Chapter 244 Crack
The inspection of the Magic Crystal Cannon Factory is about to end.
· The goblin engineers in the factory were still immersed in the shock brought to them by the blueprint drawn by the devil. They were either whispering excitedly, or eagerly discussing how to assemble the first prototype. Some people proposed to make a model out of wood first, while others ambitiously proposed to directly make steel. As for Luo Yan, his gaze has turned to the distance - a small figure is quickly walking through the lively area of the factory and walking towards him.
That guy's name is Snik, and he is the director of the neighborhood committee of the Goblin community.
Although not long ago, he was still an out-and-out little person, but since then he has been promoted by the Demon King and has become the royal "dog leg" of the Lord's Mansion. It was also since that day that this guy had become a very popular figure in the Goblin community of Black Wind Castle. Every time he went out, he would be followed by a large group of followers. Goblins shorter than him could not even see his eyes, only his big nostrils.
But at this moment, he looked solemn, his expression was rare and serious, and at the same time he was as humble as a dagger wagging his tail.
"Lord Demon King——" Snick trotted up to Luo Yan, panting heavily, trying to make his posture more formal, "I have important information to report!"
Kunbu Tongya looked at Snik, then at Luo Yan. He wisely did not ask any more questions, but waved to the craftsmen around him: "Okay, okay, let's put aside the chariot thing for now. Let's go back to work!" Then, he saluted Luo Yan and led the craftsmen to disperse, leaving a relatively quiet space.
Luo Yan stood with his hands behind his hands under a steel frame outside the workshop, nodded slightly, and motioned for Snick to continue.
Snick licked his lips, with a hint of excitement in his eyes, but more of a cunning light.
"Lord Demon King," he lowered his voice, and the wrinkles on his face showed a proud smile, "I found some guys who are not quite right in the Goblin community."
Luo Yan raised his eyebrows.
"Oh? Be more specific."
Snik lowered his voice and unconsciously rubbed the corners of his clothes with his fingers, with a hint of goblin cunningness in his tone: "They don't steal, rob, or gamble... they never even brag about how many treasures they have snatched from humans, let alone show off the rags in their hands! You may think this is nothing, but they are goblins! I have never seen such a quiet and low-key guy in my life!" Luo Yan said softly, "Yes", indicating that he understood, and Snick continued enthusiastically.
"Your servant - I, the humble one, immediately realized something was wrong with them! According to your instructions, I did not alert the snake, but asked my younger brothers to secretly mark these guys! Later I found that they were more suspicious than I thought. These guys never work. , He doesn’t even do small business, he just wanders around the community all day long, or just stares at the entrances and exits of the Magic Crystal Cannon Factory!” When he said this, Snick’s thin body straightened up, looking like he was asking for credit, and he laughed.
"Master Demon King! As long as you say a word, I can lead people to deal with them! You know, although we goblins are usually honest, gentle and kind, we will never be merciful when dealing with such sneaky guys! And I promise you, we will not leave any traces..."
A dangerous smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, and his eyes flashed with bloodthirsty excitement, as if he couldn't wait to disembowel those sneaky goblins.
However, looking at Snick who was eager to try, Luo Yan just smiled faintly and said lightly.
"No need, just keep staring."
Snick was stunned for a moment and blinked in confusion.
"Lord Demon King, you mean... to keep them? But... Snick feels that they are about to take action."
"Isn't that good."
Luo Yan said in a calm tone.
"Snick, why do you think I arranged for you to do these things? Do you think I don't know who is behind them?"
Snik hurriedly lowered his head, restrained his smart-aleck look, and said sweating profusely.
"Little, little one doesn't dare!"
Luo Yan smiled faintly and said in a calm tone.
"It's easy to kill them. The little army they have is like the leg hair on a flea compared to the disobedient vassals in my labyrinth. If I really wanted to do it cleanly, I would have done it at the lords' meeting. At most, it would be announced to the public that it was food poisoning. Do you think the Dragon family behind them would seek justice for them?"
Speaking of it, I was also in the conference hall at that time. If the Demon King really started killing, wouldn't I also...
Looking at Snick, whose legs were trembling with fear, Luo Yan suddenly smiled gently and continued.
"Don't be nervous, it's just an assumption."
