Chapter 477 - Rotterdam’s Alchemist
“It is said that the Rotterdam Kingdom is situated in the region where the Goblins had lived. They had discovered a great number of relics from the Goblins’ era before.” Gerian did not forgo any opportunity to show off his knowledge. His two plump lips did not stop moving. “I heard that Rotterdam Kingdom had always been doing related research into it, and has already succeeded in manufacturing their own Alchemy Colossus and employed it in their military. Wait, does that mean the Rotterdam Kingdom is supporting the Syer Bandits…?”
Gerian was not the only one in disbelief. Although the Syer Bandits was a famous organization in the Breezy Plains, it was a bandit association, after all. Geographically, it made the most sense for Ledin Kingdom to support them if there were to be any intervention from any external force.
“Tell me what you know about Rotterdam Kingdom.” Lin Li prompted Gerian. He was really keen to know more about the place. If a kingdom on the mainland of Anril would want to study the Alchemy Colossus, it would be possible for the Syer Bandits to do it as well.
It was rare for Lin Li to have something he did not know of. Gerian forgot the unhappiness he’d felt previously, and continued to splat his saliva with excitement as he started to introduce Rotterdam to Lin Li. “This Rotterdam Kingdom is situated in the north of the mainland, and more than half of its land is covered in snow all year round. Hence, it is called the Land of Eternal Frost. Of course, most of its citizens are living in the southern part of Rotterdam, where it is relatively warmer. On the west of Rotterdam is the Dwarf Kingdom, and I heard that both kingdoms are on very good terms with each other since the Dark Age ended.
“The Rotterdam Kingdom provided many rare resources for the Dwarf Kingdom. This not only included crops, but also magical technology and its products. Similarly, the Dwarf Kingdom helped Rotterdam forge quality weapons and armor, as well as provided them with rare magical minerals. It could be said that the two kingdoms are role models for an establishment of mutually beneficial relationship.
“Speaking of the strength of the Rotterdam Kingdom… Maybe you will not believe it, but according to various estimates, the Rotterdam Kingdom should rank third in power among the countries in the mainland of Anril. Yet, despite having such a formidable strength, Rotterdam had never entered any disputes with the other kingdoms on the mainland ever since the end of Dark Age, and no one knows why. It was as though they had zero interest in the other territories. The only conflict it intervened in was when the Dwarf Kingdom got invaded. The Rotterdam Kingdom sent their troops to the aid, and it was said an Alchemy Colossus was part of the team. But, this is just hearsay, and not from the official historical records.”
“Oh? It seems that this Rotterdam Kingdom is really low-key,” Lin Li commented casually.
Hutton got increasingly shocked as he entered the campsite behind Gavin. Since the Tower of Dusk had only been established less than half a year ago, Hutton had not expected to see the campsite and mages to be so different from his expectations. He knew how great the young President Felic was. But, he just could not believe his eyes.
The moment he entered the campsite, he looked at the arrangement of the different facilities. Although it was a temporary campsite, it had a simple arrangement that was extremely orderly and well-planned. Hutton was a clever man. He could tell that the scattered formation of the tents had the ability to counter large-scale magical attacks and provide great support to one another in emergency.
What surprised Hutton the most was the mages from the Tower of Dusk.
Mages had incredibly high social status in this world. Hence, it made most of them very complacent and lacking discipline and respect for others. It was the same for the mages in the Malfa Family—they would feel very insulted if they were asked to train their battle formation like the Warriors.
Yet, the mages in the Tower of Dusk reminded Hutton of a group of well-trained Warriors despite their differing magic abilities. He even felt that the elites in his family might not even have much chance of winning if they were to challenge this group of mages.
The main reason was not that the mages in Tower of Dusk had great abilities, but Lin Li’s willingness to invest heavily in them. Lin Li’s action made them feel that they needed the Tower of Dusk, and not the other way round. Hence, in order not to be given up by the Tower of Dusk, they had to put in effort to adapt to their rules.
Unlike them, mages in local forces such as the Malfa Family were hired and paid. These forces did their best to accommodate them for fear that they would quit and join other forces if they were unhappy with their treatment. How would they dare to let them participate in training just like Warriors?
It couldn’t be their lack of competency, either. To Hutton, although none of those mages other than that monstrous President could impress him, all of them were at least level-10. Together, they would be a significant force that couldn’t be ignored.
