Chapter 646: The "Delusions" of Mortals
April 5th.
City of Spellcasters – Sevinton.
Clear.
Beams of teleportation light flickered in the teleportation hall as dense crowds vanished one by one.
A few curious spellcasters turned back, then left the hall with a sense of relief.
The news spread quickly, causing quite a stir all across Sevinton.
"Has the Council finally sent people to clean up the orcs in the west? They've been causing trouble for quite some time now."
"It's been two or three years—those lands are practically wrecked, and tons of refugees are fleeing this way..."
"If the refugees hadn't started flooding in, who knows how much longer the Council would've waited."
"Those stubborn lords in the west have always been at odds with the Council..."
"Let's not put it that way. The Council still cares about appearances. They're just using this to pressure the lords into joining their faction."
"True enough. It's all about profit in the end. That much is obvious."
"..."
Listening to the chatter outside, Malk wore a calm expression. He turned to Sora and asked in a casual tone:
"The Sevinton Council doesn't seem anxious. Looks like Bay Territory's diversion tactic worked."
Sora, upon hearing this, didn't show any emotion. She calmly flipped through her documents, focusing on the deployment in the Farsico Empire, and replied matter-of-factly:
"Bay Territory drew the attention of the Cole Elves and even caused considerable trouble, tying up much of their focus."
"The Netheril Empire has recovered and already quelled the half-plane rebellion. Naturally, they can now shift their attention."
"After all, the Netheril Empire also cares about face. They can't keep letting orcs ride roughshod over them."
Thinking about the Cole Elves' already-failed pincer strategy, Lark didn't mention the situations at the Blood Castle and Blood Pass, and calmly continued:
"They've never been able to concentrate their forces. They know the risks. That's why they sent Bay Territory to stir things up. Now the Cole Elves are scrambling."
"Even if the Cole Elves realize what's going on, they won't dare tear off the mask. They're not ready for all-out war with the Netheril Empire."
"Most Cole Elves aren't that extreme. They're used to being on top, but they don't aim to wipe everyone else out..."
"Still, their last siege on Bay Territory was way too sloppy. It exposed both their intent and their strength."
Thinking about Bay Territory's countermeasures and the Arch-Arcanist Cronorman standing behind them, and recalling some unsettling prophecy fragments from a few days ago, Sora gave a cold chuckle:
"It's meaningless. Bay Territory was deliberately made the target. The real hidden forces are our true enemies."
"Best not to overthink it. Let's focus on preparing our own plans."
"The bait on the Wild Plateau is set, and those foolish orcs are feasting..."
"Victory or defeat in the short term won't change their miserable fate. Only death is eternal."
"..."
While flipping through the Bay Territory News, Lark hesitated briefly, then said flatly:
"I'll keep pushing the Farsico arrangements, but we can't follow the original plan and handle the east and north first."
Sora, reviewing intel on Bay Territory's trade with coastal cities of the East Shore, nodded silently and said firmly:
"Avoid contact with Bay Territory if possible. There may be an unexpectedly powerful force behind them—especially the Lady of Magic..."
The two of them tacitly avoided further discussion. They seemed to clearly understand the power of the deities and neither wanted nor dared to draw their attention.
They exchanged glances and both felt the pressure in each other's eyes.
Bay Territory's rapid development was already slipping beyond their ability to influence or control.
They couldn't help but wonder—was Bay Territory a hidden card of the Netheril Empire, or just a pawn they'd pushed into the spotlight?
At that very moment, news of Bay Territory's massive development in the Desert of Death was spreading throughout Sevinton.
Compared to the Council's deployment of troops to the west to deal with the orcs—
People were far more interested in discussing Bay Territory.
The reason was simple: the Bay Territory News, which had disappeared for a while, was back and reporting every three or four days.
At first, people treated it as entertainment, convinced that Bay Territory would crash and burn this time.
Even those usually optimistic about Bay Territory believed they'd made the wrong choice in focus and effort.
But as Bay Territory kept building more desert towns and drawing in more adventurers, the returning reports left everyone unexpectedly emotional.
Building so many towns—
Inch by inch, acre by acre—transforming the desert into clay soil.
Offering incredibly generous rewards and mission payouts to adventurers.
All this reflected Bay Territory's wealth and their almost insane "delusions."
People had been wondering how long Bay Territory could last.
A week?
Half a month?
A month?
Even the most optimistic didn't think Bay Territory could keep it up.
Even with a group of high-level Druids helping out, most people still doubted Bay Territory.
From their perspective, this kind of thankless effort wasn't worth it at all.
But as Bay Territory endured longer and longer, the public discussion shifted from skepticism to admiration and regret.
Yes, Bay Territory's actions were utterly insane—even unacceptable to some.
Yet it was precisely this madness that drew everyone's attention.
However, in the past half month, everything changed dramatically.
When people learned that Bay Territory had built a massive city deep in the Desert of Death—
Their first reaction was: this can't possibly be real!
