140: Stay focused
Chapter 139: Stay Focused
After returning to Mist Town from Oak Lake, Arthur immediately sought out Heir.
He needed to clarify how far the Wolf Pack's power could extend.
He also wanted to know what kind of entity had possessed Heir at the plantation.
After listening to Arthur's summary of the current information, Heir mused, "The Wolf Pack?"
"A demigod? No wonder he could resist the Night Mist's erosion."
"To be precise, it's the demigod's avatar," Arthur corrected. "I need to know, if we rescue him, how much protection he can offer us."
"Do you remember the forest where we were ambushed?" Heir asked in return.
Arthur frowned, "His power only extends that far?"
"My perception of him was interrupted right there," Heir's voice held a subtle tremor. "Beyond that was a land of decay."
"I tried my best to leave that place, but I could never manage it."
"It was like a maze with no exit."
At this point, Heir went to pour herself a drink.
Clearly, the experience still left her shaken.
"At that time, it wasn't that I didn't want to help," she whispered.
Arthur waved his hand, "I'm not blaming you at all."
"You're not, but I can't forgive myself." Heir simply raised the bottle and took a large swig directly. "My godmother always praised me as a rare witch."
"She said I had a strong will, and I was always proud of that."
"But in the end, I was completely controlled."
"I could clearly feel him entering my body, manipulating my thoughts at will."
Arthur listened in silence until Heir's emotions gradually calmed.
The sorceress took another sip of wine and changed the subject, "However, I wasn't entirely without gains."
"You're right, Baron, it was a ghost, a ghost named Isgrasa."
"It's still alive, and he was the one who possessed me."
"Do you know what the most tragic part is?"
Arthur shook his head.
"The most tragic part is that our ancestors never truly eliminated Isgrasa."
"It has always been alive, lurking in some corner."
Before she finished speaking, Ismark pushed open the door. "Your Excellency, your people have arrived."
Arthur rose from his chair and walked to the window.
In the afterglow of the setting sun, the Pioneer Group, led by Jessica, was slowly walking along the main street.
"Excellent." A smile appeared on his face, and he turned to Heir, saying, "Then I won't disturb you two."
Heir raised her wine bottle to Arthur in response.
Then she said to her brother, "Ismark, we need to talk."
Ismark walked to his sister with a hint of confusion.
Arthur exited the study, leaving the siblings enough space.
The Pioneer Group was settled in the area near the southern ruins.
That area had the most vacant houses, barely enough to accommodate the entire team.
Arthur and everyone else worked until nightfall, arranging all the matters.
Afterward, he moved into a small house.
"Our luck isn't bad," he said to those present. "There's no Night Mist tonight, and you've all arrived safely in Mist Town."
"How is everyone's morale?"
The one who answered him was a half-elf named Grayson Randall.
Arthur remembered him; their daughter, Isabella Randall, was one of the leaders of that group of children.
"All good, Sir, everyone is very excited to see you."
"So, have you told them about the situation they're about to face?" Arthur asked again.
Grayson nodded, "Miss Flora has already told us the general situation."
"We all believe that as long as you are here, we will surely win."
Jessica also added, "Sir, you don't need to worry about morale; everyone is willing to fight for you."
"That's good; the real test has just begun," Arthur said. "There isn't enough food here, and as for the condition of the local residents, you've all seen it."
"In short, there's almost nothing here; we're back to square one."
"The most crucial thing is that we don't know how many enemies there are, what their strength is, and how many local people are willing to fight alongside us."
"Lord Godwin had us bring ample supplies and food," Jessica said. "We can share some with the locals to show them our sincerity."
"But even without their help, we will defend this place to the death."
Arthur nodded, "But we can't do without them."
"I'll talk to their leader; it's time to restore order to this place."
That night, Arthur was wide awake.
After so many events, he needed some time to sort through his thoughts and plan for the future.
Jessica, on patrol, walked up to him, sat on the steps, and asked, "Sir, what are you worried about?"
"Everything." Arthur didn't know where to begin.
He sat on the steps, gazing at the cluttered streets.
Jessica didn't ask further, just silently stayed by his side.
After a long while, Arthur finally spoke, "I'm just a mortal, Jessica."
"In this unknown land, I can't be sure of anything."
"Can you understand this feeling?"
Jessica thought for a moment and replied, "It's like falling into the ocean, seeing no land."
"A very apt metaphor." Arthur gave a wry smile. "I imagine you've experienced even more desperate moments."
"Past experiences can provide us with lessons," Jessica said. "Don't worry, Sir."
"You have a reliable team, the most cohesive group I've ever seen."
"I'm not flattering you."
"The Pioneer Group knows what they're facing."
"On our way here, we encountered the Wolf Pack, and some locals who tried to rob us."
Arthur frowned slightly, looking at Jessica, "You didn't tell me about this before."
"We repelled them; everyone participated in the fight, and everyone knew what to do. No one was injured."
"I originally wanted to tell you after everything settled down, so you wouldn't worry, but I never found the right opportunity."
"You seem to have enough troubles already."
Arthur nodded, "If only we only had to face these simple enemies."
"The Dark Lord's minions are already targeting me; according to reports, it's one of his brides."
"I'm not sure if I can resist him."
Jessica thought for a moment and said, "So you must rescue that demigod and use his power to fight the enemy."
"Exactly, but I still have no idea how."
"Usually in such situations," Jessica suggested, "I would focus on the immediate tasks, concentrating on the most critical things."
Arthur took a deep breath, "Then give me some urgent matters to solve."
"We must reinforce the wall on the southern slope; it's too weak."
"I've already had people inspect it; the timber from the abandoned houses can be used for reinforcement."
"Then do it. Are there any other defensive weaknesses?"
"There are many; the defense system here is very incomplete."
"When do you expect the Undead to attack?"
Arthur thought for a moment and replied, "If not tonight, then it will be tomorrow night."
"To be honest, I'm not sure."
"Regarding defenses, you should talk to the local Sheriff tomorrow; he was in charge before."
Jessica nodded, "Stay in this state, Sir."
"Don't let those monsters disturb your mind; just focus on one thing at a time."
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