Although a team made up entirely of mages was not something to be amazed with, what about the military-style discipline they had? Then, Hutton suddenly realized another difference between the mages in the Tower of Dusk and his own family’s. Each of the mages here was wearing and using high-level magical equipment which his family could not bear to give their employees. To them, only the core team of the family had the right to own these items. Even the elites he’d brought along only had a few pieces of normal magical equipment.
Damn it! Could it be that there was a sale going on at the stores recently? Look at those magic robes! That magic staff! And that jewelry! Hutton felt a little resentful when he looked back at the status of the elites of the Malfa Family. They were like poor beggars relative to the people in the Tower of Dusk.
Hutton was even thinking if he should think of a way to ensure that his men did not meet the mages in the Tower of Dusk. Otherwise, they would be fighting to enter the Tower of Dusk before completing their mission.
Hutton had mixed feelings when he followed Gavin to Lin Li’s tent.
Gavin gestured to Hutton to wait outside as he entered to notify Mr. President of Hutton’s arrival. Then, Gavin came out of the tent. “Mage Hutton, our President would like to invite you in.”
Hutton smiled as he nodded his head, and walked towards the tent.
This time, one of the followers sped in front of Hutton. He reached out his arms to help Hutton open the entrance of the tent.
But, his arms were blocked by Gavin. “Our President only invited Hutton in,” Gavin reminded sternly.
“You!!” Hutton’s follower shouted. He was enraged. How rude! Why is the host not yet out to receive us? He felt that it was as if the darn President was calling the young master of Malfa like a servant.
Since Hutton really wanted to butter up to Lin Li and the Tower of Dusk, how would he care to haggle over such trifles with them? Hutton waved his arms at his men. “You two… return first. Tell them no one is to leave the campsite without my orders.”
Initially, Hutton had plans for his men to wait outside the tent. But, he feared the two men might wreak havoc in the campsite of the Tower of Dusk.
The followers of the Malfa Family were oblivious of the conversation that happened in Sorenson’s study. One of the reasons was to protect the pride of the family, and the other was out of fear that the leakage of the secret might trigger that young President. Geresco’s three relics were extraordinary. If one revealed they had a new owner, it would create a commotion. Then, the Malfa Family would be the first to get into trouble.
Hutton could not explain his concerns to his men. All he could do was to give them orders so they minimize any interaction with the people in the Tower of Dusk. Without interaction, there would be no conflict.
Hutton’s gave them an extremely wise command. But, many a time, people were affected by their so-called ‘common sense’. Who would think highly of a 20-year-old President and a guild of magic which was incapable of dealing with the leftovers of the Syer Bandits?
Lin Li had just finished his meal when Hutton entered. He gestured at the seat beside him, and said smilingly, “I didn’t expect you to be here so early, Mage Hutton.”
“Hehe, as a force of the Breezy Plains, it is our utmost responsibility to deal with the bandits affecting the stability and peace of our region. Hence, I’ve mobilized the elites of my family immediately as soon as I received your message. We have traveled here at twice our usual speed to assist you. Hope we would be of help in the operation to eliminate the bandits,” Hutton replied ingratiatingly the moment he sat down.
Bullsh*t, I’d be a moron if I were to believe your fanciful words. Weren’t you in cahoots with the Syer Bandits before this?
Despite his natural distrust in Hutton’s words, Lin Li did not expose Hutton directly. “Then I shall trouble you, Mage Hutton. I believe that the elites of the Malfa Family have to be extraordinarily strong.”
“You are too kind with your words. I’ve seen for myself how capable your men are as well. I’m really envious of you,” Hutton responded flatteringly.
The two men Hutton had brought along, Yeric and Waldo, turned towards the exit of the camp without giving Gavin a second look. Both of them were outstanding figures in the team of mages under the Malfa Family. Their capability was similar to that of Emendas, and they were both level-16 Archmages. They would have the ability to eliminate all the forces in Jarrosus and take control of the entire place if they wanted.
The two men discussed Sir Hutton’s unusual behavior as they walked towards the exit. They could not understand why Hutton had to be so cautious with this newly established guild. As the first heir to the Malfa Family, Hutton was quite an esteemed man in the Breezy Plains.