Chapter 75: Summary of the Solro Archipelago

“Gisk, how has the clearance operation gone over the past five months? If things are ready, I’ll order the lizardman forces to begin terraforming the plane.”

“My Lord Duke, after our troops fought day and night, we completed the clearance last week and are now hunting down remaining stragglers. So far, we’ve killed three hundred and twenty Soul Weavers, thirty Death Knights, fifty Bone Spider Colossi, and one hundred Gargoyles.”

“Excellent. Your performance has pleased me greatly.”

“Uh, my lord, during the clearance I noticed something: after losing the higher undead’s mental control, some gradually regained their former memories and even enhanced their strength. Could we re-breed them? Their talents are quite promising.”

“That’s an interesting development. Take me to see them—I’ll decide based on their potential value.”

Under Gisk’s guidance, Sakavi met three Skeleton Archers. After brief questioning, he learned they had gradually recovered their past memories during prolonged lack of control, awakening the Ranger talent—but due to insufficient soul and physical strength, and no systematic training, they remained stuck at the Low Rank.

Sakavi felt it worth testing whether they could truly grow further, but they could never enter his own system. These undead, of unknown origin and barely controllable, were utterly untrustworthy; anyone who could break free was likely no good, and he had no need to take such risks.

“Hand these three over to Verna. Have her take them back to the Duke’s Domain—I’ll study them slowly there. For the next ten years, your main duty is securing this region. Prevent other factions from disrupting the situation.”

“What? My lord, aren’t I supposed to return and join the war against the demons? Why am I staying here?”

“The main theater there is large-scale warfare—Shalut and Ugru are better suited for that. Besides, others planned to use the demons to drain our blood so they’d have one less rival for spoils. If everyone congregates there and something goes wrong, we’ll lose any chance to turn the tide. Don’t forget: Lawful Good doesn’t consider us allies.”

“So I won’t get to fight at all? My lord, how can you view me like this? I’m from the Fang Legion too. My large-unit combat skills aren’t worse than that stupid pig’s, and I have more battle experience.”

“There’ll be rotations. If I find you’re even stupider, you’ll regret it.”

“Rest assured, my lord—I won’t let you down.”

“My lord, Igror has returned. He’s found a new base and already subdued the local natives.”

“Good. Aqilong, complete the handover of the two Golden Dragons as soon as possible. We have work to do.”

…………

“Irog, stop gorging yourself and tell me about that island you mentioned.” Looking at the red dragon devouring a whole roasted ox, Sakavi felt utterly exasperated—this was already the third one, and he had no idea how the beast swallowed it all.

“The place is called the Solro Archipelago, named after the giant Solro Crabs it produces. The main island, Hamodo, is about five hundred thousand square kilometers. Including five satellite islands, it totals over eight hundred thousand—whether that’s accurate, I don’t know; that’s what the locals say.”

“Didn’t the locals give you trouble? This island is huge—it’s unlikely no local power claimed it. How did you handle it?”

“My lord, you think too much. Just roast the locals alive. At the time, humans were at war with the Merfolk Kingdom—I burned their fleet and port. They had no choice but to accept my occupation of the archipelago.”

“Then we’ll need high-power forces stationed there. The local situation sounds complicated, but we can’t spare many fighters right now. Irog, any good ideas?”

“No ideas, but I know one candidate. When I was in the Duke’s Domain, I met a Green Dragon Beast—full of malice, loves to curse, and I’ve beaten him more than once. He’s definitely a true dragon now, probably reached Master Rank. Sending him to garrison there would be perfect.”

“What’s his name? I’ll have Aqilong summon him. I should make time to return and drag out every fake Dragon Beast from the Dragon Beast Academy.”

“Wolig. Or ask who’s the most deserving of a beating—he’s equally disliked over there.”

…………

The Solro Archipelago lies within a strange deep-sea region called the “Silent Sea.” The ancient magical rift known as the “Trench Scar” releases eternal energy to its east, resulting in a temperate climate, complex ocean currents, and extremely high magical particle concentration, nurturing an extraordinary ecosystem and civilization.

Crescent Bay Harbor lies on the southwest coast of the main island, a natural deepwater port sheltered by two peninsulas. The bay is calm, while scattered reef islands form a natural barrier outside. Thanks to warm ocean currents from the west, the climate is pleasant.

