Chapter 829 - Order Refugees (2) (1/2)

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

A long, long time ago, the Dragon Soul Continent prospered and flourished. The continent was incomparably wide with unlimited sources of water and land that extended to the ends of the world. However, everything changed after the Creation War. The bugle that signified the start of the Creation War engulfed the entire world. Sacred areas protected by the dragon souls were destroyed in clashes. The Order protection barrier weakened while Chaos infiltrated the abandoned land and enveloped everything. After the end of the Creation War, the borders of Order once again stabilized.

However, the people who resided in regions devoured by Chaos didn’t die off completely. Some of them relied on Order Flame Columns and sought refuge in the dark underground, escaping from the corrosion of Chaos. They lived there while struggling on death’s door, hoping that the glory of Order could eradicate the endless Chaos and help them return to the surface.

These people were called the ‘Order Refugees’.

“Oh my goodness…”

Everyone gazed blankly. They didn’t expect that this was possible. If they didn’t personally witness the Order Refugees, perhaps they wouldn’t have believed this story.

“Why didn’t they move out of there?”

Lize asked with knitted brows.

“It’s impossible. Every refuge has hundreds of people, but only a few of them are permitted to leave and show up outside Chaos because the range of protection under the Order Flame Column is limited. If they move away from there, they would all be devoured by Chaos, which explains why the Order Refugees are in this state now. They occasionally use the Order torches to get through the Chaos barrier and transact with outsiders for supplies. Those who wish to transact with them have to establish an Order Flame Column outside the borders of the Land of Chaos. This way, they could use the resonance of the Order Flame Columns to determine their bearings and ensure that they won’t lose their sense of direction.”

“But what if it is only a coincidence?”

Randolf asked curiously.

“Simple. They will form a pattern with stones left around the Order Flame Column for those who understand what they mean. Then, they will proceed with a transaction. Of course, this is sort of a risk for both parties.”

I see…

Nell said inwardly. She finally understood why Rhode kept making her check for any strange patterns around the Order Flame Column. But how did he know all this? She just couldn’t figure it out. She had met several knowledgeable Undead Creatures in the Country of Darkness that had lived for a long time. But not even they were able to explain this situation as well as Rhode. On the other hand, why did he make a transaction with the Order Refugees?

Nell puckered her brows. For the sake of safety, Marlene didn’t tell everyone the value of those items that looked like trash. However, Nell already knew. Could it be that Rhode did it for the precious magical materials? It didn’t seem likely because judging from her observation, Rhode wasn’t a greedy person. He also wasn’t one who would do whatever necessary to get his hands on them.

So what was the reason?

‘Mr. Rhode, why did you make a transaction with them?”

Lize asked as she believed that Rhode wouldn’t do things for no apparent reason.

“We need a guide, so we have to maintain a good relationship with them.”

“A guide?”

“Yes.”

Rhode turned to her.

“If I’m not mistaken, the Country of Darkness should be temporarily ceasing their attacks on the Light Mainland in the near future. When that happens, I will need a group of qualified guides to lead us into the Land of Chaos. No one beats the Order Refugees as they have been living there for decades.”

“Into the Land of Chaos?”

Lize widened her eyes.

“Mr. Rhode, what are you going to do in the Land of Chaos?”

“Not only me.”

Rhode’s eyes glinted with traces of smiles.

“You’re also going, Lize, Marlene, and everyone… Our territory is barren and I don’t think Her Royal Highness Lydia will confer Paphield to me anytime soon. Also, I’m not interested in the Southern Port, so we have to rely on ourselves to survive. I think that it is crucial to expand into a new territory, especially one that is full of opportunities and resources.”

Lize stared blankly. At this moment, she just heard something that she had never thought of.

As the people of the Light Mainland, she understood what Rhode meant. Back then, after the Creation War ended, in order to strengthen their territories, the Country of Light and Country of Darkness gave development orders to the knights and subjects, where they penetrated territories contaminated by Chaos in order to awaken the hidden Order—the powers of the Creator Dragon Souls. If they succeed, they would gain authority over the territory as the new ruler. This was how many territories and countries came about. However, as time passed, people stopped pursuing and as rules solidified, the territories contaminated with Chaos became much more dangerous. Therefore, there were no more humans who attempted this.

And now… It was apparent that Rhode was planning to do this.

What is he planning exactly?

Before the start of spring, everything that Rhode hoped for had happened. It could also be said that it was sort of dramatic.

After endless wrangling, the Light Parliament finally agreed to officially sign the order for the Munn Kingdom’s Battle Angel Army to be stationed in the Winter Castle. The second day after the Battle Angel Army set up their defenses in the Winter Castle, the Country of Law issued a command that requested for the Country of Darkness to explain the situation regarding the Chaos Beings’ emergence in the Eastern Plains. Thereafter, the Country of Darkness retreated from the Munn Kingdom entirely, but this didn’t mean that they had given up hopes of conquering the Country of Light.

Rhode uncharacteristically burst into laughter. If it weren’t for him being afraid that Sonia would reveal her identity to the Light Parliament, he wished that she could let him see the parliament members’ faces when they heard this piece of news. However, even though he couldn’t witness their bewildered expressions, he felt incredibly good just imagining them blowing their tops, where not even defeating the Undead Army delighted him this much.

Of course, he would be even more satisfied if he could crush their skulls, burn their city, and trample on their corpses in the crumbled Light Parliament hall like he did in the game.

But before that, he must be capable enough.

***

The spotlessly white doors embedded with golden floral patterns opened widely. The tune of melodious music and the fragrant scent of red tea assailed his nostrils. Rhode tidied his clothes and entered the room in large strides. Shortly after, he spotted a young lady lying languidly on the sofa as per usual.

However, Lydia wore a different outfit today—a maroon robe that accentuated her gracious curves and a silky, thin shawl that draped over her soft, snowy shoulders. She smiled and stood to her feet upon seeing Rhode.

“Welcome, Earl Rhode. It’s been a while.”

“Greetings, Your Royal Highness Lydia.”

Rhode bowed respectfully.