Novel Full Chapter 591 The Long-Term Plan of the Revolutionary Army… - II
The only difference was that Milo knew what he was doing, using civilians as tools for his amusement, whereas that wicked wolf was oblivious. She believed she was doing the right thing but ignored subsequent construction and development, cared nothing for future stability and livelihoods, and engaged in so-called “salvation” driven by her own sense of justice.
In the end, it was just about satisfying her inner desire for righteousness.
Considering Fenrir’s various circumstances, as the person leading the preparatory work for this operation, Boneblade would rather take the reckless route of diverting the Whistling Legion’s attention than attempt to communicate with Fenrir.
As for that unknown adventurer, they speculated that the individual was probably an enemy of the Whistling Legion, likely seeking to stir up trouble just like them.
Unfortunately, the Vice President of the Executioners kept his mouth tightly shut, refusing to reveal who had accepted the bounty. They had no way to find out more, which would have provided some peace of mind.
Nevertheless, they prepared for the worst-case scenario.
Boneblade deliberately left traces that could be tracked back to them.
If the mysterious adventurer turned out to be a ruse, if the Whistling Legion was fishing, if Milo was indeed alive, and it was all a setup, then… Boneblade, Redhawk, and two other lesser-ranking Revolutionary Army members would draw away attention, allowing their strongest reinforcements to ignite the upheaval in Dispute Fortress.
They could sacrifice others, and they could sacrifice themselves. More accurately, it was their willingness to sacrifice themselves that gave them the cold resolve to sacrifice others.
“Regardless,” Boneblade said calmly, “even if we find ourselves in the worst possible situation, Aridhill can still turn Dispute Fortress upside down, though none of us will be able to leave here.”
The victory conditions are to both disrupt Dispute Fortress and force Bryce Palmer Leo and his pack of hyenas to withdraw from the battlefield, while also ensuring our safe retreat. However, this does not mean that if they cannot retreat safely, the operation is a failure.
It is merely the difference between a complete victory and a Pyrrhic victory.
“…Thus, dear Zero Explorers, the Ninth Dispute Selection Tournament… begins!”
With that Milo’s loud announcement from the high platform, the crowd erupted in fervent excitement. In the sea of jostling bodies, many adventurers could be seen leaping into the air, either ascending through levitation spells or using the shoulders of others as stepping stones to vault forward. This marked the official commencement of the first stage of the selection tournament.
The Whistling Legion had marked three stable openings within the Duke of Azuregold’s territory, all of which had been thoroughly explored by the Legion. Contestants could choose any of these Zero Explorers’ gates, enter, and locate the tokens hidden by the Whistling Legion. The first 150 adventurers to find the tokens would qualify for advancement.
At the same time, the competition was broadcast across the various cities within the Duke of Azuregold’s domain. The Duke’s image was even projected onto the highest point of the central viewing platform. Apart from spectators, there were countless bookmakers and gamblers…
This is why the Revolutionary Army was keen to avoid having their strongest participant become a focal point, but plans never keep pace with change.
“It has been a while since I’ve been here; Dispute Fortress has improved quite a bit.”
Seated at the highest point of the stands, the hologram of the Duke of Azuregold leaned on one hand, gazing down at Milo with a sardonic smile: “You… have done well, deserving of praise.”
This meaningful “you” made Milo’s body tremble slightly, and he immediately bowed his head in reverence: “It is all due to your flawless strategy and planning; I merely executed and made insignificant adjustments.”
The Duke of Azuregold laughed heartily: “Too much humility is not good. Even I look forward to each selection tournament with great anticipation.”
Crossing his legs leisurely, he asked, “How are the betting pools arranged this time?”
“The promotion of the favored participants and the narrative arc of the entire competition have all been prepared,” Milo, still bowing his head, replied respectfully.
“According to the current betting pools, with all the turnover and the stakes placed based on the odds, your total earnings will be…”
He reported a staggering figure that made the Duke of Azuregold’s smile grow even more radiant, a number that would leave all adventurers dumbfounded. This money-loving Duke nodded in great satisfaction: “About ten percent higher than I expected. Very good, very good… Well done, Milo.”
Is the selection tournament an outlet for extraordinary beings to vent their competitive spirits? An entertainment activity for adventurers to enjoy?
Perhaps. But ultimately, it is merely a money-making tool.
From the very first tournament to the present, every result has been manipulated. The vast betting pools, accumulating immense wealth, are just money being handed over.
The irony is that numerous adventurers truly regard this selection tournament as an opportunity to change their fates… evoking a sense of déjà vu.
“Speaking of which… Milo,” the Duke of Azuregold said nonchalantly, “do you know how your brother has been faring on the battlefield? Has he contacted you?”
Milo was initially stunned, then quickly shook his head: “No… no, the intensity of the war between the two Dukes is too high. My brother probably doesn’t have the time to contact me.”
“Is that so? Then I have something to tell you.”
Namo of Azuregold chuckled, “He has been making remarkable achievements on the battlefield, bringing me much honor.”
“Is… is that so? That’s wonderful, Your Grace—”
“But for some reason…”
The smile on the “Gold Coin” Duke’s face suddenly vanished.
“He seems to be getting too close to Firmament. He’s even offering free combat training to Firmament’s subordinates… Do you have any insight into this, Milo?” Experience new tales on empire
Milo’s expression froze, and as his terror peaked, leaving him at a loss for how to respond to the Duke, a chorus of gasps arose from the square below.
Instinctively, he turned to look and saw a cleared space in the center of the square, where a headless corpse lay in a pool of blood, and a young man stood… holding a severed head.
Thud.
When Milo regained his senses, he found himself collapsed on the ground, his limbs weak.
*
“That commission claimed to be finished during a period of time… did you have to choose now?”
Ravenna’s voice reached Ansel’s ears: “Do you just love the excitement?”
Ansel remained impassive, but his voice to Ravenna was tinged with amusement: “Weren’t you the one complaining about the noise? Well, now there’s no more noise.”
Carrying the severed head, he walked step by step toward the crowd. The closer he got, the more they backed away, like a frenzied shark parting an endless school of fish, leaving emptiness in his wake.
“…I really don’t know what you’re up to. Didn’t you say you were just completing a commission?”
“The one who issued the commission has ulterior motives. Naturally, I have my own reasons for accepting it,” the young Hydral responded leisurely, his dark blade dragging on the ground.
“Besides, I am indeed just completing the commission, am I not?”
“I doubt any client would want you to hand over this huge problem—”
Ansel raised his hand and tossed the severed head to two stunned “ordinary” adventurers in the crowd.
“…in front of everyone like this.”
“You’re right, Ravenna,” Faust responded with a silent laugh, “but I’ve never considered myself a dedicated adventurer.”
“True, you’re a thorough scoundrel.”
Meanwhile, Boneblade and Redhawk, instinctively clutching the head, exchanged a stiff glance, each reading the other’s thoughts.
Damn it, run!
*