Chapter 260. Baron Lorbase Arrives at Fortuna City.

Author Note: Merry Christmas, Dears! I hope you are having a great day and that you had many lovely presents! Have fun with the chapter~. and ten Level 30s.” He pointed at the side and added. “The army Commander here is a strong Level 35 powerhouse armed with some treasures from my personal treasury. He should be on par with an average Level 40 in strength.”

Eila observed him and admitted that her chances of beating him were slim. He had the aura of a battle veteran who had gone through many conflicts. Yet, Eila could not see Liu Shu losing to them even if the entirety of her army took part in the conflict. ‘Liu Shu was able to bury a 10,000 big army without a single person escaping two years ago. Now, she has clearly broken through into the . Her strength is high enough that Fortuna can’t even regain a single meter of terrain when trying her best.’

She remembered a few years ago that Fortuna, somewhat frustrated by Liu Shu’s constant advances, sent her a message of warning. However, Liu Shu didn’t answer and continued as usual. Angered, Fortuna attacked.

Eila had been at the edge where their roots met at the time, and her heart still trembled at the sight. Across the entirety of the border between both World Trees, Fortuna could not gain a single meter. Instead, she was torn apart ruthlessly by Liu Shu’s roots, hopelessly pushing her even further back than before.

When she saw that, Eila knew that even she had finally fallen behind in strength compared to the overpowering World Tree living in Golden Sap Forest.

Since then, she was sure that the only chance they had to survive was Fortuna’s suggestion—submitting to Liu Shu.

Sadly, Liu Shu didn’t answer their words back then, making Fortuna resign to her own death. Eila still remembered those moments with striking clarity, even if they happened more than a year ago.

“Eila, Tianlian Liu Shu is not answering my requests. She isn’t even responding to my words. The second I interact with her, she reacts like a wild beast being poked and tries to destroy my roots.”

Fortuna’s tone was soft and peaceful, but it had a harrowing melody that made Eila’s cold heart clench slightly. Eila asked, confused. “Are you sure? Tianlian Liu Shu didn’t seem like that kind of creature. When we met, she had clear ideas but with a strangely childish edge. If she wanted to tell you something, she would. If she didn’t want to have anything to do with you, she would let you know through both words and actions. And while she was coldhearted in some matters, she was never aloof like you are putting her to be.”

Fortuna laughed tiredly. “I thought the same. That’s why I even had the idea of submitting to her. Liu Shu doesn’t seem like someone who would treat loyal people she takes under her canopy badly…” Fortuna sighed. “Sadly, it seems I was wrong.”

Eila frowned deeply, not wanting Fortuna to give up. Her mind ached as visions of the past flashed through her mind.

“My death is not your end. It will become your beginning…”

“Do it. You will be liberated from many chains.”

“One day, you’ll find someone you’ll want to protect.”

“Live a long life, Little Eila.”

Eila pressed her hand on her forehead, and heard someone speak to her.

“City Lord Eila, are you alright?”

Blinking a few times, Eila noticed that the three people in front of her were looking at her strangely. ‘Wow… My mind truly wandered this time around, eh?’

Eila shook her head. “Sorry, I am fine. I was thinking of the day I lost my people, and a bit of heartache made me enter into a small daze.”

The Army Commander looked at Eila deeply and spoke. “Mourning for one’s soldiers is admirable, City Lord Eila. There is nothing to be ashamed of.”

Eila faintly smiled. “Thanks.” Then, she sighed and continued. “Because of that, I can’t follow you into battle, Lord Baron. I am sorry, but I can’t make my soldiers, who went through an emotionally draining battle, go there once more as cannon fodder.”

The baron was not expecting to receive a negative answer to his request. He thought that he would be welcomed after their defeat. A city that has gone through a resounding defeat welcomed their savior! That’s what he had in mind.

Instead, he was met with a hint of alienation and a resigned City Lord, which left his previous plan about riling up the local forces useless. ‘As Eila said, I wanted to make them my cannon fodder. While my forces are strong, a World Tree is not to be subestimated. The armies before mine did so and ate big enough losses that the count became aware of a low-level battle.’ Using his hand to pinch his eyebrow, Lorbase got thoughtful. ‘Where can I find these people who I need to take down a World Tree?’

While Lord Count told him to investigate first to know if World Tree was indeed the real killer of his daughter, he didn’t plan to. He was personally convinced, and his mind wouldn’t change. His obsession was that deep. ‘Whoever killed my daughter, even if it is a World Tree, I’ll make them regret it!’

Lorbase stood up and said. “I understand. Since you are not agreeable to this pact, I’ll contact the sects that previously participated in the attack. If you ever change your mind, contact me with this tool.”

Eila extended her hand and picked a Runic Tool that had a smooth surface.

“If you write on that surface, the other tools connected with it will be able to see the words. Don’t write at the same time as others since words can overlap, making a mess.”

Eila hummed. “I understand.” Then, she stood up and extended her hand. “I wish you the best.”

Lorbase took her hand and firmly shook it once. Turning around, he ordered to the other two. “Let’s go. We need to gather a big enough force to topple down that World Tree.”

After they left, Fortuna’s voice gently echoed in the room. “I hope they go.”

Eila blinked, confused. “Wasn’t your intention to become allies with Tianlian Liu Shu?”

“Yes. That’s exactly why I want them to go.” Fortuna spoke somewhat mockingly. “That army won’t be able to see Golden Sap City’s walls before they all become Tianlian Liu Shu’s fertilizers.”

Eila laughed softly. “I see.”