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Chapter 579.5: Like Being a Dog for the Cole Elves?
Yagrong loved this kind of pickiness and cheerfully waited to continue tasting.
When he saw Arnold coming over, he excitedly waved his chubby hand and happily greeted the old instructor:
"Instructor, long time no see! I missed you so much!"
Arnold laughed heartily, walked over and patted Yagrong's round head, looking quite satisfied with his sturdy build as he said:
"I heard you've been training really hard lately. Keep it up—the Lord holds you in very high regard."
Yagrong's face lit up with excitement. He nodded earnestly and clenched his pudgy fists:
"Mm! I'll work twice as hard and contribute to the territory and Lord!"
Noticing Rebecca and Little Auspicious looking over, Arnold didn't ask questions or give instructions.
He wasn't an expert in this field. Without proper training and assessment, he had no right to speak.
He nodded at the two young ones, approving of their work ethic, then left the food research center and hurried to the weapon research institute.
There, an important research project was underway.
Annie, urgently recalled, showed a trace of helplessness in her eyes.
But she had no complaints. She raised the magic musket in her hand and focused entirely on her target.
Bang!
A burst of flames erupted. Annie saw the spinning bullet tear through the air, carving a straight path.
Clang!
The Dragoon Golem No. 1, used as a target, exploded with fire at the chest.
As the dull impact noise faded—
A fist-sized dent appeared on the chest of the Dragoon Golem No. 1.
Blue magical arcs crackled within.
Annie knew how tough Dragoon Golem No. 1 was—it could withstand extraordinary-level heavy blows.
This effect was impressively strong!
Annie caressed the magically lightened musket—now about one-third lighter—nodding in satisfaction:
"This upgrade is excellent. Let's aim for a 100-meter range next."
Scratching her head, Oriana sighed and said:
"The magical gunpowder has already reached peak combustion at our current level..."
"The gun body uses high-cost alloys of mithril and magic iron—this is the strongest we can go for mass production, and materials can't go much stronger..."
"Even the bullet shape is already optimized for aerodynamics..."
"To increase power and range, we'd need either more gunpowder or a larger caliber."
"Both are about trade-offs in weight and maneuverability..."
Hearing Oriana's explanation, Annie thought of the similar bottleneck with magic cannons. She fondly caressed the weapon and sighed:
"Keep at it—I hope you succeed. The 5 million gold reward still stands."
Not very interested in gold, Oriana regretfully shook her head:
"We'll start once we get better materials. I'm off to play."
Watching Oriana head toward Yaya, a flicker of envy passed through Annie's eyes.
The Lord's talents were always outstanding. Even the youngest could be dazzling.
Arnold flipped through the documents Yaya handed him, eagerly reading.
Seeing the collaboration between Bay Territory and the Leviathans deepen, he clenched his fist in excitement.
With fish-loving Leviathans found—
Fish from Fish Island finally had a market.
He only regretted—
Bay Territory was about to launch large-scale fish farming. One Leviathan group might not eat enough!
Arnold inspected a shipment of magic muskets bound for the Elven Kingdom.
These were a big gift for the Cole Elf extraordinary rangers!
The Cole Elf Kingdom, aiming for a swift end, had dispatched elite extraordinary ranger units.
Composed of extraordinary ranger elites, they appeared and vanished like ghosts, striking medium Elven forts with thin defenses.
Moving in secret, they'd approach fortresses.
If discovered, they'd launch a direct assault.
Regular Elven defenders couldn't withstand them and often lost control of the gates quickly.
Reinforcing elven cavalry would then help hold the gate and seize the walls.
By the time Elven forces reacted, it was already too late.
More than six medium forts had already fallen to their blitz tactics.
The Elves lost nearly 20,000 troops and an entire defensive line's strategic space.
The crisis forced Annie's emergency recall.
For this urgent batch of 200 magic muskets, Annie even considered offering rush fees.
But that idea didn't work out.
