Chapter 446: Operation Plan

Ronin called for Karlos to transport a batch of iron ore prepared by Red Mountain Town back to Northern Wu Harbor.

All of these were refined pig iron by Feng Si and others, which could be used for shipbuilding after further processing by Simon and Karlos using combat energy.

Transporting these ores by dragon was far faster than using horse carts over land.

Karlos dropped Ronin off when passing through Wu Mountain Fort, then continued its journey.

Although the transport work was not technically demanding, Karlos found joy in it—who wouldn't, when following such a formidable master?

"Master, you have returned!"

Seeing Ronin appear, Most respectfully welcomed him: "The lord is not in the castle now and likely won't return until evening."

"What has grandfather been busy with?"

"The large iron mine behind Wu Mountain City has commenced operations. Today, the royal family's appointed supervisor arrived, so the lord accompanied him for a visit."

Ronin nodded.

The royal family, while cooperating on mining, was also seeking to trouble him—was this the so-called simultaneous cooperation and suppression?

"Notify me when grandfather returns."

Ronin, having nothing else to do, went to the front courtyard to visit Wiggins.

It should be said that Ronin had not given Wiggins his share of the Red Mountain Iron Mine profits from last year's end, and the latter seemed not to press for it further.

Wiggins now enjoyed his leisurely life.

He no longer managed castle affairs, nor worried about Wu Mountain Territory matters, nor even contemplated its future.

Though he had lost a leg, returning to a carefree life suited him well—he no longer had to force himself as before.

His attitude toward Ronin had evolved from initial disdain to familiarity, understanding, respect, and now admiration and pride—a mental journey full of twists and turns.

Occasionally while drinking with friends outside, Wiggins couldn't help boasting about having a good son.

No, two good sons.

The future Bretton might not be as strong as Ronin, but certainly surpassed those lords from various duchies.

In the evening, the castle held a banquet to welcome the kingdom's finance minister, Lud Cox.

After the dinner for three generations ended that night, Ronin went to Rulance's study, recounting everything that happened at Riverside City in detail.

This included how he and Sophia exterminated tens of thousands of soul knights and how Garrett and others later attempted to take Sophia away.

Old man Rulance listened quietly, his eyes deep and bright, seemingly capable of piercing through everything.

"You seem to have grown stronger again, Ronin!"

He exclaimed: "Single-handedly slaying two meteor knights and over twenty thousand soul knights—what level has your knight strength reached?"

"Already at silver moon peak."

Ronin replied: "If proceeding step by step, within fourteen months, I can become a scorching sun knight and grand magister."

Upon hearing this, the light in Rulance's eyes grew even brighter. He laughed heartily: "It appears the era belonging to our Wu Mountain family is coming!"

He took a deep breath and slowly said: "Ronin, the shadow of war has already fallen upon this land beneath our feet. Since the king released Hesus and covered for him, we have become targets of both alliance and vigilance."

Ronin understood Rulance's meaning.

From the exposure of his strength, along with Rulance, Melonica, and Karlos's capabilities, they would attract suspicion and caution from others.

Now, Ronin had additional eight-level superhumans Sophia and Ridale beside him—their top-tier strength was overwhelming.

"So, grandfather, do you think they will proactively attack us?" Ronin asked.

"They will."

Rulance affirmed: "Vella Duchy, Moonlight Valley, and Screaming Island will all take action. But they won't openly use noble banners."

Ronin understood, "So, the Black Gold Brotherhood, Poland Thieves, and pirate groups on sea will rise again?"

"Exactly so."

Rulance took a deep breath, "Unfortunately, Wu Mountain Territory's position is unfavorable. Though with history, it's always distrusted, leaving us without allies; everything must rely on ourselves."

He pondered slightly, "I have already sent Melonica ahead with a team to Black Python City, along with Homer's Eighth Knight Regiment and your forces in Purple Thunder Territory, guarding the east. Once war starts, Kabir will promptly reinforce."

"For the remaining two knight regiments, I will send Toru to Sharp Corner City and Sandro to your Northern Wu Harbor."

"Northern Wu Harbor isn't important."

Ronin said: "If they attack from sea, more likely they'll assault Rapid Island. I will send Karlos to defend. Sandro's knight regiment should go to Purple Thunder Territory to initiate attacks, eliminating the Black Gold Brotherhood retreating to Black Pine Mountains."

"This is essentially a war of attrition. Wu Mountain Territory's knights are limited; the three factions combined have thicker foundations than us. Bleeding us gradually, repeated times, will lead to our demise."

Rulance stated: "Therefore, if this battle commences, we must win with strongest posture and fastest speed, making them carefully assess their strength when attempting to bleed us again."

When appearing sufficiently powerful, even if the royal family wanted to move against Wu Mountain Territory, they must weigh the costs.

"So Moonlight Valley..." Ronin looked at Rulance.

The latter extended two fingers: "Two months for mobilization. Once time arrives, we can proactively attack, and I will also assist then."

Ronin smiled: "One scorching sun, two silver moons, one magister, plus three meteor knights—such combat strength guarantees our victory in Moonlight Valley will be overwhelming!"

Deep night in Golden Feather Palace.

After returning to the capital, Brolor reported everything that occurred at Riverside City to Bruno.

As a knight loyal to the royal family, Brolor was faithful.

Though his relationship with Ronin and Rulance was decent, he did not deliberately conceal anything.

"One magister wasn't enough, now another silver moon knight..."

"How suddenly emerged so many powerful individuals?"

Bruno rubbed his forehead, intuition telling him Wu Mountain Territory was now formidable; restricting it wouldn't be effortless.

"I don't know either."

Brolor shook his head, "Your Majesty, how will you handle Ronin, since he openly disobeyed your command?"

"Disobeyed, so let it be. What can I do?"

Bruno sighed bitterly: "Now the palace is preparing for Blanche and Ronin's grand wedding; I cannot suddenly declare Ronin betrayed the kingdom."

After brief contemplation, he devised a plan.

"Originally intended to cooperate with Wu Mountain Territory to curb Screaming Island, Moonlight Valley, and Vella Duchy's ambitions, but now reversed."

Bruno gazed at the moon outside the window, thinking: "This is also good—let them fight amongst themselves. The royal family will focus on border battles and not intervene."

"Brolor, write a letter to Garrett, telling him not to worry about matters here."

He pondered further, adding: "Right, simultaneously write a letter to Ronin. Since he guarantees Sophia didn't do this, I choose to trust him. Friendship between the royal family and Wu Mountain family shouldn't be affected by this trivial matter."