Chapter 1134 - 175: Abundant Dragon Nest Treasure and the Application of Mercenary War Dogs (3)

Chapter 1134: Chapter 175: Abundant Dragon Nest Treasure and the Application of Mercenary War Dogs (3)

On the banner, using dark, almost black metallic threads, the striking wolf head holy emblem of Yurik is embroidered. The entire flag is dim and utilitarian, devoid of any bright colors, covered in the marks of cuts and burns, silently recounting the fierce battles it has endured.

"According to our identification and fragments of remaining records," Hilude’s voice carried a trace of solemnity, "this banner is called the ’Yurik Blizzard Battle Banner.’ It wasn’t born from ancient mythology but was forged in the chaotic end of the ’Three Emperors Era’ of Empire history, around the Imperial Calendar year 2000. At that time, the Yurik Church, to strengthen belief and resist internal and external threats, received Yurik’s blessing by the High Priest in the Great Holy Fire Temple of Middenheim and personally forged it. It is said that during the casting of the banner, fragments of the enemy leader’s battle helmet were incorporated, which were captured after defeating a powerful Norsca Chaos Warband, symbolizing victory over Chaos."

"Its most famous owner," Hilude leafed through the old and somewhat incomplete parchment in her hand, "was the Grand Leader of the White Wolf Knight Order, Gustav Heinrich, also known as the ’Black Wolf.’ He was active around Imperial Calendar year 2200, not renowned for individual bravery, but famous for his steely will and ability to stabilize military morale. Under his command, this banner appeared in several critical battles."

She pointed to several particularly deep damages on the banner: "Its most illustrious achievement was the defense of Blackfire Pass. At that time, Grand Leader Heinrich led his forces under limited manpower to intercept the massive Green Skin ’Waaagh!’ at the pass. When the defense line was on the verge of collapse, he ordered the raising of this holy flag and personally stood at the front line. It’s said that witnessing the holy flag, soldiers who were followers of Yurik burst out with unbelievable resilience, stubbornly withstanding the most ferocious assaults of the Green Skins, reorganized the defense line, and eventually awaited reinforcements to kill the Beastman Warlord, reversing the tide of battle."

"Another instance was during the chaos against the rebellion in Hawk Territory and resistance against the Norsca invasion. The rebel forces ambushed Heinrich’s troops, and in the confusion, this banner once again became the core of gathering morale, with soldiers quickly rallying around the banner to form an effective resistance, thwarting the ambush. Later, when faced with the landing Norsca Chaos Raiders, the Empire Legion under the influence of the holy flag exhibited extraordinary aggressiveness and resistance to the fear of Chaos, eventually driving the enemies back to the sea."

Hilude concluded: "Undoubtedly, this battle banner is a powerful strategic treasure. Its core power lies in greatly inspiring and stabilizing military morale, especially effective for soldiers who believe in Yurik. It’s said to grant the legion [Rock-like Will], with soldiers having a strong resistance to fear and panic, able to recover calmness faster even when facing giant beasts or Chaos Corruption, maintaining the front line."

"[Winter’s Tenacity] greatly boosts morale, making collapse less likely under heavy blows or flank attacks, allowing soldiers to endure pain and fatigue better.

[White Wolf’s Charge] When the legion launches a decisive charge under the guidance of the banner, the impact and melee force will be temporarily but significantly enhanced, as though infused with Yurik’s fighting will."

"However," she added, "records also mention that over-reliance on its power might make commanders overly aggressive, with soldiers possibly abandoning formation protection in their fanaticism."

"Regrettably," Hilude’s tone bore a trace of regret, "around Imperial Calendar year 2220, Gustav Heinrich Grand Leader disappeared on an expedition deep into Norsca, and this precious holy artifact was subsequently lost in the Icefields of the Chaos Wasteland. The Yurik Church searched for centuries without recovering it. Little did we expect it would end up in Drake’s lair. Perhaps an unknown Chaos Champion found it in the wasteland, came to challenge Drake, and was slain by the Red Dragon, eventually becoming one of its collection pieces. Drake probably thought this huge flag made of fine gold and quality wolfhide, hardwood was a shiny prize, not truly understanding its power and history."

Su Li stepped forward, fingers stroking the cold, hard flagpole and the rough, thick wolfhide banner. Those ancient battle marks seemed to carry a bone-chilling cold and the clamor of battlefields. He felt the immense will of the North’s White Wolf God within, and the unwavering collective strength of the Human Legion. This was not merely a powerful treasure, but a symbol of heavy Empire history and faith. Its value far surpassed ordinary silver and gold or magic equipment.

"A holy artifact lost for centuries... its return is of momentous significance. It’s a great incentive for us as well."

Su Li’s gaze then swept over the mountain-high spoils of war before him, glistening with an enticing sheen in the red light reflecting from the lava lake. Despite his prior mental preparation, he was taken aback by the magnitude of this haul. The Red Dragon’s ’savings’ over centuries were far more abundant than expected, particularly those strategic rare metals and gemstones containing powerful energy, holding immeasurable significance for the future of Hesse Territory’s military improvements and magic research.

He looked towards the corner where Drake, still whimpering with a plaintive gaze, stood and suddenly found this ’mountain cleaner’ not so repulsive.

"Very well," Su Li’s voice was steady, imbued with the calmness of controlling everything, "Hilude, organize personnel, categorize and pack all materials, transport them carefully. Fine gold, star meteorite iron, flame gemstones, magic items, and special treasures, pack them separately, guarded by Commander Bradley, Master Sogard, and Aeliria, and directly transported back to Hesse Castle’s secret vault. Other ordinary metals and minerals, managed by Oliver, unified for inventory storage as reserve for territory construction and military supplements."