Chapter 349: Chapter 294: Celestial Fury, That Magnificent Firework

The remaining garrison forces have the primary task of guarding those crucial resource strongholds.

Unless there’s a clear order from the highest level of the Duchy, they would never rashly redeploy troops due to a noble’s personal land dispute.

In such a situation.

To organize forces to attack the Molten Iron Tribe—even just against its vanguard—a single Earl Family’s strength is far from enough!

However, given Galos’s profound understanding of the nobles’ greedy nature.

Once their core interests are touched.

They would not easily back down before breaking their heads and paying a painful price.

Solrog’s voice echoed in his mind again: "The Ximu Town, mainly populated by merchants and adventurers, with some ordinary humans, should we keep it or destroy it?"

Galos’s thoughts were racing.

A few seconds later, he made a decision.

"For now, let’s keep it."

Iron Dragon readily responded: "Alright, I will immediately announce a complete lockdown of Ximu Town. During this period, only entry is allowed, with a strict prohibition on anyone leaving. Specific management and security affairs will be fully entrusted to Ludwig."

In Iron Dragon Solrog’s grand plan.

As the territory of the Molten Iron Tribe continues to expand, its followers cannot be limited merely to those naturally bloodthirsty and belligerent monster groups.

Humans, as well as dwarves, elves, and other intelligent races, will all become indispensable components within its realm of influence in the future.

Humans, with relatively high intelligence, complex social structures, strong production capabilities, and ease of systematic management, will eventually become important producers and builders within the Molten Iron Tribe’s lands.

Ximu Town is the first moderately sized human settlement taken over by the Molten Iron Tribe.

Compared to completely razing it to the ground and turning it into scorched ruins, Solrog prefers to preserve this ready-made settlement, cultivate it meticulously, and develop it into an essential human stronghold and logistics base radiating its surroundings.

"The Albert Family’s counterattack will arrive soon."

"However, humans are not immune to the vices of arrogance and conceit. They know nothing of our true power now and cannot stir up too big a storm."

"All strategic points before and around the Scale Earth Rift have been placed with hidden sentries and elite scouts. Their every move will not escape our eyes."

At this point, Iron Dragon Solrog’s voice paused slightly.

"Galos, my dear brother, such a grand return... shouldn’t we do something to proclaim to this land, and those who forgot or underestimated our existence, the triumphant return of the Ignas Dragons and Molten Iron Tribe?"

His voice carried a hint of excitement.

Upon hearing this, Red Iron Dragon slightly nodded: "The Federation’s control over the wilderness is indeed weakening day by day, but being too ostentatious isn’t good." Suddenly he shifted his tone, "However, we do owe the generous Crystal Princess a ’firework’; it’s time to return a precious gesture of thanks to her."

Crystal Princess Alina’s support is far more than just the dazzling treasures and various resources.

No matter the true situation within the Federation, the Lotheren Kingdom is still nominally the Federation’s leader.

Princess Alina, though at the edge of the Royal Court’s power, is ultimately an incredibly wealthy and prestigious princess, with a deeply rooted network behind her.

In previous talks, she had solemnly promised Galos that she would closely monitor the situation in the Sel Wilderness.

As long as the Ignas Dragon Group does not perform incredibly shocking actions that challenge the Federation’s bottom line, she would do her best to mediate in Federation affairs and induce the Federation’s garrison to ignore the Ignas Dragon Group’s existence.

And this is the most crucial benefit obtained from allying with this princess.

Nowadays, the Sel Wilderness is already in chaos, filled with the smoke of war.

The Federation garrison is already struggling, overwhelmed.

If those in high places from the Royal Court were to subtly suggest ignoring certain areas, they would breathe a sigh of relief, glad to have one less life-risking mess to handle.

Solrog asked: "When should we ignite this firework?"

"Now!"

Red Iron Dragon said resolutely.

"Call Samantha; she’s been waiting for this moment for a long time."

Not all matters are the proud dragons willing to entrust to their followers.

Besides, something like attacking a Federation duchy base isn’t suitable for taking too many followers.

With their speed and flight advantage, the sky-dominating dragons prepare for a personal strike.

Whoosh—!

The lead-gray heavy clouds weighed down on the sky, with torrential rain pouring down mercilessly covering the nitrate mine stronghold in the middle of the Sel Wilderness, surrounded by defenses.

Rain drummed on the muddy ground, shed roofs, and cold alchemy equipment, producing a continuous roar, as if the only sound left between heaven and earth was this clamor of water.

This place belongs to the Abel Duchy.

By staunchly backing the Ripos Kingdom, the Abel Duchy receives resource allocation and powerful support far beyond an ordinary duchy, its military strength so strong it can be considered a dominator of the region.

The Haltai Duchy, also backed by the Lotheren Kingdom, is the same.

As the clouds of war grow thicker, part of Abel Duchy’s elite forces stationed in the wilderness has been redeployed to the frontline, aflame with battle.

However, due to its deep roots, the garrison left in the wilderness is still formidable and not to be underestimated.