"Yes, yes..." Snick nodded tremblingly, with a weak smile on his face, rolled his eyes, and said quickly, "The Demon King is wise... Do you want them to take action, and then involve the people behind them?"
"That's right."
Snick's mouth opened slightly. After some hesitation, he couldn't help but test it out: "But what if... they are really planning something dangerous?"
h "Then let it happen."
Luo Yan shrugged lightly, his eyes so calm that it was chilling.
“It’s just a little confusion, nothing.”
Snick swallowed his saliva, trembling in his heart.
Although he prides himself on being smart, in Luo Yan's eyes, there is probably not much difference between himself and those guys who are quietly moving around. They are all just pawns on the chessboard.
But at the same time, a trace of fanatical worship also ignited in his heart.
As expected of the Demon King——
It’s really unfathomable!
Thinking of this, Snick stood up straight loyally, nodded and said.
"I understand what you mean, Lord Demon King. My subordinates will continue to stare at them and prepare for any response. The moment they are exposed, I will lead my men to kill them all and quickly control the situation to minimize losses and let your people experience your majesty!"
Luo Yan glanced at him in surprise. He didn't expect this guy to interpret it this way.
But it doesn’t matter. Whether Snick’s misunderstanding is intentional or unintentional, it is not a bad thing for him.
In fact, there may be more elements that he doesn’t care about.
It was just a group of goblins.
They are not even a species.
What's more, Black Wind Castle is still a territory that he picked up for nothing.
To put it cruelly, no matter whether they understand their majesty or not, the only impact is on their own mood, and whether they spend today and tomorrow awkwardly or happily.
He just needs to be in control.
「I look forward to your performance.」
Luo Yan nodded with satisfaction, then moved his eyes away from Snick, who nodded and bowed, and turned to look at the magic crystal cannon factory in the distance.
Steam filled the air, and the workers continued to work. The metal-paved factory building looked thicker and solider under the firelight, just like the situation that was firmly in his hands.
Under his own personal gaze, Black Wind Castle's magic crystal cannon factory was impregnable. The Dragon family could not penetrate it with water or penetrate it with needles. They could only mobilize the power of the Chamber of Commerce Alliance to attack from the outside. At the same time, in response to the increasingly boiling "public opinion," the Ministry of Truth has begun an accountability investigation into the fiasco at Port Saldo.
Even if the final punishment of General Sebes is to be gentle and lenient, the gesture made by the Ministry of Truth is enough to shake the people around General Sebes. After all, not everyone is qualified to make deals with the Dragon family, and it is impossible for everyone to benefit from this political game. There must be some people who are dissatisfied with this inexplicable failure, but have endured it due to the pressure of reality.
All he has to do now is wait.
If nothing else happens, someone should start to worry.
…
Frontline.
The cold wind blew across the desolate battlefield, the broken flags buzzed on the city wall, and the dry smell of blood remained in the air, seeming to tell the sadness flowing in the silence.
It has been several weeks since the Battle of Porto Saldo.
Faced with the victorious pursuit of "Imperial Griffin" Hamelton, the Red Flame Legion fled in a panic, retreating from the crater to the bloody plains of the underground world, and only relied on the dangerous terrain and nearby reinforcements to stop their decline. However, even after several weeks, this once unstoppable and mighty team could not get over that tragic defeat. Their self-esteem was completely shattered from being in control of victory to being defeated.
What frustrated the soldiers was not only the defeat itself and General Sebes's indifference, but also the rumors circulating in the army.
It is said that in a distant magic city, a demon king who was also experienced in many battles revealed the secret in one word - the fiasco of Porto Saldo was not at all because the soldiers of Hell were not strong enough, but a premeditated political adventure!
This is great news.
It is both like a glass of fiery bitter wine and a soothing rain for the soul.
No one is willing to admit their defeat, especially when they clearly have the advantage and can crush their opponents to death with just a flick of their fingers.
A few clipped newspaper clippings became the only oasis and sustenance in the hearts of the frontline soldiers... Even though their commanders explicitly prohibited them from spreading rumors, and even opened their letters and confiscated the newspapers contained in the letters. The more the superiors are afraid of their comments, the more they feel that the superiors have something up their sleeves. Otherwise, why wouldn’t they even be able to touch them?
They don’t know.
General Sebes does have something on his mind, but what he is afraid of is not their suspicion, but the possibility that these baseless rumors will attract the contamination of Chaos, and the latter may involve the Ministry of Truth, making the originally simple matter more and more troublesome.
