People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

One means they still have to face four level-two behemoths. One is slightly better; they still have to fight three.

It says three, but that doesn't even take into account their exponential troop production capacity. They have an infinite number of grunts that can continuously upgrade—that's insane!

As expected of a creation with a maximum limit of "carrying a lumberjack"!

"what happened to you?"

Skadi noticed Ernst's unpleasant expression and asked, somewhat puzzled.

She shouldn't have said anything strange.

Ernst snapped out of his daze, looked at Skadi, and asked anxiously:

"Skadi, do you have a way to contact Agor?"

Now that things have come to this, he wanted to share this intelligence with the Agorians first, regardless of the circumstances.

Whether people believe it or not is one thing, but if we don't tell them, and Agor thinks everything is fine, then when a new "newborn" appears, he will be caught off guard!

Unfortunately, Skadi shook her head.

If she were able to get in touch, she would have done so long ago. She wouldn't have stayed on land for so long.

In fact, not only could she not make contact, but somehow, whenever she approached the sea or bled, she would attract many sea creatures, which forced her to temporarily put aside her plan to try to enter the water and search for Agor's whereabouts.

Ensemble, upon hearing this, could only take a deep breath and purse his lips.

It's urgent, but there's no use in being anxious.

With Skadi's route blocked, the only hope now lies with Iberia, who has a troubled past with Agor.

Ernst nodded to Skadi, thanked her, and announced the end of today's "interrogation session"—the testimony to the courtroom—before pushing open the door and heading out to find Carmen.

He needed to talk to Carmen, the only Iberian who had lived through that era and had any dealings with the Agorians, about some things concerning the Agorians.

As luck would have it, he hadn't walked two steps outside when he saw Carmen in a formal suit, about to leave the courtroom. He learned that Carmen was planning to go there to personally inspect the proposed site for the anti-terrorism base.

"Granfalo, one of the few seaside towns now under the control of the Inquisition."

"Let's use this as the starting point to purge the Deep Sea Church!"

Chapter 726 Life is always full of slaps in the face

Iberia, Granfalo.

In the heyday of Iberia, this small town was nothing compared to the many magnificent port cities. But now, with Iberia in dire straits, Granfalo's strategic importance has become apparent.

First of all, it is extremely rare to find a place that, despite being by the sea, is not significantly affected by the Great Tranquility.

The Great Serenity is the only catastrophe in Terra's history to have directly destroyed a powerful nation, its power far surpassing any other natural disaster of this era. Not only did the Iberian port city of Rea Iberia and numerous other cities sink directly into the deep sea, but the entire Iberian coastline underwent drastic changes. It's only because the Terrans didn't have a deep understanding of the ocean that they might have been able to more directly perceive the enormous alterations this catastrophe caused to the continental shelf, seabed, and other areas.

But it was in this disaster that almost swept everything that Granfalo survived.

Of course, this survival doesn't mean that the original Granfallo survived perfectly. The old Granfallo, 6, and the residents of this town did not escape this natural disaster. What Granfallo left behind was a still intact coastline, a port that could be repaired and had the value of repair, and the Eye of Iberia.

The Eyes of Iberia are special lighthouses built using Agorian technology. They could dispel the fog on the sea and guide Iberian warships. Legend has it that in ancient Iberia, when thousands of Eyes of Iberia were lit, the sea bowed before the king's light.

Well, it turns out that was just bragging. The ocean didn't deliver the blow; the ocean punched Iberia.

Aside from this, Granfalo is one of the few coastal outposts completely under Iberian control. It underwent a purge decades ago, wiping out the Deep Sea Cultists who had infiltrated the area. In recent years, the Inquisition has maintained strict oversight of Granfalo, sending inquisitors on patrol annually, and a garrison of the Punishing Army is also located nearby. It can be said that if Iberia wants to begin its reconquest of lost territory, Granfalo is the ideal base.

Ernst didn't believe in fatalism, but a sense of destiny certainly existed. Just as Dai Ying was always stirring things up wherever he went, Ursus always gave off the impression of the Russians being unconventional, and Iberia, after all this twist and turn, still started this movement—

The movement to recover lost territory.

History is said to be a cycle, always returning to the same starting point. But this history doesn't belong to Terra. Or is it perhaps related to me as well?

Ernst shook his head, deciding not to bother with such trivial matters.

