CHAPTER 365: CHAPTER 323 THE SHOCK OF THE ELF_1

All the Elves’ bodies became rigid. They stared blankly at the battlefield below; even the Pegasi they rode grew agitated.

Prince Elrado’s face turned pale. He thought about how, not long ago, he and his generals had devised a plan to capture Blood Crown Mountain Castle and then attack Eternal Domain City. At this moment, he felt like an utter clown, completely ridiculous.

He spurred the Silver Pegasus he was riding to move beside Yan Xing. As a magical beast, the Silver Pegasus spread its wings and, with the help of an updraft, hovered in the air.

"Yan... Lord Yan Xing," Prince Elrado straightened his back on the horse and saluted Yan Xing, saying, "I am amazed and in awe of the aerial strength of Eternal Domain. I apologize for having thoughts of fleeing earlier.

"At the same time, I thank you for allowing us to observe this air battle; otherwise, we would never have known that air battles could be fought like this."

As Prince Elrado spoke with Yan Xing, the battle in the airspace below was drawing to a close.

After a valiant rescue effort by the Heize Werewolf ground heroes, only six Bipedal Flying Dragons, covered in wounds and carrying Werewolf Beast Tamers whose fates were unknown, managed to forcibly break through into the dense forest.

The entire battle, from the attack launched by the Eternal Territory Griffon Troop to its conclusion, lasted less than ten minutes.

In the visible airspace, not a single Bipedal Flying Dragon or Poison Fly could be seen. The victorious Griffons circled arrogantly in the sky, emitting piercing cries.

Yan Xing was quite satisfied with this battle.

This display of power was enough to crush the morale of the Heize Werewolf Tribe.

Regardless of how much this battle would aid the general offensive in two days, he estimated that Heize’s air forces wouldn’t dare to take flight so carelessly anymore. Moreover, with so many Bipedal Flying Dragons killed, there probably weren’t many left in Heize, so they would be even more hesitant to deploy them.

"My Griffon Knights were able to fight so splendidly mainly because the opponent was too weak," Yan Xing gestured to his Griffon Knights and said to Elrado, "My future enemies will be much stronger than these Werewolves, who lack equipment and tactics."

Elrado quickly said, "I assure you... the Elves will absolutely not become enemies of Eternal Domain. I also guarantee I will use all my abilities to facilitate the construction of the road from Eternal Domain to Snowland.

"Snowland will become the staunchest ally of Eternal Domain."

Elrado recalled what Yan Xing had told him before they came here. After witnessing the terrifying aerial strength of Eternal Domain, he was convinced that with Eternal Domain’s support, he would be the next Elf King.

Yan Xing smiled. "The staunchest ally? If Your Highness knew who my next enemy was, I wonder if you would still be so firm."

Elrado, in a bid to show his sincerity, promised Yan Xing, "No matter whether your next enemy is the Barbaric Orcs, the Wildwind Highlands Legion, or even... Silvermane Principality. The Snow Elves will stand with Eternal Domain and never betray you!"

Elrado hesitated for a moment when mentioning Silvermane Principality.

However, the alliance between the Snow Elves and Silvermane Principality was still only a verbal agreement. Furthermore, Silvermane Principality had not obtained Storm City. Not only had the Elves failed to conquer Highland City, but they had also lost their own Frostleaf City.

The previous negotiations had turned into a tragic drama, and neither party could truly be considered allies yet.

The strength and potential that Eternal Domain had exhibited far exceeded that of Silvermane Principality. The tactics and weapons displayed by the Eternal Territory Air Force also made Elrado clearly realize the extent of Eternal Domain’s military might—it was formidable.

Having a powerful ally was definitely a fortunate thing for Snowland.

But the words Yan Xing uttered next made Elrado wish he could slap himself immediately.

"Those you mentioned are not my next enemy. There’s something you might not know, given you were at Blood Crown Mountain Castle.

"Cloud Tower is currently providing Marquis Anderson with Alchemical Weapons on a large scale. The Wildwind Highlands Legion is amassing a large force at Riftfort and accelerating their training with the obtained Alchemical Weapons.

"I have just met with Anderson in Nuta City.

"War is inevitable."

Having commanded Elves in combat against Orcs and humans on the Wildwind Highlands for many years, Elrado, of course, knew where Riftfort was.

Just like Anjik Fort, Riftfort was the last barrier before Nuta City.

It was a stronghold with high walls.

And it was very close to Eternal Domain.

Marquis Anderson sending reinforcements to Riftfort signified strong hostility towards Eternal Domain.

But why would Cloud Tower provide Alchemical Weapons to Marquis Anderson to attack Eternal Domain? If Eternal Domain’s enemy is Cloud Tower, and the Snow Elves ally with Eternal Domain... isn’t that seeking death?

His presence in the Thunderous Swamp and the resulting lack of information prevented Prince Elrado from accurately assessing the situation.

He asked Yan Xing, "Cloud Tower has never interfered in worldly affairs. The Mages dedicate themselves to researching the pinnacle of Alchemy; why would they suddenly support Anderson in attacking Eternal Domain?

"Is there some kind of misunderstanding here?"

Yan Xing laughed. "The Mages of Cloud Tower are lofty because, previously, no one could threaten their supreme position. But when their power is challenged, they will show their worldly faces.

"Look up at these things.

"Decide for yourself whether the Mages of Cloud Tower should see me as an enemy they must eliminate..."

Prince Elrado followed the direction of Yan Xing’s finger and looked up into the sky.

Several huge figures flew overhead, obscuring the sun.

Giant Dragons! That was Prince Elrado’s first reaction upon seeing these massive beings.

Then he realized they were not Giant Dragons.

Although they also had broad wings, it was clear they were alchemical contraptions.

Their bodies, reflecting a metallic luster, roared as they descended.

Seeing the full view of the Beak Eagle transports, Prince Elrado’s entire body froze as if struck by Petrification Magic.

What level of Alchemy must it be to allow such large steel contraptions to fly? If there were only one of these alchemical creations, it would definitely be a hugely expensive and extremely complex piece of alchemical art, difficult to replicate. But five of these aerial steel behemoths appeared at once. This indicated that, much like Cloud Tower’s airships, they were technologically mature alchemical creations that could be mass-produced.

In that instant, Prince Elrado understood why Cloud Tower saw Eternal Domain as an enemy. When such steel behemoths soared through the sky alongside airships, Cloud Tower would no longer command the world’s reverence. They would lose many, many privileges. How could Cloud Tower, accustomed to self-admiration from a position of strength, accept the disparity of no longer being the sole extraordinary existence? In the eyes of the Mages of Cloud Tower, Eternal Domain possessing such advanced Alchemy was its original sin. Eliminating Eternal Domain was the only way to maintain their position.

Prince Elrado sensed that the world was on the brink of unprecedented change, and he wondered how the Snow Elves should place their bets. The Elf Prince did not know how to choose.

Yan Xing then said, "Let’s talk about the matter of allies later. Even if we are not allies, roads can still be built, and mines can still be sold..."