As expected.
When everyone is afraid of something happening, then there is a high probability that it will not be able to escape.
Just when General Sebes was feeling anxious, people from the Ministry of Truth came to the door.
It was a hot afternoon.
A column of abyss knights wearing black armor rode tall demon-skeleton horses into the military camp. They were silent and only the sound of the metal collision of armor echoed in the night. In the carriage behind them, several investigators wearing crimson robes were sitting, staring out the window with dead eyes.
Looking at this unusual team, the soldiers in the camp whispered and discussed in low voices.
"It's from the Ministry of Truth!"
"Ministry of Truth?! What are they doing here?"
"Could it be that General Sebes is really in cahoots with the humans in Porto Saldo..."
"Hush! Do you have any evidence?"
"Shut up! I won't kill you!"
Some demons are frightened, and some demons' eyes are shining with expectation, but more demons' eyes are still numb, especially those weathered veterans - compared to the recruits who believe that hell is invincible, they know very well that they are just cannon fodder, and neither the Ministry of Truth nor the demon king who speaks for them from behind can really solve any problem.
otherwise why did they come now?
But no matter what, the arrival of the Ministry of Truth investigation team was like a cold spring rain, bringing a rare coolness to the hot camp, so that the lingering demons no longer felt suffocated.
The Knights of the Abyss rode to the center of the camp and slowly stopped. Then a demon man in a red robe got out of the carriage in the middle of the team.
His name is Shillong, and he is the temple judge of the Ministry of Truth. At this moment, he is looking down at the frontline camp indifferently, like an expressionless stone statue.
Just behind him, Senior Record Officer Moria walked out of the carriage, holding a heavy file in his hand, opening one of the pages, and scanning the camp with his cold eyes.
"Let's get it straight." He pushed up the gold-rimmed monocle on the bridge of his nose, his tone was cold and efficient, with a hint of leisurely elegance, "We are here to investigate matters related to the Battle of Porto Saldo. The Ministry of Truth requires all officers, tactical commanders, logistics personnel and soldiers who have experienced the battle to cooperate with the investigation. Anyone who dares to hinder our work will be treated as a traitor."
A tense atmosphere spread in the camp.
The Ministry of Truth has always had zero tolerance for traitors, and may even impose soul-crushing punishments!
The demons swallowed their saliva, their nervous fingers numb. There were also some demons whose eyes flashed with excitement, and they clenched their fists unconsciously, seeing the glimmer of hope.
Maybe this time is different——
Maybe they can really get the truth!
Moria turned his gaze to Shillong and nodded respectfully.
"I have nothing to say;
No demon reacted.
Sillong frowned slightly.
At this moment, General Sebes's adjutant Barlow suddenly took a step forward, took a deep breath and said.
"As ordered."
Looking at the Balrog officer, Shillong nodded slightly with satisfaction.
ttle Camp of the Red Flame Legion was in commotion.
As the order was issued, officers above the centurion level gathered in the command tent, sitting upright and waiting for the officials from the Ministry of Truth to be lectured.
This includes General Sebes himself.
This majestic terror sat in the command tent, suppressing Shillong's momentum, as if the latter was not investigating them, but the former was listening to the latter's work report.
The attendant of the Ministry of Truth frowned slightly, but did not break out.
Judge Shillong didn't say anything. He just went through the procedures he was supposed to go through in a formal manner. Then he shook hands with General Sebes and politely sent the latter to the door of the tent to thank him for his cooperation with the work of the Ministry of Truth.
Looking at his boss's actions, Moriah was a little undecided.
He originally thought that Shillong would give the officers of the Red Flame Legion a showdown, but he did not expect that his superiors did not do this.
How will they start their work later?
Seeing the confusion in Moria's eyes, Shillong smiled faintly and said in an understatement.
"Mr. Moria, what do you think of General Sebes."
"This guy has a big problem." Moria said without hesitation, "The demons I investigated before were all scared to death when they saw us. He is weak, but he looks confident. "
It is precisely because of this guy's confident look that the eyes of the centurions and captains who were sitting upright gradually changed from fearful to relaxed.
Silon's reaction was as if he was not surprised at all by his words, and he continued with a half-smile.
"Then what do you think it is because of."
