Chapter 235 Chapter233-Dark Lord City
"Regarding this matter, I've heard a rumor," someone interjected as the discussion continued, instantly capturing everyone's attention.
"What rumor?" the crowd pressed.
The individual continued, "I've heard whispers that Lana Mokos suffered a setback in the Red Jade Valley and took possession of an item discarded by others. Furthermore, she hoped to use this very item to scheme for her benefit. Yet, her plans might be thwarted. Rumor has it that the one who secured the real object has also fashioned a product, its efficacy far surpassing anything Lana Mokos could have created."
Though the matter wasn't stated explicitly, everyone present understood the implications immediately.
After a pause, someone connected the dots, "So, Lana Mokos's decision to involve herself in this is all because of that individual?"
"And notably, she specifically mentioned the Dark Lord of the Abandoned Temple..."
"How intriguing," another remarked, "It seems the Dark Lord's decision to establish a city wasn't borne out of recklessness, but rather a belief in his own capabilities, especially if he could snatch something right out of Lana Mokos's grasp."
The room buzzed with murmurs of confusion following these revelations.
However, quite a few secretly hoped for Lana Mokos to face a significant setback, even if such a wish seemed far-fetched.
As the meeting concluded, discussions about the impending war ceased.
Yet, the storm of war had only just begun to gather.
With Lana Mokos's pledge, numerous armies saw significant upgrades in their equipment.
Unsurprisingly, many nobles discreetly fortified their private forces.
Still, Lana Mokos paid them no mind, focusing her efforts instead on her research concerning Ethan.
To show her opponent the utmost respect was a promise she made to her mentor.
Within their domain, Ethan and his associates convened once again.
This time, over a matter everyone had eagerly anticipated for a while: the naming of their city.
"How about Dawnlight City?" Mia proposed, adding, "We are the first to establish a city within the Dark Lord territory, much like the first rays of sunlight. Dawnlight City seems perfectly fitting."
Her rationale did strike a chord. Yet, Eluna raised a pivotal concern. "Mia, you need to understand that the majority of our future interactions will be with the Dark Lords and a plethora of peculiar races. The term 'dawnlight' carries a sanctity that might not mesh well with our surroundings."
Mia looked a tad deflated upon hearing this.
Various others chimed in with their suggestions.
Henry Powell's idea, however, appeared to be the most devoid of contemplation and nuance. "Why not just call it Blacksmith City?" he offered.
Hearing this, Ethan somewhat regretted allowing him to partake in the meeting.
Perhaps it would've been better to leave Henry in the sweltering ambiance of the Blacksmith's Shop, surrounded by the clang of forging, instead of having him vex the assembly with his opinions.
In the end, several names emerged from the discussion.
From these, Ethan made his choice, settling on the final name. "This will do - Dark Lord City. Simple and direct."
Dark Lord City.
The name signified a city belonging to the Dark Lords, easily distinguishable from other cities.
After a moment of contemplation, no one raised any objections.
With the city's name settled, time swiftly passed, nearly half a month.
In that span, Dark Lord City saw the rise of numerous structures: Henry Powell's Blacksmith's Shop, the Monster Summoning Camp, Training Center, Equipment Store, and more.
Concurrently, the city walls neared completion, taking on the embryonic form of a burgeoning city.
Ethan took it upon himself to scale the walls for a better view.
From atop, he gazed upon a vast forest.
Trees were being felled at a breakneck pace, their stumps cleared, paving the way for a broad road.
On either side of this thoroughfare stood a line of arrow towers.
"Ethan."
Eluna approached him at that moment.
"What are you looking at?" she inquired.
Ethan chuckled softly before replying, "I was wondering when Azure Empire's army would march. Constructing a city provides an opportune moment to strike. Yet, curiously, I've heard no news of their move."
This puzzle bothered Ethan.
He had his countermeasures at the ready.
Should the Azure Empire's army attack during this period, they'd be greeted with a rather surprise—a vast explosive magical circle potent enough to send an entire city skyward.
The only downside?
The Magic Circle could only hold its charge for two months and required significant resources to set up.
"Do you think they've grown fearful?" Eluna mused.