After intercepting Carmen in the courtroom and briefly stating their intentions, although they were reluctant for Ernst to make contact with the Agors and repeatedly warned that the Agors were dangerous, they still allowed Ernst and his party to follow him to Granfalo.

After all, Ernst is the interim secretary-general of the World Summit. Don't be fooled by the fact that he's only temporary; doesn't the World Summit want to replace him? They just can't find a more suitable candidate than Ernst.

Carmen would never dare to place Ernst under house arrest. Besides, he was in charge of this matter, so it was only natural for him to inspect the future base. Even if Carmen wanted to stop him, she couldn't.

It must be said that the court is quite efficient when it's serious about its work. The journey from Perdoni to Granfalo was the safest Ernst had undertaken during his entire Iberian trip.

There were no assassinations, no traps, and no sudden appearances of Sea Heirs or ambushing Deepsea Cultists along the way. The journey was smooth and unobstructed, leaving even Talulah, who was bracing herself for a fight, somewhat bewildered.

The Deep Sea Cult has given up? That's unlikely, isn't it? Aren't these people notorious for never giving up until they achieve their goal?

Perhaps sensing Talulah's curiosity, Carmen offered to explain:

"Don't worry, this road is very safe. The court sent people to clean it beforehand."

“Iberia is not all that dangerous, and we have maintained a minimum level of order to the best of our ability.”

Talulah glanced at him:

"But you said the same thing last time."

Last time, it refers to the journey Ernst took back to Perdoni after arriving in Iberia and meeting up with Carmen.

Carmen said the same thing back then, but well, that's how it turned out.

This remark was somewhat lacking in emotional intelligence. As soon as it came out, it made the over 100-year-old Carmen blush, and her lips trembled slightly.

Ernst overheard the conversation and chuckled with a hint of schadenfreude, making sure Carmen didn't see it.

After being assassinated so many times, who wouldn't have some reservations? You, Iberia, dare to claim you're safe? Your security level is almost comparable to District 13!

Moreover, of all people, you went and answered Talulah's question. Who is Talulah? She's the most headstrong young man of our time, someone Ernst found difficult to deal with. Even a smooth-talking monster like Black Serpent could only use the slow-boiling method on her. And you still made promises to her?

Ugh, isn't this just asking for trouble?

Ernst chuckled, intending to smooth things over. After all, Carmen was the current leader in Iberia, and the various actions of the World Summit in Iberia still relied on his support. If the old man got really angry and something bad happened, even if Dario were replaced, his prestige wouldn't be as convincing as Carmen's, and that would likely cause further complications.

Unexpectedly, Carmen, being a woman who refused to admit defeat, immediately spoke up when she was being questioned:

“Miss Talulah, that was an accident. Please rest assured, I personally arranged the cleaning of this road. If any problems arise and you or Mr. Ernst are even slightly frightened, then it is because I, Carmen, am incompetent, and I, Carmen, will immediately step down!”

Ernst was startled and quickly said: Si

"There's no need for that. I naturally trust Lady Carmen."

Before the words were even finished, a sharp whooshing sound rang out beside them, and a dark shadow shot through the air.

Almost simultaneously, Skadi, who had remained silent, quiet, and uninvolved in any discussions, and who didn't even participate in the gossip, finally made a move.

Her hand had somehow found its way to the hilt of the greatsword behind her back. As the black shadow streaked across the sky, she suddenly drew the sword, and with a force capable of splitting mountains and shattering rocks, she slammed it down toward Ernst!

In the blink of an eye, several icy blue rays of light shone from Ernst's body, and an extremely cold aura instantly enveloped him. This was followed by the sounds of metal, ice crystals, and rubble colliding.

The next second, Talulah and Carmen reacted. One drew her gun and sword, while the other lit a blazing fire. Without exchanging a word, the former aimed at Skadi, while the latter immediately rushed towards Ernst, blocking the direction from which the shadow was flying.

As the dust slowly settled, everything became clear.

Ernst stood unharmed, a bead of cold sweat dripping from his forehead, taking a couple of tense breaths. The icy blue shield in front of him was completely undamaged, as if the sudden sneak attack had failed to directly hit Ernst.

