Blood tax

The Sey River, which flows from south to north, has two sources.The Baisey River, which originated in the tropical mountains of the south, flows through the large lakes such as Geb Lake and Kyoga Lake, and then goes north through the jungle.Another source is in the Atum Highlands at an altitude of more than 2000 meters. It is called the Qingsai River, with a total length of 680 kilometers. It passes through Lake Tana and pours down. There are countless waterfalls and rapids along the way. Meters away, after whistling into the vast grassland, it merged with the calm Baisai River, forming the main stream of Saiyi.

Rich towns are dotted like pearls on blue and white ribbons.These are Aswan, Ereifeng, Thebes, Abai, Maedum, Memphis, and Heliopolis.At the mouth of the delta at the northernmost end of the Sey River, there is the largest city and port in the southern province of Bayeran, Kaloren.

The tributaries of the river also extend to Sarnas Crater, bringing abundant water, flora and fauna.This basin is located in the south of Baimon Province, east of the vast Shagai Sand Sea, surrounded by sinister and sharp peaks on all sides.If you climb the treetops of the giant trees or the tops of the surrounding mountains and look down on this lush rainforest, you will witness the most amazing natural wonders in the world.

The rainforest is full of thick vegetation, hopping birds, lively animals and steaming geysers.The scalding hot spring rushing out of the ground can even steam a person instantly.

Accompanied by Amber, Griffith took a flat-bottomed boat to the frontline headquarters.

A large number of outposts and camps have been established in this area, and although the river is full of shallows and marshes, steam barges can still carry goods and troops into the basin through the tributaries of the Sey.

"Praise Roland, even though he is the enemy of Bayerland now," Amber patted the side of the flat-bottomed boat with great interest, "On land roads, only a few narrow forest trails have been built, if there are no steam transport ships There is no way for us to enter this wild land."

This is the border of Baielan, and years of exploration and invasion have only uncovered the corner of the mysterious rainforest.The Earl and Countess of La Mole had also ventured here when they were young, and they seemed to have discovered something extraordinary.

Griffith is full of worries.Thinking of what was happening and the next battle, he pondered for a while and whispered:
"The mystery is about to recede."

When he said these words, Amber felt in a trance that what he saw was not a familiar friend, but an incarnation of a certain era and spirit.It seems that as long as he appears here and makes a judgment, all this is true and beyond doubt.

"Commander, be careful!"

Suddenly the marines in the punt shouted.Amber nimbly pulled Griffith's arm and leaned over to hide.A howling sound passed over the head immediately, and the whistling wind pressure cut through the skin like a knife.

"Fire!" The accompanying marines raised their flintlock guns and fired a salvo at the pterosaur that had just passed the flat-bottomed boat.If the action just now was half a beat slower, Griffith would probably be overturned into the river.

The hot and humid climate and vegetation of the crater attract giant animals to live there.In the giant trees and canyons, there are primitive dragons that are extremely rare in other parts of the world.Each of them is a powerful creature, and the leader level has become a mythical creature, possessing considerable intelligence and extremely dangerous.

"There are hidden dangers everywhere here," the investigator lady helped the knight up, and she did not forget to praise, "Listening to your words, I feel that the reality has increased a bit."

"This is not the judgment of the hand of God." Griffith smiled.

"what is that?"

"It's technology," Griffith said. "We drain swamps, sail boats through rainforests, and drive giant beasts away with gunpowder and cannon. Mystery is still powerful, but humans are unstoppable."

They walked through the winding river, and the pyramids of trolls could be seen faintly in the forest.The clans that settle here are remnants of an ancient troll empire and guardians of holy places.The city walls more than [-] meters high stand on the cliffs and hillsides, the huge boulder remains are hidden in the depths of the dense forest, and the magnificent stone steps are so long that there is no end in sight, and they are still stable after a long period of washing.

"The steam transport ship can take you anywhere, but the important transport needs to be escorted by the navy's inland gunboat," Amber worried that the newcomer captain would not understand the situation, and explained specifically, "Alandelle and her land battle The team is helping us establish a route deep into the temple area to bring the cannon and explosives in."

"went well?"

"It went very well, but it didn't take long for Commodus to bring his army and destroy our defense line."

Amber pointed to the south: "Commod's army is increasing every moment.

"As long as his army is blocked here, it will be difficult for us to provide support for the team that goes deep into the temple."

Griffith nodded.

This is all in the plan.

Roland mobilized the Confederate army to start the battle in Sevasto, which was enough to attract the main attention of Bayeran and the Arcane Council.Aaron, one of the six Hands of God, should be deployed to the front lines, using his newest powers against the Confederate army.

Tarkin, one of the Hands of God, was delayed in Canaan.He has a terrifying colossus, and with the full assistance of the high elves, it is naturally easy to repel Harandir and the Canaanite rebels, but it is not something Tarkin can do in a short time to find all the rebels from the sewers. It's here.

Galadia also found an astonishing secret underground in the Nebula Temple, and it took time to interpret the oracle of Iluvash and then take action.However, what is the secret and how to act, she is not yet sure...

The battle situation in the north has thus entered a delicate and dangerous balance.Half of the God's Hands have been restrained. If Griffith seizes the opportunity to decide the outcome with Commodus in the south as soon as possible, he can gain the upper hand in power.

It's a race... Griffith rubbed his forehead to drive away the bitterness of exhaustion.

"My situation is not safe, Amber," Griffith said, "Commode may also send assassins, I need your help."

"Leave it to me!" Miss Investigator clenched her fists, "Don't look at you as tall and big, but you can't bear to be beaten. If there is any danger, just leave it to me!"