The institute's pre-set prototype line met her request within four hours.
Each musket cost over 20,000 gold, with bullets enchanted at over 20 gold each.
That was the true reason for their extraordinary-level power.
Before leaving, Annie visited the Lord's office.
No one knew what was said between her and Lord Matthew—only that she left beaming.
From the window, sounds of construction echoed from the Adventurer Training Academy.
Matthew slowly turned, facing Butler Ralph's calm expression, and firmly instructed:
"Send orders to the Catachan Special Forces: begin jungle combat training against caster units."
"Issue guidance quests to all high-tier adventurers—triple the original pay."
"Notify the gray dwarf factions in the Underdark—we need more elven slaves."
"Also, inform the Drow: the Cole Elf army is concentrated to the northeast..."
"Increase combat mission pay by 20%, move the recruit training front 10 km northeast, and push back those gathering barbarians."
Ralph's eyes showed a trace of satisfaction at these orders. A cold sharpness crept into his tone:
"Rumors against Bay Territory are spreading in Sevinton—likely the work of the Cole Elves and Pfizer Merchant Guild."
Matthew picked up the latest Arcane Daily, a glint of frost in his eyes. He chuckled:
"That's easily solved. Notify Archmage Cronorman that Black Raven Fortress has fallen."
"My teacher would love that news."
"Also, send 500,000 gold to the Arcane Daily editor—have them collaborate with News Weekly."
Bay Territory had invested millions in a media network—now was the time to test it.
At the very least, Matthew wanted their voice heard.
Just taking hits without striking back?
That's not Bay Territory's way!
April 28.
Netheril Empire, Sevinton.
Clear skies.
This city hailed as a haven for casters was not as quiet as usual.
The atmosphere seemed to heat up with the sunlight.
Many casters held two newspapers, wearing strange expressions.
Some gloated, reciting the Arcane Daily's special edition in melodic Elvish:
"The thousand-year-old Black Raven Fortress has fallen to gray dwarves from the Underdark. The Cole Elf garrison was wiped out..."
Casters seated nearby chimed in, laughing:
"The first full formation of Cole Elf forces ever annihilated!"
"They rushed to take revenge—only to fall into the Drow's trap and become prey in the Spider Queen's web..."
Many casters long fed up with the Cole Elves eagerly gathered to discuss.
Some gleeful mages noted curious details in the News Weekly:
"Cole Elves mobilized hundreds of thousands yet failed to reclaim Underdark territory?"
"And they suffered heavy losses in several large operations without reclaiming even one city."
These ambiguous rumors struck a nerve with many Sevinton casters.
As Netheril grew in power—
Every sharp caster sensed the Cole Elves' suppression and obstruction.
The "Large-Scale Spell Test Ban" treaty—
Targeted multiple Grand Arcanists developing legendary war spells.
The Mithril Production Guild—
Ostensibly to stabilize mithril prices, actually to suppress Netheril's production.
The real goal—
To limit the number of Netheril's floating cities!
Only one had been built in the past 30 years!
And beyond these two hated restrictions—
Cole Elves crafted many hidden, malicious agreements stifling Netheril's growth.
More Arcanists began to feel the overt suppression.
They tried resisting, but the Sevinton Council and Grand Arcanists suppressed them.
Frustrated by the Council's appeasement policies, they lacked the power to change it.
They dreamed of becoming Grand Arcanists—only to find the path growing steeper.
No proof was needed. Most blamed the Cole Elves.
Who did it didn't matter!
Who benefitted most did!
Some casters deliberately raised their voices as newcomers arrived:
"Wow, Cole Elves are sloppy! Letting Underdark monsters loose endangers our northern provinces!"
Nearby mages, noticing those annoying folks glaring, cheerily added:
"Right? Didn't they brag about their strength? Can't even handle raiders from below!"
Another shrugged, flipping pages and mocking the darkening faces:
"Haha, look here—they're attacking the Elves now too?"