Moria chuckled.
"Do you still need to ask? This guy must have a backing!"
Sillong looked at him meaningfully.
"Then do you think it makes sense to move him?"
Moria was stunned.
What does this mean?
There is a devil behind the Ministry of Truth!
No matter how tough General Sebes' backstage is, can he be tougher than them? !
However, Shillong's eyes told him that things were not as simple as he thought.
After pondering for a long time, Moria struggled to hold back a sentence.
"Then... what are we doing here?"
"It doesn't matter whether we can find out anything," Shillong narrowed his eyes slightly while looking at the camp in front of him, and continued in a calm tone, "We are very important here."
If the rumors are allowed to continue to ferment, and the panic that permeates the camp is superimposed, they are likely to attract something more terrifying than death - the power from chaos.
The Demon King of Leiming County made a risky move.
Whether he had calculated this step or not, the Ministry of Truth was indeed used by him and had to intervene in this muddy water.
But——
What if it’s being used?
It is normal to use each other.
Those who set fires are obviously more hateful than those who add fuel to the fire.
Compared with using his own Demon King, what Shillong hates more are those nobles who use their power unscrupulously. They make deals with humans, use the blood of the Demon God's people as bets, and simply forget the obligations that the Demon God entrusted to them when giving them power.
General Sebes must be punished as he deserves.
Including the Dragon family standing behind him.
Of course, he is a devil who knows the current affairs.
If the Dragon family wins in the end, just pretend that he has not thought about it.
However, he still prefers another outcome.
Not only because the demon king who grew up in the temple naturally attracted him, but also because the Dragon family has taken the initiative twice in a row, but has not made any effective progress.
As we all know, the more complex a plan is, the more likely it is that it will reveal flaws when faced with unexpected events.
The Dragon family seems to have the initiative, but the advantage is not necessarily in their hands.
Perhaps even the devil can't stand it anymore.
While Shillong and Moria were chatting, a demon captain walked to them cautiously, swallowed, and lowered his voice.
"Dear Mr. Judge... My superior would like to meet with you. He said that there are some things that he wants to talk to you alone, but it is not convenient for General Sebes to know."
Silong's eyebrows raised slightly, and a friendly smile immediately appeared on his face.
"Oh? Please tell him for me, I am very welcome. How about just on my carriage? No outsiders will hear it there, and there will be no interference from others."
The demon officer nodded and said cautiously.
"My commander means the same thing... Well, see you later."
Silong nodded.
"I am waiting for his arrival."
Watching the demon officer leave, Moria looked at Shillong in surprise, with a glimmer of excitement in his eyes.
"Is this a breakthrough?"
Shillong smiled faintly.
"Who knows...but it may indeed be an opportunity."
In any case, we’ll find out when they come.
The shadow of defeat still shrouded the entire military camp, and the soldiers remained silent. Occasionally, low-level officers of the Red Flame Legion exchanged glances during patrols, but no one dared to say anything, as if they were not in hell, but deep in the enemy camp.
Barlow wrapped his military robe tightly and walked through the path between the tents with his head lowered, his steps steady and cautious. His heart was beating very fast, and Yan Jing was beating uneasily, but his face showed no abnormality.
He had been observing for a long time, and after making sure that no soldiers were following him, he quickened his pace and walked into the camp of the Ministry of Truth Guards, and quietly came to a carriage.
The two abyss knights stood silently, their black armors glowing coldly under the bonfire. They did not stop Barlow, but looked at him with cold eyes, as if to confirm his purpose.
"I am the aide-de-camp of General Sebes. I have urgent information to report to... His Majesty the Demon God." Barlow said in a low voice.
The Knight of the Abyss tilted his head slightly, and an indifferent response soon came from the carriage.
"Come in."
Barlow took a deep breath, pushed aside the heavy curtain, and stepped into the carriage.
The interior of the carriage was dimly lit, with only a small magic lamp hanging from the top, casting a cold light.
Silon sat on the seat opposite, his figure wrapped in a red judge's robe. His eyes were still cold, showing no signs of emotion. Senior Record Officer Moria was sitting aside, flipping through a roll of ancient parchment, and the magic pen slid across the paper, recording the progress of their investigation over the past day.
The door of the carriage was closed, and the hustle and bustle of the camp was instantly cut off, leaving only the heavy air in the closed space.