But more and more adventurers were rushing to the desert—and their reports confirmed it was true.
Especially in the latest issue of Bay Territory News—
In addition to written reports, they included magical projection images.
A city standing tall in a sea of golden sand.
Wraith monsters pouring endlessly from underground.
Thrilled adventurers returning fully loaded.
Exquisitely crafted enchanted armor and weapons.
All extremely eye-catching, sparking heated debate.
Especially when people heard—
The total number of adventurers in the Desert of Death had reached nearly 400,000.
With an average monthly income of over 800 gold per adventurer.
Some in front-line desert towns were making over 3,000 gold monthly.
Such outrageous profits immediately grabbed everyone's attention.
"Earning 20 or 30 gold a day? That's more than most spellcasters make. Is it really that good?"
"Those are mid-tier Professionals. The real money's at the frontlines. It's all listed in the News."
"I barely make 40 gold a month, and that's in a decent job here in Sevinton..."
"Most spellcasters don't even make 500 gold a month, let alone other Professionals."
"Living in Sevinton only costs about a gold a month for a family of three. If I grind for two years in the desert, I'd be set for life."
"Still, that kind of risky business isn't for me. At least work in Sevinton is safe and stable."
"Safe? No way! You just haven't seen the corpses they quietly remove every month."
"Look at Bay Territory—that's what real safety looks like!"
"Bay Territory treats adventurers way too well—it's tempting even me."
"A buddy of mine just arrived in the Desert of Death. He made 2,000 gold last month and wants me to join. I'm packing already."
"You sneaky bastard—you already had connections?"
"Check it out first. If it's really that good, make sure to let us know\..."
"Obviously. I'm off!"
"..."
Some tempted adventurers immediately sprang into action.
They had waited long enough. Now was the time to rake in gold—they didn't want to miss this chance.
This was precisely why Bay Territory had gone to great lengths to distribute the Bay Territory News everywhere.
To attract more talent. Even if they couldn't keep everyone, they could ensure a constant stream of newcomers.
Cole Elf Kingdom.
Northern Icefield.
Inside the Kaledor Family's castle.
One powerful aura after another emerged from sealed caverns.
Massive wyverns roared fiercely as they awoke.
The well-prepared Kaledor clan members brought large quantities of food to feed the awakened wyverns.
Watching them devour with vitality, Councilor Kaledor narrowed his eyes and asked Aicharn beside him:
"Has Bay Territory completely sealed off the ruins' entrance?"
"They really have the guts for that?"
"Aren't they afraid of intervention from other factions?"
Councilor Kaledor seemed to be asking questions, but was really venting his own frustration.
Given Bay Territory's current strength—and the troublesome capabilities shown by the inspector teams—
They were now able to judge other powers with greater clarity.
Bay Territory had gold, had people, had armies.
Now was the time to show their teeth, assert themselves, and test their own standing.
Even Kaledor himself felt overwhelmed by Bay Territory's explosive growth.
The change in behavior was even clearer.
Before, Kaledor's discussions were about how to destroy Bay Territory!
But now?
He was focusing solely on plans against Bay Territory's wyvern troops.
That alone said a lot.
Returning from the Cole Elf Council, Aicharn shook his head calmly and replied coolly:
"No use. The troops are already fighting the underground forces."
"Though they currently have the upper hand, their losses are substantial."
"Fully clearing them out, reclaiming territory, and reinforcing it will take at least six months."
"Besides, I heard the situation in the Kantru Mountains is deteriorating—the half-elf slave revolt is growing."
"Bay Territory's move hit us where it hurt. It's already disrupted the production of key war supplies."
"And for some reason, they're still unwilling to dispatch Archmages..."
Kaledor could hear the bitterness in Aicharn's voice. He glanced at the increasingly massive wyverns.
Their condition was excellent.
Not only had they evaded the effects of the Dragon Frenzy Seal using secret arts—they had also enhanced their strength through a kind of 'slumber.'
He waved at the long-prepared dragonriders, watching them begin retraining the wyverns, and spoke slowly:
"Other races' spellcasters fear death—the Cole Elves are no different."
"They've got centuries to enjoy life—they won't take unnecessary risks."
"Even heavy soldier losses don't concern them much."
"Otherwise, how did the Netheril Empire's Arch-Arcanists end up so similar?"
"..."
Aicharn fell silent at these words, then recalled the retreat of the Wokou pirates and said bluntly:
"Passive defense will always lose ground. I prefer offense."
"The Wokou pirates are getting unruly—perfect chance to use Bay Territory to smack them down."
Kaledor nodded. Seeing Aicharn's displeased face and the faint power hidden in him, he added with a warning:
"Don't rely on other powers. Unless you reach demigod-level, they can't shift the balance."
A flash of complex emotion crossed Aicharn's eyes. He nodded silently and turned to leave the training ground.
Watching his despondent back, Councilor Kaledor sighed and turned to the wyvern riders taking flight, muttering:
"Don't stray from the path..."
"Even deities might not be reliable..."