194: Chapter 194 Are they considered human?

"I wouldn't dare claim it's a concrete strategy, just a few small ideas."

Sejin straightened his posture, offered a humble remark, and continued: "Last time, when you, Lord Lister, led us to obtain the Earth Dragon Fish, you used the blood essence of the Black Flame Demon Bear to create chaos with a beast tide, and the result was excellent."

"The Shadow Leopard Tribe happens to be situated near the western part of the Tianping Mountain Range, so I think we could use it again this time, and then secretly spread rumors to frame the Giant Elephant Tribe."

*Hiss~*

Red and the other two sitting to his right couldn't help but gasp, their eyes filled with deep astonishment as they looked at him.

Even Lister, who had been calm in the main seat, had his bright pupils constrict for a moment.

It was no wonder they reacted this way; Sejin's proposal was truly ruthless and insidious, especially the method of inciting a beast tide.

Although Lister had set the precedent last time, the impact of the resulting beast tide was negligible.

The Water Marsh Forest was, after all, a small forest; the number of magical beasts and wild beasts within it was low, and the strongest magical beast was barely at the early Silver rank.

Therefore, even if a beast tide were triggered within it, it wouldn't pose much of a threat to those lords and tribal forces, resulting in at most minor casualties and some diversionary effects.

But the Tianping Mountain Range, a medium-sized mountain range, is different, even if it barely qualifies as a medium-sized one.

The number of magical beasts and wild beasts within it, as well as the upper limit of their strength, are far beyond what the Water Marsh Forest can compare to.

Once a large-scale beast tide occurs, even if the surrounding territories are prepared in advance, it will likely still cause significant casualties.

It hasn't experienced a beast tide for so many years, firstly because its internal ecological environment is good enough to form a healthy food chain cycle.

Secondly, because there are several high-level Silver rank magical beasts scattered throughout various regions of the mountain range, keeping to themselves and not interfering with one another.

The fragmentation of overall power has allowed them to form a low-risk state of equilibrium.

But now, if the Black Flame Demon Bear's blood essence were truly used, this state of equilibrium would inevitably be broken.

Just recovering from his shock, Spartacus couldn't help but exclaim: "Sejin, I didn't expect that someone who looks so honest on the surface would be such a ruthless old fox in secret!"

Red and Aier Sidi nodded in unison, fully agreeing with Spartacus's description.

Even though Red had been fighting the Orc Race for so many years and had witnessed many ruthless methods of warfare during that time.

But such methods depend on the target; tribal forces are primarily human, so they generally consider the impact on their own kind when dealing with each other.

As for the Orc Race—

"Do they even count as human?"

The fire in the fireplace burned silently, and the chill seeping in through the window had not yet fully dissipated, much like the cold, harsh words Sejin had just spoken.

Sejin did not feel displeased by Spartacus's straightforwardness; instead, he met Lister's deep gaze.

He explained solemnly: "Although doing this will bring serious casualties to the Shadow Leopard Tribe, I feel it is what they deserve."

Deserve?

Lister and the others looked slightly surprised, wondering why Sejin would say that.

Sejin continued: "According to detailed inquiries from the intelligence department, there are almost no good people in the Shadow Leopard Tribe."

"Their survival mode is similar to the Orc Race's all-armed citizenry; when they pick up weapons, they can kill, and when they put them down, they are civilians."

"Every adult tribesman willingly adheres to the will of the Shadow Leopard Beast God they worship."

"While the captives seized from victorious wars are still alive, they personally cut out their internal organs, including those of the elderly, women, and children."

"These organs are sealed and eventually transported to various places in all directions."

"The intelligence department has not yet been able to determine the destination, but there is only one conclusion from the analysis—"

At this point, he looked at Lister and the others and did not continue, but they already understood the purpose of the Shadow Leopard Tribe's actions.

The calm expressions of the group instantly turned grim and stern.

The frank and straightforward Spartacus, hating evil with a passion, said: "A tribe as trashy as this should be wiped out completely. I support launching a beast tide!"

"I support it too." Aier Sidi clenched his fists unconsciously, a surge of anger welling up in his heart: "It's a pity we don't know who those buyers are; otherwise, we could settle accounts with them when we meet in the future."

Red, who was the most emotionally stable, did not object, nor did he say any harsh words, but instead looked at Lister to offer his own perspective.

"Lord Lister, compared to the Water Marsh Forest, the Tianping Mountain Range not only has more land and beasts, but the internal beast herds are also stronger."

