Who knew the Shapeshifters would be so lacking in emotional intelligence?

That's right, it would be strange if this guy had that thing. His thought process is completely different from normal people!

Moreover, while the words may be blunt, the sentiment is valid. Lamaren was genuinely apprehensive about Aifanil facing off against Nezile. Nezile was considered an elder among the current rulers of the royal court, and his strength was undeniably the greatest. Aifanil was so young and inexperienced; if he directly fought Nezile without anyone to protect him, what would happen if something went wrong?

So, despite raising her hand and forming the incantation, Ramalyn ultimately did not cast the spell.

Anyway, even if he kills this one avatar of the shapeshifter, he still has countless others, so it's pointless. Oh well!

The shapeshifter ignored Lamarlene and continued:

"Shall we go? Does anyone have any objections?"

"I don't have any objections, but is there any problem on your end?"

"I asked, somewhat surprised."

Theresis is currently engaged in a major battle with Victoria. Would Theresis agree to let such a top-tier combatant as the Shapeshifter be distracted by Iberia?

But as soon as he asked the question, he realized that it was completely unnecessary.

The shapeshifter glanced at him, looking at him as if he were an idiot.

They went, so how could Therese know? And even if she did know, could Therese control him?

Moreover, this wasn't just his idea.

Ernst's assassination angered the entire Sarkaz community.

The term "entire" includes more than just the part in Shelag. The same applies to Lentinium!

Even the madman Quesatushta was so angry that he almost pointed the Shards directly at Iberia!

Chapter 724 Rainbow Squad's Fear of Insufficient Firepower

Shelag, Tukarim.

Ash returned to the group's base with several forms and distributed them to everyone one by one.

Seeing the somewhat puzzled expressions on the other people's faces, she coughed lightly and explained:

"Everyone, come to life."

There was a moment of silence inside the base, followed by an astonishing roar of cheers!

"Oh! Finally!"

They had been in Terra for quite some time now. Apart from their initial encounter with the simple and honest people of Terran civilization in Sargon, they had enjoyed an unexpectedly peaceful period of time.

Terra is hardly a peaceful place. Not only is there constant warfare, but all sorts of strange and unusual people also emerge. We've heard of and seen many, but none of us can get involved.

Why? Because they were Ernst's guests.

In Shelag, who wouldn't give them some face? And who would dare to bother them with anything troublesome?

So much so that during this period, apart from helping the villagers grow potatoes, learning how to raise pack animals, and incidentally getting a glimpse of the Sherag language, they have been diligently writing articles for the "Chronicles of Erzle"!

The problem is, they weren't exactly literary figures to begin with!

Normally, it's fine for them to write some action logs and mission reports, but when it comes to writing something with a literary nature, not to mention others, even someone like Ash or Chariot, scratching his head, he could only resort to copying!

Children's stories, fables, fairy tales, tales of the martial arts world, unofficial histories and legends—all were included. It's fortunate their imaginations weren't particularly rich; otherwise, the first otherworldly version of erotic literature on Terra would probably have been born from their pen.

This situation was clearly not sustainable. Ash, as the squad leader, had been trying to find work opportunities for his team.

The Rainbow Squad, after all, are legitimate counter-terrorism elites, special forces! They belong to NATO and are armed with Earth's advanced technology. Compared to these Terran natives wielding knives and sticks, it feels like there's a generational gap in civilization! If they were to deal with them, wouldn't they be like heavenly soldiers descending to earth, making it simple and easy?

But the reality was a little different from what they thought.

When Ash made up her mind to put on a cat-ear hat and disguise herself as a Terran to look for work at the job market in Sherag, she was stunned.