Chapter 440: Initiating Action

Luo Ning was extremely curious as to why Ridal, the Solar-class, was so vividly remembered by Sophia and the others.

In the ensuing exchanges, he finally learned the answer.

Firstly, the battle was exceptionally brutal, enough to etch itself into memory;

Secondly, the achievements in that battle were remarkable. The Shadow Lord Elliot, though only a legendary figure, was still a notable presence under the banner of the Nightmare King, making her elimination anything but easy;

Lastly, Ridal himself was truly outstanding. Beyond his formidable power, it was precisely through his developed Flame Battle Formation that such results were attained.

Moreover, after Ridal’s death, his mentor, the Sage Rafael, sculpted statues, wrote commemorative texts, and painted portraits for him, ensuring his legacy endured.

Sophia was the princess of Dawn City, and the other three were equally distinguished. They all had received excellent education, which enabled them to recognize Ridal.

“I’m so glad I chose to stand by your side, Luo Ning.”

Sophia smiled, her expression more relaxed than ever, seeming more integrated into this world.

Regardless of how Ridal had appeared, having such an ancient figure among them meant a significant boost in support when they returned to Crescent Continent.

Unfortunately, Ridal did not recall the specific methods for employing the Flame Battle Formation.

Luo Ning chuckled softly, “I should have told you about Ridal’s story earlier.”

“So you knew about Crescent Continent long ago?”

Luo Ning shook his head, “Ridal only arrived at Solar not long ago. I’ve known these details for just a few months.”

He glanced at Ridal and then turned to Sophia and the others, smiling, “Since we’re practically acquaintances now, collaborating in the future will be much smoother.”

Returning to the main topic, Ridal reported, “Sir, currently there is no traffic between Moonlight Valley and Shore City. After receiving your letter, I have stationed the Fifth Knight Corps at the border of Mountain Territory, establishing three camps on the side near Moonlight Valley.”

As he spoke, he produced a map with three red circles on the side near Moonlight Valley, “The three camps are not far apart. Cavalry can cover the distance in ten minutes, and even infantry won’t take much longer. Thanks to your telescope, sir, upon detecting enemy activity, we have ample time to mobilize and execute a three-sided assault!”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Ridal’s three camps indeed formed a mutual support structure, strategically positioned along the three routes leading to Moonlight Valley.

“Continue arranging civilians to expand the camps’ scale.”

Luo Ning stated, “There are two more knight corps in Shore City. Once Sophia and the others have completed their training, leave a few knight squads for defense, and deploy the rest to the front.”

The boundary between Moonlight Valley and Mountain Territory was at least ten to twenty kilometers from Shore City. If battle was inevitable, shortening the distance would facilitate subsequent operations.

Sophia smiled, “Ridal was once a commander, leading armies of thousands. My own skills pale in comparison before him.”

She had initially claimed to possess combat experience against demonic minions, capable of better guiding Mountain Castle Knight Corps against the Soul Tribe. But now, with Ridal present, training the knight corps was no longer her concern; no one was more suited than Ridal.

“Let’s do this: I’ll assign Petro and Hamon as your deputies. They are Meteor Knights, formidable in combat. Training matters will be overseen overall by Ridal.”

Ridal hesitated slightly, “It’s acceptable, but this somewhat contravenes the Marquis’s intentions.”

Suddenly, all three knight corps of Mountain Castle were entrusted to Ridal, effectively handing them over to Luo Ning.

This seemed somewhat inappropriate.

“It’s fine. I’ll explain clearly to Grandpa. I doubt he would mind.”

Rulan supported Luo Ning unconditionally; not just three knight corps, but even three more under Luo Ning’s command wouldn’t cause him any hesitation.

“Sophia, I heard you have instruments for detecting the Soul Tribe? If possible, I’d like to join you in screening Shore City first. If there are Soul Tribe infiltrators in the city, we can identify them.”

“No problem.”

Sophia said, “I have materials here. Over the next couple days, I’ll make more sensing stones, ensuring each squad leader has one to prevent Soul Tribe infiltration.”

The Soul Tribe relied on transformation, disguising themselves within teams. Without Luo Ning and Sophia, both master sorcerers, detection would be difficult.

Over the following two days, the group proceeded according to the established plan.

Ridal sent Petro and Hamon to the external camps, while he continued training the remaining two knight corps.

It’s worth noting that after the original captains of these two knight corps were demoted to squad leaders, though they dared not question the Marquis’s arrangements or express disrespect to Luo Ning, they harbored lingering resentment.

But witnessing Sophia’s magic carpet and scorching flame spells, they all fell silent.

Luo Ning and Sophia circulated through the city, using mental energy to scout for infiltrators.

What they hadn’t checked revealed nothing; checking exposed two Soul Tribe members, one detected by Anilu using a sensing stone.

Unfortunately, both individuals behaved rather sluggishly. According to Sophia, these were the lowest-tier Shadow Mists of the Soul Tribe; even torture wouldn’ yield substantial information.

After interrogation, this proved true. Luo Ning could only send these two on their final journey.

Though no significant intelligence was extracted, it confirmed that Moonlight Valley still harbored intentions against Shore City and Mountain Territory.

Meanwhile, within Moonlight Castle, Mephistopheles, pale-skinned and draped in a black robe, grew solemn.

He extracted the Soul Pearl and sensed it.

“The two infiltrators in Shore City have been eliminated. Unexpectedly, they acted so swiftly. Ha, Siro of Dawn City, I never anticipated you’d send your daughter risking the perilous Storm Sea to reach here.”

Mephistopheles inhaled deeply; two soul fragments flew from the Soul Pearl into his nostrils.

“Sadly, your daughter’s judgment isn’t great, choosing an ally whose territory is about to be carved up. This ensures no gains for you on Star Continent.”

His eyes gleamed sharply, “Orlandt shall be our domain!”

Hesus entered from outside, “Lord, I’ve followed your orders, withdrawing all forces near Mountain Territory.”

Hesus’s return brought excellent news.

Mephistopheles hadn’t expected that on this new continent, humans would aid him—something impossible on Crescent Continent.

He could only lament the foolishness of these people while gladly accepting the assistance.

Now, he wasn’t rushing into action but patiently awaiting reinforcements from Feren Castle; that would be the optimal moment.

As for Hesus mentioning the kingdom and crown prince wanting him to obey royal orders, balancing and restraining other nobles, frankly, Mephistopheles considered it a joke; he never entertained such trivial pursuits.

He arrived in Odun Kingdom with two tasks: first, seeking the dragon; second, creating chaos.

Though the dragon was found, it belonged to others, forcing Mephistopheles to abandon controlling it.

Thus, all he could do was sow chaos.

“Go, Hesus, assist Baron Milker, bringing all valuable individuals from his territory here!” he commanded.

Hesus bowed, “As you command, Divine Messenger!” (End of chapter)