Two eyes stared at him, Barlow took a deep breath and spoke softly in a hoarse voice.
“It was a windless morning. Our artillery position had been deployed on the high ground north of Port Saldo. 20 magic crystal cannons blocked all the dead ends from the port to our position. Even the little devil with a weak brain had no doubt that the balance of victory had tilted to our side, and the humans of Port Saldo were already praying desperately in the flames of doom.”
"You want to say that you can't lose." Moria stared into his eyes, leaning forward slightly, speculating on the subtle motive.
Barlow was silent for a long time and nodded slowly.
"We don't have any reason to lose. The imperial warships didn't even dare to approach the Port of Sardo, and only dared to land at the temporary seaport in the distance. Their line of infantry marched towards the mountains, and I could clearly see the despair on their faces, as if they were rushing to death... But that's not what I want to say. What I want to say is something that happened before the battle started."
He hesitated for a long time, finally swallowed, and told the story that had been buried in his heart for a long time.
"I was playing chess with General Sebes. He was usually very focused, but that day he was a little absent-minded. Especially later, when he defeated me, he suddenly said something that I still can't understand."
Moriah's pen paused and his brows wrinkled slightly.
What did he say?
Barlow took a deep breath and recalled Sebes's words at that time:
"The war was never because of any historical long-cherished wish, it was just a continuation of current politics...and the latter was always just to solve the current problems."
There was a dead silence in the carriage.
Sillong's eyes narrowed slightly, while Moriah thoughtfully opened the new parchment and asked excitedly.
"What do you think he means?"
Barlow smiled bitterly.
"If it were normal times, I would just think that he was chatting... But at that moment, I suddenly had an ominous premonition. Could it be that what he was hinting at was the fate of Port Saldo? He hoped to pull me into his carriage? Maybe I shouldn't speculate like this, but in After that, I was sent to the front line. Normally, it would have been an opportunity to make a contribution. But in retrospect, I always felt that he wanted me to die there. "
"You are still alive." Shillong reminded softly.
Barlow nodded silently and said in a tentative tone.
"Yes... I didn't dare to say anything after that day, so I could only pretend to be stupid in front of him. Later he tested me several times, and I fooled him and pretended not to remember anything... I don't know if I succeeded in deceiving him, and I don't know if I am overthinking it. If you don't Coming here, I may take this question to the grave, but now that you are here... I think his backing may not be that reliable? "
When he said this, his heart was beating fast, and his eyes flickered with fear.
This gold-level Balrog, who was once feared on the battlefield and brought death to Saldo Port, even the "Imperial Griffin" General Hamelton did not dare to look at him, now had to bow his head to two silver-level demons.
In other words, to the demon behind them.
That was the only life-saving straw he could see.
General Sebes has done nothing now, but there is no guarantee that he will not solve his "hidden danger" in the next battle.
Moria's eyes were filled with hidden joy, and she kept working on the railway while it was still hot.
"Don't worry, Mr. Barlow, the Demon God will not let go of any traitor, let alone any loyal minister! If you find us, you have found the right person. Any backer is a paper tiger in front of the Demon God! Moreover, if you have read the newspaper, you will know that the Demon City Pay attention to the 80,000 soldiers who died in the Battle of Port Saldo. Their families need an explanation, and the citizens of the Magic City also need an explanation... Tell me your speculation!" Moria's fanatical eyes made Barlow feel a little uneasy, but at the same time he felt inexplicably relieved.
Indeed——
Even if General Sebes has a rich background, what does it mean in front of the Demon God?
He endured his restless heartbeat and said tentatively.
"What if the defeat of Port Saldo... was arranged in advance?"
Shillong's eyes narrowed slightly, his index finger lightly tapped the table, looking into his eyes.
"This is a very serious accusation, have you thought it through?"
Barlow was silent for a long time and nodded.
"I have thought it through."
Silong had a smile on his face.
Although these few testimonies are not enough evidence to bring down General Sebes, the determination of the adjutant of the Red Flame Legion is enough.
The monolithic fortress has cracks.
This will be a major breakthrough for the work of the Ministry of Truth.
He stood up from his seat and stretched out his right hand.
hh "Welcome to turn from darkness to light, General Barlow."
hh Barlow stood up quickly and held his hand.
He knows.
Having taken this step, there is no turning back...