Starfall City is the largest city and port, built mostly of white coral stone and dark wood. The docks stretch for miles, filled with ships, merchants, and adventurers from across the world. Yet now, blackened scorch marks cover everything—as if it had just been looted.

Extending inland from Crescent Bay lies a fertile alluvial plain. Rivers originating from the Central Mountains—White Water River, Golden Spike River—winding through it, irrigating countless acres of farmland. This is the archipelago’s granary, dotted with human villages and farms. The largest inland town, Spike Grain Town, sits here, serving as the hub for agricultural and inland resources.

Towering above the center of Hamodo, the Blade Ridge Mountains form the island’s primary geographical divide. The northern slope is steep; the southern slope is relatively gentle. Snow caps the peaks year-round, and meltwater supplies the island’s main water source. The Echo Canyon, carved and guarded by dwarves, is the only safe land route connecting north and south.

Shadowwood Forest covers most of the region north of the mountains. Blocked from southern moist airflows, the north is cooler and damper. Ancient trees tower overhead, dim light filters through, magical mists swirl, and the terrain is complex, steeped in ancient mystery. This untouched primeval forest teems with monsters—both paradise for adventurers and nightmare for nearby villagers.

The Dustbone Wastelands, in the northeast corner of the main island, are a relatively dry desert and badlands. Barren land is strewn with wind-eroded rock pillars and deep chasms. Rich in minerals, yet perilous. Kobolds survive tenaciously here, supplying humans with various ores.

The vast wetlands at the river mouths in the southeast of the main island are a tangle of mangroves, reed beds, and foul-smelling mudflats. Unnatural whispers echo in the air. This is the preserve of Lizardfolk and Bog Toads, who often haul captured sea fish upstream to sell in human towns.

Flint Island spans roughly eighty thousand square kilometers. A mountainous volcanic island with fertile soil but treacherous terrain. A central active volcano provides abundant geothermal resources. Dwarves have built “Blackrock Fortress” inside the mountain, mining rare metals and gems, forging famed magical weapons and armor, and trading via sea routes with the main island.

Greyleaf Island spans roughly seventy thousand square kilometers. Completely covered by dense forest, with gentle undulating terrain, clear streams, and waterfalls. Natural mists surround the island, easily disorienting outsiders. Trolls have lived here for thousands of years.

Shellcliff Island spans roughly sixty thousand square kilometers. The western side features steep white cliffs formed by eons of shell deposits; the eastern side has gentle beaches and lagoons. Surrounding waters hold the archipelago’s most beautiful coral reefs. Fishfolk villages dot the beaches.

A creature called the Sea-Wing controls the inland highlands, cliff tops, and entire sky of Shellcliff Island. Resembling a hybrid of albatross and sea eagle, their wingspan reaches five meters, feathers graded from gray to white, beaks and talons like black jade.

Their eyes gleam with intelligence; they communicate via a language of calls. Due to fierce territorial disputes, violent clashes frequently erupt, naturally curbing the overpopulation of fishfolk.

Scalecrack Island spans roughly fifty thousand square kilometers. A dry, stony island riddled with canyons and caves. Vegetation is sparse, dominated by drought-resistant shrubs and cacti. Multiple toxic sulfur vents dot the land.

Ogres, Jackalweres, and Earth Goblins—“evil” or neutral races—coexist here. No unified government exists; territories are divided among tribes. They are the archipelago’s destabilizing force, constantly raiding merchant ships and fighting each other. The busy nearby shipping lanes provide them with essential survival conditions.

Mistveil Island spans roughly forty thousand square kilometers. Perpetually shrouded in thick magical fog, its coastline shifts unpredictably. Its interior terrain is said to change constantly, filled with supernatural wonders and dangers. Once an abandoned Mind Flayer colony, it is now frequented by Abyssal Devil Fish—even the boldest adventurers dare not enter.

Sitting in the Viceroy’s office, Sakavi carefully reviewed the detailed report on the archipelago and finally understood why it had been a Hilte Kingdom naval base: it was their overseas colony, populated by descendants of pirates or abducted people, until the pirate lord accepted amnesty and became naval viceroy.

If that’s the case, taking it over requires no hesitation. The navy here was made of reformed pirates who, over the years, surely kept up their old habits. Clearly, Irog handled things well.