This is the most desolate and dangerous place in the civilized world.But Amber is still very relaxed, not afraid of anything.As long as Griffith does not interrupt, she will have endless words:
"The Senate has been chasing after the Kingslayer. Those who come here are the best troops, the most capable Extraordinary team. Even the princess from the southern border is here!
"However, Commodus is also very powerful. He has a holy sword and an entire army. He somehow got the support of the trolls, and even enslaved many giant beasts. A monster that looks like a dragon over the treetops , it is really worrying that the giant beast we call the original allosaurus appeared on the opposite position.

"The demigods of the Arcane Council sit in the rear and are unwilling to take risks. The heavy responsibility of fighting against the Kingslayer is handed over to Erza. The advance team led by her found a lost temple under the guidance of Lord Foresight. It is said that there are many secrets of trolls and outer gods hidden, which are very important to Commodus. We must occupy it first."

"It's too risky, she should join me first, then we will have a two-to-one advantage," Griffith commented with a slight complaint, "How is Erza? Is it out of control or not?" Stable situation?"

"I only know that she is in the ceremony of being promoted to Sequence 5," Amber replied, "The secrets in the temple happen to be what she needs urgently. With stronger power, she can defeat the Kingslayer and smash all his plots !"

The girl thumped her palms, as if she was pinching Commodus's life there.

If it was only Commodus' conspiracy, that would be fine...Griffith forced a smile: "So, did Erza's promotion go smoothly?"

"I don't know~" Amber replied honestly, "She went into the depths of the temple alone and didn't let us follow, saying it was part of the ceremony. Then, she didn't come out."

"..." Griffith was shocked, "Then did you send support?"

"Pie is sent. Alandelle took her marines to support, but was also blocked in the temple by Commodus who was rushed. The command is preparing to organize another extraordinary commando to enter the temple and completely attack the temple. Repel the enemy and make contact."

The two were getting closer and closer to the frontline headquarters.

Arriving here, Griffith could already see the battle on land.

Commodus's army came from the south, with traditional legionnaires and many new troops armed with muskets and cannons.His auxiliaries are troll warriors armed with sharp lances and spears.These warriors who used to be immortal with humans followed behind the heavily armored and sharp-toothed giant beasts, constantly attacking Bayeran's defense line.

The army on Byelan's side has regular legions directly under it, as well as auxiliary infantry and artillery sent from the southern border to support them, as well as the garrison mages drawn by Byelan from the entire province and the local Extraordinary teams led by them. Transcendents called.

The navy also sent several inland river gunboats.However, since the shoals and reefs of the river will bring great danger to the fleet, warships can only provide support from a distance, and never approach the shore for close combat.

Finally, the frontline headquarters arrived.

Griffith was the first to jump out of the punt and hurried to the tent.

As soon as he entered, he found that the place was full of officers, wizards and extraordinary people, large and small.They surrounded the Duchess of Mirantis, maps and mountains of papers, and everyone looked busy.

Although Griffith was wearing the badge of the flag captain's rank, the people present did not notice him, and no one stood up to salute.

Bayeran was fighting two powerful enemies in the north and the south at the same time, and there was no room for loss on each battlefield. However, the temporary southern army group was composed of so many combat units from completely different departments that were not familiar with each other. became extremely difficult.

Judging from the situation at the scene, Bayeran has a powerful army and Extraordinary, but it is not well organized, and even a little embarrassed under the pressure of Commodus.

This is why Earl Sharon and other veterans insisted on sending Griffith to support here - there must be a frontline commander who is strong enough to reverse the passive battle situation.

"They were like this a few days ago," Amber grimaced at Griffith, "I came to say hello."

She clenched her hands into fists, hammering together adamantine gauntlets.

"Captain Griffith de Ravenelle arrives."

An arc flashed through the tent.The officers, who were absorbed in their work, thought they were under attack and jumped up in fright.They were dazed for a moment, and when they saw Amber retreat obediently to Griffith's side, they realized what had happened. They all stood up straight, beat their chests with their right hands, and saluted Griffith.

"Victory to Bayeran!"

Among the people present, there are no demigods from the Arcane Council...

"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen," Griffith felt something was wrong, and raised his arm, "Victory goes to Byerland."

Princess Diana de Mirantis was sitting behind a small desk issuing various documents. The encirclement of the officers eased a little. She could finally take a breath and waved the quills to welcome the visiting knights.

Suddenly, as if it seemed inappropriate, she stood up and curtseyed him beautifully.

All she needed was a look and a subtle smile, and the officers and nobles around her quickly backed away.The princess led Griffith to a quiet room next to the war room and closed the door.

"You're finally here!" Miss Mirantis breathed a sigh of relief as no one else was watching, "I have to tell you privately!"

"Please tell me." Griffith also knew that time was precious and dared not delay for a moment.

"Here, Commodus discovered some kind of mystery left by the ancient gods, in the temple, if he can activate it, it will create astonishing terror!
"Eluza moved one step ahead, sabotaged his plan, but also put herself in danger.

"Someone will come with an official order later... this order is directly for you~"

The princess spoke very fast, obviously she already knew something extremely important in advance.She walked briskly, raised her hand and pressed Griffith's shoulder, and whispered in his ear:
"An extraordinary commando team will be given to you to command, on the surface...

"Their real purpose is to besiege you after entering the temple."

Griffith was taken aback.He was prepared for the danger he was about to face, but he didn't expect it to come so quickly.

"Not only you, but also Erza," the princess continued, "The order received by the extraordinary commando is——

"Drive all the hands of gods to the depths of the temple, where they will be sacrificed by the demigods."