Chapter 1273 - 573: Preparations on Both Sides

Chapter 1273: Chapter 573: Preparations on Both Sides

As the grandest, most splendid ritual, perhaps it can earn a glance from our master upon this world.

Either way, it’s better than eternally wandering in this cage, neither alive nor dead.

This is a team marching in despair towards a destined destruction.

Every step is taken on the road to their own end.

Yet no one voiced any complaints.

They have waited for so long, regardless of what the final result is, at least they have already tried.

In the endless waiting, action itself has become the greatest luxury.

Even if ahead is utter nothingness, it’s better than stagnating in this forgotten fog, gradually worn away to the last shape by time.

This silent march is their fiercest, yet most tragic defiance against their fate.

They have already prepared long ago.

...

...

In stark contrast to the solemn and tragic depths of the Mist Mountain Range, Elda is now bathed in a nearly untimely stillness and peace.

The small garden behind the Lord’s Mansion, meticulously cared for by the priestess girls, is in full bloom, lush with green grass.

Sunlight pierces through sparse clouds, scattering warm light spots, the air filled with the fragrance of earth and the sweet aroma of flowers.

A fluffy squirrel, clutching a nut larger than its head, squats on a branch, curiously observing below.

At the center of the garden, a round table is set with a delicate tea set, brewed with floral tea from the Southern Kingdom, wafting a subtle fragrance.

Several plates of adorably shaped pastries garnished with fresh fruits sit aside, enticing one’s appetite.

A few women of varied disposition sit around the round table, like noble ladies enjoying a leisurely afternoon tea, elegantly savoring the time.

—Well, perhaps not so harmonious, perhaps not so elegant.

Two of them purse their lips, defiantly glaring at each other.

Two Monster Girls dressed in luxurious attire, exuding elegance all around, simultaneously lay their hands on the table, fiercely battling with their eyes for the ownership of the last piece of strawberry-studded cream cake.

Demon: Let go!

Vampire: You’re the one who should let go!

Tiny sparks seemed to crackle in the air between them.

Someone nearby is busy stuffing food into their mouth, wolfing it down like a cattle devouring peonies.

This, of course, is Valentina.

She has no interest in the delicate appearance of the pastries, only focusing on their most important trait as food—whether they taste good.

If it’s delicious, she eats a little more.

This pastry feast evidently suits her palate.

A large pile of plates is already empty in front of her, her eating pace rapid, and the unchanged figure makes one suspect whether she possesses a stomach connected to another dimension.

Someone is raising their head, studying the special squirrel on the tree with a speculative gaze, pondering how to ask for some flesh.

Svanni, although aware of the squirrel’s identity and power, is greatly attracted by its demigod title.

She seriously considers: if she asks Tata in the name of Herbert, what would be the success rate...

Even those who seem to be truly enjoying the time are smilingly using the scenes for lunching, sipping tea one mouthful at a time.

Miss Mermaid giggles at the different performances of everyone, savoring each sip like tasting wine.

In this corner of the luxurious yet "warm" scene, Herbert is leisurely lying on a wide deck chair, resting his eyes.

He wears a comfortable white robe, with no tension of facing an impending battle, instead like enjoying a rare afternoon leisure.

The warm sunlight bathes him, seemingly coating him in a light golden halo.

His breathing is calm and long, his chest subtly rises and falls with breath, if not for his occasional fingers gently tapping on the armrest, one might truly think he has fallen deeply asleep.

It’s clear, he is the most relaxed one.

Although, he should originally be the most tense one.

"Oh wow, they’re marching so neatly, steps in unison, even the synchronization of soul fluctuations is high, truly worthy of the Heroic Spirit Legion!"

The slightly humorous voice broke the serenity of the moment.

The voice came from an ordinary "mushroom" on the table, seemingly a simple wooden carving decoration, but it’s actually the Mushroom Merchant’s "broadcast device".

Through internal spore simulation into a special structure, by controlling spore vibration, it emitted a clear voice.

Herbert, upon being engaged in conversation, didn’t open his eyes, still half-lying, casually replying.

"Yes, professional team indeed."

His tone was flat, as if commenting on a circus troupe from afar, instead of a terrifying legion capable of destroying cities.

Miser, slightly at a loss with his attitude, couldn’t help but tease:

"I say, they’re taking it so seriously, aren’t you worried at all? Can’t you at least prepare a bit?"

The army is about to launch a surprise attack, you ought to show some sign of readiness, right?

"Worried? Hehe~"

Herbert didn’t even lift his eyelids, but the corners of his mouth curved slightly.

"I feel I have nothing to worry about."

This was not an arrogant claim, but a calm statement based on absolute control.

As if everything was already settled on the chessboard, he was merely a player waiting for his opponent to step into the final trap.

"As for preparations, who said I’m not prepared?"

Beside him, Sofia, dressed in light leather armor with her horse body battle armor already polished to a shine, took up the topic.

"Elda has no problems at all, my lord naturally doesn’t need any worries."

She stood quietly beside him, her horse legs kneeling on the ground, her upper body elegantly refilling Herbert’s teacup with hot tea.

Sofia’s eyes were calm, focused on the tea, as if conducting the most important task in the world.

Her serene smile made it impossible to detect her previous cold demeanor while controlling the battlefield.

"As for preparations, all defensive nodes have undergone final checks and are in perfect condition."

"’Silent Arrow’, ’Binding Fungus Net’, and ’Energy Deflection Runes’ have all been deployed according to the plan."

"Other materials are also fully stocked, and the warriors are ready for battle at any time."

At another end of the round table, Valentina was launching a fierce attack on a mountain of various roasted meats, bread, and fruit.

Her eating had no elegance whatsoever, alarmingly fast, sucking in her breath on the mountain like a storm.

"Ssss—uh? (munch munch munch)"

Her cheeks were bulging, yet she didn’t forget to mumble in response to the conversation, "Ready, uh, ready?"

Gulp!

She stretched her neck, swallowed the food in her throat, eyes sparkling while raising her hand to ask:

"Herbert! When the fight starts, can I have a little appetizer first?"

She licked her lips, vertical pupils gleaming with a craving and curiosity for "new ingredients."

For her, powerful Heroic Spirits could be a "delicacy" never tasted before.

Valentina wasn’t deliberately causing trouble; she was purely curious.

She hadn’t tasted Heroic Spirits yet!

Very curious about what they taste like!

Wanna eat!

But the question is, can she even eat them?

Although the Sage had already given Valentina an answer to this question, she still wanted to hear Herbert’s opinion.

"Rejected, you can’t eat them."

Herbert smilingly refused Miss Hungry Dragon’s absurd inquiry, seeing her sorrowful face, he helplessly shook his head and said:

"Don’t make that face. No means no, you begging won’t help."

He reached out and lightly flicked Valentina’s forehead affectionately.

"Besides, it’s not that I won’t let you eat them! They’re spirit bodies, what could you possibly eat?"

Eat air?

"Then, what about something else?"

Valentina pouted, unwillingly humming a couple of times, muttering, "Something else is fine, I really only want a little bit!"

She held out two fingers, gesturing a "little bit" with her eyes full of hope.

For her, not being able to eat is okay, I could at least try a bit!

Just a taste~

"You just have to eat, don’t you, sigh..."

Herbert helplessly shook his head and sighed lightly.

Indeed.

Compared to battle weapons, tactics, or anything, this is what Herbert truly needed to prepare for seriously.

.

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