And indeed, in front of the shield, Skadi's greatsword was deeply embedded in the ground, the surrounding earth appearing as if it had been smashed by a giant hammer, littered with rubble and dust. Beside the greatsword, a jet-black spear lay horizontally in the ground, its shaft trembling violently, releasing the immense force it had borne after being struck in mid-air.

This is the shadowy figure that just attacked; it is neither an assassin nor a hidden arrow, but a real weapon that should be used for close combat.

Ernst instinctively looked in the direction from which the shadow had come, but there was no one there, or rather, he couldn't see it.

Is it a spell to conceal one's presence, or a strike beyond visual range?

Are you trying to shoot an arrow at a halberd through the gate? When people shoot arrows at halberds through the gate, they're shooting arrows, not real halberds!

Slightly relieved, Carmen turned around and asked with concern:

"Mr. Ernst, are you alright?"

Ernst looked up and gave him a somewhat resentful look.

See, what did I tell you? You can't just make promises you can't keep.

Carmen felt a chill run down her spine from that gaze, and recalling her recent boastful words, she immediately fell into a state of incoherent rambling:

"Mr. Ernst, please believe me, this is not it."

Ernst took a breath, waved to Carmen, walked around him, and went to the spear, looking at Skadi.

"Thank you."

Skadi shook her head.

Others may not know, but he saw it very clearly. In the blink of an eye, only Skadi reacted and stepped in to protect herself.

Ernst had initially thought that Skadi wouldn't be very fast with such a greatsword, but in reality, although she wasn't fast, her reaction time was very quick. Because of the distance, her downward slash did indeed intercept the incoming spear.

She was far stronger than Ernst had imagined.

Even though the automatic defense had been triggered, the long spear should not be able to penetrate the behemoth's protection, but Ernst accepted Skadi's favor.

However, he also noticed Skadi's slightly strange expression.

Like Ernst, she walked up to the long spear, frowned, and even reached out to gently stroke it, seemingly incredulous.

"you know?"

Ernst asked.

Skadi hesitated for a moment, then nodded somewhat uncertainly:

"Second Captain, Gretia."

"This must be her weapon."

Ernst narrowed his eyes: "Aren't the Deep Sea Hunters already..."

Skadi pursed her lips and turned her head slightly to the side.

"I didn't lie."

"It could be another situation."

"What do you mean?" Ernst asked seriously.

"For hunters, there are things more terrifying than death."

Skadi paused, then, with a determination to completely destroy Goreia, said gravely:

"Hai Si Transformation!"

Chapter 727 It Turns Out to Be a Swarm of Insects

"Skadi should understand now."

Standing atop the hill, gazing in the direction of Ernst, Greta brushed the dust off her gloves and murmured softly.

At this distance, without using her full strength, Skadi was definitely capable of blocking that spear. And when she saw the weapon, she would surely recognize it as the possession of Grandia, the captain of the Deep Sea Hunters Second Team.

In this way, she would naturally realize that there were survivors among the deep-sea hunters, and they would naturally follow this clue to find her.

Once they reunite, with the combined strength of the two hunters, even though she is currently in poor condition, lacking water and suffering from severe thirst, she will be able to protect herself on this land! After that, they will have the choice to decide whether to continue lying in wait and search for other possibly surviving hunters through the Deep Sea Church, or to directly betray them and wipe out these filthy terror fish heads.

Goredia pursed her lips.

The plan is good, but the only problem is...

She seemed to have heard Ulbian, the captain of the third team, mention that Skadi in their team wasn't very smart.

She should be able to understand her intentions, right?

I guess so?

Greta: "

Should I tie a note or something to it?

Biting her lip with a hint of self-doubt, Kingia couldn't have imagined that her javelin throw would actually persuade Skadi to overturn the Deepsea Hunter's death sentence. But Skadi's subsequent diagnosis, issued after her sudden switch to medicine without the necessary skills, was practically worse than a death sentence!

However, before she could have a chance to regret or make amends, a sinister question came from behind her, interrupting Goredia's worried thoughts.

"Did it?"

Goredia turned around to see a gaunt, emaciated figure looking up at her, posing a question.

"That damned Philin, and his entourage, are they dead?"

Needless to say, this is Bishop Quintus of the Deep Sea Church, and also the primary initiator of the assassination plan.

A flicker of disgust flashed in Goredia's eyes. She didn't even glance at the increasingly distorted face, but simply sneered and shook her head, saying:

"No."

"why?"