Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys

Chapter 1298: Chapter 438: Earl Rein (Part 2)

“Additionally, aside from the logistics personnel, I’ll head there alone,” said Rein.

“Understood, Lord Rein, I will report your decision immediately,” Tatia replied. She then took a map from the file bag beside her and spread it flat on the coffee table.

“Lord Rein, this is a reproduced map of Ferdinand Forest. Although this map was drawn several hundred years ago, the general locations, according to the habits of the elves, wouldn’t have arbitrarily changed.”

“This is Ferdinand City, and these green dots represent the elven villages,” Tatia explained while pointing to a position slightly south of the center of Ferdinand Forest.

“As for these small red dots around the edge of the forest, they are the outposts and fortifications of the Elf Clan. But according to the information we’ve received, more than ten defensive outposts in the south have been breached.”

“Oh? The cult entered from the south?” Rein asked.

“Yes, but the current situation is that this breach has spread, and quite a few outposts in the southwest and southeast have also been breached!”

Rein nodded, realizing the situation was worse than imagined.

“By the way, Lord Rein, aside from the cult and the elven rebels, you need to be wary of another force, which is the slave-catching teams.”

“The human slave-catching teams wandering near Ferdinand Forest are formidable. Some team captains even possess strength at the Legendary Level, and their members are skilled and familiar with the terrain.”

“Many team members are not simple. Quite a number are secret retainers trained by the great nobles of the Empire, and some are even fugitives or ruthless individuals who have been incorporated into these teams.”

Rein had heard of this situation before. It was common for great nobles in the Imperial City to harbor these fugitives, as they often needed such people for dirty work and could quickly dissociate themselves when things went awry.

“These slave-catching teams haven’t had many major successes in the past due to the strict defense of the elf outposts, capturing only a few isolated elves. This time, faced with such a good opportunity, they will certainly jump at the chance to benefit.”

“These people are like fierce wolves. According to our understanding, some elven border outposts were destroyed not by the cult but by them, which might lead you to be mistaken by the elves as an invader like these teams.”

“I understand the situation,” Rein nodded and continued:

“So the enemies roughly include three groups: the various cult squads, the elven rebels, and a considerable number of human slave-catching teams. It’s even possible that the official forces of the Elf Clan might misidentify me as an invader, right?”

“Indeed, Lord Rein, the great nobles behind the slave-catching teams have some influence on the Empire’s decision-making regarding this matter.”

“Furthermore, the presence of the elven rebels complicates the situation within Ferdinand Forest, which is a reason why there hasn’t been a major action from the Empire.”

“Hmm, I understand. By the way, Lord Tatia, I plan to set off by noon tomorrow.” Rein put away the map reproduction of Ferdinand Forest.

“No problem, Lord Rein, Lord Olena and I will arrange everything for you. Rest assured,” Tatia replied.

“Besides, this map is for you. Now, Lord Rein, I’ll go report back.” Tatia slightly bowed to Rein.

“Lord Rein, I will accompany Lord Tatia back to headquarters,” Olena quickly got up and said.

“Alright, thank you both for your efforts.” Rein smiled and nodded to them.

…

After the two left, Rein began pondering the situation Tatia had just described.

“It is indeed complex, but breaking through these obstacles might be simpler than it seems. The key still lies in one’s own combat power.”

“Additionally, accurate intelligence will be crucial.”

“This time, I can take both Qu Qi and Blood Feather along.”

The fighting power of the Spiritual Greyhound Qu Qi may seem outdated now, but its keen sense of smell in the forest, especially for tracking, can play a unique role. As for the Blood Feathered Horned Eagle’s aerial reconnaissance capability, its importance goes without saying.

“Looks like I’ll need to pack a bit and prepare some things.”

While Rein was contemplating, he suddenly looked out the window.

He saw a rare flying sea manta landing in the courtyard, with a man standing on it with arms crossed and a dual-handed greatsword on his back, none other than Lambert.

Several minutes later.

In the study room.

“Lord Rein, I’m here to bid you farewell. After our duel, I’ve had some insights. I plan to travel for a while before returning to Tidal Bay,” Lambert said with a smile, explaining his visit.

“Traveling, huh? It’s a good idea,” Rein nodded.

He could tell that Lambert was emitting a sharp aura all over, due to the surge in his Sword of Belief, which made it difficult for him to restrain this sharpness in a short period.

“Oh, Lord Rein, are you planning to go out as well?” Lambert was curious when he saw the luggage being packed next to Rein, as he originally came to say goodbye.

After all, both Rein and he had just returned from the Secret Realm; going out on missions again so soon seemed a bit frequent.

Could it be that the Fine Gold Level Swordsmen of the Empire are all this busy?

“Yes, I plan to head to Ferdinand Forest this time because there’s been a disturbance there. A friend of mine is there, and as of now, it’s not considered an official mission,” Rein said with a smile.