Such a notion seemed implausible, but considering Azure Empire's disposition, it somehow felt fitting.
However, Ethan wasn't quite convinced. He felt he might be overlooking something.
But what?
The nagging sensation of missing a crucial detail irked Ethan.
To distract himself, he turned to Eluna, "How fares the curse upon you?"
"It's nearly entirely dispelled," Eluna replied. "Thanks largely to the Flamefruit you brought back. Otherwise, assimilating even a drop of Blood Source would take an inordinate amount of time. Who knows what complications could arise?"
Ethan nodded, his thoughts drifting to the impending Devil Guild gathering.
Another matter weighed on his mind: Sherry was bidding everyone farewell.
Determined to uncover the mysteries of her bloodline on her own, she was resolute in not seeking Ethan's continued protection.
Despite Mia and Eluna's entreaties, Ethan had no choice but to let Sherry embark on her journey.
Another day passed.
In Dark Lord City, everyone was bustling about.
Summoned monsters tirelessly transported various resources.
Craftsmen were engrossed in erecting buildings.
Henry· Powell was ensconced in his vast Blacksmith's Shop, pondering how to forge the divine artifact Ethan entrusted to him, especially after Ethan revealed another divine artifact, a longsword.
[Sano's longsword (Raw Form)]
[Level: divine artifact]
[Description: An unfinished longsword that already displays the sharpness of a divine artifact. It possesses an immense cutting ability, capable of easily slicing through steel. If entrusted to a master craftsman, it might be reforged into an even mightier divine artifact. However, there's also a risk of damage.]
Upon first glance at the longsword, Henry Powell was nearly brought to his knees in awe.
This was a genuine divine artifact. Admittedly, it was in its raw form and not yet fully forged.
This added complexity to the forging process.
For Henry Powell, it was a daunting challenge, and it rendered him much quieter in the subsequent days.
To Ethan, this was a blessing in disguise, as it meant Henry Powell wasn't bothering him.
In other news, Sherry had departed.
"Ethan, thank you for all your help," she had said. "I promise you, I'll return. This is a ribbon I've woven myself, a symbol of the Heroes from the Snowy Plains. May it bring you good fortune."
Facing Sherry's departure, Ethan appeared calm, but deep inside, a profound reluctance lingered.
He sighed, "Ah," staring at the ribbon in his hands.
The enthusiasm to delve into space magic momentarily faded.
After packing his books into the Space Ring, he decided to step out for some fresh air.
At that moment, the Devil Ring pulsed.
"Has the gathering begun?" Ethan pondered.
With a mere thought, he immediately activated the space gate and stepped through.
Regarding the affairs of the Devil Guild, Ethan had already informed everyone.
However, some secrets related to the Guild remained undisclosed as per the Guild's mandate.
This time, when Ethan arrived, everyone else was already there, making him the last to join.
The collective gaze of the group settled on him, their eyes dancing with a hint of amusement, as if they had come across a piece of delightful news.
This left Ethan a touch puzzled and uneasy.
"Hopefully, it's good news," Ethan thought, before taking a seat next to Oriel.
"There's nothing particularly novel to share today, primarily an exchange of information and trade of items," began Rose.
"Additionally, regarding the 'trial of the god' issue Ethan brought up last time, I've confirmed that there indeed exists a problem with it. So, if any of you come across it, it's best not to enter hastily."
At Rose's revelation, a ripple of surprise ran through the group.
The fact that the 'trial of the god' genuinely had issues left a few faces discolored.
However, most seemed unbothered, as there was another spotlight at today's gathering.
Seated to the left of Rose, Oberlis was the first to break into a smile, stating, "Ethan, I must congratulate you, for you've hit the jackpot. According to the intel I received, Lana Mokos has decided to take you on personally. Oh, and she's aware of me and has conveyed a message to you through me."
"She mentioned she won't make a move before Dark Lord City's establishment," Oberlis continued.
"She's decided to attack only after you've completely constructed Dark Lord City. That way, she can claim a brand-new city as her prize."
Having relayed the message, Oberlis seemed to recognize the inappropriateness of jesting at a comrade's expense at such a moment.
He hurriedly added, "Those were Lana Mokos's exact words are."
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