Work Prophet

Some members of the Wing Tribe contracted a strange disease upon arriving in Bratis, and there were even some deaths, but the number was not large, and Solomon did not take it too seriously.

Shielded by the Mother Goddess Gaia, Wing Tribesmen generally had robust bodies capable of resisting most diseases.

However, the person who died this time was a Centurion, and just a few days ago, Solomon had seen him looking completely normal, without any signs of illness.

Afterward, Solomon also asked people around him; the Centurion had been lively and active half a day before his death, even taking part in the most recent hunt where he bravely decapitated two enemies.

He was not wounded in the battle; however, soon after returning to his tent, he suddenly fell ill and collapsed to the ground, never to wake again.

In accordance with Wing Tribe traditions, Solomon held a simple funeral for him.

A small hill was chosen to lay his body at the summit, where a Wizard opened his belly and chest, exposing the entrails, and sprinkled them with special spices to attract crows and vultures to feast.

The Wing Tribe believed this would allow the deceased to return to the embrace of the sky.

Following the funeral was a small combat competition to select a new officer to replace the deceased.

Watching the competition, Solomon felt a bit weary and thus asked a Wizard for some refreshing herbal medicine.

He lit the herbs, inhaled the smoke through his nose, and exhaled through his mouth, immediately feeling much more clear-headed.

Unfortunately, such herbs were only available on the Hardland Continent, and although the Wizards had brought some with them, the quantity was limited—every bit used was a bit less remaining.

Therefore, even Solomon had to use them sparingly.

Just as he adjusted his spirits and was about to order the army to continue advancing, pandemonium broke out again on the field where the recent combat competition had taken place.

It was not the victor boasting of his bravery, as the latter was currently beside Solomon.

Not far away, Wing Tribesmen had formed a small circle, and inside lay a young warrior from the Shrike Tribe, the nephew of the deceased Centurion who had also taken part in the competition.

He had defeated many competitors along the way, but sadly fell during the final round, missing the chance to succeed his uncle as the new Centurion.

In the recent competition, he had been shot in the chest by an arrow that seemed to be wrapped, which should not have been fatal, but shortly after the competition ended, he collapsed, eyes tightly shut, his fate unknown.

The accompanying Wizards pushed through the crowd, quickly stuffed a bunch of herbs into his mouth, and conducted a ritual to expel evil spirits, including bloodletting, which, however, was to no avail.

The young man stopped breathing all the same.

His death was so similar to his uncle's that it incited considerable chatter; Solomon remained silent and simply had him carried to the hilltop to feed the birds as well.

After that, he led the army to the next town, where they finally encountered some serious resistance.

Kai Ao, Family Head of the Frederiksen Family, led three thousand soldiers in garrison at Songshi Castle, refusing to open the gates and surrender, and he even fiercely denounced some imperial nobility who were in the vanguard, calling them traitors to the nation.

A minor skirmish ensued between the two parties, and Kai Ao relied on the strong castle to repel the invading enemy.

The "Red Hound" Sangis, who was responsible for the main attack, had one of his attendants shot dead, but after suffering two hundred casualties, Sangis also realized that Kai Ao was merely bluffing.

Most of his three thousand defenders were just ordinary farmers, with the family warriors estimated to be less than a hundred.

Previously, the western territories had undergone two upheavals, and except for the Arias family, every household had lost a number of people.

It was likely that Kai Ao didn't have many warriors at his disposal either, but since Songshi Castle was defended by the river, it wouldn't be easy to capture immediately.

Sangis requested another half day from Solomon, but it was rejected by the Wing Clan Commander.

The latter directly sent out the Storm Monarch, and the giant dragon's roar shook the heavens; Songshi Castle turned into a sea of fire in barely a few breaths.

Kai Ao and his three thousand men, along with the civilians, women, and children who had taken refuge inside, were all swallowed by the blaze.

The fire was said to have burned for three days and three nights before stopping, illuminating the night as if it were day. By the time the flames died down, not even a single corpse could be found, while Solomon and his army had long since left, marching towards their next target.

They crushed all obstacles in their path, like a heavy war chariot, seemingly unstoppable!

The speed of the army's advance terrified many lords who had still been undecided, prompting them to stop wavering and hurriedly send delegates to swear allegiance to Solomon.

In contrast, the atmosphere inside Teacup Castle became increasingly tense.

The first time the Wing Tribe landed on the Bratis Continent, they took Crab's Corner in less than half a day, demonstrating their terrifying combat strength to the world.

They then went on to conquer Lion Heart Castle, the strongest on the continent, and defeated the one hundred thousand Imperial Alliance Army at White River City, each victory accentuating their might.

Had it not been for Li Yu stepping in, assuring that he personally would bring down Divine Punishment on Saturday, the nobles of the western territories would not have known how to confront this formidable army.

Now, following the commands of Commander Ireya, they had abandoned their own territories and gathered their forces at Teacup Castle, preparing for the ultimate battle.

They also sent out a small number of people to employ guerrilla tactics, trying to slow down the Wing Tribe's march as much as possible, but to little effect.

Just two days ago, Solomon and his forces had already taken Lake City. The Marier family had not joined the Resistance Army, and their attitude had been ambiguous, maintaining correspondence with the Lady.

As soon as the Wing Tribe arrived, they opened the city gates and offered up all the city's wealth, just asking to be spared.

Solomon is not far from Rock Snow City now, and once they reach there, it means most of the western territories have fallen.

Despite Green Field gathering nearly thirty thousand troops, their defeat seems only a matter of time.

The Lady has been frowning these past few days, biting her nails again, and unfortunately it coincides with the weekend in the Divine Country, with Li Yu being away for eight days.

In the face of questioning from allies, the young girl remains firm in standing with Merlin, proclaiming that Saturday will not abandon its followers.

But the voices of doubt are becoming louder. During the day, it is okay as everyone just gathers inside the castle for heated arguments, but at night, some of the lesser nobility even sneak away with their people.

After all, no one wants to fight a war doomed to fail, not to mention the unimaginable consequences of defeat.

Yet the Divine Punishment prophesied by Merlin is delayed in coming.