"And the Shadow Leopard Tribe is equally powerful, with a sizable territory and a population that has reached over ten thousand."

"If we want to launch an effective beast tide attack against them, I'm afraid the amount of Black Flame Demon Bear blood essence required will not be comparable to last time."

Nodding slightly, Lister understood that Red was considering things from his perspective.

If it was decided to launch a beast tide attack on the Shadow Leopard Tribe, the Black Flame Demon Bear blood essence required would certainly be much more than last time.

Otherwise, even if a beast tide were triggered, the result wouldn't cause much damage to the Shadow Leopard Tribe.

Placing his hands together and tapping his fingers, he began to weigh the pros and cons.

Spartacus and Aier Sidi had also calmed down by this time, and together with Red and Sejin, they waited quietly for the result of his deliberations.

Although the spirit of knightly justice they believed in made them feel very angry at the Shadow Leopard Tribe's actions, wishing they could destroy the Shadow Leopard Tribe right now.

But they had not forgotten their current status; as knights directly loyal to Lister, they placed Lister's and the territory's vital interests above all else.

Of course, based on their understanding of Lister's character, Lister would likely not back down on such a matter.

And their thoughts were indeed correct; after only a brief moment of thought, Lister made up his mind.

His gaze swept across everyone's faces, and he said righteously: "Since the Shadow Leopard Tribe has committed such inhumane acts, and we happen to be dealing with them anyway."

"Then naturally, we cannot disregard the spirit of knightly justice in our hearts and let such an evil tribe go just because we are concerned about the consumption of the Black Flame Demon Bear blood essence."

"For this beast tide, we must do our utmost to trigger it successfully, and let the Shadow Leopard Tribe pay for a portion of their past evil deeds with their own lives and blood first."

"Lord Lister is wise!" The four immediately stood up and respectfully performed the Kingdom knight salute to Lister, their heartfelt reverence clearly visible in their expressions.

After finalizing the plan to plunge the Shadow Leopard Tribe into the quagmire of war, Lister gave the four a few more instructions, then dismissed them to return to their work.

Pedan Kingdom Royal City, Saint Rolandando.

As the core city of this kingdom, its land area is more than three times that of Aetheria, with a registered total population of about 500,000.

It is divided into four major areas: North, South, East, and West:

The North District is inhabited almost exclusively by those in power, nobles, and transcendents; the royal palace is located in the center of this area.

The rumor in the kingdom that "if you stand on a roof and throw a stone down, you'll hit a powerful person" refers to this place.

The South District is mostly occupied by wealthy merchants, where astronomical amounts of money and resources flow every day, known as the kingdom's largest treasury.

The East District is mostly inhabited by prosperous Serfs; the Royal Academy and Church Academy are located here, and it is no less safe than the North District.

The West District is a place where all kinds of people mingle; there are many people from all over the kingdom, and even foreigners. Although it is not noble, not rich, and not safe, it has some strange and unique features.

North noble, South rich, East safe, West strange—this is how the people of the royal city describe it.

East District, center, Church Academy.

Compared to the majesty and solemnity displayed by the exterior of the Royal Academy, its overall architectural style exudes a rich sense of simplicity and mystery.

Looking from afar, it seems as if it is twisted in subspace, making it impossible for people to pinpoint its exact location.

Inside the academy's eastern teaching area, on the third floor of an elegant and exquisite teaching building, is the magic classroom.

Several young girls exuding youthful energy, dressed in standard magic robes, were gathered here.

In the center of the group, a beautiful girl whose appearance and temperament seemed to be from another world was holding a magic wand and trying to cast something, amidst the envious gazes of the other girls.

As obscure and difficult incantations came from the girl's mouth, a large amount of pure water elemental magic in the air quickly gathered at the water-blue crystal at the tip of her magic wand.

After a few breaths, a thick, several-people-wide wall of rushing water suddenly condensed.

Seeing this, the surrounding girls showed joy and couldn't stop praising her.

"The teacher only taught us such a difficult spell today, and you, Daisna, have already learned it! You are amazing!"

"That's right, I'm afraid there aren't many people in the first year who could do it so quickly."

"Wuwuwu—! I just learned the Water Ball spell; who knows how long it will take for me to learn the Torrential Water Wall."

Dispelling the Torrential Water Wall condensed from water elemental magic, Daisna wiped a thin layer of sweat from her forehead and then looked at the people beside her.

