CHAPTER 264: CHAPTER 185: TORCH

The actual situation was even more dire than the Speaker had imagined. Besides the diplomat Richard, the only ones deciding to stay were a few foreigners who had come from the Empire.

He was to discuss a salvation plan with the Empire’s diplomat.

Faced with Ethan’s question, the Speaker fell silent.

Strategic plan?

Their only hope lay in the information on the underground altar, which mentioned that Aelium had once been an ally fighting alongside the Master of Tides and a witness of that era.

The Speaker pondered and said, "Our only option now is to find a way to unite everyone together."

Ethan asked, "I mean more specific actions. If the flood is about to submerge Ophira, have you set up any flood defenses?"

"Flood defenses, you mean..."

"The walls surrounding Ophira, or drainage facilities to divert the flood elsewhere."

Ethan casually said that the Western Continent is renowned for its marvelous steam technology. He imagined the Speaker pressing a button and a hundred-meter-high wall rising spectacularly around the island.

However, this was just a fantasy in the end. The Speaker, dispirited, said, "Our facilities are not enough to withstand a tsunami."

There was once a craftsman who proposed the idea of building such walls, but it was ultimately rejected by the Deep Sea Council due to the prolonged construction period, which might require resources and efforts from several generations.

Ethan felt a sense of foreboding, "Then what do you plan to do after awakening Aelium?"

"Fight alongside it until the last moment!"

"I mean, how do you plan to communicate with it?"

Things were indeed heading toward the worst direction, "What if it decides not to aid Ophira and even attacks you, what will you do?"

This series of questions plunged the Speaker into silence.

Ethan had no choice but to consider Yue’s nightmare, as described by Yue, in which he saw an indescribable giant while falling in the dream. Its actual size might be as massive as an island.

Even Ethan had never seen such a huge creature. He adhered to his scientific spirit and asked the Speaker again, "Have you considered that with Aelium’s size, even if it bears no malice towards Ophira, simply emerging from the deep valley and surfacing might cause crustal movement and sea-level rises leading to a series of disasters?"

He couldn’t help but suspect that the apocalyptic floods from several eras ago might have been caused by the giant octopus frolicking in the sea.

The Speaker’s silence provided the answer.

Through simple communication exchanges, Ethan deeply understood the Speaker’s resolve.

Determination in strategy, determination in preventive measures.

In short, they would fight for Ophira until the last moment, and then lie quietly on the ground waiting for death when the flood comes. No wonder those councilors had no confidence in the Speaker’s strategic deployment and rushed to the Ark.

"...That is a calamity human strength cannot counter."

A long time later, the Speaker had no choice but to face his heart. He thought that as the Speaker of the Deep Sea Council, the only thing he could do was to face the end times together with the people of Ophira.

"No matter how the future develops, the first thing to do is to find a way to withstand the first wave of tsunamis," Ethan interrupted the Speaker’s thoughts, "If steam technology can’t do it, rely on magic."

Saying this, Ethan looked at Lindong, who had narrowed her eyes, "This is Lindong, my teacher, the most powerful Elemental Shaper in the Empire today. She is proficient in ice Elemental Magic, which can freeze the entire sea surface."

Upon hearing this, Lindong, who was lost in thought, suddenly straightened up like a student caught daydreaming in class and sat upright. After about ten seconds, a hint of doubt struck her.

Huh?

Isn’t she supposed to be the teacher?

Ethan appreciated the Speaker’s determination. At least he didn’t just walk away like those councilors who rushed out of the meeting hall. But determination alone couldn’t save Ophira. They needed a complete strategic plan.

"The ice Elemental Magic of my teacher can make Ophira survive the first wave of tsunamis, but that’s far from enough... This is Mr. Urd of the Deep Sea Race. They are the descendants of Aelium, who have resided near the deep valley as Guardians for generations. No one in this world knows Aelium better than him."

Ethan said, "We need a professional negotiation team to meet Aelium before the next wave of tsunamis, explain the situation to it, and as far as possible, grasp the Evil God’s movements. This team needs to have the ability to cross the frozen sea in a very short time."

The Speaker and diplomat Richard remained silent, their minds full of thoughts.

Unlike their determination to meet their end, this Imperial Envoy was actually devising a combat plan.

"This is Ave, the heir of the Margaret Clan in the Empire and the new cabinet diplomat. She will specify the details in many diplomatic terms with you."

"...Huh?"

Diplomatic terms?

The Speaker and Richard exchanged glances. Why did the topic suddenly shift to diplomatic terms when they were discussing the strategy to resist the flood?

"I don’t understand, diplomatic terms refer to..."

"The strategic plan and the cost of manpower."

Ethan said, "You also need a veteran who can face the Evil God in the deep valley. I’ve had several experiences dealing with the Evil God before... The point is, how much are you willing to pay for this complete service?"