All eyes turned. Even the reader paused, then theatrically shared:
"Yup. Detailed records of Cole Elf aggression against other elf factions..."
"No wonder those names faded—they'd already been swallowed up..."
The gathered mages exchanged glances, re-evaluating the Cole Elves.
Just then, a sharp, angry voice rang out:
"Ha! You believe anything you read?"
"Exactly. No wonder you can't become Arcanists. With that IQ, go back to where you came from."
"No wonder Arcanists are dwindling—people like you..."
"Cole Elves have their reasons. They've helped us a lot. Now you twist that into malice?"
"Focus on self-improvement! Rumors won't teach you anything!"
"You really need to reflect. Stop listening to baseless gossip."
"Exactly. The Council has its reasons for its decisions..."
The ten-plus gathered mages gave the Arcanists no courtesy.
They'd long tired of their bootlicking for the Cole Elves.
Now armed with vindicating news, they vented freely.
"Oh? Cole Elves haven't even spoken yet. Are we being too rude?"
"Nah. Our grades in Elven etiquette weren't low, unlike their twisted language tests..."
"Bet those elf factions want to speak, but can't anymore, huh?"
"Hahaha... good point..."
The mocked Arcanists naturally wouldn't stay silent.
They raised their voices, arguing back.
"Cole Elves offer free healthcare and education. Netheril has much to learn!"
"Can't even make basic components—still need Cole Elf imports. What development?"
"The Empire still hasn't cleared the western orcs. How embarrassing to boast!"
"Look at the refugees everywhere. Can't fix our own mess but want to lecture others?"
"..."
Long-restrained casters wouldn't yield easily.
Now with ammo, they read the Arcane and News papers aloud with gusto.
Their argument was just a small part of Sevinton's growing chaos.
Even the Council chamber was filled with shouting.
Many councilors shared their anger:
"Who gave Arcane Daily the guts to publish this?"
"Right. It caused diplomatic fallout—someone must be held accountable!"
"Cole Elves are furious. They doubt our control and worry about mithril production. Who's responsible if there's loss?"
"And who let News Weekly spread rumors in Sevinton? Arrest the editor and question everyone involved!"
"Can't handle our own mess, yet poke at others?"
Archmage Cronorman, clearly amused, shrugged:
"Why so serious?"
"It's just a small matter. Didn't Cole Elves report on us too? I recall some elven mages laughing."
At his words, the loud councilors fell silent.
Cronorman wasn't who he used to be.
He'd invented a new mithril refining method.
And gained the Ser Family's full support.
Controlling nearly 40% of the Empire's potion market, the Ser Family was no pushover.
Together, their influence was staggering.
Cronorman, not done, smiled and continued:
"The master hasn't spoken, yet the dogs bark already. How disgraceful."
"Oh, I get it—just smear on clown paint and call yourself an 'expert,' 'master,' huh?"
Many Arcanists and lords smiled knowingly.
Some laughed outright in satisfaction.
Naturally, their reaction provoked glares.
What's it to you?
Those close to the Cole Elves wouldn't let Cronorman mock them unchecked.
The vice speaker waved for silence and coughed:
"Quiet. No unrelated discussion. We are now reviewing a motion to ban this chaos. Prioritize it!"
Surprisingly, Cronorman didn't retort—he fell silent, unnerving his opponents.
Some lords and Arcanists were dismayed—
This ridiculous proposal passed by majority vote.
Ridiculous?
Not at all.
Just reality!
Cronorman sneered and said to Matthew through the magic image:
"They still dream of superiority, thinking they're the only true people."
"No—they think being a Cole Elf's dog is nobler than being human. Always begging for scraps."
Matthew wasn't surprised. He smiled calmly:
"The more they ban it, the hotter it gets underground."
Thanks for the assist, Sevinton Council!
Otherwise, how could millions of News Weeklies sell for such high prices?
Truly impressive!