"You flatter me. I'm just a bit faster at learning water elemental magic; I can't compare to those true geniuses."

"The speed of learning each attribute's elemental magic is related to one's own affinity for a certain elemental magic."

"It's the same principle as how I can't compare to you in learning the elemental magic you have a stronger affinity for."

While happy in her heart, Daisna did not forget the way of treating others with humility, and her words indeed made the other girls look joyful.

Just as they were chatting happily, a warm, youthful voice suddenly came from outside the classroom.

"Elegant and beautiful ladies, what a coincidence. So you are also practicing."

The girls' gazes were immediately drawn over, and after seeing the person's face, their eyes revealed a trace of admiration, to varying degrees.

Only Daisna, in the center of the crowd, frowned slightly; she had already guessed who it was as soon as she heard the voice.

Duke Stafford's third son—Andor!

A guy who had frequently "coincidentally" appeared in front of her ever since she arrived at the Church Academy.

If it had only been once or twice, it would be fine, but in her vague impression, this way of appearing had likely happened no less than dozens of times.

Unless one is a fool, one would definitely be able to detect the clumsy lies hidden behind his "coincidental" encounters.

Although Andor didn't pester her every day like a clingy person, his actions still inevitably affected her academy life.

But she didn't have any good way to deal with it; after all, everyone was studying at the Church Academy, seeing each other constantly.

With no other choice, she had to leave quickly every time she saw Andor.

In her line of sight, Andor walked quickly to where they were.

After politely and amiably responding to the girls' greetings, his light Red pupils looked at Daisna, revealing a smile full of affinity.

"Classmate Daisna, what a coincidence."

Always the same sentence. Are you a puppet?

Daisna complained slightly in her heart, but still wore a polite smile: "Mm, it is quite a coincidence."

After giving a terse response, she looked at the other female classmates and said goodbye with a smile: "Everyone, I have something to do, I'll leave first."

After saying this, without giving Andor a chance to speak, she nodded politely and walked quickly out of the classroom.

Seeing this, Andor hurriedly said: "Classmate Daisna, His Highness Simon is preparing to hold a magician's exchange dance in a few days."

"I wonder if I might have the honor of being your dance partner?"

"Sorry, Classmate Andor, I have things to do those days and cannot attend—" Daisna's footsteps paused slightly, but she didn't turn her head to look at him: "And I don't like noisy environments."

After speaking, she walked away with elegant steps, leaving with a trail of fragrance.

"Don't like noisy environments?" Looking at the empty classroom door, Andor was slightly stunned, then laughed at himself in his heart:

I think you just don't want to be my dance partner. I don't know what kind of magic that Baron Howard has that attracts you—

The wild thoughts in his heart made him fall into a moment of silence.

Little did he know that his slightly bitter appearance was seen by the surrounding girls as a lovesick person who could not get what he loved, and for a moment, the admiration in their eyes deepened.

A day passed in the blink of an eye, and the snowstorm that had plagued the Western Frontier Territory for quite some time retreated as predicted.

The long-lost warm sunlight shone over the entire Iron Thorn Territory Branch, and the Serfs, who had been cooped up at home and were about to get moldy, walked out of their homes and cheered happily on the streets.

The sound was so loud that it clearly reached Lister's ears in the lord's office; looking through the window at the bright sky and the lively territory full of the atmosphere of daily life.

A gratified smile couldn't help but bloom on his face, and the slight feeling of dullness that had arisen in his heart due to the long-raging snowstorm dissipated at this moment.

Suddenly, there was a "knock-knock-knock" at the door and a deep, magnetic male voice.

"Lord Lister, magistrate Odinton asked someone to tell you that all the arrangements you ordered for clearing snow are ready."

"He and the cleaning crew are now awaiting your arrival."

"Good, I know." Lister turned his head to respond, then drank the hot milk in his cup in one gulp.

After tidying up his attire, he quickly left the lord's residence and rode his horse toward the magistrate's office in Blackwood Town.

Soon, Lister arrived at the magistrate's office and saw at a glance that Odinton was waiting outside with many sturdy young Serfs, both men and women.

After a respectful greeting, Odinton continued: "Lord Lister, these are the snow-clearing workers selected after signing up."

"Not bad, their spirits are quite high," Lister nodded slightly in praise.

Then he said some words of comfort to everyone, and with a wave of his hand, he led the crowd to begin the snow-clearing work.