Ashen Dragon

Chapter 311: Chapter 234 Kingdom Reaction

Ashen Kingdom, Northwind Castle.

Foll𝑜w current novels on fɾēewebnσveℓ.com.

The streets were bustling, humans and monsters hurried about more than usual. The cries of newsboys and the blaring of loudspeakers echoed within the city noisily.

“Extra! Extra! Boske Duchy ambushed the Free Trade Caravan on the Mal Valley Trade Route!”

“Extra! Extra! Boske Duchy, Fano Duchy, Carter Duchy, and others formally established the so-called ‘Anti-Red Dragon Alliance’!”

“The Alliance formally declared war on the Kingdom!”

“Marshal Dolores issued a statement, declaring it a blatant insult to the Kingdom that must make the Northerners pay a deeply painful price!”

...

“Lord Ramp held a press conference and issued an instruction during the meeting: The actions of the Northern Countries, waging war without declaration, violate morality and seriously trample on the peace and order of Anzeta. Their ability and integrity are insufficient to govern this vast land; only His Majesty is qualified to serve as the supreme leader and actual ruler of Anzeta.”

After the incident, officially termed the “Magur Incident” by the kingdom, the citizens of the Ashen Kingdom were not like those of other countries, becoming panicked and fearful. Instead, the entire nation was engulfed in a frenzy and restless atmosphere.

In the eyes of others, the onset of war meant disaster, death, and hunger, but to the Kingdom’s citizens, war was a symbol of honor, a channel to acquire money and status, and more importantly, an invaluable opportunity to become Dragonblood Nobility—gaining immense strength and extended life, considered a ladder to the sky.

As for losing the war?

They had never considered this possibility.

Even if someone really raised doubts, it would only elicit a burst of laughter from those around, treating him as a coward.

Years of invincibility, powerful military strength, and the presence of the Red Dragon instilled absolute confidence in the kingdom’s citizens regarding war; victory was something easily within reach, the process of achieving it more important.

To them, war was not merely bloody combat or a display of strength but a sacrificial ceremony to please the king, a baptism by blood.

Yes, a sacrificial ceremony.

Over the years, within the vast territories of the kingdom, the King of Ashen had replaced the War God Tempas once worshiped by the Scania People, becoming the embodiment of war, honor, and victory.

The Ashen Kingdom’s officials did not suppress the news of the “Magur Incident.” Instead, they spread it lavishly.

Thus, under strong official propaganda, the news spread throughout the kingdom within days, putting the entire nation into a state of preparedness. The army began urgent mobilizations, and thousands of Bipedal Wyverns flew out in full force, appearing around and above the cities.

All the military factories across the kingdom operated at high speed, day and night. Even civilian factories were urgently modified to their production lines, and under the incentives of money and status, workers tirelessly produced the most advanced and brand-new weapons and equipment.

The entrance to the military hall was crowded with assorted people, all there to enlist in the army.

As a country of diverse races, the Ashen Kingdom had an especially rich pool of soldiers. Aside from the most common humans, Great Goblins, and Tieflings, recruits also included Ogres, Half-Orcs, Pureblood Serpentfolk, and even Half-Ogre Half-Humans. It was unknown who had made such great sacrifices for the kingdom’s racial integration.

Players were particularly enthusiastic about the large-scale warfare activities, and forums were filled with posts like “Recruiting Teammates” and “Looking for Battle Partners.”

Players’ figures appeared in every war-related department, like military factories and recruitment centers. Top guilds and professional gamers had received official notices from the kingdom, being classified into the special Starfallen unit under the direct command of Marshal Dolores.

The entire kingdom ran in full operation, with everyone like gears fitted within it; this terrifying war machine was about to reveal its true strength to the world.

…

No. 4 Food Processing Plant had now been converted into the Fourth Reserve Military Factory.

The production line that originally produced canned food was urgently modified into a military ration processing line, though there wasn’t much difference; only adjustments in preservation and usage were made.

As the acting director here, George was naturally very busy, having not slept for nearly three days.

Yes, acting director.

Due to the onset of war, the original factory head, Bighead, had been urgently transferred because he was an Ogre with artillery experience; he might become a member of the Ogre Heavy Artillery Unit. As a result, George naturally stepped into the role of acting director, with a possible future promotion to the official head.

But he didn’t rejoice for long before plunging into the intense work.

George looked tired, dark circles heavy around his eyes, but he still took notes with a pen, not forgetting to urge others.

“We’ve only completed seventy percent of the standards set by the higher-ups. The progress is really too slow.”

“Eight thousand one hundred forty ration cans, one thousand seven hundred thirty-four luncheon meat cans, not one can be missing.”

“This is a death order from above. Everyone, get it together!”

George walked up to the drowsy Howard and scolded loudly.

Long hours of work had made George a bit irritable. He couldn’t treat his former coworkers as kindly as before, only continuously pressuring them because it was the only way to ensure the completion of heavy tasks.

“Yes, sir.”

Howard suddenly opened his eyes, repeatedly apologizing.

He numbly busied himself on the assembly line, sealing can after can. Through long-term repetitive labor, this had almost become a reflex.

George patrolled the factory, watching the workers nervously; any slight slackness would immediately be noticed, yet this vigilance also tired him greatly.

“Am I going to spend my whole life in this factory?”

“I’m sick of those smelly cans, those damn additives.”

Sitting on a chair, George couldn’t help but think to himself.

He slowly raised his head, squinting his eyes, trying to rest for a moment. But he was soon jolted awake by the noise of the food mixer.

In that chance moment, George saw a recruitment advertisement posted on the factory wall.

“War, the trial ground for men.”

In the image, a Dragonblood Noble in armor held a longsword, looking valiantly into the distance, surrounded by enemy corpses.

George hesitated internally, muttering to himself:

“War…”

“This is the fastest shortcut to climb up.”

“But this also means giving up my current position and betting my life.”

He gazed at the promotional poster, closely observing the scales appearing on the Dragonblood Noble’s face, finally gritting his teeth, seemingly making some sort of decision.

“I want to become a truly important figure.”