Bear School Astartes-Chapter 838 - 821: Attrition and Oratory

Cassandra drew the knife from her waist and handed it to Lann to have a look.

The knives of this era, being in the early stages of civilization, had not yet reached a point of similarity due to battlefield conditions, at least not extensively.

Thus, various bizarre and unconventional weapons could be turned into unique signature weapons by the blacksmiths of different city-states.

The knife in Cassandra’s hand looked much like a machete, with a flat, blunt blade head and a sturdy back...

However, the golden lines on the knife appeared somewhat dim even in Cassandra’s hands.

The last time Lann left, Cassandra was still using a Spartan Battle Blade obtained from her father, the "Spartan Blood Wolf."

This was top-of-the-line equipment taken from the state treasury and distributed to the generals who led troops.

The fragments of divine artifacts used in the forging process were certainly not few.

Yet despite this, Cassandra still rendered at least two divine artifacts useless in a year and a half.

At this rate of consumption, the divine artifact fragments in this world, which are actually the ’remnant technological materials of the Elder Race,’ would most likely be depleted by the Middle Ages.

"It always feels like your equipment wears out very quickly."

Lann glanced at the broken spear on Cassandra’s back, hanging beside the bow and arrow.

"Is Leonidas’ Spear still okay?"

"My broken spear is not on the same level as other divine artifacts." Cassandra displayed a lot of confidence about it.

She casually took down the broken spear from her back, which had undergone two upgrades and was now even more splendid, twirling it gracefully in her hand as she spoke.

"I haven’t felt any decline in the spear’s power, don’t worry."

Lann nodded indifferently.

To him, Cassandra’s quick wear and tear of divine artifacts wasn’t a problem.

Even if Yishu Technology was exhausted, magic equipment wouldn’t fall short.

After all, given Cassandra’s own strength, she would perform well with any equipment.

"Now, let’s go check out Pericles’ Mansion."

Lann picked up Rong Buqiu and placed it on his shoulder, speaking as he walked.

-----------------

Pericles’ Mansion, Lann had been there quite a few times.

Back when he made a name for himself in Athens, people like Socrates loved to converse and interact with him.

And Pericles’ foster son, Alcibiades, was so enthusiastic that Lann found it best to keep some distance.

So, he had attended many gatherings here.

Especially before he left last time, when Hapalos created human-beast hybrids using the Anka Cross indiscriminately, which Lann brought into Athens as proof of his campaign against Ares’ followers.

The hybrids were regarded as mythical beasts, both revered and feared.

From then on, the names "Hawk Trainer" and "Son of the Giant God" spread across the Greek World via Athenian trade routes and sea routes, even reaching Persia occasionally as mythical tales.

People began to recognize "Hawk Trainer" and "Son of the Giant God" as demigods walking the earth.

They were to embark on heroic journeys watched over by the gods, akin to Hercules or Perseus.

It’s said that those bodies were honored in the Parthenon Temple by Pericles, treated with drying and preservation methods.

They served as reminders of myth and the gods’ majesty.

On the street in front of Pericles’ Mansion, as Phidias mentioned, there were indeed many dissenters crowded.

Ragged poor people, luxuriously dressed rich people looking pale, citizens, slaves...

A variety of people, filled with fury, demanding the Governor provide explanations and quell the chaos of this plague.

People were unable to suppress their coughing and vomiting.

Occasionally, late-stage sufferers, with prominent hardened scabs from ruptured rashes and feeling intensely feverish, started tearing at their clothes uncontrollably.

Manic to the point of no longer seeming human.

This place had nearly become a massive breeding ground for the plague.

Yet even so, the ignorant and inexperienced crowd gathered together as if venting their anger was the most important thing.

Right at the junction in front of Pericles’ house, Kleon had set up a makeshift platform, passionately and emotionally denouncing Pericles.

Those in the crowd who retained their senses had their eyes inflamed with rage, as if Pericles had summoned this plague.

This was precisely Kleon’s argument.

"Pericles does not revere the gods!"

Kleon spread his arms wide, glaring down at the crowd and shouting rashly.

"Yes, our great Governor built the Parthenon Temple, he has brought countless offerings, flowers, and incense to demonstrate his piety to the mighty Athena."

"But... does this work?! Is this what mighty Athena wishes to see?!"

Kleon rose on his toes, leaning forward, raising a finger to point at the conspicuous giant Athena bronze statue in the Acropolis.

"Our Goddess is a Goddess of Wisdom, but also a Goddess of War!"

"It is precisely because Pericles avoided battle with the barbaric Spartans, preferring to use precious funds to build temples, this act of cowardice has angered the Goddess, causing the plague to ravage this great city!"

"It’s time to face reality, noble and rational Athenians! As long as we do not remove this cowardly dictator Pericles, we will not receive Athena’s forgiveness! Nor can we achieve victory!"

"Of course, do not blame our Governor. After all, this cowardly heart is innate. Blame the curse he has brought, entangling our great city!"

Lann, standing at the street corner, curled his lip displeasedly, letting out a ’tsk’.

"I’m beginning to really hate these people who manipulate emotions, playing with them. It’s disgusting."

"Let’s find Pericles first." Cassandra patted Lann’s arm, calming him, then led the way towards the mansion walls.

"Crazy or not, that’s an Athenian matter. We’re not Athenian citizens."

After speaking, she turned back, somewhat unsure, looking at Lann.

"Uh, you’re not, right?"

After all, before, Lann was quite familiar and happy with many famous people in Athens. He himself was also well-known.

For ordinary people, becoming an Athenian citizen was an unattainable luxury.

But for Lann, if he wished, Pericles might arrange it in an instant.

"No, I’m not an Athenian citizen either."

With Lann’s reply, Cassandra shrugged, turned, and jumped into the mansion courtyard.

Lann first tossed Rong Buqiu over, the small cat was still dazed mid-air.

Then he himself jumped in as well.

Upon entering Pericles’ Mansion, their noticeably abnormal actions caused a small stir of panic.

And precisely because of this small panic, on the eaves of the courtyard, another pair of figures was silently approaching this way...